Chapter 1: Thumb-Sucking (w/ Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Katsuki comes face-to-face with his regression (and Eijirou helps).
Notes:
IMPORTANT NOTE: this fic is absolutely off-limits if you are/support MAPs/NOMAPs/k*nk-related regression in any way shape or form!
BIG CW FOR TRANSPHOBIA AT ONE PART (T-slur from the gross grape boy), and also self doubt :(
Chapter Text
Sometimes, Katsuki feels... small.
It’s hard to explain, but when he gets really stressed out, he feels a bit juvenile. Babyish, even. He’ll find himself being whiny and seeking out childish comforts like playing with his hair, watching animated shows, wrapping himself in a soft blanket.
The more stressed out he is, the younger he feels. And as consequence, the younger he feels, the more embarrassing his actions are. In the past he’s done things like wet the bed, call up his mother crying, gone completely nonverbal in front of his friends.
But the worst of it, the thing that makes Katsuki want to curl up in a ball and disappear from the world, is the thumb sucking.
This is the worst because despite it being so OBVIOUS, he never registers that he’s actually doing it. It’s one of the first signs that he’s about to slip into his humiliating headspace, and yet he’s not even aware of the thumb in his mouth until it’s wrinkly and slick with his own saliva.
It’s disgusting.
He knows in the back of his mind that he should figure this out. Talk to a therapist, do online research, SOMETHING. Anything, really. But he’s stubborn, so instead of facing his internal struggle head-on, he pushes it down until he can find any semblance of control over it and attempts the best treatment of mental illness that he knows: repression.
(Spoiler alert: not healthy.)
It’s been a very stressful week.
First, he found out that he’s failing English. Yamada Sensei pulled him aside after class and apologetically told him that he needed to find someone willing to tutor him, because he doesn’t have the time to do it himself.
(Eijirou, ever the clingy bastard, was waiting for him outside the classroom and happened to hear everything. Lucky for Katsuki, English happened to be his best course, and he eagerly offered to help him get his grades up.)
Next, he rolled his ankle during training and was ordered to sit out for the rest of the week by Recovery Girl. Apparently, he’s been “too reckless” and has “subsequently used up his healing privileges.” He thinks it’s a load of bullshit, but manages to keep himself from telling her this to avoid further punishment.
After that, Mineta had to go and run his mouth to Kaminari about “all the trannies in class.” Apparently, someone trying to be comfortable in their own skin is a turnoff for the little shrimp. Normally, Katsuki would grit his teeth and try not to blow him up, but he was at his wit’s end. He ended up screaming at Mineta through tears and explosions, despite Kaminari’s best efforts to calm him down. The much shorter boy didn’t know whether to be terrified or repulsed by Katsuki’s actions, but he kept his mouth shut after that.
And now he’s studying with Eijirou.
“... So,” the redhead says, tapping his pencil on his thighs. “You wanna talk about it?”
“About what?” Katsuki spits, rubbing his thumb on his chin absentmindedly.
“Mineta,” Eijirou clarifies. “I mean, he definitely had it coming, but I haven’t seen you get that emotional when fighting anyone other than Midoriya. You doing okay?”
“... Can’t we just study?” Katsuki says, sighing.
“Yeah, yeah. Sure, man,” Eijirou says. “Okay, so, this word means...”
Katsuki can’t focus. His brain feels clouded and heavy as he desperately tries to follow Eijirou’s words. He drags his thumb over his lips, rubbing his nail against the soft skin in a half-conscious attempt to ground himself.
“... Which is why it ends in the ‘-ing’ sound instead of ‘gu.’ Does that make... sense...?” He trails off, staring at Katsuki.
The blonde makes a face of confusion and opens his mouth to give Eijirou a piece of his mind when he realizes his lips are pursed around his thumb. He pops it out of his mouth quickly and rubs it against his sweatpants, eyes wide and ears rushing with blood.
“U-Uh,” he stutters out gracefully.
“Heh,” Eijirou chuckles. “Habit you can’t shake? I get it, man.”
Katsuki doesn’t say anything, he just shivers. He feels so cold all of a sudden. Seemingly of their own volition, his arms wrap around his own middle, hugging himself. Eijirou frowns.
“Are you okay?” He asks.
“‘M just feelin’ a lil...” he squirms awkwardly. “U-Um. A lil weird right now.”
“Are you sick?!” Eijirou asks with alarm, bringing an hand up to check Katsuki’s forehead. The taller boy nuzzles into the touch. “Uh, Bakugou?!” He squeals, recoiling.
Katsuki feels his eyes start to water, and he stands up, definitely feeling wobbly in the legs but also like every cell in his body is in panic mode. He needs to get out of here, now.
He rushes out of Eijirou’s room as fast as he can and into his own, throwing the door shut behind him and collapsing face-first onto his bed. He scrambles to reach for his pillow and presses his face into it as he starts to cry, sniffles muffled by the plush fabric.
It feels like hours before the knock sounds at his door (it’s closer to twenty minutes), and he hiccups out a broken sob before standing up and shuffling over to open it.
“You forgot your stuff,” Eijirou says, smiling at him reassuringly as he holds up his bag. Katsuki looks down at the floor. “Can I come in?” He asks gently.
“I guess,” Katsuki sniffs, toeing the floor. He steps aside for Eijirou to enter the room.
“Okay,” he says, sitting down on his bed. “I did some research, and I think I get what’s going on? I mean, I assume you’ll want to tell me yourself, but I figured I’d come prepared.”
“Um... I dunno.”
“Hm?”
“I’o’know what’s goin’ on,” Katsuki explains. “So I can’t tell you.”
“Oh,” Eijirou says softly. “Is this the first time you’ve felt like this?” Katsuki shakes his head. “Just didn’t want to find out?” A nod. “Why?”
“S’gross,” Katsuki says. “Weird.”
“... You want me to explain what I know?” Eijirou asks. Katsuki hesitates, but nods shortly and sits down next to him. The redhead pulls out his phone and opens up an article he was reading. “This says you’re experiencing symptoms of age regression. Basically, your brain is going back to how it was when you were a little kid. It’s common in people with PTSD. See? It’s not weird.”
Katsuki stares at the screen in front of him, displaying words with fancy names that he can’t process at the moment. His lip wobbles.
“I read some other stuff too,” Eijirou says lightly. “People who learned how to reclaim this as a coping mechanism. They made it into something really healthy and helpful to themselves. Doesn’t that sound nice?”
“Mhm,” Katsuki hums quietly, still feeling very overwhelmed. Eijirou turns his phone off.
“You... don’t have to talk to me about it,” he says. “But I’d like to help. You shouldn’t have to deal with this alone, Bakugou.”
Katsuki sniffs and rubs his face against his own shoulder. Eijirou notices his hands clenching open and closed in his lap, and he can’t help but feel sympathetic. ‘Poor guy,’ he thinks. ‘Dealing with this all alone.’
“... Okay,” Katsuki finally whispers.
“Um..” Eijirou tilts his head. “‘Okay’ what?”
“You can help.”
Eijirou smiles and pulls Katsuki into a tentative hug. The taller boy clings to his shirt and buries his face into his neck, inhaling shuddering breaths as his brain begins to associate the scent of Eijirou with SAFETY.
“So,” Eijirou says, pulling away. Katsuki reaches for his hand and starts to play with it absentmindedly, although the redhead doesn’t comment. “What do you normally want to do when you feel like this?”
“I jus’ cry a lot, mostly,” Katsuki mumbles. “Um... but sometimes I like t’ watch cartoons.”
“Yeah?” Eijirou says. “What’s your favorite?”
“All Might,” Katsuki answers shyly. He’s not used to embracing this side of himself.
“Well why don’t we get into our PJ’s and watch some All Might?” Eijirou suggests.
“M’kay,” Katsuki says, eyes wide as he nods.
As the two boys sit in bed watching cartoons on his laptop; Eijirou wrapping one arm around the blonde and toying with his hair, Katsuki can’t help but think this can be okay.
He sticks his thumb in his mouth.
Chapter 2: A Lesson in Regression (w/ Regressor Shouto)
Summary:
Shouto finds a kindred spirit.
Notes:
CW for implied child abuse! it’s small and not focused on much :)
Chapter Text
“Are you coming or what, Icy Hot?” Katsuki growls, standing in the doorway.
“I’ll be out in a minute,” Shouto says. “I can’t find my phone. You can go on without me.”
“This is the last time I’m letting you study in my room,” Katsuki grumbles, rolling his eyes and storming off. Shouto sighs.
He gets down on his hands and knees and feels around under Katsuki’s desk. It doesn’t take long for him to realize that they’re nothing under there but wires and an empty water bottle. He huffs in frustration, turning around to look under his bed instead.
He reaches under and quickly makes contact with his phone, allowing a small smile of victory to creep onto his face. He closes his fingers around it and is about to drag it out when his hand brushes up against something... foreign. Rubbery.
He blinks in confusion before taking the unknown object in his grip and grabbing it along with his phone. Seeing it only proves to make him more confused.
A pacifier.
He stares at the small hunk of plastic and rubber in his palm, wondering why Katsuki would even have that in his room to begin with when, speak of the devil, Lord Explosion Murder himself barges into the room.
“Oi, Half ‘n Half! I thought you said you were-“ he cuts himself off when he realizes what Shouto’s discovered. His heart sinks.
“I wasn’t snooping,” Shouto clarifies. “I must have kicked my phone under your bed at some point. I just happened to come across-“
“Give me that,” Katsuki snaps, tearing the pacifier away from him and shoving it in his pocket. His lip is trembling. “Don’t- don’t tell!”
“Bakugou, are you...” Shouto squints, trying to decipher how to say this without offending his classmate. “... Do you age regress?”
Katsuki blinks at him in shock.
“Y-You know what that is?” He asks quietly. It’s odd to hear that volume from him.
“I experience it myself,” he admits. “I didn’t think anyone else here would be able to... empathize with this sort of thing.”
“... Oh,” Katsuki breathes.
“Can I ask where you bought your... er....”
“Binky?” Katsuki offers. Shouto smiles a little, nodding. “The mall. The kids stores have lots of good stuff for regression.”
“You have more?” Shouto asks.
“Do you... wanna see?” Katsuki asks, squirming nervously. Shouto nods, eager.
The blonde grins before reaching under his bed, pulling out two shoe boxes. He takes the cover off the first one to reveal a small collection of pacifiers, teethers, keychain stuffed animals, and travel bottles of baby soaps and lotions. Shouto stares at it in awe.
“... Where’d you get the money for all this?” He asks, still blinking at the collection.
“Bets,” he says. “M’friends and I like’ta bet money on stupid stuff. Pays well.”
Shouto eyes the other box, and Katsuki draws away a little bit. He puts one hand on it.
“That’s... more personal,” he says sheepishly. “S’got my regression journal and my comfort item in it. Some other stuff too.”
“You keep a journal?” Katsuki nods.
“It really helps ground me. You should try it out sometime.” Shouto frowns shyly.
“Um... I don’t really do much about it,” he says. “I can’t buy any stuff without my father knowing, and I get kinda weird when I’m regressed, so I kinda try to keep it under wraps.” Katsuki gapes at him.
“What?! No, no, it can be really fun and welrax- I mean, RE-laxing if you do it right!” He insists. Shouto shrugs, and Katsuki huffs. “Here, take some of these,” he says, placing two pacifiers in Shouto’s lap. “And this,” one of the plushies. “And find me the next time you’re regressed. Or else.” Shouto chuckles.
“‘Or else’ what?” He questions.
“I’ll blow your head off!”
“Hmm,” Shouto hums in amusement. “You’re slipping right now, aren’t you?”
“... Shut up,” Katsuki frowns, looking away. Shouto laughs a little.
“It’s okay,” he assures him. “Why don’t you show me how it’s done?”
“Huh?”
“Teach me how to do this properly,” Shouto clarifies. “How to make it healthy for me.”
Katsuki eyes him warily before nodding and tentatively reaching into the shoe box. He pulls out on of the stuffed animals.
“Hum... we can play...” he says, bouncing the small stuffed dog on the floor. Shouto blinks.
“Okay,” he agrees, picking up the little duck that Katsuki gifted him. “What’s your name?”
“Ducks don’t talk, stupid,” Katsuki says, rolling his eyes. Shouto giggles, embarrassed.
“Right. Quack quack,” he mimics.
“You suck at this!” Katsuki cackles, throwing his dog down. “Let’s watch a movie instead.”
“Okay,” Shouto agrees, fiddling with the hem of his shirt. Katsuki smiles at him.
“Is Ghibli okay?”
“Totoro?” Shouto requests, shooting up.
“Figures,” Katsuki laughs. “Heh. ‘Totororoki.’”
“That’s not how you say it.”
“It’s a nickname, stupidhead,” Katsuki says, pinching his arm. Shouto jumps.
“Don’t,” he whispers, scooting away. Katsuki sees the familiar flicker of a painful memory in his eyes, and he feels his stomach twist.
“My Neighbor Totoro it is,” he announces loudly, trying to draw Shouto’s attention away from his mind. “Come on, Totororoki! On the bed!” He jumps up and offers Shouto a hand.
He takes it.
Chapter 3: Bad Day (w/ Dadzawa)
Summary:
Something is wrong with Katsuki.
Notes:
Ahhh sorry this one is mostly angst and plot >~< But I wanted to write this as a set-up for any future Dadzawa one-shots! Not that there’s a linear plot but still
BIG CW FOR CHILD ABUSE!!! Also self harm kinda but not really (Katsuki has a panic attack and tries to hurt himself but not in an intentional way)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Something is wrong.
Aizawa feels it the moment he sees Katsuki enter his classroom that morning. He picks up on the way he hunches over his desk, curling in on himself uncharacteristically, his hands tapping and rubbing and clicking everything in sight, the distant look in his eyes, the way he squirms uncomfortably whenever someone looks at him. Something is wrong with Katsuki Bakugou, and every cell in Aizawa’s body is screaming to ‘HELP HIM.’
“Bakugou,” he says as nonchalantly as he can manage. “I’d like to speak with you after class.” The blonde looks up at him.
“‘Kay,” he says softly. Eijirou pats his back.
“Good luck man,” he says, exiting the room.
Katsuki just stares at his desk.
Once everyone has left the room, Aizawa carefully sorts out papers on his very messy desk until Katsuki works up the courage to walk over to him.
“You wanted to see me?” He asks gruffly, clasping and unclasping his hands in front of himself. Aizawa manages a neutral expression.
“Yes,” he says. “You seem like something’s troubling you. Is everything alright?”
He doesn’t miss the way Katsuki’s hand flies up to touch his bicep, panic spreading across his face before he visibly swallows and collects himself. He inhales sharply.
“Everything’s fine,” he says. “Can I go?”
“Bakugou...” Aizawa sighs, searching his face for something, anything for him to grasp onto and help. He finds nothing. “I just want you to know that you can talk to me if something is bugging you.” Katsuki nods shortly.
“Is that it?”
“Yes,” Aizawa says softly. “That’s it.”
During their lunch break, Hizashi confronts him about the whole situation.
“Bakugou was acting very strange in my class today,” he says. “I mean, it’s to be expected with everything going on, but the difference is... astounding. He’s so quiet.”
“I noticed the same thing,” Nemuri says. “He didn’t do shit in art this morning. I wanted to scold him, but it seemed like if I even looked at him wrong he’d burst into tears.”
“I tried to talk to him about it,” Aizawa says. “For a second I thought he was going to have a panic attack, but then he just kind of... shut down. I’m going to see if he wants to try talking to one of the counselors now that the dust is settled.” Hizashi nods in agreement.
“I’ll hold down the fort if you want to bring him into our room,” he says. Aizawa shakes his head and swallows his bite down.
“I don’t want to make him uncomfortable. I’ll just go to his room right before curfew.”
“And that,” Nemuri says. “Is why you pay attention in your child psychology class.”
“Nemuri, that’s a requirement to become a teacher,” Hizashi groans, rubbing his temples.
The day moves on, and Aizawa decides to sit in on All Might’s training class instead of using his free period to grade papers. Yagi is more than eager to have him there, telling him that it’s nice to have some company. He doesn’t have the heart to tell him that he’s only there to observe Katsuki’s behavior.
Said student is... fine. He wouldn’t say he’s his normal aggressive self, but he’s upright, wrestling with Eijirou and hurling half-assed insults at Izuku. But Aizawa can see that the distant look in his eyes hasn’t faded.
“Ouch!” Katsuki suddenly hisses, holding his shoulder again. “Agh! Kiri!!!” Eijirou seems started by the nickname, but it quickly turns into apologetic behavior.
“Sorry!” He blurts out. “I didn’t think that would hurt you!” He touches Katsuki’s arm lightly, and the blonde jerks away.
“Stop it!” He yells. “Stop it, stop it!”
“Oh no,” Yagi mutters. Aizawa frowns.
“Bakugou, calm down. Come here.”
“No!” Katsuki screams. “This fucking sucks!” He kicks at some pebbles on the ground. “Fuck you guys! God!”
He runs his hands through his hair briefly before storming off. Eijirou looks heartbroken, and Yagi rushes over to assess the situation.
Aizawa’s more focused on the fact that Katsuki was crying when he left the room.
He gives the student an hour and a half before he goes to confront him. He knows that Katsuki likely went to the dorms as soon as he got his costume off (if he even bothered to do that much), considering the fact that school ends once training gets out. By that time, most of Class 1-A is in Height’s Alliance, with a few exceptions staying after class for extra training. He ignores the greetings of the teenagers lounging in the common area as he makes his way to Katsuki’s room.
Before he even knocks on the door, his heart drops into his stomach.
Katsuki is crying.
He knocks as softly as he can while still managing to make his presence known. He hears a small gasp and then silence for a few moments before the door opens and reveals Katsuki, eyes swollen and red.
“Bakugou,” Aizawa says softly. “Can I come in?” Katsuki hesitates.
“U-Um...” he stutters. “I’m in trouble?”
His voice sounds so broken, so small.
“No,” Aizawa assures him. “You’re not in trouble. I just want to talk to you.”
Katsuki sniffs and nods, letting his teacher into the room. He sits on his bed and points to the swivel chair at his desk for Aizawa.
“Thank you,” he says, taking a seat. “Do you know what I’m here to talk to you about?” Katsuki nods tentatively. Aizawa tilts his head at the uncharacteristically nervous behavior. “Can you tell me why I’m here, then?”
“‘Cause I yelled at Kirishima,” Katsuki says quietly. He grabs a pillow and hugs it to his chest. “And I was rude.” Aizawa frowns.
“I already told you, you’re not in trouble,” Aizawa says. “I just want to know what’s bothering you, kid.” Katsuki shrugs. “Can I at least ask what’s wrong with your shoulder?”
As soon as he says it, Katsuki’s hand flies up to his shoulder again. His face is red and his whole body is shaking. Aizawa rushes into protective mode, rushing to his side.
“Hey, hey, look at me,” he says. Katsuki’s fearful eyes meet his. He lets out a broken little sob. “Are you hurt?” A nod. “Okay. Can I see?” Katsuki cries harder at the question. “Bakugou, if you’re hurting that bad I need to know,” he says, unsure of how to coax the boy into showing him his injury.
Tremors wracking his hands, the teenager pulls aside his loose shirt collar to reveal a fading bruise to Aizawa. It’s nothing serious; in fact, he knows for sure that Katsuki’s been hurt far worse before. But the... shape of it is disconcerting. It’s a handprint.
“What happened?” Aizawa asks, staring at the weeping boy. Katsuki hiccups.
“M-My mama,” he wails, rubbing his eyes.
‘Mama?’ Aizawa thinks, confused. Katsuki’s far too old to call his mother something like that, especially with his personality.
Come to think of it, he’s been acting childish all around today. The uncharacteristic quietness, his tantrum during training earlier, the way he cries and clings to the pillow for comfort. It’s almost like he’s....
Oh.
Something clicks in Aizawa’s brain, and he suddenly agrees with Nemuri. He too is thankful that he paid attention in his child psychology course.
“Your mama did that to you?” Aizawa asks gently. Katsuki nods.
“Sh-she was mad to me for getting stealed!”
“Bak- kiddo, do you know what age regression is?” Aizawa asks tentatively. Katsuki nods. “Okay. Is this your first time experiencing it?”
“It’s bad!” Katsuki shrieks, fisting his hands in his hair. “Stop it, stop it!”
“Katsuki!” Aizawa says sternly. The boy freezes, quieting down his crying a little bit. “Don’t hurt yourself like that. I’ll stop asking questions, okay?” Katsuki sniffles and nods. “Do you want to be left alone right now?”
“Please no,” he says quietly, voice strained. Aizawa’s heart breaks, and he takes the boy into his lap, stroking his hair and rocking him back and forth. Katsuki balls his fists into Aizawa’s shirt, weeping silently into his chest.
“When you’re feeling bigger, we’re going to need to talk,” Aizawa says, voice hushed. “But right now, I’m here. I’m here for you, kiddo.”
Katsuki ends up falling asleep in Aizawa’s hold, one thumb resting in his mouth. His breaths are still coming out like sobs despite his unconscious state, and Aizawa decides he’d better keep an eye on him for the night. He picks up the boy, cursing himself for telling him to focus on muscle gain, and carries him to Hizashi’s and his own dorm room.
“Oh gosh!” He hears as he passes the kitchen. Eijirou rushes out, eyes filled with worry. “Is that Bakugou? Is he okay?!”
“He’ll be fine,” Aizawa assures him. “Why aren’t you eating dinner with your classmates?”
“I was going to make curry for him and I to share...” he explains. “Is he hurt?”
“I can’t share this kind of information with you, Kirishima. He’s going to be alright. Try not to worry too much,” he says, walking away. “And don’t tell your friends about this, please.”
Katsuki awakes with a start right before curfew begins, setting off a tiny explosion. His eyes dart around the room, panting and panicked as he curls in on himself.
“Wh-Where am I?” He asks, staring at Aizawa.
“You’re in my room,” he says. “You’re okay. You’re safe. Did you have a nightmare?”
“... Mhm,” he says, pulling his knees to his chest. “I’on’t like feelin’ small.”
“Try this,” Aizawa says, handing him a stuffed bear. “It’s Hizashi’s. He won’t mind.”
“A teddy bear?” Katsuki mumbles to himself, petting the stuffed animal’s soft fur. “‘anks.”
“You’re welcome,” Aizawa says, sitting next to him. “You’re very polite, aren’t you?”
“M’not,” Katsuki says.
“You are,” Aizawa insists. “You’re well-mannered and kind. You’re going to make a great hero one day, kiddo.”
“Like All Might?” Katsuki asks, wide-eyed.
“Hah,” Aizawa chuckles. “Yeah. Like All Might.”
Notes:
I’m sorry this was so sad :’( I’m writing more fluffy Dadzawa stuff as we speak!!!
Chapter 4: Bubba (w/ Big Bro Izuku Midoriya)
Summary:
Izuku discovers Katsuki’s secret.
Notes:
Kats write a chapter without putting angst in it challenge!! Enjoy @.@
Chapter Text
Katsuki goes to bed early for a reason.
Everyone teases him about needing his “beauty sleep” whenever he slips away around 18:30 in the evening, but he doesn’t retreat to his room for sleep. Behind the closed door, every night, Katsuki indulges in the only kind of therapy he has access to.
Age regression.
When he first came across the concept online, he brushed it off as some weird fetish thing and promptly blocked the person who posted about it. After that, it kept coming up in his recommendations. He eventually got so frustrated that he send a very rude and lengthy message to one girl.
She was very understanding, and just a bit starstruck since she recognized him from the Sports Festival. She explained to him that age regression is not a fetish, and although some people do abuse the aesthetic in a sexual way, most regressors are vehemently against it. She then went on to say that regression is a coping mechanism, and that if it’s showing up in his recommendations, it might tailor to any mental health issues he could be experiencing.
It took a bit of convincing and humility for him to try it out, but once he did, he relished in the warmth and safety that his regressed state of mind brought to him. It quickly became a regular occurrence for him to regress; most of the time voluntarily, but sometimes not. Regardless, it’s the easiest way for him to relax without the stress of asking for help.
Over time, he began collecting things to help with his headspace. Pacifiers, stuffed animals, sippy cups, you get the picture.
It’s not like he’s SOFT or anything like that. His regression is unstable at best; more often than not, he’ll end up crying or panicking by the end of it, and if he happens to fall asleep while regressed, his nightmares are hellish in nature. He knows that eventually it will be too much to handle, that he won’t be able to take care of himself in that state and that he’ll have to stop. But it HELPS, so he’s not stopping until it’s absolutely necessary to do so.
One night when he’s slipped so young he’s practically catatonic, he hears a knock on his door. Panic sets in and he immediately starts to breathe heavily, blood roaring in his ears.
“Kaachan?” A voice sounds from the other side of the door. Katsuki lip wobbles.
Great. Of ALL the people.
“Kaachan, I know that you’re awake. Your light’s on. Just let me in, Mom made care packages for us both.”
“Auntie’s here?” Katsuki whimpers.
The door creaks open slowly.
“Kaachan? Are you alright?” Izuku asks, peeking his head in the door.
Katsuki looks... small. That’s the only way Izuku can describe him in this moment. He’s wearing a shirt that’s far too big for him (it really looks like more of a dressing gown than anything), there are dried tear tracks on his cheeks, his bottom lip is poked out and quivering, and he’s curled in on himself.
“Is Auntie here?” Katsuki asks again, voice broken. Izuku drops the box his mother instructed to give Katsuki and rushes to his side. He pushes Katsuki’s hair back.
“What’s wrong?” He asks, eyes filled with concern. Katsuki hiccups a little sob.
“Izu,” he whines, squirming away from him. “Go, go!” Izuku’s brow knits.
“Did you get hit with a quirk?” He wonders aloud. Katsuki shakes his head. “Did something bad happen to you, Kaachan?”
“Where’s Auntie?” Katsuki asks, panicked. “I-I want Auntie, please Izu!”
Katsuki’s acting like a little kid. Izuku swallows down his anxiety and sits next to him on the bed, putting one hand on his knee.
“Auntie isn’t here right now, Kaachan,” he says. “Can you tell me what’s wrong?”
“No! Go away!” Katsuki shrieks, backing up against the wall. Izuku startles.
“Kaachan, I need you to calm down,” he says sternly. Katsuki squeezes his eyes shut.
“O-Okay,” he says meekly, still crying softly. “Izu, h-hurts.”
“What hurts?” He asks gently. Katsuki touches his chest. “Did you hurt your ribs in training?”
“No,” Katsuki whines. “Heart.”
‘Ohh,’ Izuku thinks. ‘He’s anxious.’
He clicks his tongue against his teeth and carefully takes Katsuki into his lap, rocking the taller boy back and forth carefully. He smooths a hand over his head when he feels how badly the blonde is trembling.
“You wanna tell me what happened?”
“L-Later,” Katsuki promises weakly. “I-I want Bagu now.” Izuku blinks in surprise.
“‘Bagu?’ Are you talking about the stuffed bee you had when you were little?” Katsuki nods. “Um... is Bagu here?” He asks.
“Yes,” Katsuki nods, pointing to his comforter. Izuku lifts it up, and sure enough, there’s Bagu.
“Here you go,” Izuku says, handing it to him. Katsuki smiles a little and hugs the bee to his chest before his face falls again and he sniffs.
“Feel really small,” he says slowly, like he’s having trouble forming words normally.
“I can see that,” Izuku says, petting his hair again. “Does Kaachan feel small often?”
“Yeah,” Katsuki mumbles. “Secret.”
Izuku can’t help but feel protective over him in this moment. Since they started high school together, they’ve gradually gotten closer. Nothing compared to how they were when they were young, but he considers Katsuki to be his friend. He deeply cares for all of his friends, especially when they’re hurting.
“Do you remember when we used to pretend we were brothers?” Izuku asks. Katsuki nods minutely. “You were always the big brother because you were older, and taller, and stronger than me. You’d protect me from the monsters we made up... I looked up to you so much back then. But things are different now, aren’t they?” Katsuki blinks at him.
“Huh?”
“I think it’s my turn to protect you.”
Katsuki first instinct is to push him away and scream about how he didn’t need protection, he was strong, he wasn’t some dumb Deku. But another part of him, the part that’s more in control at the moment tells him that he needs this. He needs someone to take care of him. Needs someone to keep his regression safe.
“... Izu..?” He asks softly.
“Hm?”
Katsuki throws his arms around him and buries his face in his neck. Izuku’s heart swells.
“Aw, Kaachan,” he whispers, eyes filling with tears. Katsuki pulls away and pokes his chest.
“Y’my big br.. bruhf....” he grunts in frustration when he cant get the right words out. Izuku smiles at him reassuringly. “... bubba.”
“Your bubba?” He asks.
“Yes,” Katsuki decides. “My bubba.”
“Well, good news for you, little bubba,” Izuku says, lifting Katsuki up and throwing him back on the bed (earning a very cute shriek of laughter from the blonde). “Because I happen to know that Auntie put some verrry special gifts in her care package.” Katsuki gasps.
“Wow!” He marvels, eyes lit up. Izuku laughs.
“You wanna look?” He asks, picking the box up. Katsuki nods eagerly, and Izuku places the box on the bed for him to open up.
Inside, there are pencils, Katsuki’s favorite candy (chili dark chocolate), a book about strength training, and a small stuffed bee.
“Bagu!” Katsuki exclaims, picking up the mini plushie. Izuku chuckles lightly.
“Mom must have been feeling nostalgic,” he says. “Do you want to call her?”
“Later,” Katsuki says again. “Bubba, look! It’s a mama and a baby!” He says, putting the plushies together. Izuku smiles.
“Oh yeah?”
“Yep! She loves her baby so much, an’... even when he gets stoled by bad guys!” Izuku’s heart pangs with sadness. His smile drops.
“Oh, Kaachan,” he whispers under his breath. “You know Bubba and Auntie love you, right?”
“Uhhhhm...” Katsuki drags out. He bites his bottom lip. “... Yes. I know that.”
Izuku can tell by his demeanor that, no, he didn’t, but he knows now, and that’s all that matters. He squeezes Katsuki into a tight hug for a couple of second before smiling at him as wide as he can, eyes on a little shiny.
“Now, what do you say we watch some All Might cartoons?” He asks.
“All Might!” Katsuki exclaims, jumping up and pumping a fist into the air. “I am here!!”
Izuku laughs at the display and gets Katsuki’s laptop set up to watch their show.
Chapter 5: Found Family (Dadzawa, Papa Mic, Big Bro Shinsou, Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Katsuki knows that family is not always blood.
Notes:
Fluff time TuT
CW: Katsuki wets the bed towards the end, but I separated that scene from the first part so if you’re squeamish about unsanitary stuff stop reading when you see the break!
Chapter Text
“Hey, Dad, have you seen my-“
Hitoshi drops his phone, the want to find his charger leaving his body as he takes in the sight in front of him. Katsuki, in Aizawa’s room, playing contently with a stuffed elephant and sucking on a... is that a pacifier?
“What the Hell?” Hitoshi mutters. Aizawa stands up from his desk chair.
“Hey kiddo,” he says, bending down to ruffle Katsuki’s hair. “I’ve got to go talk to your brother about something. Is that okay?”
“‘Toshi?” Katsuki questions, letting the pacifier fall out of his mouth. He locks eyes with Hitoshi and his face goes pale.
“I know, kiddo, I’m going to explain everything to him right now,” Aizawa says.
“Papa,” Katsuki whimpers, holding the stuffed elephant to his chest. Hitoshi shakes his head in disbelief as his adoptive father leads him out of the room.
“Katsuki age regresses,” Aizawa says simply. “His brain reverts back to how it was when he was a young child as a result of his PTS. It’s a coping mechanism, really. Involuntary, but we we worked hard to make it safe and beneficial for his mental health.” Hitoshi blinks at him.
“So.. he’s like an overgrown baby?”
“Be nice,” Aizawa scolds. “He’s very sensitive when he’s regressed. Don’t make it worse.”
“But he is, right?”
“Hitoshi...” Aizawa sighs. “I need you to be respectful about this. Can I trust you?”
“... Yeah, of course,” Hitoshi grins. “It’s kinda cool to have a little brother anyways. Can I talk to him?” Aizawa hesitates.
“He’s still barely comfortable interacting with Papa in this state,” he says. “I wouldn’t-“
But Hitoshi is already pushing past him and plopping down next to Katsuki on the floor.
“Bubba..?” Katsuki whispers, looking down at Hitoshi with big, watery eyes. “M’sorry ‘m weird. M’sorry, bubba.” Hitoshi rolls his eyes.
“What are you talking about?” He asks, pulling Katsuki into a side hug. “You’re not weird.”
“Really?” Katsuki asks. Shinsou laughs.
“Yeah, really.” He pokes the elephant that Katsuki has a vice grip on. “What’s his name?”
“Not a ‘he,’” Aizawa chuckles from the doorway, amused. “You boys keep playing nice, I’m going to get myself some coffee.”
“Her name is Struc- Desitruc... um...” he frowns, trying to get the words out right. “Destructor!” He finally manages.
“Oh, how suitable,” Hitoshi laughs.
Katsuki smiles widely and leans closer into Hitoshi’s side, delighted that he has a new playmate.
- - -
Katsuki starts awake with a gasp, flying up in his bed. Immediately, he starts wailing, upset by the all-too-real dreams that ran through his head. He cries harder when he registers his wet bedsheets and shakily reaches for his phone, flicking the lamp on and dialing Hitoshi’s number.
“Hello?” Hitoshi asks, sounding very much awake. Katsuki instantly relaxes a little.
“Bubba,” he whimpers. “M’scared.”
“Another nightmare?” Hitoshi asks. Katsuki hears clattering in the background.
“Yes.”
“Okay, I’m coming right over. Be there in a minute,” he says, hanging up.
A knock sounds at Katsuki’s door, and he jumps, shrinking back.
“‘Toshi?” He calls out, voice trembling.
“Hey ‘Suki, it’s me,” Eijirou says, opening the door. “Do you want me to get your dad?”
“N-No,” Katsuki sobs, shaking his head. “He’s sleepin’. I-I’m okay. I’m okay.”
Eijirou carefully walks over to Katsuki’s bed, sitting down next to him as much as he can without getting wet. He pulls him into a hug.
“You had a bad dream?” Eijirou asks. Katsuki sobs and nods against his chest. “You could have called me. I’m right next door.”
“Called Bubba,” Katsuki says.
“Okay,” Eijirou whispers, pressing a kiss to the top of Katsuki’s head. “Do you want me to help clean up your accident?” He asks.
“Stop,” Katsuki sobs. “S’gross.”
“Oh, honey,” Eijirou sighs, petting his head.
“Is he okay?” Hitoshi asks, clambering into the room. Eijirou nods.
“He’s not too happy about being regressed right now, but he didn’t hurt himself.” Katsuki clings tighter to Eijirou. “Accident,” Eijirou mouths to Hitoshi, and he nods.
“Hey, little man. How you doin’?” He asks, crouching down to Katsuki’s level. The blonde moves his head so he’s facing his brother.
“I feel yucky,” he says, sniffling.
“Okay, well, that’s an easy fix. You can take a quick shower and then you can crash in my or Kirishima’s room for the night. Sound good?”
“Yes,” he mumbles brokenly. “... Sorry.”
“You don’t have to apologize,” Hitoshi assures him. “Kiri and I are gonna get it all figured out, little man. You don’t have to feel bad.”
“Mm,” Katsuki grunts, not sounding convinced.
“You wanna get in the shower now?” Hitoshi asks, brushing the hair out of his face. “Hm?”
“No,” he says. “M’scared.”
“Honey, if you stay in your wet clothes you’re going to get a rash,” Eijirou says.
“No!” Katsuki whines.
Eijirou and Hitoshi share a look of concern.
“He’s probably still on edge from his nightmare,” Hitoshi offers. “You want me to get Dad to sit with you in the bathroom?”
“Papa,” Katsuki whimpers, his lip wobbling again. Hitoshi blinks in surprise.
“Papa? You want Papa?” Katsuki nods. Hitoshi stands. “I’m going to go get him. Can you keep him calmed down in the meantime?”
“Sure thing,” Eijirou says, still holding Katsuki to his chest. Once Hitoshi leaves, Eijirou sighs. “What are we gonna do about you, ‘Suki?”
Hitoshi returns with Yamada a few minutes later. He looks fairly alert, which means he probably wasn’t sleeping to begin with.
“Katsuki?” He says gently, pulling him away from Eijirou. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
“I h-had a bad dream,” Katsuki says, clinging to his adoptive father. “M’sorry, Papa.”
“That’s okay, baby. Let’s get you cleaned up and into some comfier clothes, hm?”
“O-Okay,” he hiccups, rubbing his eyes. “C-Can I sleep with you and Daddy tonight?”
Yamada’s heart squeezes. It’s been weeks since Katsuki’s asked to sleep in their bed. When they first adopted him, he spent every night he was regressed curled into Aizawa’s side. It felt nice to care after Katsuki like that, although he was a bit saddened by the fact that the boy clearly favored his husband over him. He squeezes Katsuki a little tighter.
“Of course, baby,” he coos, petting the back of Katsuki’s head. He turns to Eijirou and Hitoshi. “Thank you guys for helping him. You should both get back to bed now, I’ve got this covered. We can clean up his bed in the morning.” They nod.
“G’night Papa,” Hitoshi says, pressing a kiss to his cheek. He plants one onto Katsuki’s forehead as well. “G’night little man.”
“Goodnight Hizashi Senpai! Goodnight ‘Suki!” Eijirou says, bowing. Yamada chuckles.
“Yes, yes, you’re both very well-mannered. Now go,” he says, waving them off. Katsuki whines uncomfortably and squirms.
“Can I take a tub now?” He asks, as if it were his idea. Yamada smiles at him.
“Yeah. Let’s go get you cleaned up.”
Chapter 6: Little Habits (w/ Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Eijirou recognizes the symptoms Katsuki’s experiencing and helps him when he fully regresses for the first time.
Notes:
I found the start of this while looking through my notes and decided to finish it up for this series! I’m working on everyone’s requests rn, they should be up by Monday at the latest!
Chapter Text
It starts with little things.
Sometimes Eijirou will catch Katsuki doing certain... ticks. Rubbing his cheek against his shoulder, running the nail of his thumb across his lips, playing with his own hair when he gets lost in thought. It’s nothing out of the ordinary, and quite frankly he wouldn’t pick up on it if he weren’t so observant. He knows all of his friends’ little habits; Mina picks her skin, Jirou draws on her arms, Kaminari spits, and Sero runs his tongue along his teeth. They’re just THINGS; mannerisms, nothing more than that.
Until it escalates.
As they get closer, Katsuki and Eijirou become practically inseparable. ‘Joined at the hip’ as they say. It’s when they start spending all their time together that he starts to pick up on other peculiarities of Katsuki’s. Stomping his feet when he’s frustrated, never wanting to watch movies or shows that are above the PG-13 rating, cuddling pillows to his chest when he gets really tired, he’s even caught him chewing on his shirt more than once.
And then there’s the nightmares.
Eijirou knows about them because, for one, the walls of Heights Alliance are thin, but also because they happen so frequently. Even when everyone camps out in the living room, Katsuki has terrible nightmares that he wakes up from SOBBING. Not just a quiet weeping, but full on, panicked cries in the night. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to hear.
He’s genuinely baffled by the fact that barely anyone else has noticed this. Eijirou’s always been an extremely light sleeper, sure, but he expected more people would have waken up when they have sleepovers. The only other people who gave heard Katsuki were Jirou and Aizawa, and even Jirou didn’t know it was HIM.
It had been movie night, and they all fell asleep on the couches. Eijirou was practically laying on top of Katsuki when the blonde awoke, hiccuping out broken sobs.
“Mmph,” Jirou groaned from the floor. She slapped the ground beside her. “Kami. Shut up. M’tryin’ to sleep.”
Eijirou had tried his best to pull Katsuki into a hug to calm him down, but he just pushed him away and pressed his face into a pillow until he fell back asleep.
He has no idea what to make of all this.
Well, that’s not entirely true. He has a very clear idea what to make of this, but if he’s not right, he’s probably going to be murdered by his best friend. You see, Eijirou has a fairly regular presence on the internet (under an alias of course, UA has very strict rules about that), and has run into the concept of ‘age regression’ on multiple occasions. If he’s not mistaken, he believes that Katsuki is experiencing symptoms of regression, and could probably really benefit from a full slip.
But HOW do you tell that to someone?
For his own sake, he decides to ease Katsuki into the idea by subtly babying him in ways that won’t cross any boundaries.
Like this began, he starts small.
Every time he sees Katsuki start to drag his nail across his lip, he stands up and announces that he’s getting a glass of milk, and, oh, did you want one Katsuki? Sure thing, he’ll bring it right out for you.
He also gets into the habit of hugging him goodnight. The way he presses soft things to his chest makes him think he probably wants to be held, but he’ll have to settle for hugs until he feels comfortable enough to express that. Eijirou doesn’t want to scare him away.
Every time Katsuki stamps his feet, Eijirou is there in half a second.
“What’s wrong?” He asks.
“Fuckin’ computer won’t load!” Katsuki growls out one day. His hand instinctively flings to his hair and he starts twisting it between his fingers. Eijirou blinks at him.
“First off, language,” he says. “There’s no need to be so rude.” Katsuki rolls his eyes. “Secondly, why didn’t you just ask for help?”
As he presents this idea, he rests his elbow on Katsuki’s shoulder and begins to pet his hair.
“Help?” Katsuki asks, already calming down. “I don’t need help, Dumb Hair.”
“What’s wrong with your computer, then?”
“... I jus’ need to step away for a bit,” Katsuki mumbles, looking down at his lap. Eijirou raises an eyebrow at the display.
Bingo.
“You just got worked up?” He coos lightly, stroking Katsuki’s hair. The blonde scowls.
“You’re so weird,” he says, standing up and walking away. Eijirou stares after him.
He would be discouraged, but he saw firsthand how relaxed Katsuki got at that small taste of affection. He knows for sure now.
After that, he gets a little more obvious. Not carried away, necessarily, but definitely less subtle than before. He brings Katsuki snacks during class and training, wins him stuffed animals from claw machines, holds him protectively during movie night.
The biggest change is, of course, dealing with the aftermath of his nightmares. It’s when Katsuki’s at his most vulnerable, and Eijirou suspects it’s the closest he gets to actually regressing, which means he needs to make it as safe for him as possible.
He starts by just going into his room and sitting at the edge of his bed, muttering soft reassurances and words of praise to him until he drifts back to sleep. That gradually works up to sitting next to him, which works up to hugging him, until eventually, he’s rocking Katsuki back to sleep in his lap every time he has a nightmare.
Until, one night, he doesn’t fall back asleep.
“Kiri,” Katsuki mumbles once he’s calmed down. He balls a hand into Eijirou’s night shirt. “I feel... funny.”
“Funny how?”
“Um...” Katsuki quietly searches for the right words. “Like... young.”
“Mm,” Eijirou hums softly. “That’s normal, ‘Suki. If you want me to explain it to you, I will.”
“No,” Katsuki mumbles. “M’sleepy.”
“Okay,” Eijirou says, running a hand through his hair. “Go back to sleep, ‘Suki.”
He does, curled into Eijirou’s chest, thumb hanging loosely at his lips.
- - -
Katsuki doesn’t feel good.
He feels kind of like he does when Eijirou comforts him after a nightmare, but... amplified. It’s like his mind is falling at dizzyingly high speeds, and he doesn’t know what to do about it.
But he knows who does.
“Kiri,” he says suddenly, eyes wide and teary. “I-I need to find Kiri.”
Kaminari, who was just trying to train with his friend in peace, is confused by this.
“Bakugou, what? Kirishima’s training with Satou right now.” He crosses his arms and pouts obnoxiously. “Am I not good enough for you?” Katsuki fists his hands in his hair.
“I-I don’t feel okay! I need Kiri!” He shouts, panicked. His heart is racing in his chest. Kaminari’s face falls with worry.
“Woah, um, maybe we should get All M-“
“No!” Katsuki wails, sinking to the ground. Tears fall down his cheeks and he clamps his hands over his ears. “Kiri! Get Kiri!”
“Shit! Okay!” Kaminari dashes away.
Katsuki squeezes his eyes shut and rocks back and forth, trying to will away whatever experience he’s having. He feels so babyish, worse than ever before, and he’s upset, he needs his Kiri, Kiri Kiri Kiri-
“I’m here,” Eijirou says, gently prying his hands from his ears. Katsuki’s eyes fly open and he immediately clings to Eijirou, sobbing into his shirt. Eijirou shushes him and rubs circles into his back. “Oh, honey, what happened?”
“I-I don’t know what’s going on!” Katsuki wails, sobs wracking his frame. “Help!”
“What’s going on?” All Might asks, coming up behind them. “Is Young Bakugou hurt?”
“No,” Eijirou says. “He’s alright, I’m taking care of it. I’ll explain later, in private,” he says, glancing to Kaminari. All Might nods.
“Of course! I do hope you’re not straining yourself, young man!” He says, clapping a hand on Katsuki’s back. He jumps and recoils from the touch, clinging harder to Eijirou.
“N-No!” He cries, staring at All Might with fearful eyes. The hero falters, frowning.
“A-Ah. Sorry, I didn’t mean to... er... make you uncomfortable,” he says, coughing lightly.
“He’s just a little sensitive right now,” Eijirou explains. “That’s all. It’s fine.”
“Alright. We’ll leave you to it, then,” he says, leading Kaminari away by the shoulders.
“Kiri, what’s happenin’?” Katsuki asks when Eijirou pulls away to look at him. His bottom lip is stuck out and wobbling. Eijirou tuts.
“You’re age regressing,” he says. Katsuki looks even more confused and upset than before. “I know you don’t really understand what that means. Your brain is just kind of going back in time, to when you were a little kid. It’s a stress response, especially in people with PTSD.”
“Don’ wanna,” Katsuki whimpers, voice watery. “Make it stop,” he begs. “Pw-... Please.”
“I don’t know how,” Eijirou admits. “But I know how to make you feel better about this headspace. This should be a happy thing for you to experience, okay? Let’s go back to the dorms and set you up with some stuffies.”
“Stuffies?” Katsuki mumbles, calming down a bit. Eijirou nods. He sniffs. “O-Okay. C’n you hold my hand?” He requests meekly.
“Of course, baby,” Eijirou says, heart swelling.
He stands up and offers Katsuki his hand. In turn, the blonde wraps both arms around his and clings to him, trembling. He ducks his head as they walk past their classmates, although no one seems to have noticed other than Kaminari and Satou, who are now paired up and working together.
When they get back to the dorms (neither had worked up enough of a sweat to justify taking a shower), Eijirou helps Katsuki change into some loose, comfortable clothes and sets him up on the bed with some of the stuffed animals that had begun to pile up under his desk. He notices him dragging his nail along his lips and pushes his hand down.
“Hey, you don’t want to get sick,” he reminds him gently. “Can I go get something that might help with that?”
Katsuki whines a little bit at the prospect of Eijirou leaving, but eventually nods. The shorter boy leaves and returns with a green pacifier in his hand.
“... A binky?” Katsuki questions. Eijirou chuckles and places it on his lap.
“You don’t have to like it,” he says. “You don’t even have to try it. But I think it’ll help.”
“... How’d you...”
“... Ah,” Eijirou says, rubbing the back of his neck. “I kinda suspected this would happen. I didn’t warn you outwardly because I didn’t want you to push me away. It’s why I’ve been taking care of you so much lately.”
“... Oh,” Katsuki says. He pops the pacifier into his mouth and hums a light approval.
“Feeling better?” Eijirou asks. Katsuki leans into his chest and nods.
“Ghis is.... okay,” he says, voice muffled by the pacifier. Eijirou strokes his hair.
“Yeah?”
“Mhm.”
“That’s good,” he smiles. “Now, I think we should take a nap. Does that sound good?”
Katsuki yawns loudly in response.
Chapter 7: Show and Tell (w/ Dadzawa, Papa Mic, Big Bro Shinsou, + Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Katsuki slips in class, and his secret is revealed to his peers.
Notes:
CW: mentions of child abuse, mineta being a big ol jerk (mentions of k*nk (bc grape boy is nasty), s*xual harassment, bullying)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Hitoshi notices it first.
He’s always the first to pick up on it when Katsuki starts to slip. Eijirou likes to tease them about their ‘psychic brotherly connection.’ It’s like a signal goes off over Katsuki’s head.
He sees it out of the corner of his eye. Katsuki sits two rows back to the left of him, so he has trouble keeping an eye on his little (although technically older and taller) brother in class. But he can pick up on certain movements. In this case, he happens to see Katsuki kicking his shoes out in front of himself, stimming in a way he only does when he starts to regress.
Hitoshi’s grip on his pencil tightens.
Katsuki’s never regressed in class. During training, sure, but that’s always been easy to hide. The closest any of their classmates have gotten to seeing Katsuki regressed are the times when he shyly knocks at their dads’ door, right by the common room. None of them have ever really witnessed him slipping before.
“Psst,” he whispers to Eijirou, who sits right next to him. The redhead lifts his head from his diligent note-taking with a curious look on his face. Hitoshi nods to Katsuki’s desk.
Eijirou turns around as subtly as he can manage (which is not very subtle) and looks back to see his best friend. Katsuki is chewing on the sleeve on his uniform absentmindedly, swinging his feet and doodling in the margins of his paper. At first, his heart melts at the adorable display (it’s not often that Katsuki is so happy when regressed), but it quickly fades into anxiety when he remembers their setting.
“Shit,” he mutters, turning back around. “What are we gonna do about that?”
“Boys,” Aizawa warns from the front of the classroom. “Quiet down.” Hitoshi frowns.
“Let’s go out into the hallway to talk about this. Just say you have a stomach ache and I’ll offer to take you to the nurse.” Eijirou’s hand shoots up immediately, one arm wrapped around his gut comically.
“Sir, I feel nauseous. May I be excused to the nurse’s office?” Aizawa raises a brow at him.
“Are you planning to throw up in my classroom? Just go if you feel sick.”
“I’m a bit dizzy, I don’t know if I should-“
“Fine, fine,” Aizawa groans, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. “Hitoshi, take Kirishima to the nurse’s office, would you?”
“Of course, Dad,” Hitoshi says, standing up.
Eijirou follows suit, and all goes well until they hear the scrape of another chair being pushed away from it’s desk.
Katsuki.
“Kiri?” He calls out timidly. Eijirou winces.
“What’s up, buddy?” Katsuki shifts awkwardly from foot to foot, staring at the ground.
“Katsuki, get back in your seat,” Aizawa says, rubbing his temples. Katsuki’s head shoots up.
“Daddy, can I go with Kiri and Bubba?” He asks politely. “Wanna help.”
Dread fills the room as Aizawa realizes what’s happening. Hitoshi and Eijirou both curse silently and stay frozen in place.
“... Why are you talking like that?” Kaminari asks, looking at Katsuki. The blonde’s eyes go wide as his mistake settles in.
Immediately, he starts bawling, eyes wide with panic. He rushes to Aizawa, clinging to his father for dear life as he sobs loudly into his shoulder. Aizawa sighs and pets his head.
“It’s okay,” he says in a hushed tone. “You’re alright. No one’s going to hurt you.”
“Daddy,” Katsuki wails, unable to actually say what he wants to. Aizawa frowns deeply.
“Hitoshi, Kirishima. Step outside with me, now,” he says, picking Katsuki up and carrying him out of the classroom. The two boys follow him out, both full of nerves.
“What are we going to do?” Hitoshi asks, crossing his arms. “Katsuki’s told us so many times that he doesn’t want anyone but us to know.” Eijirou nods in agreement
“Not even Midoriya knows about him. He kept everything so bottled up for years.”
“Can you take him to Papa?” Aizawa asks, looking at Hitoshi. “He has his free period right now. Tell him to calm Katsuki down and then bring him back so we can explain everything.”
Hitoshi nods as Aizawa sets Katsuki down on his feet, causing him to sob even harder and grip onto his dad. Hitoshi manages to coax him away with a few quiet promises, and soon he’s leading a very clingy Katsuki down the hallway, one arm being koala-beared.
“Is there anything I can do?” Eijirou asks.
“Crowd control,” Aizawa sighs. “Until Hizashi is able to calm Katsuki down, there’s nothing we can do. I have a class to watch, regardless of the situation, and we’re not saying anything until we have Katsuki’s permission.”
“Of course,” Eijirou agrees. “Good thinking, Aizawa Sensei!” Aizawa rolls his eyes.
As soon as they enter the classroom, questions are hurled in their direction.
“Is Bakugou okay?!” Momo.
“Was he hit with a quirk?” Izuku.
“Where did he go?” Sero.
“Why was he crying?” Mina.
“Bakugou’s even weirder than I thought,” Mineta says. “That guy’s screwed up in a major way. Did you guys hear how he was talking before? What a head case.”
Eijirou jaw clenches when he hears Mineta’s comment. If he hadn’t promised to keep his mouth shut, he’d give the little runt a piece of his mind. No one talks about Katsuki like that! ESPECIALLY not in his fragile state of mind! But he knows a fight would only escalate the situation, so he bites his tongue.
For Katsuki’s sake.
“Sit down and shut up, all of you,” Aizawa scolds. “This behavior is completely unbecoming of a class of future heroes. I’d even go so far as to call it disgraceful. Shame on you all.” The class falls quiet.
“... Sir,” Tenya says, raising his hand. “To be fair, I think we’re all just worried about Bakugou. We don’t need to know the details, but can you tell us if he’s in any danger?”
“... He’s alright,” Aizawa says shortly. A few students sigh in relief. “Now, all off you should get a head start on your essays. Get to work.”
The class is silent for all of five minutes before Mineta starts running his mouth again.
“Somebody PLEASE video tape him when he gets back,” he says. “I need to use it as blackmail the next time he tries to shove me into my gym locker.” Ochako frowns.
“I don’t think that’s appropriate,” she says. “And besides, he only did that once, and it’s because you were trying to spy on us while we were changing! It was justifiable.”
“I agree,” Tenya says. “Bakugou takes action when it’s necessary. If you don’t want to face the consequences, stop being so perverse.”
“Quiet down,” Aizawa grunts.
“Sensei, can we please have a little more background information?” Mina requests. “I’m worried. Bakugou’s my friend, and I’ve never seen him act like that before. I can’t stop thinking about it!” Mineta grins at her eagerly.
“You’re one smart girl, Ashido. Using compassion to get answers. I like it.”
“I think she’s genuinely worried,” Sero defends her, a bit offended. “You’re in a rare form today. Why don’t you just drop it?”
“I thought you’d be on my side, Sero! Bakugou’s acting like a crybaby right now, and you don’t feel the slightest bit compelled to use it against him? I’m shocked.”
“Quiet down NOW, or I’m giving you all detention,” Aizawa says sternly.
“Mineta, you should treat others like you want to be treated. It’s the heroic thing to do,” Kaminari says. “Bakugou may be a jerk, but that doesn’t mean we should be mean to him.”
“You too, Denki?” Mineta gasps. “You’re telling me that NONE of you want to knock him down a peg? The guy’s a lousy bully!”
“If anyone needs to be knocked down a peg, it’s you,” Jirou mutters.
“That’s rich coming from someone with a chest so flat it’s practically concave!”
“What did you just say to her?!” Momo spits, standing up. Mineta crosses his arms.
“Go ahead, come at me! ALL you girls are too afraid to lay a finger on me.”
“That’s because we don’t want you to harass us!” Ochako says, standing up as well.
“Oh, Ochako,” Izuku says quietly. “I wouldn’t-“
“No! I’m done with this!” She huffs, throwing her hands up. “Someone needs to teach that shrimp a lesson, and Bakugou clearly isn’t in the mood right now.”
“Yeah, because he’s too busy crying to ‘Daddy’ for help,” Mineta scoffs.
“SIT DOWN!” Aizawa barks, slamming his fist down on his desk. “You’re all acting like middle schoolers right now! I’ll be seeing the entire class after school. Congratulations.”
A few people who hadn’t been contributing to the arguments pipe up, but Aizawa jumps on that quickly.
“That’s ENOUGH,” he says. “If you weren’t talking, then consider it an extra study hall. I’ll be right here to help with homework. None of you should be complaining right now.”
“Is Bakugou coming too?” Mineta asks. “Or are you playing favorites? He should at least have to participate, since he’s the one who interrupted class to begin with.”
“Mineta, if you don’t stop I’m going to send you to Principal Nezu’s office. Quiet-“
The door flings open to reveal Yamada, Hitoshi, and a very timid Katsuki. Aizawa recollects himself with a deep exhale.
“... Come in,” he says.
Katsuki does not head for his desk like Hitoshi does. Instead, he unwraps himself from Yamada’s arm and toddles over to Aizawa to sit in his lap. The teacher allows it, if only to prevent him from having another meltdown.
“Hi, honey,” he says, brushing the hair off of Katsuki’s forehead. “You calmed down now?”
“Mhm,” Katsuki hums quietly. “I don’ want them t’know,” he whispers.
“I know, sweetheart,” Aizawa tuts, wrapping his arms around him. “But they have lots of questions. We’re going to have to explain what’s going on, okay? I’m sure they’ll be understanding. You kids have gone through so much, they’ll relate to a certain extent.”
“He told me he’d be more comfortable if the four of us explained instead of him,” Yamada says. “He’s just scared, Shota.”
“Okay,” Aizawa says, nodding. “Hitoshi, Shinsou, why don’t you come up here? We’re going to explain the situation.”
Once everyone is in their place, hands fly up. Yamada shakes his head and gestures for them to put them down.
“We’ll talk first. Questions after,” he says.
“You ready for this?” Aizawa mumbles to Katsuki. He buries his face into his chest and nods. Aizawa nods. “Alright. So, as most of you know, Yamada Sensei and I took full custody of Katsuki shortly after everyone moved into the dorms. It’s not our place to discuss why, but Katsuki developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from his life before we took him in. This is just a side effect of that.”
“It’s called ‘age regression,’” Yamada says. “Sometimes Katsuki’s brain reverts back to his age before things got so rocky for him. It mostly happens when he’s triggered by something, but your teacher and I have taken measures to make his regression a positive thing for him to experience, so sometimes he slips for no reason. If any of you end up taking a child psychology course, I’m sure it’ll come up at some point. It’s very common in victims of child abuse, as we’ve learned.”
The class all seem to be listening intently, a few nodding along in understanding. There are a few confused and worried faces, mostly among Katsuki’s close friends. Kaminari’s the first to raise his hand again.
“So, it’s a good thing for him?” He asks. All four of them nod. “Okay.. how long will it last?”
“It depends on what triggered to him and how young he’s feeling,” Aizawa explains. “Based on how he’s acting and the fact that he had a panic attack- that happens a lot, by the way, so don’t feel guilty; he’s probably going to be regressed for a while. He’s never slipped at school before, so I’m not sure the protocol yet, but I imagine he’ll be staying with me until he’s feeling more like himself.”
“I understand why Shinsou’s up there,” Mina says. “But what’s Kirishima got to do with this?” Eijirou raises his eyebrows.
“I’m ‘Suki’s carer,” he says. “Well, we kinda all are, but they’re more family, whereas I’m kinda like... hm... it’s hard to put into words.” Hitoshi sees him getting tongue tied and steps in.
“We’re Katsuki’s family and try to support him regardless of the situation, whereas Kirishima’s taken on the role of really honing in on providing for Katsuki and watching over him while he’s regressed.” Eijirou nods.
“Most of the time he prefers Aizawa Sensei, but I don’t mind,” he chuckles.
“Kinda like a teacher?” Mina suggests.
“Aww, yeah! I like that!” Eijirou says.
“So, are you and Bakugou, like... together?” Tooru asks next. Eijirou shakes his head.
“He’s my best friend outside of his regression, and neither of us feel comfortable entering a romantic relationship when we’ve already got such a strong dynamic. Plus is draws some... questionable lines if he were to regress and I didn’t pick up on it. We’re just very close.”
“So, if he’s got the mind of a little kid, does he forget how to do the stuff he’s developed over time? Like reading and such?” Sero asks.
“He can ready fairly well,” Hitoshi says. “Children’s books are easier for him to comprehend in this state, obviously. But he struggles with things like writing, remembering to take care of his needs, especially controlling his quirk. He’s generally not allowed to use it when he slips.”
“Awww,” some of the class coos. Katsuki tenses with embarrassment and clings tighter to Aizawa, who laughs lightly.
“See?” He says. “They don’t mind.”
“Is there anything we should avoid to prevent triggering him?” Tenya asks.
“That’s an excellent question,” Aizawa says. “Generally speaking, we try to not yell at him. Hitting is obviously hard to work around in a training setting, but avoid his neck and the back of his head if you can. A lot of the stuff that triggers him is in his own head, but if you happen to catch him before he starts panicking, try to pull him aside somewhere quiet and have him focus on his breathing.”
“What do we do if he represses and none of you are around?” Ojiro asks.
“It’s ‘re-GR-esses,’” Yamada corrects him lightly. “The first thing you should always do is try to find one of us, but if we’re all unavailable, take him to his room and stay with him until we can get there. He knows where all his regression-related items are.”
“He’s... kinda cute,” Jirou says, smiling softly.
“He’s adorable,” Mina agrees.
“I must say, le petit feu d'artifice is quite endearing,” Aoyama muses.
“Does he want to talk to us?” Kaminari asks eagerly. The class erupts in agreement.
“Settle down,” Aizawa says. “He’ll talk when he’s ready. We’ve got time.”
“Yeah, don’t scare the baby,” Mineta scoffs.
“... Excuse me?” Hitoshi questions.
“Am I wrong?” He asks. “Bakugou’s turned into a giant baby. I’m surprised he hasn’t peed himself yet from how badly he was shaking earlier. What a hypocrite.”
“Take that back you little-“
“Shinsou,” Eijirou stops him, holding his chest. “He’s been like this all morning. There’s no point.” Hitoshi glares at Mineta.
“You’re making fun of a kid right now. You realize that, right? He’s a KID.”
“No, he’s seventeen years old,” Mineta says. “He’s probably just acting like this to fulfill some sick fetish. It’s pretty common, you know, but even I’M not willing to humiliate myself like that to get my kicks. How are you guys not seeing this?!”
“No no no,” Katsuki mumbles into Aizawa’s shirt. “No, no. Please, no.”
“Mineta,” Yamada says sternly, his eyes cold. “This behavior is unacceptable. You’re being completely disrespectful, and frankly gross.”
“OH my God!” Mineta shakes his head in disbelief. “You’re indulging such screwed up behavior right now! If anyone else pulled this, they’d be expelled. But since little baby Bakugou over there got hit by Mommy-“
“Get out of my classroom,” Aizawa interrupts him softly. Mineta blinks.
“What?”
“Get. Out.” Aizawa repeats. Mineta laughs nervously, glancing around the room.
“... Where am I even supposed to-“
“I don’t think you understand,” Aizawa says coolly. “I don’t CARE where you go. But you can’t stay here. You’re expelled.”
“Wh-? For what?!”
“Well, on top of bullying,” Aizawa says. “You’re saying crude things about a CHILD. And that doesn’t even begin to go into how you’ve apparently been sexually harassing your classmates. This morning alone, Uraraka, Ashido, and Jirou have either been provoked by you or alluded to it. Get the Hell out.”
Mineta sputters for a minute before rolling his eyes and storming out of the room. Hitoshi stares him down the whole time.
As soon as he hears the door close, Katsuki unwraps himself from Aizawa and stick his thumb into his mouth, looking up at his dad.
“You okay?” Aizawa asks. He nods. “You wanna say hi to everyone?”
Katsuki hesitantly turns around in his seat and gives a little wave. The class erupts in ‘aww’s.
“Kaachan looks so happy,” Izuku coos.
“Izu,” Katsuki whispers lightly. Izuku startles.
“Ah! You remember the nickname you used to call me?!” He asks, eyes filling with tears. “Kaachan! Ahh!!”
“Why’s he cryin’?” Katsuki asks, blinking up at Yamada. He smiles and shakes his head.
“They’re happy tears, baby.”
Katsuki suddenly hops off of Aizawa’s lap, one hand fiddling with the front of his shirt while the other rests by his mouth as he chews on his sleeve. Eijirou gently takes him by the shoulder and leads him closer.
“What’cha doing?” He asks.
“Um... I wanna play with ‘em,” Katsuki mumbles around his sleeve.
The classroom cheers.
Katsuki sits on his desk while everyone fawns over him. He seems to have regressed to an older age than usual, which explains why he wasn’t super upset over Mineta’s outburst earlier. Eijirou and Hitoshi hover around him protectively while their peers play peek-a-boo and tickle Katsuki’s sides. Some of them ask questions that only normal Katsuki would be able to answer, but most of them treat him like they would any other kid.
“Heh,” Eijirou laughs when he sees Histoshi’s sour expression. “Someone’s jealous.”
“I was his big brother first,” Hitoshi pouts stubbornly. “That’s all I’m saying.”
“Bubba!” Katsuki exclaims, throwing his hands in the air. Mina squeals with delight.
“Yeah! That’s your bubba, isn’t it?” She coos, squishing Katsuki’s cheeks. He nods eagerly.
They play for a few minutes before Katsuki starts to fuss and ask for his Daddy. Aizawa walks over to his desk with a content demeanor, joyous with the outcome of this.
“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” He asks. Katsuki gestures for him to lean down so he can whisper into his ear. He complies.
“I gotta go potty,” Katsuki whispers loudly. The classmates within earshot giggle at his poor volume control. Regardless of age, Katsuki is still loud as ever.
Aizawa hoists him off of the desk and leads him to the restrooms. He hears Katsuki yawn loudly while he’s doing his business.
“Are you tired?” He asks when he finishes.
“Mhm,” Katsuki hums, rubbing his eyes sleepily. Aizawa quickly takes his hands and washes them before he touches his face any more, then picks him up, drawing another long yawn from the boy.
He stops by the classroom before he goes to the dorms, letting Yamada know that he’s putting Katsuki down for a nap and praising the class on their respect and integrity.
He lays Katsuki down in his own bed, helping him out of his uniform and into one of Yamada’s old band shirts. He pops a pacifier into his mouth and hands him his favorite stuffed animal with matted fur, smiling as he drifts off to sleep almost immediately.
This whole parenting thing is pretty rewarding.
Notes:
PHEW!!! That was a lot. Was it really that long a chapter? It felt very long while I was writing it, lol
Anyways, as you all know things are very stressful rn, and I really appreciate all the love this story is getting! I only began writing it to help cope with the situation I’m in rn, it’s so rewarding to see other people finding comfort in my writing as well ^.^ I hope you all stay safe and feel free to keep requesting things!!
Chapter 8: Storm Clouds (w/ Carer Kiri, Regressor Shouto, and Carer Iida)
Summary:
Things are stressful, and Katsuki and Shouto slip at the same time.
Notes:
AHHH ok this chapter is long and messy and more Shouto-centric than focused on Katsuki but it means a bunch to me >~< Someone requested a TodoBaku playdate while I was writing a regressor Shouto one shot so I ran with it! I hope this is okay ToT
CWs: mentions of/implied child abuse, tenya and shouto ARE in a romantic relationship but it doesn’t ever bleed into their dynamic as carer/regressor
Chapter Text
Shouto doesn’t feel good.
It’s been a bad day for the whole class, honestly. The exams they’ve been taken have been beyond stressful, and the teachers are all on edge due to the threat of a mole amongst 1-A so they’re having trouble helping their students like they normally would.
It’s not just stress, though. Sero broke his collarbone during training. Momo and Jirou are fighting, which is disconcerting because they’ve got one of the strongest relationships in the whole class. Kaminari came down with a bellyache and threw up at lunch, which zapped everyone else’s appetite. Izuku’s too hyper-focused on studying to take care of himself or socialize. Enji offered to help observe some of the testing, which resulted in half the class dreading his arrival tomorrow and the other, oblivious half terrified at the prospect of messing up in front of the current number one hero.
And to top it all off, it’s raining.
Shouto can feel himself regressing more and more every minute. He feels it in the anxiety that bloomed in his chest the minute he woke up and has only crept deeper since. Feels it in the way he nervously rubs his face and gnaws his lips. Feels it in how cold he is, how he keeps trying to meet Tenya’s eyes nervously even though he knows he’s too nervous to express his turmoil out loud.
“Hey, Todoroki, are you okay?” Ochako asks him as they sit down for dinner.
He hates dinner at UA. It’s always too early.
“Yes,” Shouto says quietly.
“It’s understandable if you’re stressed out right now,” Tsuyu says. “Everyone’s going through a lot. We’re here to talk if you want to, kero.” He nods, but says nothing.
His gaze drifts around the room as he plays with his soup absentmindedly. He happens to catch a sudden movement from one of the other tables and looks back to see Katsuki leaning heavily into Eijirou’s chest. He recognizes the hazy look in his classmate’s eyes, feels it himself.
Ever since Katsuki shared his regression with Shouto, he’s caught him slipping in class multiple times. He wishes he had the courage to reach out and help him, but it seems that Eijirou’s taken that role on as of late. He’s happy for him, if a bit jealous that the two are so... open about their dynamic. It takes a full slip for Shouto to even think about asking Tenya for help, and even then he tends to just deal with it on his own.
“You seem uncharacteristically wistful tonight,” Tenya says, setting his food down next to Shouto’s. “Why aren’t you eating.”
“M’not hungry,” Shouto mumbles. Tenya’s brow knits as he takes his first bite.
“Do you... need to...”
“No,” Shouto says quickly, even though it makes his heart ache. “I’m almost an adult. I need to learn how to deal with my problems.”
“I think you’ve dealt with enough,” Tenya says pointedly. “Taking care of yourself, however that may be, is never immature, Shou.”
“... I’m going back to the dorms,” he says, standing up abruptly. Tenya frowns deeply.
“Darling, I didn’t mean to-“
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says shortly.
“Goodnight, Todoroki!” Ochako calls after him.
The walk back is miserable.
As soon as he steps outside, he breaks. Tears fall down his face and he sobs openly, not worried about anyone seeing him in such a state. The dark sky and pouring rain will shield his predicament from the world. He wraps his arms around himself, hunched over and weeping as he trudges back to Heights Alliance.
He stays in the common room for a while, too upset to do much else. It’s then, when he’s standing alone and hugging his own body for any sort of comfort, that someone walks in.
Two someones, to be exact.
Eijirou and Katsuki.
“Oh, Todoroki,” Eijirou says, unwinding Katsuki’s hand from his own. “Hey man. You okay?” Shouto bites his lip to hold back a sob.
“Mhm,” he whimpers unconvincingly.
“He’s small, Kiri,” Katsuki says matter-of-factly. Eijirou furrows his brow.
“Are you regress right now?” He asks Shouto.
“U-Um,” Shouto says shakily, a few tears slipping down his face. He presses his lips together tightly and rubs his eyes, nodding.
“Oh, kiddo,” Eijirou tuts, getting closer to him. He rubs Shouto’s back soothingly as he wails, sinking to his knees. Katsuki trots over and mirrors Eijirou’s actions.
“S’okay,” he says. “S’okay to be sad.”
“Does Iida look after you when you slip?” Eijirou asks. Shouto doesn’t respond, he just keeps crying. Eijirou sighs. “Honey, I need you to tell me what to do here. I’m trying to help.”
“S-Sometimes!” Shouto finally hiccups.
“Goooood job,” Eijirou praises him, smoothing a hand over his hair. “Excellent job, kiddo. Thank you for telling me. Do you want me to call him now?” Shouto nods.
“Please!” He sobs hysterically. “Want Papa!”
“Okay,” Eijirou says, pulling his phone out. “‘Suki, do you think you could help Todoroki feel better while I call his carer?”
“Yep!” Katsuki says. He shifts himself so he’s sitting in front of Shouto, hugging him awkwardly while he bawls into his hands. “S’okay, Todo! Kiri’s gettin’ your Papa!”
“Papa,” Shouto wails loudly.
Eijirou dials Tenya’s number quickly. He picks up on the first ring.
“Hello, Kirishima. Did you and Bakugou make it back to the dorms alright?”
“We’re all good,” Eijirou says. “But, uh.. Todoroki regressed; I’m not sure when, and I think he really needs you. Can you come right now or do you want me to watch him until you’re finished with your dinner?”
“Oh gosh!” Tenya gasps. “Is he okay? Is he hurt? I KNEW he was slipping! Is he alright?!”
“He’s fine. A little wet from the rain but mostly just upset.” There’s a bit of clattering on the other end of the phone.
“I’ll be right there,” Tenya says before hanging up. Eijirou slips his phone in his pocket.
“Okay, little man,” he says, turning his attention back to Shouto. “Papa’s gonna be here very soon, okay? We’ll make sure to-“
“Shou!” Tenya calls out, bursting through the doors. His engines are smoking. He must have used his quirk to get there as fast as he could.
“Papa!” Shouto cries, rushing over to the taller boy. He wraps his arms around his middle tightly and presses his face into his chest.
“Oh, bear,” Tenya sighs, petting his head. “Why didn’t you tell me? I wouldn’t have minded, sweetheart.” Shouto sobs.
“Sorr-r-y!” He cries. “M’sorry, Papa!”
“No, no, I’m not mad,” Tenya assures him. “It’s okay. I’m here now. I’m here.”
Katsuki shuffles over to Eijirou and laces their fingers together, his thumb in his mouth as they watch the scene unfold in front of them. Shouto calms down fairly quickly once he’s in Tenya’s arms, just needing his carer there to ground him from his anxiety attack.
“Thank you guys so much for helping,” Tenya says, bending down to pick Shouto up and wrap his legs around his waist. “He gets a bit embarrassed about this, so he doesn’t always tell me when he’s slipping. I really appreciate you calling me and letting me know.”
“Sure thing,” Eijirou says. “I know you’d do the same if it were ‘Suki instead of Todoroki.”
“I would,” Tenya confirms. “Alright, then. I’m going to take him back to my dorm room now. Goodnight, you two. Stay safe.”
“... No!” Katsuki shouts suddenly. Eijirou shoots him an odd look.
“‘Suki, no tantrums. You know better.”
“I wanna play with Todo!” He whines.
“That’s not up to you or me, honey.”
“Well, hang on,” Tenya says. “It might be good for Shouto to interact with another regressor. He’s normally very upset when he feels like this, and I’ll admit I’m having a hard time figuring out how to fix that. If it’s alright with you... maybe we could?”
“Oh,” Eijirou says, blinking. “I mean, yeah. Totally. I just have to get Katsuki changed and get his stuff set up, but if you guys wanted to come over in, like, twenty minutes?”
“That would be great,” Tenya nods. He scratches Shouto’s back lightly. “Does that sound good, bear? You wanna go play with Bakugou and Kirishima?” He shrugs and sniffles in response. Tenya chuckles. “Well, maybe he’s a bit tired. I’ll text you and let you know how he’s feeling, alright?”
“Sure!” Eijirou says eagerly. He squeezes Katsuki’s hand as they walk away. “Good thinking, ‘Suki! Are you excited!”
“Yeah!” Katsuki shouts, raising his palm to let off a small explosion. Eijirou rolls his eyes.
“Okay, enough of that.”
- - -
Tenya pulls one of his shirts over Shouto’s head. It’s comically big on his thin body, the sleeves covering his hands and the hem reaching his knees. They discovered that he’s more comfortable when he’s regressed if he feels physically smaller, and since Tenya is twice his size, that’s easy to achieve.
“Are you sleepy, bear?” He asks as he helps Shouto step into a pull-up. Shouto shakes his head. “Do you want to have a play date?”
“Pink milk?” He asks quietly, tapping his fist to his mouth. Tenya smiles widely at him.
“You want to bring strawberry milk?” He asks. Shouto nods. “Okay. We can do that,” he says.
He shoves a pacifier into his pocket before grabbing the bottle he and Shouto picked out the last time he was regressed. It’s covered in stickers of Winnie the Pooh, his comfort show. He picks Shouto up and holds him and his waist as he carries them to the kitchen.
“You wanna mix?” He asks, handing him the spoon after he pours in the syrup. Shouto eagerly stirs the liquid, giggling happily when it turns pink. Tenya caps the bottle and hands it to him, carrying him the rest of the way to Katsuki’s dorm room.
“Come in!” Eijirou shouts from inside.
As soon as the door opens, Katsuki shrieks.
“Todo!!” He yells, jumping up and running towards them. Shouto whimpers and hides his face. “Uhhhh. Uh oh.”
“Inside voice, ‘Suki,” Eijirou reminds him.
“It’s fine,” Tenya says. “He’s just shy. He’d really like to play with you, though.”
“Yes yes yes!” Katsuki exclaims, jumping up and down. Eijirou laughs.
“Sorry,” he says. “He’s really excited about this. He’s never had a playdate before.”
“Yes I have!” Katsuki insists. “Todo and I played before! Right?!”
“You and Shouto have been regressed together before?” Tenya asks, sitting down next to Eijirou on the floor so Shouto can drink more comfortably. Katsuki nods.
“Mhm! He found my stuffs an’ I played with him.” Eijirou’s brow knits in confusion.
“When’d you do that, ‘Suki?” He asks.
“Hummm,” Katsuki taps his chin thoughtfully. “Before Mimi’s birthday party!”
“What?” Eijirou shakes his head. “Mina’s birthday was in July! Why didn’t you tell me, Katsuki? We could have helped Todoroki before he got a carer!” Katsuki face falls.
“... O-Oh,” he says, lip quivering. “Sorry.”
“No, honey, don’t cry,” Eijirou says, pulling him into his arms. Katsuki’s eyes fill.
“M’sorry, Kiri,” he squeaks, the first few tears slipping over. His lip trembles. “M’sorry I didn’t tell. I’s just bein’ stupid. M’sorry.”
“I’m not mad, ‘Suki,” Eijirou sighs. “It just took me by surprise. You weren’t being stupid, honey. I didn’t mean to yell at you.”
“Shouto does that too,” Tenya says. “The apologizing. I think it stems from... you know.”
“Yeah,” Eijirou nods, rocking Katsuki side to side in his lap. “Sometimes he seems so happy and content that I forget why he regresses in the first place.” Katsuki sniffs loudly.
“Kiri?” He asks. Eijirou hums. “C’n I have my binky?” Eijirou frowns a little bit.
“You feelin’ smaller now?” He asks. Katsuki nods timidly. “I’m sorry,” he coos, rubbing his back. “Poor boy. I’ll get your binky.”
“Papa,” Shouto says softly. Tenya tilts his head down at him. He taps his lips.
“You want your pacifier too?” He asks. Shouto nods. Tenya fishes it out of his pocket and pops it into his mouth. Shouto sighs contentedly through his nose.
“Do you still want to play?” Eijirou asks Katsuki after he hands him his pacifier. Katsuki nods. “Okay. Why don’t you grab some blocks for you and Shouto, hm?”
“M’kay.”
Eijirou groans and slumps when Katsuki turned around. He presses his palms into his eyes.
“I always feel really bad when that happens,” he admits. “We yell at each other all the time when he’s not regressed. I know that’s a lame excuse, but it’s just hard for me sometimes-“
“Kirishima,” Tenya stops him. “I’m not great at this either. I’m a very expressive person, and something as simple as raising my hand can send Shouto into a panic attack so bad I have to seriously consider taking him to the hospital. But you know what? He forgives me every time. It’s a learning process. Caring for someone like this is no easy task. Mistakes are understandable. You don’t have to feel bad.”
“Cry-in’,” Shouto sounds, pointing to Eijirou.
“Huh?” Katsuki jumps, turning around. He sees the wetness in Eijirou’s eyes and drops the wooden blocks he was meticulously gathering. “Oh, oh! Kiri’s okay! Don’ cry Kiri, s’okay!” Eijirou gives watery laugh.
“I’m okay, sweetie,” he says, wiping away his tears. “I think everyone’s just a little stressed out right now. I felt bad about scolding you.”
“S’okay to be sad about it,” Katsuki says, brow knit. He rubs Eijirou’s chin. “M’okay, though.”
“C’mere,” Eijirou says, pulling him down into his lap. He fishes around his back to push the pile of blocks in between him and Tenya. “You two can play like this, right?”
Katsuki nods, and Shouto hesitantly reaches for one of the wooden cubes. He doesn’t build anything like Katsuki does, just plays around with it for a while. Tenya smiles at the sight.
“I know they need this,” he says. “I mean, it’s a coping mechanism, and it’s not always voluntary. Of course they need this. But... it almost feels like I need it too. I was so tense and on edge earlier, but now that I’m taking care of Shouto, I feel.. I don’t know. Content?”
“I get it, man,” Eijirou says, nodding. “It’s really fulfilling to care for someone like this. I think we need it just as much as they do.”
They chat for a little while longer before Shouto leans his cheek against Tenya’s chest and yawns, letting his eyes slip shut. The action draws Eijirou’s full attention back to Katsuki, who’s rubbing his eyes blearily.
“Are you tired, bear?” Tenya asks Shouto. He nods, and is immediately lifted up. “Alright, we’re gonna head back now. He’s falling asleep, and I’m too tired to carry back his deadweight when he’s fully knocked out.”
“‘Suki’s getting pretty sleepy too,” Eijirou says.
“Am not,” Katsuki mumbles, although he yawns right after. Tenya chuckles.
“We should do this again sometime,” he says.
“Totally,” Eijirou agrees. “And, hey, I’m totally willing to watch Todoroki for you whenever you need it. I know you have a lot of meetings and stuff to go to since you’re on the student council, and ‘Suki would love to have a regression buddy.” Tenya nods.
“Thank you,” he says. “Goodnight, you two.”
“G’night, Todo,” Katsuki calls, yawning again. Shouto nuzzles his face into Tenya’s neck.
“Sleepy,” he mumbles.
“I know, bear,” Tenya says, rubbing his back. “We’ll get you into bed as soon as we get back to your dorm, okay?” Shouto whines.
“Papa’s room,” he says, clinging tighter.
Tenya’s heart squeezes. How could he resist?
Chapter 9: Baking Cookies (w/ Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Katsuki and Eijirou bake cookies together, with only a minimal amount of trouble.
(Not really.)
Notes:
This is for everyone requesting more carer Kiri!
CW: flashbacks, katsuki hurting himself during a panic attack again (nothing too serious)
I promise I’ll write a chapter someday with no angst orz
Chapter Text
Eijirou is a lot of things. Strong, determined, goofy, loving, empathetic, a total nerd. Eijirou is so, so many things.
A good cook is not one of them.
He’s tried and failed to make meals countless times. His cooking is mediocre at best, which is upsetting considering his best friend could be a world-renowned chef if the hero thing didn’t work out for some reason.
There is only one thing in the entire world that Eijirou knows how to make perfectly in the kitchen: chocolate chip cookies.
As soon as he discovered his secret ability, he spent month perfecting the perfect cookie recipe. And he succeeded! Now whenever someone in the class is craving cookies, they go straight to Eijirou!
(Well, actually, they go straight to Satou, and Satou directs them to Eijirou because he knows how exciting it is to get asked to bake something for someone and that appeal has long since worn off for him. He’s currently on a bread-making kick, he can’t be bothered with chocolate chip cookies at the moment!)
So, when Katsuki asks for cookies one day when he’s regressed, he’s happy to comply.
“When’s do we mix, Kiri?” He asks, perched on the counter and watching intently as Eijirou cracks eggs into a mixing bowl.
“As soon as the butter is softened- oh!” He exclaims as the microwave goes off. “There it is now! Can you grab that for me, ‘Suki? Careful, the bowl might be a bit warm.”
Katsuki excitedly retrieves the now very soft butter from the microwave and dumps into into the mixing bowl. Eijirou grins at him.
“Perfect. Up top, little man,” he says, raising his fist. Katsuki bumps in and opens his palm.
“Psshhhh!” He sounds, mimicking an explosion. Eijirou laughs as he begins mixing.
He makes quick work of adding in the flour and various baking sodas/powders. That’s when Katsuki starts kicking his feet out, clearly not paying much attention anymore.
“Hey, ‘Suki,” Eijirou says. “You wanna stir in the chocolate chips for me?” Katsuki gasps.
“Yeah, yeah!” He exclaims, bouncing up and down. “Lemme do em! Kiri Kiri Kiri-“
“Okay!” Eijirou laughs. “Calm down, buddy. Let me grab the bag for you, okay?” Katsuki nods.
He takes the chocolate chips from where he’s hidden them in jumbo pack of Arere; Kaminari’s least favorite snack, specifically put there to avoid him eating them all. He places them on the counter next to Katsuki and turns around to grab a wooden spoon for him when he hears a loud clattering noise.
“... Oops,” Katsuki say sheepishly.
Eijirou turns around to see a huge spill of chocolate chips all over the floor. He gets momentarily frustrated, but pushes it down quickly. There’s no use getting upset over something with an easy solution, right?
“Aw,” he laughs. “Did you manage to save any?” Katsuki presses his lips together.
“U-Um,” he says shakily. “... yeah.”
“Are you okay?” Eijirou asks in alarm, rushing over to him. Katsuki has a distant look in his eyes, one that tells Eijirou he’s not fully here right now. He’s in another time.
Suddenly, Katsuki bursts into tears, and he slaps a hand over his mouth to muffle the sounds. This worries Eijirou greatly; when he first discovered Katsuki’s regression, he tried to hide whenever he got upset. Eijirou worked through weeks of sad Disney movies and scraped knees and high anxiety days, constantly telling Katsuki that it’s alright to be sad and cry sometimes until he finally got it.
So this is worrying.
“Hey, hey,” Eijirou whispers, rubbing a thumb on Katsuki’s cheek. As much as he wants to pull his hand away, he knows that it would be a bad idea. “It’s alright, honey. Look at where you are. You’re safe right now, ‘Suki.”
“... Mama?” Katsuki whispers fearfully, withdrawing his hand. Tears are still flowing down his cheeks, but he’s suppressing his sobs. Eijirou’s heart aches for him.
“Your mama’s not here, baby. You’re in the dorms with Kiri. We’re baking cookies.” He brushes some hair out of his face. “Did you have a flashback?” He asks lightly. Katsuki nods, pressing his lips together again. “‘Suki, baby, remember what we say about crying?”
“Hum...” Katsuki twists his hands together nervously. “S’okay....”
“That’s right!” Eijirou praises. “Good job! Can you tell me if you feel like crying right now?” Katsuki shrugs, and Eijirou rubs his shoulder reassuringly. “You just wanna move on?” He asks. Katsuki nods. “Okay, that’s fine. Let me just get a broom and I can sweep up-“
“Lemme help,” Katsuki demands brokenly. “I need’a help, Kiri. Please lemme help.”
Eijirou frowns deeply.
“You know I’m not mad at you, right?” He asks. Katsuki averts his gaze. “‘Suki, honey, it was an accident. Spills happen. It’s fine.”
“I-I spilled-ed it,” he says. “Lemme help.”
“... Okay,” Eijirou says, helping him off the counter. He wraps his hand with Katsuki’s. “Let’s go find the broom!” Katsuki smiles weakly at him and nods.
They clean up the mess very quickly; Katsuki holds the dustpan and throws the chocolate chips away while Eijirou sweeps and wipes down the counters and floor with disinfectant wipes. When they’re done, Eijirou puts his hands on his hips and grins at Katsuki.
“All done!” He says. “You feelin’ better yet?”
Katsuki starts sobbing loudly.
“Woah woah woah!” Eijirou exclaims, rushing over to him. “What’s wrong?”
“I-I ruined the cookies!” He wails. “M’sorry! S’stupid, stupid stupid stupid!” He stomps his foot and yanks fistfuls of his hair.
“Katsuki!” Eijirou gasps in shock. He holds him firmly by the wrists to alleviate the pain on his scalp until he stops stomping and releases the grip on his hair. He hiccups a broken sob. “We never, EVER hurt ourselves, baby boy. I know you’re upset right now, but everyone here cares about you too much to see you act like that. Do you understand?”
“Y-Yes,” Katsuki whimpers, taking Eijirou’s hands into his own and squeezing them to ground himself. Eijirou sighs.
“Okay, good. Now, you didn’t ruin the cookies. I have plenty more chocolate chips hidden. You’re a very smart and kind boy, Katsuki. You’re not stupid, and you don’t ruin anything. Spills happen. I’m never going to get mad at you for that. Okay?” Katsuki nods, and Eijirou clicks his tongue. “C’mere,” he says, pulling Katsuki into his arms.
Katsuki cries onto his shoulder for a little bit while Eijirou rubs his back until he’s calmed down. He pulls away and scrubs his eyes.
“O-Okay. M’sorry for hurting me,” he says timidly. Eijirou ruffles his hair.
“It’s alright. You be nice to my friend ‘Suki from now on though, okay?” Katsuki giggles, and Eijirou feels much lighter. “Alright! You wanna finish those cookies now, or what?”
“Yes please!” Katsuki chirps, hopping back up onto the counter. He squirms a little bit. “U-Um.. c’n you help me put them in?”
Eijirou smiles.
“Of course!” He says.
They turn out to be his best batch yet.
Chapter 10: Lost in the Mall (w/ Dadzawa)
Summary:
Katsuki gets lost in the mall, and not everyone is sympathetic to his turmoil.
Notes:
CW: just people being jerks because people suck
Chapter Text
Katsuki hates trips to the mall.
He’d really prefer it if everyone could just do their grocery shopping at a market like normal people. But Mina and Kaminari INSISTED that they had to go to the mall. It took a good month of them hounding Aizawa, but they finally won him over by saying that they needed access to the different hobbies they had before moving into the dorms, and that the mall caters to everyone.
They were wrong about that. It doesn’t cater to EVERYONE. Katsuki always ends up spending the last hour and a half of their bi-weekly mall trip sitting in the food court and playing his phone.
So forgive him for being in a bad mood.
This trip is even worse than the others, because it’s in an entirely different mall. A mall to get lost in when he’s just trying to buy some goddamn ramen- who the Hell needs six different floors of department stores anyways?
“Hey,” Eijirou says, eyeing him warily. “You good? You seem a little... foggy.”
He feels a little foggy, actually. He knows the feeling well, but he’s not about to let himself regress in such a stimulating environment.
“Fine,” he grunts. “Just having trouble waking up this morning.” Eijirou bites his lip.
“If you need me to stick with you-“
“Nah,” Katsuki says, shaking his head. “I knows you’re going to spend the next hour geeking out over the sports section. I’ll be good, don’t worry about me.”
“You sure?” He asks nervously.
“GO, Kirishima,” Katsuki says, offering a tight smile. “Quit getting your panties in a bunch.”
“... Okay,” Eijirou says. “But if you start to feel... you know.. text me right away! Or, actually, call your dad first, and then-“
“Kirishima!” Katsuki interrupts.
“Right! Okay, okay, just-! Stay safe!”
Katsuki rolls his eyes as his best friend runs off, shivering a little bit when he realizes he’s now alone in unfamiliar territory. He pushes it down, determined to at least find someplace to sit down and isolate himself before he slips.
He ends up finding a little corner in a children’s bookstore. He sighs with relief at the quiet setting, and picks out a kid’s novel to read while he waits for this to be over with.
He gets so drawn into the fantastical settings and adventures of the book that he doesn’t even realize the people starting to gather in the corner until one of the workers comes and bends down next to him.
“Excuse me, young man,” she says, smiling sweetly. “We’re going to have a guest reader come in for the children now, would you mind sitting somewhere else?”
He blinks at her, bewildered, before he nods and stands up, taking the book with him. She stops him, an apologetic look on her face.
“Sorry, are you going to purchase that? We have a policy about reading without buying.”
“O-Oh,” he says, handing the book back to her. “Sorry.” She shakes her head.
“It’s not a problem! Have a nice day!”
He stumbles back out into the mall, dazed and a bit overwhelmed at the sudden change in setting. He rubs his eyes blearily before knocking into someone.
“Hey, watch it!” An older man says to him.
“Oops!” He squeaks, scrambling away. “M’sorry!” The man rolls his eyes.
“Just use your eyes, asshole.”
Katsuki gulps and stalks forward, staring at the floor the whole way. He makes it to a flight of stairs and hurries down them, not paying attention to any maps. He soon finds himself lost, and turns around only to find that the stairs are nowhere in sight. Tears well in his eyes as he wanders around, panic setting in.
He rubs his shoulder nervously and tries to get a better grasp of his settings, bumping into a short old lady in the process.
“Oh-!” She gasps. His lip begins to quiver.
“Sorry, sorry!” He runs a hand through his hair. “I-I’m lost, and I just-“
“That’s alright, dear,” she says.
He stares after her as she walks away, then shakes his head to regain focus. A few more people bump into him as he stands still in the crowd, each more upsetting than the last.
“Kid, use your feet.”
“You’d think a UA student would be more competent!”
“Are you slow or something? Walk, man!”
The last person just shoves him out of the way. He falls to the ground, tears slipping down his face. His hands tremble as he reaches into his pocket for his cellphone, trying to remember Aizawa’s number. He cries harder as he gets more frustrated, bringing his knees to his chest and sobbing. More and more people bump into him, and he’s so panicked now, he can’t even think about moving, he just wants-
“Katsuki?” A familiar voice cuts through the noise in his brain. There’s a hand on his shoulder, and his head snaps up.
“Daddy!” Katsuki sobs with relief, clinging to his father. Aizawa’s brow knits.
“Honey, what’s wrong? Why are you on the ground?” Katsuki shakes his head.
“I-I’s jus’ startin’ to slip, an’ everyone was bein’ really mean a-and loud t’me!”
“Oh, sweetheart,” Aizawa tuts, helping him to his feet. He leads him away from the busy hall and into a clean store playing soft jazz music. He holds Katsuki to his chest.
“I-I’m sorry!” Katsuki exclaims. “I forgot your phone number! I’m sorry, Daddy!”
“I’m not upset,” Aizawa says in a hushed tone, hoping Katsuki will mirror him. “I’m just glad I found you. How long were you there?” Katsuki shrugs. “You said people were being mean?”
“Uh huh,” he whimpers, sniffing loudly.
“What did they say to you?”
“Th-They asked i-if I was... slow.. a-and someone p-pushed me.”
“Oh, sweetheart,” he coos, pulling away to cup Katsuki’s face. “I’m sorry. Are you feeling better now?” Katsuki sniffles and nods.
“C-Can we go back? Please?”
“The other students won’t be by the front entrance for another forty five minutes,” he admits sadly. “But we can go wait somewhere quiet in the meantime. Does that sound good?” Katsuki nods and sticks his thumb into his mouth. Aizawa pulls it away. “Your hand’s all dirty right now, kiddo. You could get sick. Let me see if I have a pacifier on me...”
He doesn’t find one, but he does manage to discover a teether in his bag. He hands it to Katsuki, who immediately starts to suck and bite on it. He extends a pointer finger for Katsuki to hold and leads him back through the mall, searching for a map.
“Excuse me, miss,” he asks one of the officers. “Do you happen to know where we can find someplace quiet to sit?”
The officer sees Katsuki mouthing his teether and gives him a confused look, but nods.
“There’s a bookstore a floor above here,” she says. “There’s also a pretty bare-bones antique shop on the second floor, and a furniture store at the top.”
“Thank you,” he says, turning to Katsuki. “Whadda’ya say, kiddo? Anyone of those sound good?” Katsuki shrugs, looking at the floor. Aizawa frowns, but doesn’t push.
He leads their way to the antique shop, figuring it was the closest to the entrance. Once inside, they sit on the ground towards the back. Katsuki plays with Aizawa’s hand and sucks on his teether while the teacher makes a phone call to Yamada.
“Hey, Sho. Everything alright?”
“Everything’s fine,” he assures his husband. “But Katsuki slipped. I don’t know if you have any students with you right now, but could you try to gather up as many as you can and tell them we have to leave early? We’ll just say that Katsuki’s feeling sick.”
“Poor baby,” Yamada muses. “Sure, I can do that. Is he okay to talk right now?”
“Papa wants to talk to you,” Aizawa says, holding the phone away from his ear. Katsuki shakes his head slowly, and Aizawa sighs. “He’s pretty upset, he’s not even talking to me. He was on the verge of a panic attack when I found him, apparently someone pushed him?”
“Wait, what?!” Yamada asks, alarmed.
“I know,” Aizawa says. “We can talk about it when he’s feeling better. Go get the kids rounded up.” Yamada sighs heavily.
“Okay,” he says. “Love you.”
“You too,” Aizawa says, ending the call. He smiles at Katsuki, petting his hair. “We’re gonna head home soon, okay kiddo?”
“Mhm,” he hums quietly.
A slender woman with short hair and round glasses scoffs. Aizawa raises a brow at her.
“Can I help you?” He asks.
“No,” she says. “But you can help your son by making him grow up. It’s not healthy to coddle your children for so long.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m just saying,” she goes on. “As a parent, I would never let my teenage son act like that, especially not in public. It’s not natural.”
Katsuki frowns heavily and stares at his lap, removing the teether from his mouth and letting go of Aizawa’s hand. He tries to blink away the tears that are welling up in his eyes. Why does everyone have to be so mean?
“I think I know my kid better than you do,” Aizawa says, putting a hand on Katsuki’s shoulder protectively. She shakes her head.
“I’m not trying to pick a fight with anyone. I’m just trying to give you advice. Kid’s not going to get far in life if he’s still nursing at sixteen.”
“... Fuck off,” Aizawa says, standing up. He makes sharp eye contact with the woman as he pulls Katsuki into his arms. “Come on, Katsuki, we’re leaving.”
“No,” Katsuki whines softly, squirming out of his grip. Aizawa frowns at him.
“Baby boy, I’m not going to let you listen to that kind of stuff. C’mon, let’s go.”
“No, Daddy- I-I mean, Dad. W-We can stay.”
His voice is small and uncharacteristically quiet. He’s not fooling Aizawa, but the woman seems satisfied with her work.
“See? He’s perfectly capable of acting his age,” she says, placing her hands on her hips.
“... Excuse me!” He calls to the old man behind the counter. “This woman is harassing my son and I, could you give us a hand?!”
The man doesn’t even leave his seat, but a giant arm stretches from his back and shoves the woman out the door. Aizawa smiles.
“Nice quirk,” he says under his breath. He turns to Katsuki. “Are you okay?” Katsuki begins to nod, but shakes his head instead.
“Is... Is it...” he hugs his chest. “Bad?”
“No, sweetie,” Aizawa says, shaking his head. “It’s good for you, remember? It helps your brain process stressful situations easier.” He takes the teether that Katsuki had slipped back into his bag and hands it to him, brushing the hair out of his face. “Why don’t we go wait by the entrance, hm? You can take a little nap or watch a show on my tablet.”
“Hello Kitty?” He asks quietly, perking up a bit.
“Sure, honey,” he says, linking their pinkies together. “C’mon, let’s go.”
Katsuki ends up falling asleep while waiting, which is probably for the best so he and Yamada can play off their lie about him feeling sick easier without worrying about any of the students catching on. He curls up in Aizawa’s lap on the bus, teether gently resting on his lips. Aizawa pets his head as he sleeps.
He never wants Katsuki to feel that way again.
Chapter 11: Scary Movies (w/ Carer Kiri + Friends)
Summary:
Katsuki can’t stomach horror movies, apparently.
Chapter Text
“Ooh, right off the bat,” Kaminari winces as a blood spatter covers the screen.
“It’s supposed to be the goriest movie released in the past few years,” Eijirou says. “Pretty intense stuff, man.”
“Psh, that’s nothing,” Sero says. “You should see Mina before she puts on eyeliner. Yowza! Now THAT’S scary stuff.”
“Rude!” Mina pouts, pinching his thigh. Sero cackles, earning a giggle from everyone else.
Well, almost everyone.
“Bakugou, you’re awfully quiet tonight, kero,” Tsuyu points out. Katsuki crosses his arms.
“No’m not. Just paying attention to the movie, unlike the rest of you heathens.”
“Ice cold,” Kaminari says, putting a hand over his heart. “I shouldn’t be surprised that this stuff doesn’t phase you, man. You’re way scarier than any slasher out there.”
“Thanks,” Katsuki says, rolling his eyes.
The truth is, Katsuki’s not really sure if horror phases him. He’s never been too into movies in general, the only exceptions being All Might biographicals and Disney movies when he’s regressed. Other than that, he really only watches shows. He’s never even seen a horror movie before, let alone an intense one.
He discovers very quickly that he doesn’t like them. They rely on cheap jumpscares and over-the-top disturbing scenarios when they could achieve so much more by delving into the psychological standpoint.
Also, who ENJOYS getting scared? Are there people out there that like torturing themselves do much that they’re willing to sit through two hours of this stuff?
He curls into Eijirou’s side as discreetly as he can. The shorter boy gives a worried look.
“You alright?” He asks. Katsuki nods.
“M’okay. Don’t worry.”
Eijirou doesn’t look convinced, but a loud scream draws their attention back to the film.
Katsuki’s trying really hard to not pay attention to the gruesome scenes playing out in front of him. He doesn’t want to make it obvious to Eijirou that he’s slipping either, though, so it’s difficult. He knows that if Eijirou catches on, he’ll make him stop watching the movie and they’ll have to stop hanging out with all their friends. He doesn’t want that.
A particularly disturbing jumpscare occurs, and that’s it. He squeaks and hides his face in Eijirou’s shoulder, trembling. Eijirou turns to him in alarm when the characters in the movie scream in horror as the killer continues to terrorize them. Katsuki bursts into tears.
“Woah, woah!” Ojiro shouts, jumping to pause the movie. “Is he okay? What’s wrong?!”
Jirou jumps up to turn the lights on and everyone watches as Eijirou pulls Katsuki into his lap, smoothing his hair down and holding his legs. Katsuki sobs openly and grips Eijirou’s shoulder, rubbing his eyes with his free hand.
“... Should we get Aizawa?” Sero asks.
“No, no,” Eijirou says. “He’s okay. Right? You’re okay, aren’t you, ‘Suki?”
“Scared!” Katsuki wails. Eijirou clicks his tongue and begins to rub his back.
“I know, honey. The scary movie’s off now, okay? We won’t watch it anymore.”
“Um...” Mina says. “Why’s he acting like a little kid? Why are you treating him like one?”
“He’s regressed right now,” Eijirou says. “I know he explained this to some of you while he was in his normal headspace, but this is what he’s like when he slips. Just like any other little kid. The movie just spooked him a little bit.”
“... Does he want some juice?” Tsuyu asks. “I bought apple juice the other day.”
“Juice?” Katsuki asks, sniffing. He peeks shyly at Tsuyu, but immediately hides his face into Eijirou’s shoulder. Tsuyu giggles.
“He’s so cute.”
“Is he gonna be alright?” Kaminari asks worriedly. Eijirou nods.
“His brain’s just going through what it has to go through. He’ll be back to normal by morning.” He tickles Katsuki’s sides, earning a shriek of laughter from the boy. “But for now we get to play with little ‘Suki, huh?”
“Hehe, Kiri!” Katsuki giggles. “Quit ticklin’!”
“Aww, oh my God,” Mina coos. “This is even better than I thought it would be.”
“He’s a cutie, right?” Eijirou remarks. “Tsu, would you mind pouring Katsuki some of that juice while I get him into some more suitable clothes? His sippy cup is in the cabinet behind a big Red Riot mug. It’s orange.”
“Sure,” she says, hopping off the couch.
“Alright guys,” Eijirou says picking Katsuki up and holding him at his hip. “As soon as he gets his juice I’ll bring him out to say goodnight to everyone, but I think we’re gonna hide in his room for the rest of the night.”
“Noooo,” Katsuki whines.
“Yeah, why can’t you guys stay down here?” Sero asks. Eijirou raises a brow at him.
“Uh. This movie isn’t exactly kid-friendly.”
“We can change it,” Jirou says.
“Yeah, it’s a week-long rental. There will be plenty of opportunities to finish,” Ojiro pipes up. Mina nods enthusiastically.
“Little Bakubaby is so cute!” She muses. “Come on, we can watch a Disney movie!”
“Cars!” Katsuki shouts in excitement, pumping a fist in the air. When he lowers it, he sticks his thumb in his mouth. Eijirou laughs.
“Okay, fine. But don’t overwhelm him, alright? I can assure you that none of you want to deal with an overstimulated ‘Suki.”
He makes quick work of dressing Katsuki in a pull-up and oversized shirt, which proves to be just a bit difficult with the boy’s excited squirming. He hands him his favorite pacifier and stuffed animal and carries him back downstairs. Tsuyu eagerly hands him his sippy cup, smiling softly when he pops his pacifier out of his mouth an starts to chug it down.
“What do we say?” Eijirou reminds him.
“Thank you so much!” He exclaims around the nub of his cup. The group erupts in ‘aww’s.
“Bakugou, I rented the Cars movie for us to watch,” Ojiro says. Katsuki situates himself in Eijirou’s lap and claps his hands together.
“To-ma-to!” He says, bouncing up and down.
“‘Tomato?’” Jirou questions, raising a brow.
“He means ‘Tow Mater,’” Eijirou clarifies. “Words are hard for him when he’s this small.”
“How young IS he right now?” Sero asks.
Eijirou whispers the question into Katsuki’s ear, earning them a shrug. He nudges his side, and he sucks down hard on his pacifier before timidly holding up two fingers.
“Wowww!” Kaminari muses. “That’s even younger than Eri!” Katsuki giggles.
“You wanna watch the movie now, kiddo?” Eijirou asks. Katsuki nods excitedly.
“You got it,” Ojiro says with a smile, hitting play on the movie. The opening scene begins, and Katsuki watches intently, snuggling into Eijirou’s chest. The redhead pets his head.
“You’re very happy tonight,” he mumbles.
“Friends,” he explains quietly.
“Ohhh,” Eijirou says. “You wanna hang out with your friends more when you’re small? I’m sure they’d be happy to.” Katsuki grunts.
“Kiri,” he says, putting a hand over the shorter boy’s mouth. “Shhh.”
Eijirou laughs, removing the hand and nodding. He rests his chin on Katsuki’s shoulder and focuses on the movie.
Notes:
Sorry for updating slower than usual >.< I’m getting to everyone’s requests tho, so feel free to keep asking!
Chapter 12: Green-Eyed Monster (w/ Dadzawa, Papa Mic, Big Bro Shinsou, + Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Katsuki is happy to have Eri as a part of his family- until he regresses, and they’re too busy fawning over her to notice.
Notes:
CW: self-deprecating thoughts, katsuki hurting himself during a panic attack, implied/mentioned child abuse. you know the drill
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Aww, Eri-chan is so cute!” Mina says, picking her up and putting her on her desk.
“Careful,” Aizawa warns.
“What’s it like having a little sister?” Tsuyu asks Hitoshi and Katsuki. “I’ve only got little brothers. I always though it’s be easier with another girl in the mix.”
“She’s not officially our sister,” Katsuki says. “She’s just staying with us for now.”
“Dad’s worried about us getting attached,” Hitoshi explains. “He and Papa haven’t decided for sure if they’re ready for another kid yet, especially one so small.”
“Aren’t they used to taking care of little kids, though?” Kaminari asks. “I mean, Bakugou-“
“That’s different,” Katsuki says. “Eri is... physically small. All the time. And the circumstances are a bit tricky-“
“You don’t have to answer,” Izuku says quickly, knowing EXACTLY what the circumstances are. Hitoshi nods in his direction.
“Right. But I do have to say, even though he’s worried about US getting attached...” he looks off to see his dads fussing over Eri. “... I’m pretty sure they’re not letting her go.”
“Yeah,” Katsuki scoffs. “Couple’a softies.”
“Aww, Kaachan, don’t be like that,” Izuku says.
“Whatever,” he grumbles. “All I know is that if any of those extras lays a finger on her, they’re dead meat. I’ll cook ‘em myself.”
“Look at you,” Hitoshi smirks. “Here I thought I was the protective big brother. Who’d of known. Katsuki’s just as bad as I am.”
“Screw you!” Katsuki huffs, storming off to fawn over Eri with everyone else. Kaminari snickers behind his hand.
“The only ‘softie’ here is him,” he says.
- - -
Katsuki feels a tug on his shirt.
“Kastu-nii,” Eri says smally. “I’m thirsty.”
“What are you doing out here?” Katsuki asks, picking her up. “Where’s Dad?”
Eri points to the couch, where Aizawa is snoring away. Katsuki smiles and rolls his eyes. He clicks his tongue.
“Well, Papa’s still out, so I guess I’ll watch you,” he says. “God knows Hitoshi’s useless ass isn’t gonna do more than play video games for the rest of the night.”
“Yeah!” Eri agrees very seriously. “Useless ass!” Katsuki’s face falls.
“Don’t repeat that,” he mumbles, poking her cheek. “Okay, what do you want to drink?”
“Juice?” She requests.
Katsuki nods, opening the cabinet. He pulls out one of his own sippy cups and walks over to the fridge to pour her some apple juice.
“Why’s the bump there?” She asks, poking the spout. Katsuki pats her head and sets her down on the counter.
“It’s to drink out of. The top is there to prevent spills,” he explains as he gets himself a snack.
“I don’t spill,” she says.
“It’s just in case,” he says lightly.
“Do you spill, Katsu-nii?” She asks.
“Sometimes,” he says honestly.
“Is that why you have a baby cup?” He face heats up, and he bites his tongue in surprise.
“Ah, shit-!” He hisses, tasting blood fill his mouth. His tongue throbs, and his eyes prick with tears. Eri starts.
“Are you hurt?” She asks.
“Yes I’m fucking-!” He stops himself with a sigh as he opens the freezer to get an ice cube. “I just bit my tongue. I’ll be alright.”
“Ah!” She gasps when he sticks the ice on his tongue. “There’s red! Oh no!”
“It’s okay,” he assures her. “I’m fine.”
“M-Mr. Aizawa!” She calls out, eyes wide. Aizawa startles awake with a sharp breath. He rubs his eyes and sits up.
“What’s wrong, sweetie?” He asks, voice thick with sleep. Katsuki rolls his eyes.
“Katsu-nii hurt himself!” She says with alarm.
“What?” He asks, standing up and rushing into the kitchen. He frowns deeply when he sees Katsuki holding ice to his bleeding tongue. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” he huffs, pulling the ice away. “Just bit my tongue.” Aizawa brushes his cheek.
“Are you sure? You look like you’ve been crying,” he points out, brow knit.
“Dad,” Katsuki groans, pushing his hand away. “I said I’m fine. Stop babying me.”
“Wow,” Aizawa scoffs. “You’re awfully grumpy today. Did something happen?”
“God! No!” Katsuki exclaims, throwing his hands up. “Why won’t you believe me?! I’m not a fucking child, stop treating me like one!”
He storms off, and Aizawa stares after him. He knows he should press further, but he doesn’t feel emotionally prepared to deal with an angry teenager at the moment. He picks Eri uo with a heavy sigh and tucks her hair behind her ear. She giggles at the tickling sensation.
“Mr. Aizawa?” She asks.
“Hm?”
“Why does Katsu-nii have a baby cup like this?” She asks, holding up the sippy cup for him to see. “Is it ‘cause he spills?”
Realization dawns on Aizawa. He gnaws the inside of his cheek, searching for the right words to explain this to Eri.
“Sometimes Katsuki feels small like you,” he says lightly. “Maybe he’ll feel comfortable to tell you about it one day.” Eri smiles.
“Okay!” She chirps.
- - -
“Bubba,” Katsuki mumbles quietly to Hitoshi.
“Not now, Katsuki,” Hitoshi says, placing a band-aid on Eri’s knee. “There we go! All better?” He asks, patting her thigh.
“Mhm,” she sniffles, rubbing her eyes. “Thank you, ‘Toshi-nii.” He smiles at her and picks her up, poking her nose as he walks away.
“But-!” Katsuki huffs and stomps his foot.
‘Whatever,’ he thinks. ‘I’ll just go get Kiri.’
He scans the room for his carer, storming over when he spots him rooting around in the cabinets. Eijirou perks up when he sees him.
“Oh, dude, I’m so glad you’re here!” He exclaims. Katsuki smiles a little. “Do you know what Eri’s favorite snack is?” His face falls.
“... Why’s that matter?” He asks, crossing his arms. Eijirou squints at the cabinets.
“Shinsou mentioned she normally eat something small around this time...” he says. “Ah! Konpeitō! She probably likes sweets, right? Or are they too hard for her to chew?”
“Who cares?” He says off-handedly. “Kiri, I want to get my-“
“That wasn’t very nice,” Eijirou says, frowning at him. “I mean, Eri’s just a kid. Why are you picking on her like that? What’s your problem?” Katsuki’s eyes widen.
“Stop!” He shouts, exasperated. “Just shut up about Eri already!” Eijirou‘s gaze darkens.
“Okay man, that’s not cool. You know what she went through. I figured YOU of all people would be more sympathetic.”
“Shut up!” Katsuki repeats, turning on his heel when he feels tears of frustration prick at his eyes. He rushes to his dads’ room, hoping to at least find someone there.
“There’s a knocking rule,” Yamada says sternly, not looking up from the laptop he and Aizawa are reading something intently from.
“Papa,” Katsuki says, relieved. “I want-“
“Not now, Katsuki,” Aizawa says. “We just got an email from the people at the adoption agency.” Katsuki’s lip wobbles.
“But I need to get-“
“Katsuki,” Yamada barks, staring at his son with a pinched look on his face. “Listen to your father. We can talk later, we’re busy right now.”
Katsuki feels the first few tears slip down his face, and he storms away, heading straight for his room. He buries his face in his pillows and sobs, full of jealousy and frustration and guilt. Why is everyone ignoring him for Eri? Do they just not care about him anymore because she’s cuter and less difficult than he is?
He cries for a long time. He’s not sure exactly how long, but his head throbs and his throat burns by the time he’s done. He can’t seem to muster the energy he needs to drag himself out of bed and go to dinner, so he just roots around under his bed for a pacifier and a stuffed animal and goes to sleep.
When he wakes up the next morning, he’s still very much regressed, but he knows he needs to get through the day. Once he dresses himself in his uniform and brushes his teeth, he knocks on Eijirou’s door so they can walk to breakfast together. When Eijirou doesn’t answer, he knocks again. He hears Eijirou huff.
“Katsuki,” he says impatiently. “I’m still mad at you for yesterday. I’m not walking with you.”
Katsuki feels his heart sink. It takes all of his might to not burst into tears right there. He walks away, dejected, and fiddles with his shirt the entire way to the cafeteria. It feels tight.
He meets up with Hitoshi in the cafeteria.
“You look like shit,” he says right away. Katsuki shrugs. “... You good?”
“M’fine,” he says quietly. Hitoshi frowns.
“Did you wanna sit with me today?” He asks. “Dad and Papa are gonna take Eri to our table later, so you’d get to-“
“No,” Katsuki says quickly. “M’good.”
“You sure?” Hitoshi asks. He nods. “Okay. You know you can talk to me if-“
“Uh huh,” Katsuki interrupts him, taking a plate of food and rushing to his table.
“Kirishima didn’t walk with you today?” Sero asks, raising an eyebrow. Katsuki shakes his head. “Aww. Lover’s spat?”
“We’re not dating,” Katsuki mumbles.
They’re just close best friends. Well, at least they were until he went and messed that up.
Like he does with everything.
“Just a normal spat then?” He shrugs. Sero frowns. “Hey, are you-“
“Aw, where’s Kiri?” Mina asks, setting her tray down. “Not that I’m not thrilled to see your chipper face, Bakugou.”
“They didn’t walk together this morning,” Sero says quietly. Mina’s eyes widen in alarm.
“Is Kirishima okay?” She asks. He shrugs. “Are you two.. fighting? Do you even do that?”
Katsuki feels his eyes fill with tears, and he stands up abruptly, picking his bag up and pushing his food away. Mina frowns deeply.
“Bakugou-“
“M’not hungry,” he mutters, walking away.
As he’s exiting the cafeteria, he runs into Aizawa, carrying Eri in his arms. He ducks his head and pretends not to see them.
Class is torture. He can’t focus on anything, and he doesn’t want anyone to know he’s regressed. He learned yesterday that being ignored is ten times worse when he’s in this headspace, so he figures it’s best not to set himself up for rejection. He’ll just deal with it alone. He did it all the time before he was adopted by Aizawa. It sucks, but he knows he’s capable of taking care of himself.
‘It’s what you deserve,’ he thinks to himself. ‘You’re not a good person. Why would YOU deserve such a loving family? It was only a matter of time before they moved on. You were better off with your mother. She knew the real you. She knew what you deserved.’
His eyes drift around the room in a daze. A movement catches his eye, and he looks at the front of the room to see Aizawa petting Eri’s head. His heart aches.
‘You know why you’re so jealous of her. It’s not because she’s cute. It’s not because everyone is paying attention to her. It’s because she’s GOOD and you’re BAD. Everyone else finally caught on. They’ve replaced you with someone better. You were too much for them to handle. You’ve always been TOO MUCH.’
“Bakugou?” Sero whispers to him, tone worried. “What’s wrong?”
It’s then that Katsuki realizes, oh, he’s crying again. That’s just great. He wipes at his eyes and lays his head on his desk, ignoring Sero.
He wishes he could have Hitoshi’s hugs again. Or Eijirou’s snuggles. Or the way Aizawa brushes his hair, the way Yamada holds him to his chest. He wishes he didn’t screw it up.
“Katsuki,” Aizawa says. “Sit up. This is a classroom, not a bedroom. No napping.”
Katsuki does not lift his head. He can’t let them see, can’t handle that right now.
“Katsuki,” Aizawa repeats, more sternly. He doesn’t budge. The teacher sighs and walks over, assuming that his son had fallen asleep. He pauses when he sees his shaking shoulders. “... Katsuki?”
“Is he okay?” Hitoshi asks, panic seeping into his voice. Aizawa gestures for him to quiet.
“Hey,” he says softly, shaking his shoulder. He crouches down, and Katsuki lets out a little sob before hiding his face even more. “You wanna tell me what’s going on?”
Katsuki doesn’t respond. Worry blooms in Aizawa’s chest. He knows how to deal with an upset Katsuki, regressed or not. He does not know how to deal with an unresponsive Katsuki. His son is always very expressive, whether it’s appropriate or not. He’s NEVER quiet like this. He swallows thickly.
“... Hitoshi, Kirishima,” he says. “Can you meet me in the hallway?” Both boys stand up, Eijirou looking uncharacteristically sheepish.
“What about Eri?” Hitoshi asks. Aizawa notices that Katsuki’s fists clench at the question. He furrows his brow.
“Midoriya, keep an eye on her,” he says. “She’s a smart girl, but if anything happens I’ll be right outside.” Izuku nods.
Once they’re out in the hallway, Aizawa turns to Eijirou, a hard look on his face.
“Alright, you clearly know something,” he says. “What happened? Why is he so upset?”
“We’re... kind of fighting right now,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck. “I didn’t walk with him to class this morning. But, before you get mad, I don’t think it’s fair to be upset with ME for going through a rough patch with him. Friends are allowed to fight. It’s normal.”
“I’m not mad at you,” Aizawa clarifies. “What was the fight about?” Eijirou sucks in a breath.
“He was... uh..” he looks down at his shoes. “He was kind of saying mean things about Eri-chan yesterday afternoon?” Hitoshi blinks.
“Katsuki? Are you sure?” He asks. Eijirou nods.
“I asked him what her favorite snack was, and he just... blew up on me. He was being super harsh about the whole thing, and when I tried to call him out on it, he just stormed off.”
“That actually does sound like Katsuki,” Aizawa says, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Okay. Thank you, Kirishima. I’ll have a talk with him.” Hitoshi furrows his brow.
“I’n sure he had his reasons,” he says, defending his little brother. Aizawa shrugs.
“Maybe. But he knows better than to get upset just because he doesn’t get his way. I’ll bet you anything he’s just embarrassed that Kirishima tried to scold him.”
“... I guess,” Hitoshi mutters, crossing his arms.
They re-enter the classroom, and Aizawa makes a beeline for Katsuki’s desk. Sero is rubbing his back while he cries, clutching his chest. When he sees Aizawa coming, he looks away and tries to suppress his sobs.
“He won’t talk to anyone,” Mina says worriedly.
“I’m getting it sorted out,” he tells her. “Katsuki, come out into the hallway with me. We need to have a discussion.”
The room falls silent as Katsuki slowly rises from his seat, face red and messy with tears and snot. Aizawa leads him out of the room without a word, face stern as he begins.
“So, Kirishima just told me what you were saying about Eri yesterday. Care to explain yourself?” Katsuki shrugs. “Uh huh. That’s what I figured. Katsuki, you can’t keep doing things and expecting there to be no consequences. I expect better from you.”
“... Stop,” Katsuki says quietly, staring at the ground. Aizawa raises a brow.
“You wanna run that by me again?”
“Said stop,” Katsuki repeats. Aizawa scoffs.
“Mhm. Stop what, exactly?”
“Lyin’.”
Aizawa blinks.
“... Did you slip?” He asks. Katsuki doesn’t respond. He sighs. “Honey, you know you need to tell someone when you-“
“Why?” Katsuki asks brokenly, looking up at him. His eyes are swollen and glossy.
“... Because we need to take care of you,” Aizawa says gently. Katsuki shakes his head. “What do you mean, ‘no?’”
“Don’ have to,” Katsuki whispers. “I can do it.”
“We don’t mind, kiddo,” Aizawa says, feeling more worried and confused by the second. “Why would you need to take care of yourself, honey?“ Katsuki lip wobbles.
“B-Because,” he says, voice wavering. “I’m... Mmm... M’bad.” Aizawa’s heart sinks.
“No, sweetheart,” he says, pulling Katsuki into a hug. “You’re not bad. What makes you think that?” Katsuki shakes in his hold.
“Mean,” he says. “Di... ‘Di-full-kilt.’”
“Difficult?” Aizawa clarifies. Katsuki nods. He pets his hair. “Oh, honey, you’re not difficult.”
“Yes I am,” he says, pushing Aizawa away. He wipes at his face. “Stop it.”
“Katsuki,” Aizawa says. “What’s making you feel like this? Did someone say something?”
“No.”
“Honey-“
“Sensei,” Katsuki says. Aizawa’s stomach goes cold. “Lemme go back.”
“... Okay,” Aizawa says, stunned. Katsuki twirls on his heel and storms back into the room, tugging at his shirt the whole time.
“Hey,” Hitoshi says to him. “Everything okay?”
Katsuki flips him the bird and lays his head back on his desk. When Sero tries to start rubbing his back again, he flips him off too.
“Okay,” Mina says. “What’s going on?”
“I don’t know,” Aizawa answers honestly. He runs a hand through his hair. “I’m going to go get Yamada Sensei. Can I trust you all?”
“Dad?” Hitoshi asks in alarm, standing up. Aizawa shakes his head at him and exits the room. Hitoshi gulps and rushes over to Katsuki. “Are you okay?” He asks again.
“Go,” Katsuki says sharply. Hitoshi feels dizzy with worry as he walks back to his desk. He shoots a glare at Eijirou.
“This is your fault,” he snaps. Eijirou recoils.
“What?!” He asks. “No it’s not! He’s just upset because he got in trouble!”
“Clearly there’s more to your story than you’re letting on,” Hitoshi bites back.
“I’m telling the truth!” Eijirou insists. “You think I’d LIE to you guys like that? I care way too much about your family to mess it up for some stupid, petty reason. If you can really see me doing that, then WE’RE fighting too.”
“Oh, is that your solution to everything nowadays?” Hitoshi asks.
Katsuki trembles at his seat as the conversation fades in his mind and is replaced with his own hateful thoughts.
‘Look at what you’ve done,’ he thinks. “You’ve messed up the only people who care about you. You really ARE a screwup. They’re going to hate you even more now. You’ll have to leave UA. How could you ever face them again after this? You pathetic, good for nothing-‘
“Katsu-nii?” A small voice calls out.
Katsuki looks up to see Eri standing in front of his desk, holding onto a small stuffed rabbit.
“... What?” He asks, voice raw. He sniffles.
“Do you need a hug?” She asks, eyes wide and innocent.
Katsuki breaks right there, a loud sob escaping his mouth that silences everyone else. He claps a hand over his mouth and nods, squeezing his eyes shut.
Eri climbs onto the desk and wraps her little arms around his shoulders loosely. He cries into her hair and holds the back of her neck, trembling heavily and crying loudly.
“Are you hurt?” She asks. He nods. “Is there red?” He shakes his head. “Okay. You’ll feel better soon, then,” she says matter-of-factly. “Mr. Aizawa says boo-boos with no red feel better quicker.” Katsuki give a watery laugh.
“... M’sorry,” he mumbles, pulling away.
“It’s okay,” she says, despite not knowing what he’s apologizing for. He wipes his eyes.
“Katsuki?!” Yamada calls out, throwing the door open. He rushes to his desk. “What’s wrong?” He asks, taking his face in his hands. Aizawa comes up behind his husband and touches his shoulder delicately.
“Not like that,” he mumbles quietly. Katsuki sees that his eyes are rimmed red. Yamada lets go of his face, and he swallows.
“... Papa,” he says quietly. “M’small. M’sorry.”
“Baby, that’s okay,” Yamada says, eyes still wide with worry. He strokes Katsuki’s hair. “What upset everyone? Can you tell me?”
“U-Um....” he says, looking down at his lap. He shakes his head. Yamada nods.
“Okay, okay,” he says. “Shota, was he this upset when you left?” He asks.
“He was even worse before,” Aizawa grunts. “We’ll talk about it later. Not here.”
“Eri calmed him down,” Sero says. Yamada blinks at the small girl.
“Is that right? Did you help Katsu-nii calm down?” She nods, and he picks her up. “Good girl, Eri. That was very kind of you.”
‘See?’ Katsuki thinks. ‘Look at that.’
“Shut up-!” He grunts to himself, slamming his palm to the side of his temple. He hears Eijirou gasp with worry, and clenches his jaw at the sound. Yamada touches his wrist lightly.
“We don’t hurt ourselves when we’re upset,” he reminds him quietly. He hands Eri to Aizawa and crouches down to level with him. “Is your brain being mean to you today, sweetheart?”
“... Mhm,” Katsuki confirms.
“Okay. I know it’s hard not to listen to the things it says, but when you’re having a bad brain day, you need to tell me or Daddy, alright?” Katsuki nods slowly.
“... What about Bubba and Kiri?” He asks quietly. Yamada shakes his head.
“They’re not trained to deal with something like that, baby boy. Daddy and I are both trained counselors, we know how to handle mental health issues. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” Katsuki says softly. Yamada clicks his tongue and pulls Katsuki to his chest.
“You had us so worried,” he says tearfully, kissing the top of his head. Katsuki sniffs.
“M’sorry,” he says. “I-I’s just sad ‘cause everyone’s likin’ Eri more than me.”
Yamada pauses. He pulls away and searches Katsuki’s face for signs of sarcasm, but finds none. His brow furrows.
“Do you really think that?” He asks. Katsuki nods sheepishly. “Oh, honey, no. We all love you so, so much. Daddy and I love all our kiddos the same amount, do you understand?”
“Wait,” Eijirou says, walking over. “When did you slip, ‘Suki? Was it today?”
“No,” Katsuki says. “Yesterday.” Yamada and Eijirou share a worried look.
“Why didn’t you tell anyone sooner?” Yamada asks. Katsuki fidgets in his seat.
“Tried to,” he says. “No one wanted t’help.”
“Shoot!” Hitoshi hisses, smacking his forehead. Aizawa gives him an inquisitive look. “Yesterday, Katsuki came up to me and called me ‘Bubba.’ I was too busy patching up Eri’s skinned knee; I told him I would get back to him, but I never did.” Eijirou shakes his head.
“He came to me too,” he admits. “I thought he was maybe regressed, but his.. er, words threw me off so much that I barely noticed.”
“He came into our room as well,” Aizawa realizes, turning to Yamada. “We were looking at that email. We told him we would talk to him later, but he didn’t even show up for dinner last night...” he frowns deeply.
“Oh, baby,” Yamada says, rubbing Katsuki’s arm. “We put all those bad thoughts in your head, didn’t we? Poor boy. I’m sorry,” he says, pulling Katsuki in for another hug.
“You didn’t eat at breakfast this morning,” Mina points out. “When was the last time you ate?” Katsuki shrugs. Eijirou jumps into action.
“I’ve got Manna Biscuits in my backpack,” he says, grabbing them along with an apple juice. He opens them and places them on Katsuki’s desk. “They’re your favorite, right?”
“... Mhm,” Katsuki nods, taking a handful and shoving them into his mouth. He swallows. “Um... we’re still fightin’?” He asks, squirming in his seat shyly. Eijirou’s eyes fill with tears.
“No, no kiddo,” he says, squeezing his arms around his shoulders. “It was a misunderstanding, that’s all. I’m sorry.”
“S’okay,” Katsuki mumbles. He pulls away and sees Aizawa staring at him intently, gnawing his lip nervously. Katsuki stands up and shuffles over to him. “M’sorry, Daddy.”
“That’s alright, honey,” Aizawa says, carding a hand through Katsuki’s hair. “You just gave me a scare, is all. I’m so happy to know you’re okay.” Katsuki’s lip wobbles. “Are you still upset?” He asks. Katsuki shakes his head.
“M’just really sorry,” he says, rubbing his eyes.
“Oh, kiddo,” Aizawa coos. He sets Eri down, who happily goes back to coloring in her coloring book before picking Katsuki up. He grips his shirt and cries as Aizawa rubs his back. He grips his head.
“Ow!” He cries. Aizawa chuckles.
“You’re probably dehydrated,” he says. “Why don’t we go to your desk so you can eat the snacks that Kiri got you?” Katsuki nods.
He eats his biscuits and drinks his juice tearfully as his family fawns over him, peppering him with kisses and hugs and head pats. He still feels guilty for causing such a rift between them all, but he’s getting better.
Eri smiles at him from across the room.
He smiles back.
Notes:
This chapter was just ‘Crying: The Story’
Chapter 13: Playground (w/ Carer Bakusquad)
Summary:
Someone says some not-so-nice things about Katsuki at the playground.
Notes:
CW: light injury, unsanitary (he has an accident at one part), people being jerks aaaand angst :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“AHHHH HOLY CRAP!” Kaminari squeals as he soars through the air after jumping off of a swing. Mina cackles as he lands on the ground face-first with a loud ‘oof!’
“Dude, that was the worst flop I’ve ever seen!” She shrieks. Katsuki giggles from where he’s watching on Eijirou’s lap.
“You wanna join them?” He asks.
“No,” Katsuki says quietly. “S’too scary.”
“You don’t have to jump off,” he says. “You don’t even have to go on the swings. There’s plenty of other things to do.” Katsuki perks up.
“... Slides?” He asks hopefully. Eijirou laughs.
“Sure, we can go on the slides,” he says.
Katsuki races to the top and jumps up and down, pointing to the end of the tallest one.
“Catch me Kiri, catch me!” He shouts.
“I’ll catch you!” Eijirou confirms, crouching down at the end. Katsuki comes rushing down the slide head first, knocking the redhead down as he headbuts his chest.
“Oops,” he giggles. Eijirou tickles his sides.
“You brat! You did that on purpose!”
“Nooo!” Katsuki squeals, trying to squirm away from his incessant fingers.
“Careful, he might blast you on accident,” Sero says, hanging upside down on the monkey bars. Eijirou raises his brows.
“Will you blast me, kiddo?” He asks.
“Yep!” Katsuki confirms joyously.
“What?!” Eijirou gasps, picking him up. Katsuki shrieks with laughter as Eijirou sets him at the top of the slide and pushes him down at full speed. “Can’t blast me if you can’t catch me!” He says, running off.
Katsuki laughs as he searches for Eijirou, scanning the playground. He runs around the corner only to be grabbed by Jirou, who pins him to the wall for another round of tickling.
“Jirou-ou-ou!” He cackles, thrashing about.
“Sorry, bud,” she says, not sounding apologetic at all. “Kiri told me to distract you.”
When he breaks loose he dashes away as fast as he can, easily gaining on Eijirou. He tackles him and pins him to the ground, laughing and panting happily as the sunset glows around them. Eijirou groans and sits up, rubbing the back of his head in pain.
“I always forget how strong you are,” he mumbles. Katsuki laughs, eyes wild.
“M’strong!” He says, hopping out of his lap. He dashes over to Mina. “Mimi! Mimi Mimi!”
“What’s up, baby?” She asks, patting her knees. He happily hops on lap as she swings, lanky legs dangling comically off of her lap.
“M’stronger than Kiri!” He informs her.
“Whaaat?” She says. “No way. I don’t believe it.” Katsuki nods enthusiastically.
“I am, I am! Ask ‘im!”
“Kiri!” Mina calls out. “Bakugou says he’s stronger than you! Is that true!”
“Yep,” Eijirou wheezes, holding a thumb up.
“You really did a number on him,” she says, poking Katsuki’s stomach. He giggles.
“No more tummy tickles!” He pleads.
“Okay, okay,” she says, removing her hand. “We don’t want you throwing up, after all. If you throw up, then Kaminari will too.”
“What?” Katsuki marvels, eyes wide. “He just DOES it?” Mina nods.
“He just does it.”
“Wowwww,” Katsuki says, shaking his head in bewilderment. Kaminari frowns.
“Not funny,” he says to Mina. She grins at him.
“Okie,” Katsuki says, sliding off Mina’s lap. “I’m gettin’ my sippy now! Bye!”
“Goodbye!” Mina says, waving at him.
“Kiri, Kiri, Kiri!” Katsuki shouts, jumping into his arms. Eijirou yelps at the sudden contact.
“What’s up, little man?”
“I want my juice!” He declares. Eijirou raises an eyebrow at him expectantly.
“Is that how we ask for something?”
“PLEASE, I want my juice?” He tries.
“Close enough,” Eijirou says, grinning. “But you’re all hepped up on goofballs. I think we should go for water instead,” he says, setting Katsuki down on the bench next to his bag.
He pulls out a water bottle and fills Katsuki’s sippy cup full of it. The boy happily accepts it, working up quite the thirst running around the playground. He sips it down while happily kicking his feet out in the air. Eijirou smiles.
“You havin’ a good time?” He asks.
“Mhm,” he hums. “Really like the park.”
“I can see that,” he chuckles. “Maybe we’ll come here more often. Does that sound fun?”
“Yeah!” Katsuki shouts, raising one hand in the air. He makes a swooshing motion with his arm. “Next time, I-I’ll fly like Mimi and Kami!”
“Ugh,” a woman sitting on the bench next to them groans. Eijirou looks up.
“Is there a problem, miss?” He asks. “We’re all UA students, we’re training to help citizens.”
“Yeah?” She asks in a cranky tone, bouncing a fussing baby in her lap. “What about when the UA students are the problem?”
“Oof...” Eijirou mutters under his breath. “Was it Denki? Skinny, blonde hair, lightning bolt? He tends to get in a lot of trouble. We don’t-“
“It’s him,” she grumbles, nodding to Katsuki. “He’s making me uncomfortable. This whole ‘thing’ where he acts like a child is disturbing.” Katsuki deflates a little bit. “Did you hear me, young man? You’re being inappropriate.”
“With all due respect,” Eijirou says, placing hand on Katsuki’s shoulder. “He’s not doing any harm. It’s a form of therapy.”
“With all due respect,” she bites back. “It’s gross. You and your friends should be more respectful to the public. Keep this behind closed doors, got it?” She snaps, standing up and walking away. Eijirou frowns deeply.
“Well she’s very pleasant,” he mumbles. He turns to Katsuki, who’s fiddling with his sippy cup shyly. “You okay?” He asks. Katsuki nods slowly, sniffing a little bit. “You sure?”
“... Yeah,” he says softly. “C-Can we go back now?” He asks timidly. Eijirou frowns.
“You know what she said wasn’t true, right? You’re not gross. You’re just a kid.” Katsuki shrugs, and Eijirou sighs. “Okay. We can go home. I’ll go tell everyone-“
“N-No,” Katsuki says sharply.
He stands up and hands the sippy cup back to Eijirou before shuffling off to Jirou and telling her something that makes her draw up a brow in confusion. Eijirou shrugs at her in response.
As they walk back, Katsuki makes sure to distance himself from Eijirou, clinging to Jirou instead. This isn’t UNCOMMON, per se, Katsuki had taken a liking to Jirou the first day of class, and of course their friendship would bleed into his regression as well. But the way he’s holding her hand isn’t the same way he normally does. Anyone who looked at them would probably assume they were dating.
“Hey kiddo, you want your binky?” Eijirou asks when he sees Katsuki running his thumb along his lips. The blonde rips his thumb away with a start before shaking his head.
“What’s up with him?” Kaminari asks.
“This lady said some.... not-so-nice things about ‘Suki back at the park. She called him ‘gross’ for regressing in public.” He sighs heavily. “I hope he’s okay...”
“It’s not like him to act like this,” Mina says. “Normally when he’s upset and regressed at the same time, he gets MORE clingy. Not less.”
“Yeah, well,” Eijirou shrugs. “Not much we can do about it, I guess. We’ll just tread carefully until he’s back to normal, okay?”
- - -
“Sero!” Katsuki exclaims, running up to him excitedly. “Up, up!”
“Did Kiri say it was okay?” He asks, glancing back to Eijirou. The redhead nods, and Sero grins at Katsuki. “Alright. Here we go!”
He picks Katsuki up by the waist and starts shooting tape at the ceiling, jumping from piece to piece and swinging. Katsuki shrieks with laughter, screaming happily when they jump down and onto the couch.
“Again, again!” He says, clapping.
“Bud, you’re gonna wear me out,” Sero pants. “Why don’t we go down to the park so I can swing you?” Katsuki’s face falls.
“Um.. no thank you,” he says, rolling off the couch. He toddles over to Eijirou. “S’it naptime?” He asks, mouth curved downward.
“Not for another two hours,” Eijirou frowns. “What’s wrong? You don’t want to play with Sero anymore?” Katsuki shrugs. “Why?”
“M’jus’ sleepy,” he says, rubbing his eyes for emphasis. Eijirou sighs and takes him into his arms. Katsuki hums contentedly.
“How about we watch a movie instead?” He suggests. “By the time it’s done it’ll be lunchtime, and then you can take a nap.”
“Okay,” Katsuki says, leaning into his chest. He pops his thumb into his mouth before looking up at Eijirou and removing it. “Binky?”
“Sure,” Eijirou says softly. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Katsuki nuzzles closer to him.
“Jus’ wanna stay here,” he whispers.
- - -
“Hey, Bakugou!” Kaminari shouts. “We’re going to the park! Wanna come with?”
“Why, so I can watch you dumbasses break your noses again?” He snarks.
“I mean, if it gets you out of the school, sure I’ll break my nose,” Kaminari says. Katsuki frowns deeply. “C’mon, dude, don’t deny it. It’s been, what, three weeks since you were last off campus? You even had Kirishima buy you ramen on Monday.” Katsuki crosses his arms.
“You tryna say I’m some shut-in?” He asks, raising an eyebrow. Kaminari rolls his eyes.
“No, but I’d appreciate it if you stopped acting like one.” He grabs Katsuki arm. “Come on, it’ll be, like, two hours. You could use the fresh air.” Katsuki pushes him off.
“Fuck, fine!” He huffs, shoving his hands deep into his pockets. “Is Kiri coming, or-“
“Of course I am!” Eijirou says, sneaking up from behind and throwing an arm around him.
“Great,” Katsuki mutters, shrugging him off.
When they get to the park, Katsuki plants himself down on a bench with no intentions of moving until it’s time to go. He bounces a leg anxiously and glares at the colorful playground equipment that his friends hang off of. Jirou sits down next to him.
“You good?” She asks.
“None of your business,” he snaps.
“Are you sli-“
“GOD, why won’t you leave me alone?!” He roars, standing up. Jirou looks taken aback. “I just fucking-! You know I wouldn’t-! Why would- ARGH!” He storms off towards the duck pond, muttering under his breath.
“... Someone’s happy to be here,” she says bitterly, pulling out her phone. Eijirou frowns.
“You know he didn’t mean it,” he says. “I think he’s probably just nervous to regress because of the incident last time is all.”
“That doesn’t give him the right to be such a jerk,” she points out. He sighs.
“I know. I’ll go talk to him.”
When he finds Katsuki, the blonde is sitting with his knees to his chest, picking at the grass around him. Eijirou crouches down.
“Hey, bud,” he says softly. “Wanna explain why you blew up on Jirou like that?”
“No,” Katsuki says.
“Okay...” he runs a hand through his hair. “You’re going to apologize to her when you cool down, right?” He glares up at him.
“Stop talkin’ to me like ‘m five,” he grumbles. “Makin’ it harder.” Eijirou cocks his head.
“Making what harder?” He asks.
“... Don’t wanna slip,” Katsuki says quietly.
“Oh, kiddo, I don’t think that’s-“
“Bakugou,” he says sharply. “Call me Bakugou. Please.” Eijirou gulps.
“Bakugou. It’s not healthy to suppress things like that. Are you upset about what that woman said a few weeks ago?” He asks, reaching for Katsuki’s hand and rubbing it soothingly. He rips it away violently.
“Stop it!” He shouts. “We’re in public, Kiri!”
“Honey, I-“
“Bakugou,” Katsuki stresses, standing up. Eijirou can see tears of frustration gathering in his eyes. “Ba-ku-gou! S’not hard to remember!” He storms away from him.
Eijirou sighs and rubs his temples. Clearly, just being at the park was enough to make Katsuki slip, at least a little bit, but he didn’t want to. What was he supposed to do here?
“Hey, baby!” He hears Mina shout, and he tenses. “You wanna swing with me again?”
“Don’t call me ‘dat,’” Katsuki grumps, walking past her. Mina’s face falls. She looks to Sero.
“Uh... hey, Bakugou, you wanna go ‘up?’” He asks, swinging from the monkey bars again.
“I wanna go home,” Katsuki answers quietly, tears bubbling in his eyes. He wipes them away desperately, smearing his leaky nose onto his sleeve along with them. Jirou springs into action, taking him and walking to the quiet playhouse under the slides.
“Why are you so upset, honey?” She asks. Katsuki shakes his head, squeezing his eyes shut. “Can you tell me so I can help?”
“I-I don’t wanna be small,” he whispers to her.
“It’s okay to be small,” she tells him, wiping away his tears. “There’s nothing wrong with it.” Katsuki starts to cry a bit harder.
“Y-Yes it is,” he insists. “I-I don’ wanna be here, please! Please take me home now!”
“Katsuki-“ she starts to say as Eijirou joins them. He rubs Katsuki’s shoulder.
“Kiri!” Katsuki whispers desperately. “I-I wanna go home now! Please let’s go!”
“Kiddo, I want you to remember what it was like playing with your friends here before that lady said those mean lies,” Eijirou requests. Katsuki nods at him, eyes fearful. “You remember? It was fun, wasn’t it?”
“Mhm,” he whimpers, lip wobbling. “Please let’s go, please. S-Someone might see.”
“... Honey,” Eijirou sighs. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. You’re not hurting anyone with this.”
Katsuki shrugs, not looking convinced at all. He grips the front of his shirt and squirms.
“I-I’m sorry fo’ yellin’,” he says to Jirou.
“That’s okay, bud.” He nods at her.
“S-So can we go now?” She bites her lip.
“... This isn’t a punishment, honey. We’re just trying to help you remember how fun this can be. Alright?” Katsuki sniffles.
“Okay,” he says weakly, wiping his nose on his sleeve again. She smiles brightly at him.
“Okay? Good,” she praises, petting his head. “Why don’t you go play with Mimi and Kami? I’m sure they’d be really happy to see you.”
Katsuki nods and timidly walks away, still gripping the front of his shirt. Eijirou sighs.
“You. You are a life saver, Jirou,” he says.
“It’s what I do,” she says, smiling easily.
“I’m starting to think he likes you more than me.” She laughs and pats his back.
“Nah. He may be distancing himself from you in public because of this whole ordeal, but he’s never going to favor anyone over you. You’re his Kiri, man. Nothing can replace that.”
“... You’re so manly,” Eijirou says in awe.
“Pft,” Jirou snorts. “Whatever.”
The next hour passes by with no real problems. Katsuki sits shyly in Mina’s lap, squirming around and mumbling answers to the questions she asks him. He keeps giving nervous looks to any strangers that happen to pass by, but the group specifically goes to this park because barely anyone is ever there. Those who do notice Katsuki’s uncommon behavior either don’t care or don’t say anything. Everyone is grateful for both.
Suddenly, Mina races up to Eijirou, face worried. He looks around for Katsuki behind her, but can’t see him. His heart sinks.
“What happened?” He asks, tone panicked.
“I don’t know,” she admits. “This group of women were walking by, and he just kinda... darted. I already looked under the slides, he’s not there.” She bites her lip. “You don’t think someone... took him again, do you?”
“No,” Eijirou says, shaking his head. “I know where he is.” She sighs with relief.
“Oh, thank God. I’m so sorry I didn’t watch-“
“It’s not your fault,” Eijirou assures her. “He’s having a rough day today. It’s fine.”
After hugging a tearful Mina for reassurance, he makes his way to the duck pond. Sure enough, he sees Katsuki there, on the farthest side and hiding behind a tree. His face is red and covered in snot and tears, his knees are skinned, and his shorts are wet.
“Oh, honey,” Eijirou coos, clicking his tongue.
“I-I’m sorry!” Katsuki wails. “M’sorry, Kiri!”
“What are you sorry about, hon?” He asks, pulling Katsuki to his chest. The taller boy sobs into his shirt, shaking violently.
“I-I’m gross!” He cries. “A-An’ weird!”
“No, ‘Suki, we’ve been over this,” Eijirou says, stroking his hair. “This is a good thing, remember? It helps you?”
Katsuki just cries harder. Eijirou clicks his tongue and pulls him into his lap, rocking him back and forth until he calms down.
“Feel better?” He asks when he stops crying. Katsuki nods. Eijirou smiles and rubs his cheek, wiping away the tears. He brings the collar of Katsuki’s shirt to his face and wipes his nose for good measure. “You wanna tell me what happened to your knees, honey?”
“I-I saw the m-mean lady,” he hiccups. “A-And so I runned away, b-but I fell an’ had a accident...” Eijirou frowns deeply.
“Oh, poor kiddo,” he muses, hugging Katsuki close to him again. He pats his back. “You wanna go back to the school now?”
“Y-Yes please,” Katsuki gasps, rubbing his eyes with his fists.
Eijirou picks him up and carries him back to the playground, whispering kind words to Katsuki the entire way there. Mina jumps up when she sees them, rushing over.
“Hey, baby,” she coos, petting Katsuki’s head. “Are you okay? Where’d you go?”
“Mm,” Katsuki pouts, hiding his face in Eijirou’s neck. Eijirou sighs and pats his lower back.
“He saw that woman, so he ran away to the duck pond. He managed to skin both his knees and have an accident in the process,” he explains quietly. “We’re going to get back to UA now. You guys are free to stay, but he really needs to not be here.”
“We’ll come,” Mina confirms. She presses a kiss to Katsuki’s shoulder. “Poor baby.”
“I know,” Eijirou agrees. “I think this is gonna be our last trip to the park for a long time.”
- - -
The first time they ask, Aizawa says no.
The second time, he asks why they’re asking, and then he says no again, telling them they need to find a more constructive use of their time anyways.
The third time, he just sighs.
The fourth time, he tells them not to ask again, that it would be a poor use of school property.
The fifth time, he says yes.
“What?” Kaminari asks. “Really?”
“Don’t make me repeat myself,” Aizawa says. “Now, there are rules. You have to build everything yourselves, and you can only use it if you have a supervisor. ESPECIALLY if Bakugou is with you. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir!” They all say.
After that, it takes a couple months.
It’s nothing special. The only actual pieces of equipment are a see-saw, a sandbox, and a jungle gym. The rest of the attractions are quirk-use only; Mina creates a slip-n-slide with her goo, Sero puts together the ultimate swing, and Jirou makes a music-powered merry-go-round. (Eijirou and Kaminari both decide that their quirks would be unsafe to use in this kind of environment.)
It’s nothing special.
Except it is.
- - -
“Hey, buddy,” Eijirou says, greeting Katsuki with a smile as he wakes up. “How was your nap? Did you sleep well?”
“Shlep’ good,” he mumbles around his pacifier, rubbing his eyes groggily.
“That’s great!” Eijirou says, picking him up. “Guess what? We’ve got a surprise for you.”
“Canny?” Katsuki asks, eyes wide.
“Better than candy,” Eijirou laughs. “Why don’t we get you changed into some play clothes and I can show you? That sound good?”
“Yeah!” Katsuki exclaims, grinning.
The whole time it takes to get from the dorms to the spot, Katsuki grills Eijirou for answers.
“S’it big?”
“It’s pretty big.”
“S’it a dino?”
“Nope. Remember, it’s not alive.”
“S’it a blue whale?” He asks. “They’re the biggest! They’re bigger than a house!”
“Oh yeah?” Eijirou chuckles.
“Mhm!” Katsuki chirps. “Kiri?”
“What’s up?”
“Is it a LION?”
You get the gist.
When they get to the secret playground, Katsuki is speechless. He clings onto Eijirou’s arm as tight as he can as the group presents their project to him.
“If I do this,” Jirou says, plugging her jacks into the merry-go-round. “It spins! See?”
“This goo is skin-friendly!” Mina explains, dousing the plastic sheet in it. “Try it out!”
“We’re gonna be swinging from there,” Sero points to one building. “To there. Mega Swing.”
“So...” Kaminari says. “Do you like it?”
They all look at Katsuki with expectant smiles, and he bursts into tears. Commotion arises.
“Oh no!” Mina gasps.
“Did we push too far?” Kaminari asks.
“Do you think this is a new trigger for him?” Jirou suggests worriedly.
Katsuki shakes his head, rubbing his eyes.
“Th-Thank you guys!” He cries. “Thank you for my surprise!” Everyone relaxes immediately.
“Well, that’s touching,” Aizawa says, smiling. He ruffles Katsuki’s hair. “What do you say, kiddo? You wanna try it out?”
“Mm!” Katsuki nods, wiping away his tears. “Mimi! I wanna slide!”
As Eijirou watches him play, a heavy weight is lifted from his shoulders. Katsuki may not be ready to go back outside yet, but this is a start. This is a very good start.
Notes:
It’s embarrassing how much research I had to do for this xD I completely forgot what playgrounds have
Chapter 14: Sick Baby (w/ Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Katsuki slips very young when he gets sick.
Notes:
Okay I wasn’t really sure how to write this without making things too uncomfortable >~< Researching babyspace gave me some pretty nasty results so I just based it off of real babies since that’s pretty much what Katsuki is?? Idk
BIG CW FOR UNSANITARY STUFF!!! Lots of throwing up and some wetting scenes. If that makes you uncomfy I highly suggest skipping this chapter :’(
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Katsuki feels sick.
He’s felt sick since last night, but he brushed his nausea off as anxiety at the time. But he feels even worse today, so clearly that was a misconception on his part.
“You don’t look so good,” Eijirou says. “Are you feeling alright?” Katsuki winces.
“I feel like shit,” he says honestly. “M’stomach hurts.” Eijirou frowns at him.
“What kinda hurt? Like you ate something bad?” Katsuki shakes his head, swallowing down the saliva pooling in his mouth.
“Like’m gonna...” he pales, unable to say the word out loud. “O-Oh, shit.”
He leans against the wall and slides down, eyes wide and hands shaky. He covers his mouth with his hand and squeezes his eyes shut. Eijirou crouches down next to him.
“Are you gonna be sick?” He asks lightly. Katsuki whimpers and nods. “Okay. Can you make it to the bathroom, you think?”
“Um..” Katsuki says, voice wavering. He takes a deep breath in and steels himself, standing up. His head reels, and he immediately crashes back down, nearly giving himself whiplash in the process. “F-Fuck!”
“I’m gonna take that as a-“ he doesn’t get to finish his snarky comment before Katsuki is pitching forward, vomiting on his own lap. “.... no,” he finishes with a whisper.
“Ugh,” Katsuki whimpers, gagging again and expelling more vomit.
He manages to aim for the floor this time, although he can’t say it was intentional. His brain is in panic mode, and the only reason he’s not bawling his eyes out right now is because his throat is filling with more bile.
“There you go,” Eijirou coos, rubbing his back. “Just get it all out, hm?” Katsuki hiccups before throwing up again, eyes rolling back into his head. “W-Woah, okay,” Eijirou says, lifting his chin. “Don’t pass out on me.”
“H-Hurts,” Katsuki whimpers, eyes spilling over with tears. He starts to sob, gagging on his own cries as he pukes one last time before completely breaking down, wailing in the very-much-not empty halls of UA.
“Oh, honey,” Eijirou coos. He helps Katsuki stand, the taller boy wincing as the contents of his stomach slide off his lap. “You okay?”
“Nuh uh!” Katsuki whines, turning to bury his face in Eijirou’s shoulder. He sobs heavily as Eijirou sighs and rubs circles into his back.
“What... happened?” Aizawa asks, walking up to them and curling his lip at the mess.
“Katsuki’s really sick, I guess. I think he slipped, too.” Aizawa frowns deeply.
“Take him to Recovery Girl and get him some medicine, it’s a side effect of one of Mei’s inventions. Some sort of powder, I guess. Not contagious, but everyone who’s come into contact with it has been violently ill afterwards. I’ll excuse you both from classes for the day, he’ll need to be supervised if he slipped.” Eijirou nods, absorbing all the information that was thrown at him with ease.
“Thank you, sir,” he says, lifting Katsuki up by his legs. He ignores the wet feeling of his vomit pressing against his shirt for now.
Katsuki falls asleep by the time they get to Recovery Girl’s office, the strain on his body exhausting him entirely. She barely gives them a second glance before shoving a bottle of antacids at Eijirou and wishing him luck.
When they get back to the dorm, Katsuki starts to fuss, and Eijirou quickly gets them both changed into clean clothes. He grabs a bottle of water and two of the pills, instructing Katsuki to take them. When he does so, Katsuki just whines and turns his head away, refusing his medicine.
“C’mon bud, it’ll make your tummy stop hurting,” Eijirou tries to reason with him, but Katsuki starts to cry, and that’s the end of that. Eijirou sighs with defeat and takes Katsuki’s into his arms, shushing him as he cards his hands through his hair.
“K-Kir-!” Katsuki hiccups. Eijirou frowns.
“You having trouble talking?” He asks worriedly. Katsuki doesn’t respond, just keeps crying. Eijirou stares at him. “... Katsuki. I need you to tell me what’s going on. Can you do that for me?”
Katsuki nods, sobbing.
“Do you know how old you feel right now, bub?” He shakes his head no.
“Do you remember my name?” Yes.
“Do you remember where you are?” A tentative yes, almost as if he’s not sure.
“Do you want your binky?” He asks, forming a plan. Katsuki nods, rubbing his eyes with the back of his palms. “Ohh, but only boys who take their medicine can have binkies, bub.”
“Binky!” Katsuki wails, slumping against the wall. Eijirou raises his brows at him.
“Will you take your medicine if I give you your binky?” He asks. Katsuki doesn’t respond, but he figures it’s worth a shot anyways. He puts two pills in the palm of his hand and opens the water bottle, moving towards Katsuki. “Say ‘ahh,’” he says, opening his mouth wide.
“Ah-haa!” Katsuki cries, mimicking Eijirou. The redhead pops the pills onto his tongue and brings the water bottle to his lips, which Katsuki chokes down eagerly. He stops drinking with a gasp, rubbing his eyes again and fussing weakly. “... Binky?”
“Yes, of course!” Eijirou says, immediately getting off the bed to retrieve Katsuki’s regression gear. He returns with a pacifier and the softest stuffed animal he owns, figuring he could use the extra comfort.
Katsuki sobs brokenly when he sees the items, hurriedly popping the pacifier into his mouth and clutching the stuffed owl to his chest. He crawls over to Eijirou, eyes heavy-lidded.
“What’s up, honey?” He asks. Katsuki collapses onto his chest, sucking on his pacifier contentedly. He takes one of Eijirou’s hands in his and toys with his fingers.
“Now that you’re calmed down, can you tell me how old you are, buddy?” Katsuki shrugs.
“Okay. How about this? Are you.. three?” No.
“Two?” A tentative no.
“... One?” Eijirou asks in disbelief. Katsuki’s never slipped that far before. To his surprise, though, the blonde nods timidly. “Oh, wow.”
Katsuki nuzzles his face into Eijirou’s face then, his eyes falling shut completely. Eijirou sighs and pets his head, opting to browse the internet until he wakes up again.
He gets out of bed at around 10:15. He’s starting to get hungry, the events of this morning having prevented him from eating breakfast, and he should probably get their dirty clothes into the wash. He takes the puke-stained uniforms and walks them down to the laundry room, thoroughly washing his hands and arms before grabbing himself a bowl of cereal. He figures he should get something for Katsuki as well, and pours him a small cup of applesauce, making sure to grab one of the plastic baby spoons they have floating around in the kitchen for Eri.
When he finally gets back to the room, half an hour has passed, and Katsuki is awake. Awake and VERY upset. He cries and screams so hard his face is red. Eijirou hears him the second he gets to their floor, flying into the room as he fears something terrible has happened to Katsuki.
When he enters the room, Katsuki quiets down a bit, looking up at him with a watery sob. Eijirou clicks his tongue and sits next to him on the bed, petting his head. Katsuki whimpers and crawls into Eijirou’s lap, clinging to his arms. Eijirou cringes when he feels wetness seep from Katsuki’s clothes into his lap.
“I should have anticipated this..” he mumbles to himself. “Hey, sweetheart. Why don’t we get you out of those yucky clothes, hm? We can go sit in my room until I can wash your bedclothes. Does that sound good?” Katsuki sniffs and nods wordlessly.
Eijirou wipes him down with a damp facecloth and helps him into one of the pull-ups Katsuki sometimes wears to bed when he’s regressed. It’s not ideal, but it’ll have to do for now. After that, he strips the bed and piles the wet sheets and blankets with Katsuki’s soiled clothes on the floor. The blonde just sits and watches him work, content to rub his hands along the carpet until they move rooms.
Eijirou makes sure to gather all the extra supplies he may need in his schoolbag before hoisting Katsuki up on his hip and bringing him into his room. He sets him down on the bed and pushes his hair back.
“I’m gonna go grab our breakfast, okay?” He asks. “I need you to stay here for now.”
He hurriedly grabs his now soggy cereal along with Katsuki’s applesauce and rushes back to him room, finding the boy in the same place he left him. He sighs with relief.
“Gooood boy,” he says, petting Katsuki’s hair. “Good baby. Are you hungry?” He asks, holding up the applesauce. Katsuki nods. “Okay, here you go,” Eijirou says, setting the cup down in his lap.
Katsuki blinks down at the applesauce and then up at Eijirou, who’s shoveling his cereal into his mouth at record speeds. He sits there until Eijirou is finished, watching him and nursing intently on his pacifier.
“... You’re not going to eat?” Eijirou asks when he realizes Katsuki hasn’t touched his food yet. Katsuki spits his pacifier out, and realization dawns on him. “Oh. You need me to feed you, don’t you? Duh, Eijirou. Okay.”
He raises the plastic spoon to Katsuki’s lips, and the blonde leans forward to wrap his lips around it. He bites down, and for a moment Eijirou fears he’s going to have to wrestle him for the spoon, but he releases soon after. The second time he brings the spoon up, Katsuki shakes his head. Eijirou frowns.
“What’s wrong? I thought you loved applesauce.” Katsuki taps his fist to his lips.
“Baba?” He requests hopefully. Eijirou tilts his head in confusion, brows knit.
“I can’t understand you, baby,” he sighs.
“... Baba!” Katsuki fusses impatiently, tapping his fist to his lips again. Eijirou frowns.
“Baba, baba... ball?” He offers. Katsuki shakes his head and whines. “Um... oh! Bottle?”
“Baba!” Katsuki confirms, smiling a little bit. Eijirou’s heart sinks a little bit.
“Oh, baby, you don’t have a bottle,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck. Katsuki’s lip wobbles, his eyes filling with tears.
“N-No baba?” He asks. Eijirou bites his lip.
“Uhh... I’m sure we can find something. Just give me a second,” he says, pulling out his phone. Katsuki whines. “... Okay, you know what? We’ve got your sippy cups downstairs, why don’t we see how that works out for you?”
Katsuki fusses briefly, but seems to register the words enough to crawl into Eijirou’s side, latching on so he can be carried. The redhead happily picks him up, relieved that he was able to qualm his anxieties, if only for now.
“How’s this, ‘Suki?” He asks, taking one of his sippy cups out of the cabinet. Katsuki furrows his brow and reaches for it. “Okay! Okay. Good. Nice.” He sighs with relief. “You want milk or juice?” He asks. Katsuki bounces.
“Baba!” He says again. Eijirou huffs.
“Man, babies are hard to understand,” he mumbles, deciding on milk.
He caps the sippy cup and lead them back up to his room. He sets Katsuki down on bed and hands him the sippy cup, which he promptly turns up too quickly and spills all over his lap.
“Oh, shoot,” Eijirou hisses, taking the cup from him before the damage reaches his bed. Katsuki starts to cry, uncomfortable. “I know, bud, I’ll take care of it.”
He strips Katsuki down to his pull up and helps him into one of his own night shirts, the fabric hanging off of his shoulders loosely. Eijirou’s a wider guy, his clothes are bound to be a little baggy on Katsuki.
After he gets him dressed, he cradles Katsuki’s upper body in his arms and helps him drink from the sippy cup. He sputters on it a few times and some of it spills on his face, but they eventually get the hang of it. After a while, Katsuki stops nursing, and Eijirou takes the sippy cup away, placing it on his end table.
“So,” Eijirou says, exhaling. “What now?”
“Katsuki crawls into his lap fully and leans his head against his neck, playing with one of his hands again. Eijirou can’t help but smile.
‘He’s actually really cute like this,’ he thinks.
He gives Katsuki his pacifier and pulls up some kids show on his laptop. It consists mostly of colors and shapes and numbers, so there’s not much substance, but it’s pretty relaxing to watch. Katsuki seems to enjoy it, at least.
The next few hours are almost easy. He has to change Katsuki’s pull up once, and an ad for a horror movie spooks him into crying, but besides that there’s virtually no trouble. He even gets the boy to eat some applesauce during lunch! He considers it a small victory.
But then evening settles in.
No one bothers them when they get back from school; Kaminari texts him asking if he’s up for a round of Mario Kart, but he politely turns him down. The problem arises when Katsuki awakens from his second nap, wailing.
“Hey buddy,” Eijirou coos, petting his head. “What’s up? How are you feeling?”
“T-Tummy!” Katsuki exclaims. “Kiri, help!”
“Okay, okay!” Eijirou exclaims, picking him up and racing down the the bathrooms at the end of the hall. He manages to place Katsuki in front of the toilet just in time for him to throw up his applesauce and milk.
“Yuck!” Katsuki wails, holding his abdomen. Eijirou brushes his hair out of his face and rubs circles into his back, cooing sympathetically.
“I know, bud,” he sighs. “Is it all out?”
“No!” Katsuki cries, panicked. “K-Kiri, it-“
He doesn’t manage to finish his sentence before he pitches his head into the toilet bowl and vomits up the rest, sobbing weakly when he finishes. He collapses backward into Eijirou’s chest, rubbing his eyes.
“All done?” Eijirou asks. Katsuki nods. “Okay, good. You’re feeling a little older now, huh?”
“Mhm,” Katsuki whimpers brokenly.
“Why don’t we get you in a tub?” He suggests.
“Mm...” Katsuki shrugs, sniffing. “... Kiri?”
“What’s up?”
“I-I’m sorry I got really small,” he mumbles.
“Oh, ‘Suki,” Eijirou sighs, carding his hand through his hair. “I don’t mind. You know that.”
“I know,” Katsuki whispers. “But...”
“But what, honey?” Katsuki frowns and turns his face into Eijirou’s chest. “Ohh. Are you embarrassed?” He nods hesitantly, and Eijirou chuckles. “It’s alright, kiddo. We’ll just make sure to buy a bottle and some diapers in case you ever slip that young again, okay?”
“Kiri,” Katsuki whines. “Stop it.”
“Alright, alright,” Eijirou laughs. “Now, how about that bath? You smell like throw up.”
“Yeah,” Katsuki agrees. “Yuck.”
Notes:
Sorry this took so long!! I kept getting distracted lolz
Chapter 15: Pillow Forts (w/ Auntie Midnight)
Summary:
Katsuki gets babysat by an unpredictable character!
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hello, beautiful son who loves his fathers very much,” Yamada sing-songs, hanging off of Hitoshi’s doorway. The teenager rolls his eyes.
“What do you want?” He asks.
“What?” Yamada gasps. “I can’t just remind my amazing, smart, GENEROUS baby boy how much I adore him?” Hitoshi smiles.
“Alright, I’ll bite,” he says. “What’s up, Papa?”
“Sooooo,” Yamada drawls. “Dad and I are going on a date tonight.” Hitoshi nods.
“I’m aware.”
“It’s the first date night we’ve had in months.”
“Uh huh.”
“... Katsuki’s regressed right now.”
“Oh,” Hitoshi breathes. “Papa, I wish I could, but I have training tonight. I can’t skip, it takes forever to get a slot in one of All Might’s extra classes.” Yamada hangs his head and groans.
“What time does class get out?” He asks.
“Long after Katsuki’s bedtime,” Hitoshi replies. “Why don’t you ask Kirishima? You know he loves watching Katsuki.” Yamada sighs.
“Already tried. Fatgum called him in for a celebratory dinner with Amajiki.”
“I’m a bit offended that you didn’t ask me first,” Hitoshi admits. Yamada shrugs.
“Kirishima is much nicer to me than you are,” he says. Hitoshi giggles. “What am I supposed to do, Hitoshi? Who else is there?”
“Izuku?” He offers. Yamada shakes his head.
“He’s laid up in Recovery Girl’s office again. Besides, I’m not sure Dad would be too eager to leave them alone together, regardless if Katsuki is regressed or not. But..” he sighs. “Desperate times, you know?”
“I don’t think there’s anyone else,” Hitoshi says, frowning. “Sorry, Papa.”
“It’s alright,” Yamada says, walking over to kiss the top of Hitoshi’s head. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll find someone, okay?”
“Alright,” Hitoshi says. “Have fun on your date?” Yamada smiles.
“Oh, we will.”
- - -
“No,” Aizawa says sternly.
“But Sho, she’s our last option!”
“No!” Aizawa repeats. “I’m not letting that woman near our Katsuki when he’s regressed.”
“Who, Daddy?” Katsuki asks, eyes wide.
“Your Auntie Nemuri,” Yamada says, bending down. Aizawa pinches his arm. “Ow-!”
“Don’t call her that,” he scowls. Yamada frowns and places his hands on his hips.
“Well, let’s take a look at our other options. There’s Ectoplasm,” he says, holding up one finger. “But Katsuki is terrified of him in this headspace. There’s also Sekijiro, but he yells way too much for him not to have a panic attack. So that leaves...” he taps his chin. “Let’s see, there must be someone else. An old friend, maybe, someone we’d trust with our lives, a familiar face to Katsuki...”
“I don’t care about your reasoning,” Aizawa says, straightening his tie. “It’s not happening. Can’t we just drop him off at Chiyo’s?”
“Yeah, that’d get us on her good side,” Yamada mutters. “Come on, Shota. We’re out of options. Unless you want to reschedule...?”
“... No,” Aizawa finally sighs. “We’ve had these reservations for weeks. We can’t cancel.”
“There’s my guy,” Yamada says, wrapping his arms around Aizawa’s shoulders. “So, yes?”
“She carries a whip around school,” Aizawa grumbles. “She didn’t pay attention in any of her classes. She flirts with every person she comes across. She’s a bad influence.”
“But yes?”
“... Yes,” Aizawa hisses, glaring up at his husband. “But ONLY for tonight. Understand?”
“Of course!” Yamada chirps, pulling out his cell phone. “I’ll text her right away.”
“Hey, buddy,” Aizawa says, picking Katsuki up off of the floor and away from his blocks. “Your Auntie’s gonna watch you tonight, alright? If you start to feel uncomfortable at any time, I want you to call Papa and I. Our numbers are in your contacts, all you have to do is press the little green button. Okay?”
“Okay, Daddy,” Katsuki says, squirming off his lap. “Look! It’s a castle!” Aizawa sighs.
“I see that,” he says. “You heard me, right?”
“Mhm!” Katsuki confirms, nodding his head. “Call Daddy and Papa if I’m... um...” he purses his lips. “... unfomcom... mm... you know.”
“Un-com-for-table,” Aizawa sounds out for him. Katsuki nods in agreement.
“If I feel bad,” he decides upon.
“Good job,” Aizawa says, ruffling his hair.
- - -
“Watcha doin’?” Nemuri asks, smiling down amusedly at Katsuki, who’s playing with her hands intently. He blinks up at her.
“They’re red!” He says in amazement.
“Oh, my nails?” She holds up a manicured hand. “I just got them done last night. Pretty, right?” Katsuki nods in agreement.
“Pretty!”
“You want me to paint yours?” He squirms in her lap, scrunching his lips and shaking his head. “What? Why not?”
“I’m a boy!” Katsuki declares.
“Boys can paint their nails too,” she says. He shrugs a little bit. “You don’t believe me?”
“... I jus’ don’t wanna,” he mumbles.
“Alright,” Nemuri says, leaning back on the couch. “Hey, do you eat dinner with the rest of your class? We could get there a little early.”
“No,” Katsuki says. “S’too loud in there. Daddy keeps m’food in the fridge.”
“Oh yeah? What’s for dinner tonight?”
“Stir fry,” Katsuki says, wrinkling his nose.
“You don’t seem happy about that,” Nemuri says, laughing. Katsuki shrugs.
“S’gross. He always makes it with peas!”
“Ugh, that’s nasty,” Nemuri agrees with him. “I’ll tell you what. Do you like Mochi? Because I happen to have a whole bunch that I swiped from a staff meeting earlier today.”
“Mochi, mochi!” Katsuki cheers, clapping his hands together. “D’you know tha’s ‘Chako’s favorite food?” Nemuri chuckles at him.
“Really now?” Katsuki nods. “I didn’t think you were that close with Uraraka.”
“We fight a lot,” Katsuki shrugs. “She likes me more when I am REALLY small.”
“I’m sure that’s not true,” Nemuri says, frowning. “Your whole class absolutely adores you. We can all see it. You’re the heart of 1-A.”
“... Mm,” Katsuki shrugs. “Auntie?”
“Yes?”
“I’m hungry now,” Katsuki says, hopping off of her lap. He grabs her wrist and pulls her.
“You have a terrible attention span,” Nemuri chuckles, standing up.
- - -
“You fallin’ asleep?” Nemuri asks, nudging Katsuki’s cheek. He startles and gasps, his eyes fluttering back open.
“No,” he mumbles, nuzzling into her chest and popping a thumb into his mouth. She smiles.
“We don’t have to keep watching,” she says. “I can tuck you in in your dad’s room.”
“They gotta say goodnight first,” Katsuki insists. Nemuri sighs and pets his head.
“Honey, I don’t think they’re going to be back for another few hours. They’ll want you to be asleep by then. It’s already past your bedtime.” Katsuki whines around his thumb. “Get that out of your mouth,” she scolds gently, pulling at his hand. He whines again.
“Stop!” He fusses, pushing her hand away.
“Katsuki,” Nemuri says, furrowing her brow. “I can tell that you’re tired. Go get changed into your pajamas so I can tuck you in.”
“No!” He squirms out of her lap and moves to the opposite end of the couch, curling his knees to his chest and sticking his thumb in his mouth again. Nemuri sighs.
“Do I need to call your dad and tell him you’re misbehaving?” She asks. Katsuki looks down and shakes his head slowly. “Okay. You’re going to listen to me now, right?”
“... C’n I call Daddy an’ Papa?” He asks quietly. Concern blooms in Nemuri’s chest.
“Is something the matter?” She asks, moving closer to him. He shakes his head.
“I-I just ‘wanna say goo’nigh’,” he says softly.
“Ohhh. Of course you can call them, honey,” she says, pulling out her phone and dialing Aizawa’s number. He picks up immediately.
“What’s wrong!?”
“Why would you automatically assume something’s wrong?” Nemuri pouts. She hears Aizawa sigh with relief and irritation.
“Because I told you only to call if there was an emergency. I’m trying to have a date with my husband, Nemuri.” She smirks a bit.
“Uh huh. Well, sorry for interrupting, but your son wants to say goodnight?”
“He’s still awake?” Aizawa questions.
“What can I say? I’m a fun babysitter.”
“Just hand the phone to him,” Aizawa mutters. She can practically see him rubbing his temples as she obeys his command.
“Daddy,” Katsuki whines when he has the phone in his hand, clutching it at tears fill his eyes. Nemuri frowns at the sight.
“Hey there honey,” Aizawa says, voice much softer than before. “You’re tired, huh?”
“Mhm!” He whimpers.
“Have you been good for Auntie Midnight?”
“Yes!”
“That’s great!” Aizawa praises him. “Do you want to talk to Papa before I say goodnight?”
“Please!”
There’s a bit of clamoring in the background as Aizawa hands the phone to Yamada.
“Katsuki?” He asks when he gets it.
“Papa!” Katsuki sobs, the tears spilling over. “M-Miss you!” Yamada chuckles.
“Aw, baby,” he coos. “Daddy and I will be back soon, okay? But you gotta go to bed now, you’re too sleepy to be awake.”
“Okay!” Katsuki sobs, clutching the phone harder. Nemuri pulls him into her lap and starts rocking him for comfort.
“Poor baby,” Yamada says softly. “I love you, Katsuki. I’m gonna hand the phone back to Daddy now, alright?” Katsuki nods.
“L-Love you, Papa!”
“... Okay, buddy,” Aizawa says. “We’re gonna hang up now. I love you very much.”
“Love you,” Katsuki sobs. “G’night, Daddy!”
“Goodnight, sweetheart,” Aizawa hums. “Can you hand the phone back to Auntie Midnight?”
Katsuki shakily passes the phone to her and immediately buries his face in his hands, sniffing and shaking. She pets his hair.
“Should I be worried?” She asks Aizawa.
“He’s just slipping younger because he’s tired,” he explains to her. “It happens a lot. We keep pull-ups and his pacifiers in the bottom drawer of our bureau, you might wanna give them to him when he gets into his PJ’s.”
“Noted,” she says. “Sooo.... how’s the date?”
“I’ll see you in a few hours,” Aizawa snaps, ending the call. Nemuri cackles quietly.
“Aun’ie,” Katsuki whimpers, still crying a little. “M’sad.” Nemuri runs a hand through his hair.
“Why are you sad, buddy?”
“I-I miss Daddy an’ Papa,” he whispers, lip trembling. “An’ ‘m really tired.”
“Aw, honey,” Nemuri chuckles, lifting him up. “Let’s go get you into some PJ’s, hm?”
“Y-Yeah,” he nods, rubbing his eyes.
It takes him a little bit to get into his pajamas on his own, but Nemuri refuses to turn around or ask him to hurry up. She’s not going to cross any lines, knowing that Aizawa and Yamada are putting a lot of trust in her here.
“All done,” Katsuki says softly when he’s finished. Nemuri turns around.
“Okay,” she says, pulling the blanket down on the bed. “Jump on it.” Katsuki stares at the sheets warily. “What’s wrong?”
“... Scary,” he mumbles, wiggling awkwardly.
“Well, I guess you don’t have to sleep in here,” Nemuri says, smoothing the blanket back over. “Would you prefer your dorm?” Katsuki shakes his head. “The living room, then?”
“... Pillow fort?” He asks hopefully, blinking up at her with wide eyes. Nemuri laughs.
“No need for the puppy eyes, kid. Let’s go.”
- - -
“Well, that’s new,” Yamada says, grinning goofily. Aizawa smacks his chest.
“Stop smiling, we shouldn’t encourage this kind of behavior,” he hisses.
“Oh good,” Nemuri yawns. “You’re back. How was your date? Anything interesting happen?”
“It was great!” Yamada chirps.
“Why isn’t he in bed?” Aizawa demands at the same time. Nemuri stands up with a shrug.
“He wanted a pillow fort,” she says simply. “We made do with what he had.”
The “pillow fort” in question consisted of Katsuki laying on the sofa, two pillows on either side of his head and other hugged to his chest. A blanket is haphazardly thrown on top, although Katsuki’s face is sticking out so he can breathe. He’s asleep, brows drawn and mouth quietly sucking on his pacifier.
“Well, you did the job,” Aizawa says. “Let me just find my wallet, and I can get you your-“
“No need,” Nemuri stops him. “You can just owe me one, yeah?” Aizawa squints at her.
“... What are you planning?”
“Nothing of ill intent,” she assures him. “But since you’ve agreed, the art fair next week could use some chaperones...”
“Fine,” he sighs. “Thank you, Nemuri.”
“Of course!” She chirps, walking away.
“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Yamada says, picking Katsuki up. The boy clings to his shoulders and nuzzles his face into his neck.
“Papa...” he mumbles sleepily.
“Shh,” Yamada shushes him, petting the back of his head. Aizawa smiles at the sight.
“God, that’s cute,” he says. “Could you tuck him in while I go make sure our oldest is actually sleeping?” Yamada chuckles.
“You know he won’t be. Tell him I said goodnight?” Aizawa nods.
“Sure thing.”
Notes:
I’m kind of back...? Quiet whoo hoo!! I’m feelin kinda... bleh tho so sorry if I don’t respond to comments or if updates are slow :’(
Chapter 16: Morning After
Summary:
Talking things through with the Bakusquad. Kinda
Notes:
CW for panic attacks/flashbacks/implied child abuse and I think that’s it?? I didn’t beta read this one orz
Chapter Text
Katsuki wakes up to a very uncomfortable situation.
Dread fills his lower belly as he sits up, immediately spitting out his pacifier and throwing the stuffed animal he was snuggling to the ground. Someone stirs next to him, and he realizes with embarrassment that he’s in his brother’s room, not his own.
“Morning,” Hitoshi mumbles, his face still pressed into the pillow. Katsuki grunts.
“Yeah,” he says, rolling out of bed. He cringes when he notices that he’s not dressed in normal night clothes, but rather his dad’s shirt and cutesy All Might pajama pants. “You got any of my clothes in here, fuckin’ thief?”
“Woah,” Hitoshi groans, sitting up and running a hand through his hair. “What’s got you all riled up. Are you alright?” Katsuki huffs.
“I’m fine. I just don’t want to walk back to my room dressed like some little kid. Someone will notice and then...” his eyes go wide. “Fuck!”
“Oh good, you remember,” Hitoshi says, stifling a yawn. “I wasn’t really sure how to tell you. Dad said you had slipped pretty far when you came into my room last night, and sometimes you forget when you get like-“
“Of course I remember!” Katsuki hisses, ears flushing red. “It doesn’t give me AMNESIA, it’s just a fuckin’ headspace, dumbshit!”
“... You’re upset,” Hitoshi sighs, getting out of bed. “Talk to me?”
“What’s there to talk about?” Katsuki questions, crossing his arms over his chest defensively. “The whole class knows how fucked up I am. Nothing to talk about. Everything’s out in the open now, so why the fuck would it matter?”
“Katsuki-“
“And that fucking runt-!” Katsuki huffs when he feels himself getting choked up and blinks away the tears in his eyes. “Wh-Why would I even..? Who would do that?”
“Mineta was expelled, remember?” Hitoshi asks, putting a hand on Katsuki’s shoulder. The blonde rolls his eyes.
“Doesn’t matter. They all heard.”
“Katsuki, no one else thinks that about you,” he says. “They had such a good time playing with and taking care of you yesterday. You know that?” Katsuki shrugs. “Hey man, I get it. I’m sure it’s frustrating and probably even a little embarrassing, right? You’re allowed to feel that way, but it’s all in your head, I promise. Everyone here supports you.”
“... Fucker brought up my mom,” Katsuki says, wiping away tears that he desperately wishes weren’t falling. “I should’a kicked his ass.”
“No, you shouldn’t have,” Hitoshi says. “I’m not saying your anger is misdirected, but you can’t lash out like that. You know better.”
“Don’t patronize me you goddamn condescending little sh-“
Katsuki’s insult is cut off with a knock to the door. He sniffs and wipes his eyes before going to sit at the bed as Hitoshi opens it.
“It’s just me,” Aizawa says. “I heard Katsuki.”
“Come in,” Hitoshi says, stepping aside.
Aizawa is on his son in seconds, cupping his face and staring at him with concern.
“You’ve been crying,” he points out.
“Fuck off,” Katsuki grunts, shoving him away. “I’m fine. Just having a morning.”
“Okay,” Aizawa says softly. “Do you want to talk about it?” Katsuki moans dramatically.
“Ugh! Why does everyone think something’s wrong with me? I don’t want to talk!”
“Okay, okay, calm down,” Aizawa says firmly. “There’s no need to get angry with me.”
“I’m not angry with you!” Katsuki yells in frustration. “God, this sucks!”
“... Alright. I’m sorry for misunderstanding,” Aizawa says, wrapping him in a hug. Katsuki noticeably relaxes, letting his eyes fall shut as his dad rubs his back. “Why don’t you get ready for the day? You’ll feel better after.”
“Yeah,” Katsuki mumbles. “Okay.”
- - -
“... So,” Kaminari clears his throat. “How did everyone sleep last night?”
“Fine,” Sero says. “Kirishima?”
Eijirou doesn’t answer, too busy staring at Katsuki intently, a worried expression twisting his features. Kaminari blinks.
“Uh... Kiri?” He asks. No response.
“Oh for the love of- Kirishima! Your idiots are calling you!” Katsuki growls, stabbing his chopsticks into his food. Eijirou jumps.
“O-Oh! Sorry,” he rubs the back of his neck. “Just distracted I guess. What’s up?”
“Okay, this is so awkward,” Mina groans, throwing her head back. “Can we please talk about yesterday? I’m dying!”
“Mina!” Jirou hisses, nodding to Katsuki.
“What?! He needs to communicate with us at some point! We’re his friends, right?!”
“Can you PLEASE stop talking about me like I’m not right in front of you?!” Katsuki roars.
“‘Suki-“ Eijirou starts.
“Stop that!” Katsuki yells. “I’m the same asshole as always, quit treatin’ me different just because I...” Sero raises a brow.
“... Chill man,” he says. “We’ll drop it.”
“Speak for yourself!” Mina says. “I wanna get to know Bakubaby more!” Katsuki flushes.
“Fuck you!” He spits, standing up from the table and storming off. Eijirou winces.
“We... don’t really talk about his regression when he’s in his normal headspace. It tends to upset him more than anything else.” Mina pouts her lip. “Nuh uh. No guilt tripping.”
“I just wanted to know!” She says. “He was so cute yesterday, I thought I was gonna die!”
“You always think you’re gonna die,” Jirou scoffs, rolling her eyes. Mina grins.
“Come on, Jirou! I know you’re interested too!”
“I’m not going to invade my friend’s privacy,” she says pointedly. “It’s not heroic.”
“Yeah,” Sero agrees. “We should respect his boundaries. He’ll talk when he’s ready.”
“They’re right, Mina,” Kaminari says.
“Fine,” Mina pouts. “... I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize to me,” Eijirou says.
“Right, right,” Mina mumbles. “I’ll tell him in class later? Don’t make me chase him down.”
“No, I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
- - -
“Psst, Bakugou,” Mina whispers. Katsuki clenches his pencil but doesn’t respond. “... Bakugouuuuuuuuuu.....”
“Mmph,” he grunts quietly.
“Baku-“
“WHAT?!” He roars, slamming his pencil down on his desk and swivels in his seat to glare at Mina. Aizawa clears his throat loudly.
“Katsuki, keep the outbursts to a bare minimum,” he says. “Settle this outside of class, you two. Not appropriate.”
“I’m sorry,” Mina mouths to him.
“What?” He mouths back.
“I’M. SORRY.” She enunciates. He scowls, but shoots her a thumbs up to let her know it’s okay before turning back to his work.
During morning break he’s once again surrounded by his friends, only this time they’re walking on eggshells around him.
“Your hair looks so good today, Bakugou!”
“Hey, did you catch that show last night?”
“How are the internships going?”
“Okay, what’s going on?!” He demands. “This is the most normal conversation any of you have ever had! Where are all the meme references and jokes at my expense?!”
“You. Want us to make fun of you?” Kaminari questions, raising a brow in confusion.
“I want things to go back to normal!” Katsuki groans, rubbing his temples. “Are you gonna be like this all the time?! Did I make things weird between us?! I mean, shit, guys!”
“... Oh,” Eijirou breathes softly.
“We didn’t mean to upset you,” Sero says gently, placing a hand on his back. “Are you gonna be okay? You breathin’ alright?”
“Oh my fucking- yes, I’m FINE!” He stresses, throwing his hands in the air in defeat.
“Just making sure!” Sero says, retracting his hand. “But listen, if you ever want to talk-“
“Nooooo no no no,” Katsuki says, waving a finger at him before poking it into his chest. “I know what you’re pulling here, Tape Ass.”
“... Being a good friend?” He questions.
“You’re trying to therapize me. Learn my weaknesses. Well, jokes on you, buddy! I don’t have any! I may be a fuck up, but I’m not some sniveling loser!” Eijirou bites his lip worriedly.
“Hey man, maybe take a step back and-“
“And you!” Katsuki snaps, turning on his heel. “YOU were supposed to protect me! I told you, I fucking TOLD you I didn’t want them to know! But you were soooo happy to show off your little pet, weren’t you?” Eijirou frowns.
“That’s not very fair,” he mutters.
“It wasn’t fair of you to take advantage of me when I was like that! I expected as much from my dads and Hitoshi, but you?! Really?!”
“Stop lashing out,” Eijirou says firmly. “I get it. You’re embarrassed. We probably could have waited for you to get out of your headspace to explain everything, but it was better for us to dissolve the situation as quickly as possible. Be rational, ‘Suki. We’re not out to get you.”
“... I’m going back to the dorms,” Katsuki mutters angrily. “I feel sick.”
He storms away, glaring daggers at anyone who dares to glance at him. Jirou whistles.
“That went well.”
- - -
The knock comes at 18:00.
“I’m busy!” He shouts out, resuming his homework. The knock sounds again, and he groans in frustration. “Go away!”
“Kaachan, let us in!” Kaminari whines.
“Fuck no!”
“‘Suki, please?” Eijirou asks softly. “I know you’re upset, but we need to talk.”
“There’s food,” Hitoshi says. “They brought you gifts. For blowing up on them. You’ll really be missing out if you don’t open this door.”
“What are you doing here?” He mutters angrily to Hitoshi, opening the door just enough to face his brother. The shorter boy shrugs.
“United front. We all think you need to talk.”
“Fuck you! You can’t MAKE me talk about-“
“We’re not going to,” Eijirou stops him. “But they- sorry, WE feel like we need to make it up to you. So we brought peace offerings..?”
Eijirou holds up a can of wasabi peas, Sero a copy of his favorite manga, Jirou a new pair of drumsticks, Mina a bag of lollipops, and Kaminari a bunched up T-shirt.
“... What, you couldn’t get me anything?” Katsuki asks Hitoshi, biting back a smile.
“I gave you life, Katsuki.”
“The fuck- no you didn’t!” He huffs and rolls his eyes as his friends cackle in the background. He opens the door fully and steps aside. “You’re lucky I’ve had time to cool down, otherwise I’d just slam the door shut.”
“We know!” Mina chirps, skipping past him.
The gifts pile on his desk, and they all sit down and wait expectantly on the floor; with the exceptions of Eijirou, who sits on the bed with him, and Hitoshi, who leans against the door.
“... I told you I’m not talking,” he says.
“You talked plenty yesterday,” Sero shrugs.
“Exactly,” Katsuki nods. “What’s the point of this, anyways? What more do you want?”
“We want you to feel comfortable around us,” Jirou expresses. “I personally feel like you might be stubborn about this and try to suppress it now because of this.”
“That’s exactly what he would do,” Hitoshi agrees. Katsuki glares at him.
“Fuck you. If that’s anyone’s fault, it’s yours,” he says. The newcomers perk up at this.
“Why would that be Shinsou’s fault?” Kaminari asks. Hitoshi looks away sheepishly.
“He found out by mistake too,” Katsuki explains. “Dad tried to encourage me to go to him if he was busy with work, but this bitch would run away every time.”
“It’s scary to take care of someone like that!” Hitoshi defends himself. “I was worried that I’d mess it up for you or something like that!”
“Anyways,” Katsuki continues, rolling his eyes. “That was a pretty harsh blow to my self esteem, so I kinda tried to... stop for a while. It didn’t work, obviously, and it caused some problems, but he finally got over himself.”
“Wait, did Kirishima find out by mistake too?” Mina asks, furrowing her brow. Eijirou nods.
“Right after we moved into the dorms, I heard him wake up from a nightmare, so I went to go help him. I didn’t know what was happening, I just thought he was really scared or upset or something..? But he kept coming to me for nightmares after that, and finally one time he woke up still regressed, so I took him to Aizawa and he explained everything to me.”
“While that’s sweet and all,” Jirou says. “Katsuki... has anyone ever found out about this on YOUR terms? Like, you told them?”
Silence falls over the room as Katsuki shrugs.
“... You told Papa, right?” Hitoshi asks.
“Dad told him,” Katsuki admits quietly. “Before I got adopted, I was having a... a rough time, and he found me while I was regressed. He brought me to their room and explained everything to Papa while I was asleep.”
“So... no one who knows about this knows because you told them?” Sero clarifies.
“I guess not,” Katsuki mutters.
“Well no wonder you’re upset!” Mina exclaims, throwing her hands in the air. “We were supposed to find out on your terms!”
“We’re sorry, Bakugou!” Kaminari wails, jumping up onto the bed and wrapping his arms around his friend. Katsuki grunts.
“Get off me, dimwit!” He yells, squirming in Kaminari’s grip. Eijirou raises a brow and turn to Hitoshi, who has a similar expression on his face. The redhead clicks his tongue.
“Guys, Katsuki’s has a pretty rough day. Why don’t we leave him alone for a bit?”
“No!” Katsuki gasps, stilling. Kaminari makes a confused face. “I-I mean. You can stay, or whatever. I don’t care.” Mina laughs.
“Bakugou cares about us!! Bakugou wants our attention!! Bakugou wants our looooove!!”
“Shut up!” Katsuki groans, although there’s none of his usual bite. Hitoshi smiles knowingly before joining them on the bed.
“Why don’t you tell us a little bit more?” He prods, nudging Katsuki’s knee with his own.
“Like what?” He scoffs, averting his gaze.
“Do you have a favorite thing to do when you’re regressed?” Jirou asks.
“Play, I guess,” Katsuki shrugs. “Sometimes I like to watch All Might.”
“How young do you normally slip to?” Sero asks. Katsuki bites his lip.
“A-Anywhere from three to six, pretty much,” he says. “Sometimes younger. Sometimes m’not sure, I just feel kinda... floaty.”
“Like now?” Eijirou asks quietly, winking at Hitoshi. Katsuki buries his face in his hands.
“... Oh,” Kaminari says, backing away. “Sorry?”
“Not your fault,” Katsuki mumbles into his palms, shoulders shaking a bit. Sero frowns.
“Are you.. okay? Is it something we did?”
“N-No,” Katsuki sniffs. “M’okay.”
“Just a stressful day?” Eijirou offers, rubbing his back. Katsuki nods and pulls his hands away, revealing his flushed face.
“... Sorry,” he mumbles to the group.
“Aw, ohmygosh,” Mina gasps, squishing her cheeks. “You’re so cute!” Hitoshi frowns.
“Just keep in mind that his brain is doing this because he’s stressed,” he points out. “He can get really upset sometimes. It’s not always cute and soft, it can be really painful for him to experience. Don’t overwhelm him.”
“S’okay,” Katsuki says quietly, twiddling his thumbs. Eijirou pats his shoulder.
“You can say if something’s bothering you, bud,” he says. Katsuki shifts nervously.
“Um... n-no more questions?”
“Sure thing,” Kaminari says, raising a hand for Katsuki to high-five him. The blonde flinches and scurries into Eijirou’s lap, squeezing his eyes shut. Kaminari swallows. “... Oops.”
“It’s okay,” Eijirou whispers to Katsuki. “He was just giving you a high-five. Remember? He’s not mad at you.” Katsuki shivers.
“C-Can they go now?” He asks timidly.
The group deflates a bit, but they all stand up to leave, giving small waves and “goodbye”s to Katsuki, who ignores them. When everyone but Hitoshi and Eijirou are gone, he whimpers.
“I-I’ont like this. I want Daddy.”
“Okay, little man,” Hitoshi says, ruffling his hair. “We’ll take you down, and-“
“No,” Katsuki whispers. “Please. Just want Daddy, please.” Eijirou frowns.
“Are you okay?” He asks. Katsuki shakes his head, tears filling his eyes.
“I’m thinkin’ about Mama,” he says, voice wavering. “Please, want Daddy.”
“I’ll go get him,” Hitoshi says.
Aizawa comes and calms Katsuki down at least a little bit before getting him into a shower and feeding him dinner. He ends up dissociating for most of the night, trembling quietly and not meeting anyone’s eye.
“What brought this on?” Yamada asks when he sees him. Aizawa sighs.
“He’s still stressed about yesterday, mostly,” he says. “And I guess Kaminari went in for a high-five when he first started to slip, and you now how catastrophic that can be.”
“Poor guy,” Yamada coos, petting Katsuki’s head. “Just gonna have him sleep it off?”
“Yeah,” Aizawa says, shrugging. “There’s not much else we can do. I’ve already fed him and washed him, he knows he’s safe and he’s calmed down, he’s just... in his head.”
“Mm,” Yamada hums, stroking Katsuki’s cheek. “You’ve had a rough week, huh baby?” Katsuki shrugs and curls into his side.
“They’ll get the hang of it,” Aizawa says, yawning. “Trial and error. We’ll have to give his friends a better run-down on what to do.”
“Agreed,” Yamada says. “Bedtime?”
“You read my mind.”
Chapter 17: Nighttime Trouble (w/ Carer Jirou)
Summary:
Jirou figures out how to help Katsuki get to sleep.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“Katsuki, it’s bedtime,” Yamada says tiredly, smiling and holding up a stuffed bear. “See? I’ve got it all nice and ready for you, hm?”
“No!” Katsuki whines, kicking his feet.
“Honey, Papa’s tired,” Yamada says, slumping in defeat. “Come to bed. Please?”
“No!” Katsuki screeches. “No bedtime!”
“Katsuki,” Yamada says sternly. “Don’t throw a fit. Come lay down.” Katsuki sobs.
“No, no, Papa! N-Not tired!”
“Honey...” Yamada sighs, trailing off. “Okay. How about we watch a show on my laptop, hm? Does that sound good?” Katsuki quiets.
“... Mhm,” he hums lowly, hesitantly crawling into Yamada’s side.
Yamada practically weeps with relief as he get the show set up, something he knows Katsuki will fall asleep to. He shuts the light out and lets his eyes fall shut as the blonde rests his head on his chest, sucking his thumb intently.
...
“Hi, sweetheart,” Aizawa whispers, closing the door. Eri is sleeping soundly in her arms, her head buried in his neck. “You’re still awake?”
“Y-Yes,” Katsuki mumbles, stifling a yawn.
“Did Papa fall asleep while you were watching your show?” Katsuki nods. “Hmph. Figures as much. Why don’t you scoot over so Eri and I can lay down with you, then we can all go to bed? Does that sound good?”
“Noooo,” Katsuki whines, his lip wobbling. Yamada stirs and starts petting Katsuki’s hair.
“Shh,” he mumbles, still mostly asleep. “S’okay. Papa’s... here...”
“Uh huh,” Aizawa mutters, rolling his eyes. “Baby, scooch over now, okay?”
“No, no!” Katsuki fusses, trashing his head. “I’m not tired! M’not!”
Eri stirs a bit, picking her head up before readjusting herself in Aizawa’s arms and falling back asleep. Aizawa huffs.
“Listen, you might not be tired, but the rest of us are. You have to be considerate about other’s feelings, remember?” He sets Eri down next to Yamada, who immediately rolls over to hold her. “Do you want to snuggle?”
“... Okay,” Katsuki sniffs, still pouting.
Aizawa crawls into bed alongside him, pulling the blankets over his body. He pulls Katsuki’s head into his chest and strokes his back as he drifts off to sleep, snoring peacefully. Occasionally, Katsuki will find himself nodding off, but he starts back awake before he can fully slip into unconsciousness. He finally dozes off at 3 AM, his heavy eyelids too tired to hold themself up anymore.
He dreams of blissful nothingness.
- - -
“He’s being a monster,” Hitoshi says in bewilderment, watching as Katsuki cries and hurls his toys across the room.
“I know,” Eijirou groans, sliding his hands over his face. “Your dad said he was having trouble falling asleep last night. I might put him down for an early N-A-P.” Hitoshi raises a brow.
“Good luck with that,” he says, clapping Eijirou’s back. He walks over to Katsuki, narrowly dodging a bright red block. “Hey, squirt. I’m gonna go. Can you be good for Kiri while I’m training?” Katsuki screeches.
“Shut up!! Shut up, Bubba!!”
“Well, that’s not very nice,” Hitoshi mumbles, drawing his brow. “Are you tired?”
“No!! Shut UP!!!!”
“God help me,” Eijirou whispers. Hitoshi stands up, giving him a dumbfounded look. “Have a good time at training?” Eijirou offers.
“If I never see you again,” Hitoshi says. “It’s been an honor serving with you.”
“I don’t think All Might will work you THAT hard,” Eijirou chuckles. Hitoshi blinks.
“I’m not worried about me not coming back,” he says. “I’m worried about you.”
Katsuki throws a toy truck at his head, further emphasizing his point. Eijirou sighs heavily.
“Not nice,” he says, picking Katsuki up and resting him on his hip. Katsuki wails louder, wiping his face on Eijirou’s shirt. “Ew, dude.”
“Bubba!!” He cries, rubbing his eyes.
“Bubba’s training right now,” Eijirou says, wiping his tears away. Katsuki sobs harder.
“He’s mad t’me!” He bawls. “I’s mean!!”
“You were mean,” Eijirou agrees. “But he’s not mad. He just had to leave, honey. He’ll be back later.” Katsuki shakes his head. “Aw, poor kiddo. Do you want some warm milk?”
“Yes please!” He sobs, nodding his head.
Eijirou holds him on his hips, cooing softly as he makes him up sippy cup one-handed; which, for the record, he’s extremely proud of. He warms it up in the microwave (scalding hot, just how Katsuki likes it) and carries him back to his own room. His bedclothes are fluffier and the broken overhead gives it softer lighting. It’s the perfect recipe for a nap.
But Katsuki doesn’t bite.
He catches on as soon as Eijirou starts stroking the bridge of his nose with his finger, and the blonde’s hooded eyes snap open.
“Are you getting sleepy?” Eijirou asks quietly.
“Nuh uh,” Katsuki mumbles, his voice soft.
“You can sleep if you want to,” Eijirou says. “You’ll feel better after a nap, okay?”
“No!” Katsuki whines, starting to fuss again.
“Okay, okay,” Eijirou says, sitting up. “You want me to read you a story instead?”
“... Wabi Sabi?” Katsuki requests quietly.
“Sure, honey.”
Eventually, the soft-spoken words along with Eijirou’s body heat and the way he pets his head gets to Katsuki, and he drifts off, pacifier resting loosely against his lips as soft snores emit from his mouth. Eijirou hums happily.
“There we go,” he whispers, pushing Katsuki’s hair back and kissing his forehead.
He carefully detaches himself from Katsuki, wincing when the taller boy stirs in his sleep. He tiptoes over to the door, carefully opening it and shutting it behind him as quietly as he possibly can. He sighs in relief when he hears the ‘click,’ planning to clean up Katsuki’s room and maybe get some schoolwork done.
Until he hears the crying.
“Mmph,” he grunts, banging his forehead off the door in dismay. Katsuki chokes on a sob.
“KIRIIIII!!!!!”
“Kirishima,” Shoji says meekly, poking his head out of his door. “I don’t mean to sound rude, but would you mind calming him down? Tokoyami and I are watching a movie.”
“I can’t control his emotions, Shoji,” Eijirou says tiredly. Shoji draws his shoulders up.
“I know. I’m sorry. I just figured-“
“It’s fine, I’m not upset,” he sighs, opening the door. “Enjoy your movie.”
“Kiri!” Katsuki sobs the second he sees his friend, running up to him and pulling him into a hug. He buries his face in his shoulder and weeps. Eijirou pets his head.
“It’s okay. You’re okay,” he says quietly. “I’m sorry. I was just going to tidy up your room while you took a nap. I won’t leave now.”
“I-I’ll help!” Katsuki sobs, digging his nails into Eijirou’s back. “M’not tired anymore!”
“You sound pretty tired,” Eijirou counters.
“M’not, m’not!” Katsuki blubbers, trembling.
“... Okay,” Eijirou says quietly. “You can help.”
“Th-Thank you-u-u!”
- - -
“Daddy!” Katsuki whines, rubbing his eyes.
“Has he been this fussy all day?” Aizawa asks.
“Yeah,” Eijirou nods. “He wouldn’t go down for a nap, either.” Aizawa frowns, picking Katsuki up off the floor and brushing through his hair.
“Are you tired, baby?” He asks, eyes filled with concern. Katsuki starts crying harder at that.
“I guess just let him tire himself out?” Eijirou suggests, shrugging. Aizawa sighs.
“Yeah. Thank you for watching him.”
“Of course,” Eijirou says. “I love doing it.”
He reaches up to poke Katsuki’s nose, but the blonde smacks his hand away. Aizawa gasps.
“Not okay,” he says. “Apologize to Kiri.”
“No!” Katsuki shrieks, squirming in his grip.
“Katsuki-“
“It’s fine,” Eijirou rushes to say. “He’s just tired. I’m not upset.” Aizawa sighs and nods.
“Alright. Thank you again.”
“Sure thing.”
- - -
Hitoshi hears crying.
It’s getting louder by the second, and although he knows the sound by heart, he can’t help but fee the slightest bit worried. There’s always that fear that comes with dealing with his brother when he’s regressed; what if he’s really hurt? What if he panics and he freezes up, unable to help him? What if??
A knock sounds at his door, and he opens it.
“Bubba!” Katsuki wails, immediately reaching for him. Aizawa gives him an apologetic look.
“I know you’re probably... ‘gaming’ or whatever, but he specifically requested you.”
“It’s fine,” Hitoshi says, taking Katsuki into his arms. “What was it? A nightmare?”
“He won’t sleep,” Aizawa says, shrugging . “I’m pretty sure he’s been awake for the past two days. Just try to get him down?”
“Sure thing,” he says, rubbing Katsuki’s back. “Love you.” Aizawa sighs and ruffles his hair.
“Love you too. See you guys tomorrow.”
“You’re tired, huh?” Hitoshi mumbles to Katsuki, bouncing him in his grip. Katsuki sobs and nods, rubbing his eyes. “Aww, yeah, you are. Let’s go to bed, okay little man?”
“No, no!” Katsuki shouts, gripping his shoulders in fear. “I don’t wanna!”
“Katsuki, you gotta sleep if you wanna stop feeling so tired,” Hitoshi explains to him.
“No!” Katsuki yells, squirming in his grip. “Lemme down, Bubba, lemme down!”
“Katsu-“
“DOWN!!” Katsuki demands, eyes panicked. Hitoshi dutifully sets him on the floor, and Katsuki immediately goes to the door.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m jus’ sleepin’ in my room tonight!” Katsuki announces, trembling. “Goodnight!”
“Hey, wait. You don’t have to-“
“Love you!” He rushes, running out of the room and down the hall. Hitoshi sighs.
He pulls out his phone and opens up his messages app, texting his father a quick “Katsuki’s sleeping in his own room tonight” before informing Eijirou of the situation.
“I’ll keep an ear out. Have a good night!” Eijirou texts back, signing off with the flexing arm emoji. Hitoshi chuckles.
- - -
“Hey man,” Eijirou says, shaking Katsuki’s shoulder. The blonde snaps to attention, tired eyes flying open with a gasp.
“Shit,” he mumbles, blinking blearily.
“It’s not like you to fall asleep in class,” Eijirou points out worriedly. “Are you still not sleeping? What’s wrong?”
“I’m fine,” Katsuki hisses. “Just didn’t drink any coffee this morning. Stop being so obnoxious.”
“I’m not ‘being obnoxious,’” Eijirou says. “I’m just making sure that my friend is taking care of himself.” Katsuki sighs and stands up.
“Of course I am, you bastard. I’m me.” He slings his bag over his shoulder. “Now stop worrying, you’re being such a pest.”
“... Fine,” Eijirou says. “But if you’re lying-“
“Oh my god,” Katsuki groans. “Just knock it off already, will you? Let’s go to lunch.”
- - -
“Katsuki, can I talk to you for a second?” Aizawa pulls aside the blonde during training.
“What?” Katsuki asks, arms crossed.
“Kirishima told me you fell asleep in class earlier. Are you feeling alright? Are you sick?”
“Oh for the love of-“ Katsuki huffs, rolling his eyes. “I’m FINE. I’d be even better if everyone stopped hounding me.”
As he’s talking, he subconsciously starts to fiddle with the straps of his costume; an act that does not go unnoticed by Aizawa.
“Are you anxious?” He asks “Did you take your meds this morning?” Katsuki groans.
“If I’m anxious, it’s b’cause everyone’s being annoying t’me!” He shouts, throwing his arms in the air for emphasis. Aizawa frowns deeply.
“You... just regressed yesterday,” he points out softly. “You wouldn’t do it again unless something was wrong.” Katsuki’s eyebrows shoot up before they settle into a glare.
“I’m NOT regressed,” he insists, although the cloudy look in his eyes tells Aizawa that he’s close to it. “Even if I was, why would I tell you? You’d just try t’make me take a nap.”
“Well, yes, because you need to sleep,” Aizawa says. “Katsuki, come on. Be rational.”
“No! Fuck off!” He yells, storming onto the training ground. Aizawa grits his teeth.
“He’s even more of a brat when he’s sleep-deprived,” he mumbles to himself.
- - -
“Hey, Bakugou, can we study tonight?” Eijirou asks through the door.
“No,” Katsuki replies, cradling his pillow.
- - -
“Hey Katsuki, you up for a round of COD?” Hitoshi asks hopefully.
“Not tonight,” Katsuki mumbles.
- - -
“Hey honey, it’s dinner time,” Yamada sings out. “Are you coming down to eat?”
“M’not hungry,” Katsuki replies.
- - -
“Katsuki, we’re heading to bed,” Aizawa knocks softly at his door. “Goodnight?”
“‘Night,” Katsuki says flatly, staring up at the ceiling. Aizawa frowns worriedly.
“I love you.”
“Yup,” Katsuki agrees. “You too.”
- - -
He waits.
He waits until he can hear Eijirou snoring through the thin wall. He waits until his clock flips to 00:00. He waits until his eyes are incapable of staying open for more than a second. He waits until he’s almost asleep.
And then he gets up.
He figures that as long as he’s about to pass out from exhaustion, he’ll be able to fall asleep. And he’s less likely to have a nightmare if he sleeps in the living room. Something about the uncomfortable sofa and being so close to his dads makes it so whenever he drifts off on the couch his slumber is dreamless.
He really needs that right now.
He knows that he could just ask to sleep with his dads, or his brother, or Eijirou. But he also knows that they’ll try to coax him into slipping to relax his mind, and he’s much more susceptible to night terrors when he’s regressed. He can deal with the whole coping mechanism thing at another time. Right now he just wants to sleep.
His plan changes drastically when he sees a figure in the living room as soon as he shuffles in, and his heart skips a beat before anxiety washes over his body.
“... Bakugou?” The figure calls out softly.
Wait.
“Jirou?” Katsuki asks timidly.
“Yeah, man. What are you doing up? It’s, like, midnight right now.” Katsuki shifts awkwardly.
“I-“ he pauses to yawn loudly. “- could ask you th’ same question.”
“I’m getting a drink,” she says, holding up her water bottle. She glances at the blanket and pillow he’s holding. “... Oh. Are you going to sleep with your dads? Are you regressed?”
“Um... no,” he says softly. “The couch.”
“Why are you sleeping on the couch?” She asks, moving closer to him. He starts to tremble slightly, eyes darting around the room.
“I-I.. I jus’ wanna sleep,” he says, trying to sound harsh enough to get her to back off.
“... Why don’t you come sit down?” She asks, taking a seat on the couch and patting the spot next to her. He bites his lip before shuffling over and sitting down. “You wanna explain why you’re sleeping out here?”
Everything breaks.
His face goes red as he sobs, tears streaming down his cheeks and snot and saliva bubbling grossly. He keeps his wails quiet, fully aware that he could wake anyone up at any moment. Jirou knits her brow before wrapping her arms around him and pulling him into her lap, gently caressing the side of his face.
“Bakugou? Talk to me, kid.”
“I-I jus’ have really scary dreams,” he admits tearfully, rubbing at his eyes with one hand. “An’ I’m really tired, Jirou! M’so tired!”
“Your nightmares are keeping you up?” She clarifies. He nods, and she frowns, rubbing his back. “Oh, kiddo, I’m so sorry. What can I do to help?” Katsuki shrugs, and she sighs.
They sit there for a bit, Katsuki’s cries slowly dying down as she strokes his head and back. He sticks the tip of his thumb into his mouth as subtly as he can, and that’s when she gets the idea. She brushes some hair from his forehead before opening her mouth to speak.
“When I was little, my dad used to sing me lullabies to help me sleep at night,” she says softly. “I’d curl up into his chest and close my eyes, and he’d wrap his arms around me and rock me back and forth and sing.”
“Hm,” Katsuki hums thoughtfully.
“You wanna give it a try?” She asks. He nods.
They get themselves situated so that Katsuki’s wrapped up in a blanket on her lap with his head buried into her shoulder (which is hard to figure out with their height difference). She holds him by the middle, one arm supporting his back while the other strokes the back of his head as she starts to sing.
“Let’s go in the garden.. You’ll find something waiting.. Right there where you left it, lying upside down... When you finally find it.. You’ll see how it’s faded.. The underside is lighter when you turn it around.”
She pauses to yawn quickly, and smiles when she hears Katsuki do the same and feels him nuzzle closer into her neck.
“Everything stays... right where you left it... Everything stays.. but it still changes... Ever so slightly.. Daily and nightly.. In little ways.. When everything stays...”
She trails off, noticing Katsuki start to snore softly into her skin. She rocks him back and forth for a little while longer, humming the tune softly while petting his head.
A door creaks open.
“On my God,” Yamada breathes in amazement. “You’re a blessing, Jirou.”
“I just sang to him,” she shrugs, detaching her friend from her body and laying him down on the couch. “Goodnight, Yamada Sensei.”
“You just earned some brownie points,” he promises her, walking over to the sofa to pick Katsuki up. “I’m going to bring him into our room. Go to bed, now. See you tomorrow.”
Notes:
Writing this made me sleepy O.o I think Jirou’s onto something here..
Chapter 18: Let’s watch a Movie! (w/ Papa Mic)
Summary:
Katsuki and Yamada have a day in.
Chapter Text
“Hey, why don’t we go see a movie?” Yamada suggests. Katsuki looks up from the picture he’s coloring intently with wide eyes.
“... Really?”
“Yeah!” Yamada smiles, shrugging. “Daddy and Hitoshi are going to be away for the whole weekend, and I’m sure Mirio is going to keep Eri for most of the day; it’s been a while since he last watched her. We can see whatever you like! Does that sound good?”
“Yes yes yes!” Katsuki bounces, hopping on top of Yamada. “Papa! Help me get a bag ready for the movies!” Yamada chuckles.
“Okay. What do we need in the bag?”
“We need a binky an’ some juice an’ some cookies an’ colorin’s an’ Floppy an-“
“Slow down!” Yamada giggles, placing Katsuki on his hip and standing up. “You know, we can get snacks at the theater, little man. Why don’t we just bring Floppy and your binky?”
“... Mm.. maybe juice too?”
“Haha, fine,” Yamada chuckles, poking his nose. “We can bring juice. Why don’t you get Floppy and put her in your pack?”
“Okay!” Katsuki chirps, jumping out of his grasp. Yamada smiles before exiting the room.
He roots around in the fridge until he finds apple juice, and then gets to work hunting for one of Katsuki’s sippy cups. The boy has a bad habit of leaving them wherever when he’s regressed and an even worse habit of hiding them when he’s in his normal headspace and they have company (which is a common occurrence). Case in point, finding a sippy cup in their household is no simple feat.
He finally manages to pull one out of the couch that’s half-full of old milk, and thoroughly washes and disinfects it before filling it with juice and capping it.
He reenters Katsuki’s room with a smile on his face that immediately falls when he sees the state of his room. There are toys and books everywhere, and Katsuki is at the center of it all, desperately searching through the mess.
“What happened here?!” Yamada asks in alarm. Katsuki looks up at his with a red face and teary eyes, his brows knit sadly.
“I-I can’t find her!” He exclaims anxiously, fisting his hands in his hair. Yamada crouches.
“You mean Floppy?” He asks. Katsuki nods, his lip wobbling ever so slightly. Yamada chuckles and gently untangles his hands from his hair, smoothing over it softly. “You don’t have to take her, baby. We can look for her when we get back. Why don’t you take one of your other plushies? Sound good?”
“No,” Katsuki whines, rubbing his eyes. “Want Floppy. Where is she?” Yamada frowns.
“Okay, let’s tidy up this room and then we can look for her, alright?” He suggests, rubbing Katsuki’s back. The blonde whimpers a bit and hides his face in his hands, but nods slowly. “What’s wrong?”
“I-I just ‘willy’ miss ‘er,” Katsuki says, voice trembling. Yamada coos and holds him close.
“You’re having a sensitive day, huh?” He asks, stroking Katsuki’s hair. He shrugs and sniffles a little bit, gently clinging onto Yamada’s shirt. “Do you think a movie might be too much for today? We could always try for tomorrow; you might even be feeling big enough to see a grownup one if you want to!”
“M-Maybe,” Katsuki mumbles, nodding a bit.
“Yeah? We can just stay home for the day. Maybe do some baking? Watch some Hello Kitty? Does that sound good?” Katsuki bursts into tears. “Oh, honey! What’s wrong?”
“I-I’m sorry!” Katsuki sobs, rubbing his wet eyes. “We can go! M’sorry, Papa!”
“What do you mean?” Yamada asks, wiping away his tears. “What are you sorry for?”
“We can go t’the movies! I’s just bein’ silly! M’sorry!” He hiccups desperately.
“Baby, I’m not punishing you. If you want to go to the movies, we can go. If you’re not feeling up to it, we can stay here. I’m not upset, I promise. Okay?” He asks, searching Katsuki’s eyes. He does not look convinced. Yamada sighs. “Tell me what’s going on in your noggin, sweetheart. What are you thinking?”
“I-I...” Katsuki’s breath hitches with a sob, cutting him off. “T-Time out?”
“No, no, honey. What do we get time outs for? Do you remember?” Katsuki shakes his head. “We only get time outs for using our explosions when we’re small or hurting our friends and family. Nothing else. Okay?”
“H-Hit me?” Katsuki asks tearfully, his shoulders shaking. Yamada’s heart sinks.
“Oh, Katsuki,” he whispers, pulling him into his chest and pressing his face into his hair. His eyes start to water. “Never. I will never hit you, my sweet boy. You’re safe here.”
Katsuki hiccups a little sob before burrowing his face into Yamada’s shirt and wrapping his arms around him. Yamada sheds tears of his own, petting Katsuki’s head and whispering soft words of sympathy above him.
Eventually, Katsuki calms down enough to breathe normally again, and Yamada uses the small moment he takes to ground himself to collect his own emotions, wiping at his eyes gently with his ring finger. He chuckles wetly.
“You feelin’ better now?” He asks, pulling away. Katsuki nods, rubbing his eyes.
“Sorry, Papa,” he mumbles quietly.
“I’m not upset, honey,” he coos, rubbing a thumb on Katsuki’s cheek gently. “It’s okay to be emotional sometimes. You’re probably tired, huh?” Katsuki shrugs. “Why don’t we find Floppy and snuggle up on the couch? We can watch Ponyo. I know it’s your favorite.”
“Mhm,” Katsuki hums, nodding and sniffling again. Yamada clicks his tongue.
“My poor boy. Can you drink your juice while I tidy up the room?” Katsuki nods.
Yamada pats his bottom lightly and hoists him onto his bed. He grabs the discarded sippy cup and hands it to Katsuki, who gingerly takes it into his hands and starts to slowly sip his juice, watching with large eyes of intent as Yamada makes quick work of cleaning the room. He finds Floppy under the bed, tossing it into Katsuki lap with a wink.
“All done!” He announces, placing his hands on his hips and smiling with a contented sigh. “You ready for Ponyo?”
Katsuki grabs his pacifier from the end table and sticks it between his lips before reaching his hands up in the air towards his father. Yamada chuckles fondly and reaches down to grab him, chest blooming when Katsuki wraps around him like a koala and rests his cheek on his shoulder. Yamada ruffles his hair lightly.
“Come on,” he says softly. “Movie time.”
Notes:
I know I was updating this a lot before, I’m sorry I’m being so slow now! I started a new job and it’s full-time and VERY physically taxing, so I haven’t had the time or enrollment to write lately :(
Chapter 19: Playing with Kittens (w/ Dadzawa)
Summary:
Katsuki feeds Aizawa’s new kitten.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“Soft,” Katsuki marvels at the the small kitten in his shaking hands.
“Mhm, very soft,” Aizawa smiles. “Be gentle, kittens are very fragile.” Katsuki nods eagerly.
The night before, Aizawa’s oldest cat, Rin, had babies. Katsuki got spooked by her wailing and regressed halfway through the night, resulting in one of the cutest things that Aizawa has ever witnessed.
“Why’s ‘a’ so small?” Katsuki asks, blinking.
“That’s the runt of the litter,” Aizawa explains. “Rin won’t feed her. Do you want to help me give her a bottle?” Katsuki gasps.
“Can I?”
“Of course you can,” Aizawa chuckles, ruffling his hair. “I’ll go get the milk. Can you promise to be careful while I’m gone?”
“Mhm!”
Aizawa takes his time getting the kitten’s milk ready, keeping an eye on Katsuki as he gingerly pets the small animal with his pointer finger. The blonde giggles happily when the kitten sniffs his finger and presses her teeth to the skin. Aizawa smiles happily at the sight.
“Hold her like this,” Aizawa says softly, readjusting the kitten in Katsuki hands. “Then hold this dropper to her lips. See?”
“Wha’s this?” Katsuki asks, blinking at the dropper. Aizawa chuckles.
“Right now, the kitty is too small to drink from a normal bottle. We have to feed her from this until she gets bigger.”
“Oh,” Katsuki says, holding it to her mouth. He gasps as she begins to suck. “Daddy! Look’it! She’s drinkin’!”
“Good job,” Katsuki praises, rubbing his back. “She likes you. Right now, you’re acting like her mama. See how good you are at that?”
“Maybe,” Katsuki mumbles, distracted. The kitten lets go off the empty dropper. Katsuki shoots Aizawa a worried look. “Oh no! She’s all done!” Aizawa laughs lightly.
“Take more from this,” he says, pushing a small saucer of milk towards him. “Do you know how?”
“Yep!” Katsuki chirps. He blinks down at his lap. “Wait... I need both hands.”
“I’ll get it for you,” Aizawa chuckles.
Notes:
This is very short but it might be the cutest chapter I’ve written for this series >.< I love kitties so much ahhhh
Chapter 20: Katsuki-Speak (w/ Dadzawa, and Carer Izuku, Kami, + Kiri)
Summary:
Katsuki uses phrases that only his father knows how to decipher.
Notes:
This was for a prompt about Katsuki and Aizawa having a conversation in gibberish but I wasn’t sure how to write it >.<
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“‘Zuku?” Katsuki says timidly.
“What’s up, Kaachan?”
“I wan’ the tummy warm drink.”
Izuku blinks, confused.
“What’s the tummy warm drink?” He asks, cocking his head to the side. Katsuki shrugs. “I can’t help you if you don’t know, sweetie.”
“It’s the.. the drink!” Katsuki insists, rubbing his stomach. “It makes my tummy feel warm and happy! Like a blanket! C’n you make it?”
“I...” Izuku looks bewildered. “Maybe you could show me how?” He offers, taking Katsuki’s hand. The blonde rips it away, pouting.
“I don’t know how, stupid Deku!” He spits, glaring down at Izuku. Izuku bites his lip.
“Kaachan, why don’t you just-“
“What’s the ruckus about?” Aizawa asks, entering the room. Izuku sighs with relief.
“Daddy, I wan’ the tummy warm drink!” Katsuki whines, rubbing his eyes. “‘Zuku won’ make it for me! He’s bein’ mean!”
“I-I wasn’t-!”
“It’s fine, Midoriya,” Aizawa chuckles. “For future reference, it’s just warm milk with vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.”
“Noted, sir,” Izuku says.
- - -
“Kami,” Katsuki whispers, tugging his sleeve with an uncomfortable look on his face.
“Hey, little guy. What’s up?”
“I gotta make ‘wssh,’” he says, squirming.
“Make a wish? Like with a dandelion?” Kaminari asks, smiling amusedly. Katsuki furrows his brow in confusion. “You don’t know what I mean? Like when you find a dandelion, one of those puffy white flowers, and you blow the fluff away and you wish for something?”
“No, I gotta go ‘WSSH.’” He emphasizes, squirming harder. “C’n you take me?”
“Uh... take you where?” Kaminari asks.
“Kami,” Katsuki whimpers. “I gotta go NOW!”
“Bakugou, I’m not sure what you-“
Suddenly, Aizawa is by his side, leaning down to speak to Katsuki in a hushed tone.
“Hey, buddy. Why don’t we go to the potty?”
“Mhm,” Katsuki sniffs, nodding. “Gotta go ‘wssh.’” Aizawa furrows his brow.
“Why didn’t you tell someone?” He asks, taking Katsuki’s hand and leading him away from the table. Katsuki shakes his head.
“I TRIED t’ tell Kami, but he wasn’ listenin’ t’me!” He huffs, exasperated.
“Honey, you gotta tell people that you have to go ‘potty,’” Aizawa explains softly. “Not ‘wssh.’ They don’t understand what that means.”
“Oh,” Katsuki mutters. “Oops.”
- - -
“Kiri,” Katsuki begins, yawning. “I can be yer bug?” Eijirou raises a brow.
“You wanna be a bug?” He questions.
“Nuh uh. YOUR bug,” he says, crawling closer. “Please, can I?” Eijirou laughs.
“Sure, little man. You can be my bug.” He smiles at him softly. “What kind of bug are you? A caterpillar? An ant? A bumblebee?”
“N-No, not that..” Katsuki mutters, knitting his brow. “I wanna be YOUR bug, Kiri.”
“What do you mean?” He asks.
Katsuki huffs and crawls into Eijirou’s lap, wrapping his arms around his neck and looking up at him expectantly. Eijirou blinks.
“... Um... Huh?”
“‘M bein’ yer bug,” Katsuki reminds him. “C’mon, Kiri, c’mon!” Eijirou sighs.
“I’m sorry, kiddo. I don’t know what you mean.”
Katsuki huffs and squirms off of Eijirou’s lap, crossing his arms over his chest and pouting.
“Jerk,” he mumbles under his breath.
“Hey ‘Suki, can you tell me what you’re talking about so you’re not upset anymore?”
“I want to be your bug,” Katsuki stresses, tears of frustration gathering in his eyes.
“Buddy I told you, I don’t know what-“
“Kirishima,” Aizawa says, knocking on the open bedroom door to announce his presence. “I’m here to pick him up. Was he good?”
“He was excellent,” Eijirou chirps, smiling. “I think he’s getting a bit fussy, though.”
“No m’not!” Katsuki shouts, his lip wobbling. “M’tryna be yer bug, stupid Kiri!”
“Yeah.. he keeps saying that,” Eijirou says, rubbing the back of his neck. “I couldn’t figure out what he meant by it.”
“His father taught him that,” Aizawa says fondly, sitting down on the end of the bed. “He wants you to cradle him. Hizashi calls it being ‘snuggle bugs.’ It’s a new Katsuki Phrase.”
“Aww, that’s sweet,” Eijirou says.
“Why don’t you be Kiri’s bug for a little bit, Katsuki?” Aizawa suggests. “You guys can watch a movie while I get some paperwork done. Does that sound good?”
“... Y-Yeah,” Katsuki sniffs and nods, crawling back into Eijirou’s lap.
Immediately, Eijirou wraps his arms under Katsuki’s body like a mother cradling a child. Katsuki hums happily and nuzzles his cheek into Eijirou’s chest. Eijirou smiles fondly and runs his finger down the bridge of Katsuki’s nose. Aizawa’s heart melts at the sight.
“Thank you, Sensei.” Eijirou says softly. “You’re, like, the Katsuki Whisperer.”
“Huh,” Aizawa chuckles. “I guess I am.”
Notes:
Hello all! Just wanted to say that I do see + appreciate your comments! Requests ARE still on hold at the moment, and I’m still a little busy so I’m not really responding to anyone right now but I send you all my love!! ^.^
Chapter 21: Bunny Rabbit (w/ Babysitter Koda)
Summary:
Katsuki and Koda have dinner together!
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Koda doesn’t really like eating dinner with his class.
While he appreciates the company of his friends and the surprisingly decent food that UA provides, the cafeteria is far too noisy for his liking. Most evenings, he makes himself dinner in the kitchen and eats alone in his room. It gives him enough time to recharge between after-school activities and study sessions with Tokoyami and Shoji.
As he heats up his typical dinner of grilled fish and rice, he hears an... odd noise. Like a child crying, although he’s positive that Eri-chan isn’t staying in the dorms this week. Perhaps one of his classmates got hurt?
He turns off the stove to investigate.
What he finds is a pink-faced Katsuki, rubbing his eyes and crying quietly on the floor outside of his parents’ room.
‘Ohhh,’ Koda thinks. ‘The teachers must’ve gone to dinner while he was asleep.’
“H-Hi, Bakugou,” he says quietly, waving a bit. Katsuki starts and blinks up at Koda, wiping his eyes on his sleeve. “Are you alright?”
“U-Um... where’s my dads?” He asks timidly. Koda’s chest blooms.
“They’re eating dinner,” he explains. Katsuki’s stomach growls loudly, and the blonde rubs it, whimpering softly. “Are you hungry? Do you want to join me? I eat in my room.”
“... Can I play wi’f Chuusei?” He requests.
Chuusei is Koda’s Netherland Dwarf rabbit. Katsuki had taken a liking to her ever since she got loose and Koda found them snuggled up together on the living room couch.
“Mhm,” Koda hums, extending his hand. “You wanna help me finish dinner? Then we can go visit Chuusei together.” Katsuki nods.
He takes his hand and follows him into the kitchen, sitting on the counter and swinging his feet ever so slightly as Koda finishes up dinner. As the taller boy plates their food, Katsuki starts to frown a bit.
“... Is something the matter?” Koda asks, noticing Katsuki’s upset demeanor.
“Um... d’you think I could have some milk, please?” Katsuki asks, staring at his lap.
“Well, sure you can,” Koda says, smiling. “Where do you keep your sippy cups?”
As they walk back to Koda’s room (Koda carrying their food and Katsuki drinking his milk and clinging to the hem of Koda’s shirt), he can’t help but feel proud that Katsuki trusts him like this when he’s regressed. Sure, the blonde is a lot more friendly to all of their classmates in this headspace, but he can’t say for sure that he would be willing to eat dinner with just any of them.
They eat their dinner quickly and quietly, just the way they like it. As soon as Katsuki is done, he wipes his hands on his shirt and looks up at Koda expectantly, grinning.
“Chuusei!” He giggles, squirming happily.
“Let me get her out of her pen,” Koda says.
The white rabbit scurries around the room for a few minutes, exploring the big room, before circling back and nuzzling Katsuki’s hand. Katsuki’s shoulders shake with happiness.
“Her nose is so soft!” He exclaims.
“Pet behind her ears,” Koda suggests. “She loves that.”
Katsuki follows suit, and Chuusei immediately hops into his lap.
The blonde can barely contain his excitement.
“Wow wow wow,” he whispers in awe as he continues to pet her. “Thank you, Koda-kun!”
“Aww,” Koda mumbles under his breath. “You’re welcome, Bakugou.”
A few more minutes of play last before there’s a frantic knocking at his door. Koda opens it to reveal a panicked Aizawa panting in the hall.
“Daddy!” Katsuki shouts with glee. “Look! Chuusei is sittin’ on me!”
“Oh, thank God,” Aizawa sighs, his tense shoulder slumping. “He’s with you.”
“S-Sorry!” Koda apologizes, waving his hands around nervously. “I should have asked! I-“
“It’s fine,” Aizawa shakes his head. “He’s always talking about your bunny. I had a feeling he’d end up in here sometime.”
“Can I play a li’l longer?” Katsuki asks. “Pleeeeaaaase?” Aizawa chuckles.
“Sure, honey. I’ll be back at bedtime.”
Notes:
Sorry the chapters are getting shorter >~< I’m havin lots of fun writing them tho!
Chapter 22: A Break (w/ Best Jeanist + Carer Aizawa)
Summary:
Katsuki slips during his internship.
Notes:
CW FOR: implied/referenced child abuse, Jeanist’s strict (and lowkey unhealthy) teaching tactics, unsanitary (bed-wetting)
Chapter Text
“Hold still, Bakugou,” Tsunagu mutters, trying once more to tug his comb through the boy’s unruly locks. Katsuki squirms harder.
“It hurts,” he complains.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but if you can’t take a little hair tugging, then I’m not sure the hero life is for you,” Tsunagu scoffs, rolling his eyes.
“I didn’t say I couldn’t take it,” Katsuki says quietly. “I just said it hurts.”
“Hmm,” he hums approvingly. “We’re not quite there yet, but your manners are improving. That volume is much more appropriate when addressing your superior. Keep it up.”
“‘Kay,” Katsuki mumbles.
- - -
“M’hungry,” Katsuki says, tugging Tsunagu’s sleeve. The taller man glares down at him.
“That’s very rude,” he snaps. “We’re in the middle of a group discussion, Katsuki. Believe it or not, I have interns other than you.”
“... I-I wasn’t...” Katsuki whimpers, eyes wide. His lip begins to tremble, and he hangs his head, staring down at the clasped hands in his lap. “... S-Sorry.”
“Very good. Now, as I was saying, we really need to hone in on group effort. I’m aware that you all have different quirks and fighting styles, but that doesn’t give you the right to go off and play on your own team. I saw a number of students today separating-“
“Sir?” One of the boys squeaks, raising his hand. Tsunaga sighs and presses his temple.
“Mogi, please don’t interrupt, it’s extremely unbecoming of a future pro hero. If you have something to say, you can tell me after.”
“I-I know, but sir-!”
“That’s enough, Mogi.”
“Bakugou’s crying!” He shouts before clapping his hands over his mouth and flushing red.
Tsunagu’s face softens a bit, and he turns to face Katsuki. Sure enough, the blonde’s shoulders are shaking, and he’s wiping away tears that are consistently streaming down his red face. Tsunagu sighs.
“Bakugou.”
“...”
“Bakugou.”
“Please don’t,” Katsuki whispers. “I’ll be a good boy. I won’t do it again.”
“Bakugou, look at me.”
The boy inhales sharply before screwing his eyes shut and raising his face to Tsunagu. He flinches when he hears him moving in his chair, and the pro hero’s heart sinks when he realizes what Katsuki assumes he would do.
“I’m not going to hit you,” he says softly. Katsuki cracks his eyes open slowly.
“N-No?”
“No, of course not,” he sighs. “I apologize for upsetting you. I didn’t think that you’d... react like that. You seem more like the lashing out type than the crying type. I apologize.”
“... Y-You’re mean,” Katsuki whispers, so quiet that Tsunagu barely registers it. He blinks.
“Excuse me?”
“You’re mean,” Katsuki repeats, a bit louder this time, although his voice trembles. “H-Heroes are ‘posed t’ be nice. You’re mean.”
“... You may be excused from this meeting,” Tsunagu says with an even tone. “We’ll see you at dinner if you so choose.”
“W-What?” Katsuki asks, his eyes going wide. He sinks back in his chair. “No, I’m not-“
“You’re lucky I don’t fire you for insubordination,” Tsunagu snaps, pointing to the door. “Leave. You’re being immature.”
- - -
Katsuki wakes up to wet sheets.
“No,” he whimpers. “No, no, please no.”
“B’k’gou,” his roommate slurs sleepily. “G’to sleep. S’too early.”
Katsuki sobs quietly, pressing a fist into his mouth to muffle his cries. He’s so overwhelmed; the shame and physical discomfort paired with his already present anxiety and frustration and the fact that he’s been teetering on the edge of slipping all day is finally catching up to him. He’s really not sure he can hold it together long enough to last through the rest of the internship.
He cries as silently as he can as he gathers his bedclothes onto the mattress and changes into new pajamas, desperately wanting to be anywhere else the entire time he does so.
He doesn’t knock very loudly on Tsunagu’s door. He can see that the light is still on, so he knows he’s still at work (or at the very least, still awake). A gentle knock will do.
The door swings open moments later and reveals Best Jeanist himself, clad in his pajamas and wearing a stern expression.
“Bakugou,” he sighs with exaggeration. “What do you want now?”
“U-Um,” Katsuki shuffles awkwardly and wipes at his red-rimmed eyes with a sniff. “I... had an, uh... um... my bed...”
“... Christ,” Tsunagu groans, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You wet the bed?”
Katsuki nods, rubbing his eyes with the backs of his hands to avoid bursting into tears.
“Does your roommate know?” He shakes his head. “... Alright. I’ll tell the housekeepers. Did you get changed already?” A nod. “Okay. Are you... alright?”
He starts to cry.
“I-I’m sorry!” He wails, sinking to his knees. “I wanna go home! I-I want...!” He trails off with a broken sob.
Tsunagu’s eyes are wide as he crouches down to rub Katsuki’s back, completely unprepared for how to handle this situation. He had no idea the brash and rude Katsuki Bakugou could be broken down to... this.
“That’s alright, Bakugou. It’s not anything out of the ordinary. Calm down.” Katsuki tries to take in a deep breath, but ends up crying harder. “... Do you want to call your mother?”
“No, no!” Katsuki gasps, trembling violently. “Mama will...! No, not her!”
“Shit... Oh God, okay,” Tsunagu mutters, shaking his head in disbelief. “Eraser, then? Your teacher?” Katsuki nods earnestly. “Okay, good. Let’s go in my room so you can... wait, do you have his number?” Katsuki doesn’t respond. “Right, probably not, why would you have your teacher’s number? I’ll just look it up on the UA staff directory.”
Within a few minutes, Tsunagu manages to find Aizawa’s number. The disgruntled teacher picks up just before it goes to voicemail.
“Shota Aizawa speaking. Who is this?”
“Eraser, hi, it’s Jeanist.”
“... Why are you calling me? It’s after midnight.” He pauses. “Is someone crying?”
“Yes, Bakugou-“
“BAKUGOU is CRYING?!” Aizawa asks with a start, nearly dropping his phone.
“... Yes, I thought it was odd behavior as well,” he says. “Listen, I think he’s having an anxiety attack or.. something..? Maybe mental regression or something similar? I was going to send him home but-“
“Don’t,” Aizawa interrupts. “His home life is rough, sending him there will only worsen his condition. I’ll come and calm him down.”
“Okay. We’re at the APA Hotel downtown.”
“I’ll be there in forty-five minutes.”
The call ends, and Tsunagu exhales shakily.
“Okay,” he breathes. “Aizawa-Sensei is going to come and help, alright?”
“M-Mister Aizawa’s comin’?”
“Yeah...” Tsunagu says absentmindedly. “Hey, Bakugou, how old do you feel right now?”
“M’sixteen,” he mumbles.
“I know, but how old do you FEEL?”
Katsuki thinks for a moment, blinking away more tears that form in his eyes. He hugs his knees to his chest and rests his chin on them.
“... Young,” he decides.
“I figured as much,” Tsunagu nods. “Does this happen to you sometimes? This feeling?”
“Yeah.”
“You know what it is?”
“... Y-Yeah.”
“Okay, then.”
- - -
“Where is he?!” Aizawa gasps, barging into the room. Katsuki hides his face in his knees when he sees his teacher. “Bakugou.”
“He’s doing a little better now,” Tsunagu says in a quiet voice, wringing his hands together. “I think I... I might have fucked up, Eraser.”
“Pull yourself together,” Aizawa grunts, placing a hand on Tsunagu’s shoulder. “He has preexisting conditions that you weren’t informed of. You need to be the adult here.”
“I know,” Tsunagu nods. “I apologize.”
“Hey, kid,” Aizawa says softly, sitting down next to him on the bed. “Rough night?”
“... Mhm...”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Do you know what might have triggered this all?”
“S’just... stress.”
“Internships can be very stressful,” Aizawa nods. “Would you be interested in taking a temporary leave if absence to focus on your mental health? No one would have to know the details outside of us. You could stay in Recovery Girl’s office for a week, help her out with paperwork and such. Easy stuff. And you’d get the same amount of credit.”
“I’unno,” Katsuki shrugs, sniffing.
“Don’t let your mind get ahead of you, kid. It happens to every hero. We all need a break.”
“M-My work...”
“I won’t let you fall behind,” Tsunagu promises. “I trust Eraser enough to believe that a week off won’t hurt you. You’ll be exempt.”
“... Okay,” Katsuki decides. Aizawa smiles.
“There you go. Do you want to leave now?” Katsuki hugs his knees tighter and nods. “... Do you need a hug?” Another nod.
Aizawa wraps his arms around Katsuki and squeezes him tight, rubbing his back. Katsuki sighs contentedly as he breathes in the scent of whiteboard markers and fabric detergent, a scent that has comforted him many times before and he hopes will continue to do so.
Tsunagu waves at him as they walk away, Katsuki’s hand wrapped around three of Aizawa’s fingers. Katsuki waves back.
When they’re in the car, Aizawa roots around in the back seat, speaking to Katsuki in a soft, even tone that soothes the blonde’s nerves.
“You’re not the first student I’ve had that needed a break in their internship. It happens every year,” he explains. “Jeanist is especially hard on his interns. Believe it or not, he’s actually softened up in recent years. I do have to say, however...” he grunts. “I’ve never really dealt with a full slip in regression before. But I brought you... here.”
He hands Katsuki a small stuffed cat with soft, gray fur. Katsuki’s eyes go wide before he brings it to his cheek and rubs it against his skin with a quiet, happy giggle.
“Thank you,” he whispers. Aizawa smiles.
“No problem.”
Chapter 23: Baby’s Day Out (w/ Carer Kiri + Bakusquad)
Summary:
The Bakusquad is at the mall and Katsuki regresses to a pretty young age!
Notes:
I’m ngl,, this was all one big chunk of word vomit so I could write the paci smooch scene. So pure 0.0
Chapter Text
“No, I’m sick of looking at boy stuff! You guys gotta take me into a REAL store, I’m outnumbered here!” Mina whines.
“Heyyyy! Game Stop is gender neutral territory!” Kaminari argues, crossing his arms and pouting. “Plus, you shop in the boys’ section all the time!”
“Yes, but it’s the principle of the thing,” she insists, placing her hands on her hips.
“Alright then, what constitutes as a ‘real store?’” Sero questions.
“Umm... I don’t need any more clothes... how about...” she skips over to a map on the wall. “Oh! Oh my God! They have a Sanrio store!”
“Sanrio?” Katsuki mutters, blinking.
“Yeah! You know, Hello Kitty and stuff!”
“I know what Sanrio is, stupid,” he sneers, rolling his eyes. “Jus’ didn’t expect you t’like it that much, s’all.” Eijirou raises a brow.
“Hey,” he whispers quietly to Katsuki, pulling him away from the group a bit. “How far?”
“Um... huh?”
“How far are you slipped, kiddo?” Eijirou clarifies, rubbing his arm reassuringly.
“M’not,” he insists, before lowering his head and muttering very quietly, “... young.”
“How young?” He receives a shrug. “Okay, that’s fine. Do you want to go back to UA?”
“No,” Katsuki mumbles. “M’ be okay.”
“You want to keep hanging out with our friends?” A nod. “Okay,” Eijirou smiles, taking his hand. “Let’s go let everyone know.”
“I’m telling you man, Pompompurin has seen some shit,” Sero mutters, shaking his head.
“Wait, you guys have to vote, too! Do you want to visit the Sanrio store or not?” Mina questions, poking her finger into Eijirou’s chest. The redhead laughs nervously.
“Um... yes?”
“Alright then, you’re our tie breaker, Bakugou. What’s the word? Are we going or not?”
“... Yes,” he says quietly, scuffing his sneaker against the floor. “... Please.”
“Oh,” Kaminari breathes. “Are you regressed?”
“Mm,” Katsuki hums, nodding.
“Okay, now we HAVE to go,” Mina says. “We can’t deny Bakubaby his right to visit a Sanrio outlet! You know how he feels about Bad Badtz-Maru, guys!” Sero laughs.
“Y’know, I actually have to agree with you there. Although I mourn for Kiri’s wallet.”
“Aww, you know I don’t mind spoiling him,” Eijirou coos, ruffling Katsuki’s hair.
“Kiri,” the blonde giggles happily, leaning against him. Mina cheers.
“Let’s go! Sanrio!”
“Y’ rhymin’, Mimi!” Katsuki marvels.
“Wow. Look at that. Bakubaby really appreciates the little things,” Mina says, wiping away a fake tear. “You guys should take notes. He’s a real man.”
“He’s, like, two.”
“A real. Man.”
- - -
“Do you want some hair clips?” Eijirou asks, whispering into Katsuki’s ear. The blonde frowns and shakes his head. “... You good?”
“Binky?” Katsuki requests quietly, tapping his mouth. Eijirou bites his lip nervously.
“We’re in public, kiddo. You okay with people seeing?” Katsuki nods. “You’re sure?”
“Jus’ wan’ m’binky,” Katsuki slurs, rubbing his eyes a little bit. Eijirou raises his brows.
“Okay, hon.” He reaches into the pocket of his cargo pants and produces an orange pacifier. “Is this one alright?”
Katsuki happily takes it and pops it into his mouth before timidly reaching for Eijirou’s arm. The shorter boy feels anxiety spark in his chest, recognizing the signs of Katsuki slipping younger than usual but not wanting to embarrass him by pointing it out.
Having said that, there are certain... troubles that come with Katsuki regressing into a baby headspace. He can go nonverbal, he’s more susceptible to bathroom-related accidents, and he sometimes needs to be carried; all things that would come off as strange to the public, especially from up-and-coming heroes.
“Hey, how ‘bout we wrap it up soon?” He suggests to the group. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m kind of mall-ed out right now.”
“Me too,” Sero admits.
“Let’s just finish up in here,” Mina says. “Then we can go home. You wanna look at some plushies with me, baby?” She asks Katsuki, extending her hand. He turns his face into Eijirou’s arm shyly. “... Uh, Bakugou?”
“He’s feeling pretty young today,” Eijirou explains quietly. “That’s why I think we should head out sooner rather than later.”
“Ooh,” Mina drawls out. “You gettin’ sleepy yet, baby? You wanna go home and rest?”
“Mm-mm,” Katsuki hums into Eijirou’s shoulder, shaking his head slightly.
“Why don’t you pick out a stuffy before we go? Does that sound good?” Eijirou asks. Katsuki hesitates, but nods slowly. “Alright. But we gotta go back right after, okay?”
Katsuki doesn’t respond, just lifts his head and wraps his arms around Eijirou’s neck, trying and failing to wrap his legs around his waist. Eijirou chuckles in amusement and gently pushes him away, much to Katsuki’s dismay.
“I can’t carry you like that out in public, kiddo. It’s a little too obvious.” Katsuki whines loudly, stomping his foot. “... Okay, what about a piggyback ride instead? Would that work?”
Katsuki’s demeanor changes in an instant, nodding eagerly and backing off so Eijirou can crouch down. As soon as he’s low enough, Katsuki jumps onto his back and latches on, eliciting a pained groan from Eijirou. Once upright, Katsuki giggles happily and nuzzles his face into Eijirou’s shoulder.
“I don’t know whether to explode from adorable-ness or laugh at your height difference right now,” Sero chuckles.
“Oh, definitely explode,” Kaminari says. “What’s it like being a father at sixteen?”
“Teen parents are becoming a serious struggle,” Mina says solemnly, nodding.
“Guys, he’s not my kid,” Eijirou laughs. The trio shares a knowing look with each other. “What? He’s not!”
“Mhm,” Sero says. “We believe you.”
“I mean it!”
“We said we believe you,” Mina says, swinging her arms around. “Bakubaby isn’t your kid even though he totally is. We get it.”
“Are you my kid?” Eijirou asks Katsuki, raising his eyebrows comically at him.
“Kiri..” Katsuki giggles around his pacifier. He quickly presses the plastic to Eijirou’s cheek, performing an innocent kiss without using his lips. Eijirou’s eyes fill with tears.
“Dude... that was the cutest shit ever,” he wheezes, clutching his chest. “You’re so precious, oh my God. Gimme five.”
Katsuki slaps his open hand happily.
After Eijirou purchases a Bad Badtz-Maru plush for Katsuki and a Pompompurin pen for Mina, the group heads home. Katsuki insists on sitting in Eijirou’s lap on the way back, contentedly playing with his own hair and suckling on his pacifier as he people-watches.
As soon as they get to the dorms, Eijirou dresses Katsuki in more suitable attire, making sure he has protection on in case of any accidents. After their eventful day out, they’re all reasonably tired, so they decide to snuggle up in the common area and watch a movie before dinner. Katsuki naturally curls up in Eijirou’s lap again, but this time he holds his new plushie to his chest and lets Eijirou rub circles on his cheek with his thumb.
“He’s so quiet tonight,” Kaminari marvels.
“He’s a baby,” Eijirou says softly. “As long as they’re happy, they’re quiet.”
Chapter 24: Throwing Tantrums (w/ Carer Kiri + Babysitter Mina)
Summary:
Katsuki is difficult for the Bakusquad when Eijirou is gone on vacation.
Notes:
CW FOR: referenced child abuse, talk of dissociation, joking “su/c/dal” thoughts (just katsuki being overdramatic)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“It’s only for a week,” Eijirou says for the fiftieth time that night. “I’ll be a phone call away the entire time. I’m leaving all of your regression stuff here. Make sure you-“
“Text you every night, call you immediately if I regress, don’t hesitate to ask for help from the squad, keep my stuffed animals and shit clean, wear fuckin’ pull-ups to bed.. any other shit you wanna add in to inconvenience me?”
“I’m just trying to make this easy,” Eijirou sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry, am I being overbearing?”
“Yes, very,” Katsuki mutters, rolling his eyes.
“I’m sorry,” Eijirou repeats, sitting down on the edge of his bed. “I’ve never been a carer before... it almost feels like I’m leaving a baby alone for a week and telling it not to get in trouble, y’know? N-Not that you’re a baby! I know you’re perfectly capable of handling this, but it feels... harder. Harder than it should.”
“So don’t go if it bothers you,” Katsuki says, sitting down next to him. “I don’t wanna fuckin’ deal with you bein’ in Mama Bear Mode all week. I’ve got shit to focus on, Red.”
“I have to go,” Eijirou reminds him. “I barely ever get to visit with my cousins. Plus, my moms will never let me hear the end of it if I miss another holiday.”
“Valentine’s Day is barely a holiday,” Katsuki scoffs. “We don’t even get time off.”
“But February Break-”
“Doesn’t count. Not for the holiday.”
“So it IS a holiday?”
“God, I won’t miss you,” Katsuki says, floppimg backwards onto his mattress. “... What happens if I break the rules? Just in case?”
“No movie time for a week,” Eijirou says. “But if you do something really bad, I might just have to plain ol’ ground you.”
“What about...” Katsuki bites his lip. “What about, like, backhanding and shit?”
“The Hell?” Eijirou questions, staring at him. “Dude, you know I’d never hit you. Especially if you’re regressed.” Katsuki huffs.
“But what if I do something really fucked up?” He pushes, sitting up to stare Eijirou down. “What if I hurt someone? What if I get pissed during a slip and blast at Deku?”
“Bakugou, what are you-“
“What if, Kirishima?”
“Why would you hurt someone?!”
“Because you won’t be there!” Katsuki shouts before shrinking away. “I... you’re, like, all of my impulse control, man. I don’t know if I can be good when you’re not around.”
“Oh, Bakugou,” Eijirou sighs, scooting closer so he can rub his back. “I trust you. I really do. And I know that you’re not a bad person. If you hurt one of our classmates, I know it’d be by mistake. You wouldn’t get a punishment.”
“Why won’t you just hit me?” Katsuki asks, bringing his knees to his chest. “Sometimes I feel so out of control, and I know that if you just knock me down a few pegs I’ll be better.”
“It’s never okay to be physically violent with someone innocent on the basis of ‘making them behave.’ It’d be an unreal abuse of power, and I don’t want you to see me like that. I’m not here to put you in your place, dude. I’m here to care for you. You know that.”
“I know,” Katsuki sighs. “... Is it weird that I miss it? Having an ‘off’ button?”
“Nah,” Eijirou assures him. “You were used to it. You were used to a lot of things that you shouldn’t be used to. I’m pretty sure your brain is still processing right from wrong, honestly.”
“Maybe,” he shrugs. “... I think I will miss you, actually. Just a little bit.”
“I know you will,” Eijirou beams.
- - -
“Hey, Bakubro! How’s it hangin’?” Kaminari asks, slinging an arm around Katsuki’s shoulder. “You goin’ through Kiri withdrawals yet? I know I am. I miss that dude so much.”
“I know what you’re doing,” Katsuki growls, shoving him off. “I’m fine. I can function properly without some punk dumbass with muscles for brains following me around.”
“No one said you couldn’t,” Kaminari agrees. “But... just in case you have trouble-“
“I’m going to be a fucking pro hero!” Katsuki shouts, exasperated. “Why does everyone think I need Kiri-fuckin’-shima to go about my daily life?! I! Am! Independent!”
“Woah, woah,” Kaminari whistles, backing away. “Message received, King B.”
“Hey guys! What was all that yelling about?” Mina chirps, sliding next to them. “Oh, Bakugou..” she touches his arm lightly. “It’s Kirishima, isn’t it? He’ll be back soon, hon.”
“What the FUCK?!” Katsuki roars, throwing his hands up in frustration. Kaminari cackles. “Jesus, Pinky! You’re tempting me to go walk into the ocean and never look back!”
“So dramatic,” Mina pouts.
- - -
LORDEXPLODOKILL: hi
RedRiot: Hey man! How’s everything going? You have a good day? I’m so sunburnt rn lol :p
LORDEXPLODOKILL: slipping
RedRiot: Ohh, okay. Do you want to call?
RedRiot: Bakugou?
RedRiot: Kiddo, I need you to answer me.
LORDEXPLODOKILL: no
RedRiot: Okay. Do you know where everything is? In the box under your bed?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: yea
LORDEXPLODOKILL: miss u
RedRiot: Oh, sweetheart, I know. Are you sure you don’t want to video chat or something?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: no
RedRiot: No as in you don’t want to or no as in you’re not sure?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: dont wanna
RedRiot: Okay. Are you safe rn?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: yes
RedRiot: Just not happy?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: mhm
RedRiot: Would it help if you had someone with you? Why don’t you go find the guys?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: k
RedRiot: Alright, good. I’m here if you need me, okay? Keep in touch, kiddo! :)
LORDEXPLODOKILL: mhm
- - -
“Hey, look who decided to join us! And here I was thinking you were going to continue your pattern of shutting us out until Kiri comes back. Good on you for proving me wrong!” Sero exclaims, grinning wide.
“... Never mind,” Katsuki mutters, spinning on his heel. Mina smacks Sero’s arm.
“Bakugou, wait!” She calls. “We wanna hang out with you! We miss your beautiful face!”
Katsuki fiddles with the hem of his shirt for a little bit before he mumbles something incoherent under his breath and storming over to the couch. He crosses his arms and sits down with a loud huff. Kaminari frowns.
“You still in a bad mood?” He asks.
“‘Y’still ‘n a bad mood?’” Katsuki repeats mockingly. “Shut up, Kami.”
“Man, what’s wrong with you? I was just- wait,” Kaminari stops himself. “Did you call me ‘Kami?’” He realizes, blinking. Katsuki shrugs.
“Are you regressed right now?” Jirou asks. She receives another shrug.
“Oh, baby,” she coos, scooting over to place a hand on his head. “How long?”
“Stop!” Katsuki shouts, throwing her off. “Stupid Kiri, why’d I listenin’ to him?” He mutters, kicking the ottoman in front of him.
“You talked to Kiri?” Sero prods lightly.
“Shut UP!” Katsuki yells, kicking harder and pressing his hands over his ears. “Shut up, shut up, shut UP! Jus’ stop it!”
“Hon,” Mina starts. “I know you’re upset, but-“
“I SAID STOP!” He shrieks, turning around and kicking Mina’s thigh as hard as he can.
It doesn’t knock her over, in fact it barely physically affects her at all, but the shocked gasp that leaves her lungs is felt by everyone in the room. Katsuki slowly pulls back with wide eyes before sniffing and stubbornly glaring at his his lap, arms crossed again.
“Bakugou,” Mina says sternly. “That was very bad. You’re never supposed to hurt people.”
“Mhm,” he grunts, eyes welling up.
“Look at me,” she says softly. He refuses, still trying to will away his teary eyes. “Baby, I’m not mad. I’m a little upset, but I just want to know why you acted like that. Okay?” He shrugs noncommittally. “Can you tell me?”
“Dunno,” he mumbles, the first fat tears rolling down his cheeks silently.
“You don’t know?” Jirou asks. He shakes his head. “Was it because you’re upset?”
“... No,” he whispers shakily.
“Then why?” Kaminari questions.
“I...” he hugs his knees to his chest and buries his face in them. “Mm... wan’ed you t’ hit me..”
“What?” Mina asks, face plastered with worry. “Why would we ever hit you, sweet boy?” She breathes, pulling him to her chest.
“I-It’s jus’ a lot!” He whimpers, finally allowing the dam to break entirely. He wraps his arms around Mina’s waist and clings to her shirt. “I-I miss Kiri, an’ ever’one keeps talkin’ ‘bout him, an’ ‘s makin’ me sad, an’ I want my head t’just shut up about it!”
Mina shushes him, petting his head and allowing him to soil her shirt with his crying. Their friends gather around, all offering hushed apologies and words of encouragement and soothing touches.
“Can I ask you a big question?” Mina asks, carding her nails through his hair. Katsuki nods. “When you were living with your mama, and she would... hurt you.. did it make your head feel all floaty and distant?”
“Mhm,” he hums shakily, gripping her tighter.
“Honey, that wasn’t a healthy thing for you. It’s called ‘dissociation,’ and you were experiencing it as a response to the trauma you went through. If you want your brain to quiet down, there are healthier ways to do that. Like regressing, or writing down your feelings, or cleaning... not putting yourself in danger to elicit a trauma response. Okay?”
“O-Okay,” he sniffs, pulling away and rubbing his eyes. “M’sorry, Mimi.”
“It’s okay, baby,” she melts, wrapping him in a tight hug. When she pulls away, she’s wiping away tears of her own. “Crap! I smudged my eyeliner,” she giggles.
“Oh,” Katsuki breathes, inspecting the black stain on her hand. “Makeup?”
“Mhm,” she hums. “Do you guys mind watching him while I go wash this off?” She asks, looking around. The ground nods eagerly. “Awesome. I’ll be right back, just-“
“No!” Katsuki shouts, panicky. He squeezes her middle tightly and latches his chin over her shoulder. Mina laughs nervously.
“I’ll only be gone for a minute, Bakugou, let-“
“Don’t go,” he mumbles into her shirt, squeezing his eyes shut. Mina sighs.
Katsuki has always been clingy when he’s regressed, but it’s normally directed towards Eijirou. He’s bound to be even worse when he’s upset, and with Eijirou gone, he’s attached himself to the first person that he could.
“Okay, how about you come with me instead?” She asks, patting his butt. “Sound good?”
He doesn’t respond, just buries his face in her neck and squeezes impossibly tighter. She stands up with a groan, nearly toppling over with the weight of a teenage boy almost twice her size in her arms. Kaminari snickers.
“I gotta take a picture of this,” he snorts.
“Hey, no. No making fun of Bakubaby,” Mina says, giving him a stern look.
“No, no, not for blackmail purposes,” he assures her, pulling out his phone. “For Red!”
“Oh, yeah, that’s a great idea!” She agrees, smiling brightly. “Baby, you wanna look at the camera? Kami’s taking a picture for Kiri!”
“Kiri?” Katsuki asks excitedly, looking up. He seems disappointed when his carer isn’t in the room, but looks at the camera nonetheless.
- - -
“Chapstick,” Katsuki says matter-of-factly, swinging his legs and holding up a small tube.
“Close,” Mina says. “That’s lipgloss.”
“S’it shiny?” He asks hopefully.
“Oh yeah, very,” Mina says. “You wanna put some on? It’s got sparkles in it!”
“Yeah!” Katsuki cheers, handing her the gloss.
After she’s done carefully applying a bit to his lips, he marvels at the glimmering in her mirror. She ruffles his hair affectionately and goes back to washing off her makeup.
“Marker,” Katsuki mumbles, poking her with a different tube. Mina raises her brows at him.
“That’s eyeliner,” she explains. He nods understandingly, staring at it. “Hey, Bakugou... wanna try something fun?”
- - -
“Look who’s back!” Kaminari announces.
“Hey guys!” Sero waves. “Listen, we rented a Disney movie, and Jirou’s getting some warm milk and apple slices ready, and... is that-“
“Yep,” Mina says proudly.
“Makeover!” Katsuki cheers.
“He looks like Kesha!” Kaminari marvels.
“Who?” Sero raises a brow.
“American pop-star,” Kaminari explains.
“Look like Mimi!” Katsuki corrects them, giggling happily. Mina grins up at him.
“Sure do.”
- - -
“Hey,” a soft voice says, shaking his shoulder. Katsuki cracks an eye open. “I’m back.”
“Kiri!” Katsuki whispers loudly, eyes wide. He wraps his arms around his neck and pulls him down into bed with him. “Y’here!”
“I am!” Eijirou giggles, hugging him tightly. He buries his nose in Katsuki’s hair. “Did you miss me?” He asks jokingly.
“Mm... nope,” Katsuki decides. Eijirou laughs.
“Yeah, you did,” he says, seeing through his lies. “Did you behave?”
“Uh... m’sleepy,” Katsuki says. “G’night!”
He throws Eijirou off of him and buries his face into a pillow. Eijirou frowns.
“What? Bakugou, tell me!” He insists. Katsuki fake-snores loudly, unable to hide his grin. “Bakugou! You brat!”
Notes:
Hey guys! While I loooove that you all seem to enjoy this so much, please keep your requests on hold until they’re open again! They’re closed rn because I have so many with so little free time, and if they keep piling up I’m gonna get really stressed! I PROMISE I will get to your requests at a later date. Hope you’re all doing well ^.^
Chapter 25: Standing Up (w/ Regressor Shouto + Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Katsuki and Shouto have a play date, and a certain Class A-hating blonde picks on Shouto.
Notes:
CW for: light teasing and mentions of Endeavor!
Chapter Text
“Wha’s tha’?” Shouto asks, poking Katsuki’s cheek. The blonde wrinkles his nose.
“Sticker,” he says, touching the plastic strawberry decoration on his face. “Kiri gave it t’me ‘cus I’m so good for him. He said so.”
“Mm,” Shouto hums, curling his knees to his chest. “S’pretty.”
“Pfft, no,” Katsuki snorts. “S’cool as shit.”
“Bad word,” Shouto mumbles.
“Kiri’s not here! He can’t get me in time out,” Katsuki chirps.
“Oh,” Shouto breathes. “... Cool as shit.”
“Nice,” Katsuki says, lifting his hand for a high five. Shouto hits it lightly before popping his pacifier in his mouth and turning his attention back to his coloring book.
The two boys are both regressed and having an impromptu play date. Neither of their carers are watching them, but they’re both calm enough that they don’t feel the need to have them around. They’re sitting in Shouto’s room, coloring and playing with stuffed animals. Some cartoon is playing on Shouto’s laptop, long forgotten by both boys.
Twenty minutes later, Shouto starts to grow distracted, abandoning his coloring book and whining around his pacifier.
“What’s wrong, Todo?” Katsuki asks, reaching his hand out. Shouto just whines harder. “You gettin’ sleepy? We can take a nap.”
“No!” Shouto shouts, kicking his legs.
“Hm... you gotta go potty?” He shakes his head. “You hungry? Thirsty?”
“Yes! Thirsty!” Shouto whines.
“Okay.” Katsuki stretches, standing up and dropping his crayon to the floor. “Let’s go get some juice. Y’like juice, Todo?”
“... Yes,” he mumbles, standing up and locking pinkies with Katsuki. Before they leave the room, he places his pacifier on the bed.
Just in case.
- - -
“Nice sticker,” Monoma retorts.
“Kiri gave it t’me,” Katsuki says matter-of-factly. “It’s a strawberry.”
“Yes, I do have eyes,” the blonde says, smirking. “So what’s all this, then?” He asks, gesturing to the boy’s interlocked fingers. “Class 1-A really is full of children, huh?”
“Shut up,” Katsuki growls, furrowing his brow and yanking his hand away from Shouto’s. “What’re y’ doin’ here, anyways?”
“Shinsou and I have a study session with Aizawa Sensei. Probably because we’re so special! Above the rest of you folks!”
“... Okay,” Katsuki shrugs, shoving beside him to get into the kitchen. Shouto trails after him in suit. Monoma’s smirk falters a bit.
“A-Ah! So what’s up with you, huh? Trailing behind your classmate like a lost puppy dog! Who knew the son of Endeavor was so useless?! You want to be a hero, but you’re dependent on your classmates? What a joke!”
“W-What?” Shouto asks, eyes wide and teary.
“Ignore him,” Katsuki whispers.
“Yes, yes, ignore me. Because that will DEFINITELY work! I’m not some schoolyard bully like you, Ground Zero! I’m a future hero too, you know! I’m resilient! I’m-“
“Mean,” Shouto mumbles. “He’s mean.”
“... AHAHAHAHA!! That’s RICH!” Monoma cackles, holding his sides. “You guys really are just a bunch of babies, huh?!”
“Stop it,” Katsuki says, slamming a cup down on the counter. Monoma pouts.
“Aww, or what? Will you and Daddy’s Boy try to fight me with your big, strong quirks?”
“... Yeah,” Katsuki says shortly, blasting an explosion at Monoma. He aims for just above his right shoulder, leaving his ear ringing and his hair singed. Monoma yelps.
“Ah! How impuslive! Class A must really be- shit!” He grabs his ear. “Owowow, it hurts-“
“Monoma,” a deep voice growls from behind Katsuki. He looks up to see Hitoshi.
“Shinsou! There you are! I was just-“
“Picking a fight,” Hitoshi sighs. “I’m not going to let you come to my sessions if you’re going to act like this. Apologize.”
“But he-!”
“Now,” Hitoshi says sternly. “I’m just as against their cockiness as you, but that doesn’t give you the right to provoke them like that. I mean, come on dude, they’ve got at least fifty pounds on you. What were you thinking?” He sighs and shakes his head.
“... I won’t apologize,” Monoma says stubbornly. Hitoshi rolls his eyes.
“Sorry about him,” he says, turning to Katsuki and Shouto. “We were just leaving.”
With that, he drags Monoma away by his collar, leaving the two boys in silence.
“... I’m so grounded,” Katsuki mutters.
- - -
“Hey, kiddo,” Eijirou says, peeking his head into Shouto’s doorway. “Can we talk?”
Katsuki heart jumps into his throat.
“H-He was teasin’ Todo! Even ask the zombie boy! I’s just tryin’ to-“
“I’m not mad that you were standing up for your friend!” Eijirou rushes to say, joining them on the bed. Shouto reaches out to pause the movie they were watching. “Shinsou told me everything. I’m sure it’s hard to ignore Monoma when you’re regressed, huh?”
“... Mhm,” Shouto hums timidly, nodding.
“And I know that you’re being good today. Both of you. Here, Todoroki,” he says, extending his hand. He hands Shouto a sticker with a ladybug on it.
“O-Oh,” Shouto breathes, smiling a bit. “Thank you, Kiri.” Eijirou chuckles.
“You’re welcome. Now, Bakugou, there is one thing,” Eijirou says slowly. Katsuki groans. “What’s your number one rule, kiddo?”
“... No quirks when ‘m small,” Katsuki mutters, hanging his head. Eijirou nods.
“I’m not gonna put you in time out or ground you. This is the first time you’ve done this, and I know it was for a good cause. However,” he pauses for dramatic effect. “You gotta clean your room as soon as the movie’s over.”
“... Ha?!” Katsuki questions, snapping his head up. Eijirou smiles at him. “... Fine.”
“Kiri’s nice,” Shouto whispers.
“Mhm,” Katsuki pouts bitterly, crossing his arms. “But my room’s very messy.”
“It needs to be done anyways, then,” Eijirou hums, tickling Katsuki’s side playfully.
Chapter 26: Here and Now (w/ Big Bro Izuku)
Summary:
Katsuki starts dissociating and regressing during training with Izuku.
Notes:
CW for: dissociation
Chapter Text
When Katsuki was younger, he used to hold Izuku’s hand when they walked across the street. He swore up and down that it was to ‘protect a defenseless little Deku like you,’ but Izuku knew the truth.
Katsuki was afraid to cross the road.
That’s why, after his quirk developed, he let off an explosion every time they reached the other side. His palms would get all sweaty as they hurried across, Izuku’s hand in a vice grip that made his fingers tingle when Katsuki finally let go. That’s why he cried the one time the light changed before they were across, even though none of the cars started moving. That’s why they never walked to the library together, even though it was only two streets over, because they had to cross the road too many times for Katsuki’s liking.
He said it was to protect Izuku, but really, Izuku was the one protecting him.
Katsuki skinned his hands and knees today.
It happens a lot during training, especially among those practicing aerial fighting. But something about the way he took a moment to stare at the angry, red skin, the way his eyes glossed over after they began to water, the way he got eerily quiet after...
It irked Izuku.
“Kaachan? Are you sure you’re alright?” He asks after he wins yet another round. The blonde’s movements seemed to get less and less calculated, his defensive work sloppy and his offensive work practically nonexistent.
“M’fine,” Katsuki grunts, picking himself up off the ground. He winces briefly before that distant look stretches across his face again.
“You seem... off,” Izuku says worriedly. “Should we take you to Recovery Girl?”
“No,” he mumbles in a hollow voice, rubbing his hands along his own shoulders. He stares down at the ground, swaying side to side.
“Do you need to sit down for a bit? You’re awfully pale,” Izuku fusses, desperately searching the other for signs of distress.
“M’fine, Izu,” he repeats, not even registering the nickname as he fidgets. Izuku does, though, and everything clicks into place.
“Is it happening again?” He whispers, leaning in close. Katsuki blinks at him with a stoic expression. “Do you feel small?”
“... Shh,” Katsuki shushes, averting his gaze and backing away. He stumbles over his own feet and falls backwards, this time landing on his butt. He looks stunned for a moment, but after that he just seems... dazed.
“Kaachan, you’re worrying me,” Izuku says, extending his hand. “Let’s go clean up and get you back to your room, okay?”
Katsuki stares at him, brow just barely knit.
“Clean?” He mumbles. Did he get messy?
“Yeah, you gotta get all the sweat and dirt and makeup off your body,” Izuku explains.
Makeup? Katsuki doesn’t wear makeup.
Ohh, wait, yes he does. He uses eyeliner to fill in the holes in his mask. So if he’s wearing makeup, he must be wearing his hero costume, which means he’s at...
Hero practice. Huh. He could have sworn he was in another time, some scene from the past, but it seems that his body didn’t follow his mind this time around. How strange.
“Kaachan?” Izuku prompts, trying to hoist him up by the arm. Katsuki shakes his head.
“Can’t,” he says quietly. Standing up seems like too big of a task at the moment. He already feels uncomfortably big, too big for his brain to comprehend. He’s not sure standing to his full height will help that feeling.
“Did you hurt your legs?” Izuku asks. Katsuki nods his head. “Too much to stand?” He shrugs. “Okay, we gotta get you grounded, Kaachan. Come on, stand up.”
“W-Wait,” Katsuki says, squirming away. The action makes his head swim. “Ground me?”
Why would he be grounded? What did he do wrong? Did he break another window? Push Izuku down again? Say a cuss word?
Wait, but that doesn’t make sense. He’s older now, he doesn’t get in trouble for that kind of thing. And Izuku can’t ground him. Just what is going on with his head?
“Kaachan, I think you’re regressing again,” Izuku whispers into his ear. “I don’t know what brought it on, but it looks like you’re dissociating right now.” Katsuki furrows his brow in confusion. “I know you don’t fully understand what I’m saying, but I need you to try to focus on my words anyways, okay? Can you give me your hands, please?”
Suddenly, Katsuki’s hands are being squeezed, and he’s pulled to his feet with a grunt. Izuku gives a little hum of approval before brushing some of Katsuki’s hair out of his face and leading him out of the arena by his wrist.
Before they can reach the door, though, All Might stops them.
“Young Midoriya! Young Bakugou! If you’re planning on leaving early, I need notes!”
“Sorry, All Might! It’s just, erm...” Izuku bites his lip worriedly before gesturing for All Might to lean down. The hero complies, bending at the knees until he’s Izuku’s height. “Kaachan’s having an... episode, of sorts. I know how to help, and I don’t want to make a big deal out of it and risk embarrassing him, so I’m gonna help him clean up and then we’re gonna go back to his room.”
“Ah, of course,” All Might whispers. “I hope you feel better soon, Young Baku-“
He stops when he sees what Katsuki’s doing.
“Oh, Kaachan, get your thumb out of your mouth,” Izuku mumbles, tugging his hand. The appendage falls loosely from his lips.
He doesn’t remember putting it in.
“I think you should get going, now,” All Might says, clenching his jaw. Izuku nods.
“Thank you. See you later.”
Cleaning proves to be difficult.
Izuku helps Katsuki strip down (without crossing any boundaries) to his underpants and sits him down on a bench. He wipes his body down to the best of his ability and gets to work trying to rub off his makeup when Katsuki starts to whine, tears filling his eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Izuku asks gently.
“H-Hurt myself,” Katsuki whimpers, rubbing his fist into his eye. Izuku guides it back into his lap and clicks his tongue.
“I know, buddy. Just hang tight for a second, I’ve gotta finish cleaning your face and then we can get some ointment and band-aids on your knees, okay?” Katsuki sniffles.
“M’hands?” He asks.
“Your hands too, honey. We just have to finish this first, okay? We’re almost done.”
“M’kay,” he nods.
After he finishes wiping Katsuki down and bandaging him up, Izuku helps him get into his own gym gear, figuring his baggy clothes would be more comfortable than Katsuki’s school uniform. The whole ordeal seems to ground Katsuki a bit more, but Izuku suspects he’s still feeling kind of foggy, and he’s definitely still regressed.
Katsuki holds Izuku’s index finger as they walk back to the dorms. His other hand is occupied with his mouth, relentlessly sucking on his thumb. Izuku doesn’t really care if he does it now; he’s cleaned up, and no one’s around to see. If it comforts him, let him do it, right?
Once they arrive at his room, Katsuki seems to calm down a little more. He toddles over to his bed and curls up in the center, burying his face in his pillow with a long exhale.
“Alright, where do you keep your stuff? Your pacifier and your stuffed animals and-“
“Izu,” Katsuki says quietly, rolling onto his back. He blinks up at the ceiling. “I feel... funny.” Izuku sighs and sits next to him.
“I know, buddy. Do you get like this sometimes? Dissociated?”
“Feels ‘badder’ now,” Katsuki mumbles, curling into a ball on his side. “Like ‘m... here, an’ now, but also... ‘m a kid, an’ ‘m back home.. I keep thinkin’ that ’m back home, Izu.”
His voice breaks on the last sentence, his bottom lip wobbling pitifully. He presses his palms into his eyes and inhales shakily.
“Oh, Kaachan,” Izuku clicks his tongue, reaching down to rub his back. “You’ve just got a lot of things going on in your head right now, bubba. You got hurt, and you’re head’s all foggy, and you’re feeling small. I’m not surprised that you’re upset.”
“Y-Yeah,” Katsuki whimpers, biting his lip. Izuku sees a few tears slip past his hands.
“Aww, honey,” Izuku mutters, slipping his arms under Katsuki’s frame and picking him up. He pulls him into his lap and holds his head to his chest, gently stroking his hair as he cries. “It’s okay, Kaachan. Let it out. You’re safe here.”
Katsuki cries for a while, refusing to take his hands off of his eyes and trembling in Izuku’s lap. The shorter boy doesn’t really know what to do besides rock him side to side and scritch lightly in between his shoulders. Eventually, Katsuki’s whimpers and sobs die down to soft hiccuping, and he wipes his nose on Izuku’s shirt before sitting up straight.
“You’re feeling better now?” Izuku asks, rubbing his back. Katsuki nods and sniffles. “Good. Now, how about we get you some water and snuggle up to watch a movie?”
“M’head,” Katsuki groans, squeezing his eyes shut. Izuku laughs quietly.
“That’s what the water’s for, bubba. Let’s go,” he says, patting Katsuki’s thigh. “You want me to carry you? I can give you a piggyback ride.”
“Piggyback?” Katsuki asks softly, peering at shyly Izuku through his bangs.
“Yep!” Izuku chirps. Katsuki nods slowly.
The lanky blonde wraps himself around Izuku’s back and hangs off of him like a koala. He rests his chin on his shoulder as they walk through the dorms, just quietly observing.
When they get to the kitchen, Izuku reaches to grab a glass, but Katsuki stops him from where he’s sat on the counter.
“Is something wrong?” Izuku asks, brow knit.
“U-Uh...” Katsuki blinks rapidly a few times. “I just.. um.. sippy? Please?” He squirms nervously, staring at his clasping and unclasping in his lap. “It, uh. Helps. The slip.”
“Sure thing, Kaachan,” Izuku smiles easily, rooting around for Katsuki’s sippy cup. He pulls it out with a light chuckle. “A sippy for your ‘slippy,’ right?”
Katsuki wrinkles his nose.
“Haha, okay, maybe not.”
After that, they head back upstairs and curl up together on Katsuki’s bed, Izuku holding him in his lap and occasionally petting his hair. Katsuki roots around for a pacifier and a stuffed animal after he finishes his water and, eventually, he dozes off.
Izuku knows he needs to wake him up for dinner soon, but for now, he leaves him be.
He loves protecting Katsuki.
Chapter 27: A Woman’s Touch (w/ Carer Kiri + Babysitter Momo)
Summary:
Katsuki won’t sleep.
Momo helps.
Chapter Text
It has been. Three. Days.
Three days since anyone in Katsuki’s family (other than Eri) last got a wink of sleep. Three days since Katsuki has stopped crying at the drop of a hat.
Eijirou feels like he’s genuinely dying.
“Hey, broskis,” Kaminari says, entering the common room. “He still regressed?”
“Hmmp,” Katsuki huffs, glaring heavily at Kaminari before burying his face into a couch cushion. Eijirou sighs wearily.
“Yep. Still won’t nap, either.”
“Lemme try,” he offers, reaching out. Eijirou nudges Katsuki to face Kaminari. “Hi, you! Hey, you know, if you take a nap, I’ll let you play Mario with me. How’s that sound?”
“Mm!” Katsuki growls, glaring impossibly harder. “Go, stupid Kami!!”
“Be nice,” Eijirou warns him.
“Mm!” He grunts again, turning to hide his face into Eijirou’s shoulder.
“I tried?” Kaminari shrugs. “Sorry, man.”
“No, it’s fine,” Eijirou sighs. “I feel like we’ve tried everything. Bribery, bedtime stories, warm milk... at this point, I think we’re just waiting for him to either pass out from exhaustion or get back into his headspace.”
“Well, let me know how that goes,” Kaminari says, clapping Eijirou’s shoulder. “Listen, Sero and I ordered a shitton of pizza. I’m going to pick it up right now. If you guys want some?”
“Oh yeah, pizza party!” Eijirou cheers. “We could use some fun, huh Bakugou? Does that sound good?”
“No!” Katsuki shouts, punching the sofa.
“Ah..” Eijirou’s face falls. “Sorry, bro. Maybe another time?” Kaminari frowns.
“Can’t you get someone else to watch him?”
“Hey, don’t talk about my kiddo like he’s a burden,” Eijirou scolds. “But to answer your question, no. His dads have to help with a high-risk patrol tonight, and Shinsou’s in hot water for failing some test, so he’s basically only allowed to stop studying to perform basic human functions. I’m the only one left.”
“How adverse are you to a babysitter?” A gentle voice asks. Eijirou looks behind him to see Momo leaning on the back of the couch.
“Yaoyorozu! I didn’t see you there!” He exclaims. Momo smiles sheepishly.
“I, um... I really can’t resist puppy dog eyes,” she says, gesturing to Katsuki.
“What are you..?” Eijirou trails off when he sees Katsuki staring up at Momo with wide eyes. “Oh my God,” he chuckles lightly.
“S-Sorry! Did I overstep any boundaries?” She asks, waving her hands around. “I’ll admit, I don’t really fully grasp the... concept of Bakugou’s family, but I just figured-“
“No, no. This is the quietest he’s been all day,” Eijirou says easily. “You’re a saint.”
“Oh, no,” Momo mumbles, smoothing her skirt out in a fluster. “Th-That’s really too much.”
“If you want to watch him, I’m all for it,” Eijirou says. “I’m sure you pass Aizawa Sensei’s inspection. It’s just, er...” he bites his lip. “He’s being a bit... difficult... right now?”
“I don’t mind,” Momo says softly, reaching out to pet Katsuki’s head. “The little angel just needs to sleep, right? It can’t be that hard.”
“It is,” Eijirou snorts. “And he’s no angel.”
Katsuki bites his shoulder.
“Ow-! Hey, not nice!” Eijirou says, frowning at him. The blonde sticks out his tongue.
“Alright,” Kaminari grunts, stretching. “I’m getting the pizzas. You comin’ with?”
“Are you sure you want this?” He asks Momo, searching her face. “You can back out.”
“Honestly, I miss taking care of babies,” she sighs wistfully. “I’m the eldest girl in my family, so I look after my little siblings and cousins often. I know I’m not close with Bakugou, but after he came forward about his regression... I felt more drawn to him, I guess?”
“I get that,” Eijirou says quietly. “Don’t get me wrong, Bakugou and I were best bros before I found out about it, but he’s got this undeniable charisma when he’s regressed, y’know?”
“Kiri, the pizzas,” Kaminari pleads.
“Right, right! Sorry.” He stands up, peeling Katsuki off of his body, ignoring his kicking and screaming. “Thanks so much for doing this! I’ll pick him up later!”
“Have fun!” Momo calls after the boys as they walk away. Katsuki wails in her arms. “Oh, sweetheart. You’re tired, huh?”
She strokes the bridge of his nose with her finger as she speaks to him in a gentle tone, and his eyes go wide. He blinks at her.
“There you go, baby. There’s no need to cry, right? I’m going to take care of you,” she promises softly, moving to stroke his cheek.
“K-Kiri’s gone?” He asks, fisting his hand in her shirt. She nods. His lip wobbles. “O-Oh...”
“He’ll be back,” she assures him. “He’s going to help Kaminari pick up some dinner, and then they’re going to hang out together. In the meantime, why don’t we head to my room?”
“Mm,” Katsuki hums lowly. “M’kay.”
Momo’s room has improved drastically since the last time Katsuki saw it. It’s roomy with low lighting, the bed is tall and covered in plush blankets, and the floor is clean. Besides her desk (which hasn’t changed), there’s also a mini fridge, a microwave, and a radio playing soft classical music.
“Pretty,” Katsuki says softly, staring at the fairy lights strung around the room.
“Thank you,” Momo smiles, leading him to her bed. She sets him down on the edge. “I’m going to make you some warm milk, does that sound good?” Katsuki nods. “Perfect. I always keep some in here, it helps me regain strength related to Creation faster than water does.”
As she makes his drink, she hums along lightly with the music, and Katsuki can’t help it when his eyelids start to droop heavily.
- - -
When Katsuki was very little- he couldn’t have been older than two or three; he was incapable of sleeping alone.
He’d kick and scream and wail for his mother until she either bit the bullet and laid down with him or he fell asleep crying. Daycare would have been a nightmare the both of them had it not been for Izuku, who was happy to roll his mat out next to Katsuki’s and play with their stuffed animals until their eyelids grew too heavy to keep open.
Some of Katsuki’s happiest memories of his mother come from his nap time. If he was feeling particularly distraught, or if Mitsuki was feeling particularly motherly, or if his grandmother was around to lecture her about abandoning her child, she’d pad into the room, softly close the door behind her, and take him into bed with her without a word.
The instant he saw his mother, he’d calm right down. Sometimes, he’d give a little broken sob and a watery “mama,” but she’d be on him in an instant, lifting him out of his play pen and bouncing him on her hip.
“Shh, shh,” she’d whisper. “Mama’s here.”
Of course, he vehemently denied this as he grew older and Mitsuki grew crueler. You couldn’t pay him to admit how much of a Mommy’s Boy he was when he was a kid.
But then the slime villain attacked him.
That night was the first night he regressed. He wasn’t sure exactly what was happening, but he knew he felt small and needy and emotional, and he wanted his mother.
“Mom,” he whispered over her sleeping form. She didn’t stir. “Mom!”
“Hhnf. What, Katsuki?” She asks, her face pressed against the mattress and her tone annoyed. He hugs his pillow to his chest.
“I’m... scared,” he admits quietly. “C-Can I sleep in here tonight? Please?”
“You’re fourteen,” she mumbles. “Sleep in your own bed, brat. I’ve got work in the morning.”
“Mama, I-“
“Oh for the love of-“ she sits up, glaring at him through the darkness. “Go. To. Bed.”
- - -
“Alright, all done! I put in a little honey and vanilla extract, Kirishima mentioned that you- Oh no,” she mumbles when she sees his teary eyes. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
“N-Nothin’,”’ he says, reaching for the mug of warm milk. “Thank you.”
“Of course, baby,” she says, face full of concern. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
He takes a few sips of milk and sets it on her bedside table before nodding, wiping his eyes on his sleeve. He crawls over to Momo and rests his head in her lap. Immediately, hands are in his hair, perfectly manicured nails running through his greasy locks.
“M’sleepy,” he mumbles quietly, looking up at her. She smiles down at him, nodding.
“Okay. You want me to read you a bedtime story to help you fall asleep?” She offers.
“Mm.. no,” he shakes his head. “C’n you, um... c’n y’hold me?” He requests shyly.
“Sure, sweetheart. I can hold you.”
They get under the blankets (a bit too many for Katsuki’s liking, but he’s in no position to complain), and he falls asleep on her chest, her hand running through his hair.
- - -
A soft knock sounds on Momo’s door.
She carefully unfurls herself from Katsuki. He stirs for a moment, but eventually just rolls over with a little hum and sticks his thumb in his mouth. She sighs with relief.
“Hey,” Eijirou greets quietly when she opens the door. “Just checking in. How is he?”
“He’s been out for about twenty minutes.”
“Twenty minutes?” He shakes his head in disbelief. “That’s amazing! How’d you get him down so fast? What’s your secret?”
“There’s no secret,” Momo giggles. “I did everything you would. I think he just needed a woman’s touch, is all.”
“Unbelievable,” Eijirou laughs. “Alright, we’re gonna go get started, then. See you later!”
“Have a good time,” Momo says, waving him off. “Take as long as you need!”
Notes:
Hey guys!! I really appreciate how patient you’ve all been with the slower updates and having requests on pause. I have my last day of my job today, so I’ll try to get through all your requests before I start my next irl project! ^.^ <3
Chapter 28: Too Serious (w/ Babysitter Iida)
Summary:
Eijirou is sick, so Tenya takes it upon himself to care for a regressed Katsuki!!
... He has no idea how to do so.
Notes:
CW for a mild anxiety attack (no flashbacks) and emetophobia!!
Chapter Text
“Ooh, nice one,” Katsuki says, rubbing Eijirou’s back as he vomits once again.
“Ugh,” Eijirou groans, wiping his mouth with a wet face cloth. “This sucks.”
“Mhm,” Katsuki says, smirking a bit. “I told you it was stupid to take care of me.”
“But you were so saaad,” Eijirou whines.
“I’m not some pansy that needs to be cradled just because I threw up once or twice.”
“I didn’t cradle you,” Eijirou corrects him, resting his cheek on his arm. “And you threw up a lot more than that. And you totally needed to be cuddled. I’m not going to deprive little ‘Suki of his needs.”
“Shut up,” Katsuki growls, pinching his shoulder. “You want me to stay with you today? I can text my dad right now.”
“No,” Eijirou says. “You’re already behind from last week. Just take some pictures for me?”
“You got it,” Katsuki promises.
- - -
“No Kiri again?” Sero asks.
“You should be happy he’s not infecting you all. That bug is relentless,” Katsuki snorts.
“Still, though. You were only out for two days. We’re going on, what, four, now?”
“He’s fine,” Katsuki assures them. “I’ve been texting him all morning. He’s not puking anymore, he just dehydrated himself like a dumbass. He’ll be back tomorrow.”
“I miss him,” Mina whines. “It’s just not the same without that lovable hunk of meat.”
“Mm,” Katsuki grunts, bouncing his leg. “I agree. Fucker needs to hurry up and heal.”
“Aw,” Kaminari grins. “You’re devastated.”
“No! I’m just...” he sighs. “Yeah, okay. I miss him,” he admits. “But I’m NOT gonna drag his ass outta bed and make him sicker.”
“How does he see through me like that?” Kaminari asks, shaking his head.
“Don’t toy with Blasty’s emotions,” Sero warns him. “Pretty sure Kiri would HELP him kill you.”
- - -
“Yo, Speedy,” Katsuki grunts, tapping Iida’s shoulder. “We’re paired together today.”
“Bakugou!” Iida exclaims, puffing out his chest. “I’m sure you’ll find me to be a worthy partner! Would you rather we work on quirk training or physical activity?”
“Ugh,” Katsuki groans lowly under his breath. “Quirks, I guess. I’m still kinda recovering.”
“Of course, good decision! I’m eager to see how your speed has improved since the last time we were paired together! If I remember-“
“Calm down,” Katsuki says, shaking his head. “You’re being too loud.”
“... I must say, you’re uncharacteristically quiet right now, Bakugou. Are you feeling alright?” He asks, placing a hand on his shoulder. “If you feel ill, it’s best for you to sit out today.”
“M’fine,” Katsuki mumbles, shrugging him off. “Just... head stuff. I’ll be alright.”
“Mental health is just as important as-“
“Iida,” Katsuki breathes, exasperated. He squeezes his eyes shut and rubs his temples. “Let’s just get started, already. Please.”
Iida gives him a look of concern, but nods and follows the shorter teen to their designated spot in the arena.
Katsuki stays eerily quiet as they work, none of his usual shouts of victory and dismay or bares teeth. He doesn’t even crack a smile, his face bare of expression as he rockets through the air. Worry brews in Iida’s gut.
“How about we take a break?” He suggests, exaggerating his own heavy breathing. “I brought an extra water bottle with me!”
“M’all good,” Katsuki slurs, using another blast to send himself flying in the air.
He loses control for a split second and tumbles downward, landing on his hands and knees. There’s no crack, but the harsh wince of pain on his face tells Iida that it hurt bad.
“Fuck!” Katsuki gasps, rolling onto his back before sitting up. He pants and winces as he pressed his hands to his skinned and bruised knees. Tears prick at the corners of his eyes.
“If you’re losing control, that normally indicates that you need a break,” Iida informs him. “Remember, you won’t be expected to constantly use your quirk in a real battle. You can use physical combat just as easily, and most times you’ll have other heroes with you.”
“Shut up!” Katsuki shouts, burying his face in his hands. A weak sob escapes his lips.
“Bakugou?” Iida asks softly, crouching down. He places a hand on his back, and the blonde looks up at him with teary eyes. He seems... young. Dazed, and frustrated, and a little scared, but mostly just young. “... Oh.”
“D-Don’t-!” Katsuki whispers, scrambling away from him. “J-Just go!”
“Bakugou, if you’re-“
“Go! Please!” He stresses, the tears running down his red face. “Please, please!”
“... Okay,” Iida nods, sitting down in place, away from Katsuki. “Can you help me with something, Bakugou?”
“Huh?” Katsuki questions, still panicking.
“Can you help me with a breathing exercise?” The blonde hiccups and gives a jerky nod after a moment. “Okay, we’re gonna breathe in through our nose for five seconds. One... two... three... four... five... Very good. Hold for seven. Uh huh, just like that. Okay, now exhale through your mouth for five again. Mhm. Very good!” He praises when Katsuki finishes the first cycle. “Now again. In for five... one.. two..”
Eventually, he’s able to slow Katsuki’s breathing down, and he carefully makes his way over to the now fully regressed teenager.
“Can I touch you?” He asks for permission. Katsuki rubs his eye, presses his lips together, and slowly nods. Iida pulls him into a tender and brief hug, rubbing his back. “You did so good, Bakugou. Would you like to go to Recovery Girl and have her look at your wounds?” Katsuki pushes him away lightly.
“Kiri makes m’ boo-boos better,” he says, standing up. “I’s go see him now.”
“W-Wait!” Iida stops him, grabbing him by the wrist. “You’re forgetting that Kirishima is still recovering from the stomach flu. It’d be wise for you to give him some space to avoid falling ill again. As Class President, it is my duty to take care of the students of Class 1-A. I will help you dress your injuries and care for you until you are no longer regressed!”
“... Okay,” Katsuki says in a quiet voice. He looks around the room before reaching his free hand upward, opening and closing it in a grabbing motion. “Wanna go up.”
“You want me to carry you?” Iida confirms. Katsuki nods. “Oh, wow! What an honor that you trust me to do so! I know that your usually abrasive personality can be contradictory to-“
“Up!” Katsuki whines, grabbing the chest plate of Iida’s hero costume.
“R-Right,” Iida mumbles. He grabs Katsuki by the waist and easily places him on his hip.
The blonde uses one hand to hang on to his shoulder as Iida runs over to All Might and the other to stick his thumb in his mouth.
“Mr. All Might!” Iida gasps when his teacher comes into view. “Sir, Bakugou has regressed. I’m going to clean him up and go back to Heights Alliance to avoid stressing him out further. May I have permission to do so?”
“S-Sure, Iida,” All Might says, nodding. “You guys are free to go. You won’t get any points docked off of your grade. Take it easy.”
“‘Mank you,” Katsuki mumbles around his thumb. All Might gives him a little smile.
- - -
“Wanna see Kiri,” Katsuki says, heading towards Eijirou’s closed door. Iida quickly takes his hand and raises a finger to his lips.
“We have to be quiet,” he whispers. “Kirishima is resting right now. Let’s go to your room.”
“N-No, I wanna see Kiri,” Katsuki argues.
“Bakugou, if you don’t let Kirishima rest, he’s going to take even longer to recover. We want him back in class, right?” He nods. “Okay. Then let’s leave him be for right now.”
Katsuki huffs, but makes no further protests, so Iida takes him to his room.
“Would you like to take a nap?” Iida offers, leading Katsuki to his bed.
“No,” Katsuki says. “Wan’my binky.”
“Your ‘binky?’” Iida questions.
“Mhm.”
“O-Okay.. do you know where this ‘binky’ is?”
Katsuki sighs exaggeratedly and climbs off of the bed, rooting around underneath his frame until he retrieves a shoe box. He opens the box and pulls out a pacifier, popping it into his mouth. Iida raises his brows.
“Do you keep all of your regression-related comfort items in there?” He asks. Katsuki shrugs. “I see. Are you ready for a nap now?”
“M’not sleepy,” Katsuki mumbles, wrinkling his nose. “You can ge’me dressed?”
Iida’s heart flutters with anxiety.
“I-I’m not sure how, um... th-that’s not... I understand that you’re not thinking like a young adult right now, but... er... how appropriate that would be is-“
“Huh?” Katsuki asks, looking at him with a blank expression. Iida clears his throat.
“Are you capable of dressing yourself? If need be, I can assist you, b-but I don’t want to cross any boundaries that you would normally put up. Do you understand?”
Katsuki frowns.
“Um... lemme jus’ go get Kiri,” he says, standing up. Before Iida can stop him, he’s out of the room and opening Eijirou’s door.
“‘Suki?” A weak voice is heard.
“Damn it,” Iida mutters, quickly running over to the next room and scooping Katsuki up in his arms. The blonde squirms and shrieks.
“Lemme down!! Lemme DOWN!!!”
“My apologies, Kirishima. Please continue to rest. I’ll take care of Bakugou.”
“Oh,” Eijirou mumbles, letting his eyes fall shut again. “How manly. Thanks, Iida.”
Iida nods and exists the room, closing the door behind him quietly. Katsuki jumps out of his grasp and stomps his feet, sobbing openly.
“Bakugou, please calm down,” he begs, crouching down to the shorter boy’s height. “We discussed about this already. Kirishima needs time to recover so he can rejoin our class, remember?”
Katsuki just continues to wail.
Iida bites his lip and picks him up once again, using all of his strength to ignore the flailing. He marches back to Katsuki’s room and sets him down, locking the door behind them.
“Bakugou, you should be doing your breathing exercises again,” Iida points out gently. “Inhale through your nose for five, hold for-“
“KIRIIIII!!” Katsuki sobs, falling down onto his butt. He rubs his eyes with both his fists.
“Bakugou, please contain your-“
He’s cut off by a kick to the chest and even louder crying. He blinks up at the ceiling in disbelief before sighing heavily.
He has no idea how to do this.
It’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but as the youngest in his family and one of the most blunt students in his class, he is virtually unprepared for how to act around a child. The only child he’s ever been around is Kota, and he was never tasked with looking after him.
He pulls out his phone and dials the only person he can think of for advice.
“Tenya?”
“Tensei,” Iida breathes a sigh of relief. “May I please ask you for some advice?”
“Sure, go ahead,” Tensei says. “Does it have anything to do with that screaming?”
“Yes, actually,” Iida nods. “I’m currently watching one of my classmates. He experiences age regression- do you know what that is? It’s basically when-“
“I know what regression is. You have to deal with a lot of trauma when you’re in the field.”
“A-Ah, yes, I see.” Iida furrows his brow. “So, would you possibly have any advice on how to calm someone down when they’re regressed?”
There’s silence on the other line for a moment.
“... Tensei?”
“Can you call me back on video chat and give the phone to your friend?”
“Yeah, sure.”
He ends the call and presses the camera icon by Tensei’s contact information. He waits until his brother picks up, and then holds his phones out to Katsuki, who’s still crying.
“Bakugou,” he says. “Someone wants to talk to you. Can you take the phone?”
Katsuki quiets down a little bit, nodding and taking the phone from Iida was a heavy sob.
“Hi, honey. Do you know who I am?”
“H... Hero,” Katsuki struggles to say.
“Mhm, that’s right. I’m a pro hero. And heroes are there to help people, right?”
“Mm,” Katsuki whines, nodding. “A-And also, they- um.. they fight th’ bad guys!”
“Yes, we do that too,” Tensei chuckles. “But right now I’m here to help you. Do you think you could match my breathing?” He asks, inhaling deeply. Katsuki copies him. “Good job! Excellent job! Now we’re going to breathe out.”
They follow that pattern until Katsuki’s breathing is back to normal, only a few hiccuped sobs escaping his mouth.
“Very good, sweetheart,” Tensei praises him. “Can you tell me what upset you?”
“I-I miss Kiri,” Katsuki whimpers.
“Is ‘Kiri’ your friend?”
“He takes care t’me,” Katsuki explains quietly. “But he’s sicky righ’ now.”
“Ohhh, I see. So Tenya is watching you instead?” Katsuki nods. “Uh huh. And are you being a good boy for him?”
“... No...” Katsuki admits, his cheeks flushing and his eyes tearing up again.
“Mmm. Do you think you can start being good for him?” Katsuki nods, rubbing his fist into his eye. “Aw, I’m very glad to hear that. Do you guys have anything that you’re going to do together? What’s your schedule?”
“Um.. get dressed,” Katsuki begins shyly. “Th-Then maybe.. we c’n color..?”
“Do you like to color?”
“Mhm,” Katsuki hums. “Got a All Might colorin’ book fr’m Izu f’my bir’f’day.”
“Oh wow, how cool! I bet you want to get right on that, huh?” Katsuki nods. “Alright, I’ll let you get to it, then. Can you get dressed while I talk to Tenya for a little bit?”
He nods again before handing Iida his phone and getting up to root through his bureau. Iida sighs with relief, leaning his head against the closed door. Tensei laughs.
“I think this is payback for how much of a brat you were when you were a kid.”
“Uh huh,” Iida rolls his eyes. “Thank you.”
“No problem,” Tensei says. His face sobers a little bit. “Listen, I don’t know what he went through, but... are you having any problems like he is? How’s your mental health?”
“He’s gone through a lot more than I have,” Iida assures him quietly. “I can tell you about it some other time. I’m doing fine, though. I’m not letting things get to me like they did when... everything with the Hero Killer went down. I’m better now.”
“Okay,” Tensei says softly. “Well, I gotta run. Talk to you later, little man?”
“Yeah,” Iida agrees. “Love you.”
“Love you too.”
When Iida looks up, Katsuki is swimming in a shirt that’s about five sizes too big for him, and... hopefully shorts? Or at least underwear? He doesn’t really want to find out, though, so he ignores it.
“Thank you for listening. Do you want to start coloring now?” He asks.
Katsuki smiles at him around his pacifier.
“... Yeah.”
Chapter 29: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (w/ Carer Bakusquad)
Summary:
The power goes out, and the 1-A students decide to partake in a little bit of spooky fun.
Notes:
CW for teasing and a little bit of horror!! it’s the end of the campfire story of the lady with the golden arm if that freaks you out!! stay safe <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hell yeah, second place!” Kaminari cheers. “I told you guys that Princess Peach was lucky! Every time I play as her, I get- wait, what?! Who just blue-shelled me?!”
“Bowser is superior,” Katsuki grins, taking Kaminari’s place in second. “Thanks, Kiri.”
“Hey, what else am I gonna do in last place?”
“I can’t believe you guys teamed up on me,” Kaminari pouts. “I was so close to first!”
“That’s the point, dumbass,” Katsuki snorts.
“Shit! Shit shit shit! Now I’m in eighth!” He groans. “Man, fuck you guys!”
“Chill, man,” Eijirou laughs. “No one’s doubting your Mario Kart skills. We still know that you’re the all-time champion.”
“‘All-time champion,’ my ass,” Katsuki growls. “Guess who’s in first place, assholes!”
“We’ve still got one more lap! I can-“
Snap.
Whirrrrrrrrrrr.
“... Okay, that was not me,” Kaminari mutters.
“The fuck?!” Katsuki roars, slamming his controller down. “The power went out!”
“It’s the thunderstorm,” Eijirou says. “I’m sure we’ve got a generator though, right? All schools do. Let’s go ask Aizawa Sensei!”
“We don’t,” Aizawa mutters from behind them, making all three boys jump. “We killed it the last time the power went out. Yamada Sensei is trying to get ahold of Nezu as we speak to see if we got any in storage or something.”
“Aw, man!” Eijirou groans. “What if we have to use the bathroom or cook or something?”
“... Don’t,” Aizawa shrugs. “Now, behave. I’m going to order pizza for everyone in case the cafeteria isn’t up and running before dinner.”
“Pizza in the dark?” Kaminari perks up. “Sounds like a good opportunity for some good ol’ fashioned campy fun times!!”
“... Huh?” Eijirou questions, staring at him blankly. Kaminari rolls his eyes.
“You know, dude! Telling scary stories, playing board games, eating junk food, stuff you do at summer camp! Didn’t you ever go to one?”
“I’ve done something similar,” Katsuki says lowly. “It’s called a sleepover. And it’s for little kids, not aspiring pro heroes.”
“Well, if it’s for little kids, wouldn’t you like it?”
“WHAT ARE YOU IMPLYING, YOU LITTLE-“
“Hey, hey!” Aizawa shouts. “That’s unnecessary. Kaminari, apologize to Bakugou, and then I’ll consider allowing this sleepover.”
“It’s not a sleepover,” Kaminari grumbles. “Sorry, Bakugou. That was a low blow.”
“... This better be fuckin’ worth it,” Katsuki huffs under his breath.
Kaminari grins.
- - -
“And she went upstairs to check on the children... but their faces were scratched off!” Ochako finishes her story with a cackle.
Katsuki trembles a little, pulling a stray blanket around his shoulders and scooting closer to Eijirou. The redhead shoots him a look.
“You okay?” He asks softly.
“M’good,” Katsuki responds quietly.
“You don’t seem good to me. Is this too much for you? Do you wanna go to your room?”
“I said m’fine, Kiri,” Katsuki huffs frustratedly. He doesn’t even register his tone or the use of the nickname. “Jus’ leave me be.”
Despite his slurred tone and and shivering frame, Eijirou nods and drops it. He recently learned that even if Katsuki is showing signs of slipping, it’s better to continue doing whatever fun activity they’re participating in until he decides for himself that he wants to leave. Last week, he dragged Katsuki away from a more inappropriate movie only to discover that the blonde was just tired and receive an explosion to the face.
They make it through four more stories from Tsuyu, Shouto, Izuku, and Mina before the flashlight is handed to Eijirou. By that point, Katsuki’s behavior had moved to the back of his mind, and he happily began his story.
He’d decided upon the tale of the golden arm at the start of the game, one that gave him nightmares as a kid and he’d learned by heart over the years. He puts on his best creepy narrator voice and dives right in.
He’s approaching the climax of the story when he feels Katsuki absentmindedly wrap his hands around his arm, and realizes with a sadistic grin that he’s found his victim.
It never once occurs to him that Katsuki might be holding on to him because he’s scared.
“‘Whooo’s got my goooolden aaaarm??’ Again, this time right next to him! ‘WHOOO’S GOT MY GOOOOLDEN AAARM??? ... YOU’VE GOT IT!!!’” He shouts, grabbing Katsuki.
The blonde shrieks, practically jumping out of his skin before he bursts into tears. Eijirou’s face falls with realization as Katsuki scrambles away from him and into Kaminari’s lap.
“Woah, hey there,” Kaminari laughs nervously as Katsuki wraps his arms around him and sobs into his chest. Eijirou’s heart sinks.
“Oh, ‘Suki,” he says softly, his gut twisting nervously. “Baby, I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”
Katsuki doesn’t respond, just clings to his friend harder. Kaminari, for his part, starts to rub Katsuki back and tries to get him to look up at him instead of into his shirt.
“Hey, kid. You’re okay, Kiri was just messing around. Can you look at him?” Katsuki lets out a broken little sob, but nods and slowly lifts his head. “See? He’s not scary, right?”
Eijirou tries to convey how sorry he is with his expression, but it’s hard for him to look anything other than heartbroken when he sees how distraught Katsuki is. He reaches out his hand, and Katsuki squeals and turns his face back into Kaminari’s chest.
“Oh, Kirishima,” Ochako breathes sadly.
“Maybe we should head out,” Izuku suggests, resting a hand on hers. She nods and stands up, followed by Shouto. Before they leave, Izuku squeezes Eijirou’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. Kaachan is tough. He might be a little freaked out right now, but he’ll get over it. I don’t think he could stay mad at you.”
“Thanks,” Eijirou whispers, fearing that if he raises his voice he’ll start crying or, worse, startle Katsuki again.
“Bakubaby, do you want some more pizza?” Mina offers, pushing the box towards him. He sniffs loudly before nodding a little.
“... Th’ ‘begable’ kind?” He requests shakily.
“One slice of vegetable pizza, coming right up!” Mina chirps, taking a slice and putting it on a paper plate. She hands it to Kaminari.
“What do we say?” He reminds him.
“T’ank you, Mimi,” Katsuki mumbles, taking the slice. As he eats, the tears rolling down his cheeks slow, and eventually, he’s calm.
“I guess food really is the way to his heart,” Kaminari observes. “You wanna see Kiri now?”
“... O-Okay,” Katsuki says softly. He turns around in Kaminari’s lap so he’s facing Eijirou, and gives a little wave.
“Hey, buddy!” Eijirou says brightly, wiping away his own tears. He pats his thighs. “You wanna come sit with me?” Katsuki nods.
“Jus’ please don’t get me,” he mumbles as he crawls over to Eijirou. The redhead wraps him in his arms and kisses his head.
“Baby, I didn’t mean it. I didn’t know you had slipped... I would never try to scare you if I knew. I’m so sorry.” Katsuki smiles a little.
“S’okay,” he shrugs. “C’we turn on the lights now, please? S’pretty dark in here...”
“The power’s out,” Kaminari reminds him.
“Oh yeah,” Katsuki mutters. Eijirou pokes his nose with his pointer finger.
“We don’t need the light,” he says. “I’ll protect you from everything, okay? There’s nothing to worry your cute head about.”
“Kiri,” Katsuki giggles. “‘m gonna p‘tect YOU.”
“Oh, good,” Eijirou sighs dramatically. “I was worried your strength would go to waste ! I’m glad it’s being put to good use.”
“Yeah,” Katsuki agrees, flexing his arm with a grin. “Lookit my muscles.”
“I know! They’re huuuuge!” Eijirou exclaims. Katsuki laughs. “I’m glad you’re okay now.”
“M’always okay wif you,” Katsuki informs him, resting his head on his chest.
“Aww,” Kaminari whispers to Mina. “Who knew King Explosion Murder could be so cute?”
“I can’t believe he ran to you,” Mina pouts.
“What can I say? He wanted a big, strong man to protect him,” Kaminari brags, wiggling his eyebrows. “Not my fault you’re a wimp.”
Mina pushes him over.
Notes:
I hope you’re all doing well!! <3
Chapter 30: Mama Comes Back (w/ Dadzawa, Papa Mic + Big Bro Shinsou)
Summary:
Katsuki gets a surprise visit from his biological mother.
Notes:
OKAY OKAY so I previously said that I wasn’t comfortable writing about Mitsuki because of how I believe she treats Katsuki, but someone requested this specific scenario, and it was within my limits so here we have it!
BIG CWs FOR THIS ONE: homophobic language (including the f slur), verbal abuse, dissociation, hurt/comfort, referenced past child abuse, lots of yelling, abusers asking for forgiveness
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hey, Katsuki,” Yamada hums when he sees his son. “You wanna help me make dinner?”
“M’kay,” Katsuki nods, hopping up onto the counter. “C’n Eri help too?”
“If she wants to,” Yamada says. “Where is she? Do you want to go ask her?”
“I‘m right here, Mister Mic!” Eri says, tugging on Yamada’s shirt. He laughs and picks her up, resting her on his hip.
“I’ve already told you, little listener! You can call me Papa, just like Katsuki and Hitoshi!”
“Okay, Mister Mic!” She chirps.
Katsuki giggles.
“What’s so funny, little man?” Yamada asks.
“Eri’s kinda silly,” Katsuki responds, still giggling. “She’s still not callin’ you Papa.”
“She’ll come around,” Yamada promises, ruffling his hair. “Now, how about you two get to work chopping up some carrots?”
- - -
“‘toshi! ‘toshi!!” Katsuki shouts, jumping into Hitoshi’s lap. The taller boy laughs.
“What? What’s got you all excited?”
“Dinner’s ready!” Katsuki announces. “Eri an’ I helped Papa make it!” Hitoshi smiles.
“That’s pretty impressive,” he says. “And a good thing, too. I’m starving right now.”
“Daddy says it’s ‘cause you’re too busy playin’ games to eat food,” Katsuki scrunches his nose. “I never forget’a eat. I love eatin’.”
“Oh believe me, I’m aware,” Hitoshi laughs. He pats Katsuki’s butt. “C’mon, let’s go have dinner. You know Papa hates waiting.”
“Can you gimme a piggyback ride?” Katsuki requests, giving puppy dog eyes that could rival an actual puppy dog’s.
“Fine,” Hitoshi sighs, rolling his eyes fondly.
He carries Katsuki down on his back and sets him down in his chair with a kiss to his head.
“How long has he been regressed?” Aizawa asks worriedly. Yamada touches his arm.
“Not long,” he assures him. “An hour, tops. We took care of it. There’s no need to worry.”
“I’m sorry, sweetie,” Aizawa apologizes to Katsuki. “I had to grade papers. If I knew-“
“That’s okay, Daddy!” Katsuki smiles, happily eating his rice. “Me an’ Eri helped Papa make dinner! Right, Eri? We helped Papa?”
“Try some, Mister Aizawa!” She prompts.
“Haha, alright,” Aizawa relaxes, taking a bite of food. “Wow. This is delicious, guys.”
“Mm,” Hitoshi moans in agreement.
Someone knocks on the door, then, and Katsuki jumps up, shouting “I’ll get it!”
“He’s way too eager to help when he’s regressed,” Hitoshi groans. Aizawa chuckles.
“I’ll go with him,” he says, standing up and slowly following Katsuki.
He hears the door creak open, walks a little faster. Hears Katsuki drop his chopsticks.
“... Mama.”
He starts to run.
Katsuki looks so distraught when Aizawa reaches him. His eyebrows are drawn in worry and fear, his eyes full of confusion. His fists are curled at his sides, shoulders trembling. Aizawa steps in front of him, reaching a hand around for Katsuki to hold, which he does.
“Mitsuki, get off my property,” Aizawa says sharply. “We have a restraining order in place for a reason. If you’re not gone in five minutes, my husband and I will not hesitate to-“
“Honey, who is it?!” Yamada shouts from the dining room. Aizawa grits his teeth.
“The restraining order only lasted a year. It was lifted last week,” Mitsuki rushes to say. “Please, just give me half an hour. Just half an hour, and I’ll never bother you again.”
“Honey?” Yamada peeks his head around the corner. His face falls. “What the Hell?”
“Please, I just want to talk to him,” Mitsuki begs. “You can stay in the room the whole time. I won’t lay a finger on him.”
“Oh, no, I think you’re mistaken,” Aizawa grunts. “You’re not stepping foot in this household. Not after what you did.”
“Please, Mister Aizawa, I just-“
“Daddy, s’okay,” Katsuki says quietly, even though his hand is trembling in his grasp.
“... What’s up with that?” Mitsuki asks, keeping her face and tone even. “Why’s he talking like a baby? Why’d he call you that?”
“I wouldn’t expect you to understand,” Yamada says cooly, joining his husband.
“Is this what you do?” She questions. “You take in troubled kids to play out some sort of sick fantasy? Why? Because you can’t make a baby yourself? That’s fucked up.”
“If he’s ‘troubled,’ it’s your fault,” Aizawa hisses. “And for your information, he’s experiencing mental regression. It’s a response to trauma. He needs to relive his childhood as a teenager because SOMEONE fucked up during his formative years.”
“I didn’t do shit-!”
“Your five minutes are up, Mitsuki,” Aizawa informs her. “Get the Hell away from us.”
“Wait,” she says, her expression dropping completely. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Just give me a chance?” She looks behind to Katsuki. “Please? A second chance?”
“... I made dinner, Mama,” Katsuki says quietly, although his eyes are still wide and cautious. “Y’wanna try some? S’real good.”
“If your teachers allow it,” Mitsuki nods.
“We’re more than just his teachers,” Yamada says, placing a hand on Katsuki’s shoulder. “We’re his fathers. We’re a family.”
“Papa,” Katsuki says, letting go of Aizawa’s hand and blinking up at Yamada. “Please.”
“... I...” Yamada is at a loss for words.
“Sweetie, can you give Papa and I some time alone with Mitsuki? Go finish eating.”
“Um...” His eyes nervously dart between the three adults. “... Okay.”
As soon as Katsuki is out of earshot, Aizawa jumps down Mitsuki’s throat.
“Alright. Cut the shit,” he says. “What do you want with him? You wanna take him back? Because I can guarantee you we’ll win that court case. Don’t even test me.”
“No, no,” Mitsuki says. “To be honest, I don’t really think I’m exactly fit to be a mother.”
“I’ll say,” Yamada scoffs.
“I just want to apologize,” she explains. “They put me through this program when I was in prison. It’s mostly meant for druggies-“
“Addicts,” Aizawa corrects her harshly.
“... Right. Addicts.” She clears her throat. “But I learned some shit, y’know? About how to break cycles of abuse and all that junk. And how to make amends. That’s why I’m here. I want to make amends with my son.”
“No. Absolutely not,” Aizawa shakes his head. “You don’t get to crawl back into Katsuki’s life to make yourself feel better. We have worked so hard to get him to where he is today, but he’s still not fully healed from all the shit you put him through.”
“Chill out, Papa Bear,” Mitsuki raises her hands in defense. “I’m not doing this for me. You think this is gonna make me feel better? Seeing Katsuki live the life I never gave to him? Well, it’s not. I’m probably going to feel a Hell of a lot worse afterwards, actually. But it’s not fair to leave him without closure. I wanna give the kid a chance to hear me out, and maybe to tell me off, too. You understand?”
“... That actually sounds reasonable,” Yamada mutters under his breath.
“Hizashi!” Aizawa hisses.
“What? She makes a valid point. And it seemed to make him feel happier when he started writing letters to his bio dad.”
“He’s been in touch with Masaru?” Mitsuki questions, looking shocked.
“What? Your husband doesn’t tell you about this shit?” Aizawa asks rhetorically.
“... Ex husband,” Mitsuki corrects him. “Once Katsuki was gone, we didn’t really have anything in common. It’s been months since I last talked to him.”
Aizawa stares at her for moment, then sighs.
“... You have one hour,” he says. “I will be in the room at all times. Hizashi too. And don’t even think about interacting with our other kids. Do I make myself clear?”
“Crystal,” Mitsuki agrees. “Can I come in?”
- - -
Eri blinks at Mitsuki.
She blinks at Aizawa.
Yamada.
Katsuki.
“Who’s the scary lady?” She whispers not-so-quietly at Hitoshi, who just barely suppresses his laughter with a quick sip of water.
“That’s Katsuki’s mommy,” he whispers back.
“Katsuki has a mommy?”
“Everyone has a mommy,” he explains. “But sometimes, your mommy isn’t your family.”
“So,” Mitsuki clears her throat. “How’s school? You still keepin’ up in your class?”
“Mhm,” Katsuki nods, poking his food.
“Why aren’t you eating?” Aizawa asks, gently grabbing Katsuki’s hand. He shrugs.
“M’not hungry.”
“... Okay,” Aizawa nods, frowning worriedly. “Maybe later?” Katsuki shrugs again.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Mitsuki comments. “I figured you’d have blown up on me by now.”
“Can’t use quirks when m’small,” he mumbles. “S’dangerous. Don’t wanna hurt anyone.”
“That’s right,” Yamada praises gently.
“But I hurt you,” Mitsuki pushes. “That was wrong of me, right? Don’t you want revenge?”
“I... S’bad to hit people.” He seems to be struggling with his words more and more. “M’workin’ on it. No hittin’.”
“You don’t have to hit me, Katsuki, just fucking say something already! God damn!”
Katsuki drops his chopsticks and freezes. Aizawa and Yamada both brace themselves for the crying, the panicking, the meltdown that follows after yelling at a regressed Katsuki, but it never comes. He just stares.
“... Shit,” Mitsuki sighs, her face red. “Ten... nine... eight... seven-“
“Why are you counting?” Eri asks.
“It helps me calm down when I get too angry,” Mitsuki answers quietly. Aizawa stands.
“Get out.”
“What?” Mitsuki questions, staring up at him.
“You had very specific instructions, Mitsuki. You were not supposed to interact with my other children. And you clearly upset Katsuki!”
“The kid asked a question!” She counters, standing up. “Was I supposed to ignore her?!”
“Yes! Was that not clear?!”
“Oh, so THAT’S how you run this household. Newsflash, man: you can’t protect them from the real world forever! They need to learn!”
“Is that what you call hitting kids?! ‘Teaching’ them?! Yeah, he sure learned a lot from that.”
“Honey-“ Yamada starts.
“I was a good fucking mother! I was! Maybe I was a little harsh, and maybe I made mistakes, but I was a good mother!”
“You were a monster!”
“Okay guys, let’s take a step back, and-“
“He NEEDS me! He NEEDS a maternal presence in his life! So does your little girl! They won’t learn anything from a couple of fags swinging their dicks around, acting like they’re the perfect fucking parents!”
“Get the Hell out of my house, you homophobic, condescending, abusive-“
“STOP!!!” Katsuki screams. The whole table goes silent. You could hear a pin drop. “Stop it...!” he whines, rubbing his eyes.
“Fuck,” Mitsuki whispers. She reaches for Katsuki, but Yamada beats her to it.
“Oh, baby,” he frowns, helping Katsuki stand and holding him to his chest. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I know this is a lot for you.”
Katsuki doesn’t respond. His shoulders start to shake, and Yamada feels his shirt grow damp.
“... Alright. I’m going,” Mitsuki says quietly. “I’m sorry that... Yeah. I’m sorry for everything.”
Aizawa just stares her down in response.
“Can I say goodbye?” She requests timidly.
“Wait,” Katsuki sniffs, pulling away from Yamada. His face is flushed and streaked with tears and snot. “Wanna talk t’Mama.”
“Oh, baby boy,” Mitsuki sighs, her eyes filling with unshed tears. “I don’t know if we should.”
“Please?” He asks, toddling over to her. He’s taller than her, now, but she can only see him as a small child in that moment.
“... I’m going to allow it,” Yamada decides.
“Hizashi-“
“Sho, can you help the kids clean up?” He asks. Aizawa bites his lip, and Yamada sighs, leaning close to whisper to him. “We need someone more neutral to sit with him and Mitsuki. I love you, and I know you mean well, but you’re being to protective over Katsuki right now for this to happen. Okay?”
“... Okay,” Aizawa nods. He kisses the corner of Yamada’s lips. As they exit into the living room, he turns to Hitoshi and Eri. “... What?”
“Nothing,” Hitoshi says, shaking his head. “It’s just been a while since you’ve yelled like that.”
“I know,” he mutters, squeezing his eyes shut. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t very good of me.”
“Sometimes you gotta yell, though,” Eri reminds him. “Like at villains!”
“That’s right,” he says, smiling at her. He picks her up out of her booster seat. “Katsuki’s mommy isn’t a villain, though. She just... has a history of being not so nice.”
“Is she being nice now?”
“I don’t know,” Aizawa answers honestly. “I think she’s trying to.”
“Dad?” Hitoshi asks, tone anxious. Aizawa looks down at him. “Does this mean Katsuki’s going back to live with his mom?”
As he asks this, his voice breaks, and his lip wobbles. In contrast to his siblings, it’s extremely rare for Aizawa to see his oldest son cry. He pulls him into his side.
“No, no, honey,” he assures him. “Katsuki’s with us for the long run, I promise. He’s not going anywhere, okay?”
Hitoshi nods, pressing his lips together. Aizawa sets Eri back down in her seat and clicks his tongue. He opens his arms.
“Come here.” Hitoshi buries his face in Aizawa’s neck and starts to cry. “Shh, shh, it’s okay,” he whispers, stroking up and down his back. “It’s alright. I know. You care about your little brother a lot, huh? That’s alright.”
- - -
“So... you probably have questions, right?” Mitsuki asks. Katsuki nods. “Ask away, kid.”
“Why?” He asks quietly.
“‘Why’ what?”
“Why’d you do it?”
“... Oh,” Mitsuki breathes. “Um... listen, I never wanted to hurt-... well, I mean... Okay, the truth is, I’ve got a bad temper. And sometimes- no, most of the time, it’s hard for me to control that. I’m seeing someone about it, a doctor, and we’re sifting through all the mess of my past to try and fix me, but... Kid, there’s no excuse for how I treated you. I was a bitch, and I’ll admit that. I mean, this whole... thing that you’re doing? The little kid act? That’s proof enough for anyone. But I’m sorry. I really am. I don’t think words alone can express just how sorry I am, Katsuki.”
“... S’not an ‘act,’” he corrects her quietly. “An’ I know. Sometimes I get r’lly mad. Daddy ‘n Papa are helpin’ me out with it. I’m fixin’ me too. M’gettin’ lots better, too. Right, Papa?”
“That’s right, baby,” Yamada smiles at him.
“... I know that one lousy apology doesn’t make up for fifteen years of my parenting, but,” Mitsuki rests a hand on his lap. “Maybe we could work it out together? I’m not going to take you away from all of this, and I know that I’m not equipped to raise anyone- at least not yet; but we could... I dunno, hang out sometimes? Maybe take you out for lunches?”
“... I dunno,” Katsuki says quietly.
“I saw the way you reacted to me yelling at you earlier,” Mitsuki says, pursing her lips. “I know I fucked up your brain, kiddo. I’m sure just me being here is a lot for you to deal with, especially... in this ‘state.’ I won’t force you, you understand? You come to me when you’re ready. On your own terms, baby boy.”
“Mama.. when those bad guys stoled me,” he starts, hands shaking violently. “Why’d’ya say I’s bad? Daddy an’ Papa said s’not m’fault, so why’d you think it was?”
“I was angry,” Mitsuki explains. “I was angry at myself for not keeping you safe, angry at your teachers for letting you get taken away, angry at the pros for not doing anything...” she clenches her fists. “And I was angry at you, too. I thought that you were too strong to have something like that happen to you. Especially twice. And I know that’s wrong of me, I get that. I don’t feel that way anymore. Now I’m just angry with the people that took you away, which is probably how I should have felt to begin with. But it wasn’t.”
“Oh,” Katsuki whispers. “... okay.”
“I’m sorry,” she repeats.
“I know,” Katsuki says.
After a moment of silence, Yamada stands.
“I think it’s time to get washed up. What do you say, kiddo?” He suggests.
Katsuki continues to stare at his mother.
“Kiddo?”
“You’re not my family,” he says quietly, before turning to Yamada. “She’s not my family.”
“... C’mon, honey,” he prompts lightly.
“I don’t need her.” He turns back to Mitsuki. “‘M better here. ‘M doin’ much better. I don’t need you, Mama. I don’t.”
“I know,” Mitsuki whispers, tears spilling over.
“I don’t gotta make up with you.” He stands. “I don’t have’ta. You can jus’ go away.”
“If that’s what you want, I’ll do it,” Mitsuki nods. “Just please give some thought to my offer? I’d really like to see you sometime.”
“... M’ready for m’bath,” he mumbles, grabbing Yamada’s hand. “G’night, Mama.”
“Goodbye, Katsuki,” she says, her lips trembling. “I love you, baby boy.”
She hangs her head and cries openly as soon as he leaves the room. She stays like that for a while, sobbing and cursing herself under her breath, when she feels a hand on her shoulder.
“Aizawa,” she gasps, wiping at her eyes. “I’m leaving now. I won’t be coming back.”
“... That was strong of you,” he admits gruffly. “You took it well. I’m impressed.”
She doesn’t respond, unsure of how to.
“He’s not ready now. He hasn’t healed yet,” he explains. “But he might be, someday. And if he is, then... MAYBE... you can come visit sometimes.” Her fave breaks out into a grin. “But you’ll be under strict supervision; you’re not allowed to leave the house, you’re not allowed to see him if he’s regressed, if you upset him you’ll be asked to leave immediately, we can say no at any time-“
“Thank you,” she whispers, pulling him into a tight hug. He stiffens, pushing her away.
“We’re not there yet,” he grumbles. “Now go already, you’re making the house stink of cheap perfume. Get out.”
She leaves with a smile.
- - -
“D’ddy,” Katsuki mumbles around his pacifier. “C’I schleep in he’we t’night?”
“I think we can fit you in,” Aizawa chuckles. “Eri can sleep in Hitoshi’s bed.”
“Um... can I stay in here too, Mister Aizawa?” Eri requests timidly, curling tighter into Yamada’s side. Aizawa raises his brow.
“I guess so. I might be a tight squeeze, but that just means we’ll have to snuggle,” he says, tickling Eri’s side. She giggles. “C’mon up, Katsuki,” he smiles, opening his arms.
They’re all snuggled up in bed, Aizawa reading his novel out loud (leaving out any mature bits), when a gentle rap sounds at their door.
“Hey, Dad?” Hitoshi asks, peering his head in. Aizawa waits patiently while he fidgets nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “Do you think I could have Katsuki for the night?”
“Bubba!” Katsuki cheers happily, shooting up from Aizawa’s chest, where his father was stroking his hair. Hitoshi smiles a little.
“Hey, squirt. You wanna stay with me tonight?” He asks hopefully. Katsuki pauses.
“M’schleepin’ ‘wif’ Daddy n’ Papa n’ Eri t’night,” he says. “D’you wanna, too?”
“I don’t think there’s enough room..” Aizawa says apologetically. Yamada hums.
“We could sleep in the living room,” he suggests. “You and I on the blow-up mattress, the kids on the pullout... what do you think?”
“... I think my back’s gonna be killing me tomorrow,” Aizawa laughs. Katsuki gasps.
“Camp out!!” He cheers, throwing his hands in the air and bouncing on his knees.
“What’s that mean?” Eri questions.
“We’re gonna camp out in the living room tonight,” Yamada explains. “Sound good, princess?” He asks, poking her nose.
“Oh, yes!” She exclaims, nodding.
Once they’re all settled down, Aizawa tucks them into bed, smiling at the way Hitoshi pulls a sleeping Katsuki to his chest protectively.
“He’s not going anywhere,” Aizawa reminds him gently, pressing his forehead.
“I know,” Hitoshi sighs. “But I still...”
“Hey, I get it,” Aizawa says. “You keep your siblings safe, right? Just like Papa and I.”
“Yeah,” he nods.
“Just remember to take care of yourself, too,” he says. “I know you barely ate today.”
“Katsuki already lectured me about it,” Hitoshi laughs. “But I will. You know I will.”
“I do.” He leans down to kiss his head. “Goodnight, kiddo. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Love you, Dad.”
“Love you too.”
“I love you both,” Yamada mumbles. “But go the Hell to sleep. We’re not all insomniacs.”
Aizawa and Hitoshi chuckle.
The lights get flicked off.
Notes:
Reminder that NO ONE is obligated to forgive their abuser and let them back into their life, even if they really have changed for the better!
If this was a hard chapter to read (bc it was certainly a hard chapter to write), please take some time to take care of yourself! If you read this fic for comfort, I do plan on uploading a fluffy chapter today or tomorrow <3 Otherwise, watch your favorite movie, have some tea or water or warm milk, and stay safe ToT <3
Chapter 31: Plastic Stars (w/ Big Bro Izuku + Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Katsuki wakes up from a nightmare and desperately wants Izuku.
Notes:
CW: creepy nightmare talk, lots of hands, choking, kidnapping, mild panic attack, and unsanitary (bed-wetting)
Chapter Text
The woods.
It always starts in the woods, those unforgiving stretches of land filled with bugs and dirt and smoke and heat and-
Hands.
Why are there so many hands? They’re everywhere, groping at him, pulling his shirt and twisting his hair and ever so intricately wrapping fingers around his throat.
He sees a lot of people staring at them. Only one of them matters, really. Only one of them knows how scared he really is right now.
“Deku,” he sobs. “M’scared, Deku.”
“I know, Kaachan,” Izuku says. “But I can’t help you right now.”
“Why not?”
“You told me not to,” Izuku says, tilting his head. “You told me to stay here.”
“Please,” Katsuki begs, sobbing openly. “M’really scared, Izu. Please help me.”
“Oh, Kaachan,” Izuku sighs. “It’s too late.”
“No,” Katsuki pleads, his voice cracking. He feels the hand pull him backwards. “NO!!”
He shoots up in bed, palms igniting as he does so. He struggles to breathe for a second, still choking on the aftermath of his dream, but when he finally does it’s with a heavy sob.
Little by little, he grows more and more aware of his surroundings, and two things become very clear to him:
One, it’s very dark in his room. Too dark.
And two, his bedsheets are soaked.
It doesn’t take a genius to put two and two together, and he immediately starts to cry, a slow but steady stream of tears running down his cheeks in rivulets as he sniffles and whimpers, bunching his blankets in his fists.
“Bakugou?” A soft voice calls out, knocking gently on his door. “It’s Kirishima.”
Katsuki tries his best to suppress his sobs, but makes no move to open the door for his friend.
“... Can I come in?” He asks, peeking his head into the door. Katsuki shrugs and wipes his face. Eijirou pads over. “What happened?”
“B-Bad dream,” Katsuki whimpers. “I-I made a mess, Kiri. M’really sorry. S’gross.”
“That’s alright, kiddo,” Eijirou says, placing a hand on Katsuki’s forehead. “You wanna come crash in my room for the night?”
“I-I want Izu,” he pleads.
Eijirou blinks. This is the first time Katsuki’s ever requested Izuku as a carer while he’s regressed. Sure, he knew that the two boys had grown closer since they started living in the dorms, but he didn’t think they were on such good terms that Katsuki would trust him with something like this.
“Okay,” Eijirou nods. “He’s probably sleeping. Why don’t we get you cleaned up and then we’ll go talk to him? Sound good?”
Katsuki squirms uncomfortably for a second, then nods and lifts his arms up. Eijirou is completely unfazed by the state Katsuki is in, handling his soaked pants, trembling figure, and messy face with stride.
He helps him wash down his legs and stomach and get into new pajamas, but it does nothing to ease his spiked nerves. Not even his comfort object (a stuffed bear that Aizawa gave to him) manages to calm him down.
“Honey, if you want to see Midoriya, you have to calm down a bit,” Eijirou explains. “If you’re crying while we’re walking through the halls, you’re going to wake people up.”
“I-I jus’ want Izu,” Katsuki sobs. “Please!”
“I know, kiddo, I know,” Eijirou coos, smoothing his hair down. “But we gotta be quiet, okay?”
“B-Binky! Please!” He wails, and it’s the first thing he’s requested that hasn’t been Izuku’s presence, so Eijirou is happy to oblige.
Once he has a pacifier in his mouth, he starts to calm down. As his cries quiet, his eyelids begin to droop, and Eijirou starts to rock him back and forth in his lap, cooing in his ear.
“Are you sleepy, baby?” Eijirou asks. “We can go to bed, if you want. You look really tired.”
“Izuuuu,” Katsuki whines, clawing at Eijirou’s shoulder. The redhead sighs wearily.
“Alright,” he grunts, hoisting himself and Katsuki off the ground. “Stay quiet, okay?”
“O-Okay,” he says tearfully, nodding.
As they walk through the hallways, Katsuki does little more than sniffle and hug his bear to his chest. Eijirou shushes him gently whenever his whines grow loud, but besides that it goes completely smooth.
Untill they reach Izuku’s door.
“Izu!” Katsuki whimpers loudly, squirming in Eijirou’s grip. The redhead winces.
“Not yet, buddy,” he whispers, reaching out to knock on the door. Katsuki whines again.
There’s a small gasp from the room as Izuku starts awake, and then heavy footsteps as he sleepily makes his way to the door.
“... Kirishima?” He asks, squinting. He pauses to yawn. “Kaachan... is everything alright?”
“Everything’s fine,” Eijirou assures him. “It’s just that Bakugou wanted to-“
“Izu,” Katsuki whines once more, reaching for the shorter boy with grabby hands.
“... He wants to sleep with me?” Izuku deduces, rubbing his eyes. “That’s alright.”
“Thanks, Midoriya,” Eijirou says, setting Katsuki down on the floor. The blonde immediately latches onto Izuku, burying his face in his neck. “He’s having a rough night. Nightmares and all that. I can pick him up in the morning, I get up early on Saturdays.”
“Come by whenever,” Izuku waves, stifling a yawn. “I don’t mind. C’mon, Kaachan. Let’s get some rest, okay?”
“Mm,” Katsuki hums, voice watery.
Once they’re in bed together, Izuku pulls Katsuki into his chest, stroking his hair.
“Shh, shh,” he whispers. “D’nt cry. It’s okay...”
“Izu,” Katsuki cries. “Y’here.”
“Mhm, I’m here,” Izuku mutters. “You don’t have anything to be afraid of, Kaachan. I’m here. I’ll always be here to protect you.”
“Mm,” Katsuki whines, rubbing his bear against his own neck. “C’we turn a light on?”
“Sure, Kaachan,” he mumbles, reaching behind him to flick a switch.
Like magic, his ceiling lights up with hundreds of plastic stars. Katsuki blinks up, marveling at the sight. Izuku lets his eyes droop shut.
“When I can’t sleep, I count them,” he tells Katsuki. “You should try it.”
“... C’you hold me?” Katsuki requests quietly. “Like y’ used to?”
When they were younger, Izuku used to bundle Katsuki up in his arms and nuzzle his back at night. Katsuki swore up and down that it was the most obnoxious thing in the world, but nothing made him feel safer after a bad dream. Izuku would always be there.
“Sure, bubby,” Izuku mumbles, turning over and hugging Katsuki’s middle. “S’that good?”
“Mhm,” Katsuki hums softly, looking up at the stars. “Thank you, Izu. G’night.”
“Night, Kaachan.”
The blonde sighs deeply and rubs his bear against his face comfortingly.
“One... two...”
Chapter 32: He’s my Friend! (w/ Babysitter Kami)
Summary:
Kaminari has some trouble with Katsuki’s regression at first.
Notes:
CW FOR: people being uncomfortable with regression/misinterpreting it as something gross, unsanitary (wetting + mentions of rash), and physical fighting
Chapter Text
“Hey man,” Kaminari pokes his head in. “Oh, Bakugou! You guys up for a movie night?”
“Not tonight, sorry,” Eijirou apologizes. “Katsuki’s slipped kinda young right now.”
“Kami!” Katsuki cheers, toddling over to him. “I colored! S’blue! Come see, Kami!”
“Ah, um...” Kaminari rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah, I gotta go make popcorn, sorry man. Maybe you could show me tomorrow?”
Katsuki doesn’t respond, he just toddles back over to his coloring book. Eijirou gives Kaminari a little wave before he exits the room.
- - -
“What’d you get for number four?” Kaminari asks, scratching his head with his pencil.
Katsuki doesn’t answer at first, and Kaminari looks up to see him running his thumb along his lips and rubbing his cheek on his shoulder.
“... Uh, Bakugou?”
“Huh?” Katsuki startles, snapping back to attention. He clears his throat. “Sorry, what was your question?”
“Number four...” Kaminari shakes his head minutely. “Are you... y’know? Right now?”
“U-Uh, kinda,” he admits, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m alright, s’just been a long day. I can still help you, I’m jus’ a lil... fuzzy.”
“I’ll go,” Kaminari says, shutting his notebook. “I mean, we already finished today’s homework, so there’s really no need for me to be here right now. I’ll leave you to it.”
“You don’t have to,” Katsuki insists. “M’okay, really. S’probably better t’have someone around, anyways. Kiri’s not here right now.”
“I’ll send him here, he’s just at the gym,” Kaminari rushes, jumping up. “See you tomorrow, Bakugou! Thanks for the help!”
“W-Wait, but-“ Katsuki starts, reaching out.
Kaminari slips out and shuts the door.
- - -
“Papa,” Katsuki mumbles around his thumb, tugging at Yamada’s sleeve. “M’sleepy.”
“Papa’s a little busy right now, baby,” Yamada says, ruffling his hair. “Why don’t you go sit with Kaminari? He’s watching Spirited Away!”
“Mmm...” Katsuki shifts nervously. “... ‘kay...”
He shuffles over to where Kaminari is sitting on the couch, shyly fiddling with the hem of his shirt. Kaminari pauses the movie.
“You good?” He asks.
“Hum... m’small righ’ now, an’ I wanna take a nap...” he starts. “Can I watch wi’f you?”
“Oh, uh, s-sure,” Kaminari says, gulping. He pats the spot next to him. “Take a seat.”
It doesn’t take long for Katsuki to start nodding off, and eventually his head lolls onto Kaminari’s shoulder. The shorter boy reacts by jumping and immediately shoving him onto his back, a look of unease on his face.
“Wh-Why’d you push me?” Katsuki asks, bewildered. Kaminari shakes his head.
“Just... don’t lay on me,” he says. “It’s weird.”
“... Oh...” Katsuki stands up. “Um... m’gonna go find Kiri, I think.” Kaminari nods.
“Okay. See you around.”
- - -
“Hey man, do you think you could keep an eye on Bakugou for a bit?” Eijirou asks, bouncing the blonde on his hip. “I promised Tetsu I would spar with him right now, you’re the only person I can think of that’s available.”
“Uhh...” Kaminari rubs the back of his neck. “I’m in the middle of a round right now...”
“He won’t be any trouble,” Eijirou promises. “He’s got his coloring book and some blocks. He‘s a little talkative today, but besides that there’s no sweat. I’ll be, like, half an hour.”
“Y-Yeah, okay,” he nods. Eijirou sighs with relief and sets Katsuki down next to the bed, wrapping his arms around Kaminari.
“You’re a lifesaver,” he whispers, pulling away to ruffle Katsuki’s hair. “Behave, ‘Suki.”
“I-I wanna go wi’f you,” Katsuki whines, eyeing Kaminari nervously. “Please? Can I?”
“I’ll be back in no time,” Eijirou promises.
Katsuki barely so much as whimpers when he leaves, shutting the door behind him.
Contrary to Eijirou’s warning, Katsuki is pretty much completely silent. Occasionally Kaminari will catch him squirm or kick his legs out of the corner of his eye, but other than that, it’s like he’s not even there.
Eijirou comes to pick him up about forty-five minutes later, bursting in while apologizing for being late. Apparently Tetsutetsu is quite the chatterbox and held him up for a while.
“Was he good?” He asks.
“Yep. Almost forgot he was there,” Kaminari replies, chuckling halfheartedly.
“That’s great,” Eijirou smiles, leaning down to pick Katsuki up. He pauses and frowns, moving to whisper something into his ear that makes Katsuki tear up and nod shamefully.
“Is everything alright?” Kaminari questions.
“Uh, yeah, he just... he had a little accident,” Eijirou explains, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m sorry, he normally just excuses himself or asks someone to come with him, but...”
“... Oh,” Kaminari mumbles, curling his lip a little bit. “Uh, that’s fine. I’ve got cats at home, so it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had to clean up pee, ha. At least my floor isn’t carpeted.”
“I can clean it,” Eijirou offers.
“No, it’s fine, you take him and...” he clenches his jaw. “... Y’know, just take him.”
“R-Right,” Eijirou stutters, gathering Katsuki in his arms. “Hey, buddy. You wanna get cleaned up and out of those icky clothes?”
Katsuki doesn’t voice his embarrassment, but Eijirou sees fat tears roll down his cheeks before he buries his face in his shoulder. He clicks his tongue and rubs his back soothingly.
“Why didn’t you tell Kami, honey?” He asks when they’re in the hall. “I know that it’s hard for you to remember to take breaks sometimes, but it’s not healthy to sit in it like that. You’re gonna get a rash...”
“Sorry,” Katsuki whispers quietly.
“I’m not upset,” Eijirou assures him. “... Do you trust Kaminari with your regression? Does he make you feel uncomfortable?”
Katsuki sniffs, pouting at the ground as he shrugs. Eijirou waits a moment; Katsuki’s eyes fill with tears again, and he gives a small nod.
“What’d he do? Was he inappropriate with you? Did he make fun of you?” Eijirou demands, worry flaring in his gut.
“No...” Katsuki starts slowly. He gives a shuddery exhale. “I-I jus’ think he doesn’t like it when ‘m small... he gets kinda weird...”
“Okay,” Eijirou says quietly. “I won’t leave you with him again. I’m sorry, sweetheart, I should have asked you first. That wasn’t right.”
“Mm,” Katsuki shrugs, his lip wobbling.
“You still upset?” Eijirou asks. Katsuki nods wordlessly, pressing a fist to his eye. “Oh, honey,” he sighs, pulling Katsuki’s head to his neck and petting his hair. “Shh, it’s okay.”
- - -
“Hey,” Katsuki says, flicking Kaminari’s forehead. “We need to talk. Now.”
“Sure man,” Kaminari grins. “What’s up?”
“Why are you so shitty to me when I’m regressed?” He asks point-blank. “That’s a fuckin’ fragile thing to mess with, man. You don’t wanna see me sans coping mechanism.”
“I’m not ‘shitty’ to you,” Kaminari defends himself, frowning. “It’s just... I dunno, dude. Don’t take this the wrong way, but it’s weird.”
“... Fuck you!” Katsuki spits, shoving him.
“Hey, hey! Can you give me two seconds to explain myself?!” He yells, furrowing his brow. “Listen, it’s a shock, alright? I mean, you’re easily the toughest dude in class. Definitely the meanest. So it’s fuckin’ weird to see you go from breaking someone’s nose because they looked at you the wrong way to crying and pissing yourself on my floor!”
“Keep that shit to yourself!” Katsuki roars, slapping a hand over his mouth. “JESUS, Dunce Face! I knew you were a fucking prick, but I never took you for a shallow fucking bastard! The Hell is wrong with you?!”
“Look, dude, it helps you, right?” Kaminari asks, pulling Katsuki’s hand away.
“I’d fuckin say so,” he scoffs, raising a brow.
“Good. I’m glad. Just... keep it to yourself,” he shrugs. “That’s all I’m asking.”
“... I didn’t ask Kirishima to drop me off at your doorstep,” he mutters darkly.
“Yeah, well, I didn’t ask to be your babysitter.”
“Right,” Katsuki mumbles under his breath. “... You know it’s not, like, anything nasty, right? I don’t even do it on purpose.”
“I’d say the same thing if it WERE something nasty,” Kaminari says. “I don’t care what you do to keep yourself from going batshit, Bakugou. Just... don’t rope me into it.”
“Yeah,” Katsuki says quietly. “... Sorry.”
“It’s...” Kaminari sighs. “It’s whatever, man.”
- - -
“You almost done?” Sero asks, peeking over Katsuki’s shoulder to see his grocery list. “What?! Dude, you’re not even a quarter of the way through! What’s taking you so long?!”
“Sorry,” Katsuki mumbles. “Jus’ a lil distracted, I guess. M’feelin’ kinda spacey today.”
“Yeah, well, you look it,” he jokes. “You want me to help you? I’m already done.”
“Please,” Katsuki nods.
“So polite! You normally only use the ‘p-word’ when you’re regressed. Maybe you’re rubbing off on yourself!” He chuckles. Katsuki ducks his head and scuffs his shoe. “... Oh.”
“Don’ say anythin’,” he requests quietly.
“The only other person shopping with us is Denks, you’re good,” Sero assures him.
“Jus’ don’t,” Katsuki whines.
“Okay, okay.” He outstretches his hand. “C’mon, bud. Let’s go do some shopping.”
Katsuki happily takes his hand, even go so far as to giggle softly when Sero takes off running, dragging him behind him.
“Alright, leeks! What kinda leeks do you want, kiddo? You wanna pick ‘em out yourself?”
“Mmmm, the big ones,” Katsuki says quietly, pointing at the batch he wants. Sero picks them up and sets them in his basket.
“Look good?”
“Yeah!” Katsuki chirps. “Thank you!”
The walk around a little bit more, eventually bumping into Kaminari. Sero greets him.
“Hey, man,” he says. “Bakugou regressed, so I’m helping him get his shopping done. Did you already check out? You can tag along.”
“Yeah, sure,” Kaminari shrugs. Katsuki averts his gaze, not ready yet to make eye contact.
As they get towards the end of the list, they take a shortcut through one of the baby aisles, and Katsuki can’t help but slow down and marvel at all the objects lined up on the shelves. Sero notices this, and squeezes his hand a little bit before stopping.
“You wanna pick something out?” He asks. “I’ll buy it for you. It can be an early birthday gift.”
“Uh...” Katsuki bites his lips, glancing nervously at Kaminari, who smiles at him.
“You should take advantage of this,” he says softly. “Sero gives the best gifts, you know.”
“B-But... I thought-“
“Here, I’ll even help you,” he offers, scanning the aisle. He picks up a soft Hello Kitty plush, raising his eyebrows when it rattles in his hand. “How about this? You like her, right?”
“... Mmm... okay,” Katsuki nods, cracking a little smile. Sero clicks his tongue.
“That’s so little!” He says. “Pick out something else, too, Bakugou. You want a new pacifier?”
“Told ya,” Kaminari whispers to him, grinning. Katsuki laughs, giving a little slump of relief.
He ends up picking out a pacifier that has a stuffed elephant attached to the end. Sero ruffles his hair fondly, and they finish his shopping before heading to the checkout lane.
“You got a name for him?” Sero asks, chuckling as Katsuki starts tearing open the pacifier before they’re even out of the market.
“Not yet,” he admits, rubbing the soft fur of the stuffed animal across his cheek. “Feel how sof’!” He demands, holding it out.
“Wow!” Sero exclaims, petting it.
“Hey, what about Lumpy?” Kaminari suggests. “Y’know, like from Winnie the Pooh?”
“Oh, yeah!” Katsuki gasps. He places the nub in his mouth and sighs contentedly, rubbing Lumpy against his cheek again. “T’ank you...”
“Aww, anything for you, kid!” Sero coos.
“You guys wanna grab a bite to eat?” Kaminari asks. “There’s a really cheap ice cream takeout place on the way back. I can pay?”
“Sounds great!” Sero says, holding his stomach. “I don’t know about you, Bakugou, but I’m starving right now!”
“Mm!” Katsuki affirms, nodding.
They walk to the ice cream shop together, Sero holding Katsuki’s hand and Kaminari holding his bag of groceries. They stop at a park bench to eat their ice cream before heading back to the school.
“Kiri’s blowing up your phone,” Kaminari laughs when Katsuki gets the fifth text from him since they’ve sat down.
“Mm,” Katsuki grumbles, handing Sero his ice cream so he can text back a quick reply. As he does so, he nibbles on the nub of Lumpy’s pacifier, letting it hang from his mouth.
“Freak!” Someone giggles as he walks by with his group of friends. Katsuki starts, ripping the pacifier out of his mouth and snatching his ice cream back from Sero, hanging his head.
“... What did you just say?” Kaminari asks.
“I called your friend there a freak,” he says, smirking. “Keep your freaky baby fetish behind closed doors, yeah?” Kaminari stands.
“Oh, Denks, I’m not sure-“
“Can it, Sero,” Kaminari spits. “Listen here, you little asshole. My friend here fought tooth and nail to even feel OKAY doing one of the only things he can to keep himself mentally stable. The fact that he’s not having a goddamn breakdown right now over your little comment that you just HAD to share with us is beyond me. It’s NOT some freaky fetish. It’s a coping mechanism. Do you understand?”
“Chill,” the guy chuckles nervously, raising his hands in defense. “It’s just an opinion.”
“Well keep it to yourself! He’s not bothering anyone!” Kaminari yells. Sero gulps.
“Denki, maybe it’s best that you-“
“Holy shit,” one of the guy’s friends laughs behind his hand. “He’s crying!”
Kaminari looks behind him to see Katsuki’s shoulders shaking, tears falling into his lap.
“... Alright,” he mutters, turning back. “I’m gonna have to ask you guys to back off.”
“No,” the first guy says, furrowing his brow. “You wanted a fight? Bring it! I wanna see you defend your little crybaby back there.”
Kaminari curls his lip before punching the guy as hard as he can. He falls to the ground immediately, his friends rushing to catch him before his head hits the ground. Sero places a hand on Kaminari’s shoulder, wincing.
“We should go,” he says.
“Shit,” Kaminari breathes. “Yeah, we should.”
- - -
“I need to talk to you,” Aizawa says. Kaminari smiles sheepishly, looking up at him.
“Is there a problem, sir?” He asks.
“Cut the shit,” Aizawa mutters. “Kaminari, as your teacher, I’m highly disappointed in you. What you did was stupid and irrational, and a terrible representation of a UA student. I could expel you for this, you know. Maybe I should.”
“I know,” he groans, burying his face in his hands. “I wasn’t thinking rationally.”
“But,” Aizawa continues. “As Katsuki’s father? Thank you. So much.” Kaminari looks up in surprise, seeing his teacher smile at him. “Sero told me everything before I even got a call. You were just standing up for your friend.”
“... Yeah,” Kaminari says slowly. “I was.”
“Don’t let it happen again,” Aizawa warns him. “I know you’re training to be a hero, but you don’t always solve problems with your fists.”
“Right,” Kaminari nods. “Sooooo... does this mean I’m not expelled?” He asks hopefully.
“... House arrest for two weeks,” Aizawa grunts. Kaminari grins. “I’m serious, Kaminari. If I find out you pull some shit like this again-“
“I won’t,” he promises.
- - -
“Hey,” Eijirou says. “Listen, I know you’re not totally comfortable with it, and I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t an emergency, but Fatgum needs me and Katsuki’s regressed, and I know-“
“I’ll do it,” Kaminari says.
“... Wait, what?”
“Where is he? I’ll watch him.”
“He’s... in his room...” Eijirou furrows his brow. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”
“Kirishima, I wouldn’t say yes if I was,” he laughs, standing up. “Go. It sounds like it’s important, right? Don’t worry about me.”
“You gotta pay attention to him,” Eijirou says. “And talk. Maybe play with him, too.”
“Kiri. Go,” Kaminari urges him.
“Right! I- just- take care of him?”
“I will.”
Chapter 33: Overstimulated Dinner (w/ Babysitter Shouto, Dadzawa, Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Katsuki regresses during remedial practice.
Notes:
CW FOR: social anxiety, dissociation, overstimulation, very light mention of judgement
Chapter Text
“Hey, do you guys wanna grab some grub after this?” Camie suggests. “I feel like we should hang out more! We only ever see each other during class...”
“That’s because we go to different schools,” Katsuki says gruffly. Camie rolls her eyes.
“Thank you, Captain Obvious,” she scoffs. “Come on, I’m being serious!!”
“I could go for some soba,” Shouto says.
“That sounds delicious!” Inasa exclaims.
“It’s been a while since I had soba,” Camie nods, clapping Shouto on the back.
“Yeah, well, he had some at lunch,” Katsuki remarks. “I’m tired, I don’t wanna go out.”
The truth is, Katsuki’s slipping. It’s not uncommon by any means for him to regress after remedial class; the physical and mental strain means he spend the better half of his nights back curled into Eijirou’s chest with a pacifier hanging from his lips. But he’s never started to get that fuzzy feeling before class was actually over. He’s worried that if he goes out to dinner with his friends- er, classmates, then he’ll fully drop in front of them.
“You can order a coffee,” Camie says, slinging an arm around his shoulder. “C’mon! We can get permission from our teachers, right?”
Aha, there’s his out. His father would never let him hang out unsupervised in the city at night, especially with a bunch of flunk-outs.
“I’ll call my dad when we’re done,” Katsuki grumbles. “My phone’s in the locker room.”
“We are done!” Inasa says. “Todoroki just hit the last target! You can call him now!”
“Fantastic,” he mutters, glaring when Shouto shoots him two thumbs up.
The two other boys harass him the entire time they’re getting cleaned and dressed.
“Do you know any good soba places in town?”
“Not really. I live a while from here.”
“Ah, I see! Maybe we should hang out outside of class sometime!”
“We are. Tonight.”
“I’d like to come to your house sometime!”
“Oh. I don’t really have people over.”
“You can come to mine, then!”
“Yeah, I guess. Do you tone it down at home?”
“What do you mean?!”
“Never mind.”
Well, maybe they aren’t talking directly to Katsuki, but it still gets on his nerves.
“Don’t forget to call your dad!” Inasa reminds him the second he’s fully clothed.
“I know,” Katsuki grumbles, pulling out his phone. He has to suppress a satisfied little smile as he dials Aizawa’s number. His strict father is the best cop out for unwanted plans.
“Katsuki?” Aizawa asks.
“Hey Daddy,” Katsuki greets, already relaxing a bit at his father’s voice. “Um... so, the others are talking about going out for dinner. D’you think Todoroki and I could go too?”
“Oh, wow. I mean... yeah.”
Wait.
“What?” Katsuki blinks. “Why?”
“You and Todoroki need to interact with your peers more. I’m glad that you’re making friends. Is anyone supervising?”
“Gang Orca,” Shouto confirms quietly.
“Um, the shark hero,” Katsuki replies. “You sure you want us doing this?”
“I’m positive,” Aizawa says. “You two never take time to be teenagers. Go have fun with your friends. Try to be back by ten?”
“Ten?!” Katsuki squeaks. “That’s four hours!”
“Time goes by fast when you’re having fun,” Aizawa assures him. “I love you. Be safe.”
“I-“
“Don’t do drugs,” Aizawa says. “Promise me.”
“... Yeah, m’not gonna do drugs!” Katsuki exclaims. “Daddy, how come you-“
“See you later,” Aizawa interjects. “Love you.”
“But-...” he sighs. “Love you too.”
Click.
Inasa and Shouto stare at him expectantly.
“It’s a go,” he grumbles.
“Whoo-hoo!” Inasa cheers. “I’ll go tell Camie!”
Katsuki groans and buries his face in his hands as the tall boy rushes out of the locker room. He sits up to see Shouto giving him an odd look, head tilted in confusion.
“What?” Katsuki squints.
“Nothing,” Shouto shrugs. “It just struck me as odd that you... never mind.”
“What?!” He demands, sitting up straight.
“... You were calling Aizawa Sensei ‘Daddy,’” Shouto points out softly. “You only ever do that when you’re regressed, right?”
“... Maybe,” he mutters, scuffing his shoe against the floor. “So what?”
“Well, are you?” He asks.
“Am I wh-“
“Did you slip, Bakugou?” His face reveals to Katsuki that he already knows the answer.
“Mmm...” the blonde presses his lips together, squeezing his eyes shut. “... A little bit...”
“Are you having a flashback or a panic attack?” Shouto asks, still holding a deadpan tone and gaze. “What was it that triggered you? Should I help ground you?”
“N-Nothing like that,” Katsuki says, rubbing his arms. “S’just stressful, y’know? All this.”
“I get it,” Shouto says, placing a hand on Katsuki’s knee. “Do you always regress after class? I figured I would have noticed.”
“Normally I hold it off until I can get to Kiri or my dads...” he says. “Once on the train, but I’s just really sleepy that day... never this early.”
“It has been a rough day,” he admits. “Dinner will probably help. I’m sure you’re hungry.”
“... Maybe it will,” he mumbles. “M’gonna text Kiri real quick. You can go see the others.”
“Okay.” He stands and walks out of the room.
- - -
LORDEXPLODOKILL: kiri im small
RedRiot: Already? That’s no problem, honey. I can ask Aizawa Sensei if I can tag along when he pick up you and Todoroki if you want?
RedRiot: Actually it’s probably a good idea to tell Todoroki that you slipped just in case something happens on the train. Can you do that for me? Let me know how it goes ^u^
LORDEXPLODOKILL: cant goin 2 dinner
RedRiot: Hm? Like to a restaurant?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: yes
RedRiot: Oooh, I see the problem now. How are you feeling? Is this a good slip or a hard one?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: idk
RedRiot: Alright, that’s okay! Just make sure Todoroki knows what’s going on so he can keep an eye on you, okay honey?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: he does
RedRiot: Awesome! How small are you right now? Can you tell?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: isk. sirll slippin
RedRiot: You’re still slipping?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: yea
RedRiot: Okay. Are you with Todoroki now?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: no
RedRiot: Just stick by his side until you get back, alright, kiddo? Keep me posted!
LORDEXPLODOKILL: k
- - -
“Hi,” Katsuki greets the group quietly.
“Hello, Mr. Mopey!” Camie teases him.
“You guys ready to go?” Gang Orca asks. “I’m sure Eraser wants you back before curfew, so we’re working with a time limit here.”
“Um. S’ten, actually,” Katsuki interjects.
“Hm?” Gang Orca asks, tilting his head.
“UA students can be back by ten,” Shouto explains. “I’m not sure about the others.”
“My parents don’t really care!” Camie chirps.
“Ten sounds good to me,” Inasa agrees.
“Alright then! I think I can fit you all in my car...”
Once they’re seated, Katsuki starts to feel a little panicked. It’s very easy for him to get overstimulated when he’s regressed, and he’s feeling younger and younger by the second.
“Are you okay?” Shouto asks when he sees tears start to form in Katsuki’s eyes. The blonde shakes his head, looking up at him fearfully. “Hey, it’s okay. Here, take my hand.”
Katsuki knows that he picked up the tactic from remedial class, but he can’t deny that it calms him down to squeeze Shouto’s hand in his own. He uses his free hand to nervously fiddle with the neck of his shirt, or occasionally to rub his eyes and discreetly wipe away stray tears. It even helps to ground him a little, that feeling of dissociation mixed with his mind slipping in maturity easing up a bit.
Until Camie opens her mouth.
“Aww, how precious! Are you two a thing?”
“No,” Shouto is quick to say. “Bakugou isn’t allowed to date. We’re just friends.”
“Friends... who hold hands,” Inasa says.
“Yes.”
“I’m not buyin’ it,” Camie grins, crossing her arms. “I mean, I knew you were gay, ‘roki. But Bakugou? I didn’t expect this from you!”
“M’not,” he mumbles, pulling his hand away from Shouto’s. His lip trembles.
“Riiiight.... but you totally are.”
“Mmm... stop..” he whines, putting his hands over his ears. Shouto touches his shoulder.
“It’s okay,” he whispers. “You’re okay.”
Katsuki can’t help but turn his face into Shouto’s shoulder, hands still covering his ears. He’s too overwhelmed by everything to deal with normal conversations right now.
Camie, of course still bombards them with questions, but Katsuki just ignores her. Shouto amuses her for a while, calmly turning down her ridiculous notions, but eventually he gets tired of it and ignores her as well.
When they arrive at the restaurant, Katsuki clings to Shouto’s t-shirt the whole time. Even when they sit down at their booth, his eyes are glassy with tears of anxiety, and Shouto lets him nervously fiddle with his free hand.
“And what do you want?” The waitress asks.
“... Bakugou,” Shouto prompts gently.
“U-Uh...” Katsuki’s mind goes blank.
“Are you very hungry?” Shouto asks. He shakes his head. “He’ll have the rice balls.”
“And to drink?” She asks.
“Juice,” Katsuki whispers.
“Apple juice, please.”
“Sure thing!” She chirps. “I’ll be back!”
“Riceballs and juice?” Inasa mumbles. “That was my go-to meal when I was a child...”
“Yeah,” Camie nods. “Don’t take this the wrong way, Bakugou, but you’re completely different off the battlefield. Almost... docile?”
“He’s just sleepy,” Shouto cuts in. “He’s normally just as vicious. Remedial class really takes the energy out of him. He’s fallen asleep on me during our train ride more than once.”
Katsuki wants to be embarrassed about Shouto sharing that, but he can’t help but feel thankful that he’s been given an out.
“If you’re that tired, maybe we should wrap this up a little faster,” Gang Orca mutters. “Why don’t we shoot for eight instead?”
“Awww!” Camie pouts. “... I guess you have a point... You guys totally owe me, though.”
“Yes, we don’t want Bakugou getting sick!”
“I’m pretty tired myself,” Shouto admits.
God, Katsuki would give him the world if he could in that moment. What a champ.
He barely even touches his food, occasionally poking at it but mostly just plugging his ears and burying his face in Shouto’s arm. The taller boy takes it with stride, albeit a bit awkwardly. Aside from the methods he’s rehearsed over and over in class, he clearly has no experience with children.
Needless to say, Katsuki almost cries with relief when the dinner is over. He assumes that people talk to him before he leaves, because he vaguely registers being hugged by Camie and possibly getting lectured about sleep by either Inasa or Gang Orca, but he’s so dissociated that he couldn’t really tell you.
As soon as he sits down on the train, he starts to cry. Shouto is on him in seconds, shushing him gently and petting his head.
“It’s okay,” he whispers. “You’re okay.”
“S-So much!” He wails loudly, earning a few stares of confusion and annoyance.
“I know,” Shouto says softly, pulling him closer to his chest. “We’re almost home.”
Katsuki doesn’t really have anything to say about that, so he just whines again and gives a broken little sob before smushing his face into Shouto’s shirt, muffling his cries.
- - -
“What’s wrong?!” Aizawa asks the second he sees his son. “Did he hurt himself??”
“He’s regressed,” Shouto explains, shifting the trembling Katsuki in his arms. “He’s been dissociated and anxious all evening; he started crying when we got on the train, and he hasn’t really talked since. I couldn’t get him to stand up and walk without him grabbing onto me, so it was just easier to carry him.”
“Okay,” he sighs, reaching his arms out. Shouto unloads Katsuki onto him. “My poor boy. I’m sorry you had such a rough night,” he whispers, pulling Katsuki’s face into his neck. “You handled this with finesse, Todoroki. Let me know if there’s a way I can reward you.”
“Thank you, sir. I’ll think about it.”
“Binky,” Katsuki whines sleepily, grabbing fistfuls of his father’s scarf. “P’ease...”
“Lemme see if I have one in the car,” he mumbles, opening the door to set Katsuki down in the passenger seat. The blonde starts to cry again, clinging onto Aizawa. “Honey, you need to let go so I can find your binky and drive us back to the school, okay?”
“Mmm!” Katsuki whines, face scrunched.
Aizawa ends up driving back one-handed, his other arm being squeezed with ferocity by Katsuki. He’s curled into a call in his seat, practically laying across the island to stay as close to his father as possible. It’s endearing, but also worrying. If Katsuki is being especially clingy, it’s a good indicator that he’s especially upset. Shouto wasn’t kidding about it being a high anxiety night for the poor boy.
- - -
“Kiri!” Katsuki shouts as soon as he spots his carer. He jumps out of his father’s arms and runs over to Eijirou at top speeds, nearly toppling him over. Eijirou chuckles.
“Hey, cutie! Did you have a good night out?” Katsuki doesn’t answer him. “... Bakugou?”
“He’s very young tonight,” Aizawa explains. “If you’re not comfortable dealing with that, I’m more than happy to have him stay with us.”
“No, that’s alright!” Eijirou assures him. “I’ve taken care of him like this before. Even got new supplies to prepare for in happening again! I’m good. Unless you want him?”
“I’m putting his wants first,” he says, shaking his head. “I pushed him to go out tonight, and that clearly didn’t go well... I’ll be around in a couple hours to say goodnight. If he wants to stay with you, I’m not gonna push him.”
“Okay,” Eijirou nods. He smooths back Katsuki’s bangs. “Poor baby. How about we get you into some comfy clothes and then I can warm up a bottle for you? Hm?”
“Baba,” Katsuki gurgles, nodding.
Eijirou helps him into a diaper and nightshirt before wiping his face off gently with a warm washcloth and getting him a fresh binky. He also makes sure he has his favorite stuffed bear with him, knowing that the comfort object will help ground him and ease his nerves a little bit more.
He takes Katsuki with him to get his bottle ready, letting him put in his desired amount of sweetener and vanilla extract to make angel milk. As the bottle warms up in the microwave, Katsuki rests his head on Eijirou’s shoulder.
When they get back up to Katsuki’s room, Eijirou makes sure the milk is cool enough to not burn his tongue, and then he cradles Katsuki in his lap as he feeds him his bottle. He knows that he shouldn’t be relishing in the opportunity to hold and care for Katsuki like this, but he only ever really gets to be this tender when he’s slipped super young.
A feeling of warmth washes over the both of them as Katsuki nurses his bottle, and eventually Eijirou notices the blonde’s eyelids drooping sleepily. He lets him finish his milk, and then he sets the bottle aside and quickly pops his pacifier back into his mouth, stroking the bridge of his nose with his index finger.
“Shh, shh baby,” he whispers, rocking him back and forth. “You go to sleep, okay? You’ve had a long day, hm? You can go to sleep.”
Katsuki’s eyes slip shut, soft breathes emitting from his nose. He occasionally nuzzles closer into Eijirou’s hold, sucking harder on his pacifier, but he doesn’t wake up.
Eijirou himself is starting to nod off when Aizawa softly knocks on his door. It creaks open gently, and he pokes his head in.
“Oh-!” He starts, seeing the two boys asleep. He smiles softly and moves to the bed, adjusting them so they’re both laying down, Katsuki on the inside so he doesn’t roll off.
“Sensei,” Eijirou mumbles, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. “S’okay. I got this.”
“You’re tired,” Aizawa says, shaking his head fondly. “Go back to sleep, Kirishima. I’ll get the light.” Eijirou yawns and nods, laying down.
The light clicks off, and Aizawa yawns, too. He can’t help but wonder if Shouto feels this tired as well. It’s going to be a restful night.
Chapter 34: Don’t Freak Out (w/ Big Bro Hitoshi + Dadzawa)
Summary:
Hitoshi is scared of taking care of Katsuki when he’s regressed.
Notes:
CW FOR: referenced past child abuse
PLS CHECK THE NOTES AT THE END!!!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Mornin’,” Hitoshi yawns, sleepily opening a cabinet and getting himself a glass.
“S’late,” Katsuki says softly. Hitoshi hums.
“I was up past midnight last night. Caught up in all my classes.” He yawns loudly. “Where’s Papa and Dad? Are they at work?”
“Mhm,” Katsuki nods, squirming lightly in his chair. “Um... Bubba...?”
“Hm?” Hitoshi starts to pour himself water.
“I-I, uh...” he hangs his head. “N’va mind.”
“Whaaaat? C’mon, tell me,” Hitoshi pries, turning to face Katsuki. “Don’t be so- wait.”
He nearly drops his glass.
“Y-You... you called me...”
“Mmph,” Katsuki huffs, burying his face in his hands. Hitoshi sets his glass down on the counter and runs a hand through his hair.
“Okay. Uh... fuck, Dad told me what to do if this happens... gimme a second...” he blinks. “U-Uh... okay, how... how old are you?”
“I dunno... like... n-not very young,” Katsuki tries to explain. “M’okay. Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize!” Hitoshi laughs nervously. “This happens when you’re having an episode, right? O-Or after one? Should I call Dad?”
“Daddy’s busy,” Katsuki says softly. “Bubba, m’okay, jus’ a lil fuzzy. Swear it.”
“Kat, I just don’t know if I...” he bites his lip worriedly. “This is really important to you, and I don’t want to trigger anything.”
“We could make lunch..?” Katsuki requests, singing his legs shyly. “F’you wanna...”
“Y- uh...” Hitoshi rubs the back of his neck. “Y’know what? I’m just gonna call Dad.”
“But-“
“Katsuki, you know I love you, but I don’t wanna fuck this up for you,” he admits. “I need some time to ease into it. Please?”
“O-Oh..” Katsuki mumbles. His heart sinks a bit, but he nods. “Okay, Bubba.”
- - -
“I am so about to kick your ass,” Katsuki laughs. Hitoshi raises a brow at him.
“Really? Because I’m in first pl- Oh, you dick!” He exclaims. Katsuki cackles. “A blue shell? Really?! I thought you said they were unfair!”
“Changed my mind,” he shrugs.
“Hey boys,” Yamada says, peeking his head in the door. “Lights out in ten. Keep it down?”
“Right, right, sorry,” Hitoshi nods, turning the PlayStation off. He turns to Katsuki. “Hey, you wanna crash in here tonight?”
“... Why?” He asks, squinting. “You got some sorta ulterior motive I should know about?”
“No dude, I just wanna keep hanging out,” he says. “What would I even do? Squirt shaving cream on your hand?” Katsuki huffs.
“Like you’re really all above that.”
“Says the guy who BLUE SHELLED me just-“
“I think it’s a great idea,” Yamada says, calming them down before they get too noisy again. “Now come kiss your Papa goodnight.”
Both boys jump up and squeeze their father, murmuring their normal goodnights.
“Dad’s coming in ten minutes,” he warns them. “He wants lights turned off and boys tucked in, you understand? No horsing around.”
“Sure thing,” Hitoshi promises.
Katsuki and Hitoshi get situated on opposite sides of the bed; Hitoshi on the left, Katsuki on the right. The chat and giggle until Aizawa knocks on the door, entering the room.
“Hey,” he says, walking over to the bed. He smooths Katsuki’s hair down. “You good?”
“Yeah... why wouldn’t I be?”
“You’ve just never slept in your brother’s room before,” he says. “Just making sure you’re doing alright.” Katsuki rolls his eyes.
“I am.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes, Dad,” he groans, throwing his head back. “I’m fine. And I’m tired too, y’know?”
“Alright, alright,” Aizawa chuckles, leaning down to kiss his forehead. “I love you.”
“Love you too.”
“Love you, Dad,” Hitoshi says, sitting up to smooch his cheek. Aizawa smiles fondly.
“Love you too.” He stands up straight and flicks off the light. “Don’t stay up late, okay? We may be on vacation right now, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have things to do.”
“Uh huh,” Hitoshi nods, chuckling softly.
“Okay.” Aizawa clears his throat. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” the boys say in unison.
As soon as the door shuts, they’re joking around and giggling once again. This, logically, escalates into pinching, which escalates into elbowing, which escalates into kicking, until the two boys are wrestling each other on the bed, laughing their heads off.
“You’re going down, zombie boy!” Katsuki shrieks, digging his fingers into Hitoshi’s side.
“Oh yeah? Watch this!” Hitoshi counters, pushing Katsuki back down and smacking his head into the pillow. Katsuki cackles.
“Just giving me access to your stomach, dumbass,” he says, retracting his legs. “Now I can do... THIS!” He lands a kick.
“Ufh-! Hey, that’s playing dirty, you little-!”
Hitoshi’s sentence is cut off when he dives for Katsuki’s neck and earns himself a heart-wrenching gasp from Katsuki. His face is twisted in horror, and Hitoshi’s smile drops.
“... Shit,” he says softly, drawing away. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean-“
“It’s fine,” Katsuki says quickly, although there’s a look in his eyes that tells Hitoshi the opposite. “I... I-I’m really tired..? So...”
“Yeah, yeah, no, totally,” Hitoshi says, hesitantly crawling back into his spot. “I’m-“
“I said it’s fine,” Katsuki snaps, rolling over. “Let’s just go to bed, okay?”
“Okay,” Hitoshi mumbles. “Goodnight.”
“Yeah, ‘night.”
Hitoshi has obvious trouble falling asleep after that, but he’s dozed off when it happens.
“Aaa-HAH!!” Katsuki wakes with a heavy gasp escaping from his lips. Hitoshi starts.
“Hey man, you good?” He grumbles.
Katsuki doesn’t answer him.
He squints in the darkness, and although it’s hard to see, he can clearly tell that his brother is shaking, badly. He listens closely, waiting for something, anything to tell him he’s okay.
He’s not even breathing.
“Katsuki, breathe,” he stresses, sitting up. Katsuki gives a strangled, heavy gasp. “No, no, not like that. Slow... in through your nose, out through your mouth... there you go...”
Once the blonde has control of his breathing, a broken sob erupts from his chest, and he starts wailing, turning over to bury his face in Hitoshi’s chest, which helps to ease him a little bit. He can tell that his brother is still panicking, but at least he’s not going to faint.
“Nightmare?” Hitoshi assumes, petting his head. Katsuki nods. “You wanna talk about it?” He shakes his head. “Okay.”
After a while, his cries quiet down to soft whimpers, and he sniffs, rubbing his eyes.
“S-Sorry,” he stutters, although he doesn’t pull away. Hitoshi clicks his tongue.
“You don’t have to apologize. It’s okay,” he assures him softly. “You wanna talk now?”
“Mm... words a-are...” he shrugs a little bit. “... hard...” Hitoshi frowns.
“Are you alright?”
“I’onno,” he admits quietly.
“... Should I get Dad?”
“Yes please,” he affirms in a small voice.
“Okay,” Hitoshi nods, a little shaken up. He moves to stand. “I’ll be back in-“
“W-Wait!” Katsuki cries, clinging onto his arm. “Don’t go... don’t leave me alone...”
“... You’re...” Hitoshi realizes slowly. He swallows hard. Katsuki whines.
“C’you please call Daddy? Please?”
“I-I, yeah..” he says, reaching for his phone.
Someone knocks at the door, and they both nearly jump out of their skin.
“Hey,” Aizawa says softly, peeking his head in. “I heard crying. Is everything okay?”
“Daddy,” Katsuki whimpers.
“H-He had a nightmare,” Hitoshi explains. “And now he’s regressed. Should I... go...?”
“No, stay here,” Aizawa instructs, sitting down on the bed. Katsuki immediately crawls into his lap, sobbing into his neck. “Oh, sweetheart, I know. It’s tough, huh? My poor baby.”
“U-Uh huh!” Katsuki cries, nodding.
“What was it this time?” He prods gently.
“I-It was-!” He cuts himself off with a heavy exhale, pressing his palms to his eyes. “J-Just... hands... jus’ the hands...”
Katsuki has recurring nightmares about three things: his encounter with the slime villain, being kidnapped by the League, and his mother. All of them involve getting choked or restrained in some way, so he normally has trouble breathing after he wakes up.
“They can’t hurt you anymore,” Aizawa promises him, stroking his hair. “Did Bubba help you calm down? Hm?”
“Mhm...” Katsuki hums, his cries now steadied into soft breathing. He snuggles closer to his father’s chest. “Daddy?”
“What’s up, honey?”
“C’I have Pochi?” He asks quietly, playing with Aizawa’s fingers absentmindedly.
Pochi is Katsuki’s stuffed bear. Yamada gifted it to him when they first adopted him, and it’s since become his favorite comfort object, both while he’s regressed and when he’s not.
“Sure, baby,” he says, looking up. “Hitoshi, would you go grab Pochi from his room?”
“U-Uh, sure, yeah,” Hitoshi says, exiting.
As soon as he’s out in the hallway, he runs a hand through his hair and lets out a shaky exhale. He hates how panicky he gets whenever Katsuki’s regressed, but he really can’t help it. He’s so scared of screwing up his already fragile headspace.
He almost lingers in Katsuki’s room after he finds Pochi, but he knows he needs to just take a deep breath and face it head-on.
“Pochi,” Katsuki gurgles the second he steps foot in the room. Hitoshi hands him the bear and Katsuki smiles wide at him. “Thank you, Bubba,” he says quietly.
“Y-You’re welcome,” he stutters.
“Alright, let’s get back to bed, then,” Aizawa suggest. “Katsuki, let’s get some protection on you and a binky, and then-“
“Wait,” Hitoshi rushes to say. “Can you... just, like, stay until he... falls asleep? Maybe?”
“He’ll fall asleep just fine once he has his pacifier,” Aizawa assures him, giving him a confused glance. Hitoshi fidgets.
“I-I know, but...” he takes a deep inhale. “But also, I... like... what if he d-doesn’t?”
Aizawa gives him a heavy, puzzled stare.
“... We talked about this,” he says slowly, covering Katsuki’s ears. “If you’re uncomfortable about him regressing, then I need you to tell me. I can’t expose him to that.”
“No, no,” Hitoshi backtracks, shaking his head. “Nothing like that! I just...” he wrings his hands together. “What if I... screw up?”
Aizawa face softens immediately.
“Oh, honey, you don’t have to worry about that,” he assures his son. “Katsuki trusts you. I trust you. What’s this about?”
“I-It’s just... I dunno... Every time he regresses around me, I get all anxious and, like, panicky? I keep thinking that I’ll trigger him and screw up his coping mechanism, a-and I know he doesn’t really have any others that are healthy, and then he’d be mad at me, and-!”
“Hitoshi,” Aizawa stops him. He sighs. “I wish I’d known you were upset about this... Do you want me to teach you?” He shrugs, and then nods hesitantly. Aizawa uncovers Katsuki’s ears. “Okay. Katsuki, can you hold Bubba’s hand while we get you your things?”
Katsuki nods and hops off the bed, sliding his clammy hand into Hitoshi’s trembling one. Aizawa leads them down the hallway into his own room, careful to be quiet and not wake up his sleeping husband. He opens the bottom drawer of his dresser and pulls out a ziplock bag full of pacifiers. He hands it to Hitoshi.
“What color do you want?” He asks Katsuki. The blonde pulls his thumb out of his mouth.
“Green,” he whispers loudly. Aizawa nods at Hitoshi, who opens the back and pulls out a green one. He pauses for a moment.
“D-Do I put it in his mouth, or...?”
“He’s old enough to do it himself,” Aizawa chuckles softly. Hitoshi nods and hands him the pacifier, which he pops in immediately.
“T’ank you,” he mumbles around the piece of plastic. Hitoshi laughs a little bit, feeling some of the nerves bubbling in his chest calm.
“I’m gonna take him to the bathroom to put a pull-up on,” Aizawa says quietly. “You go back to the room, and we’ll tuck him in together.”
Hitoshi nods and walks away.
He’s sitting on the bed, nervously bouncing his leg when Aizawa enters the room, a sleeping Katsuki resting his head against his chest.
“He’s already out,” he whispers, setting him down on the bed. Hitoshi jumps up and pulls blankets over his brother, making sure to tuck Pochi into his side. Aizawa smiles a little. “Look at you. You’re a natural.”
“Sorry for freaking out,” he mutters.
“It’s okay,” he says. “It’s probably a good thing that you’re so worried about hurting your brother. It shows me that you care more than you let on,” he teases. “However, you should know that it’s probably inevitable. Triggering him. He’s much more fragile in this state, not to mention extremely prone to flashbacks and nightmares. It doesn’t take much to send him into a bad place. I’ve done it, your father’s done it, Kirishima’s done it. He’s done it to himself. Now, I can tell you his biggest triggers, but it won’t make a difference. Nobody’s perfect, alright?” Hitoshi nods.
“Okay. So it’s not really a big deal, then?”
“Well, I wouldn’t say that. It hurts Katsuki a lot to experience these things, and it’s not like it’ll be a walk in the park for you. But it won’t be the end of the world, if that’s what you think.”
“Okay,” he breathes. “And his triggers?”
“Pretty much what you’d expect,” he says. “You know, raising voices, raising hands. Never put your hands around his neck or hit the back of his head, although I’m not sure why you would to begin with. Sometimes spilling things or sleeping in his own bed get to him... sometimes just regressing in general does, especially if he’s in public. He gets very embarrassed about it, especially if he’s feeling older. Most of the time he’s anywhere from three to six, but sometimes he’s just twelve or thirteen, and that really screws with him.”
“How will I know how old he is?” Hitoshi asks.
“You’ll get better at gauging it the more time you spend taking care of him,” he promises. “If he’s in that weird tween headspace, he gets really angry and volatile, so you might want to back off, but the younger he is, the more clingy he gets. But, I mean, that could also just be an indicator that he’s feeling upset, so...” he scratches his head. “I don’t know. After a while, you just know. You’ll get the hang of it.”
“Alright,” he says softly. “Dad..?”
“Hm?”
“Earlier... Kats and I were messing around and wrestling each other, and I accidentally put my hands around his neck.. I think he might have slipped into that teen headspace? Maybe?”
“It’s possible,” Aizawa nods. “Sometimes he has to feel like that before he can fully regress. I wish there was a rhyme or reason as to how and why he does, but there’s not.”
“Yeah...” he trails off, looking at Katsuki. He lightly smooths his hair back, and the blonde stirs a bit, furrowing his brow. Aizawa smiles.
“Honestly, baby, I don’t think you have to worry much. You’re gonna be fine.”
“Mm,” Hitoshi shrugs. “Maybe. Lemme sleep on it before I start thinking too hard.”
“Alright,” Aizawa laughs. “I’ll see you in the morning. Maybe we’ll go to the movies or the park if he’s still regressed.”
“Hell yeah,” Hitoshi grins through a yawn.
Notes:
Woo! Okay, so a couple of things:
1.) Sorry this took so long! Idk what it was about this chapter but I just,,, hoo it was a struggle writing this one >~<
2.) I’m going to be writing a couple different agere stories not regarding Katsuki as the regressor (so far I have requests for Sero and Shouto), they will be put into a series along with this work! I probably won’t be taking requests on them though, just bc I don’t want to get overwhelmed.
3.) I lost a couple of requests while clearing out storage on my phone, so if I reopen requests and yours hasn’t been filled out (and it’s not regarding a different character), then PLEASE let me know and it will be made top priority!! I only have five left so you’ll know soon!
4.) Even though I have written a chapter with Best Jeanist in the past, I will NOT be accepting any further requests with him. Yes this is about the “Freshly Squeezed Bakugou” Smash comic, ik they’re not “techically” canon but it still makes me wildly uncomfortable. The same goes for Endeavor, Overhaul, and any other canon abusers in BNHA. I hope you understand!! ^.^Stay safe my lovelies!! <3
Chapter 35: Tummy Ache (w/ Dadzawa)
Summary:
Katsuki has a stomach bug.
Notes:
Okay, BIG CW for unsanitary for this chapter (throwing up + messing). I really recommend not reading this one if you get squeamish about that kinda stuff @.@
I’m sorry that I really skimmed over this one and that it’s so short, I actually have pretty bad coprophobia (ik it’s irrational + I’m working on it) so I wanted to write this as like... exposure therapy I suppose? But it came out kinda bad anyways, so sorry for the requestor!!! >~<
Chapter Text
“Hey, baby,” Aizawa says softly, crouching down next to Katsuki, laying on the sofa. He takes the cool facecloth off of his forehead and replaces it with a fresh one. “How’s your tummy doing? Any better yet?”
“Mm-mm,” Katsuki groans, shaking his head.
“Oh, poor boy,” Aizawa clicks his tongue worriedly. “Lemme check your temperature, honey. If it’s gotten any higher, why might need to go see the doctor...”
“N-No doctors,” Katsuki whimpers fearfully.
“I know, baby. But if you’re super sick, then we need to get special medicine to make you feel better, okay? Then your fever will go away,” he explains, holding a thermometer to Katsuki’s lips. The blonde reluctantly lets him slip it under his tongue, whining the whole time.
38.7 degrees. It would be worrying if Katsuki were an actual child, but he has the body of a teenager that already runs hotter than normal, so it’s still considered low-grade. In fact, it’s an improvement from last time (38.9).
“Alright, you’re going down,” Aizawa sighs with relief. “So you can stop the boo-boo face.”
“S’not a ‘boo-boo‘ face,” Katsuki whines, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes.
“No?” Aizawa hums, carding his hands through Katsuki’s greasy hair. “What kind of face is it, then?”
“S’my ‘tummy ache’ face,” he pouts, curling his legs a bit. Aizawa’s heart melts.
“Oh, honey,” he coos. “I’m sorry. Do you want me to put on a Disney movie for you?”
“No. A show,” Katsuki demands.
“Alright, alright. Which show?”
“Mickey Mouse,” he requests quietly.
“Okay,” Aizawa says, reaching for the remote.
- - -
Aizawa is dozing in chair when Katsuki’s panicked wails startle him awake.
“Daddy!” He cries, holding his stomach. Aizawa jumps into action, grabbing the waste bin from the floor and holding it under his chin just in time for a wave of vomit to expel from his mouth. “Eugh...” he groans.
“You get it all out?” Aizawa asks softly, rubbing his back. Katsuki shakes his head. “Okay. Can you make it to the bathroom?”
“M-Maybe,” he says, swallowing a mouthful of saliva. He struggles to stand on shaky legs, making a small panicked sound.
“Shh, shh, it’s okay,” Aizawa says. He hands him the waste basket, allowing him to grip it on his own but still holding it with one hand. The other travels to the small of his back, and he begins to guide him to the bathroom. “There you go, baby steps. Deeeep breaths.”
They make it to the doorway before Katsuki makes a panicked scramble, pitching his head over the toilet and barely making all of it in. Some of his vomit splashes onto the toilet seat and his hand, which he whines loudly in protest to. Aizawa is quick to soothe him, holding his bangs back and rubbing his neck.
“I know, baby, I know,” he mumbles when Katsuki starts to cry.
More gagging emits from his son, and this time when he heaves into the toilet, another rancid smell gathers with the heavy scent of stomach acid, and Aizawa groans lowly when he realizes what happened.
“Oh, Katsuki...” he sighs. The blonde makes a loud, high whine of embarrassment.
“I-I had...” he starts quietly, sobs wracking his body. Aizawa shushes him, petting his head.
“I know. It’s okay,” he assures him. “Did you get it all out? Are you feeling better now?”
“Mm...” he hums, pressing his forehead against the toilet seat and crying.
“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” Aizawa repeats, rubbing circles into his back. “It happens, baby. Let’s get you cleaned up before you get a rash, and then we can put a pull-up on you and-“
“S-Stop,” Katsuki protests weakly, sitting up. “I’on’t need one... ‘m still big.”
“I know, I know, but it’s going to make clean up a lot easier,” he explains. “I mean, honey, I love you, but not enough to do that many loads of laundry. I know it’s embarrassing, but-“
“J-Jus’-!” He interrupts, squeezing his eyes shut. “Jus’ don’t tell... please...”
“No, no one will know,” Aizawa promises him, kissing his forehead. “Now lets get you out of those icky clothes and into a bath, okay?”
“... Okay,” Katsuki nods, sighing a little.
During his bath, he’s uncharacteristically quiet as Aizawa washes him up. His father chocks it up to exhaustion and embarrassment, but it still worries him. He doesn’t want Katsuki to be too upset about his stomach issues, it happens to everyone.
“All done!” He announces in a weak, chipper voice. Katsuki sniffs, looking down. “You want your Bad Badtz-Maru towel?” He asks.
The towel was a Christmas gift from Mina. It was black and fluffy, with a hood designed to look like the titular Sanrio penguin and little pockets to put his hand in. Katsuki gives a small nod, still not meeting his eye.
Aizawa towels down the boy, making sure he’s nice and dry before helping him step into a powdered pull-up, with surprisingly no protest.
“If you start to feel chafing down there, let me know,” he tells him. “We can put cream on-“
“Okay,” Katsuki interrupts him quietly. He chews on the paw of his towel. Aizawa frowns.
“Hey, listen to me,” he says. “I don’t want you to freak out about this, okay? You need to focus on resting up and getting better, honey. It happens to all of us at some point.”
“Everyone?” Katsuki asks, not sounding convinced. Aizawa nods.
“Everyone.”
“Even you?”
“Yep. Even me,” he says. “So I don’t want you to get in your head about this. I know you’re upset, but you gotta be able to calm down so your tummy gets better, okay? That means keeping up on fluids, getting rest, and getting all the yuckies out of your body, alright?”
“... Alright...” Katsuki says, rubbing his eyes. “M’sorry.” Aizawa kisses his head.
“I’m not mad,” he promises. “Now, how about we go finish watching Mickey?”
“Mhm,” he hums, wrapping his arms around Aizawa’s neck. “C’you hold me?”
“Of course, baby,” he says, picking Katsuki up and carrying him into the living room.
Chapter 36: Sanrio Nut (w/ Babysitters Shoji + Tokoyami)
Summary:
Katsuki takes a liking to Dark Shadow.
Notes:
No CWs for this chapter!!
Read the end notes for an exciting announcement!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Sho-shi,” Katsuki says, looking up at his hulking classmate with wide eyes. He lifts his arms in the air. “... Up?”
Shoji smiles down at the regressed boy, although Katsuki can’t tell with the mask. He bends down and opens some of his arms.
“Back or front?” He asks.
“Back!” Katsuki claps, hopping on. Shoji stands up, and he giggles. “Now make ‘em big! Like a big blanket, Sho-shi!”
“You know my name is ‘Shoji,’ right?” He asks as he expands his arms to the boy’s will. “Not ‘Sho-shi?’” Katsuki laughs.
“Wha’ ‘bout ‘Ten’acle Bitch?’”
Shoji stiffens a bit at that, knowing full well that Eijirou informed everyone that Katsuki should NOT curse like normal while regressed.
“Sho-shi is fine,” he says quietly. Katsuki cackles. “Where do you want to go?”
“The kitchen!” He exclaims. “Snack, snack!”
“Alright, then,” he chuckles.
When they get to the kitchen, Shoji sets Katsuki down on the counter, something he’s seen Eijirou do many times. He roots around in the cabinets for a box of Manna Biscuits and pours Katsuki a small portion into a bowl.
“C’I have some milk, Sho-shi?” He requests.
“Sure, bubby,” he says, opening the fridge.
A problem arises the second the door opens and an open saucepan of leftover ramen noodles spills everywhere. Shoji groans lowly and quickly opens the drawer where they keep dishtowels, trying his best to sop up the mess.
“Sorry, just give me a minute,” he apologizes.
“S’okay,” Katsuki hums, kicking his legs a little bit. “Kiri says ‘spills happen.’”
“That’s right,” Shoji affirms softly, cringing at the way the noodles squish under his towel.
Katsuki grows bored quickly, and he starts to flick the light switch up and down as he munches on his biscuits. Shoji ignores it, not terribly bothered by the rapid changing in lighting. He continues his pattern of sopping up broth, wringing his towel out in the sink, and using napkins to pick up the askew noodles, vegetables, and hunks of meat.
“WOULD YOU STOP THAT?!” A raspy voice suddenly booms. Shoji nearly jumps out of his skin, hitting his head off of a shelf.
“AAH!” Katsuki shrieks, hurriedly jumping off the counter and into Shoji’s lap as he starts to cry, just narrowly avoiding the soup.
“Dark Shadow,” Shoji mutters, holding Katsuki as he stands up, discarding his towel.
“Sorry!” Tokoyami shouts, quickly entering the room. He takes care to flick the lights back on, sufficiently weakening Dark Shadow, as he retreats back to his side. “Sorry, sorry! I tried to calm him down, but he’s just so-“
“It’s okay,” Shoji assures him. “He just startled Bakugou, is all. He’s regressed right now.”
“I sincerely apologize,” he says, bowing.
“I-It’s okay,” Katsuki hiccups, rubbing his eyes. He’s already starting to calm down. “J-Jus’ got scared by him...”
“Dark Shadow is sorry, too,” Tokoyami says lightly. He nudges the figure. “Right?”
“No! He’s obnoxious! I’m not sorry!”
Katsuki trembles a little bit in Shoji’s grip. The tall boy pets his hair, shushing him gently.
“I could take you to Aoyama, you know,” Tokoyami threatens him. “He’s always happy to practice his quirk on you, isn’t he?”
“Eep!” Dark Shadow yelps. “Y-Yes! I’m sorry!”
Katsuki giggles a little bit at that, wiping away the last of his tears. Shoji and Tokoyami share a sigh of relief, their shoulders slumping.
“You’re silly,” he says, pointing at Dark Shadow. Tokoyami stifles a laugh.
“No I’m not!” He defends himself.
“Yes!” Katsuki squeals. “Y’like a puppet!”
“... No,” Dark Shadow mutters, turning to Tokoyami with a glare. The bird boy has a mischievous look in his eyes. “No! I can hear your thoughts, Fumikage! Absolutely not!”
“Hey, Bakugou,” Tokoyami says, stepping forward. “Would you like to play with Dark Shadow while Shoji finishes cleaning up?”
“Oh, yeah!” Katsuki gasps, jumping out of Shoji’s grip. Dark Shadow hisses as he nears, arm extended. “... Can I pet him?”
“NO, you cannot p-“
“Sure,” Tomoyami nods. Katsuki grins.
“What are you doing?” Dark Shadow cowers as his head is slowly pet and scratched by Katsuki’s fingers. “Th-That’s not-! Ooohh... that feels nice...” he relaxes with a sigh.
“We’ll be in the living room,” Tokoyami announces, dragging Katsuki away.
“Shadow?” Katsuki asks while they’re sitting on the couch, carefully petting the entity.
“It’s DARK Shadow,” he corrects. “DARK. D-A-R-K. If you’re gonna say my name, do it right.”
“Shadow,” he repeats, ignoring the bird. “D’you ever watch Sanrio?” Tokoyami blinks.
“‘Sanrio?’ Like with Hello Kitty?” He asks. Katsuki nods. “We used to watch it all the time when I was little. My favorite was Kuromi.”
“Do you know Bad Badtz-Maru?” He asks, a hint of excitement lacing his tone.
“The penguin?” Dark Shadow questions.
“You’re him,” Katsuki says, poking his beak.
“HUH? WHAT? I’M NOT A PENGUIN!” Dark Shadow shouts, offended. Katsuki laughs.
“You are, you are!” He chants, jumping up and bouncing on the couch. “You’re Bad Badtz-Maruuuuuuu!” Tokoyami chuckles.
“Would you like to watch some Sanrio right now?” He offers. Katsuki nods excitedly. “Alright. I think I can find it on YouTube...”
When Shoji’s finished cleaning up the fridge and getting Katsuki a sippy cup full of milk, he gathers up the drink and his leftover Manna Biscuits and walks into the living room. There he sees Tokoyami smiling fondly up at the blonde, who’s cuddling Dark Shadow to the best of his ability. The entity, for what it’s worth, is doing very little to actually squirm out of Katsuki’s grip, and seems to be actually enjoying the semi-headlock he’s been put in as Katsuki hugs him to his chest.
“What are we watching?” He asks, handing Katsuki his snacks and taking a seat on the floor next to the couch.
“Thank you, Sho-shi!” Katsuki says, taking a big gulp of milk. “We watchin’ Hello Kitty!”
“Ohhh,” Shoji says, nodding seriously as he sneaks one of Katsuki’s biscuits away. “That’s your favorite show, isn’t it?”
“Mhm!” He affirms. “An’ Shadow’s gonna be just like Bad Badtz-Maru! Right, Shadow?”
Dark Shadow gives a weary look to Shoji, and then Tokoyami, who gives him a sharp look. He sighs, finally giving into submission.
“That’s right,” he grumbles.
Notes:
Hellooo!! ^U^ I’d like to say that I finally made a Tumblr to accept requests for future fics regarding different regressors (and this fic too if you so choose)!! The url is katsaboo, same as here! Feel free to ask anything ^.^ <3
Chapter 37: Tied Up (w/ Papa Mic)
Summary:
Katsuki cannot handle being restrained.
Notes:
CW: BEING RESTRAINED/CLAUSTROPHOBIA, serious mistreatment of a student by his teachers, public humiliation, implied child abuse/neglect, panic attacks, flashbacks, very mild fear-wetting, mild death threats (it is katsuki, soooo...)
This chapter is like 90% angst and 10% actual regression, so if you read this fic for comfort I recommend skipping this chapter unless you feel you’re okay with that kind of thing!! I don’t want anyone getting triggered by this >n<
Chapter Text
“Man, it’s been forever since Midnight had to knock someone out during the Sports Festival,” Cementoss says, rubbing the back of his neck. “This kid’s got some serious issues.”
“Well, physically, he’s fine,” Recovery Girl announces, packing up her medical gear. “Just the usual injuries. Nothing warranting the use of my quirk.” She sighs. “Now, what are you planning on doing when he wakes up?”
“... Restraining him?” Ectoplasm suggests.
“And when he has to get on the podium?”
“We’ll keep him restrained,” Cementoss says. “The public will understand. He’s too volatile.”
“We’re talking about a fifteen year-old kid, here. Can’t you be a little less extreme?”
“If you want to deal with Endeavor when this little maniac beats the crap out of his youngest son again, be my guest,” he shrugs. Recovery Girl raises a brow at him. “What?”
“Nothing,” she sighs, shaking her head. “I just find it disheartening that you care more about a PR crisis than the wellbeing of our student.”
“Hey, that’s not fair,” Ectoplasm argues. “This IS for the wellbeing of our student. Shouto Todoroki. A-And so what if we’re thinking about publicity as well? UA has always been a high-profile school. It’s a reasonable concern.”
“Mhm.” Before she leaves the room, she ruffles Katsuki’s hair. “Poor kid.”
Cementoss and Ectoplasm share a tense look.
“... What now?” Ectoplasm asks.
Cementoss clicks his tongue against his teeth.
“Find something for his hands. I’ll make a structure to tie him to...”
- - -
“LET ME THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!!” Katsuki screams, thrashing in his restraints.
“Not until after the awards ceremony,” Cementoss reminds him calmly.
“FUCKIN’ USELESS BITCH, PATHETIC FUCKING QUIRK, LET ME OUT!!” He shouts, tears of frustration forming in his eyes. “I’M NOT A VILLAIN!! I’M NOT A FUCKING VILLAIN!! LET ME OUT OF HERE, DAMMIT!!”
Cementoss shudders, looking to Ectoplasm for advice. He receives a small shrug.
Just then, Katsuki’s phone begins to ring, the contact name lighting up as “OLD HAG >:T”
“That’s my mom,” he gasps. Neither hero moves. “THAT’S MY FUCKING MOTHER!! LET ME SPEAK TO MY MOTHER, ASSHOLES!!”
“R-Right!” Ectoplasm says, opening the phone and putting it on speaker.
“KATSUKI, WHAT THE FUCK?!” Mitsuki’s voice rings out, nearly shaking the phone.
“Quiet down, you’re on speaker!” Katsuki shouts back, blinking away his tears.
“I don’t give a damn who hears!! I hope someone else does hear this, you little brat!” She exclaims, although notably quieter than before. “What the Hell was the stunt about?!”
“The fuck are you talking about?”
“With Endeavor’s boy! I mean Christ, Katsuki! Are you some sort of head case?! Why couldn’t you just take the win like a normal person?!” Katsuki rolls his eyes, already tearing up again. “I-I mean..! I’m watching you on the TV, and it’s like... I don’t even recognize you!! You’re acting like some sort of sick freak that enjoys beating on people, y’know that?!”
“Yeah,” Katsuki scoffs, his voice wavering. “I guess you would know, huh?”
“... Fuck. You. Katsuki,” Mitsuki seethes. “You know what, kid? I’m proud of you for winnin’ and all, but I’m not rewarding this kind of behavior. You can walk home tonight, I ain’t taking time off my schedule to pick you up.”
“Fine,” He agrees, seemingly unaffected. “Listen, Mama, they got me tied up here.”
“Uh, yeah, I’d imagine,” she snaps.
“... What?”
“Hey kid, you act like a monster, you get treated like one,” she says. “I’m not surprised.”
“Mama, wait, I’m-“
“And since when did you start calling me ‘Mama?’” She questions. “Grow the Hell up, Katsuki. I’ll see you at home.”
The call drops.
Katsuki hangs his head in shame, not wanting the heroes to see him break down and cry. They notice anyways; of course they do, because his shoulders are shaking and they can see the tears fall and hear his wrecked sobs. Cementoss frowns deeply.
“... We should let him go,” he whispers lowly.
“Yeah. He’s calmed down,” Ectoplasm agrees, stepping forward. Immediately, Katsuki’s head snaps up, eyes filled with tears and rage.
“GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME!! I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU!!” He screams. “DON’T LOOK DOWN ON ME! NO ONE GETS TO LOOK DOWN ON ME! I’M THE BEST, I’M GONNA BE THE BEST!! THIS DOESN’T CHANGE SHIT!!!”
“Hey, hey, calm down!” Ectoplasm attempts to quiet him down, extending his arm to rub Katsuki’s shoulder reassuringly. “It’s okay! We’re gonna get you out of these now.”
“BETTER BE FUCKIN’ READY, THEN!! I’LL BLAST YOUR FUCKING HEADS OFF!! I’LL-“
“Hey,” Midnight’s voice rings out over Cementoss’ walkie talkie. “Make Bakugou quiet down. The students out here can hear him and they’re starting to gossip.”
Ectoplasm withdraws his hand worriedly.
“... Roger that,” Cementoss says into the microphone. He sighs heavily. “Okay, kid. I’m gonna need you to take some deep breaths-“
“FUCK YOU!! I WON’T DO ANYTHING FOR YOU!! YOU’RE A FUCKING FRAUD, YOU’RE ALL FUCKING FRAUDS!!” He thrashes around wildly. “LET ME OUT, LET ME OUT!!!!!”
“We could gag him,” Ectoplasm jokes half-heartedly. Cementoss furrows his brow.
“... Okay,” he breathes.
“What? I was joking!” He exclaims, shocked. “That’s completely unethical! We can’t!”
“FUCK YOU, FUCK YOU, LET ME OUT!!!!!”
“You got a better idea?” He asks.
- - -
“Where is he?” Yamada demands, gripping the front of Ectoplasm’s shirt.
“H-He’s in the waiting room,” he says. Yamada releases his grip, rubbing his temples.
“I can’t believe you fucked up this bad,” he sighs. “I mean, you seriously might get fired.”
“We made a hard decision, and-“
“No. You fucked up,” Yamada spits. “If Nezu doesn’t fire you and Cementoss, expect an earful from Shota as soon as he’s healed. If you think I’M pissed, you’re in for a big storm.”
With that, he storms off, flinging Katsuki’s door open. The poor kid is sobbing in his restraints, medal discarded on the floor. Yamada’s heart wrenches, and he immediately gets to work.
“Hey, little listener,” he says gently, starting to untie him little by little. “I’m gonna get you out of these, alright? Can you promise not to use your quirk on me when I do?”
Katsuki doesn’t really nod, but he kind of jerks his head in a way that eases Yamada’s nerves.
As soon as he’s completely untied, the teenager collapses onto Yamada, too exhausted and emotional to stand on his own.
“That was awful, what they did to you,” Yamada whispers, hesitantly wrapping his arms around Katsuki. “I’m so sorry.”
“Sh-Shut up,” Katsuki hiccups, limply wiping away his tears with his numb hands. “D-Don’t tell a-anyone about this, fuckin’... d-don’t...”
“Of course not,” he promises, helping him stand. “Do you have a ride home?”
“... No,” he says quietly.
“Do you want me to drive you?”
“No.” He inhales shakily, scrubbing at his eyes again. “I-I’m jus’ gonna sh-shower, and then I c-can get... s-someone to walk with me.”
“Sure,” Yamada nods, knowing the boy is too prideful to accept his offer. “Why don’t you ask Kirishima? You seemed to get along well.”
“Wh-Who?”
“Red hair, sharp teeth, about your height..” he offers a vague description. “Do you have a lot of friends in your class, Bakugou?”
“... I’on’t n-need... friends,” he says, casting his gaze away. “I’on’t need a-anyone.”
“... You’re trembling,” Yamada sighs softly. “Alright. Go shower. Ask Kirishima.”
Katsuki nods shortly, wrapping his arms around himself.
- - -
“Taste my sparks, asshole!” Katsuki shouts, grinning wildly. Sero swings out of the way.
“Nice try!” He exclaims. “I didn’t taste much, though!” Katsuki roars in frustration.
“Stop running from me, you piece of- oof!” He grunts, nearly falling to the ground as a piece of tape sticks his foot to the floor.
“Piece of... what, exactly?” Sero teases, shooting another piece of tape out, sufficiently keeping Katsuki stuck in place.
“You didn’t think this through, huh?” He smirks, holding up his hands. “My explosions come from my palms, dumb bi- okay, wow.”
Sero shoots at Katsuki’s palms as he finishes his sentence, lowering himself to properly restrain him. The shorter boy surprisingly does not fight back as Sero wraps tape around his wrists. He makes some half-assed quip, but he’s too focused to hear it fully.
By the time he’s done with his wrists, Katsuki’s wiggling nearly has his feet loose, but Sero doesn’t let him get the change before his stick him to the nearest wall, wrapping pieces around his chest and hip area.
“Beat’cha,” he says cockily, wiping his hands on his pants. His smile falls when he sees the fearful look on Katsuki’s face. “Uh... dude?”
“Pl-... Please don’t,” he whispers, eyes wide. He starts thrashing his head from side to side. “P-Please let me go!! I’m sorry!! I’m s-sorry!”
“Bakugou!” Sero shouts in alarm. “I-I’m not mad at you! What are you even-“
“I’m s-sorry,” Katsuki sobs, tears rolling down his cheeks. His eyes look far-off and dazed. “I-I didn’t mean’ta hurt ‘im. I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I jus’ got m-m-mad, I’m sorry. S-Sorry...”
“U-Uh! All Might! I need help!” Sero shouts.
The pro hero is with them in seconds.
“What seems to be the problem?” He asks.
“I-I restrained Bakugou, so I could get him pinned down long enough to tap him out for this round, but he’s...” Sero looks bewildered. “I-I don’t know! I don’t know.”
All Might looks over to Katsuki.
The blonde is in disarray, his face pale as cold sweat drips from his hairline. His eyes are filled with terror as tears stream from them and down his face, joining the spittle on his chin. He’s shaking and jerking violently, although it’s clear his movements are birthed from anxiety, not to free him from the tape. A small puddle has formed at his feet from where he must have lost control of his bladder. And to top it all off, he’s sobbing and muttering unintelligible cries of plea under his breath.
“Help me get him down,” he tells Sero. They quickly get to work getting the blonde off of the wall, being careful not to hurt him or make too much contact with his soiled clothes.
“Young Bakugou!” All Might shouts, taking his face into his hands. “Are you with me?!”
“I-I’m really sorry,” Sero squeaks, his own tears of guilt gathering in his eyes.
“Can you please go get Present Mic?” All Might asks him. “He’s assisting me today.”
“Y-Yes sir,” Sero says.
By the time he returns with the distraught teacher, Katsuki is still near-catatonic, shaking violently in All Might’s grip.
“Let me see him,” Yamada demands, pushing All Might away. “He’s having an episode.”
“W-Was awful...” Katsuki mutters under his breath, staring at Yamada. “Awful what they did to me... Was awful...”
“Hey, hey,” Yamada says, brow knit with worry. “Hey, little listener. Can you look at me?”
Katsuki’s eyes flick to his face.
“There you are! Good job,” he praises, voice wavering. “Can you tell me your name?”
“K-Ka’suki,” Katsuki slurs slowly.
“And your last name?”
“Bakugou,” he says, with a little more assurance to his tone this time.
“Gooood. Good job. How old are you?”
“Um...” Katsuki furrows his brow, grabbing onto Yamada’s shoulder to ground himself. “I-I... I am... I dunno...”
“That’s okay,” Yamada says, thumbing away Katsuki’s stray tears. “Do you know where you are?” Katsuki nods. “Can you tell me?”
“M’at school,” he says.
“Very good. Excellent job.” He exhales shakily. “And do you know who I am?”
“Y-You... y’r Present Mic,” Katsuki mumbles, leaning against his chest. “M’your li’l list’ner.”
“Yeah, yeah, that’s right,” Yamada says softly, rubbing Katsuki’s back. “You’re my little listener.” He stands up, holding Katsuki. “I’m taking him to Recovery Girl’s office. He’s alright now. He’s coming back to us.”
“I-I didn’t know!” Sero says, shuddering.
“It’s alright, Sero,” Yamada assures him. “You’re not in trouble, don’t worry.”
“Young Bakugou...” All Might starts. “He couldn’t remember his age... He clearly doesn’t have amnesia, so do you think it could be some sort of regression in maturity?”
“That’s just what I was thinking,” he nods. Katsuki clings tighter to his neck. “I should get going. Feel free to wrap class up early.”
Chapter 38: All Alone (w/ Babysitter Tsu, Big Bro Izuku, + Dadzawa)
Summary:
Katsuki is separated from the group during a special class with All Might.
Notes:
CW FOR: anxiety attacks, brief mention of auditory hallucinations/flashbacks, implied abandonment issues, medical/injury talk, and All Might’s Questionable Teaching Methods
Chapter Text
“Let me at him!!” Kaachan screams, flailing around in All Might’s grip.
“You were given specific instructions to stay on defense,” the man says. “Midoriya and Uraraka are the ones who are doing the fighting. Now Todoroki and Asui are left to guard on their own. That won’t fly in the hero world, Young Bakugou. You have to listen.”
“I’on’t have to do SHIT!” He protests, trying to pry All Might’s giant hands off of his waist. He pauses for a moment. “... What will I do, then?”
“You’ll be guarding from here,” All Might says, setting him down on the floor of the abandoned building. “Stay on the lookout for any other villains involved in this case.”
“But-!” Katsuki groans in frustration. “All the action is over there!! It’s a simulation, there’s not going to be any villains here!!”
“Uhh... gotta go!” All Might says, dashing away. Before he leaves, he peeks his head into the doorway. “Don’t leave. Um.. please.”
He leaves, and Katsuki huffs, crossing his arms and stoping his foot off the floor. He can’t believe he essentially just got put into time out by All Might himself. What a joke.
He tries to watch the others for a while, but it gets boring fast without a great view or the ability to hear what’s happening, and he just ends up feeling jealous in the end.
He roots around in the building and ends up finding some fake cinder blocks (foam covered in a thin layer of plastic), which he fashions into a makeshift seat to wait in.
The blocks are squishy and have a good, smooth feeling to them, so he ends up playing with one absentmindedly. Tossing it between his hands, squeezing it lightly, trying to balance it on his head. One block turns to two, which turns to four, and eventually he’s kneeling on the dirty concrete floor, tongue poking out of his lips in concentration as he stacks them atop one another to build a tower.
When he finishes, he giggles under his breath and whips his head behind him excitedly, ready to show his father his creation.
“Dadd-....”
The word dies on his lips when he remembers where he is. He’s not at home, he’s supposed to be doing his special class right now. And, more importantly, he is not supposed to be regressed. He didn’t even notice this time!
A shiver passes through him as he realizes all of this within the span of two seconds, and he wraps his arms around himself, suddenly feeling restricted in his hero suit. He stands up, trudging over to the window to see what progress the group has made without him.
To his dismay, his classmates are nowhere to be found, and he realizes with a groan that they must have moved inside on of the buildings. He tries to find the energy to be envious of them, but he’s really just frustrated that they haven’t finished up yet. He wants to leave! There’s nothing fun about being alone, especially when he’s in this headspace.
“Mmm...” he whimpers in frustration, sitting down by the blocks again. He picks at his skin-tight costume, but it just snaps back into place. Goosebumps prickle at his skin, and he shivers again before rubbing at his arms.
He briefly considers just standing up and leaving, but he knows that All Might would lecture him about that. He can’t handle getting lectures when he’s regressed, it reminds him of all the bad parts of his childhood. He’s lucky he’s still vaguely coherent enough to at least acknowledge that much.
He wishes he had his phone with him. Then he could text Aizawa or Eijirou. Or, at the very least, he could play a game or listen to music or something to pass the time. He doesn’t have much to distract himself with here.
Why did All Might think this was a good idea? And why the Hell are they taking so long to finish up? Surely class would be ending by now. He can tell that the sun is starting to set.
What if they forgot about him? What if they finished up when he was in that cloudy state of mind, playing with the blocks and forgetting his surroundings? Would he be left here overnight, or would someone notice his absence? Do any of his classmates care enough to even register that he’s gone?
Of course they don’t. Why would they care about him? He’s loud, and rude, and he screwed up their mission by jumping the gun. Who would miss someone like that?
He doesn’t blame them.
Uh oh. His brain is being mean to him again. Yamada told him to tell him or Aizawa if he ever started to feel this way. What is he supposed to do if he’s all alone?
He starts to feel tears of anxiety gathering in his eyes, and he groans lowly before scrambling into a corner of the room. The feeling of being backed up against something, enclosed but not restrained helps to make him feel a bit more in control. He hugs his knees to his chest, rocking as the first sob escapes his lips, bringing with it his unshed tears.
‘They left you here. You’re expendable.’
He doesn’t even fully understand the words his mind is using against him, but they still hurt.
“M’not,” he mumbles. “M’good. M’good.”
‘You’re gonna stay here all night... in the dark... with the villains... All alone.’
“Shh!” He hisses, cupping his hands over his ears. “Daddy’ll come get me... he will...”
‘Oh, poor baby. THEY forgot about you, didn’t they? Why would your Daddy be any different? What makes you think he cares?’
He can’t stop the thoughts from coming. All he can do is cry, rocking back and forth in the corner of an abandoned room, hands over his ears in a suit that fits too tight.
All alone.
“Bakugou,” a nasally voice says. He startles, letting out a sharp whine before squeezing his eyes shut and curling in on himself impossibly more, pressing his head against the cool wall.
He hears the window sliding open, and his heart hammers in his chest. It’s never been this bad before! He’s never had hallucinations! The worst he’s experienced were delusions when he’s having a flashback, but he’s not right now! Unless...
... it’s real.
“Bakugou,” the voice says again, closer this time, and he dares to open his eyes this time.
It’s Tsuyu.
A sob of relief escapes him, and he immediately relaxes, lowering his hands so he can wipe away his tears. Tsuyu blinks.
“Are you hurt?” She asks.
“N-No.”
“Why are you crying?”
“U-Um... I...” he cuts himself off with a small squeak. “... I-I’m... small...”
“You’re regressed?” She guesses. He nods. “Okay. We’re leaving now, just so you know. Sorry it took so long for me to find you, Izuku-kun hurt himself again, so everything’s a little bit chaotic now.” Katsuki’s lip wobbles.
“Zuzu’s hurt?” He asks softly. Tsuyu cocks her head, nodding a little before moving closer.
“He’s alright. He broke his leg again. We had to call Recovery Girl in, but he’s okay.” She extends her hand a little bit. “Do you want help standing up? Here, take my hand.”
Katsuki sniffles, taking her hand and rising to his feet. He hunches his shoulders, holding one arm across his chest as he laces their fingers together, not wanting to let go. Tsuyu doesn’t seem to mind, anyways.
“Did you build that?” She asks when she spots the tower. He nods. “That’s very impressive.”
“No’s not...” he mumbles shyly, although a smile twitches at the corner of his mouth.
“Sure it is. You made good use of your time. I would have gotten too bored,” she says.
He doesn’t say anything to that, but he swings his arm happily as they walk back, allowing himself to relax a little bit.
As soon as he sees Izuku, he lets go of Tsuyu’s hand and rushes over to him, squishing his chubby cheeks between his hands.
“You ‘kay, Zuzu?” He asks seriously. Izuku laughs a little bit, pulling his hands away.
“I’m alright, Kaachan,” he says, ruffling his hair affectionately. “What about you?”
“Mm... I’s all alone for while,” he shrugs, casting his gaze downward. “M’brain was bein’ kinda mean t’me...”
“Is your anxiety acting up, bug?” Izuku asks softly. Katsuki nods minutely. “Okay. Is your Daddy coming to pick you up?”
“I dunno.”
“Do you want me to call him?” He asks, already drawing his flip phone out of the pack on his suit before Katsuki can nod.
As he’s getting ahold of Aizawa, All Might claps a hand on Katsuki’s back.
“Er... I apologize for leaving you alone for so long,” he says. “Class was only supposed to last another twenty minutes at most. I should have sent someone to get you the second Young Midoriya got hurt... are you alright?”
“Y-Yeah,” Katsuki nods, although he sounds unsure. All Might frowns a little bit.
“Do you want a hug?” Katsuki nods again, and the hero wraps him in his strong arms, soothing his with pets to the back of his neck.
“Kaachan?” Izuku asks after a while. Katsuki pulls away from All Might, not-so-discreetly wiping his nose on the man’s arm before doing so. He turns to Izuku, who holds out his phone. “It’s your Daddy. He wants to talk to you.”
“... Daddy?” Katsuki asks, holding the phone to his ear. He hears Aizawa sigh in relief.
“Hi, baby. Midoriya told me you were having an anxiety attack. Are you alright?”
“M’doin’ better,” he confirms, sniffing.
“That’s good. That’s excellent.” Theres a brief lapse in conversation. “... Do you know how long you were alone for?” He asks gently.
“No...”
“Mhm. Oh, my poor baby. I’m gonna have a talk with All Might, you understand?” The hero clearly hears this, because he lets out a low grown. “I’m coming to pick you up, honey. Can you stay with someone until I get there?”
“Mhm... maybe Zuzu or Froppy?”
“Sounds good, baby. I’ll be there in ten.”
“M’kay. I love you.”
“Love you too, Katsuki.”
He hands the phone back to Izuku, rubbing his arm awkwardly. Izuku waits patiently.
“Um... Zuzu... c’you stay ‘wif’ me until Daddy gets here?” He asks quietly. Izuku smiles.
“Of course, Kaachan! Do you want Asui to stay with us too?” He asks. Tsuyu croaks.
“It’s ‘Tsu,’” she repeats for the hundredth time.
“Mmm... if she wannas...”
“I don’t mind,” she says.
“All right!” All Might shouts. “I’ll walk you guys down to the school entrance. Young Iida and Todoroki already left, and I promised Young Uraraka I would drive her home tonight!”
“Did Recovery Girl clear you to walk?” Tsuyu asks Izuku. He nods.
“I don’t really have problems in my legs. It’s my arms that trouble me...”
When Aizawa screeches into the UA parking lot, he sees Katsuki holding hands with Izuku and Tsuyu, babbling quietly about whatever they’re talking about. He slumps with relief.
“Hey, kiddo,” he greets softly as he walks up to them. Katsuki’s head shoots up with a gasp.
“Daddy!” He exclaims, abandoning his friends and wrapping his arms tightly around his father. Aizawa laughs fondly. “Missed you..”
“I know, honey,” he mumbles, picking up his son. “Listen, I want you to talk to me about those thoughts that you were having when your brain was acting funny, alright? You’ll want to know what to do if that ever happens when you’re alone again.” Katsuki nods.
“Okay,” he agrees. He turns around to wave at his classmates. “Bye, Zuzu. Bye, Froppy.”
“Goodbye, Kaachan!” Izuku says.
“It’s ‘TSU,’” Tsuyu says.
Chapter 39: Dysphoria (w/ Big Bro Hitoshi)
Summary:
Katsuki is having some self-image issues.
Notes:
CW for dysphoria!!
Chapter Text
“Hey, Kat,” Hitoshi says, ruffling his little brother’s hair. He notices that he’s reading from one of Eri’s children’s books. “You having a small morning, buddy?” Katsuki nods.
“Eri and Papa hadda go shoppin’ for new dresses,” he informs Hitoshi.
He already knew about this, of course, Yamada had told him last night, but it’s good to give Katsuki tasks when he’s regressed, even something as simple as passing along information. Hitoshi nods.
“Thanks for telling me,” he says.
“Bubba?”
“Mhm?”
“I miss Daddy,” Katsuki says softly.
Aizawa is currently away on a month-long business trip. Whatever he’s dealing with is top-secret information, so none of them really know if he’s safe or not- not even Yamada. The only thing they have to assure themselves are the nightly video chats that they receive from him. It’s been especially hard on Katsuki.
“I know,” Hitoshi sighs. “I miss him too, kid.”
“When’s he comin’ back?” Katsuki asks, like he does every morning. Hitoshi smiles.
“Eighteen more days,” he says.
“That’s a loooooong time.”
“One day less then yesterday,” he recites. If there’s one thing he’ll miss from Aizawa’s absence, it’ll be this little routine of theirs.
“Mm,” Katsuki shrugs. “... You wanna make breakfast?” He asks. Hitoshi chuckles.
“Yeah, kid. I’ll make you some breakfast.”
- - -
“I’m comin’ to get ya!” Hitoshi growls, stalking after Katsuki. The blonde shrieks, grinning as he runs into the living room.
Hitoshi can’t help himself from laughing as he stomps in behind him, hands stretched outward and fingers wiggling. He sees a little tuft of blonde hair peeking out from behind the couch, and immediately looks away.
“Hmm... where is he?” He asks loudly. Katsuki giggles from his hiding spot. “Is he... under the table?” He asks, making a show of bending down and looking under the coffee table.
He can hear Katsuki’s breathing all the way across the room. He must’ve ran fast!
“Is he... under the couch cushion?” He asks, lifting up the pillowed seat. He can practically feel Katsuki tense up, shaking with pent up laughter. “Hmm... not there...”
Katsuki suddenly coughs, and Hitoshi pounces on him, lifting him into the air. The blonde yelps in alarm before busting a gut, squirming in Hitoshi’s grip. The taller boy throws him down on the couch, tickling his sides.
“Found you!!” He roars, digging his fingers into Katsuki’s armpits. The shorter boy shrieks.
“S-Stop, Bubba!” He cries, laughter bubbling happily from his mouth.
His breathing sounds a bit strangled. Hitoshi falters for a moment at the wheezing sound, but chocks it up to the tickling.
“I’m going to eat you up!” He growls, lifting Katsuki’s shirt to blow a raspberry on his stomach. Katsuki squirms, nearly kicking him in the stomach when he realizes his fate.
“N-Not my tummy!” He shrieks, smile nearly splitting his face in two. Hitoshi ignores his pretend whining, blowing as hard as he can.
Katsuki flails, laughter shaking him so hard he nearly falls off the couch. Hitoshi grins over him, finally letting him go.
“Y-You got me!” Katsuki pants, face rosy and pleasant. Hitoshi chuckles.
“Yeah, I did.” The blonde coughs again, and Hitoshi frowns a little. “Hey, are you coming down with something? You’re breathing pretty heavy right now.” Katsuki’s face falls.
“Hm... nope!” He says, voice wavering.
“Kats,” Hitoshi says in a stern voice. “Tell me.”
“M’not sick,” he says, shaking his head.
“Then what’s wrong?”
“I-It’s jus’-“ he pauses to wheeze out another dry cough. “... Jus’ my... y’know...” He looks embarrassed, like he doesn’t want to say it.
“You can tell me, Katsuki,” Hitoshi promises softly. “I won’t get upset with you.”
“S’cause ‘m wearin...” he cuts himself off with a sharp breath, then sighs, hanging his head a little bit. “Okay... jus’ look.”
He lifts the hem of his baggy shirt, up past his stomach, and Hitoshi averts his gaze before he realizes this is what Katsuki’s trying to show him. He hesitantly looks up and sees that Katsuki is... wearing his binder. He never does that when he’s regressed, it’s too restrictive.
“Oh,” Hitoshi says quietly. “How long?”
“... Las’ night..” Katsuki whispers shamefully, casting his eyes downward. Hitoshi starts.
“Last night?! Did you sleep with it on, too?!” He nods, eyes starting to water. “Katsuki, why have you been wearing it for so long?”
“I... I’on’t like how I look wi’fout it..” he admits, letting his shirt fall back down so he can wipe at his tears freely. Hitoshi’s heart pangs.
“You’re having a bad dysphoria day?” He guesses. Katsuki nods, and Hitoshi clicks his tongue, opening his arms. Katsuki hesitantly crawls into his lap, allowing Hitoshi to rock him back and forth. “I’m sorry, kid. That must be awful. But you have to take your binder off now, okay? It’s not safe.”
“Nooo,” Katsuki whines, shaking his head.
“Yes,” Hitoshi demands. “I don’t want you getting hurt, Kats. Come one.”
Katsuki buries his face in Hitoshi’s chest, sniffling for a little bit before coughing again.
“... O-Okay,” he finally says quietly.
Hitoshi carries him to his bedroom, turning around while he removes his binder but staying in the room in case he needs help. When Katsuki finished, he lets out a quiet “all done” and sniffles.
Hitoshi turns around to see him with still-teary eyes, arms crossed over his chest self-consciously. He frowns sadly.
“Do you feel better now?” Katsuki shrugs. “Talk to me, bubby. Come sit down.”
They sit on the bed together, Katsuki holding a pillow over his chest and Hitoshi waiting patiently for the blonde to start speaking.
“... I look like a girl,” he finally whispers, so quiet that it takes Hitoshi a second to process it. When he does, his heart sinks.
“Oh, no, Katsuki. You don’t look like a girl at all. You look very, very handsome,” he assures him, rubbing his back soothingly. Katsuki shrugs, not looking convinced. “... How long?”
This was another routine of theirs.
“... T’y’rs..” Katsuki mumbles.
“What was that?”
“Two years,” he grumbles, louder this time.
“Two years until you get your surgery. And what are those two years gonna feel like?”
“... Nu’fin...”
“Mhm. We’re just in the waiting period now, right?” Katsuki nods. “Okay. Now, let’s get you into one of Papa’s extra large shirts, make you a cup of tea, and play for a little bit?”
“Mm... okay,” Katsuki agrees quietly, nodding a little. He wipes away a few stray tears from his face. “Uh... m’binky, too?”
Hitoshi chews the inside of his cheek thoughtfully, realizing that the stress must have caused Katsuki to slip further.
“Sure, little man,” he nods, standing up and offering his hand. Katsuki smiles a little bit at the nickname, but it falters when he lets out another deep cough. Hitoshi frowns. “Hey, how about I carry you? You should be taking it real easy for the rest of the day.”
“Do it like Daddy,” Katsuki demands, reaching his arms up. Hitoshi laughs and picks Katsuki up, placing him on his hip while the blonde rests his cheek against his chest.
“Like that?” He asks. Katsuki nods. “Alright, little man. Let’s go defeat your dysphoria! It’s nothing but a shitty villain, right?”
“Bubbaaaa,” Katsuki giggles.
“What?” Hitoshi asks, feigning innocence.
“Y’silly,” Katsuki says, bringing a hand up to play with his hair absentmindedly. Hitoshi smiles at the cute display.
“You gettin’ sleepy, Kats?” He nods. “Okay. We can just snuggle and watch cartoons after we get you set up. Sound good?”
“Yeah..” he yawns, and winces. “Bubba... I gotta boo-boo right here,” he whines, rubbing his ribcage. Hitoshi clicks his tongue.
“Poor boy. We’ll get you some ibuprofen too.”
- - -
“Hey guys, we’re home!” Yamada’s voice rings out when he enters. Hitoshi shushes him.
“Katsuki’s sleeping,” he whispers, nodding to the slumbering boy in his lap. Yamada smiles.
“Well, that’s a precious sight,” he says quietly, setting Eri down. “You gotta go down for a nap too after we clean you up, okay princess?”
“Okay, Mister Mic!” She chirps, skipping off to the restroom to wash her hands.
“Did you find everything for Eri?” Hitoshi asks conversationally. Yamada nods.
“Yeah. Got her a new dress and a pair of overalls, plus a couple of cat hair clips that she’s going to flaunt to your dad later,” he chuckles. A knowing smirk spreads across his face, and he crouches down, pulling something out of his bag. “Check this out.”
Hitoshi peers down and sees... foil squares of some sort? They almost look like Ramen noodle flavor packets, and he squints to read the lettering on them. Some brand name... some science-y term that he doesn’t understand... and....
Testosterone?
“No way,” he breathes, grinning. Yamada nods, a smile splitting his face in two.
“Don’t tell him, I want to wait until Dad is back. I finally got the okay from our doctor yesterday.” He giggles softly. “You think he’ll be happy? I know he’d prefer surgery but...”
“He’ll be ecstatic,” Hitoshi assures him.
Chapter 40: One Month (w/ Dadzawa)
Summary:
Katsuki is too strung out to regress on his own.
Notes:
CWs: unsanitary (bed-wetting), age dreaming (acting childish/finding comfort in childish things without actually regressing; NOT gross in any way, within this story OR irl! just figured i’d put a warning just in case), anxiety/lots of talk abt the jitters!!
Chapter Text
“Hey, buddy,” Eijirou says, crouching down next to Katsuki. “What’cha doin’?”
“Homework,” Katsuki says, wrinkling his nose. “Why are you talking like that?”
“Oh! Umm... it’s Saturday?” He offers.
“Is it a holiday or something?”
“No, it’s just.. y’know, it’s just been a stressful week.” Katsuki stares at him blankly. “Well, I mean, you didn’t get a very good grade on that pop quiz in English, and you sprained your wrist during remedial class, and you had that stomach bug on Thursday, and-“
“God, why are you REMINDING me how shitty things have been lately?” Katsuki barks.
“N-No, it’s just...” Eijirou rubs the back of his neck. “Ah, sorry, dude. It sounds stupid, but I kinda assumed you’d be regressed today.”
“... Oh,” Katsuki blinks. “I’m not.”
“I can see that,” Eijirou chuckles.
“No, but you’re right,” he observes, furrowing his brow. “Normally my shit brain would slip at the first mention of a prolonged amount of free time. But I’m... fine?” Eijirou frowns.
“Wait, you’re not stressed out right now?”
“I’m at my fuckin’ wits end,” he admits, shaking his head. “Huh. That’s kinda weird.”
“Well, maybe you’re handling things better now!” Eijirou offers. “I mean, of course it’s not a BAD thing, I just mean, like... maybe you don’t need it as much now, y’know?”
Oh. Katsuki doesn’t really like the sound of that. He feels... almost sad? Like he’s just had his security blanket ripped out of his hands.
“Yeah,” he shrugs, trying to brush off the way his voice cracks. “Maybe.”
“Alright, then!” Eijirou chirps. “If you need me, I’ll be in my room!” Katsuki rolls his eyes.
“Yeah, whatever.”
- - -
“Bakugou!” Shouto growls in frustration. The blonde makes his own irritated noise, fisting his hands in his hair. “You missed the target!”
“You think I don’t know that?!” He shouts.
“... Sorry,” Shouto says, closing his eyes. “I didn’t mean to get angry with you. It’s just that you’ve kind of been off all day.”
He knows. He knows he’s been ‘off’ today. He’s been ‘off’ for nearly an entire week now. He feels like he’s not even living at this point, just going through the motions of daily life and barely reacting to anything. He’s not depressed or dissociated or anything like that, he’s just... overwhelmed. His brain is clocking out without his permission.
He knows all of this.
Instead of admitting it, though...
“Stay out of my business before I shove my foot so far up your ass you choke on my boot!”
Yeah.
“... Fine,” Shouto huffs, rolling his eyes.
- - -
“You look like ass,” Hitoshi says, resting his feet in Katsuki’s lap. The blonde groans.
“I know. I’m breaking out, I’m not sleeping right at night, I’m all jittery and shit...” he drags his hands down his face. “It’s just stress.”
“Have you been... you know, slipping?”
“No,” he grunts. “Goin’ on three weeks, now. It’s weird, it’s like my brain is doing everything in it’s power to prolong my suffering.”
“Maybe you should try,” Hitoshi suggests. Katsuki glares at him. “Seriously! I’m not just being a dick. Have you tried to, like... force yourself into that headspace? It might work.”
“Yeah? And how do you suggest I do that, Einstein?” Katsuki snarks. Hitoshi shrugs.
“I dunno. Like, maybe doing the things you do when you’re small? Coloring and shit. Maybe watch some Sanrio!” Katsuki bristles.
“No way. That’s humiliating,” he hisses.
“It was just a suggestion, jeez!” Hitoshi frowns, raising his hands. “You don’t gotta be an asshole about it, Katsuki.”
“Well, I am,” he spits. “And I’m not doing that.”
- - -
Status update: he’s doing that.
Later that night, behind a locked door, he swallows down some of his pride and takes out his box of regression gear. He retrieves a silky stuffed rabbit and a pacifier before sitting cross-legged on his bed and pulling up old Hello Kitty episodes on his laptop.
Not even ten minutes in, and he’s already boring himself half to death.
“This is so stupid,” he grumbles to himself, ripping the pacifier out from his mouth.
He throws everything back into the box, kicks it as hard as he can under his bed, and switches the program to a horror flick instead.
Half an hour into that, and he desperately misses the bliss of boredom as a jump scare sends him head first into an anxiety attack.
“Holy fuck,” he wheezes, clutching his chest.
Tears prick at the corners of his eyes, and they physically hurt him. He curls into a tight ball and focuses on his breathing until his heart doesn’t feel like it’s trying to claw it’s way out of his stinging ribcage.
He decides it’s time for bed.
- - -
“Katsu-nii,” Eri says quietly, tugging at his sleeve. He looks down at her.
“What do you want?”
“Do you want to play with me?” She asks, holding out an action figure. He blinks.
“Yeah, sure,” he grunts, taking her hand and allowing her to lead him into the living room.
They sit across from each other, playing pretend with Eri’s hero figures, although Katsuki is noticeably less enthusiastic that usual, resting his chin on his hand as he grumbles out half-hearted responses.
“Hi, Eri-chan! Hi, Kaachan!” Izuku greets when he enters the room. “Are you guys playing?”
“Fuckin’ duh,” Katsuki mutters. Izuku startles a little, eyes wide. “What’s your problem?”
“S-Sorry, I...” he blinks rapidly. “I just figured you were... never mind.” Katsuki groans.
“Why does everyone just assume I’m-?!” He cuts himself off, standing up and handing the doll to Izuku. “Here. You babysit now.”
“Wh-What? I-“
“Take the damn doll, Deku.”
- - -
Katsuki awakes with a strangled gasp.
He feels... normal?
Like, okay, obviously there’s the usual adrenaline that thrums in his veins that comes with waking up from a nightmare. But the adrenaline is normally accompanied by an inconsolable fear of the dark, a desperate need to be held and protected, crying.
He sits up, intending to flick on his light, when he realizes that his lower half is cold.
Cold and wet.
‘Well, at least that hasn’t changed,’ he thinks with a frustrated groan, ripping the blankets off of himself so he can clean up.
“Bakugou?” A sleepy voice rings out accompanied by a soft knock. Eijirou.
“What?!” Katsuki snaps.
“... Do you want me to come in?” He asks.
“Fuck no,” he hisses. “Go back to bed.”
“Did you have a nightmare?”
“Yeah, I’m fuckin’ dealin’ with it! Leave me the Hell alone already!” He shouts.
There’s a moment of thick silence.
“... Okay,” Eijirou finally mumbles, yawning. “G’night, kiddo. See you in the morning.”
“I’m not-!” He groans, throwing his head back.
Why the fuck had he wet the bed if he wasn’t regressed? He has complete control over his bladder when he’s in his normal headspace.
Unless he... was regressing?
A little spark of hope lights in his chest, and he sits down on his soiled bed, trying hard to concentrate on... something. A feeling.
A feeling that he doesn’t have.
He finally gives up when his clothes start to irritate his skin, and he begrudgingly changes clothes and starts to strip his bed.
He feels like crying.
- - -
“Okay, that’s it for the tests, if anyone has any questions please feel fr-“ Aizawa cuts himself off with a knowing sigh when he sees his son’s hand shoot up in the air. “Katsuki?”
“I didn’t get my test back,” he grunts.
“If you did not receive your test, please see me after class,” he says. Katsuki’s mouth snaps shut, and his face pales. “Now, if there are any other questions...?”
The class stares at him blankly.
“Good. I’ll be at my desk.”
Katsuki is the only one who stays behind.
He walks up to Aizawa’s desk, nervously wringing his hands together. Aizawa sets his pencil down and nods to the seat next to him.
“Is this about my test?” He asks.
“Yes,” Aizawa confirms. “You failed.”
Katsuki’s heart drops.
“That’s impossible,” he growls. “There’s no way I failed. There’s no way I’m the ONLY one in the entire class that failed!”
“No, you weren’t the only one,” Aizawa assures him. “You’re just the only one I asked to stay back, because it’s so unlike you to fail a simple pop quiz. Are you feeling alright?”
“I...” he sighs tiredly. “I’m just stressed.”
“Honey, if you’ve got something going on, Ii need to know about it. As your father.”
“And as my teacher?”
“As your teacher, I’m gravely concerned with the mental health of my student,” he says seriously, placing a hand on Katsuki’s knee. “Come on, Katsuki. Talk to me?”
“... It’s just...” he bites his lip. “It’s stupid.”
“Not if it’s affecting you this much, it’s not.”
“I... I haven’t slipped in...” he swallows thickly, ignoring his stinging eyes. “About a month.”
“What?” Aizawa startles, eyes wide. “A month? Honey, why didn’t you say something sooner?” Katsuki buries his face in his hands.
“Because it doesn’t make any sense! It’s not like you can help me!” He shouts, his voice breaking. “Why can’t I...?! I just...!”
“Shh,” Aizawa shushes him gently, rubbing his back. “It’s okay. Calm down.”
Katsuki nods, collecting himself and sitting up.
“Why don’t you come to me and Papa’s room after school lets out and we can figure something out?” He suggests.
“Okay,” Katsuki nods, sniffling.
- - -
The rest of the day is torture. He can’t eat during lunch, he doesn’t speak during class, his friends hound him during breaks, and he gets paired up with Izuku during training, which means he nearly cries out of shame when he gets his ass handed to him.
By the time he’s showered and in his normal clothes, he’s so strung out he’s shaking.
“Oh, poor kid,” Aizawa tuts when he sees him. He puts an arm around his shoulders. “C’mon. I got everything set up for you.”
On Aizawa and Yamada’s bed, there’s a bag of pacifiers, Katsuki’s favorite stuffed bear, an oversized t-shirt, a plastic bowl full of animal crackers, and a sippy cup full of juice.
“... I’m not regressed right now,” he mumbles, staring at the display in confusion.
“I know,” Aizawa nods. “But I have a theory. You know how when you have to get to sleep but you can’t, you have to kind of pretend to fall asleep until your mind gives in and starts to actually shut off? I’m thinking we can do the same thing for you. It’s worth a shot.”
“I already tried,” Katsuki shakes his head. “I just got bored. And more stressed. And a little angry, too. I’m sorry, but it doesn’t work.”
“I... didn’t know that,” Aizawa admits. “But you didn’t have anyone with you then, did you?”
“... No,” Katsuki confirms. “So what?”
“So... maybe you just need someone to take care of you,” he tries. “Come on. We’ll give it... half an hour, and if we’re really getting nowhere, then we’ll move on. Okay?”
“... Fine,” Katsuki accepts. “But only because I’m at my wit’s end, old man. Understand?”
“Sure,” Aizawa nods.
Katsuki awkwardly changes into the t-shirt in the corner of the room, facing away from his father even though he’s turned around. He discards his binder and old clothes in the laundry basket, figuring that at the very least he could wear the shirt as pajamas tonight.
“Okay,” he says, plopping down onto the bed. “Now what?” Aizawa turns around.
“Are you hungry?” He asks.
“Kinda,” Katsuki shrugs. Aizawa hands him his snacks, which he rests in his lap undecidedly.
“Do you want Pochi while you eat?” Aizawa offers, holding the stuffed bear and waving it in the air. Katsuki stares at him blankly.
“This is weird,” he says. Aizawa groans.
“It is, isn’t it?” He admits, defeated. He sets Pochi and the bag of pacifiers on his end table for the time being, retrieving Katsuki’s tablet from his dresser. “C’mon. We’re going to snuggle and watch a show together.”
“... What show?” He asks.
“Anything rated G.”
“That’s lame,” he scoffs. Aizawa raises a brow, and he sighs. “Is Mickey okay?”
“Sure, kiddo,” he nods, opening his arms. Katsuki reluctantly crawls into them, resting his forehead on his chest. Despite his hesitance, he takes a moment to relish in the scent of Aizawa’s cologne, a warm smell that makes him feel he’s home.
The opening of the show starts to play, and Katsuki’s eyes flick to the screen. This time around, he doesn’t notice his gaze or even his train of thought drifting as much, feeling more grounded in the arms of his father.
At some point, Aizawa slips Pochi into the crook of his arm, and hands him a pale orange pacifier. Katsuki turns the piece of rubber over in his hand for some time, contemplating whether or not to succumb to such a childish action when he isn’t regressed, but he acknowledges that just going through the motions of acting regressed was enough to calm him down to this point, so he pops it in.
As he watches the show, hugging Pochi to his chest and nursing on his pacifier all while being cuddled by his father, he starts to feel that haze drift over him, and he succumbs to it eagerly, barely aware what he’s doing.
He vaguely registers that Aizawa isn’t petting his hair anymore, and he frowns deeply.
“Daddy,” he whines, shoving his head up into his resting hand expectantly. Aizawa gives a little gasp, then grins down at him.
“You did it, baby!” He praises him, pulling his son closer. Katsuki’s eyes widen.
“I did?” He asks in bewilderment.
“Yes! Good job!” He commends, leaning down to smooch his forehead.
Katsuki bursts into tears.
“Ohhh, honey, what’s wrong?” Aizawa asks, holding Katsuki close to his chest. The blonde sobs into his shirt, trembling.
“I-I jus’ missed bein’ small,” he whines loudly.
“Aw, baby boy, I know.” He shifts their position so he’s sitting upright, cradling Katsuki in his lap and stroking his hair. “You just got so overwhelmed, huh? My poor boy.”
“Uh huh!”
“Do you wanna keep watching Mickey, or do you just want to snuggle until dinner?” He asks, pressing a kiss to the top of his head.
“M-Mickey,” Katsuki whimpers, sniffing as the last of his fat tears roll down his cheeks. He rests his head against Aizawa’s neck, finding that it’s all too heavy and cotton-stuffed to keep upright any longer. “Daddy?”
“What is it?”
“C’you gimme my snacks?” He asks shyly, taking out his pacifier and placing it on the bed next to them. Aizawa smiles.
“Of course, sweetheart.”
After Katsuki finishes his crackers and juice, he pops his pacifier back in and starts to play with Aizawa’s hair. The man knows it’s a tell-tale sign that his son is getting tired. He also knows that Katsuki hasn’t slept well in weeks, so he welcomes it with open arms.
Katsuki will always have a home with him around.
Chapter 41: A Villain’s Tale (w/ Big Sis Magne)
Summary:
Katsuki’s time with the league.
Notes:
So... this chapter is definitely more angst than regression. He does very clearly slip but there’s little to no actual comfort for him, and no one explicitly states what’s going on.
CWs: kidnapping, restraints/confinement, seizure talk, unsanitary (blood + wetting), vaguely graphic injury talk, death threats, explicit abuse/humiliation/fear, dysphoria...
Yeah, it’s a heavy one. Sorry
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“I don’t think they understand you,” Shigaraki rasps, folding his hands in front of him. “They want you to tone it down, right? They don’t want you to be the strongest you can, they want you to be malleable, to bend at their will. They want you to change, don’t they?”
“I’m not listening,” Katsuki hisses.
“We want you just the way you are,” Shigaraki continues. “We understand what it’s like to be an outcast, Bakugou. All of us have felt pressured by society to fit into their stupid fucking categories. A hero or a civilian, a pawn or a victim. It’s pointless, isn’t it?”
“Shut up!”
“And they don’t even help, do they?” He pushes, leaning in closer. “If they can’t take the heat, if they’re too scared, they just leave innocent people to die. They’re all failures, Bakugou, every last one of them. But society puts them up on this pedestal, makes us believe that they’re flawless. We see through their bullshit, though. And you do too, right?”
“SHUT THE FUCK UP! LET ME GO!!”
“I mean, you must know better than anyone, right?” He whispers, leaning so close to Katsuki’s face that he can smell the stale cigarette smoke on his breath. “When that slime monster got to you, no one helped. They failed you, and then they had the audacity to ask you to sign on to their agencies. Vultures, the lot of them. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“No!” Katsuki shouts. He spits in the villain’s face, making him flinch and draw back.
“They did that to me, too,” he growls, flicking the glob of saliva off. The creepy smile he wore before has fallen. “I had no one. I was just a kid, and they were terrified of me. Of my quirk. They’re cowards, Katsuki Bakugou. And you know who was there to help me? When I was abandoned by heroes, do you know who picked me back up and showed me the light?”
“Fuck you!” Katsuki sobs, thrashing around in his restraints. “Let me go, let me go!”
“The villains, Katsuki! The villains helped me! Isn’t that rich?” He cackles lowly. “I see myself in you, little boy. I want to help you.”
“You kidnapped me!” He cries.
“I saved you!” he screams harshly.
“Shh, give him a minute,” Magne says, placing a hand on Shigaraki’s shoulder. “He’s scared, honey. He needs some time to process things.”
“I’m not scared!” Katsuki protests.
“You’re crying,” Dabi points out, bending down to thumb at the blonde’s tears. He nearly gets his finger bitten off, and he clicks his tongue. “And you’re in defensive mode right now. You’re not just scared, kid. You’re terrified.”
“... HELP!!” Katsuki resorts to screeching at the top of his lungs. “SOMEONE HELP ME!! I’M BEING HELD HOSTAGE, SOMEONE HELP!”
“Oh, for the love of- Come on, Katsuki,” Shigaraki groans. “No one can hear you! And even if they could, do you really think anyone would help you? They’re all pussies!”
“HELP!!!!!” Katsuki screams again.
“You’re pretty loud,” Toga says, tilting her head. “Say, you’re pretty close with Izuku, right? Do you think he’d join us, too?”
“Shut the fuck up,” Shigaraki hisses at her.
“HELP, HELP!!” Katsuki cries, his voice giving out. “SOMEONE, PLEASE! HELP ME!!”
“This is getting old,” Dabi mutters. “Can’t we just knock him out?” Shigaraki huffs.
“No, you half-wit. You don’t hurt members of your family.” He crouches down, touching Katsuki’s knee with four fingers. “Did you hear that, Katsuki? We’re family now, you know?”
“No we’re not,” Katsuki whimpers shakily. “I will NEVER join you. I’d rather die.”
“No one’s dying tonight,” Shigaraki laughs, shaking his head. A few of the villains chuckle along with him. “AM I RIGHT?!” He roars, standing up. “NO ONE... IS DYING TONIGHT!”
The whole room erupts in laughter and cheers. Katsuki can feel his heartbeat in his throat, his body going numb with fear.
“H... He...” he tries to scream again, but can only manage a few breathy squeaks.
“Don’t be silly,” Toga giggles, poking his nose. “We’re family. We’re the only help you have.”
He passes out.
- - -
“You made quite the mess last night,” Dabi sighs as Katsuki blinks his eyes open. “I’d clean you up, but I don’t want to, like... traumatize you or anything.”
“Wh-Wha-?” Katsuki asks, feeling dizzy.
“Bled all down your front, pissed all over your pants and shoes...” He shakes his head. “Do you get seizures a lot? My little brother used to.” Katsuki furrows his brow.
“Seizure?”
It’s only then that he registers the dried blood caked on his chin and neck, the intense throbbing of his lip, and the uncomfortable itchiness of his legs, thick with the smell of ammonia. He cringes in humiliation.
“Don’t be embarrassed. You’re not the first person to piss themselves in my presence. Although, it’s normally accompanied by a gun to their head and begging for their mother,” he jokes, nudging Katsuki’s knee. The blonde instinctively flinches away. “What’s wrong?”
“Take me home,” he pleads. “I won’t tell them where you‘re hiding, I promise. I don’t even know where we are right now! Just please, please take me home.” Dabi scoffs.
“Home? Why, so your mother can beat on you again?” Katsuki winces. “Yeah, I know mommy issues when I see them. You were screaming about her in your sleep last night. ‘Mama, I’m sorry! Mama, please help me!’” He mocks.
“I could kill you,” Katsuki hisses at him.
“With what? That little explosion quirk of yours?” He ignites his index finger, holding the blue flame so close to Katsuki’s face that it hurts, singeing his eyebrows. “My fire is so hot that it burns me to use it. If you so much as try to ‘kill’ me, I’ll turn you into ash.”
Katsuki doesn’t say anything to that, desperately trying to lean away from the flame. Dabi deactivates his quirk.
“Alright, breakfast time!” He announces, grinning. His teeth are stained brown. “After I feed you, I can hose you down and patch up your lip, does that sound alright?”
Katsuki eyes the staples in the villain’s skin warily at the mention of ‘patching something up,’ and he audibly gulps, making Dabi snicker.
“Y-Yeah,” he nods. “Sounds good.”
- - -
“Have you made a decision yet?” Shigaraki asks, pulling a chair in front of Katsuki. “I’m sure you’re getting sore in your restraints, right? I’ll let you out when you agree.”
“No,” Katsuki says softly, head hanging.
“Mm. What a shame,” Shigaraki says, pushing his chair back. Katsuki’s head snaps up.
“Wait!”
“Oh? Did you have a change of heart?”
“Hurts,” he whimpers, wiggling uncomfortably. “Can’t sleep. Please lemme go.”
“I can’t trust you not to run,” Shigaraki shakes his head, shrugging. Katsuki whines.
“I-I can tell you stuffs!” He protests. “Lemme down, an’ I’ll tell you!” Shigaraki’s brow furrows at his sudden juvenile attitude.
“You’re acting strange,” he squints.
“Please, please,” Katsuki begs, tugging at his restraints. “M’thirsty an’ sleepy. Please.”
“... Well, we’re not monsters,” he sighs. “Big Sis! Watch the kid while I go get him some water and cuffs. Don’t let him down.”
“Sure thing, boss!” Magne nods.
Shigaraki returns a few minutes later, carrying a bottle of water and a pair of handcuffs. He clips them onto Katsuki before carefully removing every one of his restraints. When he’s fully out, the blonde stands up on wobbly legs, clenching his hands to regain feeling in them. He couldn’t even run if he tried.
“Alright,” Shigaraki says. “Talk.”
“... Water,” Katsuki mutters. Shigaraki rolls his eyes and unscrews the cap, lifting the bottle to Katsuki’s lips. He greedily drinks it down, loosely holding it with his hands. It reminds the villain of a baby trying to grasp it’s bottle.
“Okay,” he snaps when Katsuki’s halfway done. “What did you want to tell us?”
“U-Um,” Katsuki stutters, unsure of where to begin. Shigaraki scowls at him.
“You don’t know shit,” he realizes, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt. Katsuki cries out, and he would have fallen to the floor if he weren’t being held up. Magne gasps.
“Let him go,” she demands. Shigaraki cranes his neck to stare at her. “He’s been through enough, boss. He’s been tied up for two days straight, he had a seizure, he’s had to sit in a dirty old bar with a bunch of loud drunks... Give me some time with him. Please.”
“He hasn’t cooperated at all,” Shigaraki argues. Magne shakes her head.
“I already told you, he’s not going to if he’s scared.” Katsuki takes in a shuddered breath.
“I-I’m not-“
“Fine,” Shigaraki huffs, dropping him on the floor. He crouches down, inspecting Katsuki’s shaking form. “You have until tomorrow morning,” he says. “We’ll tie you up for the night, after Big Sis is done with you. If I don’t have either All Might or a new recruit by tomorrow, I’m going to kill you. Understand?”
“Y-Yes,” Katsuki whispers, eyes wide.
Shigaraki exits the room.
“Poor kid,” Magne mumbles, approaching him. He flinches, curling up into a ball. “I’m not going to hurt you,” she promises gently.
“M’gonna die anyways,” he tells her. “I’on care what ya do. Jus’ make it quick.”
Magne’s heart sinks. She sits down in front of him, patting her lap. He stares at her.
“Come here,” she prompts.
“Wh-Wha... Wha’ y’ gonna do?”
“I’m gonna hug you,” she says. He bites his lip. “I’m being serious. I want to comfort you, calm you down. Shigaraki’s a bright man, but he has no idea how to treat kids. I want to make up for that.”
Katsuki hesitates, but very slowly and clumsily crawls into Magne’s lap. She wraps her arms around him, rubbing her big hands up and down his shoulders and biceps soothingly.
“You’re shakin’ like a leaf,” she tuts. “Why’s your breathing so shallow? Are they beatin’ on you, kid?” He shakes his head.
“U-Um.. I have...” His face burns in shame, and he bites down on his swollen lip. “A-Are you... a t-trans w-woman?”
“I am,” she confirms, brow knit. “Why?”
“M’wearin’...” he trails off, tapping his chest. “Y’know...” Her eyes go wide with shock.
“You’ve been wearing a binder this whole time?” She asks in alarm. He nods. “Oh, honey! I really wish you would have told someone! You’re really hurting yourself...”
She stands up, lifting him with her, and sets him on the counter of the bar. He watches with trepidation as she rummages around for a pair of scissors, then gingerly lifts the back of his shirt. He gasps sharply.
“D-Don’t-!” He pleads.
“I won’t look at your front,” she promises as she cuts the straps of his binder.
It falls into his lap, and he sobs brokenly, a pathetic and dry sound. She briefly thumbs over the dark bruises on the sides of his ribcage and his back, but quickly pulls his shirt back down, keeping her promise.
“Does that feel better?” She asks.
He doesn’t respond, pressing his palms to his eyes and crying. She frowns, taking the destroyed binder and placing it on the counter before lifting him again and carrying him to her room. She sets him down on the bed.
“Are you upset because of the binder, or something else?” She asks. He shrugs, still hiccuping out cries. “Is it just... all of it?”
“Y-Yes,” he sobs, voice weary.
She sighs, taking him into her lap again and rocking him back and forth, his head resting on her chest. She strokes his hair, gently shushing him and whispering soothing words of kindness and encouragement.
“Poor boy,” she says softly. “When you officially join us, I’m gonna look after you, okay? You’re such a sensitive child...”
“M’not,” Katsuki sniffs, eyes still covered.
“... You remind me of my son,” Magne says, tone fond. “He used to throw these fits that were just... I mean, they were awful, Katsuki. Toys were torn, books were thrown, he bled. Hell, I bled. But I could never stay mad at him, because afterwards he would... he’d be so sorry. And I know that doesn’t excuse his tantrums, but he was just a kid, y’know? I never treated him badly, because I knew under all that anger and attitude, he would always be that sensitive little boy, with teary eyes and whispered apologies, and...” She briefly trails off, wiping a tear away from her face. “... Well. That was a long time ago. But I have a feeling you’re a lot like my son was, Katsuki.”
“Wha’s happen to him?” He asks softly, lowering his hands. Magne smiles sadly.
“My wife... ex-wife. She got full custody of him after we split.” She laughs. “I used to write him these letters... I don’t even know if he read them. He’s an adult now, my boy. I don’t even know if he remembers me.”
“... That’s a sad story,” Katsuki says, finally leaning into Magne’s touch. She nods.
“I know. I don’t want you to have that same sad story, Katsuki,” she says, stroking his cheek. “I know that the older boys aren’t nice people. They had... rough pasts. It’s turned them into some nasty, nasty people. You don’t have to be like them to be a part of our family, Katsuki.” He shrugs, sniffling. “You know, Spinner and Toga and I rehabilitate stray animals. Mostly cats, but a few dogs, too.”
“... R’lly?” He asks curiously.
“Yep. We keep them in one of the spare rooms. Wanna see?” He nods, and she picks him up again. This time, he latches his arms and legs around her body, holding on tight.
Katsuki actually seems happy when he’s playing with the animals. He’s not smiling or anything like that, but he’s noticeably more relaxed. Magne ruffles his hair fondly.
“See? It’s not so bad here,” she says.
“... Are you a hero?” He whispers. “Y’here to save me?” Magne shakes her head.
“Nope. I’m a villain, kid.” She shrugs. “You don’t have to be evil to be a villain, you know. You just... can’t be a hero.”
“But I wanna,” he says softly, petting the kitten in his lap carefully. “Wanna be a good guy.”
“You are a good guy,” she tells him seriously.
“But villains are bad guys.”
Magne thinks about Toga, the way she laughed cruelly at his cries for help. She thinks about Dabi, the way he purposefully humiliated him, watched in disgust and amusement as he had his seizure, sprayed him down with a hose instead of allowing him to take a shower. She thinks about Shigaraki, touching him with those dangerous hands, screaming in his face, tying him up, holding him by his shirt collar, threatening to kill him.
And she knows that he’s only sixteen, but he somehow seems even younger than that.
“Yeah,” she says honestly. “Maybe we are.”
“Big Sis...” he starts, and Magne can’t help but beam at the nickname. “... All Might’s comin’ for me. M’not gonna die tomorrow.”
“Yeah? All Might’s coming?” She asks. He nods. “Well. I’m sorry to hear that you won’t be staying with us, kiddo.” Katsuki shrugs.
“You can come ‘wif,’” he suggests.
“Maybe,” she lies. “You’re not so bad, kiddo.”
The corner’s of Katsuki’s mouth twitch up, and her chest blooms with pride.
Later that night, when Katsuki wakes up from napping on her mattress, Shigaraki ties him up, true to his word. Katsuki seems to be more himself, trying as hard as he can to kick and punch his way out of the villain’s grip, but he’s only had one meal since he’s arrived, and he refused to eat most of it, so he’s not exactly at his strongest point.
Shigaraki asks him to join the league.
He says no.
All Might shows up, along with a gaggle of pros. There’s a fight somewhere in there, but all Magne remembers is the flash of light as Katsuki flies into the night sky, the way he grips onto that redheaded boy for dear life.
She tried to look out for him.
But she’s no hero.
Notes:
Yea I am still taking my break so I’m not gonna respond to comments but I did some requests so here you go.
Chapter 42: No Toys In Class! (w/ Carer Kiri + Papa Mic)
Summary:
Kaminari invests in some stim toys to help him focus during class.
Katsuki is a teeny bit jealous.
Chapter Text
“Can you please stop clicking your pen?” Mina asks, moaning dramatically. Kaminari blinks.
“Oh, sorry,” he says. “I didn’t even realize I was doing it.” Aizawa furrows his brow.
“Kaminari, could I speak to you after class?” He asks. Kaminari’s jaw drops.
“What?! I was just clicking my pen!”
“I’m aware,” he says, a knowing look in his eyes. Mina snickers beside him.
“Karma,” she whispers.
“Piss off,” he groans, laying his head on his desk. Eijirou claps his shoulder behind him.
“Tough luck,” he mumbles. “Sorry.”
After class, Kaminari begrudgingly approaches Aizawa’s desk, already feeling shame and anxiety swirling in his gut.
“Sit down,” Aizawa says softly, gesturing to the chair in front of him. Kaminari gulps and takes a seat. “Relax. You’re not in trouble.”
“I’M REALLY SORRY I DIDN’T MEAN TO DISTRACT ANYONE I WAS JUST- wait.” He pauses, snapping to attention. “Huh?”
“Kaminari...” Aizawa sighs. “Okay. I want you to be honest with me here, and I don’t want you to be embarrassed by it, okay?”
“Uh... okay,” he mutters, crinkling his brow.
“Do you have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder?” He asks light. Kaminari frowns.
“Uh...” he fiddles nervously with his hands. “H-How did you know?” Aizawa smiles.
“My husband struggles with it as well,” he explains. “The signs are pretty obvious once you know what you’re looking for. Is that your only diagnosis?” He shakes his head.
“N- uh, I also have dyscalculia, but it’s nothing serious. It helps to... you know,” he shrugs.
“Stim?” Aizawa offers.
“Is that the term?”
The teacher stares at him for a moment, then bites his lip. Kaminari quirms nervously.
“Listen, so, UA has this... stupid policy. It started when kids started using those fidget spinner things a few years back, and they pretty much put a ban on anything like them. However,” he pulls out a pen and paper. “I am your teacher, and I am specifically requesting that you be granted permission to use stim toys in class to aid your learning disability. Don’t worry about money, I keep a basket in my desk for situations like these.”
“Learning disability?” Kaminari mumbles under his breath. Aizawa winces.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you in any way. You should know that having a disability isn’t anything to be ashamed of, and neither is needing a few extra steps to help you along the way. But if you want me to call it something else, something different, I-“
“No, no, sorry,” Kaminari laughs lightly. “I just... it feels good to have someone... I dunno. Validate it like that. Like it’s a real thing, not just some obstacle that I have to ignore.”
Aizawa’s face softens more than the blonde has ever seen it in that moment, and he gingerly places the note in his hand.
“Give this to Recovery Girl to sign and send out,” he says. “All your teachers will be notified of the change. Good luck, Kaminari.”
- - -
Katsuki falls down in the hallway after school.
It’s really no big deal; it happens to everyone, and he was bound to be the victim of a miscalculated step at some point in his high school career. The problem was the fact that he fell down, in front of everyone, after getting lectured by Midnight for cussing Mina out, running on maybe two hours of sleep, after crying during training because he was so frustrated, and then got accidentally stepped on by Shouto of all people.
Ergo, he slips in more ways than one.
“Ooh, that was a nasty tumble,” Eijirou says, wincing. “Are you okay?” Shouto stands beside him, looking absolutely mortified.
“I-I didn’t mean to step on you...”
“S’fine,” Katsuki says quietly, wiping his eyes on his uniform sleeve. “M’okay.”
“You think you’re gonna bruise?” Eijirou asks, helping him stand. Katsuki shrugs.
“I really didn’t mean to,” Shouto promises, expression guilty. “I’m sorry.”
“I know,” Katsuki mumbles. “M’good.”
“Hey,” Eijirou whispers quietly, touching his arm. “Are you regressing right now?” Katsuki nods slowly, sniffling. “Alright, let’s keep moving!” He chirps brightly, locking his index finger with Katsuki’s. “I’ve got something really cool to show you, Bakugou!”
At his pretend display of normalcy, everyone seems to move on, completely forgetting about Katsuki’s brief lapse in flawlessness. Eijirou safely leads them back to his dorm room, distracting him the whole time.
Once they’re safely behind closed doors, Katsuki lets out a shaky sob and buries his face in Eijirou’s neck, fisting his jacket.
“I got a ouch,” he whimpers. Eijirou shushes him gently, rubbing circles into his back.
“I know, bug, I know. Do you want me to kiss it better?” He asks. Katsuki shakes his head.
“S’for Daddy an’ Papa only,” he mumbles.
Generally speaking, Katsuki only seeks out lots of affection when he’s regressed young enough to want it. Since he’s still slipping, Eijirou isn’t surprised that he’d reject that kind of attention from him, and he doesn’t take offense to it, either.
“Okay. Let’s get you into some comfy clothes, okay?” He asks. Katsuki nods, pulling away and wiping away the last of his tears.
“C’we play after?” He requests quietly.
“Mhm, of course,” Eijirou coos, helping him slip out of his jacket. “Anything for you, kiddo.”
- - -
“Hey, baby,” Yamada says, opening Katsuki’s door. “Good morning.”
“Mornin’!” Katsuki chirps, smiling up at him. Eijirou stirs on the bed. “Kiri’s still sleepin’.”
“I see that,” Yamada chuckles quietly. “I was just checking in on you. You ready for school?”
“Mhm!” He nods.
Recently, his family has started allowing Katsuki to sit in on class on days when he’s regressed. He can still process most of what he’s being taught, he participates in all hands-on activities, and Hitoshi and Eijirou take notes for him. It’s preventing him, his carer, and his brother from falling behind in class or receiving too many absences on their record.
“Good,” Yamada smiles, crouching down next to him. “You pack your bag yet?”
“Yep!” Katsuki grins, unzipping his backpack. “Got Pochi, an’ Bagu, an’ my kitty, an’ my blocks, an’ my binkies, an’ some juice-“
“Katsuki,” Yamada laughs. “You have to pack your books. You’re not gonna have time to play with all your toys in class, baby.”
“Yes I will!” He says, furrowing his brow.
“No, baby. You need to pay attention to your schoolwork. I know it sounds boring, but it’s part of life. You won’t be needing any stuffies or blocks today.” Katsuki frowns deeply.
“But... I wan’ ‘em...”
“No ‘buts,’” Yamada says firmly. Katsuki’s lip starts to wobble. “Baby, it’s not a punishment, you just can’t play during class. I’m sorry, but those are the rules.” Katsuki huffs.
“S’not on the list,” he mutters.
“Well, let’s put it on the list,” Yamada says, opening one of the drawers of Katsuki’s desk. He pulls out a piece of notebook paper.
‘KATSUKI’S REGRESSION RULES:
1.) No quirks
2.) No hurting yourself
3.) No cursing (exceptions will be made)
4.) Always tell Daddy or Papa if you’re feeling upset or having a bad brain day
5.) No hiding accidents or injuries’
“And, six,” Yamada says, scribbling something down with a pen from Katsuki’s cup. “No play time or stuffies allowed during class.”
“That’s not fair!” Katsuki whines. Eijirou sits up, rubbing his eyes sleepily.
“Yamada Sensei?” He mumbles. “What’s goin’ on?” Yamada smiles brightly at him.
“Nothing,” he says. “Just making a new rule for Katsuki. Did you sleep well last night?”
“Mmph,” he nods. “New rule?”
“Papa won’t let me have fun!” Katsuki wails, rubbing his eyes. Eijirou furrows his brow.
“Huh?”
“He wanted to take all his toys to school instead of his books,” Yamada explains. “I told him no, because he has to pay attention.”
“But it’s not fair!!”
“How is it not fair?” Eijirou asks, getting out of bed so he can sit down on the floor and pull Katsuki into his lap, a subtle way to steal his warmth and stay half-asleep.
“‘Cause Kami gets to play!” He whines. “How come I can’t?! That’s not fair!”
“Oh, Katsuki,” Yamada chuckles. “That’s different. Kaminari has special toys that he brings to class to help him focus. Bringing Pochi or your blocks would KEEP you from focusing. Does that make sense?”
“... I guess,” he pouts, crossing his arms.
“Why don’t you ask Kaminari if you can borrow some of his stim toys?” Eijirou suggests. “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind sharing with you.”
“Hey, yeah!” Yamada agrees. “You can ask during breakfast. Does that sound good?”
“Kinda,” Katsuki shrugs, still sniffling and pouting. “Wha’ ‘bout my binky and sippy?”
“I don’t think that’d be a problem,” Yamada smiles, ruffling his hair. “C’mon, let’s get your bag packed up properly.”
- - -
“... That’s really endearing,” Sero breathes.
“Ahh! My heart can’t handle this!” Mina exclaims, fanning her face. “So cute!!”
“Y’know, I always forget how good Denks is with little ‘Suki,” Eijirou smiles fondly. “He’s such a goofball, you’d never expect it.”
“And this one stretches out like a ball,” Kaminari explains, demonstrating.
“Woah!” Katsuki exclaims around his pacifier, eyes wide and starry. He giggles. “Again, again!” Kaminari laughs.
“Do you want this one?” He offers. “I prefer the tangle and the fidget cube anyways.”
“R’lly?” Katsuki asks. Kaminari nods. The taller boy squeals excitedly, briefly hugging Kaminari’s arm. “T’ank you!!”
“Hey kid, no problem,” he laughs, handing Katsuki the mini Hoberman sphere.
Notes:
Still on break, won’t respond to comments rn
Chapter 43: The Vegetables! (w/ Dadzawa, Papa Mic, + Big Bro Hitoshi)
Summary:
Katsuki can’t find his family at the store.
Notes:
CWs: panic attacks, anxiety, and implied past child abuse! also ppl being kinda rude >:T
Chapter Text
“Okay, okay, let’s see,” Yamada mumbles, pushing his glasses down the bridge of his nose so he can read Aizawa’s grocery list. “We need... hon, your handwriting is so bad.”
“Give that to me,” Aizawa scoffs, snatching the list from his husband. Eri giggles.
“Mister Aizawa is funny when Mister Mic is being stupid,” she whispers to Hitoshi.
“Oh, I agree, Eri,” Aizawa grumbles.
“‘Stupid’ isn’t a nice word,” Yamada reminds her. She frowns and looks to Katsuki.
“Katsu-nii said it’s okay.”
“Uhh, no. I said it’s better than ‘dumbass,’” he says quickly. Hitoshi raises his eyebrows.
“I mean. Valid point,” he shrugs.
“Guys, focus,” Aizawa says, snapping his fingers. “We’re having a bunch of teenagers over in two days, and we have virtually no food in the house. This is the shopping trip of your lifetime here, folks. We’re gonna need to split up. ‘Zashi, you take Eri and look for desserts. Hitoshi, you’re on healthy grains and snacks. No ramen noodles. Katsuki, I’m trusting you to get the veggies.”
“Uh huh. And what will you be doing?” Katsuki asks, crossing his arms. Aizawa sighs.
“Everything else,” he groans. “Now go!”
Katsuki and Hitoshi are having their friends over later to celebrate the ending of their first round of standardized testing. The only rules that Aizawa and Yamada gave them were no substance abuse, no loud music, and no inappropriate behavior, but they wouldn’t allow them to come over in the first place if they expected them to do any of that.
The only problem with this was the fact that Yamada shops for three (plus cats) despite them having five mouths to feed, so there’s no opportunities for big meals or snacking even when it’s just the two teens in the house. They’re not underfed or anything like that, Yamada is just a man who respects portion control... which is inconvenient for parties.
Katsuki’s mulling over this in his head with mild amusement when he realizes that he’s alone.
Right. Shopping. Vegetables. Come on, Katsuki, keep it together!
... What vegetables is he supposed to get?
He sighs, reaching into his pocket for his phone so he can ask whoever has the list to send him a picture of the stuff he needs to get, aaand... pulls put nothing.
Right. He left his phone at home to charge.
Just perfect.
He grabs a basket and starts stalking around the store, figuring his family couldn’t have gone far. He was only spaced out for, what, a minute or two? At the very least, they’d all be on the same floor still.
That’s the thing about this damned grocery store. While having such a huge selection to choose from can be convenient and exciting, it’s a pain in the ass to get separated in a store this big. I mean, really, who needs three floors worth of boxed macaroni and cheese?
Okay, so they actually sell really good food, but still. Three floors is excessive.
He scans the whole first floor twice and finds no one... Which actually makes sense now that he thinks about it, and he wants to smack his forehead for not realizing it sooner. Hitoshi is looking for rice and noodles and stuff, so he’s gonna be shopping on the second floor, and Yamada and Eri are definitely going to be right up there with him in the bakery section considering their taste in desserts.
Part of him considers going up and snatching the list from them, but a quick glance to his watch reminds him that he’s on a time limit here. I mean, it’s veggies! They’re just gonna need the same stuff the always get, right?
He spins on his heel, nearly huffing in frustration (with himself) and promptly smacks into a stressed looking woman with pin-straight blonde hair. She falls on her butt, groceries going flying everywhere.
“What the fuck?!” She hisses, glaring at Katsuki. He winces, offering her a hand up before she smacks it away, touching a bluetooth piece in her ear. “No, I’m alright, just some kid not watching where he’s going... Nope, definitely old enough to know better,” she says, shooting him a glare. “Uh huh. Yeah, sounds good. Talk to you later.”
“Sorry,” he mutters as she stands up, smoothing her skirt. She scoffs at him.
“God, I’m so glad I don’t have kids,” she sneers, beginning to pick up her scattered groceries. He rushes to help her. “HEY, I don’t-“
“It’s okay,” he says quietly, blinking away the tears of frustration and embarrassment that wet his eyes when he’s turned away. “I’m training to be a hero. Gotta help people.”
“... Holy shit,” she breathes. “You’re that kid from Class 1-A!! The one that won the Sports Festival and got held hostage by some villains, right?!” He doesn’t respond, and she chuckles. “Jesus, it’s no wonder you’re so fucked in the head, kid! Shit, you’ve been through more than I can handle, I’ll tell you that!”
“... Here,” Katsuki says lowly, handing back her basket, now full of produce. “Sorry.”
He rushes off before she can comment on his flushed face and teary eyes.
That’s so fucked. Why do people always think it’s okay to approach him in public about his trauma? Do they think he’s not a real person with feelings? Because he is! He’s real!!
‘Shoot, this isn’t good,’ he thinks, running a hand through his hair. He can feel his knees start to tremble, feel his chest buzz with anxiety and his toes curl with the need to feel protected. ‘I gotta find someone.’
He drops his basket, opting to just fiddle with his hands while he climbs that first flight of stairs. The second floor is, of course, even more crowded than the first, so it doesn’t take long for him to go fully into panic mode, panting wildly as he speed walks through the aisles, desperately searching for a tacky pair of leather gloves, or a little white dress, or a tuft of lavender hair.
Honestly, though, he’s crying so hard at this point that he’s not sure he’d even be able to see them if they were really there.
He manages to spot a bathroom sign through all of his fogginess, and gives a broken little sob before rushing in, locking the door behind him. Despite his adamant dislike for public restrooms, he really needs a quieter place to calm down. Whether or not that place is clean doesn’t really matter to him at the moment.
He stares at himself in the mirror for a long while, not entirely recognizing the face that stares back at him. It’s a funny thing, being dissociated and regressed. No matter how many times he does this, no matter how often he tells himself that it’s going to be a teenager in his reflection and not some vague, cloudy image of a child, it still shocks him.
His brief lapse in panic attack is short lived when he hears a desperate pounding at the door, followed by a feminine-sounding gasp.
“Lemme in!” A little boy shrieks from the other side of the door. “I’ve gotta go potty!”
Katsuki swings to door open, red-faced and still crying, and the boy rushes in behind him, not bothering to wait until he’s outside to pull down his pants. His mother looks mortified.
“I’m so sorry,” she apologizes. “He’s not very good at manners.” Katsuki shrugs.
“S’okay,” he mumbles, sniffling. He leaves the woman to take care of her son.
Deciding that he’s going to have no luck finding Yamada or his siblings, he nervously makes his way to the top floor, where they keep household products. He knows that Aizawa mentioned they were low on paper towels, so maybe he’ll be in the cleaning section? He hopes so, at least.
He doesn’t make it very far before he has to shove the collar of his shirt in his mouth to muffle his cries as he backs into a corner, hugging his arms. Why couldn’t he just get things right for once? Why does he always have to go and fuck things up, getting lost or getting hurt or making a fool of himself? Why can’t he just be a normal teenage boy?
He couldn’t even get the fucking vegetables.
“Bakugou Katsuki?”
Someone addresses him and, oh, great. Another person gets to witness his humiliating freak out and pry at his personal life. He can’t find the willpower to stop crying, though, so maybe if he just squeezes his eyes really tight and ignores them for long enough, they’ll go away, and he can resume his panic attack.
“Um.. are you alright?” The voice asks, and this time, there’s a hint of familiarity to it. He hasn’t heard this voice in a long time, but he’s definitely heard it before. He opens his eyes. “Hi, sorry! I was just coming over to say hello, I didn’t realize you were upset! Is there anything I can do yo help? I work here, so.”
Who is this girl? She’s just a little too old to be another UA student, probably nineteen or so. But he definitely knows her, and she clearly knows him (most people aren’t so casual when addressing the infamously temperament boy). He just can’t put a finger on where...
She clearly sees the spark of confused recognition, because she blushes and laughs awkwardly, rubbing the back of her neck.
“Right, you probably don’t recognize me, huh? I stopped babysitting you, what, four years ago now? Maybe longer?”
Then it clicks.
“Ts-Tsuki?” He asks, relaxing his shoulders a bit. The girls smiles wide, nodding.
Tsukiko Saito. She was his babysitter for the longest time, until his parents trusted him enough to leave him alone when they went on long business trips. She was out of his life before ANY of that bad shit that happened to him went down; it’s no wonder it took him so long to recognize her.
“Yeah! It’s been a while, huh?” She places her hands on her hips. “So, you gonna tell me what’s going on? Why are you crying?”
“U-Um...” he sniffs loudly, wiping at his cheeks. “M’okay. M’jus’ lost.”
“You’re lost?” She asks. He nods. “Well, we aren’t that far from UA. You’re a student there now, right? Do you want directions?”
“N-No, I jus’-!” He exhales shakily, closing his eyes again. “Jus’ need’a find Daddy.”
“Huh? Masaru’s here?” She asks. He flinches and shakes his head. “Katsuki, you’re not making any sense. What’s going on here?”
“... Nothin’,” he says quietly, sinking to the ground and covering his ears. “Jus’ go, Tsuki. M’be okay.” Tsukiko frowns.
“Are you in... ‘trouble,’ Katsuki?” She asks softly, crouching down next to him. “I can call the police if you need me to. I’ll keep you safe and out of trouble until they get here, we can go to the break room.”
“No,” Katsuki shakes his head. “M’safe. Jus’ can’t find Daddy or Papa.”
“... Is your mother here?”
“Mama doesn’t have me anymore,” he says in a small voice. Tsukiko swallows.
“Okay,” she nods. “Why don’t I take you down to the front of the store, and we can call for your... legal guardian over the intercom. Does that sound alright?” Katsuki nods slowly.
“... Can you...?” He asks, reaching for her hand. She nods, squeezing his hand tight as he shakily rises to his feet.
He doesn’t let go.
Her mind wanders as they walk. She always had a funny feeling about Mitsuki, now that she thinks about it. It left a sour taste in her mouth when she’s refuse to kiss her child goodbye despite his incessant crying, or how in later years, Katsuki would flinch if she raised a hand in his presence. But she got all of her instructions and money through Masaru anyways, and it paid good money to watch the kid on long weekends and after school, so she just ignored it at the time.
But if Katsuki moved out... if he was adopted by another family... that’s not a good sign.
He clings to her arm the whole time, gently nibbling at the collar of his shirt. She knows that there’s got to be a reason why he’s acting like a little kid, but figures it’s be better not to pry. She doesn’t want to upset him any more.
- - -
“Will the legal guardians of Katsuki Bakugou please come to the front of the store?”
“Fuck,” Aizawa hisses, eyes going wide. He picks up his basket and starts running down the flights of stairs, not caring if he bumps into or cuts anyone off.
Panic blooms in his chest. What could have happened? Was it villains? They’d announce if there was an attack on the store, right?
“Dad!” Hitoshi calls our, running up to him. “What’s going on? Is Katsuki okay?”
“I don’t know,” he answers honestly. “Where’s your father and sister?”
“They told me to wait for you in case you knew anything,” he explains. “Do you think he’s-“
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Aizawa says, rubbing Hitoshi’s shoulder comfortingly. “For all we know, he could have chewed out a poor cashier. I think they’d have announced it if something was really wrong.”
When they arrive, Katsuki is in Yamada’s arms, clinging to his shirt with white knuckles. Eri is at his side, holding Yamada’s free hand.
“What happened?” Aizawa asks, staring at the woman who assumedly called for them.
“I don’t really know,” she admits. “I think he was having a panic attack? He’s calmer now, but he’s acting kind of...” She makes a vague gesture. “... off. I used to babysit him.”
“Really?” Aizawa hums, raising his eyebrows. “Well, thank you for helping him. We’d really appreciate your discretion about this...”
“You got it, Eraserhead,” she winks. Aizawa resists the urge to roll his eyes. “Okay. I just need to finish processing Present M- er, Mr. Yamada’s identification to prove that you guys are his legal guardians, and then he’s all yours! Sorry for all the commotion.”
“Not a problem,” he smiles. He turns to Katsuki and rubs his back. “Hey, sweetheart. Are you okay? You wanna tell me what happened?”
“Daddy,” Katsuki whines, detaching himself from Yamada. Aizawa lifts him in his arms. “M’sorry... I didn’ get th’ veggies...”
“Oh, honey, that’s fine,” Aizawa laughs. “I’m just glad you’re okay.” He turns to Yamada. “Do you think you could grab the vegetables while I take the kids to the car?”
“Of course,” Yamada nods. He presses a kiss to Katsuki’s forehead before he starts to gather everyone’s baskets and emptying them into his cart. “I love you, baby.”
“Love you, Papa,” Katsuki says, muffled by Aizawa’s shoulder.
While they’re walking into the parking lot, Katsuki lets out a shaky exhale.
“I hate the store,” he grumbles. Aizawa frowns, running a hand through his hair.
“You do have a bit of an unlucky streak there, huh?” He asks. Katsuki nods. “I get it. There’s a reason I make Papa do all the shopping, you know. It messes with my anxiety. You can stay home with me next time, okay honey?”
“... Okay,” Katsuki whispers, smiling a little.
Chapter 44: Clingy (w/ Big Bro Izuku + Babysitter Dekusquad)
Summary:
Katsuki is sweet to Izuku when he’s regressed.
Notes:
Eeeeee this one is cute ;u;
Chapter Text
“Izu?” Katsuki asks, nuzzling his hair into Izuku’s chin. “‘s it snack time yet?”
“I don’t see why not!” Izuku chirps. He hoists Katsuki up onto his hip, smiling when the blonde giggles in anticipation. “What do you want to eat today, bug?”
“Boro!” He exclaims, pumping a fist in the air.
“You got it, cutie,” Izuku says, poking his nose.
As he’s pouring Katsuki his snack, the blonde wanders off into the common room, hearing voices. He sees Ochako and Tsuyu sitting on the sofa, chatting with each other.
“Hi!” He grins, padding over to them.
“Hi, Bakugou!” Ochako muses, reaching up to ruffle his hair. “How are you today?”
“Good! Izu’s gettin’ me snacks!”
“Ooh, that’s exciting!” He nods happily.
“Mhm! ‘Chako?” Ochako tilts her head.
“What’s up?” She asks. Katsuki lifts his hands into the air, an expectant look on his face.
“Up? Please?”
Ochako resists the urge to squeal and instead touches the sides of his stomach lightly, activating her quirk. Katsuki shrieks happily when he starts to float, nervously reaching out to hold onto Ochako’s shirt.
“Don’ lemme fall!” He warns.
“I won’t,” she promises.
“Kaachan!” Izuku gasps, rushing into the room. “I heard shouting. Is he okay?”
“He’s fine,” Tsuyu croaks. “Him and Ochako are just playing, see?” Izuku sighs with relief.
“I’m pretty sure Aizawa Sensei would kill me if Kaachan got hurt under my watch,” he mumbles. Katsuki grins at him.
“Izu, ‘m flyin’!” He says. Izuku chuckles.
“Yeah you are, bug! That’s so cool!” He winks knowingly at Ochako. “Let me know when you’re done so you can have your snack, okay? I don’t want you to get too hungry!”
“Okay!” He chirps.
- - -
“Midoriya, are you coming to play- oh,” Shouto stops, seeing Katsuki and Izuku playing with stuffed animals. “He didn’t go home this weekend?” He asks lightly.
“No, Aizawa and Yamada Sensei are having a routine inspection done by the adoption agency. Eri and Shinsou are here, too,” Izuku explains. “What’s up?”
“I was just wondering if you were going to play board games with us, but I’ll leave you be,” he says, quickly ducking out of the room.
“Todoroki-kun,” Izuku says sternly, frowning. Shouto stops, giving him a sheepish look. “You’re not going to use me as an excuse to get out of game night. We can come, I’ll keep Kaachan occupied if he’s not interested.”
“... Fine,” he sighs, hanging his head.
“Let’s go play some games, Kaachan,” Izuku says, standing up. He extends his hand, but Katsuki just blinks at it before sucking down hard on his pacifier and resuming his playing. “Kaachan, c’mon. You can bring your plushies with us if you’d like.”
“Todo’s comin’?” He mumbles.
“Yep! It’ll be Todoroki, Iida, Uraraka, Asui, and me! Does that sound fun?” Katsuki shrugs. “What’s wrong, bug? You don’t wanna go?”
“... No, s’okay,” he says quietly. “Uppies?”
“Sure, Kacchan,” Izuku nods, gathering him up in his arms. Katsuki immediately latches on, wrapping his arms and legs around Izuku’s body and resting his head on his shoulder.
“It looks like he’s getting tired,” Shouto observes quietly. Izuku hums.
“Are you getting sleepy, bug?” He asks lightly. Katsuki nods a little bit. “I can tuck you in before we go play if you like.”
“Mm-mm,” Katsuki shakes his head.
“No? You wanna stay with us?”
“Wan’ snuggles,” Katsuki mumbles softly.
“Aww,” Izuku coos, patting Katsuki’s thigh. “That sounds like a good idea, Kaachan.”
And so that’s how he falls asleep, curled up in Izuku’s lap, his stuffed elephant hugged to his chest, a blanket strewn on him.
- - -
Katsuki wakes up feeling... cozy.
He’s got a nice, fluffy blanket laying on top of him, there’s no sun poking through the blinds, he’s got someone holding him...
Huh. Someone who is smaller than him.
Not either of his fathers. Not his brother. Not even Eijirou, by the feel of their arms.
His stomach twists.
“Deku,” he growls, sitting up.
It would be a lot more intimidating if a pacifier didn’t fall from his lips at that moment.
“Morning, Kaachan,” Izuku yawns. “Are you still regressed? Do you want breakfast?”
“No,” he snarls, throwing Izuku’s arm off of him. “Listen, that was a one-time thing.”
“Huh?”
“You’re not watching me again,” he insists. “Kirishima should be back by tonight, so if I slip again for some goddamn reason, just ignore it until he gets here.”
“I’m not doing that,” Izuku says, sitting up. “I’ll take care of you if you regress today.”
“You’re not my carer,” he spits, crossing his arms. “So don’t get any ideas.”
“I know,” Izuku nods. “I’m more like a last-minute babysitter. I get that. But I don’t mind watching you. I actually kind of like it! You get all cuddly and sweet when you-“
“Alright, that’s enough!” Katsuki hisses, throwing a pillow at his face. Izuku laughs.
“I’m not making fun of you,” he insists. Katsuki shoots him an unconvinced glare. “I mean it! It reminds me of when we were little... I really miss being that close with you.”
“... Shit,” Katsuki mumbles, rubbing his eyes tiredly. “Fine, whatever. You can... watch me. If I regress before Red is back.” Izuku’s face lights up. “Don’t look at me like that!! This doesn’t mean we’re FRIENDS or anything!”
“No?” he questions, faltering a little.
“HELL no! If we’re gonna be friends it’s gonna be because we work through all our bullshit together. NOT because you think I’m cute when I’m regressed,” he hisses. Izuku smiles.
“So... we’re gonna work through our bullshit?”
“Damn right. You better get your ass ready, Deku,” Katsuki informs him. “I’m gonna be the best friend you ever had, capiche?”
“I’m ready!” He cheers, clenching his fists in determination. He looks at Katsuki with a gleeful expression. “Can I hug you?”
“No,” Katsuki scoffs, rolling his eyes. “Hugged me enough in your sleep last night, clingy bastard.” He flicks his nose. “And you smell.”
“What? I do not!” He protests, jaw dropping. Katsuki snickers and rolls off the bed. “Kaachan! Get back here! I don’t smell!”
“Yes you do.” He sticks his tongue out and runs out of the room. Izuku rushes to get detangled from his bedsheets.
“KAACHAN!”
Chapter 45: One-Time Visit (w/ Big Sis Magne)
Summary:
Katsuki visits Magne in prison after she turns herself in.
Notes:
CW: heaaaaavy angst w/ an unhappy ending, explicitly referenced child abuse, panic attacks, PTSD talk, hurt w/ no comfort :(
... but at least she isn’t dead?
Chapter Text
“Name?”
“Kenji Hikiishi,” she says. “Er... Magne.”
“... Ah,” the man taking her information breathes, raising his eyebrows. He fumbles with the paperwork. “Okay. A-And you’re here to... sorry, what are you h-here to do?”
“I’m turning myself in.”
- - -
“An inmate from Special Prison for Villain Criminals- Tartarus is requesting to call you. To accept, please say ‘yes.’ To deny, pl-“
“Yes,” Katsuki says quickly, his brow furrowing.
“Bro,” Eijirou whispers. “Who-“
“Thank you. Please hold.”
Katsuki glares at Eijirou, holding his phone to his ear with a death grip. The redhead gives him a pointedly concerned look, but Katsuki just waves at him dismissively, prompting him to leave the room for some privacy.
“Hello?” A familiar voice says. Katsuki swallows hard, bringing his knees to his chest.
“How did you get my number?” He asks.
“The League had a lot of intel on you that you probably weren’t aware of,” she says. “Sorry. Not trying to freak you out or anything.”
“Why did you call me?” He demands.
“I want you to know that I turned myself in,” she says. “You gave me a lot of things to think about, Katsuki. I’m not meant to hurt people, I don’t think. I’m meant to care for them.”
“... That’s a shitty perspective for a villain to have,” he mumbles.
“I know,” Magne says quietly. “I’m not going to be a villain anymore. When I get out of here, I’m going to... help people. Or try to.”
“They’re letting you out?” He questions.
“In ten years,” she confirms. “I’ll still be alive by then. They’ve got reform programs-“
“Why are you telling me this?” He questions.
“Because you were my wake up call,” she admits. “... We should talk. In person.”
“Ten years is a long time to go without answers,” he growls. She chuckles.
“Sooner than that, Katsuki. You could visit me. They allow visitors in here, you know.”
“That’ll go over great,” he scoffs. “Me visiting one of my kidnappers. You requesting to see the kid that you held hostage.”
“It’s more common than you think for victims to visit their... assailants. I happen to know that All Might visits All For One. I saw him come in when they were locking me up.”
“... Huh,” Katsuki breathes. “Why should I?”
“I don’t know. To humor an old lady?”
“Not really my style,” he grumbles. “... You were nice to me when I was there.”
“Yes, I was.”
“You didn’t let me go, though.”
“... No,” she says quietly. “I didn’t.”
There’s a long pause of silence, and for a moment, Magne thinks he hung up on her.
“... Let me think about it,” he says after a while. She smiles a little.
“Visitation hours are on Saturdays,” she says. “Ask All Might if you can come with him.”
- - -
“It’s good to see you,” Magne says, smiling lightly at the boy sitting in front of her, his arms crossed defensively.
“... You look weird without your shades,” he says, tapping his temple. She chuckles.
“I know. They took away all my shit. Not that I was exactly a fashionista, but...” she shrugs. “What made you decide to come?”
“I’m chocking it up to morbid curiosity.”
“Uh huh. Are we far from UA?”
“Like I’d tell you that,” he scoffs. “Look, lady, let’s just get this over with. Spill your guts.”
“... Okay,” she nods. “The way you acted when we had y-... when you were in our care,” she starts. He rolls his eyes. “You weren’t yourself, were you?” He laughs bitterly.
“Does anyone act like themselves when they’re fucking tied up and sitting in their own filth?” He asks, leaning forward. She winces. “This is bullshit, fuck this,” he mutters, standing. “I don’t even know why I came.”
“Has it happened again?” She blurts out quickly. He stares at her for a long moment before sitting back down.
“... It’s been happening for a while,” he admits quietly. “Even before you... Even before.”
“Who knows?” She asks. He shrugs.
“No one important.”
“You should talk to someone about it. Someone professional.” He shakes his head a little, but doesn’t respond. She nods to his arm. “What happened there? A fight?”
He looks down at the bruise that she’s referring to. It’s a little faded, so it couldn’t be from his fight with Izuku.
His mother.
“Something like that,” he says quietly. She nods, understanding but not pushing it.
“... How’s your mental health?” She asks. “I’m sure what happened must have affected you.”
“About as bad as you’d expect,” he says, voice trembling dangerously. “Can’t sleep at night. Can barely eat. Fuckin’... everything makes me jump. Uh, I freak out when someone tries to touch me, I’m breaking out, my heart’s constantly racing, I’m pissin’ the bed... Every fucking thing that you can imagine.”
“Fuck,” Magne breathes. “I’m so sorry.”
“Yeah, I bet,” he whispers, wiping at his eyes. The action doesn’t stop his tears from spilling over, though. “God-! Damn it!” He squeaks, burying his face in his hands and starting to cry. Magne’s heart melts.
“Oh, kid,” she tuts. “I know.”
“Why didn’t you come?” He sobs. “You were good! Why didn’t you come wif’ me?!”
“It would’ve been too risky,” she says. “It wouldn’t have done you any good.”
“Yes it would,” he whimpers. “The heroes would help you. You could be good. An’ you wouldn’t have’ta be in here..!”
“It’s good for me to be in here,” she assures him. “I know you probably don’t understand that, but it is. Are you... you know?”
“S-Sorry,” he sobs, nodding.
“That’s okay, kid. You don’t have to apologize. You’re okay.” She wipes at her own eyes. “How often does it happen? A lot?”
“At n-night...”
“Every night?” She asks, shocked. He nods. “Oh, you poor thing. How do you handle it?”
“M-Mostly jus’ c-cry,” he admits, still sobbing. “M’sorry. S’weird.” She frowns deeply.
“It’s not. I wish you would find someone to take care of you, kid. You need to get help.” He doesn’t respond, pressing his hands harder against his eyes. “... Hey. C’mere.”
“H-Huh?” He asks, lifting his head. Magne opens his arms, and he sniffs. “There’s glass.”
“I know,” she says softly. “Just come.”
He stands up, hesitantly walking up to the barrier and then sitting down next to it. Magne presses her hand to the glass, and he mimics the motion, whimpering a little bit.
“Hey, kid.” The intercom crackles to life. “Step away from the glass.” Magne winces.
“It’s okay,” she whispers when he starts crying harder, curling into a ball. He looks at her with a panicked expression. “Shh. It’s alright.”
“Now, kid. Step away before we have to take action.” Magne pulls her hand away.
“Go on. I’m sorry.” Katsuki shakes his head, fisting his hair and wailing. “Katsuki, go.”
They end up dragging him out of the cell, kicking and screaming. Some attendant calms him down in the lobby while he waits for All Might to finish up. He’s stopped crying by the time his teacher walks in, but he’s still inconsolably upset.
“You ready to go?” He asks. Katsuki shrugs. “What’s wrong? Did she say something to you?” The attendant clears her throat.
“Bakugou here and our inmate seem to have a... special connection,” she says softly. “We’re hoping it’s not a Stockholm situation, but I think it’d be best if you spoke with his legal guardians about preventing him from coming back, sir.” All Might swallows.
“Is that true, Young Bakugou?” He asks. Katsuki looks away. All Might inhales sharply and turns back to the attendant. “This relationship... it’s not inappropriate, right?”
“Any relationship between a villain and their victim is inappropriate, sir,” she says curtly. “But it doesn’t appear to be unsavory, if that’s what you’re insinuating. More like a mother and her child.” All Might sighs with relief.
“Okay. Good. I’ll talk with his parents,” he confirms, turning to Katsuki. “Come on, Young Bakugou. Let’s get back to UA.”
Katsuki cries the whole way back.
Chapter 46: The Sniffles (w/ Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Katsuki comes down with a head cold.
Notes:
Okay so I know this isn’t technically next on my list of requests but I really wanted to do a fluffy chapter!! ;n;
CWs: referenced past child abuse, unsanitary (sickness talk, wetting, snot), medication talk, sensory overload
Chapter Text
“Bless you,” Eijirou says after Katsuki sneezes for what feels like the hundredth time today. “Are you coming down with something?”
“Ugh, don’t jinx me,” Katsuki says in a nasally tone, wiping his nose on his sleeve. “My head been cottony all fuckin’ week. It sucks.”
“Maybe you should go back to the dorms?” Eijirou suggests. “You shouldn’t be here if you’re feeling sick. It’s not healthy.”
“I’m trying to hold off for the real deal,” he explains. “Whenever I’m sick, I get, like, a week or two of prelude, then two or three days of full-blast Hell, and then I’m foggy for a bit until I get better. I’m saving up my absences for the full-blast Hell part.”
“Gotcha,” Eijirou nods. “Well, take it easy today, at least! Don’t push yourself!”
“The fuck kinda rhetoric is that for a hero to have?! I’ll always push myself!!!”
- - -
“Bakugou?”
Katsuki’s eyes crack open, and he immediately regrets it. His throat feels swollen and scratchy, his head is swimming, and his nose is so clogged that he can’t breathe through it.
“Ugh...” he groans, sniffing loudly and sitting up. His door creaks open. “... What do you want, Shitty Hair? It’s early.”
“Um... actually, you slept in,” Eijirou informs him. “I was coming to get you so we could walk to the caf together, but...”
“I’m sick,” Katsuki says, sniffling loudly.
“I can tell,” Eijirou laughs. “You want me to stick with you today? I can tell your dad right now and have Asui take notes for me.”
Normally, Katsuki would say no. He’s a seventeen year-old boy, and he’s going to be a pro hero one day. If he can’t handle a simple head cold alone, how can he expect to achieve his goals? But... he also really, really hates being sick. It makes him all whiny and foggy, and he’s positive he’s going to regress at some point over the next day or two, so...
“Yeah,” he nods, rubbing his head. “Ugh... ‘m gonna take some ibuprofen while you do all that. My head is killing me...”
“Sure thing,” Eijirou shoots him a wink.
When he gets back to the room, breakfast and water bottle in hand, Katsuki is sprawled out miserably on his bed, staring at the ceiling with an empty glare of disdain.
“Here,” Eijirou says, tossing him the water. “Drink while I get you set up.”
Katsuki complies, sipping at the water while Eijirou throws together a makeshift blanket fort, even digging out Katsuki’s stuffed animals to make it cozier. He sets a bowl of rice and fish in front of the blonde, grinning.
“Eat up! I kept it hot for you!” Katsuki takes a bite, humming a little in approval.
“Thanks,” he mumbles.
“No problem. Now, what genre are we thinking for a movie? Horror, or action?”
“... Action,” Katsuki smiles.
- - -
When Katsuki wakes up, he immediately starts to whine in discomfort, scrubbing at his eyes.
“Hey, sleepyhead,” Eijirou greets him softly, looking up from his phone and handing him his newly refilled water bottle. “Drink some more, you gotta stay hydrated. Did you want to finish the movie? You passed out halfway through.”
“No,” Katsuki sniffles obnoxiously, frowning.
“What’s wrong?” Eijirou asks.
“M’sicky,” he pouts, glaring at the floor. Eijirou blinks, realizing what’s going on.
“Are you small right now, ‘Suki?” He asks, sliding closer to his friend. Katsuki shrugs. “It’s okay, kiddo, can tell me. It’s why I’m here.”
“... Yes,” Katsuki admits, pinching his face in frustration. He sniffs again, kicking his feet and whining. “Mmm!”
“Aww, I know. You must be uncomfortable, huh?” Eijirou asks. Katsuki whines again in response. “Do you want to take some medicine? It’ll make your nose clear up.”
“It’s gro-o-oss,” Katsuki sobs dryly, still kicking his feet. Eijirou winces, sensing a tantrum coming on. He rubs Katsuki’s shoulder.
“I know, bug,” he muses. “But you’ll feel a lot better after. Do you want me to grab it?”
“Mmmph!” Katsuki whines again before blowing his nose directly into his shirt.
Gross. Eijirou‘s going to have to change him after he takes his medicine.
He quickly grabs the bottle of cold medicine from his room, making sure to grab the oral syringe he bought after the last time Katsuki got a head cold. That kid really does‘t like taking his medicine.
When he gets back into the room, Katsuki is crying, gripping his head and curled into a ball. His water bottle is laying open on its side, spilled all over the floor and Katsuki’s chest.
“Oh, poor kiddo,” he mumbles, crouching down to lift the water bottle. He sits down away from the spill and pulls Katsuki into his lap. “C’mon. Let’s take your medicine, and then we can go down to the baths, okay? The humidity will clear you out, and you’ll feel less icky afterwards. I’ll wash your hair for you.”
“O-Okay,” Katsuki whimpers, rubbing his eyes.
He opens his mouth for Eijirou, letting him squirt the medicine directly down his throat so he can’t taste it. Afterwards, he waits patiently on the bed while Eijirou picks out another set of pajamas for him, only whining a little bit at the loss of immediate attention.
When they get down to the baths, Eijirou helps Katsuki undress and step into the water. The blonde splashes around half-heartedly for a little bit, still sniffling miserably, before Eijirou starts to wash his hair.
He fills a cup with the warm bath water, instructing Katsuki to cover his eyes before he gently dumps it over his head, successfully drenching his locks. Then, he squirts a generous amount of baby shampoo into his hands and starts to lather it in, working small circles into Katsuki’s scalp. He does this for longer than necessary, knowing that it’ll help to soothe his friend’s sensory overload.
“Kiri,” Katsuki says quietly after a while.
“Hands over your eyes, buddy,” he reminds him gently. “What’s up?”
“M’sorry for bein’ a brat.”
Eijirou flinches a little bit at that, but he doesn’t stop moving his fingers.
Katsuki only calls himself a brat when he thinks he’s seriously messed up. It was his mother’s favorite insult to hurl, so for him to use it towards himself is bad news.
“You weren’t being a brat, honey. You’re just uncomfortable right now because you’re sick. I won’t blame your for that,” he says. Katsuki doesn’t respond, and he sighs. “You didn’t do anything wrong, kiddo. Did anyone get their feelings hurt?”
“... No,” he says quietly.
“That’s right. And am I upset?” He asks, filling up the cup so he can start to rinse his hair.
“Dunno,” he admits. Eijirou smiles.
“I’m not,” he confirms, filling the cup again. “And did anyone get any boo-boos?”
“Yes,” Katsuki mumbles. “My feet.”
“Well, then I guess you should say sorry to your feet,” Eijirou says, rinsing out the last of the soap. Katsuki nods a little bit.
“Sorry, feet,” he mumbles. Eijirou kisses the top of his head sweetly.
“They forgive you,” he promises. “Come on out, let’s dry you up. I’m gonna put some Vix on your chest and back.”
“Nooo, it smells funny,” he whines, scrunching his nose. Eijirou laughs.
“Don’t worry, I got the kind for infants. It doesn’t have a lot of scent to it.”
“... Fine,” he pouts.
When they get back to the room, Katsuki immediately curls up in Eijirou’s lap, clinging onto his neck with zero chance of letting go.
“You want to finish the movie?” He suggests.
“Nuh uh,” Katsuki shakes his head. “Sanrio.”
“Of course,” Eijirou chuckles. “Let me grab your pacifier and get the show set up, then we can get under some blankets, hm?”
“Yeah,” he nods.
- - -
“‘Suki, quit wiggling.”
It’s second day of Eijirou babysitting a sick Katsuki, and he literally has not let go of him all morning. He made Eijirou spoon feed him breakfast, it took him nearly half an hour to get him detached enough to get dressed, and giving him his medicine was a nightmare.
And now he won’t stop squirming.
“Knock it off, kiddo. Your bony butt keeps digging into my thighs,” he complains.
“No’s not!” Katsuki exclaims, voice raspy.
“Yes it is!” Eijirou sticks his tongue at him, digging his fingers into his sides. Katsuki tenses when he does so, and suddenly, his lap is wet. “... Oh. Shoot.”
“Sorry,” Katsuki whimpers, burying his face in Eijirou’s chest. His eyes are already filling with tears, but the redhead just pets his back.
“It’s okay, nothing a bath can’t fix, right?” Katsuki shrugs a little bit, fat tears rolling down his cheeks. “What happened, kiddo? Did you not realize you needed to go?”
“D-Didn’ wanna le’ go you,” he cries, tightening his grasp around Eijirou’s neck.
“‘Suki...” he sighs a little bit, thumbing at Katsuki’s cheeks. “Poor baby. You’re just feeling clingy today, huh?” Katsuki nods, still crying a bit. “That’s okay, kiddo. Let’s get cleaned up and then we can put some protection on you, okay?”
“M’kay,” he sniffles. “Kiri?”
“Yeah?”
“C’n I get a pop after?” He asks.
Aizawa picked up these popsicles yesterday morning specifically made to keep little kids hydrated and lower their temperatures. Eijirou’s been “treating” Katsuki every time he’s well-behaved (taking his medicine, telling Eijirou what movie he wants to watch, just about anything positive), but he’s really just giving them to him because he refuses to drink or take any pills for fever reduction.
“Sure, buddy. You can get a pop.”
- - -
Knock knock.
“Who is it?” Eijirou calls out. He’d get up to see for himself, but Katsuki’s still in his lap.
“Kami, Sero, and Jirou!” Mina calls out. “And me! Obviously. Can we come it?”
“Yeah, sure!”
The door slowly opens, revealing their friends.
“Hey, guys,” Mina says, softer this time. “How you doing, Bakubaby? Are you still sick?”
“Mhm,” Katsuki sniffles.
“Poor kid,” Jirou frowns.
“So, we brought you some stuff,” Sero says, dumping his armful of gifts in front of the pair. “Let’s see, we’ve got a mini humidifier, some sore throat lollipops, a pacifier that reads your temperature, and uh... what’s this again?”
“It’s a scented stuffie!” Mina chirps, picking up the stuffed dinosaur. “It smells like mint. You can freeze it or warm it up, but if he’s feverish then I probably wouldn’t heat it.”
Katsuki’s eyes widen a little bit, and he reaches for the dinosaur, inhaling as much of it’s scent as he can through his stuffed nose.
“Mm!” He hums in approval. “T’ank you...”
“You’re welcome!” they all chime at once.
“Where’d you guys get all this?” Eijirou asks, marveling at the pile.
“I gave everyone money from some music gigs and we went to the mall,” Jirou says. “Those baby stores have a lot of stuff for sick kids.”
“Aizawa Sensei gave you permission?”
“He’s the one who drove us,” Kaminari laughs. “Do you like them, Bakugou?”
For the first time all day, Katsuki willingly detaches himself from Eijirou, kneeling in front of his friends and opening his arms. Immediately, they dive towards him, giving him affectionate squeezes and head pats.
“We hope you get better soon, baby!” Mina wails, rubbing her cheek against his.
“Okay Mimi,” he nods very seriously, crawling into her lap. “Gimme hug?”
“Aww,” she coos. “Of course, baby boy.”
Eijirou smiles fondly, before wincing when Katsuki sneezes directly on Mina’s face.
“... Oops,” he mumbles around his pacifier.
Chapter 47: Water Park (w/ Dad Might)
Summary:
Katsuki has a nightmare on a class trip, and All Might is the only one around to comfort him.
Notes:
CW for: emetophobia, bad nightmare aftermath, and a very very light amount of misunderstandings with regards to regression (nothing gross dw!!)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“No,” Katsuki whispers in disbelief, staring at the paper in front of him. “Fuck no!!”
“I told you he wouldn’t be happy,” Yamada mumbles. Aizawa sighs.
“The only reason you’re with him is because I’ll be right next door, don’t worry,” he says.
“Why can’t I just stay with you?!”
“I’m generally tasked with ‘problem children’ during school outings. Iida and Todoroki will be staying in my room.” Katsuki scoffs.
“Okay, so?! What about you, Papa?”
“They needed a teacher who knows sign language to stay with Koda, and he and Ojirou requested ahead of time that they be paired together,” he explains sheepishly.
“Well, fuck this, then. I’m not going.”
“Katsuki, you know we can’t leave you alone for an entire weekend. What if something happens while we’re gone?” Aizawa reminds him. “You need someone with you.”
“I’m not staying with them! It’s humiliating!”
Class 1-A is being gifted a trip to a water resort and hotel, all to themselves. Whoever sponsors the park clearly felt bad that the students had to go through so much (especially at their age) and had bought day tickets and hotel rooms for all of them (including staff). However, due to UA policy, this meant that there would be two students and a staff member in every room.
Katsuki has just been informed who he will be rooming with, hence the outburst.
Izuku and All Might.
“You’ll be fine, it’s only two nights. You don’t have to stay with them when we’re at the park,” Aizawa reminds him. Katsuki huffs.
“You planned this. This is one of your stupid fucking bonding exercises, isn’t it?” He accuses his father. Aizawa rolls his eyes.
“If I wanted you to bond with Midoriya, I’d invite him over to the house, not lock you two in a room together. You literally only need to be in there to sleep. You can spend every other second at the hotel in my room,” he promises. “I only wanted you next to me.”
“Where’s Shitty Hair staying?” He demands.
“Er...” Yamada frowns a little bit. “Well...”
“What?” He questions, narrowing his eyes.
“Oh, hey, is that my packet?” Hitoshi asks, walking into the room. Yamada’s face goes pale, and Aizawa closes his eyes. The lavender haired teen opens it up and grins. “Oh, sick! I get to sit at the back of the bus! And Kirishima’s my roommate, huh? Cool.”
“... YOU’RE FUCKING KIDDING ME!” Katsuki shrieks, lunging for Hitoshi. Aizawa intervenes quickly, separating the two.
“Hey, not cool!” He scolds.
“FUCK OFF, HITOSHI! I’M TAKING YOUR BED, GIVE ME THAT PAPER, NOW!”
“Holy shit!” Hitoshi laughs in disbelief. “No, dude! I’m not giving you my bed!”
“Ectoplasm is their chaperone,” Aizawa explains lightly, still holding Katsuki back. “You’re terrified of him.”
“... No I’m not,” the blonde denies, stiffening. Aizawa gives him an unconvinced look.
“You are. Especially when you’re regressed,” he says. “If you were to have a nightmare and wake up feeling small, it could send you head first into a panic attack, Katsuki.”
“Then switch Deku with Kirishima!” He shouts, squirming away from Aizawa. “If I HAVE to stay with fucking All Might, can’t I at least have my roommate be someone tolerable?”
“He specifically requested to stay with All Might, and vice versa.” Katsuki glowers.
“I’ll talk with him then.”
- - -
“Switch with Kirishima.”
“Kaachan?!”
“Did you hear me?!” He demands.
“U-Uh, yes! Why do you want me to switch with Kirishima-kun?” He asks. Katsuki scoffs.
“Because I want to room with someone who isn’t a total ass,” he says. “Do you mind Ectoplasm? He’s the chaperone.”
“Why don’t you just swi-“
“My dad wants me in the room next to him,” he says. “Answer my question. Do you care?”
“Ectoplasm? He’s alright.” He rubs the back of his neck. “Er, but... you’re the only other one who knows about One For All...”
“So? Do you two have big quirk-related plans?” He rolls his eyes. “It’ll be fine.”
“... U-Uh...” Izuku swallows thickly. “I really don’t know, Kaachan. I’m sorry.”
“You room with All Might every trip, Deku.”
“Right but-“
“Hitoshi will be your roommate,” he says quickly. Izuku’s eyes light up.
“Shinsou-kun?”
“Yep. So you can do all those... fuckin’ friendship bonding exercise thingies that you do,” he waves dismissively, knowing that Izuku has been relishing in the opportunity to befriend his brother. “So?”
“... I guess,” Izuku sighs. “But you owe me, Kaachan! You have to come over for dinner when we get back from the resort!”
“Fine,” Katsuki hisses. “But ONLY because Auntie’s fuckin’ cool, understand?!”
“R-Right, yeah. I’ll tell All Might right now before we head out!” He says, running towards the pro hero to inform him.
Katsuki makes a beeline for Jirou when he boards the bus. She raises an eyebrow at him.
“You good?” She asks.
“Peachy,” he grunts.
- - -
“I got us matching swim trunks!” Eijirou shouts from where he’s changing in the bathroom.
“I brought my own shit!” Katsuki shouts back, frowning. He can practically hear Eijirou rolling his eyes before he opens the door and sees it.
“I’m not letting you wear clothes in the pool,” he says, placing his hands on his hips. Katsuki looks down at his swimsuit and snorts.
“I’m not wearing fucking shark swim trunks, Shitty Hair,” he says. Eijirou purses his lips.
“Yes you are,” he says.
“I think I’ll stick with my leggings th-“
“KATSUKI!” Eijirou shouts in alarm. Katsuki jumps, his heart hammering.
“WHAT, WHAT?!”
“You were gonna wear LEGGINGS?!”
“Jesus CHRIST, Kirishima! You scared the shit out of me!” He places a hand on his chest, feeling his rapid pulse against his palm.
“Sorry,” Eijirou says sheepishly, laughing a little bit. “But you can’t wear leggings in the water, man! That’ll be so uncomfortable!”
“Yeah, well, it’s my only option,” he hisses. “I forgot to bring basketball shorts.”
“What are you gonna wear to bed?”
“Boxers.”
“Mhm. You’re wrong, though,” he says.
“Hah? No I’m not! You can look in my back right now, I don’t have any-“
“It’s not your only option,” Eijirou interrupts in a sing-song voice, holding the swimming trunks out. Katsuki eyes them warily, then huffs.
“Leggings do sound really fucking uncomfortable,” he grumbles, snatching them away and storming into the bathroom.
Someone knocks on the door, and Eijirou opens it, revealing All Might wearing a beat up t-shirt and American flag trunks.
“Nice outfit!” He compliments.
“Thank you, Young Kirishima,” the hero says, smiling a little bit. “Are you guys almost ready? The others are starting to gather in the lobby.”
“Almost! Bakugou’s just getting changed.”
“Alright. Be down there in five?”
“Sure!”
As soon as the pair arrives downstairs, their friends start to hound on them.
“Aww! That’s so cute!” Mina squeals. “Jirou, we should have gotten matching suits!”
“... I don’t think so,” Jirou says, eyeing Mina’s bikini warily. “Besides, I’ll be with Momo all day. Things like this make her anxious.”
“It’s not cute,” Kaminari cackles, wiping away a tear of amusement. “It’s hilarious!”
“Hey! I think it’s cool!” Eijirou pouts.
“It’s so lame, dude! You look like dorks!”
“And you look like you’re about two seconds away from becoming ash,” Katsuki growls. “Where the Hell is Tape Ass?”
“Coming!” Sero shouts from behind them, running up to the group. Kaminari’s face falls. “Oh shit, Denks, check it! We’re matching!”
He pulls at his swim trunks, donned with different fast food doodles. Kaminari groans.
“Screw you, universe,” he grumbles.
- - -
The resort is... pretty fun, actually. Everyone takes turns racing each other down the water slides, Momo and Jirou spend hours floating around the lazy river, Kaminari throws up on one of the splash rides... it’s awesome.
They break for dinner around 18:30, Aizawa buying pizza and sodas for everyone. The park vendors are clearly starstruck about their guests, because they all take their breaks at that time as well so they can eat with them.
“Man, I’m starved!” Eijirou announces, scarfing his second piece of pizza down.
“Slow down,” Katsuki scolds. “You’ll get sick.”
“No’won’!” Eijirou insists through a mouthful of food. Kaminari giggles next to him.
“I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone with an appetite as big as Kiri’s,” he says.
“Um, hello?” Mina says. “Momo’s eating, like, every five minutes. She’s always hungry!”
“Yeah, but that’s because of her quirk,” Sero points out. “Kirishima’s just a bottomless pit with no rhyme or reason.”
“I’m not a pit,” Eijirou defends himself. He turns to Katsuki. “Am I a pit, Bakugou?”
“... Well,” Katsuki looks at the already half-eaten pizza and snorts. “Yeah, you are.”
“Man, whatever,” Eijirou huffs, reaching for another slice. “The way to a hero’s heart is through their stomach! Right, Momo?”
“U-Um, sure!” She agrees, smiling a little.
“Don’t think I didn’t catch that Princess and the Frog reference, you fucking dork,” Katsuki whispers to him, smirking. Eijirou hums.
“Well, you recognized it, so...” he sticks his tongue out at him. “Double dork.”
- - -
By the time they get back to the hotel room, Katsuki is so tired that all he can do is mindlessly change into his pajamas, not even bothering to shower, and flop onto the cot set up between two beds. He can’t find the energy to argue with Eijirou about who has to sleep on the creaky thing, nor can he muster the strength to be bothered by the fact that he’s passed the fuck out in front of his idol.
Unfortunately for him, he wrenches up with a gasp in the early hours of the morning, his dreams startling him awake again. He knew that it was going to happen; he always has nightmares when he sleeps in an unfamiliar setting, and it was only by some miracle of God that he didn’t have one last night. He can’t get lucky two nights in a row.
With tears in his eyes, he shakily gets out of bed, planning to wake Eijirou up and have him snuggle him until he calms down. To his dismay, though, Eijirou isn’t in his bed, and a fearful sob escapes his lips.
“Kiri,” he tries to whimper, but no sound comes out. He’s about to attempt screaming bloody murder when he sees the bathroom light is on.
And the door is open.
Huh.
He crawls over to the bathroom, too far into his headspace and trembling too much to even try walking on two legs. He finds Eijirou hunched over the toilet, skin pale and clammy.
“K-i-iri?” He croaks out. Eijirou looks up.
“H-Hey, kiddo. Did you have a nightmare?” He asks, his voice wavering. Katsuki nods.
“Hol’ me, please,” he says, tears rolling down his face. Eijirou winces, pitching his head over the toilet again and throwing up. “Y’ sicky?”
“Yeah, buddy,” he wheezes. “I’m sicky. I think I swallowed too much pool water. O-Or ate too much pizza. Can you get All Might?”
“U-Um...” he looks back into the dark bedroom warily. “S’too scary,” he whines.
“Reach up and turn the light on,” Eijirou says, letting his eyes fall shut for a moment while this wave of nausea passes. “Wake hi-im up and tell him what’s going on.”
“Mm...” Katsuki presses his lips together and knits his brow, but nods.
He manages to rise to his knees, flicking the light switch on. All Might stirs in his sleep, and Katsuki starts to make his way over to him.
“A-All Mi-ight,” he sobs when he gets there, shaking the man awake. He blinks his eyes open, immediately sitting up when he sees how panicked Katsuki looks.
“What happened? Is everything okay?”
“K-Kiri’s f’rowin up,” he says, rubbing his eyes.
“Oh, um. M-My stomach...” he winces. “I can’t afford to get a stomach virus. I’ll go get Aizawa.” It’s then that he registers Katsuki’s uncharacteristic behavior. “Oooh. You’re...?”
“H-Huh?” Katsuki questions, confused.
“... Never mind,” he mutters, stepping out of bed and walking to the bathroom. “Young Kirishima? Young Bakugou informed me that you’re feeling ill. I can’t assist you because of a medical condition, but I’m going to go get Aizawa Sensei. Hang tight?”
“Sure,” Eijirou groans, gagging a little bit. “A-All Might! Bakugou, he’s-“
“I know,” All Might says. “I’ll take care of it when I get back. I’ll only be a minute.”
As soon as he’s out of the room, Katsuki crawls into the bathroom, still crying.
“Kiriiiii,” he whines, laying his head in the other’s lap. Eijirou sighs and wipes away his tears, resting his head against the toilet seat.
“Hey, kiddo,” he says weakly. “You should go wait on the bed. I don’t wanna get you sick.”
“Miss you,” he whimpers.
“I’m right here, bug,” he says, running his hands through Katsuki’s hair languidly. “And I’ll be right there in the morning. I just have to go get some medicine to make my tummy all better, okay? But I don’t want you throwing up too, sweetie. It feels really bad.”
“Hurts?”
“Mhm,” Eijirou confirms. He makes a sharp noise of pain, then pushes Katsuki away just in time to vomit some more.
“I-I’m sorry for you!” Katsuki gasps, backing away. “I’m sorry your tummy hurts!”
“It’s okay, ‘Suki,” he assures him. “Go wait.”
When Aizawa comes into the room, Eijirou throws up on his shirt, and Katsuki barely gets to even say ‘hello’ to his father before he’s helping his limp student walk out the door. Leaving him completely alone.
With All Might.
The lanky man closes the door with a heavy sigh, making a quick call to the housekeeper before going to sit on his bed.
“You can go back to sleep,” he tells Katsuki. “The cleaning ladies won’t be long.”
“Nuh uh,” Katsuki shakes his head, and although he’s stopped crying, his voice still comes out as a whine. “S’too scary.”
“Ah, right, you...” he clears his throat. “Are you having a panic attack?” Katsuki sniffles.
“No.”
“Are you experiencing any extreme spikes in your symptoms of mental illness?”
“... Wha’?”
“You... you really are just a little kid, huh?” He realizes, chuckling a little. “Can I hug you? Is that overstepping any boundaries?”
“Hol’ me,” Katsuki nods, opening his arms.
All Might walks over and picks him up (straining more than he’d like to admit), then sits down on his bed, holding Katsuki in his lap. He presses the blonde’s temple to his chest so he can listen to his heartbeat, something that his mother used to do for him when he was young. Katsuki seems to calm down a little at that, because he exhales softly, shoulders relaxing as he sticks his thumb in his mouth.
“Wait, no,” All Might says, tugging gently at his hand. “You were around Young Kirishima when he was throwing up. After the bathroom is disinfected, I’ll help you wash your hands, and then you need to use your...” he seems at a loss for words, frowning. “The, er... plastic...”
“Binky?” Katsuki guesses. All Might nods. “Don’ have one. Gotta use my thumb.”
“Well...” he deflates a bit. “Well, at least we’ll get your hands clean first, okay?”
“M’kay,” Katsuki mumbles, nuzzling further into his teacher’s chest. He smells of smoke and some kind of animal fur, probably a dog. It’s different, but it’s comforting nonetheless.
The cleaning crew works fast, and All Might gives them each a wildly generous tip for their quick work at such an indecent hour.
He takes a sleepy Katsuki by the hand and leads him to the bathroom sink, squirting a small dollop of soap in his hands and guiding them under the lukewarm water.
“Wish wash, wish wash,” Katsuki murmurs, yawning. All Might chuckles a little.
“Yeah. ‘Wish wash.’”
By the time he’s finished washing his hands, he’s practically falling asleep standing up, so All Might does his best to wrap him around his middle. At least he won’t have to fight him about going to bed.
He tries to lay Katsuki down in his cot, but the blonde whines and clings to his neck, eyes remaining shut and thumb still in his mouth.
“You have to let go so I can tuck you in,” All Might whispers. Katsuki whines again and shakes his head. “Kid, I know you don’t want to sleep on your own, but I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to...”
He huffs gently, trying his best to remind himself that Katsuki doesn’t have the mindset of a teenage boy right now. He imagines him as an actual child, three or four years old. He imagines a scared little four year old boy, clinging to him and asking to sleep in his bed, because his parents aren’t around, and All Might is all he has at the moment.
“... Alright, come here,” he mumbles, tugging Katsuki up again and moving to his bed.
Once they’re laying down, All Might reaches over and turns the light out. Katsuki snuggles into him, fisting his shirt with his free hand.
“Goodnight, Young Bakugou,” he whispers.
“Nigh’,” Katsuki whispers back.
Notes:
Ahh I love All Might but I’m so bad at writing him :((((
Chapter 48: R-Rated (w/ Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Katsuki accidentally wanders into a horror movie showing.
Notes:
CW: very minor slasher movie talk (mentions of blood + screaming + a murderer), references to katsuki’s past bullying, unsanitary (wetting), light food talk/dieting mention, and panic attacks
Chapter Text
“Do you guys want to go see a movie?” Sero suggests, looking up from his phone.
“Fuck that. It’s too hot to move,” Katsuki complains. Mina clicks her tongue.
“I don’t know. I think theaters have air conditioning, at least,” she says. “It’d be nice to get out of this death trap, right?”
“They said the AC would be fixed in an hour or two,” Eijirou points out.
“Perfect amount of time to catch a movie,” Kaminari says coyly, kneeing Katsuki.
“... We better be seeing something good,” he grumbles, still refusing to move.
The group cheers.
They end up picking out a hero documentary, because the only other showings are some R-rated slasher flick that they wouldn’t be able to watch without parental consent and some boring remake of an old sci-fi flick, and also because of COURSE they do, they’re a bunch of nerds, why wouldn’t they?
“Aw man, the food line is so long!” Sero whines when he sees it. Katsuki snorts.
“You’re actually gonna eat that crap?” He questions. The group stares at him blankly. “Wait, you’re ALL gonna eat that crap?!”
“It’s good food!” Kaminari says.
“It’s so bad for you! We’re in hero training!” He argues. Mina rolls her eyes.
“We don’t judge you when you pour half a can of red chili flakes on your noodles,” she says. “C’mon, Bakugou! Live a little!”
“Oh, believe me, I’ll be living for VERY little if I put that shit in my digestive system,” he jokes. Eijirou snickers behind him.
“Yeah, guys! Bakugou’s got a sensitive tummy!” He teases, poking his friend in the gut. “He may be able to withstand the molten lava that is his cooking, but if he eats junk food he gets a bad bellyache.”
“Oh, fuck off,” Katsuki snarls, slapping his hand away. He shoves his hand in his pockets, storming off. “I’m going to watch the movie! Don’t blame me when you miss the opening scene, shit heads!”
He ignores their amused tittering as his stomps away, into the first theater on the left. He doesn’t pay attention to the sign on the door, but he needs some time to cool off anyways; if it’s the wrong movie, he’ll watch a little bit of it to calm him rage (and maybe to piss off his friends a little bit, too).
He absentmindedly scrolls through his phone while the trailers play, only opting to turn it off when the movie actually starts. It‘s pretty clear early on that he’s in the wrong theater, but he knows his gaggle of idiots are probably still waiting in line, so he stays put.
This becomes a problem when he realizes with dread that not only is he not watching the right movie, he’s watching the aforementioned R-rated slasher flick.
Now, Katsuki can stomach violence without a problem. He’s going to be a hero, he knows how to handle a little blood. What he CAN’T handle is over the top gore, suspense, jumpscares, torture, basically everything that comes with modern day horror movies.
As soon as the killer is introduced, he stands to leave, not wanting to further ruin his already not-so-great day by triggering himself, but someone’s legs are blocking the aisle.
“Oi, move it,” he whispers loudly.
“Do you know who I am?” The kid asks, not moving his legs. Katsuki rolls his eyes.
“Y-Yeah, a fuckin’ pest. Get out of my way.”
“I don’t have to do shit for you. You made me miserable in middle school,” the kid hisses back. Katsuki’s heart sinks.
He vaguely recognizes this guy. It’s of the people that him and his posse used to bully. He can’t remember his name, but...
“I’m sorry,” he says genuinely. “That was a long time ago. I’m different now, I swear. But I’m in the wrong theater, so-“
“Shh!” Someone hisses behind him. “Sit down, kid! You’re blocking the screen!”
“Better go back to your seat,” his tormentor whispers, grinning. “Don’t ruin the movie for everyone, Bakugou.”
‘Fine. Whatever,’ Katsuki thinks, turning around. ‘I’ll just go the other way.’
That’s a good enough plan, until he runs into an old lady snoring away in one of the seats. Her large, serpent-like lower half is blocking the aisle. He groans quietly in frustration and reaches down to shake her, but-
“Don’t touch my grandma, you little creep,” a man growls. He starts and backs away.
“N-No, I was just-“
“Just go back to your seat!”
“I’m in the wrong theater,” Katsuki tries to stress. The man rolls his eyes.
“Good for you. Some of us paid a lot of money to see this, though, so...”
He sighs in defeat and retreats back to his chair, figuring he can at least scroll through his phone for the next two hours, but that plan fails too when the woman sitting next to him sends him a very nasty glare.
“Sorry,” he whispers, putting it back in his pocket. It didn’t even occur to him to text Eijirou and inform him of his whereabouts.
He rests his chin on his hand and tries as hard as he can to space out, but when there’s a huge screen and loud speakers specifically designed to grab your attention...
It’s almost laughable how quickly he regresses. One minute, he’s mildly annoyed, and the next minute he’s shivering and curling his knees to his chest. The room feels very cold, and he feels very small, and no one in his aisle is being kind to him.
At the very least, the movie isn’t as scary as he thought it would be. It’s a lot of people fighting, which brings back some bad memories, but if he puts his hands over his ears it’s not so bad and-
Woah. Nope. Never mind. That’s a lot of blood.
A LOT of blood.
He hears nothing as his head rushes, practically feeling his face pale. He’s doing a lot more than just shivering, now, he’s practically vibrating with terror. He makes a very undignified squeak and buries his face into his knees as he starts to cry.
Someone behind him taps his shoulder, and he nearly jumps out of his skin.
“Sorry,” the young woman apologizes, clearly not having meant to startle him. “Just, um, would you mind sitting normally? My boyfriend is having some trouble seeing.”
“Mhm,” he nods, wiping his face on his pants before he does so. “S-Sorry.”
No matter how much he squeezes his eyes shut, how hard he presses down on his ears, he can’t escape the fear that courses through his veins. He’s openly sobbing now, but the screams of fictional victims cover up the noise.
His eyes fly open when he feels his lap grow wet. He wants to cross his legs, or press a hand to his pants, or SOMETHING, ANYTHING to stop himself from humiliating himself further, but he’s completely frozen in place. He can do nothing more than whimper silently when he feels his urine spill over the seat and onto the floor, eyes glued to the screen.
He didn’t even know he had to go.
He’s not entirely sure how long he stays there after that, hands cupping his ears with so much pressure that his knuckles turn white, tears streaming down his face, pants soaked and body trembling. He started dissociating sometime after he wet himself... or maybe having a flashback, he can’t really tell. He knows he spaced out either way, because he doesn’t even register that Eijirou found him until he’s right in front of him.
“Kiri!” He whimpers desperately, immediately getting out of his seat to cling onto him.
“Hey, hey,” Eijirou says, knitting his brow in concern. “What happened, honey? Did you get lost? Why didn’t you just call me?”
Katsuki doesn’t respond, and Eijirou doesn’t hear but FEELS the sob that wracks his poor, trembling body. He decides that before he can ask any questions, he needs to get Katsuki out of here. He picks him up, guiding his shaky legs around his waist and trying not to startle when he feels how wet the seat of his pants is.
When they’re in the hallway, he tries to set the blonde down on the floor so he can assess the situation, but Katsuki makes a panicked whine and digs his nails into Eijirou’s back.
“Don’ go,” he sobs. Eijirou frowns deeply.
“I’m not going,” he promises, turning around so he can sit with his back against the wall. He adjusts Katsuki so he’s sitting comfortably in his lap and starts to stroke his back. “I’m right here, sweet boy. I’m gonna call Mina now, okay? They’re all still watching the movie.”
Katsuki doesn’t respond, doesn’t even nod, and Eijirou’s heart aches with worry. He pulls out his phone and dials Mina’s number, hoping that she’d listened to him.
He’d gotten up to use the bathroom a few minutes ago, and when he came back and realized he still didn’t see Katsuki in any of the aisles, he instructed Mina to turn her phone on while he went to look for him.
He searched in every theater, even the empty ones, his panic growing fiercer with each letdown. You can imagine the overwhelming mix of relief when he finally found Katsuki, and the concern when he saw the state he was in.
Luckily for them, Mina picks up after the third ring, and Eijirou sees her stumbling out of the theater, phone pressed to her ear.
“Hello?”
“Mina!” He calls out. “Over here!”
She trots over to them, a worried expression on her face as she crouches down.
“What happened? Is he okay?”
“I don’t know,” Eijirou admits. “He won’t talk to me at all. He’s just crying.”
“Where was he?”
“That theater,” he says, nodding to the door. Mina looks up at the sign and bites her lip.
“That’s that horror movie...”
“Yeah, I know. I don’t know how he ended up in there, but...” he sighs, moving his hand to the back of Katsuki’s neck, starting to rock him back and forth. “I need to get him home.”
“Okay. Do you want us to come, or-“
“You guys stay,” he says quickly, not wanting to embarrass Katsuki. “I just wanted to let you know so you wouldn’t worry.”
“Okay. I’ll let the others know,” she nods, standing up. “Feel better soon, baby.”
She doesn’t touch him, which Eijirou appreciates. He has a feeling that there are very few people that should make contact with Katsuki right now, and she’s not one of them.
“C’mon, kiddo,” he prompts when Mina’s out of sight, standing up. “Let’s get you home, okay?” Katsuki pulls away from his neck so he can nod at him, still crying, before he burrows his face back in. Eijirou’s heart breaks. “Yeah? You wanna go home, huh, bubby? We’ll get you in a nice bath, dress you in some jammies, get a snack, watch some cartoons...? Does that sound good, sweet boy?”
“U-Uh huh,” he whines, muffled by Eijirou’s shirt. Eijirou tuts and wraps his arms around him tighter, feeling especially protective.
Katsuki’s cries quiet down by the time they’re on the train, but he’s still teary and VERY clingy, refusing to move off of Eijirou’s lap. To be fair, it takes very little to convince the redhead NOT to hold the boy as close to him as possible, but he still sighs when he imagines dealing with any possible photos.
(Not that the photographers would be able to do anything without a serious lawsuit from the Aizawa-Yamada family.)
“Hold on tight,” he whispers when they reach their stop, only a minute’s walk from UA. Katsuki nods and squeezes his shoulders, trying his hardest to hold up his weight as Eijirou carries him back.
As soon as they get to the dorms, Eijirou runs a bath for Katsuki, allowing the blonde to hug his arm to his chest the whole time. He makes quick work of washing the boy down, noticing the chafing irritation on his inner thighs. Once he’s deemed clean enough, Eijirou smears some rash cream and sprinkles some baby powder on his lower half before helping him into a pull-up. Normally, Katsuki would get embarrassed and angry about this, but he just rests his head against Eijirou and sticks his thumb in his mouth.
“Are you ready to talk yet, honey?” He asks after helping Katsuki step into his pajamas. He receives a shrug. “Okay. Can I ask questions?”
“... Binky,” he whispers after a while. Eijirou nods and hands him his pacifier. “T’anks.”
“You’re welcome, kiddo,” he says softly. “Do you know how you ended up in that theater?”
“I’s hidin’,” he mumbles, picking up a stuffed rabbit and holding it to his chest.
“You were hiding? Who were you hiding from?”
“I jus’ got mad.”
“Ohh, you were trying to cool down?” Katsuki nods. “Okay. Why didn’t you leave after?”
“... I tw-... I tried... but...” he makes a pinched face, and Eijirou reaches out to rub his cheek.
“You don’t have to say,” he assures him. “Can you tell me what spooked you?”
“Th-... u-um... scary movie...”
“Okay,” Eijirou sighs with relief. He’d been hoping it was just the movie and not a person that triggered Katsuki. “And your accident-“
“Stop,” he mutters, sniffling and glaring at his lap. Eijirou nods. He won’t push, then.
“Alright. I think that’s enough talking for now. Do you want to get a snack?”
“No,” Katsuki says quietly. “Wan’ cuddles.”
“Well, lucky for you, the AC is back on, so we can have all the cuddles you want,” Eijirou promises, opening his arms.
Katsuki immediately climbs into his lap, and the redhead can’t help but feel more than a little worried about it. It’s normal for Katsuki to seek out physical comfort when he’s upset and regressed at the same time, but he’s usually very expressive when he does so. He’ll kick and scream and whine, but he only goes silent when something’s really wrong.
“Hey, kiddo,” he whispers, smoothing Katsuki’s hair back. “Are you feeling alright? Are you sure it’s just the movie that’s bugging you?”
“... S’watch Sanrio,” Katsuki mumbles, picking absentmindedly at Eijirou’s shirt.
“... Okay,” Eijirou agrees quietly.
He’ll talk when he’s ready.
Chapter 49: In The Beginning (w/ Auntie Inko)
Summary:
Katsuki has been regressing since the night of the Slime Monster Incident.
Notes:
MAJOR CWS: explicit child abuse (yelling, hitting, neglect), mental health issues, su/c/dal thoughts, creepy nightmares, suffocation, unsanitary (bed-wetting, a very light gagging scene at the beginning), and dissociation
THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS ACTUAL SCENES OF MITSUKI + MASARU BEING BAD PARENTS. If you are easily triggered by that, PLEASE skip this one. Be safe :(
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Sludge.
Down his throat, in his ears, squeezing his belly. Clogging his hands. Everywhere.
He tries to scream, but it’s all inside of him. If someone doesn’t help soon, he’s going to die.
And the sad thing is, part of him doesn’t care. Part of him almost encourages it.
His eyes fly open, and he gasps loudly. He pats down his arms, his legs. His chest. Coughs twice to make sure his throat is clear, then makes himself gag just in case.
His head still hurts from the beating and screaming session with his mother earlier. His neck is killing him and his mouth is dry. His heart is racing in his chest, shaking his ribs.
He’s alive.
He’s here.
He starts to cry.
“God,” he whimpers, desperately wiping away his tears and sniffling loudly.
What kind of dream was that?
He feels so weird. Scared, and sad, but also... empty. Like how used to feel when he got sent to bed without dinner and inevitably cried himself to sleep, but... amplified.
He wants his mother.
His hands shake as he reaches for a pillow to clutch to his chest, and then his legs when he tosses them over the side of his bed. He flicks on every light switch he passes as he speed walks to his parent’s bedroom, irrationally afraid of creatures that lurk in the dark.
“Mom,” he whispers, standing over her sleeping form. She doesn’t move. “Mom!”
“What, Katsuki?” She mumbles in an annoyed tone, not opening her eyes. He tightens his grip on his pillow, cheeks darkening.
“I h-had a nightmare,” he sniffles. “M’scared. Can I sleep with you? Please?”
“You’re fourteen years old, sleep in your own bed,” she grumbles, turning over.
“Wha’s goin’ on?” Masaru slurs, sitting up.
“The brat’s pestering me,” Mitsuki says.
“Katsuki, we’ve got work in the morning,” Masaru sighs, laying back down.
“Mama,” he whines. “Please, I-“
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Katsuki,” she hisses, sitting up and glaring at him. “GO. TO. BED.”
He runs back to his room, throwing himself onto his bed and sobbing into his pillow. Why would Mama do that to him? Why doesn’t she protect him anymore? Why does Daddy not care about it? What did he do wrong?
He hasn’t felt like this in a long time. Maybe ever. He feels weepy and dehydrated and panicky and a little sick and... small.
He feels small.
He doesn’t sleep much that night. He watches a lighthearted show on his phone and squeezes his pillow like a lifeline and chews a hole into the collar of his pajama shirt. His parents don’t say goodbye to him when they leave in the morning, they never do anymore, and he spends his Saturday morning passed out on the living room couch.
When he wakes up, he feels more like himself.
He hates it.
- - -
“Ow!” Katsuki gasps, his butt hitting the ground. His friend laughs, nudging his leg with his foot. “What was that for?!”
“We...” his face falls a little bit. “Have you not been paying attention, dude?”
“H-Huh?” Katsuki questions, standing up on shaky legs. “What? What’d I miss?”
“... Y’know, Tsubasu tripped Mogi, Mogi tripped me, and then I...” he furrows his brow. “Dude, are you... crying?”
Katsuki’s hand flies to his face, and he quickly wipes away the stray tear. He yells some half-assed expletive and lets off a blast or two before running away, towards his house.
What. The FUCK. Is wrong with him.
He ignore’s Masaru’s greeting and storms up to his room, locking the door behind him.
He cries into his pillow for a long while, his mind too distant to do much else. He can’t shake this feeling, this... brain fog that makes all of his emotions spill over. He desperately clutches for any grasp of security that he can manage on his own, which makes zero fucking sense, because he’s fourteen years old, he doesn’t need this shit, he’s gonna be the number one hero, he doesn’t need comfort-
He’s not sure when he drifts off, but it’s just before dinner time when he wakes up. His mother is going to chew him out for leaving her to do all the food prep, but he has more pressing matters to deal with at the moment.
Like the fact that he’s sucking his thumb.
He rips the appendage out of his mouth like it physically burned him, staring at the wrinkled skin in bewilderment. He’s NEVER sucked his thumb before. Not even when he was little!
He doesn’t get much time to dwell on it, though, because suddenly Mitsuki is pounding on his door, demanding he come to dinner.
“You’re still in your uniform,” Mitsuki points out through a mouthful of rice.
“Yeah,” he says quietly.
“Why?”
“... I’unno,” he shrugs. “Fell asleep.”
“Yeah?” She snorts. “What, middle school was so tough for you? You tucker yourself out pulling on girl’s pigtails and taking spelling tests?” Masaru touches her arm.
“Love, I know you’re upset, but-“
“Yeah, no shit I’m upset, Masa!” She shouts, slamming her chopsticks down on the table. Katsuki flinches, staring down at his food. “Katsuki, when school ends, you have two rules. Two of them. What are they?”
“... C’m h ... an’ m ... dinner,” he whispers.
“What was that?!”
“C-Come straight home, and... and..!” He squeezes his eyes shut, inhaling shakily.
“... What the Hell,” Mitsuki scoffs. “I’m waiting.”
“COMESTRAIGHTHOMEANDMAKEDINNER!” He shouts, words stringing together.
He doesn’t know why he’s being so timid. He’s used to this. He WELCOMES this, mouthing off when he’s angry so he can scream at his mother until they’re both drained.
Mutually assured destruction.
“That’s right,” she spits. “You didn’t do either of those things today. You ignored your father when you finally home. You locked yourself in your room and took a NAP.”
He bites the inside of his cheek, opening his eyes so he can stare down at his bowl and blink away the tears gathering in his eyes.
“We just don’t want it to happen again,” Masaru says softly. “Can you promise that?”
Katsuki nods, his tears spilling over.
“I ‘pwomise,’” he mumbles, wiping his face.
Mitsuki stares at him, a look of disbelief on her face. Her eye twitches, and she scoffs again.
“Are you seriously mocking us right now?”
“H-Huh?” He asks, his head snapping up.
“You’re mocking us!”
“No’m not!” He protests, brow drawn. “How am I mockin’ you?!”
“Don’t use that tone with me!!”
“What TONE?!”
Mitsuki strikes him across the face. Masaru gives a loud gasp, and then everything goes quiet. Katsuki’s lips wobbles, and he stares up at her, eyes filled with a look of betrayal.
“Wh... What are you...” she stumbles over her words, brow drawn in confusion.
Katsuki always fights back, always escalates the situation. He eggs her on until she HAS to hit him, because how else could she deal with his attitude? But that hasn’t worked for a while now. A slap was the beginning of a fight, not the screeching halt to a lecture.
Her heart sinks.
“Are you feeling alright?” She asks, reaching for his hand. He tears it away fearfully, eyes wide, wrenching away from the table.
“D-Don’t!” He yelps, trembling.
“Katsuki,” Masaru breathes, staring at him. “It’s okay, you’re okay. Sit back down.”
“... I-...” he chokes out a quiet, broken sob, before turning on his heel and running.
They don’t follow him.
- - -
“14 year old boy acting like a baby”
Parents bitching about their kids online.
“feeling younger than my mind”
Lyrics to some stupid English song.
“why do i feel younger than my age”
Old people bitching about their bodies online.
“older child acting like baby”
Some article about toddlers having trouble weaning off of bottles and pissing in the toilet.
Katsuki’s about to clear the search bar again, but the name of the article catches his eye.
“Toddler Regression: What To Expect”
He chews his lip thoughtfully, then clicks the search bar, typing in a new keyword.
“teen regression”
Now that brings up some results.
He goes down a rabbit hole, taking in as much information as he can.
He reads about age regression. How it’s a trauma response, how people use it as a coping mechanism, how it’s a symptom of mental illness when experienced involuntarily.
When he registers his thumb dragging along his lips, he panics momentarily.
He takes a deep breath. Lets his finger slip past his lips. Relaxes immediately.
Looks back to the screen.
“Age regression may be the result of a medical or psychiatric issue.”
He shuts his computer off and goes to bed, shoving both hands under his pillow.
- - -
“Katsuki!” A familiar voice rings out.
He freezes, praying that she’ll just leave him alone, do her own shopping, don’t come over here, DON’T TALK TO HIM, GO AWAY-
“M-Mom, wait-“
Shit. HE’S here too.
He steels himself before she approaches.
“Katsuki, hi!” Inko greets, pulling him into a hug. “Oh, wow, you’ve gotten tall, honey!”
“Hey, Auntie,” he says weakly. He notices that Izuku is pointedly avoiding his gaze.
Good.
“So, you’re planning on going to UA as well, right? Have you been training for the entrance exams?” He nods a little, and she chuckles. “Izuku’s been working his butt off.”
“Mom,” Izuku says through grit teeth, rubbing his arm self-consciously. Katsuki winces.
“Sorry, sorry,” she frowns, shaking her head. “Hey, why don’t you come over this weekend? I could make that curry you like, and you and Izuku could train together! It’ll be-“
“Oh, I don’t...” He clenches his jaw, unsure of how to diffuse this awkward situation.
Did Inko not know how horrible Katsuki had been to her son over the past few years? Did he tell her about the notebook that he blew up, about the... the thing he said, the awful thing he told Izuku to do that day with the-
“I’m training at the beach again this weekend,” Izuku cuts in quickly. Katsuki almost thanks him. “I can’t skip any days, Mom.”
“Oh, you deserve a break,” she insists, waving her hand. “You work too hard, baby.”
Katsuki feels terribly out of place around these two. They’re so comfortable with each other. Even though Inko is clearly embarrassing Izuku, there’s no malice or ill intent behind either of their words, and when she reaches up to ruffle at his unruly hair, he doesn’t flinch.
Must be nice.
“What do you say, Katsuki?” She asks, smiling up at him. He swallows thickly.
“U-Uh...”
‘Tell her, Katsuki. Tell her what you said to her baby boy. Make her hate you, too. No one should get to look at you with such unprovoked affection. You don’t deserve it.’
“Sure, yeah.”
He wants to throw himself off a bridge.
- - -
It’s silent. Katsuki has a pair of pajamas and a toothbrush in his backpack. Izuku keeps eyeing him nervously. He’d take the sludge monster over this situation right now.
“Out with it, Deku,” he snarls.
“S-Sorry!” Izuku jumps. “I-... Just...!” He takes in a deep breath. “Why... are you coming?”
“Because I was invited, shit head.”
“No, no, I know, but...” He twitches nervously. “You haven’t talked to me since... everything happened. And before that, it’s not like you...” He rubs the back of his neck. “I thought you hated me, honestly.”
“I do,” Katsuki says quickly. “But your mom’s too damn nice, and she’s a crybaby like you. I wasn’t gonna turn her down. I’m gonna be a hero, I can’t go around making old ladies cry.”
“Right,” Izuku mutters under his breath, tone bitter. “But it’s okay when it’s me.”
Katsuki doesn’t have anything to say about that, so he doesn’t, and they’re silent for the rest of the walk there.
Dinner is awkward. Inko keeps trying to make small talk, but neither boy offers much for conversation. After they eat, they watch a movie, and then they get ready for bed. It’s tense, and fiddly, but it goes by quickly.
Katsuki happily offers to sleep on the pullout couch, so Inko gets him set up, and then he goes to sleep. Simple as that.
But it’s not. It never is, nowadays.
He has another nightmare. It starts out with the sludge monster attacking him like usual only this time, he escapes. He runs home, head buzzing with panic, only to be chased through the house by his mother, her limbs unnaturally long and her teeth sharp, spewing hateful words from her lips.
When he wakes up, it’s with a loud sob. The Midoriya’s living room is dark and intimidating, and does little to soothe his shot nerves.
Once he has feeling in his hands and feet again he tries to work up the courage to walk to the bathroom and calm himself down, and that’s when he realizes his pants are wet.
No. No no no no no, please, no.
He frantically throws his blanket off, patting at his lower half. Sure enough, he’s soaked, and so is the mattress under him. Another sob escapes his lips, and he brings his clean hand to his mouth to muffle his cries.
He wants this to be another nightmare. He wants to wake up in his bed. He wants to run to his parent’s room, he wants Mama to hold him in her arms and stroke his hair as she kisses away his tears, he wants Daddy to get him a glass of water and turn on a show for them to watch together until the morning.
But none of that happens, because it’s real.
“Katsuki?”
He squeezes his eyes shut, hugging his knees to his chest. He should never have come here. Even if this had happened at his house, and his mother found out and ridiculed him for it for the rest of his life, it would have been better than this.
“Honey, what’s wrong?” Inko asks, flipping the light on. He refuses to open his eyes, even when she walks closer. “Did you have a nightmare? I can get you- ... oh.”
Kill him. Strike him dead right now. He’ll never be a hero, anyways. Heroes don’t age regress. Heroes don’t wet the bed. Heroes don’t humiliate themselves in front of Inko Midoriya.
“Hey, hey,” she whispers softly, sitting down on the edge of the mattress. His stomach twists anxiously, and he scoots away when he feels her reach out. “Katsuki, it’s alright. You don’t have to be afraid. I’m not upset.”
He removes the hand over his mouth with an earth-shattering gasp, tears streaming down his face as sobs wrack his body. She clicks her tongue and scoots right next to him, carefully avoiding the wet spot. Then she wraps her arms around his body, guiding his head to her chest with one hand. He weeps into her robe, desperately trying to stay quiet.
“It’s okay,” she murmurs. “It happens to everyone. There’s no need to be embarrassed, seriously. Nothing a little detergent and disinfectant can’t fix, okay?”
“D-Don’ tell,” he pleads, trembling.
“Tell who? Izuku?” She guesses, frowning. “I wouldn’t tell him, Katsuki. I would never do that to you. You can trust me.”
“No,” he shakes his head. “Mama.”
Inko’s heart skips a beat in her chest.
“Oh,” she whispers. “No, I wouldn’t tell her either. Your secret’s safe with me,” she promises, brushing his face with her hand. He whimpers. “Oh, poor thing. Do you want me to get you a glass of water?”
“Y-Yes please,” he nods, pulling away.
When Inko returns with the water, he drinks it carefully, slowing his breathing with each sip. By the time he’s done, he’s stopped crying, and he’s left sitting in his own mess, feeling completely drained. But... better, at least.
“What was it?” Inko asks, brushing his hair out of his face. “Did you have a nightmare?”
“... Yeah,” he admits quietly.
“Do you want to talk about it?” She asks. He shakes his head. “Okay. Why don’t you jump in the shower, and I can wash your clothes and the blankets? I don’t think Izuku’s pajamas would fit you, but I still have some of Hisashi’s old stuff at the back of my closet.”
“C-Can you...” He takes a deep breath, desperately trying to soothe his nerves. “C’you... um... s-stay in the bathroom?”
“While you shower?” Inko questions, furrowing her brow in confusion. He nods a little bit. “Um... y-yes, sure. The washing machine is in there anyways... Can you go jump in while I get everything? Just put your clothes right in.”
He nods, wringing the hem of his shirt nervously as he walks to the bathroom. He peels his wet clothes off, then turns on the shower. While he’s waiting for the water to get warm, he glances at the mirror.
Oh. He looks... not right.
His body is longer than it should be, and more toned than he remembers. His face is too thin, and parts of him seem way too developed.
He knows he’s a teenager. He knows that. But he expected to look at least a little more youthful than... THAT. It’s messing with his head, making him feel kinda dizzy.
He tears his gaze away and gets into the shower, throwing the curtain closed.
Inko knocks carefully before she enters, humming something quietly while she throws the soiled fabric into the wash and starts it. She lays out a pair of folded clothes for Katsuki on the dryer, clothes that seem much too big for him but will likely only be a little baggy once he puts them on. Then she leans against the wall and waits for him to be done.
She leaves while Katsuki’s getting dressed, spraying down the mattress with disinfectant. When he enters the living room, he does so quietly, shuffling his feet and hugging his chest self-consciously. She smiles.
“Are you feeling better now?” He nods.
“Sorry,” he mumbles quietly.
“It’s no big deal, really,” she promises. “Why don’t you go lay down in my bed? I don’t think I’ll be able to fall back asleep, and I’ve got to finish up the laundry anyways.” He shrugs. “Sorry, would that be uncomfortable for you? You used to do it all the time when you were little, but I guess you’re a lot older now, and-“
“N-No, jus’...” he sniffles. “Can you sit with me ‘til I fall to sleep? Please?” She blinks.
“Oh. Are you still a little scared?” She guesses. He bristles. “Never mind, never mind. Sorry. I can sit with you, Katsuki. No problem.”
- - -
He looks very small laying in her bed. Not physically, but the way he positions himself, the look in his eyes, the little pout to his lips, his trembling fingers... he looks so small and innocent. Just like he used to be.
It doesn’t take him long to fall asleep. The events of the night surely drained him. Inko doesn’t read her book for more than five minutes before he’s snoring softly, curled into her hip. She chuckles a little, and...
... He’s sucking his thumb.
Feeling a little bewildered, she shuts off the light and scoots off to the kitchen, opting to make herself a cup of coffee. Unease settles in her stomach. Maybe she could chock up most of his behavior to the nightmare he had, but she can’t help but feel like there’s some underlying issue that she isn’t aware of.
It doesn’t matter, though. She made a promise not to tell his secret, and she won’t break that.
Notes:
Okay so I originally said that I wouldn’t right about Mitsuki’s actual parenting as she is the main reason Katsuki experiences trauma-induced regression, but this chapter kind of wrote itself. It’ll likely be the last time I write something like this, though, because it was pretty emotionally taxing and I’m not happy with how it came out, it was a lot of angst with very little comfort and that sucks :(
Please take care of yourselves. If you are in any danger, get help from someone safe. Keep in mind that I am not equipped to help anyone in actual danger, this is just a fictional story. I hope you’re all doing well <3
Chapter 50: Seizure Boy (w/ Dadzawa)
Summary:
Katsuki experienced a pseudoseizure while he was in the care of the LOV.
Notes:
CW FOR: verbal child abuse, mentions of police officers, medical talk, loss of appetite (not anything ed related), and implied physical child abuse
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Listen, you brat! I did not waste sixteen years raising you just so you could tell some sob story to your teachers and leave me!”
Keep your head down. Don’t look at her.
“When you walk out of that door, Katsuki, it’s over! I won’t ever see you again! Be rational!”
Don’t cry. Don’t cry don’t cry don’t cry.
“GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE!”
“Ma’am, please go sit back with your husband. This isn’t the kind of-“
Katsuki shuts the door before he can hear what the police officer is telling his mother. There’s a hand on his back, and he doesn’t have to look up to know that it’s Aizawa. They have a bond now, whether he likes it or not, and he can recognize his touch easily.
“Are you okay?” He asks softly. Katsuki scrubs at his eyes with his free hand, the other one gripping his duffel bag tightly.
“Let’s go already,” he requests quietly.
The drive to Aizawa’s house is tense. Katsuki can’t stop crying no matter how hard he tries, which Aizawa expected, but it’s still a little awkward. Pair that with the man’s slightly deadpan rambling, and it makes for a very stressful twenty minute drive.
“So, you’ve obviously met Hizashi already. Obviously. He’s your teacher. Did you talk to Hitoshi yet like I asked?” Katsuki shakes his head shortly. “Right. That’s fine, really. You talked a little bit during the Sports Festival, and I’ve given him the rundown of your situation, so...” He clears his throat. “I, uh. I didn’t mention the age regression thing, for the record. I left out a lot of stuff, actually. I just told him that you’ve been through a lot of trauma and that your home life is rough, so you’ll be living with us from now on. I didn’t want to cross any boundaries, so the other stuff is up to you to tell him if you want.”
“... Am I staying with you forev-ver?” Katsuki asks, his voice broken and raw.
“Well...” Aizawa sighs, tightening his grip on the steering wheel. “Hizashi and I talked about adopting you. A lot, actually, we’ve been talking about it since I found out about everything. But it really boiled down to it being your decision. If you just want us to foster you until you can find a permanent home to live in, we’re fine with that. But I want you to know that you are more than welcome to stay with us for as long as you like. You’re not intruding or disrupting anything, we want to take care of you, kid. Okay?” Katsuki nods, sniffling.
“Uh. I gotta think about it.”
“I know,” Aizawa nods. “I don’t expect you to make a decision right away. Take as long as you need. We’ll support you no matter what.”
“I-I-I’m,” Katsuki stutters anxiously, then takes a deep breath and presses his palms to his eyes, trying to calm himself down. Aizawa waits patiently, sparing him little glances every now and then. “... I’m not an easy kid,” he says finally, not removing his hands. “I-I... I break shit when I’m angry, and I’m always fuckin’ angry, I swear all the time, I keep shit bottled up, I’m mean, I’m impulsive, I’m shit with authority, I-I...!” His voice breaks and shifts to a higher pitch. “I, uh..! My attitude is so bad that the fucking League of Villains thought that I would fit in, I let myself get fucking kidnapped, I literally killed my childhood idol because I was too weak to fight for myself-!”
“Katsuki,” Aizawa stops him gently. “You’re too hard on yourself. Those things that happened to you... they weren’t your fault. People don’t see you for who you are. You’re a strong, brave kid. I have no doubt in my mind that you’re going to make a great hero one day.”
“Ha,” Katsuki scoffs, shaking his head and pursing his lips. He crosses his arms and stares out the window, trying to hide the fact that he’s crying again. Aizawa sighs.
“You’re right,” he shrugs. “You’re not an easy kid. I’ve seen you in and out of a school environment. You do break shit when you’re mad, you do bottle up your emotions, and you do have an attitude problem. Guess what?”
“... What?” Katsuki croaks out.
“Me too,” he admits. “Same with Hitoshi. Same with Hizashi. No one’s perfect, Katsuki. You’re only human. But I’m telling you right now that we will never get upset with you for having emotions. You can punch a hundred holes in the wall, have a hundred meltdowns, call me an asshole a hundred times, and I’ll still love you at the end of the day.”
“You don’t love me,” Katsuki scoffs.
“I do,” Aizawa says. “I love all my kids, and for now at least, you’re my kid. You have been for a while. I’ve always stuck up for you, you know. You remind me of myself, I think.”
“... I’m too loud to be you,” Katsuki mumbles.
“Did you just make a joke?” Aizawa questions, furrowing his brow. Katsuki huffs.
“Maybe. So what?”
“Nothing. You’re right,” he chuckles. “You’re much more like Hizashi in that regard.”
“Are they...” he twists his hands nervously. “Present Mic and Shinsou. Are they, like... okay with this? Me staying with you?”
“Oh my God, yeah,” Aizawa nods. “You don’t have to worry about that, kid. Hizashi literally wept with joy when I told him. And Hitoshi... Well, I’ll be honest with you, he seems kind of indifferent. But to be fair, he always seems indifferent. I think he’s happy to have someone his age in his life, actually. He doesn’t really have a lot of friends... the kids in his class lift him up on this pedestal, but he hasn’t made a real connection with anyone, you know?”
“Yeah,” Katsuki frowns empathetically. “I know exactly what that’s like.” Aizawa smiles.
“So you don’t have to be nervous,” he says softly, rolling the car to a stop. “They’re going to offer you just as much support as I am. Maybe even more. I know Hizashi’s been planning a special dinner for tonight.”
“That explains why he made us write about our favorite foods in English,” he mutters.
“That sounds right,” Aizawa laughs. “You ready to go in? Do you want a minute?”
“... Nah. Let’s go.”
- - -
“So, we’ve got a spare room for you to sleep in,” Yamada says. “But no bed yet. You can kick Hitoshi out of his room and have him sleep on the couch until it comes in.”
“I can take the couch,” Katsuki says, shaking his head. Hitoshi lifts his head.
“I don’t mind,” he says in a flat tone. “The couch is comfortable enough. You should sleep in a bed, at least tonight.”
“... Alright,” he agrees, nodding a little bit.
Is it weird for him to feel insecure about his height right now? He’s not used to being the shortest one in the room. And everyone looks so clean, too... his shirt is still dirtied with dried tears and snot, and he hasn’t showered since yesterday. Does he smell? He probably smells. This is why he doesn’t do first impressions. Second impressions? First impressions as a part of someone’s family? Fuck, no, he’s not a part of their family, he’s just some dirty, short kid that his teacher took pity on and now-
“Is the curry alright?” Yamada asks him worriedly. “Did I not put enough spice in? I know you probably prefer it to melt your face, but I’ve got a weak digestive system, and-“
“Shit,” Katsuki blinks. He hasn’t touched his food in a while. “No, no, it’s fine. Just got lost in thought or whatever. Sorry.”
“You’re freaking out, aren’t you?” Hitoshi asks through a mouthful of food. Katsuki bristles.
“Who the fuck asked you, zombie ass?!”
“Did you just call me ZOMBIE ass?”
“Yeah, I did! You got a problem with it, you undead looking motherfucker?!”
“Boys,” Aizawa says in a warning tone.
Katsuki stiffens. Fuck, shit. He fucked it up, he’s going to get kicked out, he’s going to have to go into the foster care system because he was overdramatic and now his mom’s going to jail and he got a restraining order on her and his dad, God DAMN it Katsuki why can’t you just be a decent fucking person for once?!
“Hey.” Hand on his shoulder. Aizawa. “Look at me. You’re okay. You’re not in trouble.”
He’s breathing heavily. Why is he breathing so heavily? Is he having a panic attack?
“Sorry,” Hitoshi says. “I was just messing around. I didn’t meant to start anything.”
“Are you alright?” Yamada asks softly.
“I’m good,” he nods, even though it feels like there’s an elephant sitting on his chest and his stomach is in knots. “Can I save my dinner for later? I’m not that hungry right now.”
“How much have you eaten today?” Aizawa asks. Katsuki lowers his gaze. Jack shit is the answer. Nothing. “You should at least have something light. Do you like fruit?”
“... Uh.” He stands up, leaving his bowl on the table. “Can I take a shower?”
“Sure, honey,” Yamada stands with him. “Let me show you where everything is. Do you have pajamas? You can borrow some of my clothes if you want to, I don’t mind.”
“No, I’m good,” Katsuki mutters, tensing a little at the affectionate nickname.
Yamada shows him where all the soaps are, gets a towel for him, and then allows him his privacy. Katsuki locks the door behind him. The last thing he needs is someone walking in on his when he’s bare-ass naked.
He doesn’t bother looking in the mirror. He knows what he’ll see. The fat lip is mother gave him was the worst of it, but the rest of his body is littered with little bruises and pinpricks as well. He’s not sure if he should feel proud or not about the fact that she’s just as bad off as he is. Maybe it’ll help her seem tough in prison? If she leaves out the part about a teenage boy doing all the damage.
Fuck, don’t think about her.
He stands under the waters until his brain feels a little less messy, and then he gets out.
Hitoshi is waiting for him outside the door, holding his own pajamas.
“Hey, dude. You use up all the hot water?”
For some reason, that’s the last straw for him.
His head tics to the side violently, surprising both boys. He feels blood rush to his head as his arms curl up at his chest, twitching and shaking with ferocity. He’s lucky he didn’t open his mouth to answer Hitoshi’s question, because his jaw is clenched so tight that he’d surely have bitten clean through his tongue.
“BAKUGOU?!”
Tears of panic fill his eyes, and he gives one last fearful look to his new housemate before crumpling to the floor and blacking out.
- - -
“... Convulsing... Once before... - time thing... Not sure... ate a little... Yes, actually... process - moving... Yes, I’m his legal guardian as of today. My husband and I both are.”
Katsuki’s eyes blink open to blinding fluorescent lights. He registers the heavy scent of a hospital, and jolts up in bed.
Fuck. It happened again.
Both of his hands shoot in different directions, one to his mouth, and the other to his crotch. Okay, okay, good. No damage to his face this time around, and his lower half is dry. Although, he’s wearing a hospital gown, so he can’t totally rule out the possibility of him having humiliated himself in front of Hitoshi.
Actually, fuck that, he humiliated himself regardless. Any possible loss of bladder control wouldn’t change the fact.
“Hey, Katsuki,” Aizawa says softly, pressing a hand to his forehead. His face is full of worry. “How are you feeling?”
“... I had another seizure,” he states.
“Yes,” Aizawa nods. Katsuki grits his teeth.
“Why? They said it was a freak thing the last time. Something like this could seriously fuck up my hero career,” he spits angrily, although it’s clear he’s more scared than mad.
“It’s a stress reaction,” Aizawa explains, starting to run his fingers through Katsuki’s hair. The blonde tenses at the touch, but he can’t deny that it’s soothing. “They’re called pseudoseizures. It’s unlikely that you’ll experience any more unless you’re under a lot of stress that’s directly related to your trauma, okay? It won’t affect your career at all.”
“Oh, really? You don’t think I’ll get stressed out in the hero field? It’s a fuckin’ dangerous job, you know! I’m gonna get stressed!”
“Sweetheart...” Aizawa sighs, but continues before Katsuki can freak out over the affectionate name. “Your first seizure occurred when you were kidnapped and bound by villains with no knowledge of whether you’d make it out alive. Today, you moved out of an abusive household while being berated by your mother the entire time, not to mention the fact that the cops were there to observe it all. Then you were forced into a new living situation with people who, let’s face it, you’re not really familiar with... of course you were stretched past your limit. The doctor said this probably happened in lieu of a panic attack. Sometimes our bodies just shut down, and this happens to be what yours does once in a blue moon. Hizashi faints when he’s super stressed. I throw up until I literally don’t have anything else in my stomach. Hitoshi goes catatonic. We’ve all got our things, honey.”
... Don’t cry don’t cry don’t cry.
Why is Aizawa being so nice to him? He’s honest and level headed and sweet and he doesn’t talk down to him, doesn’t put him on a pedestal, he just TALKS and he’s calling him names that no one ever calls him anymore and he’s petting his head and Katsuki’s so emotional right now, how does he deserve this, he’s just a shitty little kid, why is he-
He bursts into tears.
“Oh, kid,” Aizawa tuts, pulling him into a hug. Katsuki sobs into his shirt, trying and failing to stop his crying. “It’s okay, let it out. It’s been a really long day for you, huh? You can cry, sweetheart, it’s okay. You’re safe here.”
Katsuki doesn’t respond. He doesn’t have to. Aizawa understands everything.
By the time he’s done crying, he feels completely drained. Empty, and tired, and vaguely embarrassed, but mostly drained.
And... kinda childish, too.
“M’hungry,” he mumbles to Aizawa.
“Yeah, I figured you would be. Here, take this,” He hands Katsuki a pouch. The blonde wrinkles his nose, and he laughs. “Don’t worry, it’s applesauce. I wouldn’t give you one of those energy gels anyways, they’re not that great for your heart. Drink, kid.”
Katsuki hesitantly brings the pouch to his lips and starts to suck down the applesauce. It’s sweet, sweeter than he thought it would be, but that... kind of comforts him? That and the simple act of nursing on something... God, how many times is he going to humiliate himself today? He’s pretty much fully regressed now, all because of some applesauce. He hates this so much.
“Why are you crying?” Aizawa asks softly. Is he? He didn’t realize. A calloused thumb rubs at the corner of his eye, wiping away a tear. Katsuki shudders. “... Are you regressing?”
“... Sorry,” he whispers, pulling away from the touch. Aizawa is quick to stop him, pulling him into another hug and petting his hair again.
“It’s okay. I don’t mind. I want to take care of you,” he assures him. “You’ve had a Hell of a day, sweetheart. This is how you cope, and that’s okay. We’re gonna work really hard to make this good for you, okay? We’re gonna turn it into a safe headspace. I promise.”
“Okay,” he nods. “Thank you, Dadd- I-I mean, wait, no, m’sorry, I di’n mean’ta-“
“Shh, shh, it’s alright,” Aizawa shushes him, holding him closer to ease Katsuki’s panic. “Call me whatever you want. Whatever you need to feel safe, honey. I’m fine with it.”
“... S’weird,” he mumbles.
“I’m not gonna judge you, sweetheart. No matter what. You’re safe with me.”
Katsuki hesitates for a moment, sucking down the last of his applesauce while he thinks. After a while, he yawns and rests his head against Aizawa’s chest, absentmindedly rubbing some of his long hair through two of his fingers.
“Daddy?” He asks very, very quietly.
“Hm?” Aizawa responds immediately, a reassuring smile on his face. Katsuki sighs with a relief, his own lips quirking up.
“When’re we goin’ home?”
“Not until tomorrow. They want to keep you overnight in case anything happens. They don’t think anything will, but it’s a necessary precaution. Why? Are you getting sleepy?”
“Mhm,” Katsuki nods, his eyelids drooping.
Aizawa scooches him away, leaving him panicked before he sees him kick off his shoes and crawl into bed with him. He pulls Katsuki close so that his cheek is pressed into his shoulder, and then secures his arms around him tightly, stroking the back of his neck and the small of his back. It’s how he used to hold Hitoshi when they first adopted him and he would have trouble falling asleep at night.
“You can rest now, honey,” Aizawa whispers into Katsuki’s scalp. “I’ve got you.”
They both drift off within a matter of minutes.
Notes:
whoo!! sorry for the mini hiatus, i’ve been caught up in my own world XD i’ll get back in the swing of things soon! just been super busy!
Chapter 51: Good Boys (w/ Regressor Shouto, Carer Izuku, + Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Eijirou has to take care of a sick baby Shouto while Izuku (and co.) are away for the weekend.
Katsuki doesn’t like that.
Notes:
CW FOR: jealousy, implied social anxiety, medical/sick talk (sunburns, dehydration, fever), insecurities, one hitting scene (it’s not related to abuse in any way), minor panic attack, and slight unsanitary (mentions of germs/being dirty, and a *humorous* bed wetting scene)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hey, Todoroki!” Izuku starts. Shouto blinks down at him. “Uraraka and Iida and Asui and I are going down to the beach today! Do you want to come with us?”
Shouto bites back the tiniest of smiles. He’s getting invited to things now. With friends, his friends that expect him to be there. It’s nice.
“Sure, Midoriya.” He touches the back of his neck. “Ah... I probably won’t go in the water, though... Who’s driving us there?”
“My mom!” He chirps. “Everyone else is going home for the weekend after, but we can give you a ride back to the dorms if you want.”
“Yeah, that’d be good,” he nods. “... Thanks.”
“You don’t have to thank me,” Izuku promises, a joyful glint in his eye. “Alright! I’m gonna go ask a few more people! Be at the gate in an hour or so? I’m bringing snacks and drinks!”
“Okay. See you then, Midoriya.”
- - -
The beach was really fun. Most of his friends went into the water, but he stayed on land and chatted with Inko. Occasionally, Tenya would come up and offer him a drink, or Izuku would take a little break to check up on him. Ochako laid down next to him for a while to get a tan. It was nice, knowing he wasn’t forgotten.
But God, was it draining.
Social interaction, being out in public, wearing clothes that were a little more revealing than he’s used to, direct sunlight... It comes as a surprise to literally no one when he nods off on the car ride back to UA. He’s tired, and burnt, and maybe a little sun sick, and while today is the happiest he’s been in a very long while, he’s absolutely exhausted.
He crashes the second he gets to his room, barely remembering to kick off his shorts before he face plants onto the bed and drifts into unconsciousness almost immediately.
When he wakes up, it’s dark out, and his head is pounding. He blindly fumbles for his bedside lamp, blinking at the sudden shift in light and burying his face into the pillow he’s cradling.
He feels like shit now. He was a little cranky by the time they left the beach, sure, but now he’s dehydrated and whiny and clingy and he wants his friends, he wants them to take care of him again, why did they stop? Why is he alone? He doesn’t want to be alone.
He sniffles into the pillow, curling his knees to his chest with a resigned sigh. Ugh.
He needs to text Izuku.
- - -
Shouto: I think I’m regressijng right now.
Deku: Ahh oh no!
Deku: Are you okay? Are you panicking?
Deku: Should I come back to the school?
Deku: I can have Mom drive me.
Deku: Hang on, let me call you.
(1 Missed Phone Call: Deku)
Deku: Why aren’t you picking up?
Deku: Todoroki-kun?
Deku: Sorry, sorry.
Deku: *Shouto
Shouto: Talkin is hard rught now.
Deku: Gotcha. I’m sorry.
Deku: Do you want me to come back? I can.
Shouto: No it’s ok
Shouto: Sorry
Deku: I’m not upset about anything, I promise. Just a little worried. What triggered this?
Shouto: Sick
Deku: You probably got too much sun today :(
Deku: Drink lots of fluids. Not just tea, water and juice too, okay? You should eat something as well... You think you can go to dinner in 10?
Shouto: Ok
Deku: Ahhh, I feel bad that you don’t have anyone there with you :(
Deku: Would you be okay with me asking Kirishima-kun to watch you? He’s really good with Kaachan. He’ll take good care of you.
Shouto: Um.
He pauses to think about this for a moment. On one hand, he really doesn’t want his classmates seeing him in this state. It’s embarrassing, he does embarrassing things when he’s regressed. What if he cries or forgets his words or has an accident or has a panic attack or-....
But on the other hand, he feels empty and sad, and he wants someone to fix that.
Shouto: Ok
Deku: Okay?
Deku: I’ll text him right now.
Deku: I’m sorry you’re having a rough night :(
Deku: Keep me updated, Shoucchan <3
- - -
Eijirou shows up not even two minutes later, holding Katsuki’s hand and wearing a bright smile on his face. Shouto resists the urge to crawl under his bed and hide from that grin.
“Hey man,” he greets. “Can I come in?”
Shouto nods, stepping aside. He wants to feel embarrassed about the fact that he’s currently nonverbal and in his underwear, but he’s honestly too relieved to muster the energy.
“Still pretty barebones in here,” Eijirou whistles, looking around the room. “Impressive, though. So, listen, ‘Suki’s also feeling small tonight- he tends to slip most weekends; so he’s gonna be hanging with us. Is that okay? I can always hand him off to Aizawa or Yamada Sensei if not.”
Shouto looks to Katsuki, but the heavy glare on the blonde’s face makes him nervous, so he tears his gaze downward, staring at his feet.
“Y-Yeah,” he stutters, nodding. “Tha’s ‘kay.”
“If talking is too hard, you don’t have to do it,” Eijirou assures him. “Do you need help getting into your clothes? You should probably change before dinner.” He blinks hesitantly.
“Umm...”
Yeah, he does need help. He’s too babyish and stupid to get dressed on his own, his fingers are too shaky to work properly. But he doesn’t say that, because Katsuki is glaring daggers into his soul, and he doesn’t want to deal with any taunts he may receive.
“I can do it.”
“Okay,” Eijirou says softly. “Do you want us to turn around?” He nods. “Alright.”
Eijirou dutifully faces the wall, but Katsuki continues to stare Shouto down, tightening his grip on Eijirou’s hand. The redhead nudges him softly and whispers something that makes him roll his eyes and huff, but he complies, spinning on his heel and burying his face into Eijirou’s shoulder. Shouto sighs with relief.
It’s much easier to change out of casual clothes than his uniform. He slips off his tank top with ease, only finding a real struggle when he opens his dresser. All of his clothes seem too restrictive and mature right now. He roots around anxiously, biting his lower lip. Fortunately, he comes across a baggy cotton sweater that he’d shoved to the back and a pair of basketball shorts. He’s sure he looks ridiculous in such a mixed getup, but the loose fabric makes him feel less panicky.
“Okay,” he mumbles quietly when he’s done.
“All set?” Eijirou asks, turning around. Shouto nods, and he extends his hand. “C’mon, lets go get our shoes on and start heading to the cafeteria Do you have anything to drink out of? Cups can be hard when you’re small.”
Oh, he knows. He’s had to change out of several outfits because his dumb baby brain couldn’t figure out how to drink normally. He shakes his head, though. He’s never bothered to buy any sort of regression gear.
“That’s okay, you can borrow one of Bakugou’s! Right, kiddo?” He asks, looking to Katsuki, who shrugs. Eijirou frowns. “Hey, are you okay?” The blonde huffs.
“Can we go?! I’m really hungry!”
Eijirou’s eyebrows raise at his little tantrum, but he nods, wiggling his fingers so Shouto holds his hand. He does so, slowly but surely.
None of them talk on their way to dinner. Katsuki’s cranky, Shouto’s having trouble speaking, and Eijirou doesn’t want to force them to make conversation when it will surely end in disaster. It’s radio silence, from the time Eijirou grabs two sippy cups from the kitchen cabinet all the way to sitting down for dinner.
“Drink your water,” Eijirou instructs Shouto. “I’ve got a water bottle and a couple of apple juices in my bag. If you finish the water, you can have some juice, okay?”
Shouto nods, eagerly sipping down the liquid.
“This is yucky,” Katsuki grumbles, pushing around his vegetables. “I wan’ rice, Kiri.”
“You can have your rice after you finish your stir fry,” he promises. Katsuki pouts.
“But HE gots’ta have what he wants!” He whines, pointing at Shouto. Eijirou winces.
“Todoroki isn’t feeling good, he needs to eat something cold with lots of liquid. Even if soba wasn’t his favorite food, that’s what he would be having.” Shouto draws his shoulders up, embarrassed by the negative attention. “You’re okay, kiddo. Just keep hydrating.”
“Huh?!” Katsuki startles at the nickname, eyes wide as saucers. “Y-You-! HUH?!”
“What’s wrong, bud?” Eijirou asks, shoveling good into his mouth. Katsuki gapes at him.
“... Nothin’,” he decides, staring down at his food and sinking in his seat. He blinks away his tears as quickly as he can as he starts to eat his cooked vegetables.
He’s NOT jealous. That would be stupid. Eijirou takes care of everyone, and he’s allowed to watch other regressors, too. He can call Shouto pet names and give him his favorite food and hold his hand, he doesn’t care. That would be so, so stupid, because Shouto’s not as good as him! He’s just a dumb baby who can’t talk and got sick because he was too stupid to stay out of the sun. Katsuki doesn’t envy him. He doesn’t, really! Far from it.
“Good job!” Eijirou praises, re-filling Shouto’s sippy cup. “Once you finish this, you can have your juice, okay? And don’t forget to eat!”
Shouto lips quirk up a little bit at the praise.
Katsuki wants to scream.
He kicks the seat in front of him defiantly, crossing his arms and making little grunts of frustration. Eijirou stares at him.
“What’s wrong?” He asks gently. “Is it the food? I can put some hot sauce on it if you don’t like the taste, but you have to eat it.”
“SHUT UP!!!” Katsuki screeches, earning the stares of the few other students that stayed behind for the weekend. Shouto whimpers and puts his hands over his ears.
“‘Suki, calm down,” Eijirou prompts, resting a hand on his shoulder. “Tell me what’s wrong. I can’t fix it if I don’t know the problem.”
“MMMPH!” Katsuki groans, kicking harder.
Shouto, who’s sitting on the other side of the table and is experiencing every jolt that Katsuki ministers to the bench, feels panic spike in his chest. The blonde jerks sideways and smacks Eijirou’s hand off, and that’s it.
He starts to cry.
He doesn’t want to. He tries to stop, really. But tears cascade down his cheeks as he sobs silently, gripping his ears and curling in on himself as much as he can in this position.
“Hey, hey,” a soft voice whispers, right next to his face. He jumps, crying harder. “Shh, you’re okay. It’s just me, it’s Kirishima. Can you take your hands off of your ears for me?”
He reluctantly complies, lowering his hands and looking at Eijirou with a fearful expression, face red and wet with tears and sweat.
“There we go. Good job,” he praises gently, giving a reassuring smile. “Can I touch you?” Shouto nods with a stuttered breath.
Eijirou brushes his hair back soothingly before taking him into his arms, rocking him back and forth in the seat. Shouto clutches his biceps and squeezes his eyes shut, now openly crying. Eijirou takes it in stride, rubbing up and down his back and whispering kind words into his hair. It doesn’t take long to calm him down.
“You’re safe,” Eijirou promises when he’s done weeping. “You’re safe here, I promise.”
Shouto glances back at Katsuki nervously, but the blonde is pouting down at his food. His shoulders are trembling, but he’s not crying.
“Baku’s sad,” he informs Eijirou weakly, sniffling. Eijirou sighs, nodding.
“I know. He’s a little upset right now. Don’t you worry about him, just finish your dinner.” He presses the back of his palm to his forehead, then thumbs away his tears. “You’re cooling down a little bit. Keep eating, okay?”
Shouto nods, feeling a little better already, and goes back to slowly working at his dinner.
“Hey,” Eijirou says to Katsuki. The blonde makes no move to reply. “What’s on your mind, kiddo? Why are you getting upset?” Katsuki sniffles and shrugs. “No, I think you do know. Is it something I can help with?”
“... I guess,” Katsuki mumbles, frowning.
“Okay. Then can you tell me?” He shakes his head quickly. Eijirou sighs. “... Alright. That’s fine. You can tell me later. But you owe Todoroki and I an apology, okay? You know better than to hit, and you scared him.”
“I-I know,” Katsuki sniffles. “M’sorry.”
“Thank you. Very good,” he says, rubbing his back. “Todoroki too, buddy. Remember?”
“Sorry, Todo,” Katsuki says quietly, barely lifting his head. Shouto nods.
“There,” Eijirou says. “All better. Okay?” Katsuki nods. “... Hey, you’re almost done with your veggies! Do you want your rice now?”
“Yes please,” mumbles.
Once they’re done with dinner, both boys are nursing juice boxes, and Eijirou feels like the tension is so thick he can practically see it.
“Let’s go back to ‘Suki’s room,” he suggests, holding his hands out for the boys to take again. “I’ll set up a movie on his laptop, and you guys can share his toys if you wanna.”
Neither of them respond, they just lace their fingers with his and exit the room. Eijirou smiles nervously when Momo shoots him a quizzical look, shrugging her off in the most polite way he can think of. He has a funny feeling that he shouldn’t subject anyone else to the chaos surely about to unfold.
- - -
“Todoroki, come here,” Eijirou instructs him, patting the space in front of him on the bed. He doesn’t miss the eye roll that Katsuki elicits when the lanky boy gets up and stumbles over to him. “I’m gonna rub some aloe on you and give you some medicine to make you feel better okay? You won’t be as uncomfortable.”
“Okay,” Shouto whispers quietly.
Eijirou guides him through taking off his sweater, then clips his hair back and starts rubbing aloe all over his sunburnt face and arms. Shouto shivers at the cool, but visibly relaxes, letting out a little content sigh.
“Where’s your juice?” Eijirou asks. He points to the half-full sippy cup on the floor. “Hey, ‘Suki, would you mind handing that to me?”
Katsuki scrunches his nose, obviously not pleased with the request, but picks up the cup and holds it out to Eijirou.
“Thank you! Good job,” he smiles. Katsuki shrugs and turns back to the movie.
It takes a bit of coaxing, but eventually, Shouto gets the ibuprofen down. Eijirou gives him a high five for his good work and sets him back up on the floor, giving him a soft blanket to wrap around his shoulders. He frowns when he immediately sticks two fingers into his mouth.
“Uh-uh, honey. Get your fingers out of your mouth,” he says, gently prying at his hand. Shouto whines, shaking his head. “I’m serious, Todoroki. You’re already not feeling good, you can get even sicker from doing that. Why don’t I grab you a pacifier, okay?”
Katsuki jumps up.
“No!” He shouts, eyes wide. Eijirou blinks.
“Kiddo, you have to share sometimes,” he says softly. Katsuki lip wobbles. Uh oh.
“I-I don’ wanna!” He whines, stomping his foot. Eijirou sighs and closes his eyes.
“You have to, honey,” he tries to express. “Todoroki doesn’t have anything for when he’s regressed. I can buy you a new pacifier.”
“B-But...!” Katsuki bites his lip.
“Do you want one too?” Eijirou suggests, trying to deescalate the situation as quickly as possible. Katsuki immediately nods.
Relieved, Eijirou pulls out Katsuki’s box of regression gear, cleaning two of the pacifiers with baby wipes and giving them to the boys. He makes sure to pick one out with no sentimental value for Shouto, knowing that Katsuki would likely only get more upset.
Eijirou sits down in between them, about to pull out his phone and check the time when Katsuki clambers into his lap with an almost desperate drive. Eijirou blinks in shock.
“You okay?” He asks, staring down at Katsuki.
“Hol’ me,” the blonde demands, the slightest hint of a glare in his eyes. Eijirou nods.
“... Sure, bud,” he agrees, wrapping his arms around his friend. “Hey, we should probably think about getting you ready for bed soon, okay? After the movie is over?”
“Mm,” Katsuki grunts, furrowing his brow. “Wha’ ‘bout Todo?” He questions.
“I don’t know if he’ll be tired for a while, Midoriya said he crashed on the ride home from their trip and went straight to bed,” he explains. “You and him can share the bed, I’ll set up camp on the floor for tonight.”
“No-o-oo!” Katsuki whines, throwing his head back. “I don’ wanna sleep ‘wif’ Todo! Wanna sleep ‘wif’ Kiri! S’not fair, s’not!!”
“Shh, calm down,” Eijirou shushes him, rubbing his thumb against his shoulder. “I don’t think he should sleep alone, and I don’t want either of you on the floor. You won’t be comfortable.”
“I don’ wanna sleep next to him, he’s just a dumb baby! He’s pro’lly gonna pee the bed!”
“Hey, not nice,” Eijirou scolds. “If you’re really worried about him having an accident, though, we can always put him in one of your pull-“
“SHH!” He hisses, spitting out his pacifier and pressing both of his hands against Eijirou’s mouth. His face is bright red, and tears of embarrassment are gathering in his eyes. His eyes nervously dart to Shouto, but he’s contentedly rocking back and forth, transfixed by the movie and completely oblivious.
“... Hey,” Eijirou whispers sweetly, removing the hands and brushing his hand over Katsuki’s cheek. “Tell me what’s wrong, bug.”
“I-I just-!” Katsuki’s voice breaks, and he scrubs at his eyes. “Y’bein’ Todo’s carer now... a-an’ he’s better an’ y’gonna stop likin’ me! ‘Cause m’jus’ a brat, an’ he’s super good, an’ I-I don’ wanna lose yo-ou!”
By the time he’s done explaining himself, he’s sobbing, and Eijirou clicks his tongue.
“Oh, honey,” he mumbles, pulling him into a tight hug. Katsuki buries his face in Eijirou’s neck as the redhead cradles the back of his head. “You’re not gonna lose me. I promise. You’re my best friend, and I love taking care of you, even when you’re not regressed. You’re not a brat, either. Getting angry isn’t bad, sweetheart. I will never get upset with you for being emotional. You know that, right?” Katsuki nods with a little whimper. “Okay, good. You’re a very kind and sweet boy, just as good as Todoroki. He’s not better than you, I promise. You’re both equally awesome, okay?”
“B-But,” Katsuki gives a watery protest. “He listens... an’ he ate all his food an’ got juice b’fore me... an’ I-! I scared him ‘cause I h-hurted you, Kiri..!” Eijirou sighs.
“Honey, everyone is different. Shouto didn’t have as much food to eat as you, and he’s dehydrated, so of course he’s going to drink faster. And... yeah, it wasn’t nice of you to hit me, but you didn’t do it to hurt me, you did it because you were upset, and you said sorry, didn’t you?” Katsuki sniffles and shrugs.
“Sad?” Shouto asks, looking over and pointing at Katsuki. Eijirou gives a little smile and nods.
“Yeah, he’s feeling a little sad right now,” he confirms. “You know what would make him feel really better, though?”
“Mm...” Shouto tilts his head in thought, twirling his own hair. “... Hugs?”
“Yeah!” Eijirou grins. He pokes Katsuki’s back. “Do you want a hug from Todoroki, kiddo?”
Katsuki grunts and bumps his forehead against Eijirou’s shoulder, but gives a little nod. Shouto immediately goes to comfort him, wrapping one arm around his shoulders and bending over to try and meet his eyes.
“You ‘kay, Baku?” He asks. Katsuki nods and turns to reciprocate the hug. Eijirou smiles.
“Hey, Todoroki?” He asks. Shouto hums in acknowledgement. “Who usually takes care of you when you’re regressed?”
“Mm... frien’s,” he mumbles. “Z-Zuzu an’ um...” he struggles to get the right words out.
“It’s okay,” Eijirou assures him. “Your friends take care of you?” Shouto nods. “That’s good. And I’m taking care of you tonight because they’re all at their houses, right?” Another nod. “I’m just watching you for now?”
“Mhm,” he affirms.
Eijirou gives a look to Katsuki that says ‘see?‘
“Well, I’m very glad that I’m watching you for now. You’re a very good boy,” he says, poking Shouto’s nose affectionately. “Right, ‘Suki?”
“... Yeah,” Katsuki decides. “Todo’s good.”
“You know who else is good?” He asks. Katsuki’s face breaks out in a proud grin.
“Me!”
“Yes, you!” Eijirou laughs, tickling Katsuki’s sides. “You’re both very, very good! I think I’ll probably have to get you both a treat for being so good, huh?” Shouto gasps lightly.
“Treat?” He asks, gripping onto Eijirou’s pant leg excitedly. Katsuki bounces in his lap.
“Mochi, mochi!” He chants. Eijirou laughs.
“Sounds good. But only one piece each, okay? It’s getting close to bedtime.”
“Okay!” The agree in unison.
- - -
Eijirou sighs as he closes his textbook, finally done with his homework. He turns off Katsuki’s light and settles down in his makeshift nest of pillows on the floor, but not before fondly snapping a few pictures of the boys snuggled up with each other. He’d never share them with anyone, of course, they’re just for his personal stash of cute Katsuki photos.
He plugs his phone in and curls up on the floor, finally drifting into peaceful, sleepy bliss...
“Huh?” A pause. “Eww!! Kiri, wake up! He’s peeing on me! Todoooo!!”
Eijirou groans.
He forgot about that.
Notes:
*doesn’t write for like a week*
*starts writing three separate chapters in one morning*
So yeahhh, expect more updates XD
Chapter 52: Venom (w/ Dadzawa, Papa Mic, + Big Bro Hitoshi)
Summary:
A nice day out takes a bad turn.
Notes:
BIG CW FOR SNAKES + ANIMAL DEATH!!!!!! also injury, mild unsanitary (emetophobia + excessive sweating), medical talk, panic attacks, mild blood, and food talk
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Eri?” Yamada asks, poking his head out of the kitchen. “Why did you pack all of the snacks that we have? We’ll only be gone for a couple of hours, you know.”
“I’m hungry!” She exclaims, throwing her hands up. “And Katsu-nii always eats all my snacks. But if I bring ALL of them, he’ll only eat some!” Katsuki snickers at this.
“Watch me,” he teases, digging his fingers into her stomach. She laughs and kicks him away.
“Noooo! You can’t have them all!”
“Hey, your dad is making lunch for all of us, we don’t even need snacks,” Yamada says. “You can pick out two things, but that’s it.”
“Each?” Katsuki asks hopefully, ceasing his tickling. Yamada rolls his eyes.
“No. Two things, period.”
“Kinoko no yama!” Eri shouts, running over and taking the box of chocolate mushrooms out of her backpack. Katsuki raises a brow.
“You got wasabi peas in there?” He asks, trudging over. Eri huffs and shakes her head.
“They’re too spicy.”
“No way, they’re not spicy enough,” he insists, picking her up and placing her on his hip. She sticks her tongue out at him. “Hah?! Just for that, I’m going to pack the extra spicy ones.”
“Katsu-nii, you snotface!”
“Snotface?!” He cackles.
“Alright, alright, go finish cleaning the living room,” Yamada pushes them out of the pantry. “And wake your brother up! He needs to take a shower before we leave.”
Katsuki and Eri share a mischievous grin.
- - -
“TOSHI-NIIIIIIIII!!”
Hitoshi startles awake when Eri jumps directly onto his stomach, grinning down at him. He’s about to grumble at her and kick her out when he sees Katsuki towering over him.
Oh no.
“Katsuki, wait-“ he tries, but the blonde cuts him off with a bone-chilling smile.
“Rise and shine, bitch,” he growls before jumping up and landing on his legs. Hitoshi groans in pain, kicking both of them off.
“You’re gonna break my damn legs one of these days,” he hisses at Katsuki.
“Wake up at a decent hour and I won’t have to,” he shrugs, unbothered. “Papa wants you to jump in the shower before we leave.”
“What are we doing?” He questions, rubbing his eyes. Eri hops into his lap.
“It’s picnic day!” She reminds him. “Katsu-nii and I already packed our snacks! You don’t get to pick ANY out, Toshi-nii.”
“None?” He asks. She shakes her head. “Aw, man. You guys were too fast for me!”
“You snooze you lose,” she says.
“Oh, really. I wonder who taught you that one,” he mutters, glaring at Katsuki.
“Yeah, yeah. Get up, lazy ass.” He pats Eri’s leg. “C’mon, lets go finish picking up the living room before Papa sells all our toys.”
“Okay!” She chirps.
- - -
“It’s so nice out today,” Yamada sighs blissfully, resting his head on Aizawa’s stomach. The shorter man grunts in agreement, not bothering to open his eyes.
The family has just finished up their food, and now Hitoshi and Katsuki are entertaining Eri by helping her make flower crowns in the field. Yamada and Aizawa are using the peace and quiet as an opportunity to bask in each other’s existence for a moment. They love their children to the moon and back, but having a moment to themselves is rare nowadays. Sometimes you just want to curl up in the sun with your lover and not have to worry about spilled milk or skinned knees or homework.
In the field, Katsuki struggles to hold back his genuine smile as Eri plants herself in his lap and places a flower crown on his head.
“Aww,” Hitoshi coos. “Katsu-nii makes a pretty princess, don’t you think, Eri?”
“Hell yeah,” Katsuki grins. “I’m the prettiest fuckin’ princess out there. Look at me, all dainty an’ shit. Save me, save me, Eri-chan! I’m a damsel in distress!”
“You’re not subtle,” Hitoshi snorts. “I can spot your Midoriya impression from a mile away.”
“I was pressed for time. Had to use the first weakling voice that I thought of.” That earns him an eye roll. “Eri, tell your brother that my princess voice was good. He’s-“
Katsuki pauses. Eri’s face is contorted with fear. He immediately squeezes her hands.
“Oi, what’s wrong?” He asks gently. She lifts a shaky hand to point behind him.
“W-What is that?”
Both boys follow her direction to something in the grass directly behind Katsuki. The blonde lets out a relieved sigh, shaking his head.
“It’s just a snake. They’re harmless,” he promises. She wrinkles her nose.
“Will he bite?” She asks. He chews the inside of his lip thoughtfully, looking to Hitoshi for advice. The taller boy frowns.
“Only if you bother him,” he says. Eri squirms nervously in Katsuki’s lap, carefully drawing her legs up and clinging to his neck.
“... You want me to take care of it?” Katsuki offers. She nods, and Hitoshi winces.
“Wait, I’m not sure-“
Before he can finish his sentence, though, Katsuki is administering an explosion directly at the offending snake. Eri squeezes her eyes shut tight and plugs her ears.
“There,” the blonde says, reaching for the charred body. “All taken ca-“
“KATSUKI, WAIT!” Hitoshi shouts.
“What are you- AH!” He cries out, ripping his hand away. Two clear puncture wounds appear on his skin. He squeezes his wrist.
“Katsu-nii?!” Eri asks in alarm, balling his shirt in her hands. Hitoshi jumps into action, pulling her into his arms and crouching down.
“Shit. Shit shit shit. It’s venomous,” he informs Katsuki worriedly. The blonde stares at him with wide, teary eyes and a flushed face.
“O-Oh no,” he whispers, trembling.
“What’s wrong?” Eri asks, panic edging her tone. Hitoshi sets her down away from the reptile and helps Katsuki to his feet.
“Those two holes in his hand mean that the snake that bit him is dangerous,” he explains, easily catching the blonde when he stumbles limply into his side. “Two holes means it could have put venom into his body.”
Katsuki starts to cry, white-knuckling the back of Hitoshi’s shirt. He curses under his breath and bends down to pick him up, hoping that it would help them get to their fathers faster. He takes Eri’s hand and starts to run.
“What happened?” Yamada asks as soon as he hears Katsuki’s sobs. The blonde jumps from his brother’s arms and races over to Aizawa, fearfully gripping him.
“He got bit by a snake,” Hitoshi pants. “Venomous. It was already dead when it bit him, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t inject anything. I didn’t bring my First Aid kit.”
“It wouldn’t have helped with a snake bite anyways,” Aizawa says. “Call emergency services, ‘Zashi. Baby, I need you to keep your hand down low, okay? Below your heart.”
“No, no,” Katsuki sobs, thrashing around. Aizawa shushes him, stroking his face gently as he guides Katsuki’s hand to his knee.
“Shh, shh, you’re okay. Calm down. You’re gonna be okay. We’re gonna drive you to the hospital, and they’ll take care of you, alright?”
“Da-addy,” Katsuki wails, using his good hand to take Aizawa’s in a vice grip. He’s trembling violently. The man frowns.
“I know, sweetheart, I know.” He stands up, using one arm to hold Katsuki at his waist. He sees that Hitoshi and Eri have already packed up the car, and that Yamada seems to be finishing up on the phone. “Okay. I’m gonna sit in the back seat with you, alright? And Papa’s gonna drive you to the doctor.”
“Oww,” Katsuki whines, gripping his head.
“You got a headache?” Aizawa questions, setting Katsuki down in the middle seat and buckling him in. He nods. Aizawa presses a hand to his forehead. “... Shit, okay.”
“W-Wha’s wrong?” Katsuki whimpers.
“Nothing, honey. You just have a little fever, it’s okay.” Hitoshi shoots him a worried look from the other side of the car where he’s buckling Eri in. “Hitoshi, can you sit in the front seat with Papa? Help him with directions.”
“Okay,” he nods, biting his lip.
The drive to the hospital is... tense. Katsuki’s panicked crying eventually gets to Eri, and soon enough she’s in tears too. Aizawa tries his best to keep them both calm, but even his best can’t do much when the dizziness and nausea set in, leaving the blond terrified.
“Honey, I need you to take deep breaths for me,” he says gently, rubbing Katsuki’s back. He presses his head against his shoulder, straining against his seat belt. “Katsuki, you’re going to pass out if you don’t calm down.”
“No!” Katsuki shouts, shaking his head.
“I know. I know it’s scary, sweetheart. Do you feel like you’re going to faint? Be honest.” Katsuki nods, face red and slick with sweat at this point. “Okay. I really need you to calm down then, alright? Hitoshi, hand me a bottle of water from the cooler. Please.”
Once Aizawa has the water, he brings it to Katsuki’s lips and instructs him to take small sips. Through sobs and tears and stuttered breaths, the blonde eventually complies, and he’s no longer hysterical by the time the liquid is gone. He’s still shaking, though, and the look in his eyes tells Aizawa that unless he acts fast, the peace will be short-lived.
“Good job,” Aizawa praises him, wiping his face with a moist towelette. “That’s better, huh? Do you feel better now?”
“Uh huh,” Katsuki nods with a little sob, turning to press his face into his father’s neck. Aizawa’s heart sinks in his chest.
“Oh, kiddo,” he mumbles, reaching over to undo his seatbelt. He pulls Katsuki into his lap and starts to rock him. “You’re gonna be okay. Don’t worry about it. You’ll be alright.”
“A-Ah, I’m-I’m..!” There’s a hiccup-y, gagging sort or noise, and Aizawa feels his chest suddenly get warm and wet. He cringes.
“Eugh,” he shudders. “Was that all of it?” He asks, wiping himself down with more towelettes. Katsuki nods meekly.
“I-I’m sorry,” he whimpers, rubbing his eye.
“Don’t worry about it, Kats. You just focus on staying calm, okay?” He instructs lightly. The blonde nods, leaning heavily against him and giving a quiet little whimper. “You good?”
“Hurts,” he whispers.
Aizawa looks down at the bitten appendage. It’s... actually not that bad. Swollen and irritated, sure, but the puncture wound itself doesn’t seem to be dangerously deep and the bleeding had stopped pretty much as soon as it had begun, only a touch of dried blood at the corner of each pinprick. It does look painful though, so Aizawa kisses his head.
“I know. We’re almost at the doctor’s.”
Everything from the second they set foot in the emergency to the time Katsuki ends up on a cot is a blur for Aizawa. He somehow manages to explain that Katsuki’s regressing due to the stress, but everything else is done by Yamada. He holds Eri as she and her brother do their best to describe the snake that bit Katsuki, but he doesn’t really hear them. Now that he’s not dead set on keeping Katsuki calm, he’s starting to feel a little panicky himself. The only thing keeping him grounded (and preventing him from demanding answers from innocent hospital staff) is his son’s hand in his.
“Well, good news,” the doctor says after she runs a few tests. “The snake didn’t really inject a lot of venom. Most of the symptoms you described were likely a sever fear response. We’re gonna ask him to stay overnight just in case, but we’re getting him some medicine that should fix it in no time. Have him take it for ten days, and if he’s still not feeling well, we can take him in for another round of tests.”
“Okay,” Aizawa sighs. “He’s okay?”
“He’s golden,” the doctor says, winking at Katsuki. The blonde smiles back weakly. “Hey, does he see a doctor about the age regression?” Aizawa nods.
“My husband and I are both trained counselors,” he explains, touching Yamada’s hand. “And he sees the therapist at his school once a week. For him, it’s more of a coping mechanism than a symptom of any disorders.”
“Gotcha. Well, I’ll be in to check up on him throughout the night,” she says. “Will you all be staying? I can ask for more chairs.”
“I think the three of us are gonna head out,” Yamada says. “We’ll be back in the morning?”
“Call me before you put the kids to bed,” Aizawa requests, leaning up to kiss him quickly. “I’ll keep you updated.”
“Alright,” he nods, bending over to smooch Katsuki’s forehead. He presses his hair back. “Way to worry us, little listener!”
“Papa,” Katsuki giggles, pushing him away. “M’okay. Th’ doctor said so.”
“I know. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” He promises, ruffling his hair. “I love you both.”
“Love you too,” they respond in unison.
Once they have the room to themselves, Aizawa lets out a low groan and lowers his head. Katsuki sits up a little straighter.
“You ‘kay?” He asks. Aizawa sniffles.
“Yes. I’m okay.” He wipes his eyes quickly. “I was just a little worried about you. If that snake had been more dangerous... Sorry.”
“‘M feelin’ much better now,” Katsuki assures him, leaning over to press his forehead to Aizawa’s. “‘M gonna be ‘kay.”
“I know,” he murmurs, pressing his hand to the back of his neck. “I know. You’re gonna be okay. We’re gonna be okay.”
“Mhm,” Katsuki nods. “Daddy?”
“Yeah?”
“I can get lollipop?” He asks, very seriously.
“... Oh, Katsuki,” he chuckles. “Sure. I’ll ask the nurse if you can have a lollipop.”
Notes:
Fun fact: snakes can bite after they’re dead. I actually think they’re really cute but that’s terrifying >.<
Chapter 53: Feelin’ Small (w/ Carer Kiri + Babysitter Kami)
Summary:
Katsuki and Kaminari are paired with a certain irritating student from Class 1-B who seems hellbent on making Katsuki upset.
Notes:
CW FOR: heavy dissociation, very light unsanitary (emetophobia + wetting, both are a if you blink you miss it sorta deal), mild medical talk (nausea, dizziness, headaches), bullying???, going non/partially verbal
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hey, dude,” Kaminari whispers, leaning over to Katsuki. “Stop biting your thumb.”
Katsuki immediately rips the appendage out of his mouth, a look of horror and shame in his eyes. He glances nervously at their partners from Class 1-H, but neither of them seem to have noticed. He resists the urge to sigh with relief and gives Kaminari a nod to thank him.
The students of the hero course have been teamed up with the support course for the past week. Between certain student’s antics, technical mishaps resulting in multiple class-wide injuries, the stress of extra training, and the looming threat of their grades dropping if they don’t cooperate properly, it’s been more than a little hard on everyone.
Katsuki and Kaminari are especially feeling it, since they’ve been facing the brunt of Monoma’s constant harassment after being randomly paired up with him and Awase. He’ll crack a joke or two about Katsuki’s impulsiveness or Kaminari’s hesitance towards using his full power, but what’s really getting to the both of them is how he points out every. Single. Mistake. That they make.
People make mistakes all the time. They stumble, they curse in front of authority figures, they drop water bottles and forget to tie their shoes and laugh at inopportune times. It’s not a big deal. But when you have someone who purposefully tries to get you to embarrass yourself and then announces it as loud as possible, it starts to eat at you.
And the worst part is, they’re graded as a group, so the four of them will surely be getting a low mark because of his buffoonery.
Katsuki’s been low key regressed since he woke up that morning, but he insisted on attending school like normal. Aizawa, Hitoshi, and Eijirou doted on him all throughout class (much to his dismay), but the role of ‘discreet carer’ was passed onto Kaminari when they began their last day of extra training. That’s all fine and dandy, but Monoma’s cruelty got to Katsuki easily when he was teetering in between headspaces, and now he’s slipping faster than he anticipated, unwillingly forfeiting complete control to his instincts.
“These are basically just smoke bombs,” a girl from Class G explains to them brightly. “But the chemicals give off a nauseating effect! I probably wouldn’t try it here, but-“
Katsuki notices the leg kick out in front of him a second too late, stumbling into the girl and making her drop the bomb in her hand.
Immediately, all five students are struck with pounding headaches, dizziness, and a churning in their stomachs. Kaminari falls to his knees with a groan and gags up most of the water he’d just downed. Monoma cackles.
“Nice going, Baka-gou! You really are an idiot, huh?!” He teases, holding his stomach. Apparently, he just wants to see the downfall of Class 1-A’s most prideful student, regardless of whether of not he harms himself. “Can’t work your own two feet? Pathetic!”
Katsuki’s lip wobbles, but he refuses to cry. Focusing on his tummy doing flip-flops seems to help with that, and he sinks to the ground and squeezes his eyes shut, not giving Monoma the pleasure of a reaction.
“F-Fuck you, Monoma,” Awase stutters, bending at the waist. “Everyone saw you trip him, you little asshole.” Monoma laughs.
“Just testing his reflexes!”
“You guys have been paired with him all week?” The girl asks, voice strained. She receives a series of affirmative grunts. “W-Wowzers. I’m sorry about that.”
“I-If the students of 1-A can’t handle something like this, they’ll never be heroes!” Monoma protests. “Notice how both of them are on the ground, but we’re still standing! It’s a display of true strength, you have to-“
“That’s enough,” a second female voice says. Katsuki cracks one eye open just in time to see Kendou flicking Monoma on the nose, carefully covering her own airways.
“Ouch! Kendou-“
“I can vouch for you three- or four, if this happens to affect your grade as well,” she interrupts him, gesturing to the pained students. “Monoma is a menace. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine,” Kaminari sighs, exhaling heavily through his mouth. “The worst of it is over, anyways. Just got a migraine now.”
“Me too,” Awase confirms. The support course girl frowns, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.
“Huh. I’ll have to figure out a way to make the effects last longer, then...”
There’s a bit more of back-and-forth between everyone, but Katsuki doesn’t acknowledge anything until he feels someone tapping him.
“Hey,” Kaminari says gently. “Are you okay? Should I get Aizawa Sensei or something?”
“Uh-uh,” Katsuki whimpers, shaking his head.
“Okay. Can you stand up, then? Class is over. Kendou’s gonna explain the situation to the teachers, so we don’t have to worry about getting low marks,” he says. “Plus? Totally got her number. Guess I have game after all!”
Katsuki doesn’t seem too amused, so he drops his grin and outstretches his hand.
“C’mon. Let’s get you out of here.”
The transportation from his spot on the ground to Eijirou is a blur of unshed tears, murmuring voices, and Kaminari’s hand in a vice grip, most of which he can barely process. What matters is that he sees a head of red hair, a sharp smile, a pair of broad shoulders, and he RUNS towards him.
“Kiri,” he whispers, shakily wrapping his arms around him and holding him as close as possible. Eijirou gasps, returning the embrace.
“What happened? Are you okay?”
“We gotta go,” is all Katsuki says.
He must get lost in his head or fall asleep or something, because one minute he’s desperately clinging to Eijirou with the hopes of grounding himself, and then it’s like he blinks and he’s at his door, loosely hanging off of his friend. He makes a tiny, panicked whine, and then he feels Eijirou slump with relief.
“Hey, kiddo,” he says quietly, taking him into his room. He brushes the hair out of his face. Katsuki’s wearing his casual clothes. When did he change? “You had me really worried there for a while. You’re coming back to me now?”
“A-Ah,” Katsuki gasps, reaching out for him. The redhead immediately complies, letting his friend crawl into his lap so he can ground himself until he’s back to normal.
After a while, he feels the tell-tale tremble of shoulders, and he’s almost relieved when Katsuki starts to quietly cry in his neck. Because if he’s crying, that means he’s experiencing some spike in emotion, and a spike in emotion would indicate that he’s no longer heavily dissociated.
“Shh, shh, it’s okay,” he hushes, starting to rock him and rub his back. “What’s wrong, sweet-pea? Can you tell me?”
Katsuki whines and shakes his head a little bit. That’s... okay, that’s a bit worrying, but maybe he just doesn’t want to talk about it? He knows that Monoma embarrassed him and put him in harms way, so it’s not like he needs to figure out the problem.
“Okay, that’s fine. You wanna watch a show instead?” He suggests, hoping to at least distract him. But the blonde shakes his head again. “No? Do you want to color, then?” Another shake. “... Okay, then what do you want to do, ‘Suki? You wanna cook?”
Katsuki mumbles something unintelligible into Eijirou’s shoulder, dampening the fabric of his shirt. He furrows his brow and pulls him away so he can face him, his muffled cries now becoming loud ones in the small room.
“Can you say that again?” He asks gently, although his face is full of concern. Katsuki just keeps crying, and Eijirou releases his grip, allowing him to bury his face in his neck again.
They stay like that until Katsuki’s wails die down to a soft sob and whimper every now and then, and then Eijirou carefully rearranges them so Katsuki is curled up in his lap, arms wrapped around him and face visible.
“Do you want your pacifier?” He asks, thumbing away some loose tears.
Katsuki nods. Eijirou sets him down on the bed, which causes him to start whining again, but the redhead ignores it in favor of taking out his regression gear. He retrieves a pacifier and a diaper from under the bed, just in case. Then he moves on to the closet and searches around for one of Yamada’s shirts, knowing very well that the bagginess and lingering scent of his father are surefire ways to keep Katsuki at peace. He makes quick work of changing Katsuki and giving him his pacifier, and then he’s being clung to again, as if he’d crumble away if he were to be let go.
“M’ank you...” Katsuki mumbles, resting his forehead on Eijirou’s neck. The redhead holds out his hand for him to play with, rightfully assuming that he’s slipped into his especially young headspace.
“Let me clean your face,” Eijirou whispers after a while. Katsuki nods with a small sigh and waits on the bed while Eijirou retrieves a bag of baby wipes to clear away the dried snot and tears from his skin. It’s nice to feel clean, even if it makes his cheeks feel cold.
“Mmph,” Katsuki grunts as soon as he’s finished, making grabby hands at Eijirou. The redhead smiles gently and picks him up.
“Hey, let’s go get a snack. Training is hard on your body, you’ve got to get some nutrients in your tummy. Sound good?” Katsuki whines and shakes his head. “C’mon, buddy, you’ve gotta eat a little something. Applesauce?”
“Mm-mmnn!” He struggles, squirming.
“Okay, okay, fine. Will you at least drink a little bit of juice? You really need some calories...” He trails off, noting how Katsuki is still trembling. It could be a side effect of his anxiety, but he’d rather be safe than sorry.
Luckily for him, Katsuki stills at the mention of juice, and he blinks up with wide, teary eyes before tapping his fist to his lips twice.
“You want your bottle?” Eijirou guesses. He nods. “Hey, how young did you slip, kiddo?”
Katsuki lowers his head and brings his shoulder to his ears. He rests his head on Eijirou’s chest before shrugging a little bit. The redhead sighs, knowing that his chances of getting a real answer are unlikely and just planning on caring for him as best as he can.
He sets Katsuki down on the counter and starts searching for the meal replacement juice he keeps in the fridge specifically for when his friend is regressed and refusing meals. He managed to find it at the back of the refrigerator with only one serving left, which means that Momo or Sato likely broke into it again. He’ll have to have another talk with them when he gets the chance...
“Hey guys,” Mina greets, skipping into the kitchen. “Aww, wait! Hi, Bakubaby!” Katsuki smiles a little before ducking his head with a pout. “... Oof. Someone’s grumpy, huh?”
“Nope. Just really small today,” Eijirou explains, pouring some juice into Katsuki’s bottle and capping it. “I’m pretty sure he’s fully nonverbal at this point, actually.”
“Aww, rough day?” She coos, reaching out to stoke Katsuki’s cheek. The blonde whines.
“Ah, I’m going to feed him in the hopes that he cheers up a bit. He’ll probably go down for a nap, too,” Eijirou cuts in with an apologetic tone. “But if you guys wanna have a movie night tonight, maybe we can come too?”
“Sounds like a plan, Mister Red Riot, sir!” She chirps, saluting him in a joking manner.
“Ha ha,” he deadpans, lifting Katsuki off the counter. He immediately wraps himself around his front in an almost koala-like manner, burying his face into his shoulder. “Oh, honey... Alright, I’m gonna take him back up to his room now. See you guys later, hopefully?”
“Sure thing!”
Once they’re situated on Katsuki’s bed, Eijirou begins to feed him, helping him hold the bottle up just in case. Despite his protests about eating anything, he actually nurses quickly, and it’s empty within not even ten minutes.
“Aww, you were hungry, huh?” He coos, rubbing Katsuki’s belly over his shirt. “C’mere, we’re gonna lay down and watch my phone. You look pretty sleepy to me.”
Katsuki sighs through his nose, but makes no objection as Eijirou lays them down and starts to pet his hair softly. He pulls up some show that’s lighthearted enough to be appropriate for Katsuki, but also mature enough that it’ll go over his head and bore him to sleep. There must be some wisdom to it, because he’s out like a light before the first episode is over.
“Poor thing,” Eijirou mumbles, kissing his forehead and pulling him closer to his chest.
He watches a few episodes before his own eyes start slipping shut, and before he knows it he’s snoring and drooling into Katsuki’s hair.
- - -
Eijirou wakes up to crying.
It doesn’t take a genius to deduce that Katsuki’s had a nightmare, with the way he’s shivering and clinging to his pillow. Eijirou melts, reaching out for him and pulling him into his lap to soothe his nerves.
“Shh, shh, it’s okay. I’m here, ‘Suki. You’re safe with me,” he whispers, stroking his back. “You had a bad dream, huh? What was it about this time? Was it the League of Villains again?” Katsuki nods into his chest. “Don’t you worry about them, sweet boy. They’re never gonna hurt you again, you’re too strong.”
He glances over at Katsuki’s clock to see that dinner is in half an hour. He’ll have to calm him down and get him changed before then.
“Hey bug, hold on tight. We’re gonna get you some nice, cold water to help you calm down, okay?” He explains, lifting him off the bed. He cringes when he sees a small wet spot where Katsuki was sleeping. “Actually, let’s change the sheets and clean you up first...”
He manages to handle the situation with time to spare, and lets out a relieved sigh as he helps Katsuki drink ice water from a sippy cup, the boy now wearing pajama shorts under his shirt. He pokes his nose affectionately, and Katsuki giggles softly to himself.
“There’s our sweet boy,” Eijirou smiles. “I missed seeing your smile, kiddo.”
Katsuki babbles something he can’t begin to understand, but he does so with a happy tone, bright eyes, and rosy cheeks, so it warms Eijirou’s heart. He kisses the top of his head.
“C’mon, we gotta get to dinner. I can do the airplane with your curry if we get there in time,” he promises in a sing-song voice.
Katsuki gasps and immediately wraps himself around Eijirou, discarding his pacifier on the couch. The redhead rolls his eyes fondly and sticks it in his pocket, reminding himself for the thousandth time to invest in one of those clips.
- - -
“Hey,” Jirou greets, sliding her tray in front of Eijirou and Katsuki. Momo sits down next to her. “How’s everything going?”
“Good,” Eijirou says.
“Bakugou, I heard you and Kaminari had a rough day at training today,” Momo says, touching his hand. “Kendou told me. I apologize. Monoma can be difficult, but if you’re willing to give him a chance he’s more... well, er, he’s just more of a pest than an actual problem. All bark and only... some bite.”
“You and your compulsive need to befriend everyone,” Jirou teases. “Look, dude, Monoma’s a dick. Everyone knows that, teachers included. I’m sure this won’t effect your grades at all.”
“Guys, actually-“
“Bakugou!” Kaminari greets, plopping down next to him. “Hey little man, how’s it hangin’? You feelin’ any better yet?”
“Ka-ami,” Katsuki gurgles happily. Kaminari laughs and gives him a high five.
“... Ah,” Momo says, smiling fondly. “He doesn’t seem too hung up on it right now.”
“Nah, he totally was, but we’re working through it. Right, kiddo?” He asks, tapping Katsuki’s thigh. The blonde beams at him.
“Ai’p’ane,” he slurs, opening his mouth.
“Oh, right, of course,” Eijirou chuckles, taking some of Katsuki’s curry. “Here it comes!”
- - -
“What’cha got there?” Eijirou asks, getting Katsuki’s toothbrush ready.
“Eee,” Katsuki chirps in response, holding up his stuffed bear. The redhead laughs and brings the toothbrush to his mouth.
“You’re still feeling small, huh?” Katsuki nods. “That’s okay. As long as you’re not upset.”
When they’re both clean and freshened up for the movie, Katsuki bounces on the floor.
“Up, up, up,” he demands, reaching for Eijirou’s shirt. The shorter boy happily complies, lifting him to rest on his hip.
“Alright, kiddo. Let’s go watch a movie.”
Notes:
AHHHH I’M SO SORRY ABOUT UPDATES BEING SO SLOW :((( I feel really bad about it, I’ve just been busy and distracted >.< I’ve got so many of your prompts started and this is the only one I managed to finish today .n. I hope you’re all doing well though! I miss hearing from you guys!
Side note: Tumblr stopped sending me notifs for a while and I had to delete all the asks in my inbox for it to work again, so I haven’t been ignoring any messages or anything! I just didn’t see them oops :(
Chapter 54: A DATE?! (w/ Carer Kiri + Bakusquad)
Summary:
Katsuki gets asked out while he’s regressed.
Notes:
I JUST REMEMBERED THIS REQUEST FROM FOREVER AGO, I’M SO SORRY I DIDN’T GET TO IT EARLIER!
BIG CW FOR: someone being hit on while regressed, mentions of kink/regression being interpreted as a kink (nothing very explicit don’t worry), talk about affection while regressed(?? it’s all innocent stuff but kiri gets worried), and very brief mention of violence
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hey, buddy,” Eijirou says, ruffling Katsuki’s hair. “You all ready to go to lunch?”
“Mhm!” Katsuki smiles up at him. “I got my pack-pack all ready!”
“Oh yeah? What’cha put in there?”
“Blocks, an’ colors, an’ my kitty, an’ some clothes, an’ some band-aids, an’ a chewie, aaaaand....” he peeks inside the overstuffed backpack. “A blankie. Just in case.”
“In case of what?”
“Case I get sleepy!”
“Well, I don’t know if you’ll need all that, but I like that you’re coming prepared,” he chuckles. “C’mon, we’re gonna take the train.”
The self-proclaimed “Bakusquad” is heading out for a celebratory lunch after Mina aced her English exam. The fact that Katsuki regressed early in the morning after a nightmare was unplanned, but welcome. He always seems to enjoy himself more in public when he’s regressed anyways, as he tends to get a little anxious and insecure normally. And it’s not like he’s hurting anyone, so...
The ride into the city is actually kind of fun. They goof around amongst themselves, Mina doing silly little dances, Sero cracking jokes, Kaminari making wise-ass comments about strangers under his breath. Eijirou holds Katsuki close to his side the whole time, smiling fondly as he bounces his stuffed kitten in his lap and babbles quietly to himself.
They get to the restaurant. Mina orders an iced tea. Sero and Kaminari both get a Coke. Eijirou gets Yakult. Katsuki orders apple juice.
“Apple juice?” Their waitress giggles. “Cute.
You’re the Sports Festival boy, right?”
“... Mhm,” Katsuki hums, nodding his head a little bit. Eijirou can tell that he’s restraining himself from being rude. How sweet!
“I kind of figured you would be all doom and gloom in real life, but you’re actually kind of adorbs,” she muses. “You’ve even got a plushie, aww! Are you a boy lolita?”
Several heads turn at that, and Katsuki draws his shoulders to his ears and makes a pinched face. Uh oh. Eijirou’s about to excuse them so he can calm his friend down, but Sero is quick to step in after assessing the issue.
“That’s Mina’s!” He says. “I gave it to her as a gift for acing her last test. It’s actually why we’re out celebrating today. She must have left it behind, and Blasty here picked it up. He’s like that, you know. For sure as tough as he acts, but he really cares about his friends!”
“I guess chivalry isn’t dead!” She chuckles. “I’ll be back with those drinks in a bit.”
The four of them share a collective sigh of relief as she skips away, and Katsuki frowns.
“S’okay?” He asks, somewhat registering the implications behind being called a ‘boy lolita.’
“Yeah, bud, it’s okay,” Eijirou assures him. “You can play with your kitty wherever you want, our waitress is just trying to be friendly!”
“We can go somewhere else if you want,” Mina offers. “If she’s making you uncomfortable-“
“Noooo!” Katsuki whines suddenly, shaking his head. “I want my juice!”
“Shh,” Eijirou shushes him gently. “We can get juice somewhere else if you don’t want to stay here, kiddo. They have juice everywhere.”
“No, no! Wanna stay!”
Eijirou looks up to his friends for guidance, but they all shrug. He shakes his head.
“Alright, fine. Just let me know if you feel weird at all, okay?” He says, touching his shoulder. The blonde shrugs him off with a grin.
“M’kay, Kiri.”
- - -
“And then I told Jirou that I would end up shorting out if we went on that damn roller coaster again, but she just-“
“Hey, how is everything?” A perky voice asks. “Everything cooked to your liking?”
“Oh yeah, definitely!” Sero says.
“I want more chicken,” Katsuki mumbles, pouting. Her eyes widen.
“I can get you another bowl,” she offers.
“Ah, the rest of our money is going towards dessert...” Eijirou says apologetically, rubbing the back of his neck. She shakes her head.
“On the house! Just remember me when you have the paycheck of a pro hero,” she jokes with a wink towards Katsuki’s direction.
“You don’t have to-“ Mina tries to say, but the girl is already gone. She sighs. “Why do you have to be such a pretty boy, Bakubaby?”
“Nuh uh!” Katsuki spits, wrinkling his nose. “Gross! M’not PRETTY.” Eijirou laughs.
“You tell her, kiddo!” He chuckles. “You’re not pretty, you’re handsome, right?”
“NO! M’SCARY!”
“He kind of has a point,” Kaminari says. “Still super cute, though.”
Katsuki shrieks.
“Shh, shh, okay, we’ll stop teasing,” Eijirou whispers through giggles.
- - -
“Someone was hungry!” Katsuki’s bowl is lifted from his spot. “Will that be all for today?”
“Yep! We’re splitting the pay.”
“Alright, I’ll bring your check right over!” The waitress says. Sero grins at her.
“Thank you-,” he squints to read her name tag. “Saryu!” She nods.
“No problem. Did you want a juice to go...?” The question is clearly directed at Katsuki.
“No. I got water in my pack.”
“O-Okay!” She stutters, face flushing red. “I’ll be right back!” Kaminari sighs.
“You guys always have girls tripping over you. It’s not fairrrr,” he whines. “Bakugou doesn’t even want a girlfriend! What about me?”
“Oh, shut up,” Mina grumbles. “As if you don’t flirt with every girl you see. It goes both ways!”
“Not EVERY girl,” he protests. “I’ve never flirted with you, have I?”
“Yep. First day of school. Nonstop compliments about how form-fitting my costume is,” she counters, crossing her arms with a smirk. He flusters and bows his head.
“... I’ve changed.”
“Yes you have,” Sero assures him, patting his back. “We all know you respect women now.”
“Okay, here you go!” Saryu chirps. She places the check right in front of Katsuki, who blinks at it before scrunching his brow and looking up at Eijirou. “Is... there a problem?”
“Nope, no problem!” Mina says, snatching the check. “Thanks, Saryu!”
“N-No problem! Um, I just...” she squirms nervously in place. “I have a... question?”
“Here we go,” Eijirou whispers, sucking in a breath. Saryu clears her throat.
“Um, Bakugou... S-So, I looked it up online, and we’re actually the same age! I-Isn’t that fun?” She twirls her hair, face red. “A-And I just thought- think! I just THINK you’re super cool and strong, and you seem really sweet in person, and I... I get off of work in, like, fifteen minutes. If you wanted to go somewhere?”
“Some... where?” Katsuki asks, tilting his head. “To the park?” She lights up.
“Y-Yeah! We can go to the park!”
“Wow!” Katsuki giggles happily. “We can pla-“
“BAKUGOU IS GAY!” Sero blurts out.
The table goes silent.
“... Sorry! Um! He’s gay! Bakugou is gay. He’s-“ he gulps loudly. “Oh God. He’s my boyfr- he’s. We’re dating. We’re- I’m gay too. And we’re... boyfriends. Together. Yep. So... he can’t go on a date with you. Because...”
“... Because it’s... their anniversary!” Kaminari cuts in. Mina facepalms. Sero winces.
“Yep! Th-Three years. Going strong. Of us... dating. Right... d-dear?” He asks, looking to Katsuki. The blonde seems completely confused. Eijirou whispers something to him.
“... Yes,” he nods. “S’true.”
“Oh my gosh!” Saryu squeals, tearing up. “I am SO sorry. I had no idea! That was totally inappropriate of me! I-I mean, I meant what I said, but I don’t- I’m not...! I’m really, really sorry! Please forgive me! I won’t tell anyone, I swear! Please don’t tell my boss-“
“It’s okay,” Mina assures her. “No worries.”
“Oh my God. Thank you,” she sighs. “I’m really sorry, again. That was so rude of me, and I just- Wow! I’m not-...! Um, I have gay friends!”
“That’s-“ Eijirou snorts. “That’s okay, really. Don’t panic, we’re not upset. Right, k- bro?”
“... Me?” Katsuki asks, pointing to his chest. Eijirou nods. “Yeah, s’okay. Don’ cry.”
“Okay. I’m sorry,” she whispers, wiping her face. “Agh. Okay. I’ll just... leave you to your check, then,” she laughs nervously. “So. Yeah.”
Once she leaves, everyone slumps with relief. Besides Katsuki, of course. He’s a bit clueless.
“Well, crisis averted?” Mina says.
“Yeah. Thanks to loverboy over here,” Kaminari says, elbowing Sero.
“Shut up,” Sero groans, burying his face in his hands. “It was so uncomfortable watching her hit on Blasty! He was so oblivious!”
“She couldn’t have known,” Eijirou says. “I’m actually glad you stepped in. If she were to make an actual move on him-“
“Ugh, don’t say it,” Mina says, looking a bit queasy. “Whatever. I still had a good time!”
“Me too,” Kaminari agrees.
“Yeah, it was fun,” Sero admits.
“What about you, kiddo? Did you have a good time?” Eijirou asks. Katsuki nods.
“Yeah! C’we go play now, Kiri? Please?”
“Yeah? You wanna go to the park?” He asks. Katsuki nods eagerly. “What do you guys think? You up for some more?”
“Hell yeah!” Kaminari cheers.
- - -
“Come push me, Kami!” Katsuki shouts, swinging his legs. His face is flushed with exertion, eyes bright and smile wide.
“Sure thing!”
Eijirou smiles fondly at the scene, although it doesn’t take long for it to fall, a sort of distant look in his eyes. Mina looks up from her phone.
“What’s wrong?” She asks. Eijirou shrugs.
“I feel... gross. About the whole Saryu thing.” He shakes his head. “I know that it was a mistake on her part and, like... obviously she shouldn’t have asked out a customer, but I don’t know if I’m just saying that because it was Bakugou, and I feel-!” He sighs, slumping against the bench. “... Like I said. Gross.”
“I know,” Mina nods. “It was uncomfortable for everyone. But he didn’t even register what was happening, Kiri. He’s clearly not shook up by it. Look at how happy he is right now!”
“It’s just...” he purses his lips. “You remember when everyone found out about him regressing, and Mineta implied that it was some sort of kink thing?”
“Ugh. Yes.” She shudders at the thought.
“Obviously everyone was angry about it, but I just feel like... if I wasn’t so focused on making the experience as safe as possible, I would have seriously hurt him, Mina. Shinsou and I were so mad we were SHAKING. And earlier, at the restaurant...” A look of shame takes over his expression. “... I got that same feeling.”
“Look. I get it,” Mina says. “But you said yourself that she’s innocent. It was just a stupid mistake. Bakubaby LOOKS like he’s a seventeen year-old boy.” She glances over at the happy kid playing on the swing-set. “I know you get protective over him, even more than the rest of us do. And I’m glad you restrained yourself today. But if that ever happens in a setting where you don’t need to hold back, or if you just snap one day-“
“I won’t,” he defends himself quietly.
“But IF you do,” she continues, patting his back. “You could get in serious trouble.”
“... So what do I do?”
“I think you should talk to him,” Mina says. “Maybe when we get back to UA?”
“Yeah,” he nods. “Okay.”
- - -
“M’sleepy,” Katsuki mumbles, lifting his arms. Eijirou smiles and picks him up.
“I’ll carry you to your room. We can take a nap,” he promises. “But when you wake up, I want to have a talk with you, okay?”
“... Bad talk?” Katsuki asks nervously.
“No, sweetheart. Nothing bad. Just something that I need you to be more awake for.”
“M’kay,” he sighs, sticking his thumb in his mouth and leaning against Eijirou’s neck.
- - -
“... S’that curry?” Katsuki mumbles, glaring at the bowl on his end table. Eijirou whirls around, mouth full of food.
“Oh! You’re awake!” He swallows. “Yeah, you slept through dinner, so I decided to make us some. Did I do a good job?”
Katsuki sniffs the food warily. Then takes a bite. A bit overcooked, and much too bland.
“Eh,” he says. “S’whatever.”
“Are you still small?” He asks, moving to sit next to him on the bed. Katsuki shrugs.
“Maybe a little. Mostly just fuzzy. You know.”
“Yeah,” he nods. “Listen-“
“Oh, right, you wanted to talk,” Katsuki mutters. Sometimes it helps him remember things that he experienced in his headspace when he says them out loud. Eijirou nods.
“The, uh... whole thing with the waitress.” Katsuki’s face flushes a bit, and his eyes widen just a tad, but he doesn’t say anything. “I just... wanted to let you know that if anyone ever says or does anything to you while you’re regressed that’s... inappropriate, I want you to tell me. And your dads, too. I don’t care if they knew, or if it didn’t affect you, I just want you to tell someone. Just in case. Okay?”
“... Okay,” Katsuki says quietly. “Er... You’re not mad at Tape Face or somethin’, are you?”
“No, no,” Eijirou chuckles. “His plan was stupid, but it worked. I’m not mad at him.”
“He’s a dumbass,” Katsuki scoffs, rolling his eyes fondly. Eijirou grins at him.
“Yeah. He kinda is.”
The room falls silent for a moment, and Katsuki looks up from his dinner.
“... Is there more?” He asks.
“I’m not- I’ve never made you uncomfortable, have I?” Eijirou blurts out, and, woah, he didn’t even realize that was a concern he has! “I know I kiss your forehead and hold your hand and clean you and all that, and I promise my intentions have never been bad, but if-“
“Wow. Chill,” Katsuki snorts, holding up his hand. “You’d do that with any kid, Shitty Hair. I’ve seen you around Eri. It’s not weird, you’re just affectionate. If I didn’t... like it, you’d know. It’s... fuckin’- kinda comforting, actually. Shit.” He huffs. “Whatever. Shut up. I don’t care.”
“I didn’t say anything,” Eijirou laughs. “You’re sure, though? Because I’ll stop. I promise.”
“Dude, it’s not like you’re kissing me on the lips or anything like that. It’s totally innocent. I don’t give a shit.” He chews his food thoughtfully. “I might-... I might actually freak out if you stop. Because... just because.”
He’s not going to admit how important his best friend is to him just because the guy’s getting cold feet over a stupid waitress. He can figure that out on his own time, Katsuki doesn’t need information pried out of him, thank you!
“Okay,” Eijirou nods. “We’re cool?”
“No,” Katsuki says very seriously. “If you make curry this shit again, I’ll blow your ass up.”
“Aww, dude!” Eijirou whines. “It’s good!”
“IT SUCKS!!!”
Notes:
Sorry if this chapter was uncomfortable, it was definitely uncomfortable to write eugh ‘>.<
Not replying to comments rn, just publishing
Chapter 55: Train Fight (w/ Babysitter Shouto, Carer Kiri, + Dadzawa)
Summary:
Katsuki gets into a fight on the train ride to remedial class, and it stresses him out more than he’d like it to. Camie and Inasa get suspicious.
Notes:
CW FOR: drunk adults, adults (mostly verbally) harassing minors, implied/referenced child abuse, minor blood/injury/violence, anxiety + panic attacks, aaaand strict teaching (nothing bad really but just in case!)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Are those UA kids?” It’s not even nighttime yet. Why are these assholes already drunk? “Ohhh, shit, they are! Hey, kids!”
“Ignore them,” Shouto mumbles.
“Obviously,” Katsuki rolls his eyes.
“Hey, hey you! Endeavor’s boy!” Obnoxious laughter. “Why’s your dad such an asshole, huh? He ever tell you why?”
Shouto doesn’t grant them a reaction, not even looking up from his phone. Katsuki tries to do the same, glaring at his lap, but he already feels anger coiling in his belly.
“Oi, blondie!!” The voice is closer now. “You met the whole League of Villains, right? I really thought you were going to join them!”
“I’M NOT-“
“Don’t,” Shouto warns, placing a hand on his knee. “Hey, leave us alone. We won’t hesitate to take legal action if you don’t.”
“Aw, don’t be so lame, Daddy’s Money,” he slurs, grinning. “I’m just saying! With the way he acted at the Sports Festival- Well, I guess I don’t have to explain that t’you, now do I?”
“Shut up,” Katsuki growls, teeth bared.
“Shhhhh, I’m just playin’!” He giggles.
“You don’t understand the circumstances. I was fuckin’ exhausted, and he gave my rival his all but not me, and I-“
“Bakugou, you don’t owe this guy an explanation,” Shouto says lightly.
“No, c’mon,” he whines. “I wanna hear you justify beatin’ the shit out of yer friend.”
“He’s not my friend,” Katsuki spits. Shouto winces. Wow, that was cold.
“Wow, you’re a m-“ hic. “M-Monster, ha! That where you got all beat up from? Fightin’?”
He pokes at a cut on Katsuki’s cheek, and Shouto has to physically hold him back to avoid catastrophic consequences.
“It’s from our fuckin’ remedial classes so we can get our licenses, ass face!” He snarls.
“Yeah, I heard ‘bout that,” A second drunken idiot cuts in. “Bakugou failed because he was too mean. Heard it from my friend, her daughter goes to Isamu High School.”
“Ohhh, that’s rich!” The first guy cackles. “You really think yer gonna be a hero? Walkin’ ‘round, pickin’ fights an’ shit?”
“I WILL! I’LL BE THE BEST!” He screams. “LEMME GO, HALF ‘N HALF! LEMME AT ‘EM!”
“You’re only proving their point,” Shouto whispers. “Just sit back. It’s fine.”
“IT’S NOT FINE!” He roars, sinking his teeth into Shouto’s arm. The taller boy jumps and pulls away with a sigh.
“Don’t blame me when you get in trouble.”
“Awww, is the widdle hewo gonna huwt me?” The guy teases. “This’ll go on your permanent record, you know. Fuck up yer chances an’ all.”
“Being a hero is all about beating bad guys,” Katsuki growls. “And you’re pretty bad.”
“Yeah, but,” the guy starts, putting his fists up. “M’also bigger than ya, an’ a li’l drunk. So we’ll see who wins this fight, eh?”
“Hey, rich boy,” the other guy taunts. “You wanna bet money on it? M’sure Endeavor’s got your pockets loaded, doesn’t he?”
“I’m not getting involved,” Shouto says, putting his hands up. “Not unless Bakugou gets hurt.”
“Aww, look’it that,” the first guy says. “Your friend’s lookin’ out for ya, Bakugou. Ain’t that sweet? You got a protector, hm?”
“I told you,” Katsuki says, finally standing up. “IcyHot is NOT my friend. He’s a pest.”
“Yeah, but you sat right next to him,” the second guy says. “Practically on his lap.”
“Ohh, so it’s like that, huh?” The first guy sneers. “A fairy that beats people up for enjoyment wants to be a hero. Tch, with Endeavor as Number One, m’not surprised.”
“What did you just call him?” Shouto asks, furrowing his brow. They laugh.
“Oooooh, the boyfriend’s comin’ to help,” one of them goads, and then there’s a quick movement, and Katsuki’s fist is bloody.
“Ah, fuck!” The first guy groans. “Little asshole nearly broke my nose! What the Hell?!”
They scatter off to another part of the train.
“Shit,” Shouto whispers. “What do we do?”
“... Ah, fuck,” Katsuki closes his eyes, panting heavily. “Shit! My dad’s gonna kill me!”
“Gang Orca’s gonna kill you,” Shouto mutters, eyes widening as they reach their stop. “... They were harassing us. Egging you on.”
“I lost control again,” Katsuki exhales shakily. “I keep losing control. I keep fucking up!”
“Hey, don’t panic,” he says gently.
“Kid, you’ve got witnesses,” some woman speaks up. “Those guys were adults, trying to pick a fight with minors. You can say it was self defense. I’d vouch for you.”
“The cameras won’t see that,” Katsuki protests, his voice breaking.
“We saw it, dear,” an old man says. “You’re going to be just fine, don’t worry.”
“... I’ll be fine?” Katsuki asks, looking up at Shouto. His eyes are blown wide with panic.
No, Shouto doesn’t think so. They’re held to a higher standard. They should have just IGNORED them, like Shouto SAID. Katsuki lost his cool, and they’re both going to suffer the consequences of it.
That’s not what he says, though.
“Yes. You’ll be fine.”
Part of being a hero is lying for the greater good. He’d know better than anyone.
- - -
“You did WHAT?!” Gang Orca roars. “I’m going to have to contact your parents and Principal Nezu! That behavior is totally unacceptable!”
“We know,” Shouto says. “We’re sorry.”
“YOU didn’t do anything wrong,” he shouts. “Bakugou should be the one apologizing!”
“I-I...” Katsuki scrunches his face up and swallows. “I’m sorry. That was stupid.”
“Yes, it was!” The hero gasps, exasperated. “And you’ve delayed class, I have to make phone calls! I should keep you here for extra training, but I don’t want to make Eraserhead take two trips to the train station.”
“M’really sorry,” Katsuki says softly, his nostrils flaring with guilt. Gang Orca sighs and places a hand on his shoulder.
“... I know. I know. Those guys were being dicks. It’s hard to restrain your anger sometimes. I get that.” He rubs his temple. “Just... try to make less of a stink about it next time? It’s just a hassle, kid.”
“Okay,” Katsuki nods, quickly wiping away the few tears that managed to escape.
“Alright. Go explain the situation to your fellow delinquents. I’ll be back in twenty.”
“Yes, sir,” they say in unison.
- - -
“That’s lowkey badass,” Camie says, twirling her hair. “That guy could have taken you down, but you’re too strong, B.”
“It’s unbecoming of a hero course student!” Inasa shouts. “An excellent display of strength, sure, but still very immature!”
“Shaddup,” Katsuki mutters, resting his head against the wall. “It sucked. But it’s over.”
“Are you okay?” Shouto asks quietly, touching Katsuki’s shoulder. The blonde flinches away.
“M’fine. Leave me alone.”
The taller boy gives him an unconvinced look, but a quick glare stops him from voicing his concerns aloud. Not the time or place.
“Y’know, Todoroki’s got a point,” Camie points out, touching her lips. “You’re being quiet. Normally you’re all adrenaline-high after a fight, Bakugou. What’s up with you?”
“M’jus’ tired,” he insists.
“Are you getting a minimum of eight hours of sleep a night?” Inasa questions.
“Yeah. More or less.”
“More-more or more-less?”
“... What-“
“Is something keeping you up at night?”
“No,” he insists. “Jus’... bad dreams. Sometimes. But I... I get help for ‘em.”
“Are you-“
“Inasa,” Shouto sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Maybe we should give him some space. He’s probably just overwhelmed.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right,” Camie nods. “Whatevs. I’ll be on my phone, guys!”
“Are you sure?” Inasa asks warily. Shouto nods. “Alright! I’ll go do some warmups, then! Care to join me, Todoroki?”
“In a minute,” he says. “You go on.”
When it’s just the two of them alone, Katsuki can practically feel Shouto’s stare boring into his soul. It makes him nervous.
“Bakugou-“
“Shh,” Katsuki stops him, putting his hands over his own eyes. “Don’ say.”
“You can’t participate in class if you’re regressed. It’s too stressful, you could very easily have a panic attack.”
“No,” Katsuki hiccups. “M’not.”
“You’re not?” Shouto questions, raising a brow. “I highly doubt that. Your speech is slurred, you’re curling in on yourself, your emotions are spiking... Those are all clear signs that you’re regressing; if you haven’t fully slipped yet, that is. But I doubt you have, that encounter on the train must have-“
“Sto-op,” Katsuki sobs dryly, sinking to the ground. “You gotta stop. They can’t know.”
“Sensei already told Gang Orca about your regression for this exact reason. You know that,” Shouto points out. Katsuki shakes his head. “Yes, he did. We were both there wh-“
“Nuh uh. Not him. Camie and ‘Nasa.”
Oh.
Right.
“... Okay, I can see how that would be a problem,” he mutters. “We can say you’re sick? You can chill in here until I’m done. Or.... Someone supposed to do a modified version of the class for you, right? Who was that again? Is it Ikoma Sensei? She seems like-“
“No! They’ll know!”
“Bakugou,” Shouto sighs. “It’ll be even more obvious if you try to participate like normal. Aizawa Sensei made sure to have a plan in case this ever happened.”
“They c-can’t,” Katsuki sobs, the first of his tears spilling over. “They can’t know...”
“Oh. Um.” Shouto freezes. He’s not very good at this whole... comforting thing. He places a hand on Katsuki’s shoulder. “It’ll be okay.”
“Gotta call Daddy,” Katsuki gasps, nearing hysteria. “Gotta call ‘im, Todo, I gotta-“
“Calm down,” Shouto says quickly. “Slow your breathing. We’ll get in touch with Aizawa Sensei as soon as Gang Orca’s done talking with him, okay? You’ll be alright.”
“Phone, phone,” Katsuki insists, shaking his head. “Kiri, lemme call Kiri, please please pl-“
“Calm down, kid,” Shouto repeats, helping him sink down to the floor. “Where’s your cell?”
“L-Locker,” Katsuki hiccups.
Shouto nods, making a beeline for Katsuki’s locker. He finds his cellphone buried under his school uniform and opens it, once again wondering why the blonde refuses to set up a password. He finds Eijirou’s contact quickly and clicks the ‘video call’ option before crouching down next to Katsuki.
“Todoroki?” Eijirou asks as soon as he picks up. “Is everything okay? Why’s he crying?”
Instead of whimpering for his carer like he normally does, Katsuki buries his face in his knees and smushes his hands against his ears. Shouto clicks his tongue.
“He’s regressing right now, and he’s a panicking because he doesn’t want our classmates to find out. He wanted to talk to Aizawa Sensei, but- er, Katsuki got into a fight on the train ride over, which is probably what brought this on to begin with, actually-“
“Focus,” Eijirou prompts him.
“Right. Sorry. Aizawa Sensei is busy talking with Gang Orca right now, so we called you instead.” He shrugs. “I don’t know what to do.”
“Okay, well, Sensei actually set up a plan in case this ever happened. Remember, kiddo? You’re gonna work with the grade school teacher until Todoroki’s done with class?”
“No-o,” Katsuki whimpers.
“He doesn’t want the others to get suspicious,” Shouto explains. “He’s worried that they’ll catch on if he does any special training.” Eijirou furrows his brow.
“... One day without training wouldn’t hurt him, right? Why doesn’t he just chill in the locker room? I’ll stay on call with him the whole time.”
“Wanna go home,” Katsuki sniffles. “I-I want Daddy t-to drive me home.”
“Oh, kiddo,” Eijirou sighs. “I know. But-“
“TODOROKI!” A loud voice booms. Katsuki startles and curls in on himself. Shouto closes his eyes and suppresses an annoyed groan.
“Insasa,” he mutters. “I thought I told you to start without me.”
“Yes, but-!” He pauses. “... Oh. What’s wrong with Bakugou? Is he hurt?!”
“Shit,” Eijirou hisses.
“He’s... just upset,” Shouto says.
“About what? The fight? Getting lectured?”
“Yeah. All of it.”
“It’s unlike him to cry, though! Maybe we-“
“Wait,” Camie pokes her head in. “Did you just say that Bakugou’s crying?!”
Katsuki’s stomach lurches.
Oh no.
“Yes, he’s very distraught!”
“OUR Bakugou? Bakugou Katsuki? The one that’s all... ‘DIE, NERDS!!’?”
“Yes, that one!”
“Kiri,” Katsuki whispers, finally reaching for his phone. Shouto hands it to him. “H-He’p me...”
“Kiddo, I wish I c-“
“Ah! Kirishima-kun!” Inasa bellows, leaning down to look at the screen. Katsuki gasps softly and begins to tremble a bit.
“O-Oh! Inasa, right?” Eijirou asks, putting on his beat fake smile. “How’s it goin’, man?”
“Are you aware of the source of Bakugou-kun’s turmoil? He’s very emotional!”
“Yeah, we’re working through it,” Eijirou says. “He just needs a little space right now. Would you and- er, sorry, what’s your name?”
“Inasa!”
“No, the, uh...” He nods as a gesture. “... Girl.”
“Camie Utsushimi,” she greets, smiling at the camera. “Man, UA girls are so lucky! You’ve got some serious hotties in your class!”
“Um-!” Eijirou squeaks, going a bit red. “I really need to talk to Bakugou and Todoroki. Alone. So if you wouldn’t mind...?”
“... Is everything okay?” She asks, tone suddenly filled with gentle concern.
“It will be,” Shouto cuts in. “But we need to talk first. We’ll be out in a little bit.”
“But-“ Inasa starts.
“Nah, we should respect their privacy,” Camie says as nonchalantly as she can manage. “C’mon, let’s go stretch or something.”
“... Fill us in when you’re done,” he says, staring heavily at his classmates on the floor. Shouto bites his lip but says nothing.
“... Okay,” Katsuki whispers, nodding.
And with that, they leave.
Shouto groans.
“Why did you tell him that? He won’t stop egging you on until he gets an answer now.”
“S’jus’ lie,” Katsuki sniffles, wiping his eyes. “W-We can lie to ‘dem.’”
“I’m not sure that would work,” Eijirou admits. “You two both really, really suck at lying.”
“What? I do not,” Shouto protests.
“It’s not a bad thing! It’s just... you ramble.”
“No I don’t.”
“Yes you do,” he insists. “Try lying to me.”
“I... am very excited to see my father this weekend,” he tries. “He’s going to make me favorite dish for dinner- cold soba. My sister taught him how to do it on Monday, and he’s been texting me nonstop about it. It’s funny, because he’d never do that for me when I was younger, but he’s such a... sweet and loving man now- You know, I wouldn’t even recognize him from two years ago if we met now, that’s how much he’s changed. And... no, no, he’s always been... very caring to me and my siblings, but more recently he’s been-“
“Stop,” Eijirou interrupts. “You’re doing it.”
“Mmph,” Katsuki sniffs, slumping. “Kiri?”
“Yeah, buddy?”
“S’Papa there?” He asks meekly. “H-He could drive me. If he’s there wi’f you.”
“He’s taking Eri-chan out tonight...” Eijirou explains. “Why don’t you wait until Gang Orca finishes talking to your Daddy and you can call him? You seem to have calmed down enough.”
“Nuh-uh, he’s gonna be mad t’me,” Katsuki whines, shaking his head. “Gonna yell t’me.”
“Kiddo, has your dad EVER gotten mad at you?” Katsuki nods. “Okay, yeah, fair. But has he ever lashed out?” A small shake of his head. “That’s right, he hasn’t. Especially not if he knows you’re regressed. You are completely safe with him. No exceptions.”
“B-But... he’s not gonna get here soon,” he says quietly, hiding his face once again.
“... He’s right,” Shouto says. “They’ll be bombarding him until he leaves. They’re going to find out what’s going on.”
“Hey, bug, can you look at me really quick?” Eijirou requests softly. Katsuki peers up just enough to meet his eye. “I know you’re scared, but maybe it would be easier if you just told them. Todoroki and I would be right here with you, and it would make it easier if this ever happens again. Does that sound okay?”
“No,” Katsuki whimpers, tearing up again. “Kiri, wan’ you here. M’gettin’ scared.”
“Shh, I know,” Eijirou coos. “You don’t have to tell them right now. I won’t make you. But if they ask, just know you don’t have to lie, okay? You’ve got a support system, no matter what. You understand, kiddo?”
“Y-Yeah,” he nods, hiccuping and wiping his face. “T-Todo, Todo.”
“Yes?”
“M’gonna go wi’f ‘koma Sensei. You gotta come wi’f me. You can’t go.”
“Who’s ‘Koma’ Sensei?” Eijirou asks.
“Ikoma Sensei. She’s the teacher of the grade school kids that we work with.”
“Is she nice?”
“Very.”
“I’m sure you’ll have a great time, kiddo,” he directs his attention back to Katsuki. “Are you still gonna call Aizawa Sensei?”
“Y-Yeah,” he sniffles, then takes a deep breath. “G-Gonna call Daddy.”
“Okay. Do you want me to call you back when you’re done?” He shakes his head timidly. “Alright, then. Just let me know when-“
“BAKUGOU, TODOROKI!” Gang Orca barks. “Get out here, training is beginning!”
“Coming!” Shouto shouts. Katsuki clings to his arm. “Thank you for helping, Kirishima-kun.”
“No problem, dude. See you guys later. Good luck, kiddo. You’re gonna be just fine.”
“Bye, Kiri,” Katsuki says quietly.
- - -
Gang Orca ended up taking one look at the teary blonde hanging off of his classmate and marched him straight to Ikoma, being cautious not to upset him in any way.
“Will he be good?” The teacher asks warily.
“He’s normally fine once you tire him out a bit, but I’ve never interacted with him in this headspace before,” Gang Orca says.
“M’be good,” Katsuki mumbles, swinging his foot a little bit. “M’polite. Daddy says.”
“Aw,” Ikoma breathes. “Alright. Do you have a specific regimen in mind for him, or...?”
“Just have him do some light exercises and keep him entertained. Don’t yell or raise your hands, Eraserhead made sure to stress that.”
“Yes, I remember,” she nods. “Okay. Do you want to change into some more comfortable clothes before we start? You don’t have to wear that hero costume. I’m sure it’s uncomfortable, right?”
It’s not, really. After one too many anxiety attacks from the clinging fabric around his torso and the heaviness on his neck and wrists, he made some very slight design changes to make his top looser and his accessories lighter. It couldn’t hurt to remove all of his gear and just wear his top and bottoms, right? That sounds kinda nice.
“Oh! Are you- Um-! Don’t undress right here!”
Huh? Oh, right.
“M’not,” he mumbles, ears going pink. “Jus’ gettin’ some stuff off... Sorry.”
“Ohh, okay then. That’s alright. Why don’t you just set your stuff over there?” She suggests, pointing to the pile of children’s backpacks and coats to their left. He blinks.
“M’kay.”
The exercises that she puts him through are laughably easy for him. Jumping jacks, squats, crab walks, some yoga poses. He barely works up a sweat, but thats okay. She seems to relax a little more every time he listens to her, and that helps most of his anxiety about the whole situation melt away.
“‘koma Sensei?” He asks during a water break. “I gotta call my Daddy real quick.”
“Huh? Why? Are you alright?”
“He’s gotta come pick me up,” he explains. “So Camie an’ ‘nasa don’t find out ‘bout me.”
“Your classmates aren’t aware of your... condition?” She questions. He shakes his head. “Oh. Alright, then. Call away.”
Aizawa picks up on the first ring.
“Katsuki?”
“Daddy,” Katsuki sighs with relief. “C’you come pick me up, please?”
“You’re regressed right now,” Aizawa realizes. “Are you alright? Was it the guys on the train? Gang Orca told me everything.”
“Yeah. M’kay now, but m’still small. C’you come an’ get me? I don’ wanna tell... u-um... th’ other kids...” He ends with a sniff.
“Sure, sweetheart. I’ll get going right now. Are you with Ikoma Sensei? You should be.”
“Mhm. She’s here.”
“Okay, good. You just hang tight, honey. I’m coming. Stay safe, alright? I love you.”
“Okay. Love you too.”
- - -
When the others get to their halfway-point break and Aizawa still isn’t there, Katsuki’s heart sinks in his chest.
Camie and Inasa immediately go for him, because of course they do, despite Shouto’s nonsensical protests as he trails behind them. Katsuki makes a small, panicked whine and hides behind Ikoma, fisting his hand in the soft fabric of her cardigan.
“Hello!” She greets. “How are my students behaving?”
“Just as well as usual, ma’am,” Inasa says. She slumps a little. “We’re here to see Bakugou. We’re worried about him.”
“I told you guys,” Shouto sighs. “He’s fine.”
“Are you?” Camie asks him. The others fall silent and stare at him. He takes a deep breath and peeks his head out from behind.
“... Kinda,” he says softly, using his free hand to rub his thumb against the corner of his lips.
“Why are you doing separate training?!” Inasa questions. “Are you injured? You took all of your gear off! Was it straining you?”
“No. Jus’ c-comfier like ‘dis.”
“Why are you talking so weird?” Camie asks. His face heats up, and he has the urge to bury his head in Ikoma Sensei’s back, but he resists. “Are you just getting tired again?”
Shouto gives him a pointed look. It reminds him ‘You don’t have to lie.’ It reminds him ‘You‘ve got a support system, no matter what.’
“Nuh uh,” he shakes his head. “M’small.”
“You’re... small?” Inasa asks. “I guess you are the shortest out of the boys. Why does that-“
“Mmph,” Shouto grunts. He walks over to Katsuki and crouches down a little but so he’s looking up at him, then takes his hand. “You don’t have to explain anything. You know that, right?” Katsuki nods. “Okay. Do you want me to help you explain things?”
“Yes please...” he squeezes Shouto’s hand. “Daddy’s comin’ too. He can help too.”
“You called Aizawa Sensei?”
“He’s being repetitive,” Inasa mumbles.
“Maybe a concussion,” Camie suggests.
“Er, I should go give the kids their snacks,” Ikoma says. “You guys... be good.”
“Do you want to call Kirishima too?” Shouto whispers. Katsuki shrugs. “Do you think it would help? I obviously know a bit about this subject myself, but if you want your carer to explain things, I can understand that.”
“No,” Katsuki says quietly. “They ‘unno Kiri. S’okay wi’f jus’ you.” Shouto nods.
“Okay, then.” He stands up, making sure to only release on of Katsuki’s hands. “I can explain now, if you guys want me to.”
“Yes! We’re getting very concerned!”
“Yeah!” Camie agrees. “What’s wrong with Blondie? Did he hurt his head or something?”
“No. He’s experiencing a mental age regression. It’s a trauma response that some people get if they’ve had... erm. If they didn’t get to experience a healthy childhood,” Shouto explains. “It happens to him fairly often, mostly voluntarily now that he’s been adopted by a supportive family. Today was a fluke, the stress of getting harassed and then being lectured by Gang Orca must have triggered it.”
“... Oh,” Inasa blinks.
“Does that make sense?”
“Nope, not really,” Camie says. Shouto sighs.
“I thought you two were supposed to be smart,” he grumbles. “Bakugou has the mindset of a child right now. It’s a PTSD thing.”
“Ohhh, I’ve heard of this,” Inasa snaps his fingers. “It’s a type of hypnosis therapy!”
“... That’s different,” Shouto shakes his head. “Similar headspace, but your mind just regresses on it’s own. And it’s not, like, reliving your childhood in the literal sense. You’re still aware of your surroundings, you just feel younger than you actually are. Does that sound right, Bakugou?”
“Mhm,” Katsuki nods, rubbing his thumb along his bottom lip. Came clicks her tongue.
“I guess that makes sense. He’s still our Bakugou, just, like, with a kid brain, right?”
“Yeah, basically,” Shouto affirms.
“Okay, I guess that all adds up, but how do you know about this? And your classmate, Kirishima?” Inasa asks. Shouto hums.
“Our whole class knows. Bakugou and his family came out about it earlier this year,” he explains. “It’s just safer that way, you know?”
“Yeah,” Katsuki nods. “An’ Todo-“
“I’ve watched him a few times, too,” Shouto cuts in, his heartbeat thrumming in his ears.
He doesn’t want the others to know about his regression. Not yet, anyways. They could piece together too much information about his childhood, and then he’s just one loose-lipped teenager away from exposing his father.
“Hooo! That’s not bad at all! You guys had me worried!” Camie laughs. “I thought he had gotten, like, real messed up or something like that. But that’s no big deal!”
“Well, it kind of is. It’s very important to him,” Shouto says. “And it’s a secret. This information can’t be passed on to anyone, understand? If this gets out, it could seriously affect his hero career. Things like these are taken way out of context too often.”
“Gotcha,” she nods. “We won’t snitch. Right, Inasa?” She confirms, patting the taller boy’s bicep. He still wears a concerned expression.
“Bakugou! Please let me know if I ever do anything to trigger you while we’re in-!”
“Shhh, don’t be so loud,” Shouto hisses, feeling Katsuki’s grip on his hand tighten. “Don’t treat him any differently for this, he hates being babied out of his headspace. Just act normal, okay? Nothing’s changed just be-“
“YOU THREE! BREAK TIME IS OVER!”
“Well, back to it, then!” Camie chirps. She throws a wink to Katsuki. “Let me know if you ever need anything, B. My mom saved a bunch of my old kid stuff, I can bring some next time if you like! Mostly just stuffed toys and children’s books, but I figured-“
“Stuffies?” Katsuki asks, his face lighting up. A hint of a smile twitches at his lips. Camie grins.
“Oh my God, you’re adorable,” she snickers. “I’ll bring you all the stuffies you want, kid.”
“We should go before Gang Orca gets impatient,” Inasa says. “See you later, Bakugou-chan. Er, I mean. Bakugou-kun.”
“Bye-bye,” Katsuki says, waving at them. Shouto sighs softly and crouches down again.
“Well, now they know,” he says. “Are you okay? Do you want me to stay with you until Aizawa Sensei arrives? You’re shaking a little.”
He is.... He really tried to put on a brave face, but that was scary! He was so worried about them finding out that he almost lied to them, but Shouto made him feel safe. He nods.
“Yes p’ease,” he mumbles, finally sticking his thumb in his mouth. Shouto frowns and gently tugs it out, earning himself a whine.
“Wait until your dad gets here. He always has a pacifier laying around in the car for you.”
“Fine,” Katsuki huffs, pouting.
- - -
“Daddy,” Katsuki gasps, jumping up and running over to Aizawa. He buries his face in his father’s neck. “They know. I told ‘em.”
“You did? Wow,” Aizawa blinks, running a hand through Katsuki’s greasy hair. “That was very brave of you. Didn’t even need help from me, huh?” Katsuki giggles a little bit.
“Uh-uh. Todo he’ped me,” he whispers.
“Ohh. Well that was very nice of him, huh?” The blonde nods. “Alright. Can I trust you to clean up and get your things while I talk with your teachers? I won’t be long, I promise.”
“Uh...” That kind of sounds like a lot right now. “Can I stay wi’f you, please?”
“Sure, sweetheart. You want me to carry you?”
“Mm!” He smiles eagerly.
Aizawa asks Gang Orca and Ikoma a few questions about his behavior, if he had any panic attacks, how the others responded to finding out, etc. Then he takes Katsuki to the locker room and helps him wash up and get dressed into his casual clothes, patiently listening to him babble nonsense all the while.
“Hey, honey, I need to talk to you about what happened on the train,” Aizawa says once they’re in the car. Katsuki’s smile drops.
“I-I’m in trouble?” He asks.
“Not bad trouble,” Aizawa assures him. “You don’t have to be afraid. I just think that we should talk about using your words instead of your hands, okay?”
“I’s tryin’ to,” Katsuki sniffles, his voice breaking. His leg bounces nervously. His chest feels like it’s going to explode. He wasn’t this bad a minute ago! Why is he so anxious now?!
“Shh, it’s okay,” Aizawa shushes him gently. “I’m not mad at you. We can wait until you’re back to normal to have a talk. Would that be better? I don’t want to upset you.”
“Y-Yeah,” Katsuki hiccups, fisting his hands in his hair. “Le’s wait, le’s wait!”
“Baby, you have to calm down. You’re okay. I’m not going to punish you.” He reaches across with one arm and gently pries Katsuki fingers off of his head. “You’re okay.”
“No trouble?” He sobs, eyes wide and teary.
“No trouble,” Aizawa confirms. “Just a talk.”
“Jus’ a talk,” Katsuki repeats, taking a deep breath. “Like wi’f Camie an’ ‘nasa, r-right?”
“That’s right,” Aizawa nods. “You’ve had a really busy day today, huh? I’m not even gonna bother with it. We’ll wait until tomorrow, alright sweetie?” Katsuki nods. “Yeah, that sounds good. Let’s just get you back home. We can snuggle for a bit until I have to go pick up Todoroki. How’s that sound?”
“S-Sounds nice,” Katsuki sniffles, wiping his eyes. “M’sorry, Daddy. Sorry for cryin’.”
“No, honey, it’s okay. You don’t have to apologize. I understand,” he coos, squeezing Katsuki’s hand. “You want your binky? I brought one just in case.”
“Y-Yeah,” he gasps, nodding.
Today was stressful, but maybe his family will make it up to him tonight.
Notes:
I’M SORRY FOR SAYING SOME CONCERNING THINGS AND THEN DISAPPEARING FOR OVER A WEEK! I didn’t even mean to do that, I just got really forgetful >~< I’m okay though, and I’m gonna finish all those WIP chapters that I have in my notes (hopefully)! I hope you’re all doing well!! ^.^ <3
Chapter 56: Just Like Old Times (w/ Auntie Inko, Big Bro Izu, Carer Kiri, + Dadzawa)
Summary:
Katsuki misses his Auntie.
Notes:
CW for very light depression talk and very vaguely implied bed-wetting + child abuse (very, very vague)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hey, Kaachan,” Izuku says softly, crouching down next to him on the floor. “What’cha playing with? Is that a new plushie?”
“Mm,” he shrugs, bouncing his stuffed rabbit on the floor unenthusiastically. “Daddy gots her for me. Her name’s Coco.”
“Coco, huh?” He sits down, groaning a little in relief as he stretches his legs out. Katsuki keeps his gaze fixed on Coco, but leans back to rest his head on Izuku’s shoulder. He ruffles the blonde’s hair affectionately. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” he says distantly. “M’kinda...” he sighs, his shoulder slumping. “Bleh.”
“‘Bleh?’” Izuku questions. Katsuki nods. “‘Bleh’ how, Kaachan? Does your tummy hurt?”
“No... I jus’...” he shrugs again. Izuku frowns.
“Is it your brain?” He guesses. Katsuki shrugs for a third time, pouting a little. He opens his arms. “C’mere. You wanna snuggle, bug?”
“Snuggle bugs,” Katsuki nods, crawling into his lap. Izuku wraps his arms around him, carding a hand through his hair and rubbing his lower back as he rocks him back and forth.
“How bad is it?” He asks gently.
“S’not bad,” Katsuki responds. “I-I’m jus’... sad. S’all.” Izuku hums.
“Do you need to cry?” He asks. Katsuki looks up at him with a strange expression. “Sometimes it can help. I know you normally only cry when you’re frustrated, but it can also relieve pent up emotions, which is probably why you’re feeing sad today. Y’know?”
“... I dunno how,” he says quietly, pressing Coco’s ears to his cheek. “C’you teach?”
“Well, I’ve always been able to cry on command, so it’s kinda difficult to explain,” Izuku admits, rubbing the back of his neck. “But maybe we could just watch a tear-jerker movie? Disney’s got a couple sad ones...”
“Mm,” Katsuki shrugs. “‘Kay.”
They curl up on the couch and start to watch Up. Izuku cries during the opening scene, because he always does, but Katsuki stays quiet right up until the end. Izuku’s never really gotten emotional at the end of Up; it’s a happy ending, and his attention span is all over the place, so he’s not nearly entranced at the end of movies as he is at the beginning. But something clearly strikes a chord with Katsuki, because he’s sniffling and shaking in Izuku’s lap by the time the credits roll.
“Aw, honey. Are you okay?” He asks, petting Katsuki’s hair. Katsuki hiccups.
“I miss Auntie, Izu,” he whines, turning his face into Izuku’s chest. Izuku blinks.
“Huh? You mean my mom?” He questions. Katsuki nods. “Oh... you know, maybe you could come over for dinner sometime! All Might can vouch that my house is a safe space, and Mom can make that curry you like! God, you haven’t been over since-“
“U-Um,” Katsuki swallows nervously. “Tha’s a lot. Gotta stay home when m’small.”
“What do you mean? Why would you have to be regressed to come over and- ... Wait.” He furrows his brow in confusion. “Do you only miss Auntie when you’re small, Kaachan?”
“Nuh uh,” he shakes his head, wiping at his eyes. “But s’more when ‘m slippin’. ‘Cause... um...” He fiddles with the sleeve of Izuku’s shirt nervously, flushing red. “She ‘s nicer t’me than Mama when I’s a kid. An’ she ‘s the first person who cared t’me when I first started regw- uh, regwess-... feelin’ small.”
“What?! My mom knew about this?!” Izuku startles, eyes wide. “She seemed so shocked when I told her that Aizawa and Yamada Sensei adopted you! How did she-“
“She didn’ know, stupid Deku,” Katsuki says, pressing his hand over Izuku’s mouth. “I had a bad dream when we had a sleepover an’ I... u-um... spilled somethin’ on the bed. She cleaned everythin’ up and stayed wi’f me until I fell back to sleep. She didn’ know.”
“... Oh,” Izuku says, removing Katsuki’s hand from his face. “Well, if you like, I could explain your regression to her and have her come to the dorms sometime? O-Or if that’s too much, maybe you could just video chat with her! Does that sound good, bug?”
“Call Auntie?” He blinks, perking up a bit and nodding. “C’we do it right now, Izu? Please?!”
“W-Well, I should probably have a conversation with her first,” Izuku mumbles. “I didn’t tell her when we found out about your regression, Kaachan. I’m not saying she’ll judge you or anything! She just probably wouldn’t understand what’s going on? B-But if I talk to her, then I’m sure she’ll be happy to help! She loooved watching you when we were little, I doubt that’s changed at all!”
“... Next time?” Katsuki asks hopefully.
“Sure, bug,” Izuku smiles, wiping away the last of Katsuki’s tears with his thumb. “I’ll talk to her tomorrow, and the next time you slip, we’ll set up a call. Okay?” Katsuki nods. “Good. Hey, it’s getting kinda late, maybe we should think about getting some dinner soon...”
“Curry!” Katsuki shouts excitedly, bouncing in his lap. Izuku winces in pain and stills him.
“Sure, Kaachan,” he groans. “Just watch your elbows... you got me right in the stomach.”
- - -
“She’s got green hair, like Izu!” Katsuki continues, pushing his toy car across the carpet. “An’ she makes really yummy cookies, an’ she ALWAYS kisses boo-boos an’ gives me band-aids! An’ she can do cool tricks with her quirk, like make All Might plushies float!”
“She sounds so cool!” Eijirou grins, ruffling Katsuki’s hair affectionately. “When are you guys going to see each other?”
“Izu’s gonna call her after he’s done trainin’!” He chirps. “An’ he said maybe she could come visit me sometime!”
“That’s great, buddy!”
“Yeah! An’ Kiri?”
“Hm?”
“She’s a super good watcher! She use’ta watch Izu an’ me play for the whole day! We played heroes, an’ knights, an’ monsters...”
“Wow,” Eijirou chuckles. “You’re excited, huh?”
“Mhm! Super ‘cited!” He pushes his car back and forth some more. “Are you ‘cited, Kiri?”
“I’m excited for you,” he smiles. “Mrs. Midoriya seems like she’s pretty important to you.”
“Yeah,” Katsuki nods. “She is.”
“Do you want me to leave the room while you guys talk?” He asks. “Midoriya will stay with you, of course, but I don’t know if you two will want your privacy with her...”
“Nuh-uh! Stay!” Katsuki demands, glaring at Eijirou. “Y’gotta hold me, duhhh!”
“Haha, okay buddy,” Eijirou chuckles.
- - -
“A-An’ then I flied with my ‘splosions, an’ I kicked the bad guy right in the face!” Katsuki exclaims, wiggling excitedly in Eijirou’s lap.
“That’s so cool! Very heroic Katsuki-chan!” Inko giggles, smiling fondly. “I’m glad to see you’re still working hard in your classes! How’s the remedial course you’re taking? Is it hard?”
“Kinda,” he shrugs, picking at a band-aid on his knee. Eijirou carefully guides his hand away. “I fall down lots. Right, Kiri?”
“Yeah, you’re a little reckless, kiddo,” Eijirou says, poking his cheek. Inko laughs.
“You and Izuku are both so clumsy! Some things never change, I guess,” she sighs. “Oh, look at the time! I’m really sorry boys, but I have work early tomorrow morning, I’m going to have to let you go. Maybe you can come over for dinner sometime, though, Katsuki-chan! How does that sound?”
“Yes, yes!” He grins. “Make curry, Auntie!”
“Oh, of course!” She smiles. “Goodnight, Katsuki. Could I talk to Izuku now?”
“M’kay. G’night, Auntie,” he nods, handing the phone to Izuku. “Here y’go, Izu.”
“Ah, thank you, Kaachan.”
“That went well,” Eijirou grins, rubbing Katsuki’s arm. “Are you sure you’re up to go to dinner, though? You won’t have anyone there with you but Midoriya... Not that he isn’t great with you, it’s just... You guys bicker a lot, and he’s never helped you come down from a panic attack before or anything like that...”
“Gotta talk to Daddy,” Katsuki confirms, rubbing his eyes. “M’sleepy now.”
“I can see that. Why don’t we get you into some pajamas and then I’ll take you to Aizawa Sensei’s room, okay?”
“M’kay,” Katsuki yawns, resting his head against his chest. “Gotta carry me, though.”
“Alright,” he grins. “You’ve convinced me.”
- - -
“It’s been so long, ahh! You have to promise not to laugh when you see my room! I brought most of my All Might merch with me, so it’s a little bare bones now, but I’m still just as big a fan as I was before! Oh-! If you want to spend the night, I think Mom still has some of my dad’s old clothes for you to use as pajamas? But no pressure, of course! I know Aiza-“
“God, do you ever shut up?” Katsuki growls, placing his hand over Izuku’s mouth. “It’s just dinner. Stop reading into it so much.”
“Yeah, but you haven’t been over since middle school!” Izuku protests, shoving him off. “Don’t even try to fake it, Kaachan, I know you’re excited! You told me aaaaall about how much you miss Mom and I when you were regressed last time. In fact-!”
“OKAY, I GET IT!” He roars.
- - -
“How’s the curry?”
“Sh’good,” Katsuki moans. “The school curry sucks, gotta drown it in hot sauce. You always put in the right amount of heat.”
“Not everyone grew up stomaching your preferences, Kaachan,” Izuku laughs. “Kirishima-kun tried to eat some of his lunch once and he nearly threw up, Mom.”
“I don’t doubt it,” she laughs. “I don’t think I’d be able to handle tonight’s dinner if your mother hadn’t spent so long-“
Izuku coughs loudly, interrupting her.
“... Well,” she breathes, getting a little flustered. “Let me get you boys some drinks.”
Katsuki shudders a little once she leaves the table. He’d gotten so caught up in the present that he nearly forgot how bad things were the last time he was in the Midoriya household. The atmosphere is still the same as it had been that night he’d regressed in front of Inko. Safe, of course, but the same.
The only thing that’s changed is him.
“Are you okay?” Izuku asks quietly.
“Fine,” Katsuki says sharply. “Just hungry. Pass me some more, Deku.”
“What time is your tea- er, father picking you up, Katsuki?” Inko calls from the kitchen.
“Not until later. 22:00-ish.” He pauses. “Is that alright? Should I tell him to come earlier?”
“No, no, that’s fine!” She says, stumbling back into the dining area. “Here you go!”
Two plastic cups are in her arms. One of them reads ‘Izuku’ in sloppy green finger-paint, and the other ‘Katsuki’ in even sloppier orange writing. Izuku sputters something in disbelief and embarrassment at his mother, but Katsuki just smiles fondly, taking the cup from her.
“Thanks, Auntie,” he mumbles.
“No problem,” she smiles. “Do you boys want to help me bake cookies after dinner, like the old days? You could bring them back to school! Maybe as a thank you gift to your dad for letting us steal you,” she jokes with a wink.
“‘Steal me,’ she says.” He scoffs. “I wanted to be here and you know it.”
“Aha!” Izuku gasps. “So you admit it!”
“Whatever,” he rolls his eyes.
- - -
“Oh, Kaachan, you’ve got some dough in your hair,” Izuku says, handing him a paper towel.
“Huh?” He questions, looking up from his mixing. Inko chuckles. “What, what?”
“You’ve got dough everywhere,” she says, taking the paper towel from Izuku. “Here, let me help you clean up.”
Katsuki winces at the rough feeing of the paper towel, but only squirms a little bit through her careful wiping.
“There, much better,” she mumbles when she’s finished. “Now, tell me what we’ve got going on with the your recipe here. It looks more like a batter than a dough...”
“My dads don’t really like sweets, so I’m making black sesame cookies. ‘Toshi taught me how before, but I might have put a li’l too much butter in...” he frowns, looking a bit frustrated with himself.
“Well that’s no problem, bug,” she smiles. His eyes light up at the nickname. “We’ll just a little more flour in, okay? No big deal!”
She guides him through putting in the right amount of flour before helping him mix it and putting the bowl in the freezer while the oven preheats. It’s all very reminiscent of some of his favorite childhood memories, and his face is practically split in two from grinning by the time they put them in the oven.
“What kind’ya make, Izu?” He asks, peering over his friend’s shoulder. Izuku slumps.
“They started out as just sugar cookies, then I added some oats and chocolate chips, then cocoa powder, then a bunch of milk to loosen the dough, then I put in some potato puffs-“
“Eww,” Katsuki wrinkles his nose.
“It seemed like a good idea at the time!” He groans, pouting up at the ceiling.
“It’s probably still salvageable,” Inko says cheerily, taking the bowl from him. She sticks in a wooden spoon and winces when the batter makes a suction sound. “... Well then.”
“I tried my best,” he insists.
“I know you did, monkey. Where’s your recipe?” Izuku makes a sheepish face. “Izuku Midoriya! Tell me you used a recipe!”
“I was experimenting!”
“Haha!” Katsuki cackles, holding his gut. “That’s so silly, Izu! Stupid!”
“Well it’s not MY fault that you’re- ah,” he blinks, whirling around. “AH! KAACHAN!”
“What?” He asks, smile dropping.
“You slipped!” He exclaims, eyes wide. Kastuki bristles. “What happened?! Are you okay?!!”
“H-Huh?! I didn’t!” He insists.
“You called me Izu!” He points out. “Twice, actually! You only do that when-!”
“No, no, I didn’t!” He shrieks, putting his hands over his ears. Inko tilts her head.
“Are you upset in any way?” She asks. He shakes his head quickly. “Well then it’s not a problem. It’s not like I haven’t seen you regressed before, right?”
“M’not,” he pouts.
“No? Hm, alright then,” she says slyly. “Then I guess you won’t want any juice, hm? Or to watch that new animated All Might movie. I rented it in case this happened, but if you’re not regressed, I guess there’s no need...”
“N-No, wait,” he says, lowering his hands. “Tha’s ‘kay. We can still watch it. A-An’ I still like juice, too. So it’s ‘kay.”
“A-Ah...” Inko pauses, staring at him for a second. “Katsuki-chan.....”
She bursts into tears.
“YOU’RE SO SWEET!” She blubbers, pulling him into a hug. He jumps at the touch.
“Auntiiieeee,” he whines, squirming in her grip.
“I’m sorry!” She gasps, wiping her eyes. “It’s just so overwhelming to see you be a happy little kid again! So much has changed since...” She thumbs over his cheek. “... I’m very proud of how far you’ve come, bug. I mean that.”
“Mm...” His lip wobbles a little bit, but he refuses to cry. Not in front of them. “O-Okay.”
“He really has come a long way since Aizawa Sensei took him in,” Izuku thinks aloud. “He’s nicer, and he takes better care of himself. He’s gotten better on the battlefield, too... Getting the support he needed seems to have improved just about every aspect of his life.”
“Izu,” Katsuki grumbles. “Quit it.”
“Ah-! Sorry, Kaachan,” he mumbles.
“Let me get you that juice, okay?” Inko asks, patting Katsuki’s back. “We’ll get the movie set up as soon as your cookies are done.”
“What about mine?” Izuku asks.
“Er, well...” she looks at his dough nervously. “... I suppose we can try to bake them...”
- - -
“Oh, hello! It’s good to see you!”
Katsuki cracks one eye open. The All Might movie is still blaring on the screen in front of him, but he’s laying down now. Someone is gingerly petting his hair and he’s drooling around his thumb and onto the lap of his Head Patter. He uses his free hand to rub his eyes groggily and lets out a small grunt.
“Oh, Kaachan,” Izuku whispers. “You’re awake. You fell asleep on me...”
Well, that’s one mystery solved. But what woke him up to begin with? Who was Inko talking to?
“Oh, yes, he was excellent. He’s sleeping on the couch right now, but- oh! I guess he woke up!” She continues, leading her guest into the living room. Katsuki yawns and sits up.
“Daddy...” he mumbles sleepily, still rubbing his eyes. Aizawa cracks a small smile.
“Hey, small fry. You ready to go home?” The blonde nods and lifts his arms. Aizawa shoots a pointedly amused look at Inko, who huffs out a short laugh. “You’re going to kill your poor father, you know,” he groans, picking Katsuki up and guiding him to wrap around his front.
“No m’not,” Katsuki whispers around his thumb, letting his eyes slip shut as he rests his cheek against Aizawa’s shoulder. “Daddy’s strong, he’s a hero. He can carry me...”
“Only because I love you. You have a special privilege,” Aizawa teases, kissing the top of his head. “Thank you for having him over. He was very excited to spend time with you two.”
“Kaachan wanted to hang out with me?” Izuku questions. “I thought he was just using me to get to Mom...” Aizawa snorts.
“I have no idea how you two still insist you’re just rivals. You’re clearly good friends.”
“Teenagers,” Inko rolls her eyes fondly. “So dramatic. They’ll get over it eventually.”
“We’ll see,” Aizawa mumbles. “Well, goodnight. Thanks again for having him.”
“Oh, of course. He’s welcome over anytime, okay?” She walks him to the door. “Drive safe! See you soon, Katsuki-chan?”
“Hm?” Aizawa hums, peeking over his shoulder. Katsuki’s eyes are wide open as he waves at the Midoriya’s. “Oh, you little stinker. You could have walked out her on your own.”
“No,” Katsuki snickers, burying his face in Aizawa’s scarf. “M’sleepin’.”
“You don’t sound like it.” Fake snores arise from Kasuki. Aizawa chuckles. “Alright, alright. Let’s get you in the car, gremlin.”
Notes:
Did you guys catch Inko’s nickname for Izuku? I’ve wanted to use it for a while but I haven’t gotten around to writing a good regressed Izuku fic yet ^.^’
Chapter 57: Party Panic (w/ Big Bro Izu + Dadzawa)
Summary:
Katsuki has an anxiety attack at a party. Izuku helps.
Notes:
CW FOR: anxiety/panic attacks, sensory overload, hyperventilation, light stimming, food talk, implied/mentioned underage drinking (it’s only a concern it doesn’t actually happen dw)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Loud.
Loud loud loud.
Everything is too loud, the light is off and too harsh, the air feels hot and cold, his stomach is ROLLING in his gut, his head hurts, his arms hurt, EVERYTHING hurts, hurts to breathe- fuck fuck fuck he can’t breathe-
“Hey, Kaachan!” Izuku chirps, and shit, he really can’t muster the stability to talk to someone right now, but his friend (shit- rival, classmate, not friend, god damn-) moves closer still, smile quivering a bit. “Are you okay? You seem a little off.”
FUCK parties. Fuck his friends for inviting him, fuck his dads for letting him go, fuck him for showing up to the damn thing, and FUCK Deku in the fucking eye for being so. Fucking. Perceptive. Fuck it all. Everything.
“You’re shaking.”
‘No shit, Sherlock,’ he wants to say, but it feels like he’s breathing through a straw, so he doesn’t really get it out. He’d probably just stutter like a moron anyways.
“Hey, hey, Kaachan. Look at me.”
No! Fuck you, he doesn’t have to, he can’t see anyways, fuck you Deku, fuck you!
“Kaachan.”
Clap.
Suddenly, Katsuki’s vision is a little less blurry, and his hearing is a little less muffled.
“Hey. You need to breathe.”
Breathe. Yeah, yeah, he does. How do you do that again? It’s too much of a struggle-
“If you keep hyperventilating, you’re going to pass out.” Izuku is making this weird, worried, pinched-up face that makes him look constipated. It’s so stupid that he huffs out a little laugh. “Yeah, yeah, like that. Breathe in.”
Inoutinoutinout-
“No, no, too fast. Breathe in.” He does. “Hold it.” He does, he does, he does. “Okay. Now let it out through your mouth. Nice and easy.”
Woah. Holy shit. That worked really well.
In.
Hold it.
Out.
In.
Hold it.
Out.
He repeats this until the room stops spinning, and he’s left with only his violently trembling limbs and that horrible tightness to his chest. But, hey, better tense than laying unconscious on the dirty floor, right?
“There you go,” Izuku smiles. “Can I touch you?” Katsuki stares at him with wide eyes.
“F-Fuck no,” he gasps.
“Okay! Okay.” He raises his hands. “No touching. Do you want me to leave?”
Katsuki hugs his chest, stares at the floor for a second, feels his brain reel, then shakes his head. Izuku nods, putting his arms down.
“You wanna sit? It might help.”
“O-Okay,” he nods again, stumbling backwards and sliding down the wall. “Ow-!”
“Yeah, that was a hard drop,” Izuku chuckles. He crouches down in front of him, and Katsuki’s breathing quickens. “What’s wrong?”
“Y-You-! Don’t look down..!” He presses his hands over his ears and squeezes his eyes shut. “S-Sit! Now!”
“Ah-? Okay...” he says softly, taking a seat next to Katsuki. “You, um... You’re having a panic attack, aren’t you?”
“Y-Yeah.”
“Did something specific trigger it?”
“I-I don’t k-know,” he admits, tears pricking at his eyes. “I-It’s just... a l-lot? A-All this.”
“I get it. Crowds are hard for me sometimes because I get so overwhelmed... It’s weird, when we’re out fighting villains or saving people, I always feel like I’m in my element among all the chaos, but, like, play music too loud or put a strobe light on and I’ll cry.”
“Mhm,” Katsuki nods, wiping at his eyes.
“Do you want me to get you something?” Izuku offers, tilting his head. Katsuki swallows.
“N-No. Stay.”
“I’d only be gone a minute-“
“Izu,” he shivers. “S-Stay.”
Izuku blinks at him, wide-eyed, then bumps the back of his head against the wall.
“... You’re regressing.”
“No-o-“
“You are,” he shakes his head. “You need to get home. This isn’t a safe environment for you to be in when you’re small, Kaachan.”
Okay, yeah. He doesn’t want to stay here anyways. And as much as he hates to admit it, Izuku’s right. He’s slipping because of his anxiety, and a party is gonna suck twice as much when all he wants to do is curl up with his teddy bear and watch cartoons until he falls asleep, pacifier in his mouth...
Yeah, yeah, that sounds really good.
The only problem is-
“C-Can’t walk,” he admits, knowing that he’d look like a baby deer with how badly he’s shaking at the moment.
“Ahh, right, we should probably calm you down a little more first,” he mutters. “Do you want to squeeze my hand? That helps me when I’m anxious. Usually Iida lets me, his hands are very durable so-“
“Yeah, yes,” Katsuki breathes, reaching for Izuku’s hand. He takes his three middle fingers in his palm and gently squishes them together. It makes the buzzing in his veins a little less buzzy, and he feels a little more focused.
“... Did you take your meds this morning?” Izuku asks him nonchalantly. Katsuki nods. “Good. That’s good. Have you eaten enough? Three meals and snacks? We’re training to be heroes, we should have a 3000 caloric intake.”
“Y-Yes. Three meals.”
“AND snacks?”
“Y-Yeah, had a-a, um.. s-some mochi? W-When I got here?” He places a hand on his chest and whines. “Ughhh. This s-sucks!”
“I know, I know,” Izuku sighs. “Hey, let me go get you a drink, okay? I’ll be right b-“
“Dri-ink?!” Katsuki squeaks, curling in on himself. “I-I can’t-!”
“No, no, not an... ‘adult drink.’ I don’t even think they have those here.” He squeezes Katsuki’s hand reassuringly. “I’m just going to go get you some water, okay? Right over there.” He points to a cooler across the room. “I’ll only be a minute, tops. Promise.”
“J-Just over the-ere?”
“Yes, Kaachan. Right over there. You can even watch me get it, okay?” Katsuki nods, and Izuku pats his knee. “Good. You just stay put.”
He retrieves a bottle of water from the cooler and returns to Katsuki’s side in record time. He unscrews the cap and hands it to him, but they quickly learn that Katsuki is way too tense and shaky to hold it on his own.
“Agh!” Katsuki shouts when he spills water all down his front. Izuku takes his hand and steadies it. “Sh-Shut up!”
“I didn’t say anything,” he says quietly. “Here, give me the bottle. I’ll help you take sips until you’re not shaking so much, okay?”
And so he does.
When Katsuki’s finished with the bottle, he’s still too shaky to stand, but he’s definitely calmed down. Izuku squeezes his hand.
“There we go. Good job.” Katsuki groans softly and rests his forehead on the shorter boy’s shoulder. “Hey, you’re okay. Just keep breathing, you’re gonna be okay.”
“Hhh,” Katsuki wheezes noncommittally. “I w-wanna go h-home now.”
“Give it another minute, bug. You’re still too shaky.” He places a hand on top of Katsuki’s fluffy hair. “You should eat something.”
“A-Already did.”
“You should eat some more,” he clarifies. “I can see if they have any rice cakes left? All the meat is definitely gone, though.”
“No,” Katsuki says quietly. “Stay.”
“But-“
“I w-will,” he promises. “Later, Izu”.
“... Okay,” Izuku nods. “Okay. Let’s just sit for a little bit. You want my hand again, kiddo?”
“Mhm...”
They sit there, Katsuki squeezing Izuku’s fingers as tight as he can, until the blonde’s shoulders start to slack. He wipes the drool that gathered at the corner of his lips on Izuku’s shirt sleeve, which is kind of gross, but whatever. He can deal with that.
“You ready to go now?” Izuku whispers to him. Katsuki nods and laces their fingers together. “Okay. Let’s get something in your belly first, though, alright? So you feel better.”
“Yeah,” Katsuki says quietly. “M’hungry.”
Izuku leads them into the kitchen, where the last few pieces of food are left. A few people try to greet them, but Katsuki buries his face into Izuku’s hoodie, and the younger boy waves them off with a smile and a flustered hand motion, telling them “Sorry, not right now!” They grab a rice cake and leave.
The night air is soothing, more so than Katsuki anticipated, and the last traces of his panic attack melt away as he sits on the curb and lets Izuku feed him the rice cake. When he’s done, he yawns and leans against him.
“You’re sleepy, huh?” Izuku asks softly, brushing his hair out of his face. Katsuki nods. “Do you have your phone? I’ll text your dad and tell him I’m taking you back.”
“Mhm,” Katsuki hums, fishing his cell out of his pocket and handing it to Izuku.
- - -
LORDEXPLODOKILL: Hi Sensei! It’s Midoriya. Kaachan had a little panic attack earlier but I helped calm him down. He’s feeling pretty small right now, so I’m taking him back. We’ll be there in about half an hour! ^u^
Eraserhead: Is he ok?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: He’s okay now! Just tired and regressed :) I had him eat and drink a little bit, so he’s all good!
Eraserhead: Ok, thank you. See you soon.
LORDEXPLODOKILL: Is Eri-chan home?
Eraserhead: Just get my son back, Midoriya.
LORDEXPLODOKILL: Right! Sorry! On it :)
LORDEXPLODOKILL: See you soon!
LORDEXPLODOKILL: Sensei?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: Are these going through?
Eraserhead: Yes.
LORDEXPLODOKILL: Oh.
LORDEXPLODOKILL: :0 !!!! Whoops!
LORDEXPLODOKILL: Right. Okay then :)
- - -
On the train, Katsuki lays his head down in Izuku’s lap, finding comfort in the way he scratches his scalp lightly. His eyes slip shut, and he chews on the collar of his shirt lazily (he went for his thumb initially, but Izuku was quick to nip that in the bud).
It’s not a long walk from the train station after the reach their stop. Katsuki starts whining two minutes into their ten-minute journey, so Izuku has to carry his half-asleep friend on his back, but besides that it’s quick and easy.
“What happened?” Aizawa demands the second he sees Katsuki, limp and barely conscious. Izuku chuckles.
“He’s just tired. He really tuckered himself out!” He sets Katsuki down on the ground. He wobbles for a moment before blinking his eyes open and yawning loudly.
“Hi Daddy,” he mumbles, falling into his chest. Aizawa catches him easily. “M’sleepy.”
“I can see that,” Aizawa says. “Thank you for taking care of him, Midoriya. Next time he has a panic attack like that, though, please call me first. They’re not always that easy to deal with, and you’ll need an adult there to help you.”
“Yes sir!” Izuku chimes. “I should probably get home... oh-! Here’s your phone back, Kaachan!”
As he’s handing the device back to his friend, the blonde grabs his wrist. He squeaks, eyes going wide, but Katsuki just pulls him into a hug, smushing his face into his hair.
“Thanks takin’ care t’me,” he whispers. “My brain ‘as bein’ kinda scary.”
“Aw, Kaachan,” Izuku whimpers, slightly slurred due to his cheek being crushed into the other’s neck. His eyes well with tears, and he returns the tight embrace. “You’re welcome. I don’t mind taking care of you, bug.”
“Alright, that’s enough,” Aizawa says, although a fond smile stretches across his face. He pulls Katsuki away and picks him up, holding him at his hip. “Goodnight, Midoriya. We’ll see you at school on Monday, okay?”
“Goodnight, Sensei! Goodnight, Kaachan!” He bows. “Tell Eri-chan I said ‘hi’ as well! If you guys are ever busy, Mom and I would love to have her over again sometime soon!”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” he nods, walking into the house and closing the door behind him. He thumbs over Katsuki’s cheek softly. “Hey, sweetheart. How are you feeling?”
“Much better,” Katsuki sighs, closing his eyes again. “C’we go to bed now?”
“Let’s take a bath first, okay?” He suggests, noting the sweat and tear stains on his son’s clothes and skin. “Then we’ll get you tucked in. You wanna sleep in our room tonight?”
“Mhm,” Katsuki nods, nuzzling his face into Aizawa’s neck. “With Daddy an’ Papa.”
“Alright, it’s a plan. Let’s get you cleaned up.”
Notes:
Hi guys!! Sorry for not doing an actual request, this was more of a vent chapter than anything else >n< For those of you who don’t know something kinda serious and upsetting came up in my life recently so I apologize for any angstiness that bleeds into my writing. I hope you’re all doing well!
Chapter 58: Separation Anxiety (w/ Dadzawa, Papa Mic, Big Bro Hitoshi, and Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Aizawa is away on a mission. Katsuki misses him more than he anticipated.
Notes:
BIG CW FOR: anxiety, depression (including self-deprecating thoughts), bad anxiety/panic attacks, unsanitary (wetting + poor hygiene + lots of cryinf), medical talk, implied/referenced child abuse, fighting, heavy angst
The ending is happy I promise ;-;
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Katsuki is cold.
It’s almost midnight, which means he’s been staring at his ceiling and sobbing violently for hours now, and he’s freezing fucking cold.
He could get under the blankets. He could crawl into bed with Eijirou. He could do a lot of things. But he doesn’t have the capacity to do anything other than lay there and cry.
The reason he’s upset beyond repair is so fucking stupid that he refuses to talk about it, but it’s simple enough. His dad is away on a mission, and he hasn’t talked to him in....
A week.
One week. That’s all it took for the Great Bakugou Katsuki to break down, seven days without his father. Unbelievable.
Whatever he’s doing is so top-secret or whatever that he can’t talk to his family until he gets back, and even then he can’t discuss the mission. He told them that those were his instructions and that he had to follow them, but he has a habit of keeping dangerous information from his loved ones in case they act irrationally and try to go after him- or, worse, end up hurt in the name of salvation.
Aizawa may or may not have some trauma that he needs to address.
Regardless of the technicalities, it’s been seven days since Katsuki has seen or heard from him. Seven days with no reassuring hugs or head pats, no stubble rubbing against his face when he kisses his forehead before bed, no smell of his coffee so strong it could induce a heart attack to a man twice his size, no gruff greetings or amused smiles or the soft feeling of a scarf smushed against his cheek as he rocks him to sleep after a nightmare.
He starts sobbing harder.
It’s so dumb to miss your dad that much. He’s not even regressed, so it’s not like he NEEDS him. He’s fully capable of taking care of himself, and even if he wasn’t, he has Yamada and Eijirou and a dozen other people to help him. He shouldn’t feel so heartbroken.
But he does. God, he does. Because Aizawa was the first adult in his life to acknowledge his personal strength without snuffing his pride. Because when he was kidnapped, he stood up for Katsuki in front of a nation of people insisting that he’d join the League. Because he didn’t hesitate to take charge the SECOND he suspected how rough things were for him at home. Because he didn’t get weirded out the first time he called him ‘Daddy,’ or the countless occasions he’d wet the bed while sleeping in between him and Yamada, or the handful of instances he threw up directly on him. Because he loved Katsuki unconditionally, and even if they fought sometimes, that could never change.
At least... he hopes not.
Okay, maybe there’s a bit more as to why he’s so distraught. Maybe he and Aizawa got into a fight before he left about the dishes in the sink. And maybe that fight escalated into one about the whole house being ‘in shambles,’ and then one about how neither of them take care of themselves, and then maybe, just maybe, when all the little fights were morphing into a big, ugly screaming match, maybe Katsuki yelled something really, really bad.
Maybe.
‘YOU’RE JUST LIKE MY MOM!’
... And then maybe Aizawa left with that argument fresh in his mind, without receiving a response when he tried to say goodbye to Katsuki, and now he’s gone with no clear end in sight because apparently even a time frame is too much information to share.
He looks at the time.
00:53.
He’s still cold.
- - -
“Hey, little listener,” Yamada says softly, opening his arms to receive his morning hug. Katsuki slumps onto his chest with a grumble. “You sleep okay last night, Kitty-Kat?”
“Not really,” he admits. Is his voice still thick from crying? It sounds like it is to him.
“What’s wrong? You miss Dad?” Shit, how does he always hit the nail on the head? “That’s why I couldn’t fall asleep, at least.”
“Eh. I guess.” His nose is stuffed. “Gonna make some coffee. I’ll be good.”
“Okay. If you say so.” He releases his hold on his som. “Hitoshi and I were thinking about doing a game night after we put Eri to bed tonight. You up to play some cards?”
‘No,’ he thinks.
“We’ll see,” he says.
- - -
Aizawa’s substitute teacher is awful.
He’s a short little man with rosy cheeks that cracks jokes the entire time and has no real control over the students. Everyone else loves him. He rubs Katsuki up the wrong way.
- - -
“Katsuki has Uno,” Hitoshi says quickly. “You have to pick up four cards from the deck now.”
“Huh?” Katsuki blinks, staring down at the card in his hand. “Oh. ... What?”
“You didn’t say ‘Uno’ when you got down to one card, and since Hitoshi pointed it out, you have to pick up four cards,” Yamada explains. “It’s a rule that keeps people from winning if they aren’t paying well enough attention.”
“Oh,” Katsuki says again. “Right. Uhh... I was thinkin’ this would be a lot quicker, so I’m just actually gonna go to bed, I think.”
“What? You can’t play Uno with two people,” Hitoshi protests. “It’s no fun that way.”
“Are you feeling alright?” Yamada reaches out to touch his forehead. “You don’t feel warm...”
“Just really tired,” Katsuki mumbles, standing up. He plants a kiss on the top of Yamada’s head. “I’ll see you guys in the morning.”
“Okay, baby. I love you,” Yamada says.
“Love you too, Papa.”
“... G’night, Kats,” Hitoshi says softly, his brow knit slightly as he processes his brother’s uncharacteristic behavior.
“Night. Love you.”
He trudges off to his room.
He doesn’t bother to shower or brush his teeth or change into pajamas. He doesn’t... necessarily feel like he deserves to, honestly.
There’s a knock at 22:19.
He pads over to the door and quickly wipes away his tears and snot before opening it.
“What do you want?”
“Just checkin’ in on you,” Eijirou says, smiling weakly. “It sounded like you were- ... never mind. Can I come inside?”
“No. M’goin’ to sleep,” Katsuki says, wiping his nose on his sleeve. “That all?”
“Actually, no,” Eijirou says. “I... want to talk to you. I need to talk to you about something important. Can we do that? Please?”
“Kirishima, it’s too late for a heart-to-heart. Can it wait until tomorrow?”
“Sorry, but it can’t. This thing is really bugging me, and I have to talk about it right now, or else I won’t be able to sleep tonight. I mean it.”
“... Fuck,” Katsuki sighs. “Fine. Come in.”
They’re both sitting on the bed. Eijirou is NOT talking, and Katsuki is feeling more and more irritated by the second. His head is pounding and he really, really needs to finish his nightly weeping session if he‘s hoping for any chance at sleep. He glares at his friend.
“You gonna talk?”
“You’re still in your after-school clothes,” Eijirou points out. “You wore those when we sparred today. Did you not take a shower?”
“Barge into my room, keep me from sleeping, criticize my hygiene,” Katsuki scoffs. “Anything else you wanna do to ruin my already shitty night, dickhead? Or are we done here?”
“Why was your night shitty?” He asks softly.
Fuck.
“... I dunno. Shitty day turned into a shitty night. It’s been a shitty week.” He drags his hand down his face. “It’s all shitty. Everything.”
“Is it maybe because you miss Aizawa Sensei?” It’s spoken so lightly, but Katsuki feels the weight of Eijirou’s words crushing his chest. “... I do. For the record.”
“... What?” Katsuki questions.
“I miss Aizawa Sensei. It’s weird without him,” he admits with a shrug. “Our sub is way too... cheery. He reminds me of an elf. Or one of those Cabbage Patch dolls. It’s not the same without Sensei’s grumbles and complaints.”
“H-He doesn’t complain,” Katsuki defends, sitting up a little straighter. “He critiques. There’s a huge difference there.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Sorry.” He scoots a little closer. “Shinsou mentioned that you two might have gotten into a fight before he left?”
“... Ah.” Katsuki deflates. “We did, yeah.”
“What was it about? If you don’t mind me asking.” He tilts his head. “Do you want to talk about it, or should we just leave it be?”
“No, it’s fine. It’s...” His breath hitches. “It’s stupid, anyways. It was just a normal fight.”
“About...?”
“About a lot of stuff, Kirishima!” He snaps. Eijirou jumps a little bit, and Katsuki sighs and runs a hand through his own hair. “Whatever. It doesn’t matter what it was about, anyways. I got really mad and I-... I said something really, really bad, man. Like, bad-bad.”
“A curse word?” Eijirou wonders aloud. “You swear all the time, so I don’t see-“
“I compared him to my mother,” he says quietly. Eijirou’s shoulders slump.
“... Oh,” he breathes. “That’s...”
“Bad,” Katsuki finishes for him. “I know.”
“He didn’t...” He clears his throat. “He didn’t, um. Hurt you... right? You’d tell me if he did?”
“God, no,” Katsuki shakes his head. His stomach twists at the thought. “He would never. You know that, Shitty Hair.”
“I know,” he nods. “Just making sure.”
“I hurt him, though,” he whispers, drawing his knees to his chest. “I know I did. When I said that. I can’t stop thinking about it.”
“I mean... probably, yeah. I’m not gonna lie to you,” Eijirou says. “But I know he forgives you. And I know he misses you just as much as you’re missing him. You know why?”
“... Because he loves me?” Katsuki mumbles.
“That’s right. I don’t think Aizawa Sensei could ever stay mad at you. And I know that HE knows that you didn’t mean it. Right?”
“Yeah,” Katsuki says weakly, wiping his eyes. “Shit. Sorry. What did you wanna talk about?”
“Eh-heh, um,” he rubs the back of his neck. “This, actually. I noticed you’ve been really down since your dad left, but you weren’t talking with anyone about it, and then I heard you crying tonight and I just-“
“You heard me?” Katsuki asks. His tone is accusatory and a bit embarrassed, but it lacks its usual bite. Eijirou smiles sheepishly.
“You’re not exactly the quietest crier on the planet, man.” Katsuki averts his gaze. “Hey. It’s okay. He’ll be back soon, yeah?”
“You don’t know that,” Katsuki spits.
“I don’t. But I’m sure he wants to get home as fast as possible,” he says. “And I know he’s going to be so, so happy when he sees you.”
“I don’t see why,” he whispers, sniffling.
“... Hey, why don’t you get cleaned up, and then you can come to my room? We can just chill and watch a show until you fall asleep, if you want. I’ll give you a head massage.”
“Kirishima... I’m not regressed.”
“I know,” he says softly, smiling. “That doesn’t mean you don’t need someone to take care of you now and then. It’s like when Mina gets her heart broken, or when Sero or Kami get really down, and they ask us to make dinner for them or snuggle on the couch or watch a stupid movie. That’s taking care of them.”
“I don’t need that shit,” he snarls.
“Okay. But I do,” Eijirou says. “Will you let me take care of you tonight? For me?”
“For you?” Katsuki questions, his tone clearly unconvinced. Eijirou nods.
“Yep. For me.” He pats the blonde’s knee. “So go get ready for some hardcore snuggling, Bakubro. Gonna kick your ass with my platonic affection. I’ve got years of practice.”
That actually elicits a watery chuckle from him. He runs a hand through his hair.
“Alright. Put your dukes up, Red.”
- - -
He only manages to give himself a quick sponge bath and gargle some mouthwash before trudging to Eijirou’s room. It’s not ideal, but it’s an improvement from before.
He falls asleep within minutes of getting his hair played with while some dumb show blares in the background. Maybe he cries a little bit on Eijirou’s chest before he passes out, but he’s honestly too tired to tell. He didn’t realize how utterly exhausted he was.
- - -
Cold. Cold cold cold.
Can’t breathe. It’s dark. It’s cold. He’s cold. He can’t breathe, he can’t move, he-
He sits up. Blood rushes to his head.
He sobs.
“Bakugou?” Eijirou mumbles, cracking an eye open. Katsuki claws at the sheets until he finds his friend and grips down on his arm, hard. “... What’s wrong? You have a nightmare?”
Did he? He doesn’t know. He doesn’t know anything, everything feels like static and panic and grief and he can’t even hear his own cries.
“Hey, hey, buddy,” Eijirou says suddenly, and he hears that. He feels the hand on his back. “Breathe, Bakugou. You’re okay. You’re safe.”
He’s safe. He is.
So why does he still feel so sad?
When he finally starts to breathe normally, he buries his face into Eijirou’s neck and stays there for a long time. He feels floaty and numb, like he’s suspended in wait.
“Can you talk?” Eijirou whispers, running his hands through his hair. He shakes his head. “Okay. Let me know when you’re ready to go clean up, and then we can move to your bed.”
Clean up? Move? No no no, that’s too much, why is Eijirou pushing him so much, they don’t need to move, fuck, he’s crying again, why-
Wet. He’s wet.
He pissed the bed, like a little baby.
Whatever. He feels like a baby, anyways. Dumb and weak and helpless. He just wishes he didn’t have to get up and deal with it. He’d be perfectly content to fester in his own mess if he were alone. But... he’s also really, really glad that he’s not alone right now.
“Sorry,” he whispers, although it comes out as more of a wheeze, and a few more tears squeeze their way out of his eyes, bringing with them a sharp sting of dehydration.
“It’s okay,” Eijirou assure him. “You don’t have to apologize. I’m not upset. You wanna take a bath now? We can deal with the sheets tomorrow, I’m too sleepy right now.”
“M-M’kay...”
The water is warm. He feels cold on the inside, though. His outside is nice and pink and warm, but his inside is cold and empty. Frigid.
When they’re clean, Eijirou hands him a night shirt and a pull-up. He gets dressed mindlessly, not even caring enough to be embarrassed by the situation.
Why is he SO sad?
“Okay, time for bed,” Eijirou says softly, taking his hand and leading him back to his bedroom. He situates Katsuki on the bed and then climbs in next to him, hesitantly throwing an arm over him, almost as if he’s unsure he should. “Hey... Are you okay?”
“M’sad,” Katsuki mumbles, eyes wide and unblinking as he stares at the ceiling. His tone is monotonous, and Eijirou picks up on it.
“Oh, kiddo,” he tuts affectionately, rubbing his thumb along Katsuki’s arm. “You’re trembling... Did you want to talk about your dream? Or are you still too small for that?”
That sets him off.
With a panicked gasp, he wrenches up, throwing the blankets off of himself and kicking at Eijirou. He threads his fingers in his own hair and twist, twist, TWIIIISTS until he feels strands break. He’s screaming, he knows that, but he can’t help it, he’s gotta stop, he’s gotta be big, he CAN’T be small, not without Daddy here, he can’t he can’t he can’t-
“BAKUGOU!” Eijirou gasps in alarm, hardening his palms and trying to tug his hands away from his scalp when he sees sparks start to arise. “Hey, hey, kiddo! You need to stop using your quirk, you’re gonna hurt yourself!”
“STOP!!” Katsuki shrieks, trying to kick him away. It doesn’t work. “STOP IT, STOP!!!!”
“HEY, I NEED HELP IN HERE!” Eijirou shouts towards the door. “SHOJI, GET A TEACHER!”
The sadness is hurting his heart now. He lets go of his hair only to take fistfuls of sheets into his hands as he falls back onto the bed, arches his back, and SCREAMS.
...
Then he feels nothing.
He gives a short little gasp, going limp and boneless onto the mattress before bringing a hand to his chest. He feels around for a heartbeat and finds it, almost to his surprise. He feels like he cried out everything in his body. He feels like he’s dead.
“Bakugou? Bakugou?!” Eijirou prompts. He sounds like he’s been crying. Katsuki feels arms slip under him, feels Eijirou pull him into his chest. “Talk to me, kiddo. What’s going on with you? A-Are you hurt?”
“... I’m...” Katsuki feels confused. And sleepy. He just wants to sleep. “M’sleepy.”
“No no no, you stay awake,” Eijirou demands, holding his face in his hands. There he goes again, asking for more than Katsuki feels like giving. “You hear me, Katsuki? You stay awake. At least until someone gets here.”
“Kiri,” Katsuki mumbles quietly, breathing out through his nose. “... I wan’ Daddy..”
“You’re gonna see your Daddy real soon,” he promises. “You just hang tight, okay kiddo?”
They hear footsteps outside of the door, and suddenly the room is flooded with light, and Yamada and Recovery Girl are there, and so are Shoji and Hitoshi and Eri, and they all look so, so scared. Eijirou gives a quiet sob of relief.
“I-I don’t know what’s wrong,” he blubbers. “He just started screaming, and he- his hands, they were in his hair, and he was setting off explosions and I thought he was gonna-! And then he arched his back like his chest was hurt, and he screamed so loud, and then he got really limp and woozy, and I just-“
“Shh, it’s okay, son,” Recovery Girl assures him, bringing a stethoscope to Katsuki’s chest. “It sounds like it was just an anxiety attack. I’ll check his vitals to make sure, but he seems fine. Did he have a nightmare?”
“Why don’t you guys wait in the common room?” Yamada asks the kids quietly, shutting the door to give them some privacy.
“Y-Yeah,” Eijirou nods, sniffling loudly. “We were in my room, but he, uh, wet the bed, s-so we washed up and c-came here. A-And we were just l-laying there and talking, and he-“
“Kirishima, I need you to take deep breaths,” Recovery Girl instructs him. He sobs and nods, following her breathing pattern. “There you go. You’re okay. I need you to let go of Bakugou so I can perform my check up, okay?”
“B-But he-“
“Let her do her job,” Yamada says quietly, reaching his hand out. Eijirou squeezes his eyes shut before carefully removing Katsuki from his lap. He immediately dives into Yamada’s open arms. “Shh, I know. It’s okay.”
“That was really scary,” Eijirou squeaks. “I-It’s never... he’s never been like that before...”
“He has. He’s been worse, actually. He’ll be okay. I promise.” He scratches down Eijirou’s scalp lightly, keeping his head against his chest so he doesn’t watch as Recovery Girl pokes and prods at Katsuki. “Was it just the nightmare that brought this on? Did anything happen that could have triggered him?”
“N-No,” he sniffs. “W-Well, um, maybe? I know he really misses Aizawa Sensei... We talked earlier. He was really messed up about everything. He didn’t seem anxious about it, though, just... really, really sad.”
“... Oh,” Yamada says quietly. “Hm.”
“Okay, all set,” Recovery Girl announces. “He’s fine. Just a panic attack. He seems to be a little in shock right now, though. If you want, I can work him through some grounding exercises. It won’t take too long.”
“No, that’s fine. I can do that,” Yamada assures her. “Thank you. Sorry for the late night call. I can buy you coffee tomorrow?”
“No need. I don’t drink caffeine,” she waves him off. “It’s fine, it’s my job. Goodnight, boys.”
“Papa,” Katsuki says quietly, blinking up at his father. Yamada lets go of Eijirou.
“What’s up, baby?” He asks, sitting down on the bed next to him. He takes his hand and squeezes it reassuringly. “How you feelin’?”
“... Dunno,” Katsuki mumbles he pinches his bottom lip in between his thumb and index finger lightly, and Eijirou springs into action.
“Here, let me get your binky,” he says. “You want any stuffed animals, too?”
“No,” Katsuki shakes his head.
“O-Okay.” He retrieves Katsuki’s regression gear and grabs a pacifier, placing it in the blonde’s open palm. “There you go.”
“What do we say?” Yamada prods gently when Katsuki sticks the pacifier in his mouth with zero show of gratitude. He shrugs. “Baby, don’t be silly. Tell Kiri ‘thank you.’”
“Mm,” Katsuki grunts, shaking his head. Yamada frowns.
“Kitty-Kat, be nice.”
“M’not,” he grumbles.
“You’re not nice?”
“Mm-mm.”
“It’s fine, Yamada Sensei,” Eijirou assures him. “He’s tired. I don’t mind”.
“It’s just not like him,” Yamada mutters. “Bug, what do you mean you aren’t nice?” Katsuki shrugs again. “You’re a very nice boy. You know that. One of the sweetest I know.”
“No,” Katsuki whimpers, tears spilling down his cheeks again. Ugh, more crying. He didn’t think he had any water left in him.
“Yes you are,” Yamada coos, pushing his hair back. “Don’t cry, sweet boy. You’re okay.”
“No-o,” he repeats. He reaches for his pillow and hugs it to his chest. “M’bad. M’mean.”
“Oh, baby, you aren’t bad,” he says softly, brow knit with worry. He shoots Eijirou a concerned look. “Can you give us a minute, please? You can go explain everything to the others if you want.” Eijirou nods.
“Okay. Let us know when you’re done.”
The door clicks shut.
“Why do you think you’re bad?” Yamada questions, pulling Katsuki into his lap and cradling him. “Hm? Katsuki?”
“I-I’s mean,” he croaks around his pacifier, voice wrecked with all his crying and lack of hydration. “To Daddy. I’s me-ean.”
“... Okay. You know what?” Yamada states. “I’m gonna call Daddy. He brought his cell phone in case of an emergency, and I think this counts as one.”
“Daddy’s comin’ home?” Katsuki asks hopefully, sniffling into Yamada’s collarbone.
“I don’t know. I’m gonna talk to him, okay? He might not be able to. But you need him right now, even if it’s just to talk to.” He hoists them up off the bed. “I’m gonna bring you downstairs with Bubba and Kiri and Eri, okay? And Shoji, too. You can wait with them.”
“O-Okay,” Katsuki whimpers, squeezing his eyes shut. “Sorry, Papa. M’sorry.”
“That’s alright, baby,” Yamada whispers. He doesn’t know what it is exactly that Katsuki’s apologizing for, but he reassures him nonetheless. “It’s okay. It’s gonna be alright.”
- - -
Aizawa’s phone is ringing.
It’s... not even 3:00.
“Hizashi?” He mumbles groggily when he picks it up. “What’s going on?”
His husband knows better than to call him unless it’s an emergency. He hears a sigh of relief on the other end, and sits up, brow knit.
“Shota,” Yamada says. ”So, here’s a question. Do you know when you’re getting home yet?”
“Should be just a couple of days, now. It’s only a matter of paperwork and some restoration at this point. Why? Is something wrong?”
“Katsuki’s not doing too well,” Yamada explains. “He had one of his bad panic attacks tonight. The Exorcist-style ones? I really, really thinks he needs you, Sho. Like, bad.”
“Well, hon, I can’t come home just like that. It’s a two-day flight. I’m in a whole other country right now.”
“Really? Where? What do they speak?!”
“Hizashi...” Aizawa sighs.
“Right, right, sorry.” He purses his lips. “Can you at least talk to him? He’s really upset. He’s regressed right now, and he’s been depressed all week, and I know he feels super duper guilty about the argument you two had.”
“... He doesn’t need...” Aizawa makes a vague gesture that he knows Yamada can’t see. “... space? He didn’t exactly seem like my biggest fan before I left, you know.”
“I know. But I don’t think he wants anything more right now that to have you here,” he says, his voice breaking a little. “Fuck, Sho. We miss you so much.”
“Oh, ‘Zashi,” he sighs softly. “Okay. Let me talk to him. Is he there right now?”
“Yeah, he’s right outside. Hang on.” He exits his and Aizawa’s shared room and crouches down next to Katsuki, who’s bundled up in a blanket burrito on the couch, leaning heavily against Eijirou, still a bit teary and shaky. “Hi, baby. I’ve got Daddy on the phone. Do you want to say hi to him?”
“Dad? I thought he couldn’t call us,” Hitoshi says, holding Eri on his hip.
“Daddy,” Katsuki whines, reaching for the phone. He takes his pacifier out and places it in Eijirou’s lap.
“Okay, I’m going to go to bed,” Shoji says quietly. “See you guys tomorrow.”
“Yeah, I should probably put Eri down,” Hitoshi announces. “She’s already asleep again...”
“Okay,” Yamada nods. “If you want to talk to Dad when Katsuki’s done, you can.”
“Papa,” Katsuki whimpers, making grabby hands at the phone.
“Here you go, honey,” he smiles, placing the phone in his hand.
“Katsuki?” Aizawa asks.
The effect is immediate.
Katsuki’s heart aches in his chest again, only this time it’s because he’s overcome with emotion, not because he’s lacking it. His lip wobbles.
“Daddy. Sorry,” he gasps. “Sorry, m’sorry, di’n mean it, I’m sorry-“
“Hey, hey, shh,” Aizawa stops him, and the smile on his face is audible through the phone. “I’m not mad at you. I know you didn’t mean what you said. I said a lot of things that I didn’t mean, too. We were just upset, sweetheart. If the timing were better, we would have made up already, but I had to leave right after our fight. I’m so, so sorry about that.”
Katsuki doesn’t respond, just hiccups a little sob, and Aizawa’s heart pangs.
“Papa said you’ve been really sad lately.” What he wouldn’t give to be there for him. “Is that true? Have you been feeling sad?”
“Y-Yes,” Katsuki affirms, wiping his eyes.
“Have you gone to see your doctor since I left? I know we said you didn’t have to because you aren’t comfortable without me there, but...”
He hasn’t. Yamada offered to sit in with him on Wednesday, but he was too drained to go. He ended up studying into the early hours of the morning instead. He wishes he could channel his problems like that now. He hates the emptiness. He needs his father back.
“No,” he whispers.
“... Can you hold out for two more days?” Aizawa asks him, flipping his lamp on.
He shouldn’t have. He can’t leave just as soon as the “excitement” is over. The battle was won, but now there has to be cleanup. People who bail on cleanup are so annoying...
“Two days?” Katsuki sniffles, bringing his knees to his chest. “Uh huh. I can.”
“Okay. Just two days, sweetheart. You can do that, right? You’re a strong kid,” Aizawa says softly. Katsuki giggles half-heartedly. “Honey, I have to talk to Papa now. Can you give the phone back to him for me?”
“Y’goin’?” Katsuki asks, dejected.
“Just for a minute, bug. I just need to go over a few things with Papa, and then I’ll talk to you again. I promise.” Katsuki whines.
“O-Okay,” he shivers. “Love you, Daddy. Love you. Talk t’me again. Love you.”
“I will, kiddo. I love you too.”
“So,” Yamada says when he gets the phone. “You’re coming home, huh?”
“Yeah. He sounded so...” he inhales sharply. “Heartbroken. I should be there.”
“Do you think there’s a separation anxiety issue that we should discuss?” He asks worriedly, watching how Katsuki turns to press his face into Eijirou’s shoulder. “I mean, he’s very attached to you as is, and if things like this could send him spiraling, then maybe we should bring it up with his therapist...”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” Aizawa says. “For now, I’m gonna get there as soon as possible. If he’s too stressed out, have him take a break. Same with Hitoshi and Eri. How are they doing? Any problems?”
“Eri’s been sleeping with me every night, but besides that nothing out of the ordinary. I think Hitoshi misses you more than he’s letting on, though.” Yamada sighs. “I’m sorry. I know I should be able to hold everything together while you’re gone, but it’s harder than I-“
“Hizashi,” Aizawa stops him. “You work three jobs. Parenting by yourself on top of that is no easy feat, especially with our crew. I’m not even a little bit upset that you need me there to help you; I kind of figured as much, anyways. I’m just sorry I can’t get there any sooner.”
“No, it’s fine. You can’t help where they send you,” Yamada chuckles. Aizawa sighs.
“I suppose not.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I’ll book a flight for tomorrow morning. I should be there by Friday afternoon. Does that sound okay? If there’s anything else I can do-“
“No, no, that’s plenty,” Yamada assures him. “Thank you so much. I know it’s a lot to ask of you. Do you want to talk to Katsuki again?”
“Yeah, put him on,” he nods. “I love you.”
“Love you too. Here he is.”
Aizawa explains everything to Katsuki in simple terms. The blonde honestly just seems happy to be hearing his father’s voice now that he knows there’s no damper on their bond, and ends up falling asleep mid-conversation. Eijirou silently takes him into his arms and lays back on the couch, content to hold his friend through the rest of the night in the open area of the common room.
- - -
Katsuki and Eijirou don’t come to school the next day. Hitoshi skips out on training.
Everyone can tell that something happened with their volatile classmate, but no one aside from Shoji really knows the circumstances.
On Friday, Yamada doesn’t show up, either.
- - -
On Friday morning, Katsuki sleeps in until almost 10:00. When he wakes up, he feels much more relaxed, if a little nervous.
“Hey, little man,” Hitoshi greets him when he pads into the kitchen. “Where’s Kiri?”
“Still sleeping,” Katsuki says quietly. “What’cha making for breakfast?”
“Onigiri filled with pickled plums, and some miso soup. You wanna help?” Katsuki silently nods and starts working alongside him. “Papa took the day off from work today, he’s gonna drive us to the airport to meet Dad later. Isn’t that exciting?”
“Mm,” Katsuki shrugs, packing one of the rice palls. “I guess so.” Hitoshi frowns.
“Are you still regressed?”
Katsuki was small for the entire previous day, right up until he went to sleep. Usually, a full day of regression after a particularly bad panic attack was normal, but for that to continue through another night and into the next morning was not only rare, but worrying.
“I dunno. A little, maybe,” Katsuki shrugs again. “M’still kinda...” He makes a vague gesture towards his head. “... Off.”
“Are you up for the trip today? I can wait here with you while Papa and Eri go. Or we can ask Kirishima to keep an eye on you-“
“No. I wanna see Daddy- Dad? Fuck.” He grips his head. “Brain’s all screwy right now.”
“Take your meds, you’ll feel better,” Hitoshi prompts him. “I’ll let you know when breakfast is ready, okay? You’re gonna be fine, Kat.”
“Mm,” Katsuki hums. “I’d like to be.”
- - -
“Katsu-nii?” Eri chimes.
“What?” Katsuki huffs, glaring out the window.
“Are you scared to see Mister Aizawa?” The blonde stiffens and stares at her.
“What makes you think that?”
“Your leg is jumping,” she says, pointing at his bouncing knee. “Mirio-kun does that when he’s scared about things. He told me. Are you scared that Mister Aizawa forgot how we look?” Katsuki wrinkles his nose.
“I’m not scared,” he says. “And he wouldn’t forget how we look. That doesn’t make sense.”
“Maybe... Sometimes when Mister Mic puts my hair in pigtails, Mister Aizawa tells me I look like a bunny rabbit. Can you do pigtails on me, Katsu-nii? I like being a bunny rabbit.”
“I don’t have hair elastics,” Katsuki mumbles. “Daddy doesn’t care how we look, anyways. He cares about how we act.”
“Oh. Did you act bad?”
A chill sparks in Katsuki’s spine.
“No,” he insists.
“Then why are you scared?”
“Eri, leave your brother alone,” Yamada chuckles from the front seat. “You can play my phone if you need something to entertain you.”
“Okay!”
- - -
The rest of the ride goes fairly well, despite the fact that Katsuki feels a little queasy by the time they reach the airport.
Walking through the crowds of people is a blur to him. He feels spacey, and nervous (YES, he is scared, you got him Eri), and awkward, and he’s more than a little worried that things WON’T be okay, that Aizawa was going to lecture him the second they saw each other, that he fucked things up forever.
The only thing he feels when he sees that familiar mess of black hair is apprehension.
Eri immediately wiggles out of Yamada’s arms and runs to Aizawa. His face breaks out into a grin, and he picks her up and kisses her cheek. They exchange a few words as he cards a hand through her hair, and she points in the direction of the boys. Aizawa heads over, carrying his luggage with one arm and his daughter with the other.
“Hey, handsome,” Yamada says cheekily, wrapping his arms around his husband’s waist. Aizawa smiles back and presses their lips together. Eri wrinkles her nose.
“Bleh!” She groans. Yamada laughs, breaking their kiss, and ruffles her hair.
“Sorry, but your dads kiss aaaaaall the time. You’re gonna have to get used to it eventually, princess.” She sticks her tongue out at him.
“Hey, Dad,” Hitoshi greets, walking over to him. Aizawa sets Eri and his duffel bag down before embracing his son.
“Hey, kid. I missed you.” Hitoshi chuckles.
“Yeah, we missed you too. Clearly.”
Standing away from the group, Katsuki crosses his arms over his chest and looks away. His heart tugs with sadness, believing that his suspicions were correct. He hears Hitoshi and Aizawa mumbling to each other, probably talking about him behind his back, and that just makes him feel even worse. Two days ago, he would have given up his own hands to have his father with him again. Now he can’t even muster the courage to look at him.
That is, at least, until he feels a hand on his shoulder.
He whirls around to see Aizawa, his expression somehow both worried a relieved.
“Hi, sweetheart. How are you doing?”
All of his fears wash away.
He doesn’t hesitate to lunge forward, burying his face into his fathers chest and sobbing. Aizawa tuts lightly and cradles the back of his head, swaying them back and forth on their feet. Katsuki grips his shirt tighter.
“I know,” Aizawa says softly. “I know. It’s okay now. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
“I-I’m really, really sorry!” Katsuki sobs. “It’s s-so stupid! I just missed you so-o much!”
“No, honey, it’s not stupid,” he assures him. “It’s not stupid at all. It’s okay. I missed you too, kiddo. It’s not stupid.”
Katsuki gives a weak little whimper, trying to crush himself impossibly closer to Aizawa, but he doesn’t say anything. Not out loud.
“Hey, hey,” Aizawa smiles, pulling back to hold Katsuki’s face in his hands. “Enough tears. I’m back. It’s gonna be alright, sweetheart.”
“I-I know,” Katsuki squeaks, sniffling loudly. “M’cryin’ lots lately. Dunno why... sor-rry.”
“Shh, it’s okay,” he whispers, wiping away a few of his tears. “I know... It’s hard, huh? It’s alright. That won’t happen again. I promise.”
“N-No more fights?”
“Well, I can’t say we’ll never fight again,” he admits. “People who love each other fight sometimes. Just ask Papa,” he chuckles. “We argue all the time. But we love each other, and we’ll always make up. It’s the same with you, and your brother, and Eri, and everyone else that I love. Do you understand?”
“Y-Yes,” Katsuki nods. “C’we hug again?”
“Oh, honey,” Aizawa mumbles. “Yeah. C’mere.”
They hold each other close until Yamada places a hand on Aizawa’s shoulder and mumbles something in his ear. After that, they break apart and head into the parking lot. Aizawa sits in between Eri and Katsuki in the backseat, each of them taking on of his hands into his own. It’s the perfect “welcome home.”
- - -
“Hey, Sensei,” Eijirou greets, sitting in the armrest next to him. “He’s sleeping?”
“Yeah,” Aizawa nods, stroking Katsuki’s hair. “Eri and Hitoshi are too, and I’m sure Yamada Sensei will as well once he gets back.”
“Mm. Long couple of weeks, huh?”
“Yes. A lot longer than we thought,” he yawns. “Ugh. Never underestimate the power of jet lag, kid. I’d be dead to the world if I didn’t have to supervise during dinner tonight.”
“You go to sleep,” Eijirou tells him. “I’ll wake you up when it’s time, promise.”
“... You’re a good kid, Kirishima,” Aizawa says softly. “I never thanked you for taking care of Katsuki that night. If you hadn’t been there, it could have been a lot more dangerous.”
“Ah, it’s really no problem. I’m gonna be a hero, right?” He rubs the back of his neck. “And I’ll always be there for Bakugou, really. Even when we’re grown up. S’kinda my job.”
“You’re still just a teenager, though. You don’t want to put too much on your plate.”
“I’m not,” he smiles. “I love helping people. Protecting them. It makes me feel strong.”
“Mm,” Aizawa hums, letting his eyes slip shut. “Katsuki’s lucky to have you, Kirishima. We all are. You’re a... big help...”
“Yeah, yeah. Go to sleep, old man,” Eijirou chuckles, leaning back in his chair.
Notes:
Sorry for another vent chapter, I started this one night when I was sad about Aizawa and it escalated into a super long angst fest xD
Chapter 59: Cat Nip (w/ Papa Mic + Dadzawa)
Summary:
The first time that Katsuki called Yamada “Papa.”
Notes:
CW FOR: thunderstorms, referenced past child abuse/neglect, light paranoia/depression/anxiety
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“It’s coming down really hard!” Yamada shouts over the wind and rain. Katsuki nods. “The power might go out! Will you help me light some candles when we get in?!”
“Okay!” Katsuki agrees.
When the door closes behind them, Katsuki shivers and takes off his rain boots and coat. Yamada takes out his elastic and shakes his hair like a dog, earning a fond snort from the teenager. The rain continues to pour down outside, pattering against the house.
“Ah,” Yamada sighs when he’s done, straightening his back with a loud crack. “Brr. Let’s get some tea on, yeah? Maybe some Katsudon as well. Something hot and cozy. Dad and Hitoshi won’t be back until later, so we’ll keep it warm for them...”
“Sure,” Katsuki shrugs. “M’gonna get changed out of my school clothes. Be right back.”
“Oh, right!” Yamada laughs. “Probably shouldn’t cook in my hero costume, huh? Leather isn’t exactly casual.”
“Mm,” Katsuki chuckles a bit awkwardly, making his way to his bedroom.
He’s pretty much fully moved in at this point. All his clothes are in his wardrobe, his posters are on the walls- Yamada and Aizawa even went so far as to get his entire bed in their possession, mattress and all. It’s... nice. Familiar. A bit weird though, he won’t lie. His whole situation is pretty weird, to be perfectly honest. It’s taking him more time to adjust than he thought it would. He’s stuck in this odd state of not-quite-depression mixed with the shell shock of living in a healthy environment and it’s all very... weird.
He’s started leaning more on his regression than he’d like to admit. Not, like, fully slipping at the first sign of a problem or anything like that, he’s just... allowing himself to indulge in certain comforts that he’s never really done before. For instance, Aizawa bought him this... sort of orally stimulating... comforting... er...
Binky. It’s a fucking binky, alright?
But he likes it. Or, not- it helps. With things.
But there’s a time and a place for regressing. In his room. Alone. Sometimes with Aizawa around to make sure he stays out of trouble. More specifically, NOT when he’s supposed to be making dinner with his English teacher.
(Technically adoptive father. Whatever.)
So, once Katsuki is in dry clothes, he doesn’t take his pacifier off of his night stand. He doesn’t grab the stuffed cat Aizawa gifted him. He doesn’t put clips in his hair, or wear fuzzy socks, or curl up in his bed to watch Sanrio cartoons until Aizawa gets home from training. He wants to, but he doesn’t.
“Oh, good, you’re ready,” Yamada says when he spots Katsuki. He’s lighting candles at the table with matches. His voice is soft. It always shocks him to see how quiet the man can be.
“Lemme help,” Katsuki says, reaching for one of the sticks. He brings the wick to his palm and lets off a very small spark, effectively lighting it. Yamada smiles at him.
“You’ve got really good control over your quirk,” he comments. Katsuki shrugs.
“Back in middle school, I... We weren’t allowed to use our quirks, obviously, but I liked to fuck with some of the other kids. Deku, mostly. Midoriya. So I learned to make little explosions to spook them. Not very useful.” He swallows thickly. “Not very heroic, either.”
“Well. None of us are really proud of who we were in the past,” he says distantly. “... You seem stressed. Is everything alright?”
“M’good. Sensei,” he adds afterwards, almost like a rushed attempt to be polite. Yamada snorts amusedly. “What?”
“Nothing. It’s just... you don’t have to sound so formal around me. I’m more than just your teacher, you know.” He lights another candle, humming thoughtfully. “You call Aizawa ‘Dad.’ I think I’ve even heard you call him ‘Daddy’ one time when you were-“
“That’s different,” Katsuki is quick to say. “Aizawa is... different. I still call him Sensei out in public. And I call him Daddy when I’m regressed because... because my REAL Daddy never took care of me. And he does. He earned that title.” Yamada winces, and Katsuki frowns. “Not-! Er, not that you haven’t. Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just... different.”
“No, no, I get it.” He shrugs. “Your mother was aggressive, your father was neglectful. Shota is far from neglectful- well, maybe not with regards to himself, but certainly towards other people. I like to think I’m as attentive as he is, but even I know I can be overbearing at times.”
“It’s purely situational,” Katsuki informs him. “If it were you that day, the roles would be reversed. Or- maybe not exactly, but... I don’t know. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“You didn’t upset me,” he assures him, reaching out to touch his hand. “Hey. Katsuki. It’s okay, little listener. I’m not upset.”
“Why are you-“ Katsuki starts, then he hears his voice break, feels hot tears spill over and roll down his cheeks. “... Oh.”
“Shh, it’s okay.” He scoots their chairs closer, reaching out to rub his back. “Let it out.”
“M’not even sad,” Katsuki whispers, desperately wiping away his tears. “M’sorry.”
“You’re going through a lot right now. You’re probably overwhelmed. It’s okay.” He tilts his head. “Talk to me. What’s going on?”
“I dunno,” he sobs, hugging his chest. “I dunno. S’stupid. The rain- storms make me anxious, an’ s’cold, an’ everything’s weird, an’ I feel so weird, an’ Daddy’s not here...”
“Whew. You really are dealing with a lot,” Yamada whistle. “Storms scare you?”
“K-Kinda?” He shakes his head. “Jumpy.”
“You get jumpy?” He nods. “That’s okay. The kitties do too. We give them catnip toys whenever it starts to thunder.”
“Th-The kitties?”
“Mhm. They crawl under our bed and cry and scratch up our walls. But the catnip helps. See?” He nods towards one of their cats sleeping contentedly on the floor. “You know what your version of catnip is, don’t you?”
“My... catnip...” he takes in a shuddery breath. “... U-Um. Bein’ small?” Yamada grins.
“Yeah, you got it.” He touches Katsuki’s forehead. “You can be small around me, you know. I don’t mind. At all.”
“No,” he gasps, shaking his head. “G-Gotta help. Tea an’ soup f-for Daddy an’ ‘Toshi.”
“You can still help me make dinner if you want to,” he says with a quizzical tone. “Why wouldn’t you be able to help me?”
“I g-get really stu-upid!” He cries. “C-Can’t help like m’big! Agh!” He sniffles. “S-Sorry...”
“Hey, hey, you’re alright,” Yamada assures him, wiping away his tears. “Don’t you worry, little listener. It’s gonna be okay. You can let go now. I’m here. It’s alright, Katsuki.”
Maybe it’s the gentle tone, or the grounding hand on his face, or the confusing stress he’s under, but he slips FAST. Or maybe he’s been regressing the whole time. He couldn’t say.
Yamada envelops him in his arms and rubs his back until he stops crying. It doesn’t take long. The heavy rain and whistling wind has him so on edge that he welcomes that fuzzy warmth with an open heart. After he’s calmed down, Yamada takes his hand and leads him to his new bedroom.
“Are you comfortable?” He asks, sitting Katsuki on the bed. “You want another outfit?”
“Mm-mm,” Katsuki shakes his head.
“Okay. Let’s see... ah! Here we are,” he mutters, reaching for the pacifier on Katsuki’s nightstand. “Open up!”
He feels a bit silly for not putting his binky in himself. He almost giggles, really. He’s not a baby! He can do that himself!
“Do you know where that bear is? The one that used to be mine?” Yamada asks, rubbing his chin. “Ah, what was it’s name...?”
“... Pochi,” Katsuki mumbles, smiling a little.
“Pochi! That’s right!” He snaps his fingers.
“He’s here,” he mutters, reaching under his pillow. He retrieves the stuffed bear and crushes it against his chest, sighing contentedly. Yamada grins.
“There ya go. Now, why don’t we go- oop.” He looks down at Katsuki’s bare feet. “Aw! Your toes must be freezing! Where are your socks?”
“Up there,” he answers, pointing to the top drawer of his dresser. “C’I have fuzzy ones?”
“Of course, baby.”
There he goes with the pet names again. Him and Aizawa both. He’d rather not admit how safe they make him feel.
“There! How’s that? All good?” Yamada asks, slipping the socks over his feet. Katsuki nods happily. “Alright! You ready to start dinner?”
“Mhm.”
Kitchen work goes very well. Katsuki helps Yamada make tea and sits on the counter as he cuts everything up for their katsudon. He’s quiet- talking feels tedious with his pacifier in; but clearly much more content, swinging his feet and bouncing Pochi in his lap.
He gets a text from Aizawa right before they finish, in between pouring noodles into bowls and chopping up pieces of pork.
Eraserhead: Storms too heavy to go on with training. Heading home. Be there in 30 mins.
LORDEXPLODOKILL: were makin dinnerr!
Eraserhead: ?
Eraserhead: Are you regressed?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: yes
Eraserhead: Does Yamada Sensei know?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: mhm!
Eraserhead: Ok. Tell him you’re going to eat dinner in your room so Hitoshi doesn’t find out.
Eraserhead: He can sit with you until I get home.
LORDEXPLODOKILL: k
“I gots’ta eat in my room,” Katsuki announces, looking up from his phone. “Daddy said.”
“Dad’s texting you?”
“Mhm. S’comin’ home.”
“Oh! Alright. Let’s finish up really quick, and then we can go hang out in your room, okay?”
He’s not really sure what time the power goes out. They’re watching Hello Kitty and eating their katsudon when suddenly everything goes dark. His stomach drops and he lets out a loud whine, blindly grabbing for Yamada.
“Hey, hey, it’s alright. We anticipated this, remember? That’s why we lit all those candles.” He pulls Katsuki into his lap. “See? It’s like a little night light for us. So we can see in the dark. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“B-But wha’ ‘bout...” His bottom lip sticks out childishly, and he rubs his eyes. “Mons’ers?”
“There’s no such thing as monsters, baby.”
“Y-Yes is!”
“No there isn’t.”
“YES there IS,” Katsuki stresses, trembling in Yamada’s hold. “I saws one w-when the’bad guys ‘tooked’ me away.”
“What do you- oh, right,” he mutters. “Yeah, I guess a Nomu would look pretty freaky to you, huh?” Katsuki nods, squeezing his eyes shut and burying his face into Yamada’s chest. “Well, you don’t need to worry about those dummies, little listener. They wouldn’t dare come into this house. THEY’RE scared of ME.”
“Th’ mons’ers?”
“Mhm. Me and Daddy scare them so bad! They’d never be here. And if they were, we’d scare them off right away.” He cards his hands through fluffy blonde hair. “There’s no monsters here, baby. Don’t worry.”
“Zero?” Katsuki asks, unconvinced.
“Yep. Zero. ... Well...” he pauses, rubbing his chin comically in thought. “There miiiiight be one monster here.” Katsuki tenses up.
“W-Where?”
“His name is the tickle monster,” Yamada whispers, making his son gasp in realization. “Aaand he’s riiiiiight..... HERE!”
“AH!” Katsuki shrieks as his belly is tickled, squirming and laughing hysterically. “T-TICKLES!!! YOU ‘GOTTED’ ME!!”
“I did!” He giggles. “I got you!”
“PA-APA!” He guffaws, tears of joy rolling down his cheeks. Yamada’s heart jumps into his throat. “STO-OP IIIIT!”
Yamada’s hand slows, and Katsuki sighs with relief. He looks up at his father with rosy cheeks and smile, then blinks.
“S’wrong?”
“... You called me Papa,” Yamada croaks, pulling him into a hug. His eyes brim with tears. “You just- You called me...”
“Y’cryin’?!”
“I am. Happy tears, baby.” He sniffs loudly and pulls away, but keeps his hold on Katsuki firm. “Ohh. Now I’m gonna be all puffy when Daddy sees me. What a shame...”
“Hehe,” Katsuki giggles. “You’re silly, Papa.”
“Oh yeah?” Yamada grins. He starts to jab at Katsuki’s sides again, eliciting shrieks of laughter from him. “Look at us, Katsuki! We’re a couple of silly geese, aren’t we?”
“S-Silly goos-ses!” He affirms through his giggling. Yamada laughs breathily.
“Yeah. Silly gooses.”
- - -
“Alright, sleepy potato,” Aizawa says softly, picking Katsuki up off his floor. “Let’s get you to bed, okay? You can sleep with Papa and I.”
“Pochi,” he whines around his pacifier, too tired to grab for the bear or even open his eyes. Aizawa chuckles and picks it up.
“There you go. Nice and cozy, hm?” Katsuki nuzzles his face into his neck. “We should really brush your teeth before you fall asleep..”
“Noooo,” he protests quietly, wrapping his arms around his father tighter. “Too sleepyyy.”
“Okay, okay,” he mutters. “You’re turning me into a big ol’ pushover, kid. I’m going soft.”
“Soft Daddy,” Katsuki mumbles with a sigh, petting Aizawa’s hair. “Soft, soft, soft...”
“Uh huh. Soft soft soft.” He shakes his head. “I’m soft, Papa’s a crybaby, who’s next? You gonna make Hitoshi tender-hearted too?”
“Mhm,” he hums. “‘Night, Daddy.”
Aizawa kisses the top of his head.
“Goodnight, sweetheart.”
Notes:
Okay so I promised that the next chapter would be super angsty but I ended up started a bunch of different angsty chapters and one fluffy chapter so of course I finished the fluffy one first >n< Angst is kinda harder for me to right ngl lolz.
But we’re back!! Hello!
Chapter 60: Slumber Party (w/ Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Katsuki goes to his carer for help when he can’t fall asleep.
Notes:
No content warnings for this one I think!! Just good ol’ fashioned self indulgent fluff ^.^
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Knock, knock.
“Mmph,” Eijirou groans, lifting his head off his desk. He must’ve fallen asleep doing homework again. He smacks his lips a couple of times and runs a hand through his hair before getting the door. “Oh. Hey, dude.”
“Hi Kiri,” Katsuki greets quietly, shifting from foot to foot. He’s holding a bag in his hands. “I can’t fall to sleep...”
“Aww, are you having a small night?” He asks, leaning his head on the doorway. Katsuki nods. “You wanna come in?” Another nod. Eijirou laughs sleepily. “Alright, kiddo.”
Katsuki follows him into the bedroom, thumb in mouth. Eijirou shakes his head, gently pulling the appendage away.
“Nuh uh. You’ll get sick,” he reminds him. “Did you bring your binky with you?”
“Mhm...”
“Where is it?” He lifts his bag. “Ohh, I see. Let’s check out what you packed in here.”
He empties the bag on his bed. There’s a handful of legos, two sippy cups, his bottle (half full of old milk, he notes... he’ll have to clean it out), some crayons, a journal, five pull-ups, Pochi, aaaaand...
“There it is,” he mumbles, grabbing the pacifier and wiping it off on his shirt. He hands it to Katsuki, who happily puts it in his mouth. “So you’re having trouble falling asleep, kiddo? What is it, are you scared?”
“... Maybe a lil bit,” he admits, ducking his head. Eijirou smiles, reaching out to ruffle his hair.
“That’s okay. You can stay with me,” he assures him. “Now, what’s up with all this?”
“Hummm...” He takes his pacifier out to talk. “Got blocks to play wi’f, an’ some colors to write, an’ sippies an’ my baba for milk, Pochi to hug, an’ some stuff ‘case I have a accident.”
“Well, I’m not sure you’ll need all that,” he chuckles. “Why don’t we put the blocks away until tomorrow-“
“Nooo,” Katsuki whines.
“It’s not play time right now, honey. I promise we can build anything you want as soon as we wake up, but right now it’s time for bed,” he explains. “So we’ll put the blocks away, wash your bottle out, and then you can have a little bit of milk while you write, but then it’s time to sleep, okay?”
“... Okay,” Katsuki reluctantly agrees. He lifts his arms up. “Hold me?”
“Sure, bubba.” He kisses the top of his head quickly before taking him into his arms and gathering up the legos.
He manages to carry all of the dirty cups and Katsuki down to the kitchen, setting him down on the counter while he washes his bottle and heats some milk up for him. Once they’re settled back down in his bedroom, he sets Katsuki up on the bed to write in his journal while he gets to work finishing his homework.
“Whew,” he sighs when he’s finished. He looks over his shoulder to see Katsuki still scribbling away with his crayons. “You still writing?”
“Mhm,” he nods, taking a sip of his milk.
“What’cha writing about?”
“‘s a secret,” he informs him. “You can’t know.”
“Oh really?” He asks slyly, standing up from his seat. Katsuki nods. “I can’t look at ALL?”
“Nope,” he sticks his tongue out, holding the journal to his chest. “Never ever!”
“Even if I doooo.... THIS?!” He grins, digging his fingers into Katsuki’s tummy. The blonde squeals and starts laughing, releasing his hold on the journal. “Aha!”
He snatches it away, quickly jumping up onto the bed and skimming over the page.
“Oh my God,” he coos. “Is this us?”
He points to a crude drawing of two boys holding hands, one with spiky red hair and shark teeth and the other with blonde hair and what he assumes is a pacifier in his mouth.
“Nuh uh!” Katsuki denies, giggling.
Eijirou raises a brow, tapping the messy caption underneath the doodle.
‘Me + Kiri (BFFs)’
“What’s this then?” He teases. Katsuki’s eyes widen, and he jumps up to take the journal back. Eijirou laughs when he shoves it back into his bag. “Am I your best friend, kiddo?”
“No!” He shakes his head. “You’re dumb!”
“Aww, come on. It’s cute!”
“Stooop,” he whines, hiding his face in his hands. Eijirou chuckles under his breath, but sits down next to him, patting his lap.
“Okay, okay. I’m sorry,” he apologizes. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you. C’mere.”
“Dummy,” Katsuki mumbles, crawling into his lap. Eijirou giggles, hugging him close.
“Yeah, that’s me,” he agrees. “Are you ready to settle down now?”
“M’not sleepy yet...”
“Okay, tell you what. You finish your milk while I tidy up and get into pajamas, and then we can snuggle up and watch something, okay?”
“Mm... okay,” he nods. “C’you scratch my back?” Eijirou pats his shoulder.
“In a bit, ‘Suki. Go and get comfy, alright?”
When Eijirou returns, Katsuki’s cuddled up underneath the blankets, pacifier in mouth and empty bottle left forgotten on the floor. He rolls his eyes and picks it up before settling down next to him, holding his laptop.
“Alright,” he sighs, opening his arms. Katsuki immediately dives in, resting his cheek on his chest and reaching up to play with his hair. “Uh oh. Looks like someone’s getting sleepy.”
“No’m not,” he mumbles.
“Mhm,” he hums, moving to start lightly scratching his back. “What do you wanna watch? Hello Kitty? A movie?”
“Kitty,” he mumbles, nuzzling his nose against Eijirou’s shirt. “C’you pet me, p’ease?”
“Sure, buddy,” he chuckles. “Lemme just get the show set up first, okay?”
Once he starts the show, he buries his free hand into Katsuki’s fluffy hair and cards his fingers through it, humming along softly to the theme song. Katsuki melts into his touch.
He’s out within a matter of minutes.
“Aww,” Eijirou whispers, shutting his laptop off. He carefully unwinds himself from his friend so he can shut off the light, eliciting a quiet whine from the blonde. “Shh, shh, baby. It’s okay.”
“Kiri, stay,” he whimpers, not opening his eyes.
“I am,” he assures him. “Just turning out the light. I’ll be right there, I promise.”
When he gets crawls into bed, Katsuki wraps his arms around him and buries his face in his chest.
“Goo’nigh’, Kiri,” he mumbles.
“‘Night, kiddo.”
Notes:
I am... tentatively back? I’m gonna try to write a bunch I’m sorry for being so slow argh >.<
Chapter 61: Just Us Boys (w/ Carer Kiri, Big Bro Izu, Dadzawa, + Auntie Ochako)
Summary:
Izuku has to watch Katsuki last-minute, but he already made plans with Ochako...
Notes:
CW for: separation anxiety, anxiety/panic attacks, implied flashbacks, implied/referenced child abuse, and unsanitary (very very light bed-wetting + mentions of fever/being sick)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“So, what did you want to do?” Izuku asks. “We can go on a walk? But it’s kind of rainy... Maybe a movie? I dunno.”
“We don’t have to go anywhere in particular,” Ochako replies. “I know we don’t get to hang out much nowadays, but it doesn’t always have to be a momentous occasion, y’know? I’d be happy just staying in the dorms and playing games, if that’s what you want!”
“R-Right! Sorry, I’m still getting used to-“
Knock knock.
“Oh!” Ochako blinks. “Was Iida available?”
“No...” Izuku frowns. “Not Todoroki, either. Maybe it’s Aoyama?”
“Hey, Midoriya!” Eijirou’s voice rings out. “It’s me! Can I talk to you for a minute?!”
“Be right there, Kirishima-kun!” He calls back before turning to Ochako. “Sorry, I’ll only be a minute. He probably just wants to strength train again. I’ll let him know I’m busy.”
“Hehe, you’re such a worry wart, Deku,” she giggles. “I don’t mind. Go talk with him.”
He nods, hopping off his bed with a sigh and slipping out into the hallway.
“Hey, Kirish- oh. Kaachan?”
“Izu, Bubba,” Katsuki babbles, reaching for him. Eijirou winces, reeling the taller boy in.
“Hiii! So. Fat Gum called.”
“Oh?”
“Turns out Amajiki-Senpai is sick today!”
“Aw, that sucks.”
“Yeah... And, uh...” He rubs the back of his neck. “Aizawa Sensei has patrol today, and Yamada Sensei has to do his radio show. And Shinsou’s meeting up with some friends from middle school. And... I have to cover for Amajiki-Senpai. And-“
“And he’s having a small day?” Izuku guesses, winking playfully at Katsuki. The blonde grins and hides his face in Eijirou’s sleeve.
“... Do you mind?” Eijirou asks sheepishly. “I know you and Uraraka are supposed to be doing one of those friend days that you guys have, but you’re kinda next in the line of people that watch him-“
“I don’t mind at all, Kirishima-kun. Uraraka and I were just going to hang out in my room, anyways. We love looking after little Kaachan,” he smiles widely. “Go do your patrol, I know you look forward to them. Have fun!”
“You’re a life saver,” he sighs, wiping his forehead comically. “Alright, kiddo. You ready to play with Midoriya for a little bit?”
“Kiri plays!” He grins, tugging on the sleeve of his friend’s hoodie. Eijirou frowns.
“Kiri has to do some work, Kaachan,” Izuku says, gently pulling him away and into his own arms. “He’ll be back later tonight.”
“... No,” Katsuki whines, furrowing his brow. His lip begins to wobble. “S’gotta play wi’s us.”
“I’ll play with you when I get back,” Eijirou promises, kissing the top of his head. He hands a grocery bag to Izuku. “He can go down for a nap after he eats some lunch. There’s a bunch of stuff for him in there; a pacifier, some pull-ups, a few toys-“
“I’ve got it. Thank you, Kirishima-kun.” He waves him away. “Have a good time at work!”
Ochako can’t say she’s surprised when Izuku reenters the room holding a weepy Katsuki. She knows that Eijirou only asks him of three things regularly: being a workout buddy, helping him with homework with Katsuki isn’t available, and watching the aforementioned volatile boy when he’s regressed and he isn’t available to take care of him.
She also can’t say that she’s disappointed. Not that she’d ever admit it, but she quite likes spending time with Katsuki now that he’s taken serious steps towards improving his attitude.
(Also, he’s really cute when he’s regressed, and she likes cute things... but it sounds rude to imply she likes him better when regressed.)
“Are we on babysitting duty?” She asks, standing up and walking over so she can pet his head. Izuku nods.
“Kirishima-kun got called in for a last-minute patrol. He’ll be back before curfew.” He bounces Katsuki slightly in his grip, trying to ease the boy’s now dangerously loud cries. “Could you help me make him lunch? I can never cook right, but he needs to eat before we can put him down for a nap...”
“Sure, I love cooking! Is that why you’re so fussy, Bakugou? Are you hungry?” He shakes his head with a loud wail. “No? Why are you upset, then? Can you tell me?”
“M-Miss Kiri!” He sobs, rubbing his eyes.
“Aww, he’ll be back before you know it,” she coos, poking his nose. “Would it make you feel better to help Deku and I cook something?”
Instantly, his crying dies down. He gives a little nod before sniffling, his wailing now reduced to quiet mewling. Izuku grins proudly.
“You’re so well-behaved,” he praises, raising his hand for a high-five. Katsuki presses his lips together to hide his smile, but he still presses his fist into Izuku’s palm.
- - -
“Now put the oil in the pan... Wow! Nice job!” Ochako feigns surprise, nodding in approval.
“Now chicken!” Katsuki cheers.
“That’s right,” Izuku smiles. “Why don’t you let Uraraka do that, okay? It can be dangerous.”
“It’s hot?”
“Mhm, very.”
“Oh. M’kay,” he shrugs, chewing on the sleeve of his shirt. “M’thirsty, Izu.”
“You’re thirsty?” Katsuki nods. “Alright, lemme put some water in your sippy cup.”
“Nn-nn,” Katsuki shakes his head. “Juice.”
“Um... I don’t think you should have sugar right now,” Izuku says apologetically, being careful not to make any mention of nap time. “How about I give you some milk after you finish your water? Does that sound okay?”
“... Juice,” Katsuki pouts, crinkling his nose.
“No juice, Kaachan. Water and then milk.”
“No-ooo,” he whines, kicking his heels against the counter. “Juice!”
“Someone’s cranky,” Ochako mutters under her breath. Immediately, Katsuki stops with his tantrum, drawing his shoulders to his ears as his cheeks burn red. Izuku furrows his brow.
“Kaachan? Are you okay?” He gives a silent nod, staring at his lap. “Um.. are you sure?” Another nod. “Do... you want some water?”
He nods a third time, and anxiety knots in Izuku’s gut. Katsuki is a lot of things, but quiet is not one of them. He almost considers giving in and pouring him some juice out of guilt, but he really doesn’t want to keep him up past his nap time, especially if he’s getting upset.
“Alright,” Ochako sighs when she’s done, placing her hands on her hips with a grin. “All set! You wanna eat out here or in your room, Deku? I can carry the bowls!”
“Um, I don’t really have a preference... What do you think, Kaachan? Where do you want to eat?” The blonde shrugs, and Izuku frowns, pressing a hand to his forehead. “Are you feeling alright, bug? You’re not warm...”
“I wanna eat with Izu,” he says quietly, looking at Izuku with pleading, teary eyes.
“Ah- You will, Kaachan,” he promises, pulling him into a hug. He holds the back of his head protectively, helping him move to rest on his hip. Katsuki complies, hiding his face in his shoulder and hugging him back tightly. “Oh, please be okay... You’re worrying me, bug.”
“Is he alright?” Ochako asks. Katsuki tenses in his hold, and Izuku blinks in surprise.
“Yeah,” he says, bouncing Katsuki a little bit. “Just tired, I think. Would you mind taking the food up to my room? I’m going to warm up some milk for him.”
“Sure,” she nods, whisking away the bowls.
“... Hey,” Izuku whispers once she’s out of earshot. “Is she making you uncomfortable?”
It takes him a minute, but he gives a little nod.
“Okay. That’s okay, bug,” he assures him, kissing his head. “Can you tell me why? Did she say or do anything to you?”
“She makes my tummy and heart scared,” Katsuki admits in a hushed voice.
“She makes you anxious?” He nods. “Is... Um. Is it because of your mom, you think?”
“... Y-Yes,” Katsuki says shakily, rubbing his eyes with his fist. “She makes me think ‘bout Mama an’ I get s-scared...”
“Okay. Okay,” Izuku mumbles softly, wiping away a tear that slipped down his cheek. “Tell you what. I’m gonna set you up with a show in my room, and I’ll talk to her while you get started on your lunch, and then it’ll be just us boys, okay? Does that sound better?”
“U-Uh huh,” he whimpers, nodding.
“Oh, bug,” he whispers, holding Katsuki close. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart.”
Ochako is overwhelmingly understanding. She knew the minute that Eijirou showed up that morning that Izuku’s attention would be on Katsuki alone for the day, and she’s perfectly fine with that. Plus, she knows Katsuki is wary of her at times, so finding out that it wasn’t anything she did directly was a relief. She gives Izuku a quick hug before they part ways, perfectly happy to finish her lunch and go hang out with Tsuyu instead.
Katsuki ends up falling asleep with milk dribbling out of his mouth, resting his head against Izuku’s shoulder. The shoulder boy giggles fondly at the sight, setting his food down and gently shaking him awake.
“Hey, Kaachan,” he whispers, stroking his forehead. Katsuki blinks his eyes open a little. “C’mon, bud. We gotta get some protection on you and move you to the bed, okay?”
Katsuki’s barely awake enough to step into his pull-up, leaning heavily against Izuku and sucking his thumb the whole time. Izuku tucks him into his bed and then digs the pacifier out of his bag, popping it into the sleeping boy’s mouth. When he stands up to turn off the lights and grab his phone, Katsuki makes a loud whining noise, blindly grabbing for him.
“Don’ go,” he whimpers, cracking an eyes open. He looks so distraught. “P’ease...”
“Ah- Kaachan,” Izuku gasps, tears filling his eyes. “Don’t worry, I’m just turning off the lights,” he explains, jumping up and quickly flipping the switch. “You wanna snuggle?”
He nods, and Izuku joins him under the blankets. Immediately, his face is buried in the crook of his neck, two hands lightly fisting the front of his shirt. He coos to himself, never failing to be amazed by how adorable Katsuki can be, and wraps his arms around him.
“Sleep well, bug,” he smiles.
“Okay, Izu,” Katsuki mumbles around his pacifier. “I ‘ub you.”
Izuku’s lip wobbles.
“I love you too,” he wheezes, fat tears spilling from his eyes. How dare he be this cute??
- - -
“Izu,” Katsuki says loudly, shaking Izuku’s shoulder. He startles awake, rubbing his eyes and sitting up. “Um... I need a bath.”
“Oh,” Izuku yawns, seeing the small wet patch on Katsuki’s shorts. “Okay, bug. Let’s go get you cleaned up.”
While they’re in the bath together, Izuku washes Katsuki’s up, and he notices that he’s anxiously chewing at his fingers.
“Are you still a little strung out?” He guesses. Katsuki shrugs. “You take your meds today?”
“Mhm,” he nods. “Wi’f breakfast.”
“Good. Just a rough day, then?” He nods. “Ah. It happens to the best of us. What time is your dad getting back? Do you know?”
“Papa an’ Daddy come back for dinner,” he mumbles. “I dunno when Bubba an’ Kiri come back...”
“They won’t be back until later. It’s okay, though. We can have lots of fun together,” he smiles, rinsing Katsuki’s hair off. “There we go. All clean! Lemme help you dry off.”
“... Izu?” Katsuki asks quietly after he’s been toweled off, chewing his thumb.
“What’s up? Here, step in,” he tacks onto the end, helping Katsuki into clean clothes.
“Um... is ‘Raka mad t’me?”
“... Oh,” Izuku breathes, standing up to get into his own clothes. “No, she’s not mad at you, bug. She pretty much knows what you’re going through. Does she always wig you out when you’re small?”
“No... Sometimes girls scare me, though,” he admits. “Mimi an’ Camie... Auntie.”
“Ah. Y’know... that’s okay sweetheart. You can’t help what your triggers are,” he says softly. “You wanna go play in my room until dinner? I saw Kirishima packed some toys!”
“Okay...” he mumbles, nodding. “I wan’ my binky, though... That’s ‘kay?”
“Yeah, bug.” He smiles. “That’s okay.”
- - -
“You wan’ more tea?” Katsuki asks, holding up his plastic yellow teapot. Izuku giggles.
“Sure, Prince Kaachan,” he nods, pushing his little cup forward. As Katsuki starts to pour him imaginary tea, a knock sounds at the door. “Ah- Coming! One second, Kaachan.”
“You got my kid?” A very tired and dirty Aizawa asks the second he opens the door.
“Oh, hi Aizawa Sensei! Yeah, we’re having a tea party right now,” he chuckles.
“Daddy!” Katsuki cheers, jumping up and racing to give him a hug. Aizawa smiles.
“Hi, sweetheart,” he greets, patting his head. “Can you stay with Izu for a little longer while I clean up and get some rest?”
“Mm... Okay.”
“Long patrol?” Izuku guesses.
“One can only handle so many nuisances before they lose it,” he sighs. “I’ll take him back at dinner, but I need to shower and lay down for a while... with coffee. Lots of coffee.”
“No problem. We’re having fun, right Kaachan?” Izuku asks. Katsuki smiles at him.
“Mhm. Just us, right Izu?”
“That’s right,” he nods, grinning. “Just us.”
Notes:
This was the last self-indulgent WIP that I had, so I’ll finally be getting back to requests! Sorry about that >.<
Chapter 62: School Blues (w/ Carer Kiri, Papa Mic, Dadzawa + Big Bro Hitoshi)
Summary:
Katsuki pushes himself too far with studying.
Notes:
CWs: DISORDERED EATING (!!!!), stress/depression/anxiety, fighting, school-related mental health issues, implied/referenced past child abuse, UNSANITARY (graphic wetting scene + poor hygiene), CREEPY PTSD NIGHTMARE (the kidnapping scene + mentions of mouth gore + smoking/drinking)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“That’s all for lessons today. Start on your homework until the bell rings,” Ectoplasm says. “Oh, and, let’s see... Kaminari, Ashido, Aoyama, and Bakugou, see me after class.”
Uh oh. That can’t be good.
“Are we in trouble, Sensei?” Kaminari asks.
“We’ll discuss it after class. Get to work.”
Katsuki’s stomach twists.
- - -
Failing.
One month before the end of the quarter, and Katsuki is failing. Katsuki is failing MATH of all things. That’s normally his best subject!
He must have gotten too caught up in his hero studies. He used to be so good at balancing his academic studies with everything else, but he guesses at some point, he let himself go.
Fuck! This is what happens when he decides to “focus on his mental health.” It seems like someone’s telling him to relax every other hour, but he doesn’t have TIME to relax. Things are going to be twice as chaotic when he’s actually working on the field, there’s no use in taking care of himself at this point in time. Right now, his purpose is to push through, come out on top, and start his life. He should’ve never fooled himself into thinking happiness equates to success.
It’s time for him to get real. No more bullshit.
- - -
“Hey, man! What did Ectoplasm want?” Eijirou asks, slinging an arm around his shoulders.
“Can’t talk, gotta study,” Katsuki says, shrugging him off so he can jog ahead.
“Wait, hang on!” Eijirou calls after him. “Don’t start without me, man! Wait up!”
“ARGH! I don’t have TIME for this, dumbass!” He shouts, breaking into a full run.
“Bakugou!” Eijirou groans, falling behind.
And just like that, he’s gone.
- - -
Knock knock.
Katsuki rolls his eyes with a huff, standing up and getting the door. It’s Eijirou, of course.
“What do you want?!”
“It’s dinnertime,” he says, a weak smile on his face. “You- uh... You okay, dude? You’ve been cursing and blasting a lot.”
“I’m fucking fine. Just taking notes,” he grumbles. “You go on, I’ll catch up later.”
“To... dinner?” He questions. “You need to eat, dude. Don’t get in the habit of skipping meals.”
“I’m not! I’m just busy,” he growls, bouncing on his toes impatiently. “I’ll be down in a minute, leave me alone already. Jesus.”
He doesn’t end up making it to dinner.
When Eijirou pokes his head in to check on his afterwards, he’s scribbling away furiously in his notebook with one hand and mashing buttons on a calculator with the other. He’s got a pencil in his mouth, and Eijirou is genuinely surprised it hasn’t snapped in half with how intensely he’s chewing at it. He would crack a joke, but Katsuki is so wrapped up in his work that he never even noticed his presence.
“Hey,” he says softly, so as not to startle him. He jumps anyways, whirling around to glare at him before turning back to his work.
“What? I’m busy.”
“I can see that,” Eijirou says. “Why don’t you break for a little bit? Come make yourself some dinner. I’ll keep you company.”
“I said,” Katsuki growls, standing up and stalking over to shove him out of the room. “I’m busy. Leave me alone already!”
“Ha! Um.” Eijirou laughs nervously, raising his hands. He’s about to walk out the door when he notices something that makes his face fall. “Oh, dude. Your eyes...”
“My-?” Katsuki stiffens a little in realization before scrubbing at his swollen, red-rimmed eyes. “Fuck off. S’just ‘cause I’ve been staring at my notes for too long. I’m fine.”
“Is... something wrong?” Eijirou asks. “You can tell me, you know. I’m here for you.”
“I’m. Just. Studying,” he hisses. “Now get out of my room before I kill you and drag your body out for you. Got it?”
“Okay, but, also. If there’s something going on, I don’t want you to hole up here and stop taking care of yourself. At least eat something? It’s not healthy to-“
“Jesus Christ, what are you, my dad?!” He shouts, dragging a hand down his face. “It’s one fucking meal! I didn’t go on a run today or anything, so I’m not hungry. Go away!”
“Bakugou-“
The door is slammed shut in his face.
- - -
“Here.”
There’s a thunk as Katsuki throws down a sizable pile of work onto Ectoplasm’s desk.
“What’s this?”
“Extra credit,” Katsuki says. “I did every question in the textbook for this unit. Even the word problems. Does this fix everything?”
“... I don’t offer extra credit,” he says apologetically. Katsuki’s face goes red.
“HAH?! I SPENT THE PAST THREE DAYS CHURNING THIS SHIT OUT! AT LEAST LOOK AT IT, YOU OLD-!”
“Language!” Ectoplasm scolds with an offended tone. “I’m sorry, Bakugou, but I can’t grade you on assignments that aren’t in the curriculum. There’s nothing I can do with this.”
“B-But...” He swallows heavily, fixing his posture. “What do I do, then? Can I redo the assignments with lower grades?”
“No. There isn’t a single teacher at UA that allows redos. You know that.” He lowers his gaze to the paper he’s currently grading. “If you want to get your grades back up, you’re just going to have to study extra hard.”
“But I-“
“You can do it. You had the best grade in my class at the beginning of the year.” He hands him the paper. “Get to work, Bakugou.”
He got a 63.
- - -
“Hey, Kitty-Kat,” Yamada says softly, sitting next to him on the couch. “You okay?”
“Fine,” Katsuki grumbles, chewing intently on his pencil eraser. He face is scrunched up in thought as he hunches over his math textbook, blinking his eyes into focus.
“You sure?” He grunts. Yamada bites his lip nervously. “So... I got a letter in my mail slot today. From Ectoplasm.”
Katsuki looks up at that. Shit. Busted.
“You know, I never liked math, either,” he says. “I preferred English. Obviously.”
“You never flunked out, though,” Katsuki grumbles bitterly. He frowns a little.
“No, and neither have you,” he says. “I can tell you’re working hard on catching back up. Ectoplasm is a hardass, maybe even more than Dad. Your grades are gonna be fine, kid. I’m more worried about how YOU’RE doing.”
“I’m... fine. Just stressed,” he croaks out- goddammit, don’t cry, Katsuki. “School is... n-normally... easy for me. I don’t know why I...”
“Everyone in your class has a lot on their plates. Especially you. It’s okay to fall behind every once in a while,” he says softly, placing a hand on his back. “You don’t always have to be the best, kiddo. You know that, right?”
Nope. Fuck no, he doesn’t.
“Yes I do,” he spits, shrugging Yamada’s hand off. “I’m going to be the best.”
“Alright, but-“
“‘But’ nothing!” He shouts, standing up. “I’m GOING to be the number one hero, I’m GOING to be the top of my class, and I’m NOT going to get lazy just because my stupid fucking brain refuses to comprehend basic math!!!”
“Oh, honey...” Yamada sighs, standing up. “Baby, you’re putting too much pressure on yourself. Those are high expectations to reach, even for you. Why don’t you-“
“I’m going to my room,” he growls, storming off. On his way out, he passes Hitoshi.
“Hey, Kat. How’s it-“
“Fuck off,” he mutters, flipping him off.
Hitoshi whistles lowly, staring after him before entering the common room. He finds Yamada sitting on the couch, burying his face in his hands, groaning lowly to himself.
“YOU had an argument with him?” He asks in disbelief. “I never thought I’d see this day.”
“The ‘argument’ was completely one-sided,” he mutters, sitting up straight. “I was just trying to help. He’s being too hard on himself.”
“Katsuki? Yeah, like that’s a shocker,” he snorts, sitting down next to him. “Is this about the studying thing he’s doing?”
“He’s-... It’s not my place to say,” he says apologetically, rubbing the back of his neck. “‘Studying thing?’ What do you mean?”
“Kirishima just told me he’s been locking himself up in his room and, like, compulsively doing math work. I guess he’s been skipping meals and training and everything. I was just coming down to relay the information to Dad.”
“Oh, Katsuki...” he sighs, shaking his head. “Well. It’s alright for him to take a break from working out for a little bit, but the meal thing is definitely worrying... Would you mind asking Kirishima to bring him dinner tonight? Maybe the two of you could sit with him, too. I don’t like that he’s isolating himself.”
“Sure thing. I’ll go tell him now.”
“One more thing,” Yamada stops him. “Don’t bring up schoolwork. Just take his mind off of it completely if you can. Alright?”
“... Yeah,” he nods, frowning. “Is he okay?”
“Hard to say. He needs a bit of an intervention right now,” he mutters. “Thanks, kid.”
“No problem.”
- - -
“Hey, Bakugou,” Eijirou greets, walking into his room. He’s holding two bowls of curry. “You hungry? I figured I’d grab you a bowl.”
“I’m good right now,” he mutters, not looking up from his textbook. Eijirou’s smile falters.
“Um. You really should eat,” he says. He sighs heavily and holds his hand out.
“Give it.”
“There he is!” He grins, setting the bowl in his hand and sitting down next to him. “It’s chill if I sit in here with you, right?”
“No.”
“Ooh, that might cause a problem, then,” he winces. “I kinda invited Shinsou to eat with us up here. He’ll be here in a few minutes.”
“What the fuck?” His brow is crinkled with anger when he turns to face Eijirou. “You can’t just go around inviting people to my room, asshole! This isn’t your space to share!”
“Aw, c’mon, don’t be mad-“
“There’s no way you’re being serious right now!” He shrieks, slamming his pencil down on the floor. Eijirou’s face falls. “You know, I have enough SHIT on my plate right now?! I want to be left ALONE! Why can’t you get that through your thick fucking skull?!”
“Hey,” Eijirou says softly. “Let’s calm down-“
“‘Let’s?!’ ‘LET’S?!’ No, we’re not a shared fucking entity, Kirishima! Say what you really mean! Say ‘Bakugou, calm down!’ Not ‘LET’S.’ Stop acting like I’m not my own person!”
“Okay. Okay, I’m sorry. That was a dick move on my part,” he admits, running a hand through his own hair. “I didn’t mean to imply that... you can’t handle yourself, or anything.”
“You know, I think that you’re probably the root of all my problems right now.”
“... Me?” He asks, shocked.
“Yeah. You.” He crosses his arms. “You’re so fucking insistent that I go out, and take time for myself, and then you’re up my ass twenty-four-seven, and now it’s backfiring!”
“Bakugou, that was HELPING you,” he stresses. “You actually seemed happy for a while. This? This thing that you’re doing right now? That’s what’s hurting you. The self-destructive behavior, not me.”
“This ISN’T ‘self-destructive-‘“
“But it IS. You’re not talking to anyone, you’re stretching yourself way too thin, you refuse to eat or drink or take care of yourself at ALL. When was the last time you brushed your teeth? Showered? How much weight have you lost this week? It’s not healthy.”
“You wanna talk about what’s good for me?!” He shouts, tears filling his eyes. “I’m failing in math right now! That’s my best subject normally, and I’m fucking failing! All I need to do right now is get through school, and I can’t even do that! THAT’S not good for me!”
“Is that what this is about?” Eijirou asks softly. Katsuki rolls his eyes, tears slipping down his cheeks. “Oh, dude. You could have told someone. You can get help, you know. I’m sure Momo would love to tutor you.”
“I don’t WANT help!! I want to be good again!” He screams, punching the wall in frustration. His bedside lamp wobbles with the force.
“Okay. Okay, I get where you’re coming from, but lashing out isn’t going to get you anywhere, dude. You know that.”
“... I want you to leave,” he croaks out, wiping at his eyes. “Leave. Now.”
“You shouldn’t be alone when-“
“Get OUT!” He shouts, jumping up. “GET OUT OF MY ROOM! AND TELL HITOSHI TO STAY THE FUCK AWAY WHEN YOU SEE HIM!!”
“Okay, okay, I’m leaving!” He yelps, grabbing his curry and exiting the room. “Jeez, dude!”
This time when the door is slammed shut behind him, the lock clicks.
Katsuki never locks his door.
“... That was rough,” Hitoshi breathes. Eijirou starts, turning to look at him.
“Yeah,” he nods, pressing his lips together. “He sends his love, by the way.” His voice breaks as he says that, and he presses his free hand to his eyes and sobs a little.
“Aw, shit,” Hitoshi mutters. He sets his own dinner down on the floor and moves to pull Eijirou into a side-hug. “You alright?”
“... I’m just worried,” he whispers. “Y’know, he gets caught up in these things, and it’s... it’s hard to watch. When you can’t help.”
“I talked to my dads about it earlier, but I can bring it up again later. They’ll know how to help.” Eijirou nods, although he seems unsure. Hitoshi pats his shoulder. “Hey. He’s gonna be okay. Alright? He’s just stressed right now.”
“... Okay. Okay.”
“You good?”
“Yeah,” he nods, wiping his eyes. “Sorry.”
“That’s alright,” he shrugs, pulling away. “We’ll get this sorted out. It’ll be alright.”
- - -
“Hey, kid,” Aizawa says, knocking on Katsuki’s door. “It’s time for bed.”
It takes him a little bit to unlock his door (he probably didn’t want to pull away from his work), and when he does, he makes no move to allow Aizawa into his room.
“Goodnight,” he mutters.
“Goodnight,” Aizawa says back, crossing his arms. Katsuki raises his eyebrows.
“Aren’t you gonna leave?”
“No,” he says, shrugging. “Not yet. I want to see you get into bed.”
“Wh- I have schoolwork to do,” he argues.
“You need to sleep, Katsuki. It’s almost midnight. You’re normally dead to the world by now.” The blonde shifts awkwardly.
“I haven’t been really tired lately.”
“Well, you haven’t been exerting yourself like you normally do. Usually you spend a lot of time outside or with your friends, and it tuckers you out. And you eat a healthy amount, too,” he says pointedly. “I’m not saying you’re being lazy or anything, and I understand you need your alone time, but let’s face it; you’re taking this to an extreme.”
“Jesus, old man. You come in here to say goodnight, or lecture me?”
“I’m not lecturing you,” he says calmly. “But you do need to cool it with the studying a bit. It’s good to push yourself and improve in areas that aren’t your strong suit, but it’s important to do it in a healthy way. Take breaks, Katsuki. Hang out with your friends, eat dinner with us, go on walks. Holing yourself up in your room isn’t good for you, sweetheart.”
“Cool,” he says bitterly. “You gonna leave me the Hell alone now, or...?”
“... I guess,” he sighs. “C’mon, get into bed. I’ll tuck you in, alright?”
“I’m almost seventeen, I don’t need my dad to tuck me in at night,” he scoffs.
“I’m thirty and I still make your dad carry me to bed sometimes. It’s not a big deal.”
“... Fine,” he huffs, storming over to his bed and getting under the covers.
Aizawa smiles and follows him, pressing his hair back and smooching his forehead.
“Goodnight, sweetheart.”
“‘Night.”
“I love you.”
“Love you too.”
“Go to sleep,” he says seriously. “And tomorrow will be a better day, alright? Saturday. You can rest up a bit. Maybe Papa can take you kids out to do something.”
“Mm,” he grunts.
“Alright,” Aizawa sighs, walking over and clicking the light off. “See you in the morning.”
“Yeah, see ya.”
He waits a good ten minutes before he gets out of bed again. He has work to do.
- - -
He’s in that damned chair again.
This happens, sometimes, when he’s stressed. Dreams aren’t really dreams; or, rather, nightmares aren’t really nightmares. They’re just memories. Bad memories, but memories nonetheless. He knows what to expect.
“I mean, you know better than anyone, right? When that slime monster got to you, no one helped. They failed you, and then they had the audacity to ask you to sign on to their agencies. Vultures, the lot of them. Wouldn’t you agree?”
God, he stinks. He can’t smell him right now, but he knows it’s there. That old cigarette smell mixed with stale beer and sickness, kind of like dried blood and iodine. It makes him want to hold his breath.
He spits in his face.
“They did that to me, too,” Shigaraki mutters. “They did that to me too, they did that to me too, they did that to me too.”
“Stop it,” Katsuki pleads.
“They did that to me too. I had no one. I was just a kid. I was just a kid. I was just a kid!”
“Let me go!”
“I see myself in you, little boy,” he says softly. “We’re alike in a lot of ways. You’re just like me. We’re the same. I see myself in you.”
“Fuck. You.”
“I want to help you. I’m helping you.”
“You kidnapped me!”
“I saved you!” He shouts with glee, a sick grin on his face. “I saved you, little boy!”
“Shh, give him a minute,” a muffled voice says. Magne. He can’t see her. “He’s scared, honey. He needs time to process things.”
“I’m not scared,” he sobs. “M’not.”
“You’re crying,” Dabi mutters, materializing next to him. He drags his finger down his face, slowly and tortuously. “You’re terrified.”
“I... Yes, I’m scared,” he admits, nodding. “I don’t know what happens next. When I...”
“You mean after you have your seizure?” Dabi asks. He nods. “Well, let’s see. I watch you all night, like a creep. You cry out for your mommy a lot. Then I stick a needle and thread in your mouth to close your lip and spray you with a cold hose in a dirty bathroom until you smell less like piss.”
“I remember that,” he says. “That was scary.”
“Yes, that’s right. So scary that you start acting like a baby, right? And Magne has to coddle you until you get your shit together and the heroes come rescue you. And then you think everything is going to be okay.” He leans closer. Katsuki curls his lip at the sight of those stained teeth, glinting with a hungry smile. “But it’s not, right? Why is that?”
“Because... of Mama.”
“No, Katsuki,” he chuckles. “Because of you.”
“You’re weak,” Shigaraki says. “And stupid. It’s never going to be okay, and that’s your fault.”
“Wait,” he whimpers. “You never said this.”
“We didn’t need to,” Toga chirps. “You know it already, don’t you? Deep down.”
“I mean, you can’t possibly think you’re going to be a hero,” Dabi snickers. “You can barely function as a human being. Heroes aren’t allowed to have anxiety attacks on the field, you know. Or seizures. Or act like little kids.”
“And they have to graduate from high school,” Shigaraki sneers. “Math, Katsuki? Really?”
“How do you know-“
“You’re slacking,” he hisses. “Get to work.”
“H-Huh?!”
He startles awake with a gasp, jerking up from where he fell asleep on his textbook. A piece of paper sticks to his cheek and he peels it off, blinking rapidly and trying to get his breathing back to normal.
“Mmph,” he grunts, wiggling around to regain feeling in his lower half. Maybe he shouldn’t have insisted on staying up so late...
He checks the time. 01:45. Not terrible. He’ll just get up and use the bathroom and then finish this page of notes and get to bed.
When he stands up to leave his room, his head spins a bit, and he realizes with dread that he’s still way too shaken from his nightmare to go about his night normally any longer.
“No no no,” he mutters, squeezing his eyes shut. “Big kid thoughts... Roller coasters an’ scary movies an’ homework.”
It doesn’t work, obviously. If anything, he only gets more stressed at the thought of school, and his heart twists with anxiety.
Okay, fine, so he’s slipping a little bit. Big deal. He’ll just go straight to bed after he uses the bathroom, and when he wakes up in the morning, he’ll be fine. He’s going to get his grades back to normal, unstable mental state be damned.
The hallway is... dark. He considers going back and getting his phone to use as a flashlight, but he’s also kind of convinced that he can hear breathing behind him if he listens hard enough. Best not to turn around.
He’s almost at the bathroom door when he hears a creak. His shoulders tense and he freezes, his ears almost twitching with how closely he’s listening. Then he hears another creak. And another.
His heart is hammering in his chest. That’s not just his imagination, right? What if it’s a villain? Was there a break-in?
“... Bakugou?” A groggy voice calls out. His blood runs icy with terror.
There’s a few more creaks, and then there’s a hand on his shoulder, and he goes berserk. He cries out, spinning around and pushing the person to the ground before slamming himself down on top of them and raising his hand.
“HEY, STOP!” The figure shouts. It’s Eijirou. Katsuki can vaguely make out his wide eyes and heaving chest. “It’s just me! You’re okay!”
Katsuki’s fearful expression falls, and he freezes again, panting heavily on top of his friend. Eijirou reaches up and takes his hand.
“It’s okay,” he says softly. “It’s just me.”
“I-I-I...”
He looks down, eyes wild. It’s just him. It’s just Eijirou. He’s safe. He’s okay.
He’s...
Oh, God.
His sweatpants are all wet, as is Eijirou’s pajama shirt. He shakes his head in disbelief.
“No, no,” he mumbles.
“Hey, it’s alr-“
“No no no no no,” he whimpers, rolling off his friend. “No, no, I didn’t, m’not-“
“Shh, it’s okay, I’m not upset,” Eijirou assures him. “It was an accident. You didn’t mean to hurt me, I know. Let’s go get cleaned up and-“
“N-No,” Katsuki gasps, standing up on shaky legs. “Jus’ go. M’okay.”
“‘Suki, I gotta clean up too. It’s alright, no biggie.” He stands up, hesitantly reaching for the blonde. He stumbles backwards, covering his face protectively. “... Katsuki...”
“Go, Kiri.”
“I-... No. I won’t,” he decides. “I know that you’re embarrassed and upset right now, but I’m not leaving you alone. I’m sorry if that’s not what you want, but things have been tense between us for a little hit now, and I’m sick of not taking care of you. You’re regressed and you need help, so I’m going to help you, alright? Can you let me do that?”
He doesn’t get a verbal response, but he didn’t expect one. Katsuki uncovers his face and lowers his head, arms hanging limply at his sides, and that’s all Eijirou needs.
He can help.
- - -
“... Do you want to talk about it?” Eijirou asks, toweling himself dry. Katsuki shakes his head. “Okay. That’s fine. Here, you can borrow my robe, alright? My pants are still clean.”
When they get to Katsuki’s room, Eijirou is almost taken aback. He clearly wasn’t in bed when he got up, his desk is covered in papers, and there’s a new hole in his wall. He shakes his head a little bit, but disregards it all in favor of getting Katsuki ready for bed.
He helps him into a t-shirt and pull-up, then pulls some fuzzy pajama pants onto him when he realizes how badly he’s shaking. He makes sure to grab his stuffed bear and a pacifier- he might not want them now, but he will later; before taking his hand and leaving for his room. He doesn’t really think this environment is good for Katsuki at the moment.
“You can lay down on the bed,” he says softly. “I’m gonna put a shirt on, hang tight.”
“... Sorry,” he mutters, sitting with his back against the wall. Eijirou shrugs.
“No biggie,” he assures him, pulling a shirt over his head and joining him on the bed. “Hey, lay down. You’ve gotta be tired.”
“I had a bad dream,” he says quietly, pulling his knees to his chest. Eijirou blinks at him.
“Yeah?” He nods. “You wanna talk about it?”
“It was Kamino. But... different.” He shudders a little at the memory. “‘M doin’ really bad in school... They knew ‘bout it.”
“Aw, dude,” Eijirou whispers. He scoots closer to Katsuki and wraps his arms around him. “I’m sorry you’re having a rough time right now. But you’re not ‘doing really bad in school,’ hon. You fell behind a little bit, but that’s okay. What’s stressing you out is you pushing yourself too hard, you know that? You’ve gotta take it easy for a little bit, kiddo.”
“Bu’ that’s bad,” he sniffles. “If M-Mama saw my grades she would... not be nice.”
“Your Mama doesn’t control you anymore, sweet boy,” he reminds him, rubbing his shoulder. “It’s okay to fall behind every once in a while. It happens to everyone, and it doesn’t mean anything, I promise. It’s not your job to be the best, kiddo, it’s your job to try your hardest and take care of yourself. Okay?”
“... Mm.” He sighs heavily, laying his head on Eijirou’s shoulder. “M’head hurts...”
“You’ve been stressing yourself out, not to mention not eating or drinking enough,” he points out. “Why don’t I get you a sippy of water and something light to eat?”
“No,” he says quietly. “T’morrow.”
“Okay,” Eijirou agrees. “We’ll just sleep right now, yeah? We can work things out in the morning. I think sleep is a good idea.”
- - -
“Hey, sweetheart,” Aizawa greets, kissing Katsuki’s head. “Having a small day?”
“Mhm..”
“Good. You need it,” he says pointedly. “Have you eaten breakfast yet?”
“Yep. He even had a second helping,” Eijirou informs him. “He was real hungry.”
“Oh, I’m sure. What’re you guys doing?”
“Kiri’s gettin’ us a movie,” Katsuki mumbles around his pacifier. “‘e said s’time for a lazy day. Jus’ takin’ it easy.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” he smiles. “If you’re feeling up to it, would you like to go on a walk later? You could use some fresh air.”
“Mm, okay Daddy,” he babbles, rubbing his eyes. “Still sleepy righ’ now.”
“That’s okay. We don’t have to go until later,” he promises, kissing his head again. “You two have fun. Make sure to hydrate, okay?”
“M’kay,” Katsuki nods, sighing and laying his head on Eijirou’s shoulder.
His head hurts a little less, today.
Notes:
HI HI srry this took so long but i’m back to finishing up requests!! this was the first out of seven or eight ideas from u guys that i’ve got in progress ^.^
Chapter 63: Sharing Binkies (w/ Regressor Shouto, Carer Kiri, + Carer Izu)
Summary:
Katsuki lashes out on Shouto and wants to make it up to him.
Notes:
CWs: very minor anxiety attacks bc of yelling!
Prompt: “Pacis”
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Knock knock knock.
Katsuki frowns. He’s not expecting anyone. Who would be at his door? He opens it up, expecting to see Eijirou or maybe Aizawa, but instead he finds Shouto, shifting nervously and playing with the hem of his shirt.
“Icy Hot?”
“I-I di’n know where’a go...”
Oh.
Katsuki pulls him into his room quickly, shutting the door behind them. Shouto makes a panicked whine, but doesn’t protest when Katsuki leads him to his bed to sit down.
“Are you in panic mode?”
He shakes his head.
“Are you dissociating?”
A shrug.
“Is something wrong?”
“I-I dunno, jus’ got small really quick, a-an’ I di’n wanna be ‘lone, I-I-I jus’-“
“Okay, damn, calm down,” he mutters, placing a hand on his chest. “You’re good, you can stay in here. You wanna color or some shit?”
“I wan’ a hug,” he requests quietly, shivering.
“Fuckin’... fine,” he mutters, wrapping his arms around him and awkwardly patting his back before quickly pulling away. “Better?”
“Mm-mm,” he shakes his head. “More.”
“‘More?’ C’mon, kid. Let’s just do something.”
“W-Was I bad?” Shouto whimpers, his lip wobbling. Katsuki’s heart jumps into his throat.
“Did I say you were bad?!”
“N-N-No, sorry-!”
“It’s fucking fine, stop being so- argh!!!” He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. “Okay. I’m going to text Kirishima.”
“W-Why?” The tears have spilled over at this point, and Katsuki feels super guilty about it, which only serves to frustrate him more.
“Because I can’t do-! I just. Can’t.” He pulls out his phone. “He’s better with this stuff.”
“B-But I wanna stay here!” Shouto whimpers, wrapping his arms around Katsuki and burying his face in his back. The blonde sighs.
“You can stay here, I don’t care. I just need... to not be in charge. Stresses me the fuck out.”
- - -
LORDEXPLODOKILL: yo
RedRiot: Hey!
RedRiot: What’s up?
LORDEXPLODOKILL: come over
LORDEXPLODOKILL: halfies here and hes regressed and im freaking the fuck out
RedRiot: Omw
- - -
“Heyyy, Todoroki,” Eijirou says softly. Shouto peeks over Katsuki’s shoulder shyly- who, by the way, looks like he’s experiencing heart palpitations. “How are you feeling?”
“S-Sads...”
“Why are you sad?”
“Don’ wanna leave Baku..”
“I’m not a damn stuffed animal,” Katsuki grumbles. “Don’t get attached.”
“Aww, you don’t have to leave him,” Eijirou coos, ignoring his friend. “You can stay right here in his room for as long as you want.”
“Y-You’ll help me?”
“Sure will. Bakugou will too!” He reaches out his hand. “Can you let go of him now?”
Shouto looks nervously between the two of them for a moment, and upon seeing Eijirou’s reassuring smile, releases his hold on Katsuki. The blonde sighs with relief and immediately scoots to the other side of the bed, eliciting a nervous whine from Shouto.
“I hurt him?”
“No, you didn’t hurt him. Bakugou just doesn’t like to be touched that much.”
“But he touches YOU...”
“Only when he’s small, like you are right now,” he explains, sitting down next to him in the bed. “It’s alright, you didn’t cause any harm. Do you want to hug me instead? I don’t mind.”
Shouto glances hesitantly between the two boys for a moment before nodding and shakily wrapping his arms around Eijirou. The embrace is quickly returned, and he’s pulled into the redhead’s lap, making him squeak.
“Is that better?” Eijirou asks. He nods shyly, staring at the floor. Katsuki snorts.
“Don’t look so scared, dipshit! He doesn’t bite.”
“Hey, be nice,” Eijirou warns.
“Don’t reprimand me Shitty Ha-!”
“Mmm,” Shouto whines nervously, drawing his shoulder to his ears. Eijirou frowns.
“Keep your volume down,” he mumbles to Katsuki. “You’re freaking him out.”
“... I’M freaking HIM out?” Katsuki sneers. “He’s the one that showed up unannounced and just decided that I was gonna take care of him! How is that on me?!”
“He can’t help it,” Eijirou whispers, running a hand through Shouto’s hair in an attempt to ease his nerves. “It’s alright, Todoroki. He doesn’t mean it, I promise.”
“Oh, I mean it alright!” He yells, poking a finger at Shouto’s chest. The taller boy’s eyes widen, and he shrinks away. “Stop butting into my life! We’re not BUDDIES, you damn-“
“Okay! We’re done here,” Eijirou announces, doing his best to lift Shouto up. “Some of your friends know about your regression, right? Are any of them home for the weekend?”
“U-Um..” He swallows thickly, still staring at Katsuki with saucer eyes. “Z-Zuzu is...”
“‘Zuzu?’ Uhhh... Oh! Midoriya?” He nods. “Okay. Why don’t we go hang out with Zuzu then, alright? I’m sure he’d love to see you.”
And with that, they leave the room.
- - -
“You’re quieter than usual today,” Izuku points out softly, brushing Shouto’s bangs out of his eyes. “Are you still shaken up from what happened with Kaachan?”
Shouto shrugs, not meeting his eye. He focus instead remains on the picture of Strawberry Shortcake that he’s coloring in. Izuku sighs a little bit, but doesn’t falter.
“Are you hungry? Thirsty? Anything I can get you?” He shakes his head. “Do you want to watch a movie when you’re done coloring?”
“... Ou’side?” Shouto requests very quietly. Izuku perks up at that, smiling wide.
“Sure, Shoucchan, we can go outside,” he coos. “You wanna bring a plushie with you?”
“Yes p’ease,” he nods, chewing on the neck of his shirt. “Mighty?” He asks shyly, referring to the stuffed bunny that Izuku owns.
“Sure! He’d love to hang out with you,” he chuckles, pulling the fabric out of Shouto’s mouth. “Poor baby. We gotta get a new pacifier for you, don’t we? What happened to the one that Kaachan gave you?”
“Garbage,” he admits, furrowing his brow.
“You threw it away?” He nods. “Huh? Why?”
“I-I... m’sorry,” he whines, drawing his shoulders up. “I jus’ got... scared...”
“Shh shh, it’s alright, I’m not mad,” he whispers, rubbing his back soothingly. “I know you get anxious about regressing sometimes. It’s not a big deal. I can pick some up later.”
“Wait,” Shouto mumbles, standing up. He pads over to his desk and grabs his wallet, pulling out more than enough money for a pack of pacifiers and handing it to Izuku.
“Ah, Shoucch-“
“It’s f’you,” he insists looking at the floor. “We can play ou’side now... p’ease.”
“I-... Alright,” he agrees, standing up and holding out his hand. “Let’s go grab Mighty.”
- - -
Three knocks to Eijirou’s door.
There’s really no one else it could be.
He sighs as he finishes his push-up before rolling off of his gym mat, grabbing his sweat towel to haphazardly wipe himself down, and then opening the door.
“I’m not the one you owe an apology,” he tells Katsuki. “You really upset Todoroki, dude.”
“I-I know,” Katsuki says quietly, rubbing his eye. “I’s gonna say sorry, but he’s not in Izu’s room... I checked by m’self.”
Ohhhhhhhhh.
“Hey, that’s alright,” he says softly, immediately switching into caring mode. He takes Katsuki’s hand away from his face and squeezes it gently. “We can find him together, alright? They probably just went out for a bit.”
“I-I’s gonna give him d’ese,” he mumbles, holding open his other hand. Two pacifiers rest in his palm. “‘Cus I got so many, but Todo doesn’t. He threw ‘way the one I gave him.”
“That’s very thoughtful,” Eijirou nods, guiding him into his room. “A perfect apology gift. Do you want to put them in a box or something?”
Katsuki nods at that, so he digs around in his drawers for a couple minutes until he finds an unused pencil bag from the start of the year with little dumbbell decals on it.
“Would this work?” He asks. Katsuki nods again and takes it from him, carefully placing the pacifiers inside and zipping it closed.
“C’you text Izu?” He requests quietly, shifting his weight from foot to foot.
“For what, buddy?”
“For tellin’ you where they are?”
“Alright, if that’ll make you feel better,” he chuckles, grabbing his phone and sitting down on the foot of his bed.
RedRiot: Hey Midoriya! Just checking in. How’s Todoroki doing? Bakugou wants to apologize whenever he’s ready for it :D
Deku: Hello!! Shoucchan’s alright, we’re out on a walk right now! We were planning on maybe going shopping after we circle around campus, but we can always go later! I’ll let him know ^.^
Deku: Is Kaachan in a better mood now? :0
RedRiot: He is. He’s regressed now, and he feels really bad about what happened :(
Deku: Aw, poor guy :((((
RedRiot: You two enjoy your walk! We’ll be in the common room when you get back!!
Deku: Okay! See you later, Kirishima! ^.^
“They’re on a walk right now, but they’ll be back soon, okay?” He informs him. “Do you wanna wait in the common room for them?”
Katsuki starts to cry.
“Ohh, honey, what’s wrong?” He asks, jumping up to pull him into a hug. He rubs his eyes.
“I f-feel sorry,” he sobs, shaking his head. “M’really sorry! I was mean!”
“‘Suki, this isn’t the first time you’ve lashed out on someone. Everyone knows that you have some trouble keeping your anger inside, and they can see you’re getting better. It’s okay to make mistakes,” he assures him. “You’re going to apologize to Todoroki and make things right, and I’m sure he’s going to forgive you.”
“B-But I scared him!”
“Yes, but...” He hums thoughtfully. “Did you forgive Sero that time he scared you by dropping you while you were in the air?”
“... Y-Yes.”
“What about the time I scared you while we were telling spooky stories? You forgave me, didn’t you?” He nods slowly. “See? It’s not an unforgivable thing. I know that you’re feeling guilty, but you don’t have to worry about him having any bad feelings about you. He’s very attached to you, you know. He says you’re one of his best friends.”
“He does?”
“Mhm. He told me himself when I was walking him to Midoriya’s room.” He squeezes his arm reassuringly and smiles. “So see? There’s nothing to worry about. It’s gonna be okay.”
“... Okay,” he sniffles, wiping his nose on his hand. “Kiri?”
“Hm?”
“We gotta take a bath,” he says matter-of-factly. “You smell bad.”
“Okay, okay. Let’s go, silly.”
- - -
“Kaachan’s going to want to say sorry when you see him,” Izuku warns Shouto lightly as they come to the front of the dorms. “He’s small right now, too. Are you... okay to handle that, you think? I’ll be right with you.”
“S’jus’ Baku,” he mumbles. “M’fine.”
“Okay... If you say so,” he nods. “Kirishima and I will be right there if you start to feel overwhelmed, so just say the word and-“
“M’not scared,” he huffs. “He’s m’frien’... s’jus’ loud sometimes. S’okay.”
“... Alright,” Izuku nods, smiling apologetically. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to patronize you.”
“S’okay,” Shouto shrugs, nibbling at the tip of his thumb. Izuku lets it slide for now. He knows that he’s nervous, even if he won’t admit it. Regressing always leaves him on edge.
When they enter the common room, Katsuki’s head shoots up to stare at them before ducking as he pouts guiltily at the floor.
“Hey guys!” Eijirou greets gently, squeezing Katsuki’s hand in his own. “Good walk?”
“Mhm...” Shouto hums, swinging his foot.
“Hi Kaachan!” Izuku chirps.
“Hi Baku,” Shouto whispers softly. Katsuki looks up at him, eyes rimmed red.
“M’sorry f’yellin’!” He blurts out, jumping up from the couch and balling his fists at his sides. Izuku and Eijirou share an amused look.
“It’s ‘kay...”
“Nuh uh!” He insists, walking over and holding out the pencil bag in front of him.
“Oh? What’s this?” Izuku asks, tilting his head. Katsuki sniffles and stares down at his feet.
“S’for Todo...”
“... O-Oh,” Shouto whispers, gingerly taking the bag from him and unzipping it. He gasps when he sees what’s inside, eyes lighting up.
“What is it?” Izuku asks Eijirou.
“A couple binkies. ‘Suki felt bad about earlier, and he knows Todoroki doesn’t have one anymore, so...” He gestures to the two regressors. “Shared comfort items?”
“F’ank you...” Shouto mumbles quietly, squirming. Izuku furrows his brow at that.
“Are you okay?” He whispers, leaning in so only Shouto can hear him. He nods, cheeks flushing red. “Do you need the bathroom?”
“No... Um...” He blinks down at Katsuki shyly and wrings his hands together. “... Hug?”
Instead of freezing up like earlier, Katsuki immediately dives in, wrapping his arms around Shouto and burying his face in his shoulder, squeezing him tight.
“M’really sorry f’bein mean earlier.”
“Not mean,” Shouto says, sighing with relief as he hugs Katsuki back, relaxing a bit.
“Yes mean,” he grumbles. “Friends don’ do that. I was bein’ really bad.”
“‘Suki-“ Eijirou starts worriedly.
“But,” Katsuki continues. “M’gettin’ better. S’not gonna happen again. Swearsies.”
“O-Okay,” he breathes, a little too overwhelmed to say much else at the moment.
“Alright, snuggle buddies,” Eijirou chuckles, placing a hand on Katsuki’s shoulder. “Why don’t we let Todoroki and Midoriya grab some things from their rooms while we set up a movie? That way you guys can still hang out together. Does that sound okay?”
“Yes,” Katsuki nods, pulling away from Shouto to cling to Eijirou instead. Shouto looks down at Izuku with wide eyes.
“Can I take Mighty to the movie, Zuzu?”
“Hehe, of course,” he giggles, pulling the stuffed bunny out of his jacket pocket and holding it up to Shouto’s face. “‘I want to watch a movie with Shoucchan!’” He voices, dropping into a comically deep tone.
“Silly,” Shouto laughs, taking Mighty from him and rubbing it against his cheek.
“What movie are we picking out?” Eijirou asks.
“Totoro!” Shouto and Katsuki shout in unison.
- - -
“I guess it’s nap time,” Izuku whispers with amusement when he sees Shouto snoozing on his shoulder, cheek squished up and new pacifier hanging loosely from his lips.
“‘Suki seems to think so too,” Eijirou chuckles, stroking Katsuki’s hair as his eyelids flutter. “Are you sleepy, kiddo?”
“Nn-mm,” he grumbles, shaking his head.
“No?”
“Mmm...” he sighs briefly through his nose before snuggling closer to his carer and letting his eyes slip shut. Eijirou smiles.
“Very convincing.”
“You think it was a good day?” Izuku asks.
“... Yeah,” Eijirou decides, looking between the two slumbering boys. “Good day.”
Notes:
I debated whether or not to put this in my Todobaby fic bc it’s kinda centered on both of them but ik way more people read this one xD
Sooo, to try and get into writing again I opened requests for a very short time on my Tumblr (they’re closed again, sorry!) asking for one-word prompts! If a chapter is one of these prompts I’ll put the word in the beginning notes ^.^ <3
Chapter 64: Special (w/ Babysitter Ojiro, Dadzawa, + Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Ojiro figures out how to interact with a regressed Katsuki, but not before slipping up.
Notes:
CWs: verrryy minor implied bullying
Prompt: “teasing”
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Huh?”
Ojiro jumps when he feels hands start to grope the end of his tail. He rolls his eyes fondly once the shock wears off, turning and expecting to see Kaminari, when he’s met with an unexpected sighs.
Katsuki, eyes wide and jaw slack with wonder as he softly plays with the tuft of hair at the end of his tail.
“Oh- Hey... Er, Bakugou,” he starts awkwardly. Katsuki doesn’t look at him, too enthralled with his tail. “Um... Is Kirishima-“
“You dragon?” Katsuki wonders aloud, finally blinking his attention towards his face.
“Ah? N-No, I’m not a dragon.”
“Hm,” he hums, stroking up and down the tail again. “C’you pick me up on y’tail?”
“I... I guess I could, yeah.” He stands up, clearing his throat. “Okay. Try to fall down and I’ll catch you, alright? Like a trust exercise.”
Katsuki immediately grins, stiffens his back, and falls backwards, causing Ojiro to gasp and dive for him. His tail quickly sweeps out to grab him before he hits the floor, making him shriek with laughter, clapping giddily.
“Again!” He shouts when Ojiro sets him down on, giggling and bouncing in place.
“You’re something else,” he chuckles. “Go forwards this time, alright?”
“M’kay!”
And so he stands up, faces away from Ojiro, and falls forward. Heading straight for the floor. Sure to crack his nose has Ojiro not shot out his tail last minute to break the fall.
But Katsuki’s positively cackling with joy, so Ojiro can’t help the grin on his face when he says, “Towards my TAIL, stupid.”
Katsuki laughter quiets down, and his smile falters a little bit.
“M’not stupid.”
“You almost broke your face,” he points out.
“B-But... tha’s the game,” he argues, face contorting in a confused pout.
“No, ‘the game’ is staying safe and having fun,” he snorts. “You gotta fall into my tail, or else you could get hurt. Understand?”
“I-I... M’not dumb,” he insists, crossing his arms. “I wasn’t gonna fall.”
“Bakugou, I’m not-“
“M’not some stupid baby!” He shouts, stomping his foot. “I wasn’t gonna!!”
“Chill out,” he shakes his head. “I‘m just teasing you. I wasn’t trying to be mean.”
“... Stop it!” He whines, his bottom lip jutting out and wobbling. Ojiro’s heart leaps in his throat.
“No no, it’s okay! Shh, don’t cry, come here-“
But it’s too late.
Katsuki falls back down to the sofa, rubbing his eyes and whimpering to himself. Fat tears roll down his cheeks, and he curls up into a ball to try and hide them. Ojiro groans.
He tends to do this with kids.
He’s great when it comes to rescuing them and calming them down from a dangerous situation, fantastic at keeping them entertained if their parents are busy, but he has a problem with treating them... like they’re his buddies, he supposes. He gets so focused on making sure they feel he’s their friend that he forgets they’re just little kids.
He’s been a bit wary of being alone with Katsuki when he’s regressed for this same reason.
Because he can screw up when he’s in his headspace and try to make things right, but when he’s back to normal, there’s a chance Ojiro might literally get blown up at. Not to mention that, well....
He doesn’t want to complain because he KNOWS that Katsuki does this for a reason, and implying it’s an inconvenience to anyone but him would be beyond rude, but it IS kind of hard to see him as a little kid sometimes... he’s still got the body of a sixteen year-old boy, one of the strongest and most mature ones in his class. He has a hard time wrapping his brain around babying him at all, so it’s been a while since he interacted with him in his headspace.
And now he fucked up.
“Hey,” he says gently, sitting down next to Katsuki. “Can you tell me why you’re crying?”
“Mm!” He grunts, turning away from him.
“Bakugou...” he sighs, closing his eyes. He’s really not cut out for this. “I wasn’t being mean.”
“It f-feels mean!”
“I know. I know. I’m sorry,” he says sincerely, reaching a hand out, but Katsuki just squirms away and starts crying harder.
“What’s going on here?” Aizawa questions, walking into the room. Ojiro winces.
“Okay, I know it’s a lousy excuse but I was seriously just messing around with him.”
“... Define ‘messing around,’” he says warily, catching Katsuki easily as he dives into his father’s arms. Ojirou takes a deep breath.
“We were doing trust falls with my tail but Bakugou kept falling away so I called him stupid and I swear I was joking around with him but he got upset and started crying and I’m so sorry I promise I didn’t mean anything-“
“Okay, calm down,” Aizawa chuckles. “I understand. As a general rule, it’s probably best not to tease Katsuki. He takes things a face value most of the time, so when he’s regressed comments like that upset him.”
“I know. I KNEW that. I just... screwed up.”
“It’s alright. Mistakes are inevitable. He’ll be okay,” he assures him, tipping Katsuki’s head back so he’s looking at him. “Ojiro was just teasing you, sweetheart. He’s really sorry.”
“M’n-not stupid!” He sobs, wiping his eyes messily. “M’the best! Kiri says m’a smart boy!”
“You’re a very smart boy,” Aizawa agrees. “He was just making a joke. Do you understand?”
“... Bu’... s’not funny,” he says, quieting down a bit. Ojiro flinches, wringing his hands together.
“I know. I’m sorry,” he says. “It wasn’t a nice joke to make. I was... I’m sorry.”
“... S’okay,” he sniffs, avoiding eye contact.
“I hurt your feelings. That’s not okay.”
“Bu’ y’said sorry.”
“Well... yeah.”
“You feel sorry?”
“I do,” he nods. Katsuki shrugs.
“Then it’s ‘kay now.”
“But I knew you were going to be upset and I-“
“Why don’t you try saying ‘I forgive you’ instead?” Aizawa suggests to Katsuki. “That way he knows it wasn’t okay, but you accept his apology and know he’ll try his best in the future. How’s that sound?”
“Okay,” Katsuki nods. “F’give you, Oji.”
“... Okay,” he breathes, slumping his shoulders a bit. Aizawa resists the urge to snort at him.
“I’m going to take him to get some breakfast,” he explains, hoisting his son up on his hip. “We’ll see you later, Ojiro. Say bye, Katsuki.”
“Bye Oji,” he sniffs.
“Goodbye,” Ojiro replies weakly.
The two couldn’t have been out of the room for more than thirty seconds before he feels the tuft of his tail being petted again.
“Good morning, Kaminari,” he sighs.
- - -
“And then he takes the hurt people on his back and juuuumps away and saves the day!” Katsuki explains excitedly, bouncing in Eijirou’s lap. The redheaded laughs.
“Really? That’s so cool!”
“Uh huh! An’ tha’s just in th’cartoon! He’s even cooler in real life! He’s biiig and strooong.”
“He is?”
“Mhm! You know, silly!” Katsuki giggles. “He’s our teacher!”
“YOU’RE silly.”
“You’re sillier!”
“You’re silliest!”
“Well, you’re... hum...” The blonde chews at his thumb for a second, clearly getting distracted as he stares behind Eijirou. “Hi, Oji.”
“Hm? Oh, hello Bakugou,” Ojiro greets, a bag of chips in his hands. Katsuki lifts his arms.
“Catch me?”
“Uh...” He swallows nervously, and Eijirou picks up on it, rubbing Katsuki’s back.
“Why don’t you ask Ojiro if he wants to color with us instead?” He suggests.
“‘Kay. You wan’ color, Oji?”
“Um. Sure,” he nods, walking over to where they’re sitting at the table. He smiles a little bit when he sees the scribbled crayon mess on Katsuki’s construction paper. “What’s that?”
“S’All Might!” Katsuki exclaims, grinning. “Was jus’ tellin’ Kiri ‘bout him in the Mighty cartoon!”
“I remember those from when we were kids,” he comments, taking a seat next to them. “I never would’ve guessed you’re such a fan.”
“Oh, he’s one of the biggest All Might fans out there,” Eijirou laughs. Katsuki flushes pink.
“H-He’s really cool!”
“He is,” Ojiro hums, grabbing a crayon and gently coloring the corner of Katsuki’s paper in gray. “I never watched much television when I was a little kid. I liked going outside more.”
“Y’should use or’nge,” Katsuki says offhandedly, replacing Ojiro’s crayon with his desired color. “I liked bo’f. Izu an’ I used to play aaaall the time in the woods, but we liked watchin’ movies too.”
Eijirou smiles at that. It’s not very often that Katsuki speaks positively about his actual childhood, especially when he’s regressed. Ojiro wouldn’t know about that, so he doesn’t register how special this moment is, but that sort of adds to it. Katsuki’s opening up to someone he barely talks with. That’s good.
“Does Midoriya ever...?” He brings his hand up over his head and slowly lowers it. “Get young?” Katsuki chews his lip.
“Sometimes. Not much as me, though. His mama’s real nice! She’s my auntie.”
“You two are related?” He asks, shocked.
“Not by blood,” Eijirou explains, laughing. “They just grew up together.”
“I liked bein’ with Izu when we were babies! We’d go to the riverrr and play heroooes and go on ‘ventures an’...” His smiles drops a little bit. “I’s... mean to him, though.”
“You’re not mean now, though,” Eijirou jumps to say quickly. “You‘re are good friends again.”
“Yeah, but...” He squirms a little bit in Eijirou’s lap, frowning to himself. He drops his crayon. “M’done colorin’ now, Kiri.”
“O-Oh. Alright.” He gives him a reassuring smile and pokes his nose. “Why don’t you take Ojiro to the living room and start up some Mighty cartoons while I clean up?”
“Oh! Yes!” He gasps, eyes lighting up. His bad mood fizzes out completely at the mention of one of his favorite shows. He jumps out of Eijirou’s lap and grabs Ojiro’s hand, pulling him up. “C’mon, Oji, lemme show you!”
“U-Uh..? Okay?” He blinks, shooting Eijirou a shocked look. The redhead just chuckles.
“You’re in for a solid two hours of theme song sing-alongs and outdated references,” he warns him, grinning. “I’ll be there in a minute. Holler if you need anything, okay ‘Suki?”
“‘Kay, Kiri!” Katsuki affirms, dragging Ojiro away. “C’mon, c’mon! S’watch All Might!”
And Ojiro does. The whole nine yards. Theme song sing-alongs, spilled juice, horrible dad jokes, and poor-quality animation. Because Katsuki trusts him again.
And that makes him feel special.
Notes:
OKAY OKAY ik this one was short but ive decideddddddd short chapters are ok too!!! i hope ur all doing well + im sorry for not responding to comments lately >_< <3
Chapter 65: REMINDER
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Never reupload this work to other sites. I put so much time and effort into this fic. It is one of the ONLY things I am proud of, and I don’t care how stupid that sounds.
It doesn’t matter if you give credit or not. The specific upload that I’m talking about did NOT give credit, but that’s beside the point. The ONLY places this story will EVER be on are here and, occasionally, tumblr. I am NOT comfortable with this being uploaded to other sites. Unless I EXPLICITLY give you permission (which, to be clear, did not happen in this case), you do NOT have my consent to share my work anywhere.
For those of you who are interested in the story itself: yes, I’m still going to be updating it. I’m not on hiatus right now, I’m just dealing with a lot right now, but I promise you I write for this story every day. I’m currently almost done with two chapters, so you can expect those soon. I apologize for not responding to comments or asks much recently, I honestly don’t have an excuse everything is just kinda sucky rn :/
Thank you for reading, and I’m sorry this isn’t a real update. I sincerely hope all of you are doing well <3
- katsaboo
Notes:
UPDATE: i did upload some of this story to wattpad to avoid cross-posting there. it’s under my user (katsaboo) + has 19 parts ^.^
Chapter 66: Crybaby Cramps (w/ Carer Kiri + Dadzawa)
Summary:
Katsuki gets his period + regresses on the same day.
Notes:
BIG BIG CW FOR MENSTRUATION (including unsanitary stuff like leaking!), gender dysphoria, body image issues, and lots of talk abt pull-ups (no wetting, but if that stuff squicks u out this probably isn’t the chapter for you)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Katsuki wakes up feeling icky.
His stomach is achey and bloated, his head is pounding, his skin is greasy, and he kind of feels like crying all day instead of going to class. This, paired with the thick, slimy feeling between his thighs, can only mean one thing.
He started his cycle.
Periods suck regardless of who you are, but he tends to think that it’s a different kind of sucking for people with dysphoria. Yes, the cramps and mood swings suck, but there’s something very uncomfortable about experiencing anything that reminds him he was born with a uterus.
He’s expectedly pissed off the whole morning, grumbling and stomping through his entire routine and snapping at anyone who dares point out his sour mood. Whatever, screw them. They’re not the ones that have to walk around with fucking panties on underneath their boxers because they’re wearing a pad.
(To be fair, he could have foregone the boxers, but like Hell is he risking someone catch him in girl underpants. Gross.)
But it would have been FINE. Sucky, uncomfortable, irritating, gross, but FINE if he didn’t get that fucking migraine in class...
“Kaachan,” Izuku whispers, reaching forward to rub his back. “Are you alright?”
“Headache,” he grumbles, resting his forehead against the desk. He hears some shuffling behind him, and then Izuku is in front of him, presenting a water bottle and a couple of painkillers with a sympathetic smile.
“Here. I know how bad your headaches get.”
And for some reason, that breaks him.
He’s not sure if it’s the fact that it’s DEKU, or if it’s just because someone noticed his crappy mood and chose kindness over teasing, but it’s like a switch flips in him. Suddenly he’s very small, and he’s crying, and the more he cries the more blood comes out and that makes him cry even harder, and he feels so awful-
“Katsuki, what’s wrong?” Aizawa asks, eyes wide with worry. Katsuki shakes his head.
“C-Can’t say..”
He is NOT announcing to the whole class that he got his period. That’s his business and his business alone. Some of them still don’t know he’s trans yet, and that isn’t the way he wants to come out to anyone.
“... Okay, step outside with me for a second,” Aizawa says quietly, patiently waiting for Katsuki to stand up and walk to the front of the classroom. They step into the hallway silently, and Aizawa closes the door behind him. “Is it something you can tell me, honey?”
“I-I...” He scrubs his eyes a little bit, taking a deep breath. “I started my... thingy.”
“Your ‘thingy?’” He questions, raising a brow. Katsuki nods. “What do you- oh... Your cycle?”
“Mm.”
“I gotcha. I’m sorry, sweetheart, that sucks.” He reaches a hand out to pat his head. “Is that why you’re crying? Or is there more?”
“I-I... I dunno! Everythin’s jus’ a lot, and Izu gave me some water and stuff for my headache an’ I got small really fast an’ I dunno why!” He ends his statement with a tiny sob, and Aizawa clicks his tongue.
“Oh, baby. It’s okay,” he whispers, pulling him into a hug. “I know you get overwhelmed on your cycle, it makes sense for you to be upset. Is there anything I can do to help?”
Ugh. He doesn’t WANT help. He wants to curl up in his bed in an old, baggy shirt and sleep the day away. He wants to start the whole day over altogether, to wake up with clean pants and a clear head. He wants to not have to deal with this every month anymore.
But only one of those things is really possible.
“C-Can I go back to the dorms?” He requests meekly. “I’on’t feel good... M’not gonna be a-able to focus if I stay at school.”
Aizawa has a very loose policy on attendance when it comes to his students with periods. Obviously, menstrual cycles differ from body to body, so he’s not going to make one set rule. Some kids can stay throughout the whole day, some sit out during training, some are too uncomfortable to come to school at all. It can from month to month, too, so he doesn’t hold it against them if they stay in class one time and request to stay in their room the next.
Most times, Katsuki insists on coming to school regardless of how comfortable he is. He uses his irritation and pain as leverage to push through the day with even more ferocity than he normally would.
But today clearly isn’t one of those times.
“Of course you can, kid.” Katsuki makes a small whimper in what he assumes is gratitude, and he frowns a little bit. “Okay, I do have one request, though. Can you ask someone to stay with you for the day? I’ll make sure to provide notes and homework for the both of you, I just don’t want to leave you anywhere alone when you’re regressed.”
“U-Um... okay,” he nods, pulling away.
“Okay?” Aizawa smiles, wiping away a few tears from Katsuki’s face. The blonde wrinkles his nose a little bit and smiles shyly. “There he is. Who are you gonna ask? Kirishima?” He nods. “Thought so. Alright, let’s go back in.”
Katsuki approaches Eijirou’s desk shyly, rubbing his arm and bending at the waist uncomfortably. The redhead gives him a concerned look, setting his pencil down.
“Hey, you good? What happened?”
“M’gonna go back to my room f’the day,” he whispers lowly. “Daddy said I gotta take someone wi’f me.”
“You want me to come?” He guesses. Katsuki nods, and he starts gathering his things with a smile. “Alright, ‘Suki. Just gimme one second.”
“Um, Kaachan?” Izuku butts in softly. “I-I’m sorry if I upset you earlier, I swear I was just trying to help... I-I didn’t mean to-“
“M’fine, stupid,” he sniffs, scrunching his nose up. “Jus’ got small all ‘a sudden.”
“Katsuki,” Aizawa warns sternly.
“... It’s okay,” he huffs dejectedly, crossing his arms. “Not your fault, Izu.”
“Okay,” Izuku sighs. He places a hand on Katsuki’s shoulder and rubs his thumb over the fabric of his uniform. “I hope you feel better soon, bug. We’ll be thinking of you.”
“Yeah,” Kaminari agrees, nodding. “Feel better, dude.”
A chorus of sympathetic “good luck”s and “see you later”s rise from the class, and his shoulders rise to his ears, face burning as he shrugs Izuku off. Eijirou gives him a reassuring smile, brows drawn.
“You ready?” He asks softly. Katsuki nods. “Okay, bud. Go grab your bag.”
Before they leave the classroom, Eijirou gives a little wave to everyone, and Katsuki rolls his eyes, storming out.
“Hey, hey!” His friend calls after him, catching up. “What’s got you so upset, hon?”
“Mmf,” he grunts defiantly, glaring at the ground. Eijirou raises his eyebrows, and when he realizes he’s not going to get an immediate response, he nods in understanding.
“It’s alright,” he assures him. “Take your time. Whatever it is, we can work it out.”
They walk in silence until the exit the school building, and Katsuki stops in his tracks.
“I started my...”
Eijirou waits patiently for him to finish, but he’s not sure he can. Saying that word makes him feel... BAD. Yucky, grown up, a reminder that he’s entirely mixed up in his body right now.
Damn it! He’s crying again!
“Hey, it’s alright,” Eijirou says softly, pulling him into a hug, and Katsuki would normally appreciate, but he doesn’t want to be touched right now, it’s too much, he feels all hot and itchy and bloated and uncomfortable- “Katsuki. Breathe, honey.”
Oh. That’s right. Breathing.
He takes in a deep breath, lets it out slowly, and squirms away from Eijirou, pressing his hands to his eyes.
“Star’ed m’period,” he breathes out quickly, deciding to just tear the bandaid off.
“Ohh,” he drawls, nodding. “I’m sorry kiddo, that sucks. We’ll make you feel better when we get back to the dorms, okay? I’ll get you some ibuprofen, we’ll change you into some nice, comfy clothes, I can grab my heating pad from my room... Anything else you want?”
God, he really couldn’t have asked for a better best friend.
He lifts his arms in the air and sniffs, hoping to communicate what he wants telepathically. Luckily for him, Eijirou’s taken care of him enough times to simply nod and give an understanding smile as he lifts Katsuki in his arms and presses a kiss to his forehead.
“Okay, kiddo. Let’s go get you comfy.”
- - -
“Make it louder,” Katsuki demands. Eijirou dutifully turns the volume up on his laptop. “Louder! I can’t hear!”
“Be nice,” he reminds him gently. Katsuki whines and squirms closer to him.
They’re currently both in Katsuki’s bed, curled up and watching old Hello Kitty episodes. Katsuki has the heating pad laying directly on his skin, and even though it stings a little, his muscles are in too much pain for him to even think about moving it over his shirt.
He still feels yucky. He knows he’s being a little whiny and bratty, but he’s so uncomfortable right now! So what if he’s a bit touchy?
He hates how emotional he is, though. He doesn’t like crying, but every time Eijirou reminds him to use his manners or helps him with something that he’s too babyish to figure out on his own, his eyes start watering and he has to blink super fast and clench his jaw to get the tears to go away. So when Eijirou shifts them to try to make him more comfortable, furrows his brow in confusion, and then says,
“Oh, ‘Suki...”
He feels like sobbing his heart out.
“Did... um.” He swallows thickly. “Did you remember to put... more protection on when you changed, kiddo?”
Crap!
How could he forget something like that?! The whole reason he left class in the first place was because of the stupid bleeding, so how on earth could he forget to...?
“Mm..” he whines, looking down at the stained sheets underneath him. “Kiri...”
“I know, bud, it’s okay,” he tells him, patting his head in a way that he hopes is reassuring. “You can get cleaned up in the shower, and we’ll wash your sheets. It’s no big deal, you’ve got your plastic cover on to protect the mattress so cleanup will be easy.”
“This is dumb!” He whimpers, hiding his face in his hands. He starts to kick his feet out. “Dumb, dumb, dumb! Stupid body!”
“Shh, shh, honey,” Eijirou says softly. “I know it sucks, but don’t get yourself worked up. I promise it’s not the end of the world.”
“I hate it! I HATE my body!”
“Oh, kiddo... Come here,” he whispers, pulling Katsuki into his lap. The tears start to spill over as he’s rocked, Eijirou running his fingers through his hair soothingly. “Your body is very good. I know it’s making you uncomfy right now, but that doesn’t make it bad.”
“It FEELS bad...”
“I know. But...” He thinks for a moment. “It doesn’t feel bad when you’re training, does it?”
“... No.”
“What about when we’re playing together? When you eat your favorite foods? When you read your favorite books? Does it feel bad then?” He shakes his head slowly. “Your body is super important, kiddo. It helps you do the things you love. And I know you don’t love it all the time, but nothing feels perfect all the time. We wouldn’t know how to appreciate the good things if it did. Do you understand?”
Tentatively, Katsuki removes his hands from his eyes and wraps his arms around Eijirou’s neck. He sniffles and whimpers for a little while longer, and Eijirou can feel the way his shoulders shake as he holds back his cries, but eventually he pulls away.
“M’so yucky right now,” he says quietly, rubbing his eyes with his fist.
“I know, baby. Why don’t we get you cleaned up now, okay?” He suggests, wiping a few stray tears off of the blonde’s face with his thumb. Katsuki shrugs. “... ‘Suki, can you explain why you didn’t put a new pad on when you changed clothes? I promise I’m not asking to lecture you, I really want to know.”
“I jus’ forgot,” he mumbles, glaring down.
He’s not lying! These things don’t OCCUR to him when he’s regressed. Little kids don’t have to worry about pads or tampons or how much hydrogen peroxide to put in their underwear to get a blood stain out, so it just slipped his mind! It’s not HIS fault that his mind and body are all mixed up and out of line.
“Hey, that’s alright,” he says softly, rubbing his back soothingly. “I know things like that can be difficult for you sometimes. Do you think it would be easier if you wore a pull-up instead?”
“... M’not that small,” Katsuki mutters, wrinkling his nose. Eijirou chuckles.
“No, I know. I just think it would be easier for you to remember if it’s something that’s better suited for your headspace,” he explains. “If you’re more comfortable the other way, though, it’s no problem. I’ll just keep a better eye on you.”
“... No,” he sighs, absentmindedly picking at the hem of his shirt. “S’good.”
“Yeah?” He asks. Katsuki nods, and he smiles. “Okay, let’s go get you cleaned up, then.”
As he lifts Katsuki to his hip, he notices that there’s a red stain on his sweatpants where his friend was sitting. He cringes internally, but is careful to not let it show on his face.
They’ll both shower, then.
- - -
After they’re cleaned up and Katsuki is dressed in the proper attire, they stay in the laundry room and wait for the sheets to wash. Eijirou sits on the floor with his back to the washing machine, and Katsuki sits on his lap, squeezing Pochi to his chest and rubbing his cheek against the stuffed bear’s fur. Eijirou pulled up some funny animal videos on his phone that Katsuki would normally go bonkers over, but it seems like he’s barely paying attention today, simply frowning in silence.
“Hey,” Eijirou says after a while. “Are you upset?” Katsuki shrugs. “You wanna talk about it?” Another shrug. “... Okay.”
He goes to unpause the video, but Katsuki huffs, opening his mouth to speak.
“M’grumpy,” he mutters.
“I noticed,” Eijirou chuckles.
“M’so grumpy s’makin’ my head hurt,” he complains, squishing his face into Pochi.
“We can get you some water, but no more painkillers until dinnertime.” He’s granted another loud huff for that, but no verbal response. “Is there anything I can do to make you less grumpy, kiddo?”
“... I want juice,” he decides. Eijirou nods.
“I can work with that.”
In the kitchen, Katsuki sits on the floor with his knees tucked up to his chest. He normally prefers to sit on the counter, but today he just feels like curling up and quietly waiting for Eijirou to get his sippy cup ready.
“One cup of apple juice for the best little boy in the whole world,” Eijirou sings out, handing Katsuki his drink. The blonde frowns for a moment, hesitating at his friend’s words before taking a sip.
“M’anks.”
“... You’re welcome,” Eijirou says softly, crouching down next to him. “Everything okay?”
“Mmph,” he shrugs, sighing. “M’not feelin’ like a boy righ’ now.”
“Well, that’s alright,” he smiles. “You don’t have to feel like a boy all the time to BE a boy.”
“But boys don’t have...” He pinches his face up, all frustrated. “... The bleeding.”
“Sure they do,” he responds simply. “Lots of boys do. And lots of girls don’t. You know how you feel and what identity sits right with you, and that doesn’t change just because of a little blood. You’re still very much a boy.”
“M’not a.... a n-nor... nor- mmmm!” He growls in frustration when he can’t get the word out.
“It’s okay,” Eijirou says softly. “A ‘normal’ boy?”
“Mm,” he nods.
“Well, good news for you; there’s no such thing. There’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to be a boy. You can be a boy who wears makeup, you can be a boy who dances ballet, you can be a boy that likes to cook and clean.” Katsuki’s face softens a little at that, so he continues. “I promise you, no one thinks of you as anything other than a boy. Not because of your body, or your hobbies, or anything else. Okay?”
“... Okay,” he nods, a happy little blush dusting his face. Eijirou grins and opens his arms.
“C’mon, cutie. Let’s go check on the sheets.”
- - -
“Are you fallin’ asleep?” Eijirou asks, noticing that Katsuki’s eyes are half-lidded and his thumb is resting against his lips.
“Mhm,” he nods.
“Ah ah ah, not yet,” the redhead insists, pausing their movie. “You gotta eat some lunch first, okay? We’ve got leftover salmon down in the fridge from last night, and I can cube up some watermelon for dessert.”
“M’not hungry,” Katsuki grumbles, pouting. Eijirou raises a brow at him.
“Really? Not even if I let you drink some milk with lunch?”
“Okay,” he nods, sitting up. “M’hungry now.”
“Thought so,” he mutters.
As Eijirou’s cutting up the watermelon and heating up the salmon on the stove, Katsuki bounces Pochi around on the counter, quietly babbling to himself as he sips his milk. Normally, stuffed animals are not allowed during mealtime simply because Katsuki’s prone to spilling, but Eijirou’s going to allow it for now. After all, it’s the first time he’s seen Katsuki genuinely happy all day long.
But he quickly regrets his decision when he hears a loud clatter.
He whirls around to see that Katsuki is no longer on the counter, instead sprawled out on the floor with milk soaking into his clothes as well as his stuffed bear. He blinks down for a moment, stunned, before he lets out a panicked whine, tears bubbling in his eyes.
“Ow, ow ow!” He cries, dropping Pochi in the puddle of milk and gripping his leg where he must have broken his fall.
Eijirou winces, drops his knife on the counter, flicks off the stove, and rushes over.
“Lemme see,” he says, gently removing Katsuki’s hands from the hurt spot and inspecting it. There’s already a little bruise forming, but there’s no major damage. “Okay, we’ll get you an icepack for that. Did you hurt anything else, or was it just that?”
“J-Jus’ that,” he sobs, tears rolling down his face. “It h-hurrrts!”
“I know, buddy, I know,” he sighs, pulling him into his chest and rocking him back and forth. Katsuki sobs into his shirt as he strokes up and down his back, gently shushing him. “Shh, shh, it’s okay. I know, it sucks. I’m sorry.”
Once Katsuki’s crying fizzles out to a quiet volume, Eijirou pulls away to inspect his face once more, just in case. The blonde hiccups, shifting in place with a gross squelching noise.
“I sp-spilled...”
“I know, it’s okay. We can get you changed and clean this up really quick,” he promises.
Before they move, though, he sees Pochi laying in the milk puddle. He picks up the stuffed bear and cringes at how heavy it is.
“Hey, I think Pochi needs to go in the washing machine...”
Katsuki’s eyes go wide, and just like that he’s crying again, mouth wide open as he wails.
“No no, hey, it’s alright! We’ll put him in on his own, he’ll be done super fast!”
“I k-keep makin’ messes!” He cries, rubbing his eyes. “I-I jus’ k-keep-!”
“Baby, baby, shhhh. It’s alright,” Eijirou stresses, reaching out to brush his forehead. “I’m not upset with you. You can’t help it. This is gonna be so easy to clean up, I promise.”
“E-Easy?”
“Mhm,” he nods. “If we go put Pochi in the washer right now, we can go get you cleaned up and changed, we’ll clean up the spill in here, and he’ll be ready to switch over to the dryer by the time you’re done with lunch. I bet when you wake up from your nap, he’ll be all warm and ready for snuggles again.”
Katsuki hiccups a few times, wipes his eyes on his sleeve, and takes a deep, shuddery breath.
In.
Out.
“Okay,” he swallows, standing up.
Eijirou holds his hand as he puts Pochi in the washing machine, waiting patiently while he waves goodbye and assures him that they’ll be together again soon. Then they go back up to his bedroom, change his pull-up and shirt, and put the milk-soaked clothes in his laundry basket to wash after Pochi gets out.
He’s stocking up a decent amount of dirty laundry today.
After he’s in fresh clothes, he helps Eijirou sop up the spilled milk and wipe everything down with disinfectant cloths, and is rewarded a fresh sippy cup full of milk.
He sits on the floor while he waits for lunch.
After Eijirou cuts everything into bite-sized pieces and sets it up on his favorite plate (one with a decal of Badtz-Maru and his friends), they sit down at the table together.
Eijirou eats. Katsuki waits.
“You gotta eat, kiddo,” he reminds him. Katsuki frowns, staring down at the food. “What’s the matter? Upset tummy?”
“C’you feed me?” He requests, squirming in his seat. “I’on’t wanna spill again...”
“Oh! Sure, bud,” he nods, taking Katsuki’s chopsticks and picking up a piece of fish. “Open wide for the airplane!”
“Kiri,” he groans, rolling his eyes, but he opens as wide as he can anyways.
A few bites in, he rests his hand on Eijirou’s shoulder and fiddles with his shirt.
“Sorry f’bein’ a crybaby,” he mumbles.
“Aww, ‘Suki.” He shakes his head. “I don’t mind, honey. Periods make you emotional. I’m not going to hold that against you.”
“Mm,” he shrugs, sighing. “I think it’s naptime.”
“Almost, bud,” he promises, chuckling. He holds up another bite. “Just gotta finish your lunch first, alright?”
- - -
“M’doin’ him or’nge,” Katsuki babbles, happily scribbling over a picture of Kamui Woods.
“He looks great,” Eijirou compliments. “Do you need a change yet? It’s been a while.”
“Af’er this,” he nods, bringing the neck of his shirt to his mouth to chew on it.
“You want your binky?” He asks quizzically, and receives a nod. He retrieves the pacifier and hands it to him, but does so with a small frown. “Are you feeling alright? Did you slip more?”
“Mm,” he nods, sticking the pacifier in his mouth. “Bu’ it’s ‘kay. S’a good ‘schwip.’”
“Oh yeah? You’re feeling better now?”
“Mhm,” he hums, patting the heating pad resting on his belly. “This he’wps.”
“Oh yeah? Good,” he hums, smiling.
Outside the door, he hears a bit of chatter, then the sound of Shoji’s door closing. He checks his phone, and sees that it’s around the time school gets out.
“Your dad should be here soon,” he comments. “Does he have detention today?”
“I’unno,” he shrugs. Eijirou smiles.
“I guess we’ll just have to wait and see, then. C’mon, let’s get a clean pull-up on you.”
Half an hour later, they get a knock on the door, and Eijirou opens it up to reveal Aizawa.
“Hello, Kirishima.”
“Hi Aizawa-Sensei!”
“Daddy!” Katsuki gurgles, toddling over to him. He squeezes him tight and buries his face in his neck. Aizawa chuckles and hugs him back.
“Hi sweetheart. Are you feeling better now?”
“A li’l. M’still hurty,” he grumbles, reaching down to touch his lower belly. “But m’not u-upset ‘nymore. Kiri fixed dat.”
“Oh yeah? He’s pretty good at that,” he smiles, winking at Eijirou. “Did you want to stay here or come sit in my room while I grade papers?”
“Mm... c’you pick me up at dinner?” He requests, resting his chin on his chest to look up at him. Aizawa leans down and smooches his forehead.
“Sure, baby.”
“You GOTTA do cuddles on my tummy t’night,” he adds in, a stern pout in his face. “Else m’gonna be so mad at you, Daddy.”
“Watch your sass,” he warns, raising an eyebrow. Eijirou furrows his brow in confusion, and Aizawa notices. “He wants me to lay down on his stomach and play with my hair. It helps when he has cramps or an upset belly,” he clarifies. “He does it with Eri all the time.”
“Gotcha,” he nods. “I have a heating pad that he’s been using all day, if you want I could pack it in his bag. It seems to be helping.”
“Sounds good,” he nods. He looks back down at Katsuki and pushes his hair back. “Alright, kiddo, I have to go read some essays. I’ll see you at dinner, okay?”
“Okay, Daddy!”
“Behave,” he stresses, pressing a kiss to his cheek. He straightens up and waves to Eijirou. “I’ll see you later, Eijirou. Thanks for taking care of him today.”
“No problem, Sensei! See you at dinner!”
After the door closes, Katsuki jumps up onto the bed, leans back, and pats his belly.
“Kiri. Tummy cuddles. Now.”
“Eh?” Eijirou questions. “But... my hair’s styled... I’ll never get it back to normal before dinner if you play with it!”
“Pleaaaase!” He whines, kicking his feet. “An’ Mickey Mouse! Turn on Mickey Mouse!”
Eijirou sighs and grabs his laptop, resigning himself to defeat.
Notes:
WHEW OKAY I HAVE A FEW THINGS TO ANNOUNCE!!
1.) I uploaded all of the plot-oriented chapters of this story to Wattpad to try and combat the reupload! You can find it here https://my.w.tt/youEM1SIacb ^.^
2.) I’m doing MUCH much better now, I took a couple of days pretty much offline + away from writing and it really helped to clear my mind and get me back to where I need to be
3.) I’m planning on writing a special Christmas one-shot!! If there’s anything special you want me to include let me know, but nothing too obscure pls, too many random things will be hard to fit into one central plot ^.^I hope ur all doing well!! Ily all and make sure you’re taking care of yourself <3
Chapter 67: Christmas Special!
Summary:
Katsuki can’t handle the holidays, so he has to process them in a different way.
Notes:
You guys asked for me to include cookie decorating, wetting, fluffy christmas activities, some spills, and lots of hot cocoa xD I hope I included everything! If not I’m sorry >.<
CWs: christmas (no religious talk), panic/anxiety attacks, flashbacks, unsanitary (wetting, lots of spills, and some minor drooling), explicit child abuse (verbal and physical), aaaand forcing ptsd triggers on someone
IF YOU WANT TO SKIP THE ABUSE SCENE, SKIP FROM “Christmas has never been fun for Katsuki.” TO THE NEXT LINE BREAK!! Stay safe <3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“I’m not paying for anything,” Aizawa states bluntly, crossing his arms.
“We’ve got enough money for everything but a tree,” Mina says. “Please, Sensei? I promise we’ll pay you back later!”
“Uh huh. And what about decorations? And making sure it stays watered? Sweeping up pine needles? Who’s taking care of that?”
“We don’t have to get a real tree!”
“I’m not paying extra for a fake one.”
“We’ll get decorations from our houses,” Eijirou promises. “And we’ll make a rotating schedule for watering and cleanup.”
“Who’s cleaning up what?” Yamada asks, entering the room with Eri on his hip.
“They want a Christmas tree, Hizashi,” Aizawa sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“What’s a Christmas?” Eri asks.
“An excuse for everyone to be extra shitty to each other,” Katsuki grumbles from the couch. “It sucks, sis. Trust me.”
“Oh, he’s just being a grump,” Yamada says, running a hand through her hair. “Christmas is a holiday. People give each other gifts and have a special dinner together.”
“Oh. Why are there trees, then?”
“Exactly,” Aizawa mutters.
“Becaaauuuse,” Yamada draws out, shooting a glare at his husband. “That’s where Santa Claus puts his presents for good little kids! Under the Christmas tree!”
“... Santa,” Aizawa breathes, eyes wide as he realizes his mistake. “I forgot about Santa.”
“Santa?” She questions, confused.
“Mhm! He’s a magic old dude that brings you gifts on Christmas!”
“Like the Easter Bunny!” She cheers, throwing her hands in the air. Aizawa chuckles.
“Kind of,” he nods. “Alright, I’ll go out and get a tree later today. I’m gonna need some of you to come with me, though.”
“Ooh, me!” Mina squeals, raising her hand.
“Me too!” Eijirou exclaims, bumping his fists together. “You guys are gonna need someone with muscles like mine, right?”
“I think I can handle that part myself,” Aizawa mutters, raising a brow. Yamada shoots him another disapproving look, and he sighs. “Alright, Kirishima and Mina are tagging along. Anyone else?”
A sea of hands shoot up from nearly everyone in the common room, along with a chorus of “me!”s... from all but one.
Katsuki sits alone on the couch, arms crossed as he glares off to the side. Eijirou notices this, and sits down next to him.
“Hey,” he says softly. “You look upset.”
“... I fuckin’ hate Christmas,” he grumbles. “It’s always so goddamn stressful. All the screaming and itchy clothes and stuffy house parties. I don’t get how anyone could like that shit, honestly.”
“Well, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Actually, it’s kinda supposed to be the opposite.” He spares a glance at Aizawa. “I think this year might be a lot better than your other Christmases, man.”
“Good luck with that,” he scoffs, standing up and rolling his eyes. “I’m going to my room. All this holiday talk is making me sick.”
“O-Oh, alright! Stay safe!” He calls after him, a worried smile stretching across his face. Katsuki doesn’t say anything in return, just hunches his shoulder and storms off quicker.
Maybe this is going to be more difficult for him than Eijirou thought... He knows that holidays are tough for anyone with trauma, but if he’s going to shut down like this there’s no way for anyone to make it easier for him.
Katsuki’s had to relearn a lot of things since he started his healing process, and it’s never easy for him. With something as big as a major holiday, it could end in disaster.
Christmas is in two days. They’re going to have to tread carefully.
- - -
Christmas has never been fun for Katsuki.
His parents always used it as an excuse to show off their holiday line to their co-workers and friends, and every year he ended up being their unwilling model. Luckily, after a few years of tantrums as they tried to force him into dresses and stockings, they caught on to the fact that he was never going to be their little doll, and settled for shoving him into form-fitting, itchy, wool sweaters and hoped that he would at least smile for the photo.
Right up until their last Christmas together.
“What happened to the nice sweater I bought you?” Mitsuki asks, frowning heavily.
“Too tight around my neck,” he grunts. “I’ll just wear a button-up for the picture. S’fine.”
“Nuh uh, I don’t think so,” she says, raising a brow. “Your father and I are very proud of our sweaters this year, you don’t get to insult us by not wearing the one we designed for you.”
“I’m not doing it to ‘insult’ you,” he scoffs, poking at his food. “I just... don’t like things around my neck. It reminds me of the-“
“I swear to God, Katsuki, if you’re going to bring up the fucking sludge villain again-“
“But it does!” He insists. “I don’t wanna have a fuckin’ freak out over a damn sweater!”
“So don’t!!” She shouts. “Just suck it up!”
“It’s not that easy!”
“Yes it is, you damn brat!”
“That’s enough, you two,” Masaru cuts in. “Katsuki, why don’t you just wear the sweater for long enough to take our family picture?”
“Because I’m not comfortable in the fucking sweater, old man.”
“Watch your mouth!” Mitsuki snaps, reaching across the table to smack his ear. “And don’t talk to your father like that! Show some respect!”
“Why can’t YOU respect ME?!” He shouts, squeezing his eyes shut. “I don’t want to wear the stupid sweater! It’s itchy, it’s ugly, and it squeezes my damn neck! Just let me wear what I want!”
“You’re going to wear the sweater , and you’re either going to like it or I will TEACH you to appreciate the gifts we give you.”
‘Teaching’ never means an actual lesson. ‘Teaching’ means more yelling, deprecating words thrown at him and the occasional slap to his mouth. He never learns how to do anything other than shut his mouth. Sometimes it’s just better for him to stand down and give in.
But he’s going to fight it this time. He doesn’t want to wear the sweater. He doesn’t want to he reminded of his lowest moment, of how he FELT with that sludge slowly suffocating him...
“No! Fuck you, Mom!”
He’s willing to take the beating he gets for that. He’s okay with being sent to his room. As long as he doesn’t have to wear...
“Get. The fucking. Sweater on.”
He’s curled up in his bed when Mitsuki says that, gently rubbing the new red marks on his cheek and arms. He sits up and sniffles, eyes puffy with emotion but tears unshed.
He won’t cry in front of her.
“I’ll put a button up on,” he says again. “You and Dad can wear the sweaters. No one cares what I wear on a Christmas card anyways.”
“It’s not about you, Katsuki,” she seethes. “We’re taking the photo specifically to show off our new sweaters. Man the fuck up and listen before I have to beat some more sense into you.”
“Ma, I told you-“
“You have twenty minutes. Your father’s setting up the camera now. Don’t fuck up.”
He tries to. He stares at the sweater lying on his bed for a long time before deciding to suck it up. He’s sick of fighting. This is his last Christmas before he goes into UA. He doesn’t want to spend it duking it out with his mom.
But as soon as he gets the thing over his head it squeezes at his throat and all he can think of is sludge and dark and can’t breath and Deku and weak and small and-
So he takes it off.
And when Mitsuki sees him in his dress shirt, buttoned up to a level he’s comfortable with, she’s PISSED.
“ONE THING! I ASKED YOU TO DO ONE FUCKING THING, KATSUKI!”
“And I told you, I’m not wearing it!”
“Guys, let’s just calm down and take the picture. Katsuki, go put the sweater on and-“
“Shut the Hell up, Dad! I’m not wearing it!”
He gets smacked on the mouth. Hard.
Instinctively, he crumples to the ground, and his mother is towering over him in a second, jabbing a finger in his face and snarling.
“I TOLD YOU TO SHOW SOME FUCKING RESPECT!!”
Oh no.
That thing is happening again. The fucking... age regression or whatever. It’s subtle, but he definitely feels it. All vulnerable and emotional and so, so small.
And weak.
“I’m sorry!” He blurts out, staring at the ground with wide eyes. He brings his arms over his head to protect himself.
“I’m not the person you should be apologizing to, am I?!”
“S-Sorry, Dad!”
“That’s alright,” Masaru mumbles, knitting his brow. “You just have to listen to us, son.”
“Go put the sweater on,” Mitsuki demands.
“No! I’m not doing it, Mama!”
She grabs him by his hair.
“If you’re not going to put the sweater on,” she spits, pulling him to his feet by his locks. “I will put it on FOR you. Like you’re a little baby.”
He lets out a pained shriek, tugging at her wrist, but her grip remains tight.
“Mama!! Mom, let go!” He sobs, trying to push her off. She snarls at him.
“Stop your whining!!”
She drags him all the way upstairs to his bedroom, then pushes him onto his bed and throws the sweater at him.
“NOW, Katsuki. I’ll be waiting outside.”
He sniffles loudly, sobs wracking his body, and slowly unbuttons his shirt.
And puts the sweater on.
- - -
“Good morning, Katsu-nii!” Eri greets, hugging his waist. “It’s Christmas Eve!”
“Oh, good. The dawn of doom,” he mutters, bending down to pick her up. “Are Dad and Papa awake yet?”
“Mister Mic is! He said he’s doing a special Christmas radio show today!” She exclaims, waving her hands around excitedly. “He’s gonna play lots of songs for me to hear!”
“Ugh,” he groans. “That sounds awful.”
“Don’t be such a grump,” Ochako pouts, coming up from behind and unintentionally startling him. “It’s her first Christmas.”
“You can fuck right off with all that,” he frowns, pulling Eri up higher when Ochako tries to reach for her. “This time of year is a goddamn bummer. I think it’s stupid to expose her to all this bullshit.”
“It’s not a bummer!” She insists, moving to poke Eri’s nose anyways. “Right, Eri-chan? Christmas is all about sharing with your loved ones. Tell Bakugou he’s being a grinch!”
“It’s about Santa too!” She squeals, squirming around. “Mister Mic said that Santa Claus is going to talk to me on his radio show today?”
Katsuki rolls his eyes. He’s not looking forward to hearing Yamada’s Santa impression.
“Really? That’s so cool!” Ochako gasps, grinning. “You must have been the nicest little girl in the whole world this year!”
“Mister Aizawa says I’m very nice!”
“Alright, squirt,” Katsuki grunts, setting her back down on the floor. “I’m gonna make some breakfast. You wanna sit with me?”
“Can I have breakfast too, Katsu-nii?”
“Sure,” he shrugs, stretching his arms out. “I can make a meal for two.”
“Me too?” Ochako requests, giving him her best puppy dog eyes. “I’m so hungry..”
“You’re always fuckin’ hungry, Cheeks,” he growls, scowling at her.
“Is Bakugou making breakfast?” Mina shouts from the common room. He huffs.
“No, I’m not!”
“I’ll take some rice if you’re making any!”
“Me too!” Kaminari exclaims. “Are you grilling any fish?”
“Yeah, for Eri and I, not you extras!”
“Christmas Eve breakfast!” Sero cheers, walking into the kitchen.
A chorus of happy noises and ‘thank you’s rise from the students that are up, and Katsuki’s eyes twitches with frustration.
“The cafeteria opens in an hour! If you want someone to make you breakfast, go there!” He shouts. Sero laughs, nudging his side.
“C’mon, Bakugou! Show some holiday spirit!”
“I told you guys, I don’t LIKE this time of year!” He roars, slamming his fist off the counter. Sero’s smile drops, and Katsuki sighs, lowering his volume. “... Can everyone please just leave me alone? I just wanted to make breakfast.”
“Sure, man,” Sero says quietly, patting his back. “C’mon, Uraraka. Let’s leave him be.”
Once they’re alone again, Katsuki groans quietly and buries his face in his hands. Eri tilts her head and tugs at his sleeve.
“What’s up, kid?” He asks lowly, face still pressed into his palms.
“Why don’t you like Christmas?” She asks, eyes wide and innocent. “Everyone else is really happy about it.”
“... Christmas just isn’t fun for me,” he explains, sighing and dropping his hands to look at her. “It reminds me of bad stuff.”
“Like... Kai?” She whispers, shuddering. He places a hand on her head and crouches down.
“No. Not like Kai. Do you remember meeting my mom?” He asks lightly. She nods. “Well, Mitsuki wasn’t a very nice mom. Especially during Christmas. You know how sometimes you see things that make you think of Kai?”
“Yes,” she frowns. “I don’t like those things.”
“Well, Christmas is one of those things for me,” he explains. “I know it seems like I’m being mean... and I probably am, but I just get upset during the holidays. Understand?”
“Mhm,” she nods. “Can we eat breakfast now?” He smiles, ruffling her hair.
“Sure, kid.”
- - -
“Hey, man,” Eijirou says lightly, poking his head into Katsuki’s room. “A bunch of us are going to go listen to Present Mic’s Christmas special together. Are you joining in?”
He really doesn’t want to, but he probably shouldn’t skip out on listening to his father’s show. He rarely misses one of Yamada’s broadcasts anyways, and if he’s slipping in something special for Eri... it’s pretty much out of the question.
He grunts as he stands up, shoving his hands into his pockets and following Eijirou downstairs. The redhead smiles at him lightly.
“Hey, I know this time of year is hard for you, but it’s really manly that you’re still making an effort to participate in things like this,” he says. “Shinsou told me that you made breakfast for you and Eri this morning? That’s really sweet of you.”
“Oh, so you two are keeping tabs on me now or some shit?” Eijirou gives him a pointed look, and he sighs. “Look, I wasn’t about to send her off to the cafeteria by herself, and she can’t exactly cook. It wasn’t some mushy Christmas miracle or anything. Lay off.”
“Alright,” he holds his hands up. “I’ll drop it. We’ll just go listen to the show.”
Yamada’s Christmas show is just as corny as Katsuki expected, if not worse.
His Santa impression is terrible, but Eri eats it up anyways, awestruck and bouncing excitedly in Aizawa’s lap. Katsuki can’t help the fond little eye roll and smile he gives when Aizawa grins happily at him.
And when the show is over, he stays downstairs.
“You had enough alone time?” Aizawa asks, sitting down next to him. Katsuki snorts.
“Never. It was just fuckin’ cold in my room.”
“Uh huh,” he says, clearly unconvinced. “You know, Santa’s coming tonight...”
“Oh my God, Dad.”
“I’m just saying, you might wanna kiss ass. Eri tells me that there’s all sorts of benefits involved when you’re nice.”
“Is there now?”
“There is,” he smiles, pushing Katsuki’s hair back. “Are you staying down to marathon movies with your friends?”
“Eh,” he shrugs, pushing his hand off. “I’m not really into all this festivity bullshit.”
“Mhm, so you’ve said,” he nods. “I’m not going to force you to do anything you want to do, Katsuki. But maybe let yourself have a little fun today and tomorrow, okay? It could be good for you, replacing those bad experiences with happy ones.”
“Ha,” he chuckles bitterly. “Happiness ain’t exactly easy for me right now, old man.”
“Well... me neither,” Aizawa admits, shrugging. “Holidays suck. They always do when you’ve been through some shit. But it helps to spend them with the people you love. Trust me, I speak from personal experience.”
“The people I love?” He mutters, raising a brow.
He admits that that makes sense. He tends feels better during shitty times when he’s around his family, and Eijirou, and (ugh) Izuku. And Christmas seems like a big deal to him, but maybe it doesn’t have to be. So what if he’s not breaking out in carols and hanging mistletoe or whatever on the walls?
He can do baby steps. Baby steps are a lot less painful than he originally thought.
“Just think about it,” Aizawa says, ruffling his hair. “I’m gonna go make myself another coffee and get the bed set up for Papa. He was up all last night writing that script for Eri, I’m sure he’s beat.”
“Yeah,” Katsuki says distantly, nodding.
;Aizawa chuckles under his breath as he walks off. It’s always amusing when his emotionally stunted child has one of those ‘a-ha’ heartfelt moments. He sympathizes with Katsuki. He’s been there more times than he can count.)
A few minutes later, Eijirou joins Katsuki on the couch, handing him a mug.
“The fuck is this?” Katsuki asks.
“Hot cocoa!” He grins, lifting his own mug to his lips and sipping it. “I know you don’t like super sweet things, so I stirred some cayenne powder into yours. Try it!”
Katsuki takes a tentative little sip.
It’s really good.
“It’s alright, I guess,” he mumbles.
“You staying down to watch some movies with us?” Eijirou asks, tilting his head.
“... Yeah,” he nods. “I am.”
- - -
“Bakugou,” Eijirou whispers, shaking him awake. Katsuki startles, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. “Hey, you dozed off. It’s dinner time.”
“Shit,” Katsuki grunts, squeezing his eyes shut. He’s got a killer headache coming on. “Ugh. I don’t feel like cooking tonight.”
“That’s fine! Everyone else is going down to the cafeteria. C’mon, I can hear your stomach growling already.”
The walk to the cafeteria is quiet. Peaceful, almost. He hates to admit it, but it really is a pretty night. Not super cold, but chilly enough for a little snow to be drifting down as the stroll across campus to get their dinner. It’s nice.
The cafeteria is a different story.
Maybe it’s just because he’s still in a post-nap haze, or maybe it’s just all the stress finally getting to his head, but pretty much the second he steps into the cafeteria he’s overstimulated. Blood roars through his ears, his eyes blow wide, his stomach turns with anxiety, and his legs begin to tremble.
Eijirou doesn’t notice. He’s too busy waving to Kaminari and trying to see what’s on the menu for tonight, but that’s fine. He needs a little time to breathe anyways.
By the time they get their food and sit down at the table, Katsuki’s head is pounding. Everything is too much for him- the lights, the noise, the smells, even the way his clothes feel against his skin. He can’t find it in himself to pick up his chopsticks and start eating, so he just pushes his food away and lays his head on the table, waiting for dinner to end.
“You good?” Kaminari asks too loudly, poking his arm. He shoots him a glare.
“Fine. Head hurts.”
“Aw! Do you want an ibuprofen?” Mina asks, reaching over to pat his head. He scowls.
“Don’t touch.” He shoves her hand away. “I’m fine. I just woke up.”
“Yeah, don’t poke the sleepy bear,” Eijirou jokes. Katsuki rolls his eyes and sets his head back on the table.
Fuck his friends. Can’t they take a hint? He wants to be ALONE right now. He just doesn’t have the energy to do it on his own.
God, he hates how strung out he is right now. He feels jumpy, like the slightest thing is going to set him off. He really doesn’t want to blow up on anyone tonight. OR literally blow someone up, for that matter. He might be all wigged out by Christmas, but he knows it’s really special for his loved ones. He doesn’t want to be the one to fuck it up for them.
“Hey, Bakugou! Take my tea, for your headache!” Sero offers, sliding his cup across the table. It tips over at the very last minute and spills all over Katsuki, making him startle and sit up again. “... Shit. Sorry.”
“It’s FINE,” he huffs, standing up and wiping at his shirt. Eijirou jumps up.
“I’ll grab you some napkins!”
“I can grab them myself!” He insists, gritting his teeth anxiously.
“I’m really sorry dude, I swear I didn’t mean it!” Sero exclaims, a guilty look on his face.
“I said it’s fucking-“
“Here, lemme help,” Eijirou fusses, dabbing him down with a handful of napkins.
“STOP FUCKING TOUCHING ME!!”
His outburst makes half of the cafeteria pause, and suddenly everything is a lot quieter and he hates how relieved he feels at that.
Because he also feels like shit.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he says quickly, pressing his hands to his eyes. “I’m just on edge right now, and I need some space.”
“Hey, it’s okay,” Eijirou assures him, taking a step back. “We all need a bubble sometimes.”
“Yeah,” Kaminari nods. “Totally understandable, my guy.”
“I can’t fucking do this,” Katsuki whimpers, and he suddenly feels tears stinging at his eyes. “It’s too much. I gotta go back to the dorms. I’ll see you guys later.”
“O-Okay!” Mina nods. “Do you want us to bring your dinner up to you-“
“No. I’m not hungry.”
As he turns to walk away, he bumps directly into Izuku, who promptly drops his dinner. The bowl shatters all over the ground, spilling hot soup on their feet in the process.
Before Katsuki can process what happened, he drops into a crouch, bracing his hands above his head, and then... he’s gone.
“Oh, damn it!” Izuku curses. “I’m so sorry, Kacchan! I didn’t know you were turning around! Are you alright?”
He bends down to lend him a hand, but Katsuki doesn’t react, just stares at the ground, eyes wide and unblinking.
“Eh... Kacchan?”
“What’s wrong?” Eijirou asks, furrowing his brow. Izuku shakes his head.
“I’m not sure. He’s... frozen?”
“He might be having a flashback or a dissociative episode. Go get Aizawa Sensei,” he says quickly, rushing over and crouching next to Katsuki. “Bakugou? Can you hear me?”
“Stop it, stop it,” Katsuki mumbles, finally squeezing his eyes shut, forcing tears down his cheeks as he does so.
“Oh gosh,” Izuku mutters worriedly as he hurries off to retrieve Aizawa.
“Bakugou, hey. Can you look at me, bud? Just look up at me so I can know you’re o-“
He’s cut off by a sudden pattering noise, and looks down to see a wet patch spreading on Katsuki’s pants. He winces and reaches forward to shake his shoulder.
“‘Suki, c’mon, we gotta get you-“
“STOP IT! DON’T TOUCH!” Katsuki suddenly shouts, throwing himself backwards and staring up at Eijirou, chest heaving with panicked breaths.
“Hey, it’s okay!” He holds his hands up. “No touching, I promise. How are you feeling? Are you still foggy?”
He takes a few more heavy breaths, seemingly unsure of what to say, then startles and looks behind Eijirou.
“Hey, honey,” Aizawa says, walking over and kneeling down next to him. He makes sure his tone is even, but concern is clear in his eyes as he stares at Katsuki’s face. “What happened? Are you having an anxiety attack?”
“I-“ he starts out, his voice a mere squeak. He bites his lip nervously, tears once again spilling over as he tries to get the right words out. “Th-The loud noise... I just... got stuck.”
“‘Stuck?’” Aizawa questions softly. Katsuki nods. “Are you talking about a flashback?”
“... Mhm..”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. Those can be really scary.” He reaches forward for a moment, then pauses. “Can I hug you? Would that make you feel better right now?”
Katsuki lets out an awful, watery sob before scrambling into his father’s lap. Aizawa cringes at the mixture of liquids seeping into his clothes, but is quick to comfort him, putting one hand behind his head and rocking him back and forth as he calms down.
“Shh, shh, I know,” he whispers, closing his eyes. “Do you want to go back to the dorms?”
“Ple-ease,” he sobs, clinging tighter to Aizawa. “It’s s-so scary in here, Daddy.”
“Oh,” Aizawa blinks, looking up at Eijirou.
“Is he small?” Eijirou guesses. Aizawa nods.
“Okay, sweetheart. I have to keep an eye on your classmates until dinner’s over, but why don’t you have Kiri walk you back to the dorms? Papa’s in our room, you can wake him up and stay with him until I get back.”
“I’ll stay,” Eijirou offers. “Sensei should get some rest. I don’t mind watching him.”
“Does that sound okay? Can Kirishima take care of you for a little while?” He asks, pulling away to make eye contact. Katsuki sniffles loudly and nods, already sticking his thumb in his mouth. Aizawa quickly kisses his forehead before helping him off the ground. “Alright, I’ll see you in a little bit, kiddo.”
“M-Made a mess,” Katsuki realizes, furrowing his brow as he looks down at the mix of broken ceramic, food, and urine on the floor.
“That’s okay, I’ll clean it up,” Aizawa promises, rubbing his shoulder. “You go with Kiri, okay? Everything’s gonna be alright, Katsuki.”
“Feel better soon, honey,” Mina says sympathetically, waving at him from the table. Sero and Kaminari nod in agreement, voicing their own wishes for his health.
“We’ll catch you guys later,” Eijirou says, smiling before outstretching his hand to Katsuki. “C’mon, kiddo. Let’s go get cleaned up, and then we can settle down and do whatever you want for the night, okay?”
Katsuki nods shyly, slipping his hand into Eijirou’s and drawing his shoulders to his ears. His thumb is back in his mouth, but Eijirou really doesn’t have the heart to pull it away from him. He knows he needs that sort of comfort right now, and it’s going to be a little bit before he can have his pacifier.
Eijirou tries to make light little observations on their way back to the dorms (“Oh, look, a snowflake fell on your nose!” and “I wonder if Satou’s going to bake cookies tomorrow?”), but Katsuki doesn’t react to any of it beyond a few sniffs and the occasional nod.
As soon as they step into Heights Alliance, he marches them straight to the baths, helping Katsuki out of his clothes and into the shower so he can wash all of the spills off of him.
“Mm,” he sighs briefly after his skin is clean, and Eijirou immediately perks up.
“Yeah, I’m sure it feels good to get clean after you got all yucky, huh?” Katsuki nods, leaning his head back against Eijirou’s chest and sighing again through his nose. “So, what do you want to do when we’re finished washing up? You should probably eat a little something since you didn’t really touch your dinner. You want one of your special snacks?”
“... Manna cookies,” he mumbles quietly.
“Manna biscuits? Sounds perfect.” He lathers some shampoo in his hands and starts to wash Katsuki’s hair. “You wanna do some coloring? Or play with blocks? Or we could just watch something together, if you want.”
“Mm,” he nods, keeping his eyes clothes as Eijirou rinses his hair off. “Watch H’llo Kitty.”
“Sure, baby. That sounds great.”
Once they’re dried off, they walk back to Katsuki’s room so Eijirou can put a diaper and T-shirt on him. When they’re both dressed, he shoots Aizawa a quick text.
RedRiot: All good now. Just got him cleaned up + he’s gonna have a little snack while we watch his show. We’ll be in my room.
Eraserhead: Alright. Thanks.
After Katsuki has his manna biscuits and a bottle of fruit juice, they make a quick stop at his room to grab some stuffed animals and a pacifier, and then head to Eijirou’s to watch Sanrio together. Once they’re all settled in, Katsuki seems to relax a lot more, snuggling up to Eijirou’s side and carefully nibbling at his snacks as his eyes stay trained on the screen.
When he’s sure that he’s calmed down enough, Eijirou reaches over and starts to run his hands through his hair. Katsuki sighs and nuzzles into the touch, sucking harder at the pacifier between his lips.
“Hey,” he starts lightly. “Today was really rough for you, huh? You slipped younger than usual. Do you want to talk about it?”
“Mm-mm,” he shakes his head, frowning.
“Okay,” Eijirou agrees, nodding. “Do you want me to warm some milk up in your bottle after you finish your juice? I can feed it to you.”
“Yeah,” Katsuki says softly, resting his cheek against Eijirou’s chest. “Wan’ a baba.”
“Alright, baby.”
Later on, after Aizawa’s sure Eri’s being supervised and everyone is in the dorms, he ventures up to Eijirou’s room to check on his son. He finds both boys curled up in bed, Katsuki snuggled in close to his chest with Eijirou holding the back of his head protectively. There’s an empty bottle on the dresser, and Hello Kitty is playing on Eijirou’s laptop. He smiles fondly and goes to turn off the device, setting it down on Eijirou’s desk.
“Daddy..?” A small voice sounds from the bed.
Katsuki’s eyes are still so swollen and red from crying that it barely looks like his eyes are open in his sleepy state. He makes no move to reach for his father, no whine or soft request, just curls his fist tighter in the fabric of Eijirou’s sleep shirt and cranes his neck up a bit.
“Hi sweetheart,” he whispers. “Are you staying in here tonight?” Katsuki nods, and he carefully sits on the edge of the bed so he can give him a proper goodnight. “Baby, you know that tomorrow is Christmas, right?”
“Mhm..”
“Listen, I know I told you that it might be good for you to create some new, happy memories, but if things are too much for you, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. Okay? You can just stay with me for the day. I’m not too into the holiday season anyways.”
“M’kay, Daddy,” he yawns, rubbing his eyes sleepily. “I w’uv you.”
Aizawa smiles.
“I love you too, baby.” He bends over to kiss his head, the stands up to flick off the light. “Goodnight, you two. See you in the morning.”
Katsuki snuggles back into Eijirou’s hold.
- - -
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Eijirou greets as Katsuki stirs awake, pacifier falling from his lips. “How are you feeling?”
“Mm,” he grunts, cheeks still rosy with sleep. He rubs his eyes and yawns. “S’it Chris’mas?”
“It is,” Eijirou nods. “But we’re just taking it easy today, promise. The others might do some things here and there, but you and I can stay right here, okay? Or you can go with your dad if you prefer, I won’t mind.”
“... What’s they gonna do?” He asks curiously, grabbing one of his stuffed animals and sitting back on his heels. Eijirou blinks.
“Oh. Umm, just Christmas stuff, I guess. Watch some movies, exchange some gifts. Probably call back home since we aren’t allowed at our houses this year.”
“I-I wanna watch movies wi’f ev’yone,” he says. Eijirou furrows his brow.
“If you’re sure, honey.” Katsuki nods, implying that he is. “Alright, well, first we have to get dressed and ready for the day. You want me to help you again?”
“Yes p’ease!” He beams, bouncing excitedly on the bed. Eijirou chuckles.
“Alright, kiddo.”
When they trek downstairs, almost everyone is in the common room, Aizawa and Yamada included. Eri is sitting in Aizawa’s lap, unwrapping her gift from ‘Santa.’
“A candy apple!” She exclaims, eyes wide and starry. Yamada grins at her.
“You have to be careful when you’re eating it, alright? You don’t want to choke.”
“I won’t!” She looks up at Katsuki and beams, waving at him. “Katsu-nii, look! I got a candy apple from Santa Clause!”
“Woah!” He exclaims.
“Good morning, Kitty Kat,” Yamada greets, opening his arms for a hug. Katsuki stumbles over and lets himself be squeezed tight. “I heard you had a rough day yesterday, huh? Are you feeling better this morning?”
“Mhm, lots! M’gonna watch movies wi’f everyone today.”
“That’s great, kiddo.”
“C’mere,” Aizawa beckons him, wanting his own hug. As they’re embraced, he lowers his volume to speak to him. “Are you sure you’re okay with this? I don’t want you getting overwhelmed again.”
“M’sure. M’feelin’ happy today,” he says, beaming excitedly as if to convince him.
“Alright,” Aizawa nods. “Just take it easy, okay?”
“M’kay.”
“Bakubaby!” Mina squeals from the couch. She lifts her arms in the air. “Come see me!”
“Hi, Mimi,” He greets, swaying shyly from side to side. She giggles stands up to ruffle his hair.
“Once everyone’s awake, we’re gonna make a big breakfast to share. Do you wanna help?”
“Oh, he’s a little younger than usual,” Eijirou warns her. “I’m not sure if cooking is gonna be the best activity for him.”
“But I wanna!” He whines, knitting his brow.
“He doesn’t have to do any cooking,” Sero says. “What about we put you two in charge of making the hot chocolate?”
“Cocoa!” Katsuki gasps, nodding. “I wan’ do that! Can I, Kiri? P’eaaaase?”
“Haha, I don’t see why not,” Eijirou chuckles, walking over and pulling them both down to the sofa. “We have to wait for everyone though, okay? That way we know how many cups to make.”
“I wan’ mine in my baba,” he says, snuggling into Eijirou’s neck. “An’ ex’ra ‘shmellos.”
“‘Shmellos?’”
“Marshmallows,” Aizawa chuckles. “Not too many, Katsuki. You’ll get sick.”
“Nuh uh!”
“Yeah huh.”
“Okaaay,” he huffs, crossing his arms. “But still get ex’ra, ‘kay Daddy?”
“I don’t know why you bother,” Yamada chuckles. “You’re a big ol’ pushover, Sho.”
“You’re worse,” Aizawa grumbles.
- - -
“Todo wan’s whip cream on ‘is!” Katsuki reminds Eijirou, swinging his feet from where he’s sitting on the counter. “An’ Satou wan’s ex’ra chocolate!”
“I thought this was supposed to be a team effort,” Eijirou whines, trying his best to remember the instructions. “Shouldn’t you be doing this too, ‘Suki?”
“No! I spill!”
“He has a fair point,” Kaminari snickers, trying his best to form a popcorn ball. “The kitchen’s messy enough as is.”
“Get out of here with your logic, man. I’m being worked to the bone!”
Once Eijirou’s made everyone their beverages, Katsuki holds his hand and helps him hand them out to everyone.
“Here, Izu!” He chirps when they reach Izuku. “It h-has the, um. The thing you like!”
“Peppermint extract,” Eijirou supplies for him.
“Aww, you remembered! Thank you, Kacchan!” He smiles and takes a sip, then reaches out to pet Katsuki’s head. “It’s perfect.”
Katsuki’s grin is blinding.
- - -
“And then you cut that corner- No, right here,” Momo instructs gently. “And just keep repeating that, and when it comes undone, you’ll have a paper snowflake!”
“Jus’ cut it?”
“You’ve never done this before?” Kaminari asks, tilting his head.
“Kacchan was never big on arts and crafts when we were little,” Izuku says. “And Auntie Mitsuki wasn’t super big on decorating.”
“Le’s not talk ‘bout Mama,” Katsuki says quickly, frowning a little bit. He opens his paper. “Look! It’s a snowflake!”
It’s more like a square with a couple holes in it, but they hang it up on the tree anyways.
- - -
“Is that Santa?” Satou asks, peering at Katsuki’s gingerbread cookie.
“No,” he snickers. “Santa’s hair is white, silly. S’Daddy. See? S’got his scarf!”
“Oh, I gotcha. Why is he wearing red?”
“‘Cause the black is gone,” he mumbles, knitting his brow in concentration.
Satou looks over and sees Jirou designing a Jack Skellington cookie, and he chuckles.
“Well, I think it still looks like him... sorta. It’s really good for a first try!”
“M’gonna make Kiri, too,” Katsuki informs him. “An’ Papa, an’ Eri, an’ Izu...”
“What about me?” A deep voice asks. Katsuki gasps and twirls around, grinning.
“Bubba! You’re ‘wake!”
“I am,” he laughs, wrapping Katsuki in a hug. “Merry Christmas, little man.”
“Mer’ Chris’as!” He shouts, voice muffled by Hitoshi’s shirt. “You wan’ see the cookie I made, Bubba?”
“Sure,” he nods, peeking behind him. “Oh, nice job. Is that Dad?”
Katsuki gives Satou a look that says ‘I told you so.’ He holds up his hands and chuckles.
- - -
“Hey, kiddo,” Eijirou says, pausing the movie Katsuki’s watching. “It’s dinner time.”
“Mm,” Katsuki whines, rubbing his eyes. “I wan’ watch Rudolph...”
“You can, buddy. We just gotta grab some food, okay? Everyone’s just gonna grab some dinner and then we’re coming right back.”
“I-I don’ wanna go to dinner,” he says, eyes suddenly wide and scared. “I wanna stay here. M’not hungry, p’womise.”
“Oh, honey, you don’t have to eat in the cafeteria,” he explains, reaching out to rub his shoulder. “Everyone’s just grabbing bento boxes that Lunch Rush made up and heading back here to finish the movie. Alright?”
“Oh,” Katsuki sighs. “Okay.”
Eijirou carries Katsuki all the way to the cafeteria and back, and then feeds him as he finishes up the movie. A few of their classmates smile fondly at the caring gesture, but no one makes any comments. They all seem to have caught on that this Christmas is likely the best one Katsuki’s ever had, and none of them want to mess it up for him.
After a while, though, they notice his head starting to bob, his eyelids growing heavy as he struggles to stay awake. He curls up closer to Eijirou and sticks his thumb in his mouth, eyes barely open as he watches the film.
Aizawa smiles when he sees how sleepy the boy is, nudging Yamada so he sees the scene unfold. Eri stirs from where she’s sitting in his lap, practically asleep already.
“Hey guys,” Yamada says quietly, alerting the students’ attention. “After this movie’s over, it’s time to head to your rooms, alright?”
“Aww,” Kaminari whines. “But it’s Christmas!”
“I’m getting a little sleepy,” Shouto admits.
“Me too,” Mina agrees. “But maybe one more movie? It’s still pretty early.”
“Yeah, come on! One more!” Sero says.
“Alright, one more. But I don’t want anyone sleeping in the living room,” Aizawa says, giving Eijirou a look. The redhead furrows his brow before looking down and laughing.
“Hey, ‘Suki,” he whispers, nudging his friend’s cheek. “You’re drooling on me, kiddo.”
“Huh?” Katsuki startles awake, rubbing his eye with his fist. “Oh. S’bedtime?”
“For you? Definitely,” he chuckles, pulling him into his lap before standing up. “C’mon, let’s say goodnight to everyone.”
After he waves goodbye to his friends and hugs his family goodnight, he wraps himself around Eijirou and rests his head on his shoulder, yawning loudly.
“I wan’ cocoa,” he mumbles, smacking his lips.
“Aw, it’s a little too late for that,” Eijirou says. “You shouldn’t have sugary right before you go to sleep, it’s not good for you.”
“... Oh, let him,” Aizawa says. Everyone turns to him with a shocked look “What? It’s a special occasion. He can have a treat.”
“‘You’re worse, ‘Zashi,’” Yamada mocks under his breath, snorting. “There’s no denying your pushover status now, babe.”
“Whatever. You try saying no to that face.”
Eijirou chuckles at his teachers’ antics before taking Katsuki into the kitchen.
“You want it in your bottle again?” He asks.
“Mm,” Katsuki nods, letting his eyes slip shut again. Eijirou raises a brow.
“Are you gonna fall asleep before you have your hot chocolate, ‘Suki?”
“Y’gotta feed it t’me,” he mumbles, sticking his thumb in his mouth. “An’ extra ‘shmellows. Don’ forget.”
“I won’t,” he laughs.
Later that night, with his belly full of hot cocoa, Pochi crushed to his chest, a pacifier between his lips, and Eijirou’s arms around him, Katsuki feels more at peace than he ever has on Christmas.
Notes:
Woo hoo I did it!! Sorry if there’s lots of mistakes, I really wanted to get it uploaded in time so I didn’t beta read it >.< I’ll try to go through and fix any obvious errors soon!
I hope that you all had a lovely Christmas to those that celebrate, and if you don’t then I hope you had a lovely day!! More chapters coming soon <3
Chapter 68: Rule-Breaker (w/ Dadzawa + Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Katsuki feels like being a little bratty today.
Notes:
CWs: implied past child abuse, unsanitary (graphic wetting scene), non-physical punishment (non-s*xual too, ik that’s obvious but it feels important to disclose it), bad mental health, accidental self-h*rm (nothing graphic)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The second Katsuki stomps into the cafeteria in the morning, Aizawa knows something is up.
He gives Eijirou a quizzical look, but the redhead just shrugs, looking more than a little frazzled as he quickly catches up to his friend.
He knows something is up, but he doesn’t know exactly what until homeroom starts.
With a defiant pout on his face, Katsuki sits at his seat, carefully setting up his notebook, pencils, and... multiple stuffed animals and toys. Aizawa raises a brow, frowning.
“Katsuki, come see me,” he says, waving him over. Katsuki makes a big show of rolling his eyes and huffing before slowly dragging his feet to the front of the classroom.
“What.”
“Honey, why do you have your toys at your desk? You know it’s not allowed.” Katsuki rolls his eyes again and shrugs. “If you’re having a small day, you’re welcome to grab a sensory toy from the basket.”
“No. Those aren’t fun.”
“You can’t play in class, kiddo. You’ll get too distracted. How are you gonna learn if you’re fooling around with Pochi?”
“Dunno.”
“Katsuki...”
It’s been a very long time since he last got like this; all defiant and sassy. And while Aizawa doesn’t appreciate the attitude, he knows that this is likely just because Katsuki woke up on the wrong side of the bed. He could fight it and put up with the resulting headache, or he could let this bad mood pass and wait patiently for the inevitable apology when he goes back to his normal, sweet self.
Well. Maybe ‘sweet’ isn’t the right word.
“Fine,” he sighs, tapping his fingers against the desk. “Go, play. But you better pay attention, alright? Or I’m confiscating all that.”
“... Ugh,” Katsuki groans, throwing his head back dramatically before storming back to his desk. He shoots one last glare at Aizawa before pulling Pochi into his lap and beginning to build a little structure with his blocks.
Whatever. As long as he’s happy and paying attention.
... Perhaps ‘happy’ isn’t the right word, either.
Class goes... fine. Regardless of his fatherly instincts, Aizawa has twenty kids to take care of, not just one. And those other nineteen kids are surprisingly cooperative for once! They listen, stay quiet, take all their notes, and answer when they’re asked a question. Not always correctly, but at least they’re trying.
Katsuki does not take notes. He sits there with a grumpy look on his face, hugging Pochi and building little towers on his desk. Thankfully, none of the surrounding students seem especially distracted by this, and Hitoshi even picks up his slack and writes an extra pair of notes for him to look over later.
Before he can storm off to his next class, Aizawa beckons him over once more.
“I wasn’t bad,” Katsuki says immediately, glaring at the floor. Aizawa shakes his head.
“No, you weren’t. That’s not why I called you over,” he says lightly. “I just think that... if you’re having an extra small day, maybe you should go back to the dorms with Kirishima. Or you’re welcome to stay here with me while I grade papers. I’m free until lunch, I just can’t leave campus. Does that sound good?”
“No,” he hisses, crossing his arms. “M’not.”
“‘Not’ what, bud?”
“M’not too small,” he says defiantly.
Well. Aizawa can’t argue with that. He doesn’t seem to have slipped into a younger headspace than usual. If anything, he seems MORE coherent than normal. He’s just... a little bratty today, he supposes.
“If you’re sure-“
“Yes, I am,” he insists, although his tone is less informative and more mocking.
“... Katsuki, is everything alright?” He asks seriously, reaching his hand out to touch his elbow. “Did someone say something to upset you? Are you feeling alright?”
“I’m FINE,” he growls, jerking back away from his touch. “Jus’ leave me ALONE!”
“... Okay,” he nods. “If you need space, that’s okay. I’ll check in with you later, alright?”
The tardy bell rings, and Katsuki rolls his eyes for what seems like the millionth time today.
“Great,” he huffs, clearly annoyed that he’s late for his next class. He spins on his heel once again and stomps out of the room.
Well then.
- - -
“Bakugou, stop pressing down so hard,” Shouto suggests lightly. “You’re going to break your pencil.”
“Yes, take your time,” Midnight says, looking over his shoulder. “A light sketch would do you just fine, kid.”
Katsuki growls lowly in his throat and starts pressing down even harder.
SNAP.
“Dammit!”
Shouto’s eyes widen a little bit at his use of a curse word. He’d figured Katsuki was regressed with the way he’s been acting, but if he’s swearing, it might be a different story.
“Watch your language, buddy,” Eijirou reminds him lightly.
Katsuki glares up from where he’s hunched over his sketchbook, straightens his posture, tilts his head challengingly, and makes direct eye contact with Eijirou.
“Fuck fuck fuck shit fuck.”
In any other context, that would have half the class bursting out in laughter, but now it brings a heavy silence over the room. Eijirou blushes red with embarrassment and gives Katsuki the best ‘listen-to-me’ look he can muster.
“‘Suki, that wasn’t very nice.”
“So what?” He scoffs, resuming his scribbling with a new pencil. “S’not like ‘m gonna get in trouble for it.”
“Hey,” Eijirou says sternly. “That’s not true.”
“Yes, it is,” Katsuki hisses, staring him down.
“... I...” Eijirou looks bewildered, cheeks ruddy as his eyes go wide. “... Um..”
“Damn, he told you,” Sero snickers. Katsuki blows a raspberry at him.
“Did you two get into a fight or something?” Mina questions quietly, touching Eijirou’s hand.
“No,” he shakes his head. “He’s just... angry today, I guess. He gets like that sometimes.”
“Well, yeah, but he’s not usually so mean...”
“He’s just in a bad mood. It’s fine.” He sighs a little bit through his nose. “I keep trying to get him to come back to the dorms with me... I feel like I could make him feel better if he’d let me take care of him, but he just won’t cooperate.”
“Just keep a close eye on him, big guy,” she frowns sympathetically, reaching out to rub his back. “He’ll be alright. All you gotta do is get him through the school day, then you can go back to the dorms and baby him all you want.”
“I know,” he nods. “I just wish I knew what was going on in his head... I hope he’s okay.”
Katsuki tenses as if he heard that, but doesn’t bite back or anything. He just presses down harder, ignoring Midnight’s disappointed ‘tsk.’
- - -
“Hey, sweetheart,” Aizawa greets, bending down. Katsuki grunts, mouth full of rice. “How are we doing? Feeling any better yet?”
When Katsuki doesn’t respond he looks to Eijirou for confirmation, who shakes his head.
“... Do you want to sit with me for lunch?” He asks, placing a hand on Katsuki’s shoulder.
“No.”
“Okay. Well, if you need me, you know where to go,” he says softly. Katsuki huffs.
“I won’t.”
Aizawa bites his lip momentarily, as if he wants to say something else, but respects Katsuki’s wishes and walks away.
“... So,” Kaminari clears his throat, breaking the silence. “Did... you guys hear that Kendou broke Monoma’s nose yesterday?”
“No way. Really?” Sero asks.
“Dude, yeah,” Eijirou snorts. “I don’t know what his problem is. He should know by now not to taunt his opponents.”
“Ugh, that laugh of his,” Mina whines.
“Oh, I know. Nightmarish,” Kaminari snorts.
“Shut up!” Katsuki shouts suddenly, banging his fist against the table. The group quiets down again, staring at him.
“... Kiddo, if you want to sit somewhere quiet, you should probably go with your dad,” Eijirou points out softly. “I’m sure he’d be happy to spend some time with you.”
“I don’t WANNA.”
“Well, bud, you can’t expect us to just eat here in silence because you’re feeling a little irritated today,” he tries to explain. “We’re perfectly okay if you don’t feel like talking while you’re sitting with us, but we do feel like talking. Do you understand?”
“Leave me alone!” He exclaims, squeezing his eyes shut. Eijirou winces, frowning.
“Honey-“
“LEAVE! ME! ALONE!”
He punctuates each word by hitting himself on the head with closed fists, hard. Eijirou gasps and reaches forward, trying to get him to stop, but Katsuki threads his hands in hair in a way that makes it impossible for him to pull them away without hurting his scalp.
“Baby boy, we don’t hurt ourselves. That’s a rule, remember?” Katsuki sniffles loudly, and Eijirou’s shoulders sag. He sighs and walks around the table, sitting down next to him. “Can I give you a hug? Would that help?”
The blonde lets out a quiet sob, but shakes his head, sliding away from Eijirou and standing.
“M’sitting with my Daddy now,” he says shakily, taking a deep breath before rushing over to where Aizawa is sitting.
Eijirou groans and buries his face in his hands.
He has no idea how to help.
- - -
“You’re positive you’re up for training today?” Aizawa asks. Katsuki nods. “Okay. You know you’re still not allowed to use your quirk, right? I know you’re feeling older right now, but you’re still not in the right frame of mind to be letting of any explosions.”
“That’s dumb.”
“Well, those are the rules, kiddo.” He ruffles his hair. “Hey, why don’t you get a head start on your classmates and get ready? That way you can pair up with Kirishima before Kaminari snatches him again.”
“Hmph,” Katsuki breathes, a little smile finally turning up the corners of his mouth. “Okay.”
It’s a good plan, he thinks. It’ll give Katsuki some time to adjust before all his classmates file in instead of being stuck in the crowd like normally. Plus, if Eijirou shows up early like he normally does, they might be able to talk things out before training starts.
It seems like a good plan, until he realizes who else shows up early.
“Hey, Kacchan! Did you want to pair up today? I’ve been training with Uraraka-san lately, but it’s be great to go with you if you wanna!”
“No.”
“Shit,” Aizawa mutters to himself.
“Is Young Bakugou...” All Might makes a vague gesture, searching for the right words. “... Having an episode of sorts?”
“Of sorts,” he grunts. All Might nods.
“Okay, then.”
“We could practice with black whip again! That way we could both-“
“Shut UP, Deku.”
“Should we intervene?” All Might whispers.
“Katsuki,” Aizawa calls out. “Why don’t you come stand with me. Please.”
Katsuki’s cheeks flush bright red, and he pinches his face up before turning to Izuku.
“WHY COULDN’T YOU JUST SHUT UP?!” He screeches, throwing an explosion in his direction. Izuku squeaks and ducks down to avoid it, but the damage is already done.
“KATSUKI.” Aizawa seethes, subconsciously activating his quirk so his hair and scarf wave around in the air intimidatingly. He doesn’t mean to, but even if he hadn’t, everyone in the room would have been able to see the rage rolling off of him in waves anyways.
Katsuki stares at him wide-eyed for a moment before crossing his arms stubbornly.
“It was his fault.”
“How was that my fault?” Izuku mutters, his brow twitching in annoyance.
“I don’t think you’re in the right mindset to participate in training today,” Aizawa says sternly. “Go to the locker rooms, take a shower, calm down, and then come sit out here with me.”
“I don’t w-!”
“It doesn’t matter if you want to or not, Katsuki, I’m telling you to do it. Now.”
An awkward tension settles over the four of them, and Katsuki grits his teeth and shoots one last glare at Aizawa before storming off.
Whatever, training is stupid anyways. Especially if he was gonna be stuck with stupid Deku!
... He does kinda wish Aizawa hadn’t drawn so much attention to his punishment, though. That was pretty embarrassing...
By the time he reaches the locker room, he’s upset with pretty much everything and everyone, so he returns Eijirou’s greeting with,
“Go away, I gotta go to the bathroom.”
Which he does, kinda, but he mostly just says it to get him to leave him alone.
Unfortunately for him, all the bathroom stalls are currently being occupied by people changing it into their hero outfits, so he doesn’t get much of a change to relieve his bladder. On the bright side, though, he gets to sit on a bench and stare angrily at the ground.
So. There’s that.
He’s not really sure when everyone filters out of the locker room, but he knows that he’s been sitting down for long enough that he really, really has to go by the time he realizes he’s alone again.
It’s really not a big deal, except when he stands up and darts into the nearest stall he starts going a little bit, and then when he closes the door he starts going a lot, and by the time the door is locked he’s had a full blown accident, so it is kind of a big deal.
He doesn’t know what to do. He’s not a baby, he KNEW he had to go, he was just so angry that he ended up putting it off for too long and now he’s shaking and dirty and humiliated.
So he does what any kid would do in his situation.
His wet clothes get shoved into his locker, and he grabs his sweatpants from his duffel bag before jumping into the shower and cleaning himself up. He feels upset and very angry with himself, but he’s felt angry with himself all day anyways, and at least no one will know.
He hates having accidents when he’s old enough to prevent them.
“‘Suki? Are you in the shower, honey?”
No! No no no no no, why can’t ANYTHING go his way today, why-
“Um, Aizawa Sensei explained what happened! There’s not enough people for me to pair up with someone if you’re gone, so I was thinking maybe after you get out we could go back to the dorms?”
Ugh.
“I can go myself!”
“I know, but it just makes sense for me to come with you, you know? We don’t have to hang out or anything, I just want to make sure you get back alright!”
Katsuki doesn’t respond to that, so Eijirou starts to get changed into his after-school clothes. Maybe after he makes sure Katsuki’s alright he’ll do a workout in his room. Or if he’s feeling up to it, maybe they could do one together! That could probably do him some good. Maybe it’ll help with his sour mood.
As he gets changed, he notices that Katsuki’s set aside his after-school clothes to change into as well. Maybe he’ll be up to hanging out after all! If he can help cheer him up before Aizawa gets done with training, it’d change the mood of this whole day, and by the time dinner rolls around everything will be okay again!
Except...
“Hey, ‘Suki, did you grab a shirt?”
“I-I’m just wearing my costume shirt!” He says quickly, almost sounding panicked. Eijirou furrows his brow.
“That’s too restrictive! Here, I’ll grab your t-shirt for you-“
“WAIT!”
The shower turns off abruptly as he reaches inside the blonde’s duffle bag, and Katsuki hastily wraps a towel around himself and dives out, but the damage is already done.
Eijirou’s face contorts with a cringe, and then his brow furrows in realization.
“... Why did you hide it?” He asks softly.
“S-Stop,” he whines, snatching the bag away from him and clutching it to his chest.
“That’s a rule, kiddo. You aren’t supposed to do that. That makes things dirty and germy, and you can make yourself sick. Now we’re going to have to disinfect your bag and everything.” He frowns. “You’ve been breaking lots of rules today, ‘Suki.”
“Stop!”
“You...” Eijirou trails off momentarily, taking in Katsuki’s cloudy, panicked eyes and shaking figure. “... What’s wrong?”
“Noth-“
“Just tell me,” he says, exasperated. “You’ve been acting out all day. I understand that you sometimes forget your rules, but a lot of it felt deliberate today, honestly. Why are you doing this? Are we not paying enough attention to you? Tell me what’s going on, honey.”
As he talks, he reaches out to rub Katsuki’s shoulder, and finally, he lets him.
He doesn’t know what to say, really. He just woke up this morning feeling... bad. His head was too loud, too mean, like all of his goodness was sucked out overnight and he was left with his anger and nothing else.
So he acted out. Some of it was on purpose, like playing in class this morning, and lying to Daddy when he asked him if he was okay, and swearing at his carer to be a brat. But some of it just HAPPENED, like his freak outs at lunch and with Izuku, and his accident.
All it did was prove to himself that he really is as bad as he feels.
“I d-don’t... feel good,” he finally admits quietly, his lip wobbling a bit. “I feel mean...”
“... Oh.” Eijirou pulls him closer and rubs a thumb over his cheek. “Well, we can fix that, right? Do you want to apologize to everyone? Would that make you feel better?”
“Mm-mn,” he shakes his head, feeling more vulnerable by the second. “I... um.”
“It’s okay,” Eijirou assures him. “You can tell me.”
Katsuki finally meets his gaze with wide, teary eyes and flushed cheeks.
“W-What happens when I break the rules?” He asks. “I d-don’t wanna... get hit.”
It seems the reality of his actions has finally caught up with him, and now he’s terrified at the prospect of consequence. He’s never broken the rules like this before! He doesn’t know what happens! The worst punishment he’s ever gotten was having to clean his room..
“No one’s gonna hit you, baby,” Eijirou says earnestly, pulling him into a hug. Katsuki finally breaks, tears slipping down his face and staining Eijirou’s shirt. The duffel bag falls to the ground as he returns the embrace. “We’ll figure something out, I promise, but there’s no need for you to get hit. We would never.”
“B-But-! I’s bad, I was r-really bad today-“
“Shh, it’s okay,” he whispers, stroking the back of his head. “No one’s perfect, kiddo. Everyone has bad days. It’s alright.”
Once Katsuki calms down and Eijirou helps him get dressed (the act being a bit too difficult for him as he slips further into his headspace), he takes his hand and leads him back out to the training arena to explain the situation to Aizawa.
“He feels really guilty about everything,” Eijirou tells him. As if to accentuate his point, Katsuki buries his face in his shoulder and sniffles loudly. “I’m going to take him back to the dorms since he’s feeling a little younger now, but he wants to know what he should do to make it up to everyone.”
“... I think Hizashi wrote up a list of punishments in Katsuki’s notebook a while back,” he says thoughtfully. “Is that what you were thinking of, Katsuki?”
“... No hitting,” he whispers. Aizawa nods.
“Never ever,” he promises. “It’s probably just stuff like writing lines or doing chores. We’d never hurt you, and we’d never take away anything that you need. Okay?”
“... O-Okay,” he nods, sighing shakily.
- - -
“Top right drawer, orange spiral notebook,it should be right after his rules page,” Yamada’s voice rings out through the speaker. “They’re rated from least to most severe, but I’d have him help you pick it out just in case.”
“Alright, thank you Sensei,” Eijirou says. “I’ll keep in touch?”
“Please don’t, I have my show to host-“
He clicks the ‘end call’ button without meaning to, wincing.
“Oops.”
Katsuki giggles a little, although it seems half-hearted with his puffy eyes and red nose.
Eijirou makes quick work of finding the list, and once he does, he sits on the bed and starts to read it aloud to his friend.
“Okay... ‘no milk at bedtime, early bedtime, no tablet, writing lines, or a time-out,’” he lists off. “What do you think, kiddo? Do any of those sound good?”
“All of ‘em,” Katsuki nods, biting down on the tip of his thumb. Eijirou chuckles.
“Well, I’m glad they all sound good, but which one do you feel like you need today?”
“All,” he says again, looking up at Eijirou with wide eyes. “I need all of ‘em.”
“Oh, ‘Suki, no,” he shakes his head. “That’s too much to put on you, baby. I know you acted out today, but it was your first time, you don’t need to be punished that badly.”
“Kiri,” he whines, clenching his jaw. “All!”
“No,” he says sternly. “How about this? You can pick two reasonable punishments, but that’s it. Not all of them.”
“Four.”
“Two.”
“Four!”
“Two.”
“ALL!”
“Okay, okay, compromise,” he sighs. “Three. But I get to pick one of them, alright?”
“... ‘Kay,” Katsuki nods. That seems reasonable to him. “Lines an’ time-out.”
“I- ... fine,” Eijirou sighs, deciding to ignore the fact that he chose the harshest two punishments for himself. “Then I choose early bedtime. You need some extra sleep, I think.”
“Wha’ time?”
“Well... you go to bed pretty early already. How about eight instead of eight-thirty?”
“Won’t be sleepy.”
“I’ll lay with you until you are,” he promises. “Does that sound like a plan?”
Katsuki seems to think for a moment, then nods, sticking his thumb in his mouth. Eijirou smiles and reaches out to pull it away.
“Do you want your binky for this?”
He nods again, and Eijirou gets up to grab his pacifier. After Katsuki has his comfort object, he moves to the desk and sets up a piece of paper and a pen for him to write with.
“Write each rule three times,” he decides. “‘I will not use my quirk, I will not hurt myself,’ and so on. Does that make sense?”
Katsuki nods and stands to sit at the desk, nervously tugging at his shirt as he does so. He takes his seat and immediately starts to write, scribbling away at the paper and twirling his hair anxiously as he does so.
About halfway through his lines, guilt starts to bubble up in his throat, and before he knows it, he’s blinking tears out of his eyes, trying desperately to both not cry and not blur his vision so he can still do his writing.
“Hey, are you alright?” Eijirou asks cautiously, reaching out to rub his back. “You don’t have to do this if it’s too much. You wanna stop?”
He shakes his head, because- no. He has to do this. He has to make up for how he acted. If he doesn’t follow through with this he’s going to feel even worse, and he already feels really, really bad as is. So no, absolutely not.
“Alright,” he says softly. “Just let me know, okay? Don’t push yourself, bubba.”
By the time he’s finished with his lines, he’s weepy and snotty and he feels so sorry, but the tightness in his chest is a little less painful, so he’s not backing out.
“You ready for your time-out?” Eijirou asks. He nods, sniffing and rubbing his eyes. “Okay, honey. Where do you want to go? The bed?”
“Mm-mm.”
“No? Where, then?” Katsuki points to the corner of the room, and Eijirou frowns. “You want to have time-out in the corner?”
“Y-Yes.”
“... Okay,” he mumbles. “Standing or sitting?”
“Standin’. But...” He fiddles with his shirt nervously. “... I wanna hold Pochi.”
“Okay, hon. I’ll grab him for you.”
Once Katsuki has his teddy bear, he goes to stand in the corner, sniffling all the while.
“Five minutes,” Eijirou tells him. “That’s all, and then you can come out. Are you sure you don’t want to sit down? I can grab you a chair.”
“No,” Katsuki shakes his head.
“Okay,” he nods. “I’ll set a timer.”
“Five?”
“Just five minutes. Promise.”
By the time Katsuki’s five minutes are up, he’s worked himself up again, sobbing with a mixture of guilt and relief from paying his debt.
“Oh, kiddo,” Eijirou clicks his tongue as he guides him to the bed, pulling him down into his lap and rocking him back and forth. “I know, baby. I know. Are you okay?”
And, surprisingly... yes. He is. That was monumentally better than the punishments he actually got as a child, and he feels a lot lighter now and a LOT less mean. He needed that little reset to get back on track.
And, also, to finally fully slip into his usual headspace.
“M’okay,” he whimpers, sniffling. “Jus’ s-sorry.”
“Well, you can tell everyone you’re sorry later,” he assures him. “In the meantime, I think it’s time for you to get comfy, hm? Why don’t we change you into some better clothes and you can have a snack and watch your show while I clean out your bag? Does that sound good?”
Katsuki nods, rubbing his eyes. Eijirou kisses his forehead and puts his hands around his waist to move him off his lap, but the blonde stops him before he gets the chance.
“M-More snuggles,” he says softly, sobs still hitching his breath. “Jus’ a li’l more. P-p’ease.”
“Oh, honey,” Eijirou breathes, holding the back of his head to his neck. “Of course. That can wait. I’ll stay with you for now.”
- - -
“Hey, little listener,” Yamada greets tiredly, resting a hand on Katsuki’s head.
“Hi Papa,” Katsuki mumbles around a carrot stick. “M’watchin’ some Sanrio.”
“Oh? I heard you were naughty today.”
“... Mhm. Sorry,” he frowns, setting down his snack. “Kiri helped me do my lines an’ time-out, an’ I got a early bedtime.”
“Did you learn your lesson?” He asks.
“Yes...”
“Well, good. That’s what matters,” he says, leaning down to kiss his head. “Where is Kirishima, anyways?”
“Cleanin’... a mess.”
“A mess?”
“Mhm,” he nods, avoiding eye contact.
“... Alright, then,” he chuckles softly. “I’ll sit with you until he gets back.”
“M’kay.”
When he sits down on the couch, Katsuki rests his head on his shoulder and resumes eating his carrot sticks.
By the time Eijirou gets back, he’s snoring loudly, one arm around his son.
- - -
The second Aizawa walks into the common room, Katsuki jumps up and rushes towards him, squeezing him into a tight hug.
“M’sorry, Daddy,” he whimpers, crushing his face against his chest. Aizawa smiles.
“That’s alright, sweetheart,” he says, bending down to pick him up. “Did you do your punishment with Kirishima?”
“Mhm.”
“Did you say sorry to him?”
“Yes...”
“Well, then I think you only owe Midoriya an apology now,” he says, poking his nose. “Why don’t we go find him? Does that sound good?”
“Yeah,” he nods seriously. “I have to... be sorry to him an’ give him hugs.”
“That’s right,” he chuckles, looking down at Eijirou. “Kirishima, I’m taking my kid now. Thanks for taking care of him.”
“You know I don’t mind,” he grins. “See you later, ‘Suki! Be good for your dad!”
“Bye-bye, Kiri,” Katsuki waves.
It doesn’t take them long to find Izuku (who’s walking back from class with Ochako), but when they do, Katsuki wiggles out of Aizawa’s arms and races towards him.
“I’m sorry, Izu!” He exclaims, wrapping his arms around him tight. “M’sorry for makin’ ‘splosions at you! You ‘kay?”
“Oh, I’m okay, bug,” he giggles, petting his head. “Thank you for apologizing, though! Are you being a good boy now?”
“Mhm, I am,” he nods.
“Wow! That’s great!” He holds up his hand to offer him a high-five. Katsuki smiles and pulls away to smack his hand. “Nice job, bug!”
“Nice job, Izu!”
Izuku laughs at Katsuki’s excited behavior, and ruffles his hair again.
“Uraraka and I are gonna go study now, okay? I’ll see you around, Kacchan.”
“‘Kay! See you, Izu!”
After waving goodbye, he skips back to Aizawa and lifts his arms in the air to signify his desire to be picked up again.
“You seem happy now,” he points out, pushing back his hair. “You feel better now that you’ve apologized to everyone?”
“Mhm. But m’sleepy,” he says, accentuating this by bouncing on his toes to remind Aizawa of his want.
“Alright, alright,” he chuckles, crouching down to hold him at his hip again. “Why don’t we go take a nap with Papa? That way you won’t be sleepy anymore.”
“I got’sa early bedtime,” he reminds him, rubbing his eyes with his fist.
“Well, we’re both tired, so that means we should rest. Remember?” He runs a hand through his hair. “You don’t have to be asleep earlier, anyways, just in bed. I’ll give you some chamomile tea in your sippy later to make you nice and sleepy. Sound good?”
“Okay,” he yawns, resting his head against his shoulder. “W’uv you.”
“I love you too, sweetheart.”
Notes:
OKAY SO i started writing this bc i had to write lines for the first time a few days ago + i wanted to write a chapter on punishments and then i remembered that it was an actual request!! so yay me :DDD
as always i hope ur doing well and ily all sm!! <3
Chapter 69: Kiss It Better (w/ Big Bro Izu + Dadzawa)
Summary:
A group of rookie villains attempt to sneak onto UA campus.
Notes:
CWs: disordered eating (not intentionally), physical injuries, fainting spells, references to katsuki’s kidnapping, and heavy anxiety themes
for the prompt: “physically hurt.”
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Deku, to your left!” Ochako shouts, tying the villain she took down with some of Sero’s tape. Izuku’s head whips to the left just in time to have a foot impact with his face.
He flies backwards, landing on his butt as blood pools in his mouth. Damn it. He must have bit down as he fell.
He doesn’t let it bother him, though, because he’s back up again within a second, charging towards the villain as green lightning flickers around him, and lands a swift kick to his chest, sufficiently taking him down.
“Was that the last of them?” He shouts out as he restrains the unconscious man.
“Deku,” Sero calls to him, eyes wide. “There’s a problem. It’s Ochako... she fainted.”
“Oh no! Is she alright?”
“Yeah, she probably just didn’t eat enough, but we need to get her back to the dorms. We can’t just leave her lying there while we wait for the authorities to show up...”
Izuku glances around at the pro heroes gathering up the rookie villains that stupidly attempted to infiltrate the UA campus. They’ve got this covered. He and Sero can afford to take their friend back to the dorms before they make their statements.
“Alright,” he nods. “Let’s go.”
- - -
“Wha’s all the noise?” Katsuki whines fearfully. Aizawa shushes him gently and pulls him in close.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. It’ll be over soon.”
“S’goin’ on?!”
Aizawa received the alert while he was grading papers. Katsuki was asleep in bed behind him, opting to settle for an early bedtime after a long day of stressful training and putting off regressing for grade’s sake. His father had made sure to feed him some pork buns before brushing his teeth and changing him into pajamas, but the blonde was basically dead on his feet from the moment training ended to the moment he finally crashed, pacifier in his mouth and teddy bear crushed to his chest tightly.
As for the intruder alert, Aizawa’s instructions were to keep the dorms on lockdown, make sure no one left their rooms or went onto their balconies, and let no one in.
That’s fine and all, but putting Heights Alliance on lockdown means that a loud alarm goes off, complete with a pre-recorded message from Nezu playing every minute, which both woke Katsuki up and put him into panic mode.
So he’s patrolling the dorms in the dark with a crying teenage boy on his hip, trying his best to explain the situation without making his anxiety worsen whilst also trying his best to explain the situation to any roaming 1-A students without causing THEM to panic.
So when the alarm stops ringing and the lights turn back on, he’s beyond relieved.
Katsuki doesn’t stop crying immediately. Instead, he freezes up, and Aizawa can feel him trembling as he stares ahead with eyes as wide as saucers. He smiles at him.
“Hey, it’s alright. It’s all over now!”
“They got in?” Katsuki whispers, digging his nails into Aizawa’s shoulder.
“Oh, no, Katsuki,” he says emphatically, putting a hand on the back of his head and pulling him down into a hug. “That just means that it was taken care of. The bad guys didn’t get in.” Katsuki lets out a shaky sigh.
“Thought d’ey were comin’ to get me...”
“Oh baby, you don’t have to worry about that. We’re never letting anything like that happen again, to any of you kids. You’re safe with us,” he promises, rubbing the small of his back.
Just when he’s about to set Katsuki down and call everyone to the common room to smooth things over, his phone starts to ring.
“This is Eraserhead,” he greets.
“Hey Aizawa, it’s Higari,” Power Loader responds, sounding a bit winded. “We’ve got the situation handled, but some of your kids got caught up in the mix on their way back from the gym. Uraraka, Sero, and that Midoriya kid. No serious injuries, but Uraraka passed out, probably because of low blood sugar. The boys are helping her back now, just get some food in her and keep an eye on them until the cops show up. Capiche?”
“Of course Midoriya was involved,” he mutters under his breath, closing his eyes. “Yeah, I got it. Call me if you need anything else.”
“Izu’s ‘kay?” Katsuki asks worriedly at the mention of his friend. Aizawa sighs.
“He’s alright, don’t worry. Uraraka got a little dizzy while fighting the intruders, so he and Sero are helping her get back to us.” Katsuki presses his lips into a thin line, clearly still worried. “I’m going to make her some instant ramen while we wait. Do you want to help?”
“‘Raka’s hurt?!”
“No no, she just needs to eat, I promise,” he assures him. “So let’s go make her some-“
“Attention students of Class 1-A,” Nezu’s voice rings out over the intercom. “The harsh lockdown has been lifted for the time being. Please refrain from going onto your balconies or leaving Heights Alliance until further notice. Thank you for cooperating.”
Katsuki whimpers and clings to Aizawa tighter.
“Perfect,” he sighs, slumping a little.
It’s going to be a long night.
- - -
“Wha... Huh?” Ochako stirs, blinking her eyes open. “Huh? Wh’s goin’ on?”
“Heyyy, there she is,” Sero sighs with relief. “You kinda sorta fainted a little bit.”
“Fainted?” She questions, straightening up a little bit. She tries to shove the boy’s arms off of her. “Shoot, I gotta-“
“Woah, woah!” Izuku exclaims, catching her as she stumbles forward. “You gotta lean on us for support right now. You’re too unsteady.”
“Oh, Deku, your face...” she mumbles, allowing herself to lean against her friends again.
“It’s... no big deal,” he says.
“When was the last time you ate, Uraraka?” Sero asks, furrowing his brow. She blinks.
“Ah, I guess I got sidetracked...” She trails off before wincing. “... Yesterday at lunch?”
“Uraraka!” Izuku groans. “I’m going to start eating dinner with you every night. Kaachan says I need to get better at cooking anyways..”
“That’s really not necessary, I-“
“We’re here,” Sero interrupts them, pushing the doors open.
Immediately, Tsuyu pulls Ochako into a hug, easily catching her when she stumbles.
“You worried me, kero. What happened?”
“I passed out,” Ochako groans embarrassedly, standing up on wobbly legs.
“You three, in here!” Aizawa calls from the kitchen. Ochako sighs.
“Time to get yelled at...”
But Aizawa doesn’t yell at her. Instead, he hands her a bowl of ramen and a glass of juice and asks to talk with her in private.
“Uh...? Am I in trouble, Sensei?”
“Not at all,” he assures her, shaking his head. Then he sets Katsuki down at the table. “Why don’t you talk with Izu for a little bit, Katsuki.”
“But Daddy-...” He trails off when he sees the caked blood on Izuku’s chin and nasty bruise forming on the side of his cheek. A shocked gasp falls from his lips, and he scrambles into his friend’s lap, worriedly cupping his injured face. “Izu!! Wha’ happened?!”
As Izuku chuckles and starts to assure Katsuki that he’s alright, Aizawa guides Ochako away.
“I need you to be honest with me here,” he says quietly. “Is it a body image thing?”
“Is... what a body image thing?” She asks, furrowing her brow. He gestures to her bowl.
“The not eating.”
“Oh. Oh! No, no!” She laughs. “I-... er, I didn’t grow up with a lot of money, so I got kind of used to skipping meals. Sometimes I just need someone to remind me... Deku said he’d help with that, but I don’t want to burden him like that. I’ll just start writing it into my schedule!”
“While I’m glad it’s not a conscious decision,” he starts. “You really should have something to fall back on beyond your own reminders. You kids have enough on your plates already. I’ll make sure to personally notify you when mealtimes come around from now on.”
“That’s...” Her cheeks dust pink. “Thank you, Sensei. I’m sorry to make you do that.”
“It’s no problem,” he says, holding his hand up. “For right now, I’m the primary caregiver of everyone here. It’s my duty to make sure that my students stay safe. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. You can... wait in the common room or whatever until the cops show up. You know the drill,” he concludes, waving her off.
When he walks back into the kitchen, he’s not entirely sure he likes what he sees.
Katsuki is still in Izuku’s lap, but by now he’s fully sobbing, rubbing his thumbs over Izuku’s bruised face as the green-haired boy tries his best to calm him down with soft words and gentle touches. Aizawa sighs deeply.
“Katsuki, honey,” he says, crouching down next to them. “Why are you upset?”
“I-Izu’s so hurt!” He cries, eyes filled with worry. Izuku shakes his head.
“I promise it looks worse than it is,” Izuku says for what’s probably the hundredth time.
“People get hurt when they’re fighting bad guys, baby boy. You know that. It happens to every hero,” Aizawa reminds him. Katsuki’s lip starts wobbling with a newfound ferocity, and Izuku’s eyes widen.
“No no, don’t cry harder!” He pleads. “I promise I’m okay Kaachan, really!”
“B-Bu’ you got a really bad boo-boo!”
“Do you want to help me make Midoriya feel better?” Aizawa hurries, turning Katsuki face with his hand to take his eyes off of Izuku’s face. He sniffs loudly and nods.
“Uh huh.”
“Okay. Come here,” he says, outstretching his hand. Katsuki rubs at his eyes a little bit, but hops off of Izuku’s lap and takes it anyways. “I’m gonna make him some salt water, do you think you could stir it for me?”
“Y-Yes..”
So he pours a spoonful of salt into a warm glass of water, then hands Katsuki a plastic spoon so he can keep busy while he gets an ice pack and some ibuprofen for Izuku. Sero stands in the doorway and chuckles to himself the whole time, but Aizawa could care less about the opinion of a teenage boy, so ignores it for the most part.
(There’s a brief moment when he swears he hears Sero call him a “softie,” and he almost opens his mouth to defend himself, but he’s past the point of denying his softie status at this point if he’s being honest with himself.)
Once Midoriya has an ice pack on his face and some painkillers in his belly, Katsuki stops stirring and turns around to hand him the glass.
“F’you, Izu. To drink.”
“Ah- No,” Aizawa says quickly, blinking. “To swish and spit. To stop the bleeding in your mouth and clean it out.”
“To swish,” Katsuki corrects himself, shoving the glass forward. “To get better.”
“Thank you, Kaachan,” he says sweetly, taking the glass and standing over the sink so he can spit his bloody salt water down the drain.
“Y’all better?” Katsuki asks nervously when he’s done, wringing his hands together.
“I am!” Izuku confirms brightly, smiling up at him. “I’m all better! You fixed me right up.”
To his surprise, Katsuki’s face is contorted with horror and fear. His smile drops.
“What? What is it?”
“Um... you might have gotten a tooth knocked a little crooked in the front,” Aizawa explains, cringing. Izuku gasps. “It’s probably nothing, but we should probably have Recovery Girl take a look at it when she checks everyone up later. Just in case.”
“Is it gonna fall out?”
“No, no, I don’t think so. It’s just a little... wonky. That’s all.”
“His toof’s hurt!!” Katsuki wails, wrapping Izuku in a tight hug. “Y’not better!”
“Kaachan...” Izuku sighs, placing a hand on his friend’s head. “It doesn’t hurt. I didn’t even notice. Recovery Girl’s probably going to fix it if it’s any problem at all. Okay?”
“She’s gonna kiss it better?” Katsuki asks hopefully, tears wobbling in his eyes.
“She is,” he confirms, looking up at Aizawa, who nods in return. “I’m gonna be all better.”
“O-Okay,” he sniffles, releasing his grip on his friend, although he immediately switches to holding his hand. “Y’wanna sit wi’f Daddy an’ me while we wait for her to come?”
“Sure, Kaachan,” he smiles. “Sounds good.”
- - -
“... What’s this about?” Recovery Girl asks when she sees Katsuki sitting in Izuku’s lap, holding onto him in a way that tells her he won’t be letting go anytime soon.
“Sorry about that, he’s just super anxious right now,” Aizawa tries to explain. “Can you work around him? Most of Midoriya’s damage is in his face, anyways.” She sighs.
“The way this boy clings to his friends when he’s regressed, you think he’d be even half as touchy when he’s in his usual headspace,” she clicks her tongue, getting to work inspecting Izuku’s wounds. “Well, I can’t kiss your tooth better, and I don’t think this bruise is anything to worry about, but I’ll check for a concussion anyways.”
As she pulls out her flashlight, Katsuki frowns.
“Y’supposed to make his toof okay.”
“His tooth isn’t hurt, dearie,” she explains, shining the light into Izuku’s eyes. “If it were, I would fix it for him, but the change is purely cosmetic. It was likely a little loose already, but I’m not a dentist. You’re all clear, Midoriya.”
“But!” Katsuki protests, causing her to pause. “His smile’s funny now...” She chuckles at that.
“My smile’s funny too,” she says, using her tongue to pull down her dentures before clicking them back into place. Katsuki gasps in alarm, staring at her with wide eyes.
“Mine too,” Aizawa interjects lightly, pulling at his mouth to reveal a few gaps where teeth should be. “Like I said, it happens a lot in the field. It’s nothing to be afraid of, though.”
“I-I’m not scared! Izu is!” He insists, grabbing onto Izuku’s arm protectively. “S’okay to be scared, Izu! But she said you’re okay!”
“I heard, Kaachan,” he giggles. “I’m okay.”
“You FEEL okay?”
“I do.”
“Okay,” he sighs slumping a little bit.
“Oh, poor boy,” Recovery Girl coos, pulling a lollipop out of her bag and handing it to Katsuki before ruffling his hair fondly. “You’re very good for worrying about your classmate like that, young man. You’d make an excellent healer on the field. It takes hearts like yours.”
“... Thanks,” Katsuki mumbles shyly, popping the candy into his mouth with shaky hands. Aizawa clicks his tongue.
“Here, kiddo. Let’s get you a blanket and some water so you can calm down a little, okay?”
“C-Can Izu stay?” He requests, lifting his arms so his father can pick him up. Aizawa smiles.
“That’s up to him,” he says. “Are you up for a movie, Midoriya? You don’t have to.”
“I should probably shower first,” he admits, grinning sheepishly. “But after that, you can count on me being there Kaachan, promise!”
“‘Kay... but ONLY so you won’t smell.”
“Aw,” he whines, furrowing his brow. “Mean.”
- - -
When Katsuki was five years old, he was just starting to make friends outside of Izuku. Sure, he had admirers and all that, but it was only Izuku that he ever got close with before. Izuku was the one that came over for sleepovers, held his hand when they crossed the street, and kissed his knees when they got skinned.
But for the first time ever, other people were beginning to do that for him, too.
One day, Masaru picked him up from school and realized that he had a whole group of friends. On the ride home, he told Katsuki that he should invite all of them over for his birthday party the next week.
Katsuki was ecstatic.
He’d never had a big birthday party before!! It was always just his parents and grandma and Deku and his mom. Mama already had a talk with him about how Baba was too sick to celebrate with him this year, so he’d expected a smaller party than normal, not bigger!!
The day of, he got to wear a special birthday hat and blow out six candles on his favorite kind of cake. It’s the same as every other birthday party he’d had, except this time, he had eight gifts to open instead of three!
His parents got him clothes, like always. Baba sent him a card. His friends mostly got him toys; a rubber ball, stuff to make sandcastles, things like that. He saved Deku’s gift for last, because he promised him that he would.
... He got him a stuffed All Might.
“Wh- This is for babies!” He sputtered as he opened the gift, going red in the face. A few of his new friends snickered as he held the offending object by it’s leg.
“Katsuki,” Mitsuki snapped. “Don’t be a brat.”
“It’s not for babies!” Izuku insisted. “It’s a com-... cully-.... um..?”
“A collectible,” Inko finished for him.
“Yes,” Izuku nodded. “Cuh-blectible.”
Katsuki stared down at the plush. It was soft, and just the right size for hugging in his little arms. And he knew it must’ve cost a lot of money; special All Might stuff always did.
He really did like it. But he had people to impress, now. A reputation to uphold.
“I don’t care,” he muttered, tossing it aside. “It’s stupid. Let’s just go play now.”
And so they did.
But later that night, after he was all tucked in and tuckered out from the events of the day, he carefully climbed out of bed and padded over to his shelf, where Masaru put the plush.
It was a good stuffie. A really good stuffie. And Deku put a lot of thought into his gift.
He felt a little guilty for embarrassing him like that, so he slept with it that night. And the night after. And again, and again, until he could no longer pretend he was doing it out of obligation for his friend.
Nowadays, the All Might plush sits with all of his other stuffed animals: buried deep into his closet unless he’s regressed.
And tonight, he really needs it.
“C’you get All Might?” He asks Aizawa meekly, chewing on his blanket.
“He’s probably busy, bubs. Here, let me see that,” he says softly, tugging the fabric out of his mouth. “I’m gonna go get your binky.”
“I w-want All Might,” he hiccups, furrowing his brow like he might start crying again. Aizawa winces, not wanting to work him back up.
“What do you need All Might for? Maybe I can help instead,” he offers.
“Y’can’t!” He whines. “He’s s-special! Izu gave him to me for m-my bir’f’day!”
... Huh?
“Midoriya gave you All Might for your birthday?” He questions. Katsuki sniffs and nods. “Okay... Is this a pretend game?”
“No, s’real!” He insists, looking more anxious by the second. Aizawa shushes him gently and reaches out to rub his arms, attempting to ground him a little bit.
“It’s okay, I believe you,” he promises him. “Are you talking about All Might the teacher, or is it something else?”
“M-My All Might stuffie,” he finally explains, clutching his blanket. “C’we go g-get him?”
Ohhhhh.
He probably should have known that.
“Is it in your room with the others?” He asks, bending down to lift Katsuki into his arms. He nods, resting his temple against his shoulder and letting out a shaky sigh. “Okay, then. Let’s go get your All Might.”
- - -
Normally, after fights like today, Izuku can’t fall asleep for hours because of the adrenaline rush. He lies awake in bed, staring at the ceiling and willing the thrumming electricity under his skin to finally dissipate.
As he washes away all the sweat and grime of today’s fight, he can’t help but notice the opposite effect is taking place. Instead of feeling anxious and restless, he feels heavy and ready to collapse at any moment. He can’t wait to stuff his face full of whatever’s in the kitchen and then face plant onto his bed and drift off into a glorious, deep sleep...
But he has other obligations tonight.
He feels dead on his feet when he gets dressed, eyes barely open as he trudges to the kitchen and takes the bowl of ramen that Sero shoves his way.
“Tired?” He asks.
“Mm,” Izuku grunts. “Is Kacchan still in the common room?”
Distantly, he hears his Katsuki gasp and say, “Izu’s ready!” Sero chuckles.
“He hasn’t shut up about you since you left.”
“Ah,” he nods, shoveling some of the noodles into his mouth. “Wow. Either instant ramen’s gotten really good since I last had it, or I’m just really freaking hungry.”
“Ditto,” Sero agrees. He spares a glance at the doorway, and smiles knowingly. “Hey, Midoriya. You’ve got a secret admirer.”
Izuku raises a brow in confusion before following his gaze. Katsuki is peeking into the kitchen, eyes wide as he clutches his old All Might plushie to his chest.
“Hi, Kacchan,” he giggles.
“Hi Izu.” He bites the inside of his cheek. “Y’gonna watch a movie wi’f me?”
“Sure, bug. Lemme just finish my dinner first, alright? I’ll be in in a few minutes.”
“M’kay.” He pads into the kitchen and takes a seat next to him, carefully placing his stuffie in his lap. “S’that a yummy dinner, Izu?”
“It is,” he nods. “You want a bite?”
“Nuh uh. S’for you,” he insists. “Gotta get strong so you can be a hero, remember?”
“Ah, I guess you’re right.”
“Yeah.” He wriggles his nose. “Sero says you guys got your shit rocked today.”
Sero spits out his mouthful of soup.
“He told you that?” Izuku laughs. Katsuki nods. “Well, you shouldn’t be repeating those words, Kacchan. You know that. And Sero shouldn’t be saying them around you,” he says pointedly, looking at Sero.
“... Well, we did,” he defends himself, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. “Pretty sure my nose would’ve been busted without Recovery Girl around to kiss it better.”
Katsuki blinks at that, tilting his head, before picking up his plush and squeezing it tight.
“What’cha got there?” Izuku asks.
“... All Might,” Katsuki mumbles quietly.
“It looks like the one I got you when we were little,” he hums. He catches Katsuki’s eyes going wide and his cheeks flushing red before he ducks his head. “... Is it?”
“No,” he says sharply, hugging it tighter.
“Alright,” he chuckles, reaching out to ruffle his hair. “Why don’t we go watch that movie now? I’m all done with dinner.”
“You ate it ALL?” He asks, head shooting up.
“Yep,” Izuku says, holding out his bowl for him to see. An impressed look spreads across Katsuki’s face when he realizes it’s empty.
“We’re both fast eaters,” he declares, sliding out of his seat and reaching for Izuku’s hand. “C’mon, Izu, s’movie time.”
- - -
Not even twenty minutes into the movie, Izuku falls asleep, arms wrapped around Katsuki. The blonde leans back against him, cuddling close as he sucks on his pacifier and cradles his All Might plushie. He stays awake for the whole movie, although Aizawa notes that he seems much more interested in his friend than the movie itself.
When it’s over, he gently removes Katsuki from Izuku’s lap and shakes his student awake.
“Midoriya,” he says when Izuku startles awake. “You should sleep in your bed. You’ll be more comfortable there.”
“Alright,” he yawns. “‘Night, guys.”
“Wait,” Katsuki says, grabbing his shirt. He hesitates for a moment before taking his stuffie and lightly pressing it to Izuku’s cheek.
“... Huh?” Izuku asks, furrowing his brow.
“He... He’s kissin’ you better,” Katsuki says, face pink. “So you can still smile good.”
“Ahh, Kacchan,” he mumbles, clapping a hand over his mouth. He reaches out and pulls him into a hug, burying his face in his shoulder. “You’re so sweet, bug.”
“Leggo’me!” Katsuki shouts, flushing red. “Stupid, smelly Deku! Off!”
“Be nice,” Aizawa warns him.
“Sorry, sorry,” Izuku sniffles, pulling away. “I just get a little emotional when I’m tired.”
‘You’re always a little emotional,’ Aizawa thinks, but he doesn’t say it out loud.
“S’bedtime,” Katsuki says, placing a hand on Izuku’s face. “Y’gotta go to sleep.”
“Okay,” he says quietly. “Goodnight, Kacchan.”
Katsuki wraps his arms around him tightly.
“Stop bein’ such a dummy,” he whispers.
He doesn’t need to say what he’s talking about. They both know.
“I will,” he promises.
Notes:
fun fact!!! u guys kinda helped write this chapter!!! the part where katsuki got a stuffed all might from izuku when they were kids is a headcanon that i hear abt a lot from u all :0 !!!
Chapter 70: Boo-Boos (w/ Mama Mina, Carer Kiri, + Babysitter Kendou)
Summary:
Katsuki skins his knee when he’s all alone.
Chapter Text
“Ouch!” Katsuki gasps as he falls on the pavement. He quickly scrambles into a sitting position, lip wobbling when he sees that the leg of his uniform pants is torn and bloody. “Ow ow ow-...”
He knows he’s not supposed to run without someone else around, but he was just trying to get to Eijirou! It wasn’t an ACTUAL run, he was just moving quickly from one place to the other! How was he supposed to know that his laces were undone?
None of that really matters, though, because now he’s crying on the sidewalk, knee skinned, all alone, with no phone or anyone in sight.
He considers getting up and pushing through the pain, but he doesn’t actually know where anyone is at the moment. Obviously, if he manages to limp across campus, he can get to the school where he knows at least janitorial staff will still be, but he’d really prefer to just head straight for his carer or father. Besides, Daddy told him that if he ever got lost again, he should find a safe spot to wait and stay there until someone finds him. And what’s safer than the UA campus?
... Actually, don’t answer that.
He knows well enough to not sit in the middle of the sidewalk, though, so he takes a deep breath, musters all his courage, and scoots off to the side, sniffling and rubbing his eyes.
And he waits.
He’s not sure how long he sits there, but after a while the adrenaline wears off, and his panicked whines fade off into light sniffles as he sucks the tip of his thumb and hums lightly to himself.
“Oh, hey.”
Katsuki looks up with tear-stained cheeks to see the redheaded girl from Class B, still dressed in her uniform and covered in oil.
“Bakugou, right?” She asks, tilting her head. He nods, carefully pulling his thumb out of his mouth and wiping it on his pants. “Are you alright? Your leg is bleeding.”
“I gotta go to the dorms,” he says quietly, looking down at the ground.
“Can you walk on your own?” He shakes his head, drawing his shoulders to his ears. “Oh! Here, I’ll help you out.”
That makes him pause for a moment.
On one hand, he wants to get back to the dorms. Daddy can kiss his knee better and get him into comfy clothes and then he can snuggle up with Kiri and Pochi and watch cartoons until dinner. He really wants that to happen as soon as possible.
But on the other hand, he really, really doesn’t want Kendou to know his secret. He appreciates that most of his classmates are kind about him regressing (even if they don’t all totally understand it), but they know him better than she does. He can’t ensure that she’s a safe person to trust with this.
But it wouldn’t make sense for him to just sit there after what he told her.
He nods a little bit and takes her hand, wincing when his knee throbs as he’s pulled into a standing position. She smiles reassuringly at him.
“Here, just wrap your arm around my shoulders. The dorms aren’t too far from here!” Katsuki nods, chewing his lip. “Are you alright? You’re being really quiet.”
“M’okay,” he mumbles. “I jus’... gotta get there.”
“Right...” she says warily, raising a brow. “So... what happened to your leg?”
He furrows his brow.
“I fell down.”
“Where?”
“By the tree.”
“... Hm.” She narrows her gaze. “Is there something going on? An attack?”
“Nuh-uh.”
“Then why are you being so secretive?” She questions. “Aren’t you usually loud and aggressive and stuff like that?”
“Um...” He shrugs, sniffing a little bit. “M’jus’ bein’ quiet today s’all.”
“You’re sure there’s nothing going on?”
“Mhm. M’sure.”
“... Okay,” she nods. “I’ll stop pushing.”
By the time they get to the dorms, Katsuki is trembling with anxiety, sweating through his shirt and trying his best to avoid eye contact with the redhead girl. She leads him inside, using a gentle tone to tell him that they’re almost there, and he doesn’t know whether to sob with relief or panic that she seems to be catching on, if just a little bit.
“Hey, blondie!” Mina calls out when she sees him. She raises a brow when she catches sight of Kendou at his side. “What’s going on?”
“I fell down,” Katsuki says, his voice shaking. He looks at Mina with pleading eyes, and she gasps in realization before rushing over.
“C’mere,” she whispers, leading him to the couch and sitting him down so she can get a better look at his skinned knee. “Ooh, that’s gotta hurt. I’m sorry, baby.”
“Alright, can someone clue me in on what’s going on here?” Kendou demands, placing a hand on her hip. “Why is Bakugou being so weird? Did he get hit with a quirk or something?”
“Er...” Sero rubs the back of his neck and looks to Mina for help. She glowers at him.
“I’m taking care of him since Kiri isn’t here to do it. You can do the explaining.”
“... Well?” Kendou asks expectantly, raising her brows at Sero. He clears his throat.
“Uhh... we’re kinda not supposed to say,” he starts, frowning. “It’s not a quirk, though.”
“Bakubro’s just been through a lot,” Kaminari supplies. “Sometimes it makes his brain a little funky. Like when I use my quirk too much and short circuit!”
“Oh... I guess that makes sense,” she says quietly. “So his way of calming down is r-... um... acting like a little kid?”
Kaminari and Sero sputter at that, so Jirou takes over for them with an eye roll.
“Ignore them,” she says. “You’re kind of on the right track, only it’s not acting. It’s like... you know when little kids are sick or they have a bad day at school, so they get really whiney and want comfort from their parents?”
“Sure,” she nods. “My little brother gets like that sometimes.”
“Well, it’s the same thing with Bakugou,” she shrugs. “Pretty simple to understand.”
Kendou blinks, then smacks her palm against her forehead in realization.
“So he’s just having a bad day, then...”
They all nod, aside from Katsuki, who’s currently burying his face in Mina’s shirt.
“Ah, geez. I’m sorry,” she mutters, rubbing the back of her neck. “I thought you guys were hiding something important from me. Everyone in my class says I’m kinda like a mama bear...”
She shakes her head a few times to regain composure, then shoots them an apologetic look and bows down.
“I’m sorry if I came across as rude! I promise I was just trying to look out for everyone.”
Kaminari snorts a little bit. They’ve all seen how Kendou acts around her classmates (especially Monoma), so it’s no surprise that she’d be trying to eliminate any cause for concern.
“It’s no biggie,” Jirou shrugs.
“But please keep this a secret,” Mina cuts in. “I know it may sound silly, but we’d really appreciate your discretion. We don’t want anyone to target Bakugou over this!”
“Of course! Everyone has their days. I’m not going to hold it against him,” she promises. “And, um... if you ever need someone to take care of him when he’s like this, keep me in the rotary! I feel like I should make it up to him.”
“Wait a second-“ Sero starts, but she cuts him off as she turns around.
“Well, I’m late for a meeting with Monoma! We train together on Fridays.” She waves at them cheerily as she ducks out. “Bye, Class A!”
The front door closes, leaving the group staring after her presence in silence.
“... Why do I feel like she knew what was actually happening?” Sero mutters.
“Well, at least we can trust her,” Mina says. “I know she and Momo are good friends, and that speaks a lot for her moral standards.”
“But she’s also friends with Monoma,” Kaminari mumbles. Jirou chuckles.
“I’m not sure if ‘friends’ is the right word. She’s more like his care-... taker...” Her eyes widen. “Holy shit! You don’t think-“
“Ohhhh my god, that explains so much,” Sero breathes. Kaminari cackles.
“Guess we don’t have to worry about him using this as leverage, huh?”
“That’s all great,” Mina says. “But I think we should take care of Bakubaby. Hm?”
She pushes him up a little bit so she can thumb at the drying tears on his cheeks. He sniffles and rubs his eye.
“I wan’ Kiri.”
“Oh, poor guy,” she coos. “I know, baby. But Kiri’s at the store right now. Sensei takes everyone shopping on Fridays, remember? He’ll be back in an hour or so.”
“D-Daddy’s gone too?” He whines, feeling tears gathering in his eyes again.
Gosh, he’s glad Kendou found him. Who knows how long he’d be waiting if she hadn’t! And not everyone would be as nice as her...
“Shh shh, it’s alright,” she assures him, rubbing his back soothingly. “Why don’t we clean up your boo-boo and change into some comfier clothes, okay? Does that sound good?”
He sniffles a little more, his lip wobbling.
“... Can have a Hello Kitty bandaid?”
“Of course!” She promises, patting his back. “C’mon, lets go to the bathroom and fix you up, bubba.”
She stands and outstretches her hand, which he take only after letting out a quiet little sob of relief under his breath.
“O-Okay, Mimi.”
She leads him to the first floor bathroom, allowing him to lean heavily against her as they walk. Then she sets him down on the toilet, rooting through the first aid cabinet to find some hydrogen peroxide and his package of Sanrio bandages.
“Honey, do you think you can take your slacks off so I can clean up your knee? Keep your undies on, I just need to see the whole cut.”
Katsuki nods and slides his pants down to his ankles as Mina soaks a washcloth in the sink with warm water.
She’s very careful as she cleans up the area, gently washing the blood away with the cloth before squirting some of the hydrogen peroxide on it. He winces when the solution makes his wound bubble up, and she rubs her thumb over his non-skinned leg soothingly.
“Shh, I know sweetie. We’re almost done. You’re doing so good for me,” she praises. “Such a brave little guy.”
After she smears some Neosporin over the cut and places a few Hello Kitty bandaids on it, she helps him pull his pants back up and wraps her hands around his bottom to lift him up on her waist. He’s heavy, but she’s stronger than people give her credit for, so it’s not too difficult to carry him, just a little awkward.
“Hey,” Sero greets when they come out of the bathroom. “Anything we can do to help?”
“I’m gonna let him get changed into some comfier clothes and have him pick out some stuff from his box, but maybe you guys could set up some cartoons and stuff for him?” She looks down at Katsuki’s head resting on her shoulder, brushing his hair away from his forehead. “Does that sound good, hon? You wanna watch some cartoons?”
“... An’ juice?” He asks timidly.
“Sure, baby.” She pokes his nose affectionately and smiles. “What kind do you want?”
“Um... apple.”
“On it,” Kaminari announces, jumping up.
- - -
“Is Kendou Kiri’s friend?”
“I don’t know, bub,” Mina says, rolling fuzzy socks onto Katsuki’s feet. “I think Kiri is a lot of people’s friends. Why do you ask?”
“S’nice,” he says quietly, sticking his thumb is his mouth. “I’s scared of her when she found me, but she was really nice t’me.”
“Yeah?” He nods. “Well, if you’re ever in trouble when you’re small and none of us are around, I think you can trust her to help you.”
He doesn’t really respond to that, just looks around his room and starts swinging his legs, humming quietly under his breath.
“You feeling better now?” She asks, sitting down next to him on the bed. He nods and rests his temple against her shoulder. “Is there anything else I can get you before we go down to watch cartoons with the gang?”
“Mm... binky,” he mumbles, happily squirming in place. “A-And Pochi. An’... a blankie?”
“Aww, you’re gonna get nice and cozy, huh?” She coos, ruffling his hair. “Alright. You sit tight while I grab everything, alright kiddo?”
- - -
When Eijirou gets back from shopping, he wants nothing more than to collapse onto his bed and sleep the evening away. It was a long day at school, and the bus ride made him all nauseous, and the grocery store was crowded and noisy, and Iida was shouting at everyone the whole time (with good intention, but still).
To say the least, he’s exhausted.
However, as soon as he walks into Heights Alliance, he’s met with the sight of his friends cuddled up on the couch, Katsuki in the center of it all as he sits on Mina’s lap. He’s got his pacifier in and he’s holding a teddy bear, and if that wasn’t enough of a hint, the Hello Kitty theme song playing on the television clues him in on exactly what’s going on.
“Kiri!” Katsuki cheers when he sees him, clambering off of Mina’s lap to wrap him in a tight hug. He buries his face in his neck and lets out a contented sigh. “Missed you, Kiri.”
“Hey, kiddo.” He places a hand on his head. “I missed you too. Are you feeling alright?”
“Mm... I got a’ ouch,” he says, pulling away to point at his bandaged knee. “But Mimi made it better. An’ Kendou helped!”
“Kendou? From Class B?” He asks, furrowing his brow. “Does she, like... know?”
“We have our suspicions,” Mina giggles. “I’ll fill you in on them later.”
“Now this I have to hear,” he chuckles. “You guys are watching some Sanrio, huh?”
“Mhm!” Katsuki nods. “Y’gonna stay?”
Well, his bed sounded nice, but...
... This is better.
He drops his shopping back to the floor and quickly picks Katsuki up and spins him around, eliciting a happy shriek of laughter from him.
“Ki-i-ri!!”
“Of course I’m staying, silly!” He chuckles, flopping down on the couch and pulling Katsuki to his chest.
Katsuki wiggles happily and snuggles closer to Eijirou. He frowns a little before sitting up, looking at Mina and making grabby hands.
“Pochi,” he whines. Mina giggles.
“Here you go,” she smiles, handing him the bear. Katsuki sighs contentedly and settling against Eijirou’s chest again.
About fifteen minutes into their cartoon marathon, Eijirou snores loudly.
“Is he asleep?” Sero laughs.
“Yep,” Mina confirms. “Out like a light.”
“That’s pretty silly, huh Bakugou?” Kaminari teases, nudging his side. Katsuki frowns.
“Nu-uh. S’naptime,” he declares.
“Oh?” Jirou raises a brow. “Are you gonna nap with him too, kid?”
“Mhm,” he nods, letting his eyes slip shut.
True to his word, his breathing evens out in just a few minutes. Mina laughs lightly and drapes a blanket over the two of them as the group starts to pick up the living room and turn off the television.
Eijirou and Katsuki sleep well into the evening, which makes it very difficult to get the regressor to go down for bed at his normal time.
Notes:
i hope ur all doing good!!! ^.^ <3
Chapter 71: Hibernation (w/ Babysitter Tsu)
Summary:
Tsuyu takes care of Katsuki while the others are away.
Notes:
CWs: mild paranoia, mentions of ptsd, and anxiety attacks
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hey, Bakugou!” Eijirou calls out, poking his head into Katsuki’s room. “A bunch of us are going to the arcade since training got cancelled, are you coming with?”
Ugh.
Everyone’s after-class training was cancelled due to a snow storm. Since certain students can’t withstand the cold due to their quirks (namely Tsuyu) and certain teachers shouldn’t be exposed to extreme weather due to health issues (namely All Might), paired with the fact that Aizawa didn’t want to shove everyone into the gymnasium and be expected to handle all the inevitable drama on their own, they were given the afternoon off to do whatever.
And, apparently, instead of studying or doing their own training, Katsuki’s class has decided to... play video games.
In public.
Off campus.
“No way,” he grunts. “I’m working on my essay right now, leave me alone.”
“Aww, come on!” Eijirou whines. “Pretty much EVERYONE is going! You gotta come!”
“You’re exaggerating,” he sighs, setting his pencil down and turning to face him. “There’s no way the entire class is going to an arcade.”
“Basically, yeah!” He crosses his arms. “The only people that have opted out so far are Tsu, Kouda, and Tokoyami.”
“Well I’m staying here with them. Maybe I’ll finally be able to get some peace and quiet.”
“That’s so boooooring,” he wails. “Even Iida’s tagging along! And you don’t have to play video games, you know! There’s a snack bar-“
“Gross.”
“Laser tag-“
“Too much money. And also gross.”
“Dancing games-“
“Embarrassing.”
“Or you could just hang out!” He finishes. “That’s why Todoroki and Momo are coming.”
“That’s lame,” he rolls his eyes. “Look, I’m just gonna stay here and finish my essay, and then I’ll probably do some cooking. I want to chill out. Quit havin’ a fucking aneurysm over it.”
“Well... I guess you have a point,” he sighs. “I thought you liked playing video games.”
“I do. In private.” He crosses his arms. “Gaming should never have gone public.”
“Man, you sure have a weird outlook on things.” He runs a hand through his hair. “Well, I guess I’ll see you later, then. We’re all gonna get dinner there, so we probably won’t be back until curfew.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he waves him off. “Good luck negotiating with my dad about that.”
“Actually, Aizawa Sensei is the one chaperoning,” he chuckles. “Eri wanted to go, so....” Katsuki snorts.
“I’m not surprised. He can’t say no to her.”
“You can’t either,” he points out. “Don’t you think Eri-chan wants her big brother there?”
“Is braindead bitch going?”
“Shinsou? Yeah, of course. He loves those first person shooter games.”
“Then Eri will be fine.”
“But Baku-“
“Kirishima,” Shoji says, entering Katsuki’s doorway. “We’re getting ready to leave.”
“Alright! I’ll be down in just a minute,” he grins. Shoji nods and waves at Katsuki a little bit before going off on his own. Eijirou shoots Katsuki a look. “Okay, last chance. You sure?”
“Positive,” he grunts. “Leave already.”
“Okay, okay.” He sighs a but through his nose. “Alright, Yamada Sensei is here if you need anything, but I’m pretty sure he’s sleeping, so if you just need someone to talk to you can text me or call me, I’ll have my ph-“
“Shitty Hair,” he growls. “Go.”
“But-!”
“They’re gonna leave without you! Go!”
- - -
“‘Kay, body’s done,” Katsuki sighs, leaning back in his chair and cracking his knuckles. He peers at the clock on his nightstand.
Four paragraphs in thirty minutes? Not bad.
He sighs, closing his eyes for a moment. It’s quiet right now. He’d been too focused on writing before to notice it, but now he registers the utter silence throughout the floor. Normally he can hear Eijirou working out or listening to music, or if he’s not around then he can distantly register Shoji’s podcasts or him talking with Tokoyami. There’s none of that now, just the humming of electricity and the sound of his own breathing.
... He’s not sure he likes it.
He’s never been a huge fan of total silence. It’s always felt a bit suffocating to him, honestly. He hates there being too much noise too, though. At least in the wrong context. It’s alright when he’s on the battlefield or listening to music, but he can’t stand the roar of a crowd or the buzz of too many noises mixed together. His happy medium is background noise, and he appreciates it more than he lets on.
He misses it.
“Shit,” he sighs, running a hand down his face.
This total silence is making his skin crawl. The hairs on the back of his neck are standing up, his jaw is clenched tight, and everything in him feels on edge.
PTSD is a real bitch.
Letting out a curse under his breath, he resigns himself to his fate as he begins to gather up his things. He’ll just sit in the common room. That’s right near his dad’s room, so he’ll feel safe, and he can turn the television on for some background noise. No biggie.
He starts to sweat a little bit with anxiety as he rides the elevator down. He normally doesn’t mind being alone this much, but with pretty much nobody around... it’s freaking him out a little bit. He hasn’t been this alone in a while.
He takes a deep breath before stepping into the common room, fanning his shirt. It’s not empty like he anticipated, Tsuyu is sitting on an armchair all bundled up in blankets and reading something on her phone, but that’s alright. She’s quiet and very non-judgmental, so she won’t make any snarky comments when he turns on the TV and plops down on the couch with his laptop.
Alright. Conclusion time. The easiest part of an essay. He’ll have no problem getting through this, and then he can- Okay, god DAMN it, why does he still feel so on edge?!
Every atom in his body is screaming at him. Telling him there’s something wrong, something dangerous, making the hairs on his skin stand up and his chest feel tight and his face go numb and completely and utterly ripping away his ability to focus on this paper.
“Are you alright?” Tsuyu croaks, and it’s only then that Katsuki realizes that he’s rocking back and forth, breathing heavily, hands in his hair, shaking so hard his teeth chatter.
He must look like a nut.
“Fine,” he mutters, shivering and releasing his grip on his hair. She blinks at him.
“I can go get Sensei if you need him.”
“No,” Katsuki says softly, huffing through his nose. “Don’t get him. M’good.”
She stares at him for a moment, then shrugs.
“Okay. Let me know if you need anything.”
Katsuki doesn’t have a response for that, so he doesn’t give her one. He curls his knees to his chest, leaning forward towards his laptop and starts to skim over the words he’s written.
Ugh. Why is it so hard for him to focus? He feels all fuzzy and anxious still. His eyes are bleary and even as he reads the words on the screen he doesn’t process them even a little bit. His brain’s probably too busy refusing to let him out of fight or flight mode, distracted by pretend dangers and irrational fears.
Maybe he should text Eijirou. He told him to reach out if there was a problem, right? This probably constitutes as a problem. Not a serious one, but a problem. Should he bother him if it’s not serious? Maybe he should call Aizawa instead; but, no, he’s probably busy with Eri. Hitoshi too, even if he’s not with Eri he’s probably playing one of those stupid gun games and the chances of him hearing his phone are low. If he even brought it, that is.
Eijirou it is, then.
With a shaky breath, he reaches for his phone, blinking away the glossiness that had gathered in his eyes, and-
“Ah-!”
A random spike of anxiety makes him lose his grip, causing him to drop it and yelp way louder than he should have over a dropped phone. He presses a hand over his mouth to suppress the embarrassing whimper bubbling in his throat, and bends down to grab it.
He makes contact with flesh.
He jolts again, nearly knocking his head off the coffee table when he sees Tsu reaching for his phone at the same time. A startled sob escapes his lips, and she sighs.
“You’re not alright.”
“Sh-Shut up,” he manages, finally snatching the phone from the floor. “I-I was just gonna text K-Kiri, so mind your business.”
“Are you regressing?” She asks, and it doesn’t sound judgmental but it also doesn’t sound sweet. If anything it sounds clinical, like when the dentists asks if he’s been flossing.
It’s a little comforting, honestly, her bluntness. He doesn’t care much for being doted on by anyone other than a few choice people, so it’s relieving to know that she’s not going to try and sugar coat his way back to stability.
“M’not sure,” he answers honestly, pressing his forehead to his knees. “I-I’m just off.”
“I can wake Yamada Sensei up,” she offers again, and Katsuki shakes his head. “Alright, let’s just cut to the chase, then. What’s wrong?”
He swallows weakly.
“... I-It’s quiet.”
She stares at him, clearly expecting more. He sniffs a little bit and turns his head to the side, resting his cheek against his knee. If Kiri were here he’d know what to do. Or Daddy. They always know what he’s feeling when he can’t find the right words to describe it.
(Hitoshi not so much, but he doesn’t hold that against him.)
“M’just o-off,” he says again, shrugging. She nods, humming thoughtfully.
“You seem really worked up. Are you feeling anxious?”
Well, yes, but it’s more than that. Argh, why can’t she just KNOW? This is so frustrating.
He nods anyways.
“Okay. Give me your hands.”
Hesitantly, he uncurls his arms from his legs and holds his hands out, palms up. They’re still trembling, and he can’t help the little gasp he gives when Tsuyu unceremoniously grabs them and wraps them in her own.
Huh. Her hands are really big for her size. Katsuki’s almost feel dainty in comparison.
(That doesn’t really help the childish feeling scraping at the back of his brain, but it does help him feel a little more protected.)
“Squeeze as hard as you need to stop the shaking,” she instructs him. She doesn’t even flinch as he clenches them tightly, furrowing his brow in concentration. “Okay, now do some breathing exercises. You know how that goes, right? In through your nose-“
“Out through your mouth,” he exhales, finishing for her. She nods, waiting for him to continue.
He squeezes and breathes until the tight feeling in his chest eases up and the buzzing under his skin dies down. On his final exhale, he opens his eyes (he doesn’t remember shutting them, but whatever) and releases his grip, letting his hands fall to the floor. His are pale and blotchy with his effort, whereas Tsuyu’s are discolored and surely numb.
She doesn’t seem to mind, though.
“Better?” He nods. “Good. Are you ready to talk now, or do you need something else?”
He takes a deep breath in again.
“B-Being alone freaks me out,” he explains. “I... got really n-nervous bein’ upstairs an’ it made my brain get fuzzy an’ scared.”
“That’s understandable. You’ve been through a lot,” she remarks. “I’m glad nothing happened, though. Do you need me to do anything else before you text Ei-kun?”
Oh, right. Kiri.
... Should he really bother anyone when he can get help here, though? He doesn’t want to make his whole class come back from their fun activity if he doesn’t have to. No one would be mad at him, of course, but he’d still feel really guilty...
“Um, I’m n-not gonna,” he decides, hugging his arms around his legs again. “F’that’s ‘kay.”
“That’s fine,” she confirms. “Do you want help finishing your essay?”
His essay.
God, he’s just going to have to finish it sometime over the weekend. His brain feels like mush right now, there’s no way he’s going to be able to write anything. He shakes his head, cheeks heating up.
“M’done f’now,” he mumbles, hoping that she won’t push him to work anyways. He’s seriously not up for it right now.
“Oh.” She tilts her head again, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. “Do you want to watch Hello Kitty or something?”
His first instinct is to whine with embarrassment and hide his face in his hands, and he’s only able to suppress this urge because he’s still coherent enough to know that it would only humiliate him more.
“M’kinda hungry,” he says quietly, looking down at the floor. “Was gonna make dinner.”
“What were you gonna make?”
He shrugs, reaching a hand down to pick at the carpet. Words are so hard right now. He can’t find the energy to use his brain.
“My mom sent me some butter cookies in the mail, if you eat dinner I could share them with you,” she prompts, trying to motivate him to tell her what he wants.
Katsuki perks up at that, and he blinks down at her with wide eyes. Happiness glimmers in her chest, thinking that she’s going to get the response she wants, and-
“C’we have a tea party?”
Ah.
Tsuyu has three little brothers at home, so she’s used to this kind of behavior. It was a bit hard for her to comprehend before, but Katsuki really is just like any other kid right now. And that’s alright by her. She loves babysitting.
“We can have a tea party after we eat some dinner,” she promises. “I can warm up some of your leftover curry. Does that sound okay?”
Katsuki eyes her warily for a second, taking in a shaky breath, before nodding.
“M-Mhm.”
“Okay, then.” She stretches her hand out to him. “Let’s go wash up and eat some dinner.”
- - -
“This is Pochi, he’s my favorite,” Katsuki says, holding up the stuffed bear. “An’ that’s Bagu, my bee, an’ my kitty, an’ my cactus! She’s got a face even though she’s a plant.”
“So cute,” Tsuyu coos under her breath. “Why don’t you get them set up while I get the tea and cookies?”
She turns around, planning to leave, but Katsuki grabs the hem of her shirt and stops her. She turns around, tilting her head and frowning when she sees the embarrassment and anxiety written on his face.
“What’s wrong?” She asks.
Katsuki grip on her shirt tightens for a moment as he glares down at the floor, lip quivering and cheeks ruddy.
“... Stay...” he whispers quietly. Tsuyu sighs softly and crouches down next to him.
“I won’t leave,” she says, placing a hand on his head. “If you want to come with me, you can. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Relief floods his face and his shoulders relax as he nods, standing up and grabbing her hand. He twists it lightly in his own for a second, biting his lip nervously, before he finally meets her gaze.
“Thank you.”
Her eyes sparkle with emotion.
“You’re welcome.”
- - -
“Careful, s’hot,” Katsuki informs his stuffed cat as he pours imaginary tea out of his plastic tea cup. They both decided it would be better if Katsuki handled serving the stuffies while Tsuyu dished out the real tea between the two of them to avoid any spilling.
Tsuyu shivers lightly. It’s colder in Katsuki’s room than the common area. Probably more for quirk-related reasons than comfort ones. Can’t have him getting too sweaty and accidentally blowing a hole in his desk.
(Maybe preventative measures for rage episodes, actually. She saw the scorch marks all over Katsuki’s laptop earlier.)
Still, though. It’s chilly. She hates the winter, spring is much better. All that humidity, the nice, warm rain, peaceful and refreshing as it washes over your skin...
...
...
..-
“Y’sleepy?” Katsuki asks loudly.
Tsuyu startles awake, eyes flying open to see Katsuki kneeling down right in front of her, observing her with a curious expression.
“Yes,” she croaks. “I’m always sleepy in the winter. The cold makes me go into hibernation.”
“Oh.” He tilts his head. “Like bears!”
“Mhm,” she nods. “And frogs.”
“‘Cause you’re the frog girl, right?”
“I am,” she affirms, stifling a nod.
Katsuki’s eyes skim over her for a heavy moment, before he purses his lips.
“We can watch a movie,” he decides. “Downstairs. An’ share a blanket, s’you won’t be cold an’ go into ‘hiber-vation.’”
“That’d be nice,” she nods. “You’re very clever, Katsuki-chan.”
Katsuki wrinkles his nose a little bit at the use of his given name. Only his family calls him that, and sometimes Eijirou when he’s being a brat. But Tsuyu always uses the given names of her friends, that’s just how she is.
He wouldn’t mind being her friend, he thinks.
“I know,” he says seriously. “Daddy says m’the smartest boy he’s ever met.”
Tsuyu chuckles.
“That’s very nice.”
- - -
“Ah!” Katsuki yelps, jumping a bit. “Your feet are so cold!”
“Sorry,” Tsuyu croaks, scooting away. Katsuki huffs and scoots right next to her.
“Don’t go. You won’t warm up that way.”
“Right, of course.”
As they watch the movie, Tsuyu slowly feels the warmth seeping back into her skin, and with it comes a feeling of rejuvenation. Ironically, their close proximity seems to have had the opposite effect on Katsuki, as he starts to get heavy-lidded and relaxed.
When he falls asleep, he does so with his head on her chest and his thumb in his mouth. If this were one of Tsuyu’s little brothers, she would pick them up and carry them to their bed, but Katsuki is much too big for her to do that, so she simply wraps an arm around him and turns her attention back to their movie.
- - -
“Heh.”
Tsuyu whirls her head around towards the source of the noise, and sees Yamada standing in the kitchen doorway, hair askew and clothes rumpled with sleep.
“He got small, huh?” He asks, gesturing to Katsuki. There’s a hint of worry in his expression, and Tsuyu picks up on it.
“Yeah,” she nods. “He’s alright, though. I took care of it. We had a tea party.”
“How sweet,” he smiles, shoulders slumping imperceptibly with relief. “Aizawa Sensei just called me. They’re heading back, they should be here in about half an hour.”
“Alright.”
“... Did you want me to take him?” He offers. “He’s heavy. I’m sure your arm must be falling asleep by now.”
“It is,” she affirms. “I really don’t mind, though. If you’re busy I can stay with him.”
“Oh no, I’m all free! I do appreciate you taking care of him, but I know you must have other-“
“Papa?”
Katsuki sits up, rubbing his eyes sleepily. His hair is mashed down and his cheek is flush from where he was laying against Tsuyu. He yawns and reaches for Yamada.
“Hey, little listener,” Yamada coos softly, walking over and picking him up by his armpits. Katsuki’s feet plant on the ground and he sighs heavily, leaning into Yamada’s chest and wrapping his arms around him. “Did you have a good time playing with Asui?”
“Mm.”
“Yeah? She told me you guys had a tea party.”
“Mhm.”
“What movie are you watching?”
“Papa,” he groans, furrowing his brow and burying his face into his shirt. “M’too sleepy..”
“Okay, okay,” he chuckles, patting his son’s head and crouching down to pick him up. “We’ll talk when you’re more awake. We should get you ready for bed, though. Daddy’s going to be back soon and he’s gonna want to make sure your teeth are brushed.”
“Mmm!” Katsuki whines.
“I know, it’s really rough,” Yamada laughs. He turns to Tsuyu. “Hey, thanks again for taking care of him. That was very heroic of you.”
“It’s no problem,” she says. “If you ever need someone to watch him last minute, I’d love to help out again.”
“I’ll keep you in mind,” he nods. “Alright, Kitty-Kat, lets go pick out some jammies.”
“Wan’ my All Might pants,” he mumbles.
“They’re on his floor,” Tsuyu interjects. “We were using them as a seat for his bee.”
“Ohh, I see,” Yamada nods. “I like it, very practical. Say goodnight to Asui, kiddo.”
“‘Night Tsu,” Katsuki breathes, not bothering to lift his head up. Tsuyu’s hear squeezes.
“Goodnight, Katsuki-chan.”
Notes:
this was another rlly old request!! i’m slowly working my way through them XD
Chapter 72: Overloaded (w/ Dadzawa)
Summary:
Katsuki has a meltdown.
Notes:
MAJOR CW FOR SENSORY OVERLOAD + EXPLICITLY DESCRIBED AUTISTIC MELTDOWN/SHUTDOWN!!! also restraining (it’s NOT done in a dangerous way at all, i can’t stress that enough, but i figure it still needs a warning), unsanitary (explicit talk of sweating, mention of diapers/pull-ups), and possible dysphoria warning
also!! i’d just like to explain something rlly quick!! i’ve stated in the past that i do hc katsuki as autistic in canon, but he is not in my au. however, i got a request to do a chapter where he has a meltdown a while back, so just think of this as a lil au of an au ^.^
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Can anyone tell me what Article IV of the hero constitution covers?”
Nearly everyone’s hand shoots up, but Aizawa zeroes in on one in particular with a soft smile. It’s rare for Katsuki to actually participate in his lectures, but he’s always so eager to please when he’s regressed. Plus, they’re going to be going into more complicated territory after this question, so he should seize this opportunity before his son gets too shy to raise his hand.
“Katsuki?”
“Costumes!”
“That’s right,” he nods, writing it down on the chalkboard behind him. “There are four major laws listed under this article, the first one being...”
“Good job, bug,” Izuku whispers, leaning forward in his seat. Katsuki whirls around to grin at him, and Izuku places his palm open on his desk so he can slap it.
“Face the front,” Aizawa says, raising an eyebrow at the two. Katsuki smiles sheepishly and turns back around, twirling a finger in his hair. “Thank you.”
He continues on with his lecture with no problems. His students are sharp, there’s no doubt about it, and since this is all just review content for them it’s even easier. There are a few slip-ups here and there, but for the most part it’s entirely-
RIIIIING!!!
... Perfect.
“What’s going on?” Tenya shouts over the sound of the alarm. Aizawa frowns.
“It’s just the fire alarm!” He explains. “It’s alright! Everyone line up, we’re going to make a safe exit out of the building!”
There’s a lot of chatter as the kids quickly file to the classroom door, but through all the commotion Aizawa can clearly pick up the sound of someone crying.
The sound of Katsuki crying, to be exact.
“What’s wrong?!” He asks loudly, walking over to where Hitoshi is trying to calm his brother down. The taller boy shakes his head.
“I’m not sure! I think the noise scared him!”
Well, he certainly looks scared. His eyes are squeezed shut tight, he’s wailing loudly, and one of his hands is flapping in front of his chest in a panicked fashion, the other fisted tightly in his own hair. Aizawa frowns, looking over him and trying to assess the situation.
“Let’s just get him out of here!” He decides, waving the students out of the room. Before they’re all gone, he quickly runs to his desk and grabs his first aid kit and his bag of items that he keeps on hand for any students dealing with panic attacks. He has a feeling the latter is going to come in handy today.
He quickly leads his class out of the nearest fire exit, wincing when that triggers another alarm that is sure to heighten their anxiety, and ushers them outside to group together in the one of the grass fields located on campus.
“Okay, line up and stay still,” he instructs them, voice quieter now that the alarm isn’t blaring directly by them. He begins to count their heads, as is customary to make sure none of them were left in the building.
“Dad!” Hitoshi shouts.
“Not now,” he says, grumbling to himself as he starts counting over again.
“Aizawa Sensei-“
“Kirishima, please wait until I’m done counting, I have to start over every time someone inter-“
“Dad, Katsuki ran off!” Hitoshi shouts.
Aizawa’s hand drops.
“... Okay. Okay,” he nods, expression hardening. “Did you see where he went?”
“He ran down the hall to the right after you opened the door to the fire exit.”
“Alright. I’m gonna go in to look for him,” he decides. “Hizashi!”
He beckons his husband over, quietly explaining the situation and instructing him to count the students and watch over them until he returns. Yamada nods and makes him promise to be safe, then sends him off.
It’s hard not to panic, knowing that somebody with the mindset of a young child is currently missing and having some sort of anxiety attack inside a potentially burning building, but Aizawa tries his best not to anyways as he runs through the halls and searches every empty room on his way there.
Thankfully, it doesn’t take him long to locate Katsuki. He was only four rooms down from their classroom, inside the teacher’s lounge. When Aizawa arrives, he’s curled up underneath the table, rocking back and fourth with his hands clamped over his ears as he lets out some of the most despaired noises Aizawa’s ever heard come from his mouth.
“Katsuki,” he says loudly before he approaches him, not wanting to startle him and have him run off again. Surprisingly, Katsuki starts crying louder when he sees his father, scooting away and starting to smack his palm against his temple. “Hey, no, don’t do that.”
He should have realized it before, but it’s pretty obvious now that Katsuki is having a meltdown. He won’t be able to just cradle him and stroke his hair until he feels better right now, not when he’s feeling this touch adverse and overwhelmed.
He can’t let him hurt himself, though, so he gently but firmly grabs his wrists to prevent him from hitting his head anymore. When he does so, Katsuki lets out a panicked moan and starts to jerk his head sideways.
“Shh, shh, I know,” Aizawa says, but it doesn’t do much to soothe his son with the alarm still blaring loudly. He purses his lips. “Katsuki, we have to get out of here, okay? There could be a fire in the building, we have to leave.”
Katsuki shakes his head and squeezes his eyes shut again, kicking his feet out and humming loudly in discontent.
It’s only then that Aizawa remembers that, duh, he has his emergency bag on him.
As carefully as he can, softly guiding Katsuki and telling him what’s going on as he does so, he scoots him out from under the table and sits him up so his back is pressed against his side, wrapping an arm around his middle to restrain him.
“I’m just keeping you like this so you don’t hurt yourself, okay?” He informs him, trying to keep his voice as clear as possible. “I’m going to grab you some headphones that will block out the noise.”
Katsuki doesn’t respond to that, but he didn’t really expect him to, so he starts to rummage through the bag with his free arm. He retrieves a pair of noise-canceling headphones and maneuvers himself so Katsuki can see.
“I’m going to put these on you, alright? They’re going to help with the loud noise.”
Katsuki’s eyes are wide as saucers and filled with panic, but he doesn’t struggle as Aizawa slips the headphones over his ears. Immediately, the scary noise from the alarm is muffled, and although the sound isn’t totally gone, it’s a lot more tolerable now.
Aizawa gently removes his arm from around Katsuki, and he immediately curls up and starts to rock again, screwing his eyes shut, waving his ears by his head and humming to drown out the rest of the noise. It doesn’t totally work, but it helps with the ‘too much’-ness that’s buzzing under his skin.
He feels a tap on his nose, and his eyes fly open again and his flails his arm out to hit the source of the touch, but Aizawa easily blocks him and points to his own mouth.
“OUTSIDE,” he mouths, holding his arm out for Katsuki to grab.
He doesn’t take his arm, but he does nod and shakily stand up, sobbing loudly and smacking his hand against his chest. Aizawa picks up his bags and moves in front of him, grabbing the hem of his shirt and placing it in Katsuki’s palm.
“GRAB,” he mouths.
Once he’s sure Katsuki is holding onto his shirt, he points to the door and starts to lead him outside. There’s no smoke in the halls, but the alarm is louder, and Katsuki tugs nervously at his shirt.
“IT’S OKAY,” he mouths over his shoulder, then points to the open fire exit door.
Katsuki can’t really feel his legs all that well, and he hates everything that he CAN feel right now, but he allows Aizawa to lead him down the hall and out the door anyways.
Outside is... better. Not great, not fine, definitely not perfect, but better. Better than inside, at least. With those fluorescent lights and that loud alarm and the bright colors that hurt his eyes and make his insides feel like TV static.
And the headphones really help. He can’t hear the chattering or the ringing or anything anymore. It’s nice.
Eijirou and Hitoshi try to usher him over when they see him crying and knocking on his head, but he squeezes his eyes shut and starts knocking harder. He can’t talk or touch right now, he can’t. It’s too much.
Aizawa is telling Yamada something, probably about where Katsuki was and what his current mental state is like, but he can’t hear him and, frankly, he’s lucky he’s even sticking around to be in their general presence at the moment.
After a while, Aizawa gently takes Katsuki’s wrist and points away from the crowd, indicating that they’re moving in that direction. He does little more than sob and jump up and down in place.
It takes him a little bit to pick up on it, but he eventually realizes that Aizawa is leading him to the campus gardens. He’s only been there a couple of times, but it’s a nice little area. Lots of beautiful flowers and fruit trees and vines, a healthy mix of shade and sunlight, pretty bird baths and water fountains.
And, most importantly, fairly secluded. Which means it’ll be blissfully, euphorically quiet.
When they arrive, the first thing that Katsuki does is take off his blazer. The extra layer was starting to make him sweat and the fabric makes his skin feel like there’s a million tiny ants crawling all over him. Plus, it’ll make a good makeshift blanket for him to sit on so the grass doesn’t poke and prod his flesh.
And, well, logically, once he takes the blazer off, the button-up has to go next. It’s damp with perspiration and he can’t stand soggy clothes, wet skin and dry fabric just don’t mix, never never ever, and the collar and tags keep slicing at him like dull razor blades.
He honestly doesn’t even notice his father’s turmoil until he starts to take his binder off and Aizawa stops him with a hand to his shoulder.
He lets out a loud whine and shoves him away. He JUST stopped crying, he needs to be comfortable now. Why can’t he just be comfortable? It’s not like anyone will see. And even if they did, he doesn’t care. The guys see him shirtless all the time when they’re changing or in the showers. How is this any different? Daddy’s just being stupid.
Aizawa gives him a reassuring look and makes some motions near his ear, miming the act of taking headphones off. Katsuki’s lip wobbles and he whimpers loudly before shaking his head frantically. He can’t, he seriously can’t, there’s no way he can handle noise right now.
With a sigh that Katsuki can’t hear, Aizawa starts to remove his own shirt and holds it out for his son, rubbing the fabric between his fingers.
“SOFT,” he mouths. “FEEL.”
Hesitantly, Katsuki reaches out and strokes the shirt, and is pleasantly surprised with what he’s met with. Nice, soft cotton, not too thick and not too thin, worn down to his favorite fabric texture. Upon closer inspection, he notices that there are no tags on the inside, the seams are small and lay fairly flat against the rest of the shirt, and the collar and sleeves are nice and loose.
Aizawa points to the shirt, and then to Katsuki, silently asking if that will be okay for him to wear. Instead of answering, Katsuki takes his binder the rest of the way off and tosses it with his other clothes before taking Aizawa’s shirt and slipping it over his head.
He lets out a shaky sigh as the fabric envelopes his skin. This is much better than that stupid, scratchy, tight uniform.
“BETTER?” Aizawa mouths. He nods.
And then takes his shoes and pants off.
Aizawa sighs and shakes his head, not bothering to stop him. He’s wearing boxer shorts underneath, so he’s not indecently exposed, and he’d rather him be comfortable than keep him stuck in sensory overload.
As soon as he’s changed, Katsuki sits criss-cross on his clothes and starts to rock back and forth, lightly hitting his palms against his cheeks. Aizawa winces and sits next to him.
“NO HITTING,” he mouths, gently taking Katsuki’s hand. The blonde shakes his head with a whine and snatches his hand back, resuming his previous stimming.
Yikes. He’s going to end up with bruises and an aching headache if he keeps this up.
For the second time today, Aizawa remembers the panic attack bag, and unzips it to search inside for something that could help Katsuki. He retrieves a soft stuffed bunny and a foam stress ball, presenting them both to his son.
He places the stress ball in his right hand, curling his fingers over it and pressing down so he understands what it’s for. Then he places the bunny in his lap, rubbing it’s ears and petting it’s fur for demonstration.
“SOFT,” he mouths. “PET.”
With wide, glazed over eyes, Katsuki stares down at the plush rabbit for a solid thirty seconds before petting it with an open hand, sighing softly through his nose.
For a while they just sit there like that, with Katsuki stimming vigorously but safely to get that overwhelmed feeling out and Aizawa quietly observing him and redirecting him if he gets off track and starts to hit himself. But, eventually, the feeling subsides and Katsuki’s left feeling... drained. Totally empty. It’s like his battery was overcharged and sparking before, and now it’s completely dead.
He lays down on his side and curls up in the fetal position, hugging his knees to his chest and burying his face in them like he had done before, in the teacher’s lounge. Aizawa frowns, reaching out and touching his shoulder.
And with the last of his energy, Katsuki takes his headphones off.
He doesn’t want to, not really, but they were starting to make his ears sweat and hurt, and he knows that the garden is going to be quiet. Still, though, once the sounds of the world come rushing back to him, his head goes all scribbly and he grunts lowly, squeezing his eyes shut and hiding his face again.
“Hey,” Aizawa says, very softly. “How are you feeling, sweetheart?”
A shrug. He really hopes that Daddy doesn’t as too many questions.
“Can’t talk right now?” He shakes his head. “No? That’s alright. Are you hungry? Thirsty?”
A little thirsty, yeah, but there’s no way he’s walking right now. OR letting Daddy leave, for that matter. He shakes his head.
“You want me to stop asking questions?”
A nod.
“Alright,” Aizawa chuckles. “Let me know if there’s anything you need, okay?”
To his surprise, Katsuki sits up and taps his lips, pointing to the bag. Aizawa tilts his head.
“You want something to chew on?” He asks. Katsuki shrugs. “Well... Oh, you know, I bet I have a binky in my pocket... yep. Here.”
Katsuki coos softly as he pops the pacifier in his mouth. That’s exactly what he needed.
After he has his binky, he picks up the stuffed rabbit again and holds it to his chest, curling up and laying his head in Aizawa’s lap.
“Are you sleepy, darling? You want a rest?”
He doesn’t get a response for that, but he really wasn’t expecting one.
“Can I touch you? I just want to pet your hair.”
Katsuki nods and wiggles back a little bit, as if inviting him to run his hands through his hair. He does so, gladly, relishing in the way that Katsuki melts under his touch. He’s so glad that his son is finally relaxing. It hurts him every time to see him go through something like that, not because he feels it inconveniences him or anything like that, but because he hates knowing that he’s in pain or overwhelmed or anything of the sort.
After a few minutes of them snuggling while he listens to Katsuki’s breathing even out, Aizawa’s phone buzzes, alerting him that he got a text.
Present Mic: Hey, Shou. I would have called but I’m not sure how well Katsuki would take the noise right now. The fire was put out, just another one of Hatsume’s babies gone haywire. How’s our baby doing?
Eraserhead: Better. I think he’s in shutdown right now, he can’t talk and he’s pretty limited with his movement. We’re still in the gardens. It seems like he might go down for a nap soon, would you mind looking over the class for the next period? They can use it for study hall.
Present Mic: Sure thing. Is he still small?
Eraserhead: I think so. If he starts feeling a little better I might send him back to the dorms with Kirishima, but I think he needs to stay with an adult until this passes over.
Present Mic: I agree, if he starts to get overstimulated again Kirishima won’t know how to take care of him properly.
Eraserhead: I might actually have to take a sick day for the first time, to be honest.
Present Mic: Gasp! Unheard of!
Present Mic: Just kidding. Nezu will understand. Let me know if you need me to do anything else <3
Eraserhead: Will do. Love you
Present Mic: Love you too ^3^~<3
Smiling in amusement, Aizawa sets his phone down and looks back to Katsuki. He’s still awake, but his eyes are distant and unfocused. He’s likely dissociating, but he’d rather him get out of his mind for a while than throw himself back into overload, so he just resumes his petting and hopes that he drifts into unconsciousness soon enough.
- - -
“Baby.”
Katsuki brow furrows and his lips purse in a deep pout. He doesn’t whine, but it’s pretty obvious that he’s gonna start soon.
“Baby, it’s time to wake up.”
“Nnn,” he groans, burying his face deeper into the fabric of Aizawa’s pants. He doesn’t wanna wake up. He’s so so tired.
“C’mon, Katsuki,” Aizawa persists softly. “ i just need you to stand up for a minute. Then I promise I’ll carry you, alright? It’s past noon and you need to eat something.”
Wait, no. No, no, he can’t go in the big scary lunch room, the lights are all wrong and the floor doesn’t have the right number of tiles and it’s loud, so so loud he can’t do it again-
“Shh, don’t work yourself up,” his father whispers when he notices his eyes fly open and his breathing pick up. “I’m just gonna take you to the dorms. We’re gonna snuggle up on the couch with some rice balls and juice, okay? I’ll even keep the lights off and let you wear the special headphones. It’s alright.”
Oh. Okay. That sounds okay.
He lets out a long breath through his nose and rubs his eyes, slowly sitting up. He’s a little shaky and his head kinda feels like cotton, but he fees so much better than he did before his nap. He’ll definitely be taking it easy for the rest of the day, though. He feels overly sensitive, and he’s not gonna risk another meltdown.
Just keep it nice and quiet for the rest of the day. That’ll be good for him.
He’s still really sleepy, so he doesn’t process much as Daddy gathers up their things and lifts him into his arms. He feels kinda weird when his cheek brushes against his bare shoulder (Aizawa’s hair pokes against his cheek and he doesn’t like it), but after a quick readjustment he buries his face in his scarf and allows himself to doze off until they get to the dorms.
When he comes to again, Daddy is setting him down on the couch, and- wait, no, he’s not sitting next to him, don’t go don’t go don’t-
“Hey,” Aizawa says softly when Katsuki whimpers and grabs his hand. He frowns when he sees tears gathering in his eyes. “It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m just going to get our lunch.”
Katsuki shakes his head, lip wobbling with emotion. Aizawa reaches out to thumb his cheek soothingly.
“You don’t want me to go?” He shakes his head again. “Okay. Tell you what. I have to put a shirt on anyways, and we should probably get some protection and pants on you. I don’t want to take you into the kitchen with me though, it’s going to heat up and I don’t want you getting sweaty and uncomfortable. Do you understand what I mean?”
... Yes. He understands.
“Good boy. So you can just hang out in the living room while I cook the rice up, okay? Do you want me to put a show on for you?”
Nuh uh. Shows are noisy and bright. Especially cartoons. He just wants to be close with Daddy again. That made his insides go back to normal, he just wants it again.
“Alright. Let’s go, pumpkin.”
After he’s got a diaper and shorts on (and Aizawa’s no longer bare chested), he’s carried back to the couch and set down on the center cushion. Immediately, he tucks his knees to his chest and buries his face in them, squeezing his rabbit and flapping his free hand.
“Aww, baby, I know,” Aizawa whispers. “Do you want me to grab the headphones for you?”
A nod. Aizawa quickly retrieves the headphones from his room and slips them over Katsuki’s ears, planting a quick kiss on his head before dashing off to the kitchen.
This rice can’t cook fast enough.
- - -
“Such a sweet boy,” Aizawa coos as he strokes Katsuki’s forehead. “I know today was really tough for you, but you were so strong, sweetheart. So so brave. My brave little hero.”
They’ve been sitting on the couch all afternoon. It became clear pretty quickly that Katsuki didn’t want to do anything other than be held close by his father. He was still reluctant to watch any television or turn any lights on, but he did eventually take off the headphones after he finished his lunch. Right now he’s curled up against Aizawa’s chest, suckling on his pacifier and rubbing his stuffie against his cheek.
“Does your head hurt at all?” He asks, the thought suddenly occurring to him. Katsuki blinks up at him, not responding. “Do you need any headache medicine, bub?”
He shakes his head, nuzzling against his chest again and curling his fingers into his shirt. He squeezes the fabric methodically a few times, much akin to a cat kneading something, and lets his eyes slip shut. He’s been so sleepy since his meltdown, it thoroughly drained him.
“You wanna move to the bed?” Aizawa asks, running his fingers through his hair. Katsuki nods, raising his arms to wrap them around his shoulders so he can be carried.
Once they get under the covers, Katsuki wiggles close until he’s curled up into a little ball and smushed right into Aizawa.
“There’s my baby,” Aizawa chuckles. Katsuki rubs his cheek against his shoulder and stifles a yawn. “You can take a rest if you need to, pumpkin. Today was a big day, huh?”
Yes, it was. And he’s so sleepy. But he already took a nap! He shouldn’t... fall... asleep...
Within a matter of minutes, Katsuki’s eyelids slip shut and his breathing slows down. Aizawa smiles at the sight and kisses his head before wrapping his arms around him and closing his own eyes.
Notes:
sorry that this was so messy aaaa >_<
also ik that katsuki seems a little more grown up when i’m describing the sensory overload but i couldn’t figure out how to articulate that in little kid words so i figured i would just mention that he is regressed for the whole chapter ^.^
Chapter 73: Not Fair (w/ Carer Kiri)
Summary:
Katsuki has a rough morning.
Notes:
CWs: sensory overload, anxiety/panic attacks, fighting, unsanitary (wetting, somewhat graphic clean-up scene, and talk about pull-up/diapers/training pants), mention of seizures, and insecurity/self-doubt
!!! NOTE: !!! i understand that unsanitary stuff needs to be skipped some of you, but it does include some plot in this chapter, so skip to the end notes to see where to stop reading + where to start up again and i’ll explain what goes on without including the yuckier details :)*
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
So. Malls suck.
Shopping in general sucks, but malls are especially loud, and bright, and crowded, and there’s lots of mixed smells and lights and noises and quite frankly, Katsuki cannot stand them. He would never, under any circumstances, go to a mall in his free time. He’s not sure what kind of masochist he’d have to be to waste up his valuable time that could spend studying or training or chilling the fuck out at a mall, but he isn’t one.
But. His friends are.
He hasn’t really been able to say “no” to Eijirou for a while now, but they brought out the big guns this time by making Mina put on her best puppy dog eyes. How is he going to deny her when she looks like she’s about to cry? She’s an evil, manipulative fuck too, because the second he agrees her face lights up and she claps her hands and gives him a hug.
Fuck. He’s gotta stop going soft for these assholes.
So now he’s at a mall, which he’s almost positive is secretly the seventh circle of Hell, and he wants to scream until his throat tears and then take the longest goddamn nap.
But he can’t.
Because he’s still at the fucking mall.
Uuuuuggh.
“Bakugou, we’re gonna go grab some snacks at the food court,” Sero informs him.
Great. Just the noisiest, most crowded, most mixed sensory place on the whole goddamn block. He’s gonna end up exploding before the day is over, he can already feel it.
He’s silent on the walk to the food court, and Eijirou unsurprisingly notices.
“You good?” He asks.
“Fine,” he grunts.
“Well... you’re just being unusually quiet, is all. You’re not feeling sick, are you?”
Sick of this place? Absolutely, he is. But feeling physically ill? He can’t say that he does.
“I don’t like it here,” he growls, hunching his shoulders. “I’ve got a fuckin’ migraine from everything going on. I can’t believe I let you guys drag me here again.”
A look of guilt seeps into Eijirou’s expression.
“Aw, dude, I’m really sorry... maybe some food and water will help with your headache, though? And Jirou’s always got Tylenol on her. And if that doesn’t help, you and I can head back to UA, alright?”
Katsuki rolls his eyes.
“Can’t we just head back n-“
“Oh, sweet!” Kaminari interrupts him, wrapping himself around Eijirou’s shoulders and pointing at something. “They opened up a dango place! Let’s go, dude!”
With an excited laugh, Kaminari drags the redhead off to whatever he was freaking out about, leaving Katsuki alone.
Well, at least he can have some time to himself now. He drags himself over to a vending machine and buys himself the biggest water bottle in stock and a can of wasabi peas. He knows he’s going to have to sit with his friends, but the somewhat-clean space under the table near the vending machine looks awfully tempting to him right now. But, no. That would be weird, even though he could really use the seclusion. He can’t be caught hiding under a table to eat like some sort of animal.
He breaches the food court.
‘Dissociation’ might be a strong word for the kind of state he goes into throughout lunch, but he’s definitely really spacey. He’s so tempted to rest his head on the table and take a nap, but then Eijirou will think he’s sick and make a big deal out of it, and he doesn’t want a big deal, he just wants to not be here.
“Hey,” Jirou says lowly, placing a pill bottle in his hand. “Kirishima said you’ve got a migraine.”
Okay, not his biggest concern, but he actually does appreciate it. He’ll probably feel better after his headache goes away.
“Thanks,” he grumbles, popping a few in his mouth and downing them with water.
“Woah! Someone’s thirsty!” Mina giggles. “What’d you do, run a lap before you sat down?”
“You aaaare pretty sweaty-looking,” Kaminari observes.
“I’m always sweaty-looking, genius. It’s literally my quirk,” he chuffs. Sero snorts.
“You’re especially grumpy today.”
“The fuck? I’m just answering his question, asshole!” Eijirou winces at his loud tone.
“Hey, buddy, slow your roll.”
“Oh my god!” He throws his hands the air. “This is fucking ridiculous! I’m just talking to you guys, why the hell are you on my ass?!”
“We’re in public,” Eijirou reminds him lightly.
Jesus Christ. He KNOWS!! That’s why he’s in such a shit mood to begin with!
“Oh, is this embarrassing for you, Kirishima?!” He shouts, glaring him down. “Get used to it! Because I’m not gonna be fucking quiet anymore! I’m sick of this place!”
“Bakugou, you’re making a scene,” Mina whispers. His eye twitches and he points at her.
“Can it, Pinky! It’s YOUR fault I gotta put up with this shit! If you hadn’t pulled that stupid crying crap in the first place I wouldn’t be here, and you wouldn’t have to deal with-!”
“Sir,” a deep voice cuts him off. He jumps and looks behind him to see a tall security guard frowning down at him. “You need to lower your volume and calm down or I’m going to have to ask you to leave the food court.”
He feels his face heat up as it turns scarlet with embarrassment, and he clenches his jaw.
“Fine,” he spits out, standing up. “I’m going.”
“Alright,” the security guard nods, clearly waiting to watch him leave. Katsuki mutters expletives under his breath as he snatches up his water and peas and storms off.
He’s barely ten steps away when he hears Eijirou call his name and run after him, and it takes all his might not to throw him some warning sparks and cuss him out.
“Dude,” he says, clapping a hand on his shoulder. “You haven’t blown up like that in a while. Are you feeling alright?”
“Seriously?” He shrugs him off. “I literally told you how much I hate it here. I said I wasn’t feeling good, I told you I didn’t want to come in the first place, and you made me anyways. I’m so fucking anxious and angry right now, of course I was gonna ‘blow up.’”
“... I mean.... okay,” he sighs. “It was shitty of us to make you tag along. That wasn’t fair. But you’ve got to get a better hold on your emotions. You’re gonna get us kicked out someday if you don’t.”
Yikes. That stung.
“Whatever,” he grumbles, pinching his eyebrows and trying to will away the frustrated tears in his eyes. “Just leave me alone.”
He walks quickly to lose Eijirou, nearly breaking out into a full sprint before another security guard gives him a warning look. When he’s finally sure his friend is off his tail, he ducks into a moderately empty store (what they sell, he couldn’t tell you) and lets out a deep, shaky breath.
If he wasn’t worried about traveling alone anymore he would have just left on the next bus and gone back to campus. But even if something bad didn’t happen to him, his dads would chew him out for breaking the rule that was literally put into place because of him, so this poor, failing business will have to do.
“Can I help you look for something?” The old woman behind the desk asks him. He shakes his head and moves behind a bookcase, feigning interest in the dusty old things.
Huh. A used bookstore. Not the worst place to get his shit together in.
His phone buzzes to life in his pocket, and he takes it out to see he’s getting a call from Eijirou. Dumb bastard is probably losing his goddamn mind trying to find him. Hah.
He sits himself on the carpeted floor behind the bookcase and turns his phone all the way off before re-opening his can of peas to finish them off. He’s not about to waste his money just because he’s feeling pissy.
Time seems to drift slower now that he’s somewhere quiet. He does some breathing exercises (in, hold, out. in, hold, out.), counts how many books are on the shelves in front of him (fifty three on top, sixty two in the middle, and only thirty on the bottom), tries to focus on the soft feeling of his shirt against his skin, the coolness of his water bottle. And, eventually, he starts to feel the anger slowly drain from his body, relief replacing it. He just needed a little break, is all.
And... now that he’s a little clearer, he kind of feels bad. He’s not saying his friends weren’t in the wrong, no, they were kind of being dicks, but he got out of control. He can admit that. And also, Kiri was just trying to help, he shouldn’t have-
Nope, wait. He is not about to start crying in this shitty, dusty mall shop. Guilt be damned, he’s not going to embarrass himself like that. It’s been an emotional day already.
But. Maybe he should try to find his carer- his friend. Friend, goddammit! His friend. Jesus, Katsuki, reel it in. You can’t just slip every time you start to feel upset.
God. He has another headache coming on.
- - -
Eijirou is worried.
Katsuki got mad. That’s normal, he gets mad a lot.
He blew up on them. Cool, fine, whatever, a little uncalled for but still pretty standard behavior.
He stormed off. Also normal. He likes to be alone when he’s angry.
He... isn’t responding to his calls. Or texts. And Eijirou can’t find him ANYWHERE.
...
He doesn’t want to overthink things, but history has a tendency to repeat itself, and Katsuki just so happens to have a worrying pattern of getting kidnapped, and he’s alone and upset and, and-!
Okay. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There’s no evidence that suggests Katsuki is in any sort of trouble. The mall hasn’t made any sort of lockdown announcement, there’s no law enforcement or heroes on duty that he can see other than the security guards, and the people around him don’t seem panicked. He’s probably fine. Just... maybe ignoring him, which sucks, but at least he’s not in danger.
Probably.
He shakily calls Katsuki again, holding the phone to his ear as he scans his surroundings.
Come on, come on, pick up...
Straight to voicemail. Damn it! When they meet back up they’re going to have to figure out a system to deal with situations like this. Maybe some sort of “safe-word?” Like, when Katsuki doesn’t want to be around anyone he could text him an emoji or something that lets him know that he’s safe, just needs to be alone. Or maybe he just needs to be reminded to keep his phone on. Or maybe-
“Hey.” Someone taps his arm. He whirls around to see Katsuki. “I’m so-“
“DUDE!” He shouts. “You just about gave me a heart attack! Why’d you run off like that?!”
“I just...” he shrugs. “Wanted some quiet.”
“Okay, maybe tell me next time?” He scoffs. “Or at least pick up the phone! Seriously!”
“Don’t yell at me,” Katsuki growls, glaring at him. Eijirou rolls his eyes.
“So it’s okay for you to blow up on all of us, but I can’t get angry with you for hiding away in a VERY public setting where anyone could-“
“I said stop!” He shouts, pressing his hands over his ears. “I know I was bad! Just- just-! Don’t yell! I already know!”
Eijirou’s rage simmers down a bit. He closes his eyes and sighs through his nose.
“Bakugou.” He reaches out to touch Katsuki’s wrist, but the boy jerks back. “Dude. Take your hands off your ears. I won’t yell anymore.”
With a deep breath, Katsuki removes his hands, only to start wiping at his eyes as tears begin to threaten to spill over.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers, clearly not trusting his voice not to break if he talks any louder.
“Me too,” Eijirou nods, pulling him into a hug.
The effect is immediate. Katsuki melts against him, finally starting to cry as all of his emotions overwhelm him. Eijirou holds him closer, awkwardly side-stepping out of the crowd so he can properly comfort his friend.
“It’s alright,” he says quietly, rubbing his back. “I’m sorry. We shouldn’t have dragged you here. You’ve had a rough day, I know.”
“I w-wanna go,” Katsuki whimpers, hiding his face in Eijirou shirt. “I wanna go home...”
“Sure, bud.” He rests his cheek against him, letting his eyes slip shut as he rocks them back and forth. “You let me know when you’re ready, alright? I’ll text the others.”
Once he’s calmed down and ready to let go of Eijirou, Katsuki is fully and truly regressed. It’s never ideal for him to unexpectedly regress in public, but unexpectedly regressing in public after already having a flare up with his anxiety and anger problems? God, he wants to hide away and just disappear for a while. But he braves through it. Clings to the hem of Eijirou’s shirt as he guides him out of the mall, through the busy streets, and to the train station.
By the time he sits down, he’s exhausted.
He lets out a long sigh and buries his face into Eijirou’s shoulder, squeezing his arm.
“You tired?” He asks. Katsuki nods. “That’s okay. You can take a little nap, I’ll wake you up when we get to our stop.”
He drapes his sweatshirt over Katsuki’s body, guides his head to his lap, and runs his hands through his hair until he hears his breathing even out and slow down as he drifts to sleep.
- - -
“Dude, what’s your problem?” Kaminari asks.
Katsuki looks down at him, brows furrowed in confusion. What does he mean? Did he do something? He can’t remember.
“Huh?”
“Yeah, Bakugou, seriously,” Jirou cuts in. “I thought you were supposed to be getting better.”
He is! He is getting better! What does she-
“Have you been skipping out on your therapy sessions or something?” Sero remarks. “I mean, you’re acting just like you used to.”
What? What did he even-
“You really hurt our feelings,” Mina pouts. “We can handle the yelling and teasing, we do it too, but it’s scary when you get actually upset with us. That’s not fair.”
“I-I’m not-“
“Oh, here it comes,” Eijirou scoffs. “So it’s okay for you to blow up on all of us, but we can’t get angry with you?!”
Wait. He’s heard this before. Kiri yelled at him when he ran away. So he just has to say-
“I’m sorry!” He blurts out. His lip is wobbling, and he can tell he’s crying, even if he can’t really feel it. “I’m s-sorry for goin’ away!”
“Bakugou,” he says coldly, eyes fierce. “You don’t just get to regress every time you fuck up so we’ll feel guilty and apologize.”
Katsuki’s heart leaps into his throat, and ice floods his veins.
“Th-That’s not what I-“
“It’s not fair,” he continues, stepping closer and snarling. “I have to pick up your slack for you all the time. I’m sick of cleaning up your messes. Don’t you ever think about how I might feel? I never asked for you to be my responsibility, you know.”
He knows. He knows that. He feels awful for making Kiri take care of him sometimes, but he’s always so kind, so insistent that it’s okay, he can be small and Kiri will help and it will all be okay. But maybe-
“It’s not fair to me.”
Maybe he shouldn’t-
“It’s not fair to your friends and family.”
Maybe he’s not supposed to be-
“And it’s not fair to you,” Eijirou growls, standing in front of him with the scariest enraged look on his face. “You can’t keep running away from trouble, Bakugou. It’s always going to find you.”
... Maybe this isn’t okay.
“You’re trouble,” he concludes. “It’s who you are. And nothing can change that. Ever.”
- - -
Katsuki’s own whimpering wakes him up, and he immediately moves to sit upright and observe his surroundings. He’s still on the train. Eijirou is next to him, looking at him with concern. He doesn’t look mad.
It was just a bad dream.
People are looking at him, so he bites his lip and presses his hands into his eyes to avoid crying. That would be embarrassing. Good thing he has enough sense not to-
“Oh, kiddo,” Eijirou whispers, placing a hand on his shoulder and pulling him close. “Hey, it’s okay. I won’t let anyone see. It’s alright.”
“L-Let d’em see what?” Katsuki questions, sniffing. Eijirou bites his lip worriedly.
“It’s... really no biggie,” he says quietly. “You had a little accident, but it’s alright, I promise. I don’t think anyone can tell. Don’t worry.”
Oh my god.
He can’t believe he didn’t register how wet his pants were before, but now that he knows he feels like he’s going to throw up. He nervously looks down, but it doesn’t look like he made too much of a mess. Just enough to completely and utterly humiliate himself, is all. Because this day wasn’t bad enough already.
He must give Eijirou a panicked look, because the redhead suddenly pulls him into a tight hug, crushing his face into his chest.
“Don’t worry, bubba. I can take care of this.”
Katsuki’s heart pangs.
’Don’t you ever think about how I might feel? I never asked for you to be my responsibility, you know.’
“I-I can,” he says, pushing him away. “I c-can do it.”
“What do you mean?” Eijirou asks, frowning.
Katsuki shakes his head, standing up on shaky legs and quickly tying the sweatshirt around his waist. He sits back down away from the wet spot, looking around for something.
“... U-Um,” he eventually stutters out, nervously fiddling with his clothes and turning to Eijirou. “D-Do you have any san’tizin’ wipes?”
“Sanitizing wipes? Yeah, hang on,” he nods, reaching into his bag. He pulls out a package of disinfectant wipes and starts to clean up the mess, but Katsuki stops him.
“Don’ touch,” he says lowly. “S’yucky. Lemme.”
He takes the wipes from Eijirou and finishes cleaning up, standing and walking over to the garbage can to toss them away after. When he returns, Eijirou is waiting for him with hand sanitizer and a concerned smile on his face.
“Good job cleaning up, bud,” he praises him as he squirts sanitizer into his hands. “You didn’t need to, though. You know I don’t mind.”
“Y-You...” Katsuki starts, a pinched look on his face. He shakes his head and curls his knees up, hugging them to his chest. “S’my mess.”
“It’s okay to need help, though,” he reminds him gently. Katsuki doesn’t respond, doesn’t even move, so he scoots closer, but decides not to push. “... Were you having a bad dream?”
Katsuki shrugs, looking down.
“Yeah.”
“Wanna talk about it?” He shakes his head. “Okay. Well, we’re almost at our stop. We’ll get you back, take a nice bath, get in some comfy clothes, then we can do whatever you want. Maybe some coloring? Or a movie?”
“I... wan’ be alone,” Katsuki whispers. Eijirou’s frown deepens.
“Well, your dads are working, so someone has to be with you, bud. And I’m pretty sure I’m the only one available that you’d be comfortable with, but if you want I can ask All Might or someone else to take keep on eye on you.”
He doesn’t agree. He doesn’t argue, either. He just shrugs again and continues to stare at the ground. Eijirou wants to pull him into his lap, coddle him and make him happy and try to fix whatever went wrong, but he doesn’t think that will help right now.
When they get back to the dorms, Eijirou walks with Katsuki to the baths. He doesn’t hold his hand, doesn’t blow a raspberry on his shoulder to distract him from being embarrassed when he helps him step out of his wet pants, doesn’t ask if he wants bath toys or hum to him or talk to him about their plans. He doesn’t even wash him up, Katsuki gets right to it himself. If he weren’t so quiet and jittery, he’d honestly think he wasn’t regressed anymore.
With Katsuki soaping himself up, he retreats to get him some clothes. He can trust him enough to sit in the baths for a little bit, and if anything goes wrong he’ll be able to hear.
He picks out some baggy clothes for him. Nothing too babyish, just comfortable. (And some training pants. No diapers, no pull-ups, he’s not even gonna suggest them after what happened on the train.)
When he returns to the bathroom, Katsuki is trying his best to dry off his legs so he can step out, but he keeps slipping and falling back into the tub, growing more and more frustrated each time.
“Here, buddy, let me help you,” Eijirou says, not wanting him to get hurt. He’s shaky and anxious right now, and his motor skills are always a little off when he’s regressed, he can’t help being a bit clumsier.
Katsuki seems to think differently though, because he jumps when he hears Eijirou’s voice and starts to cry again, sinking into the water with a defeated sob as he clings to his own shoulders for comfort. Eijirou’s heart aches at the sight, and he places Katsuki’s clothes on the ground to go and comfort him.
“Kiddo, tell me what’s wrong,” he says, kneeling down next to the tub and placing a hand on his cheek. “You’re worrying me.”
“I d-don’ wan’ be ba-ad,” Katsuki sobs, shaking his head. Eijirou frowns, confused.
“You’re not being bad, honey.”
“I-I’s bein’ in trouble,” he sputters, rubbing his eyes. “‘Cus I’s mean an’ d-d’en I ran away!”
“‘Suki, you’re not in trouble,” he promises. “I know you’re upset, and you apologized, remember? You’re still working on it.”
“I-I jus’..!” He turns, knocking his head against Eijirou’s shoulder. “Had a bad dream...”
“Is that what’s upsetting you?” He asks, and Katsuki nods. “Poor guy... are you sure you don’t want to talk about it, bubs?”
“Nn-mm,” he whimpers, shaking his head. “Jus’... I don’ wan’ you t’stop takin’ care of me... M’really sorry f’yellin’ at you...”
“Kiddo, it’s all right, I promise,” he says emphatically, squeezing Katsuki tight, uncaring that his shirt is being splashed with bath water. “I would never, ever stop taking care of you unless you wanted me to. You know that, right? I love you, and I love being your carer, and I want to help you feel safe and comfortable when you’re small. I don’t care if you’re the biggest meanie in the world, I’d never leave you alone like that.”
Katsuki’s shoulders definitely relax at that, but he starts crying even harder and clings to him, nearly dragging him into the bath. Eijirou shushes him, gently rocking them back and forth and letting Katsuki cry it out. Today’s been monumentally draining for him, and it’s barely even noon. He’s going to allow him to vent his emotions for as long as he needs to.
- - -
When Katsuki’s done crying, he sniffles loudly, pulls away, and wipes his nose on his arm. Eijirou takes a facecloth and gently helps him clean off his face so he doesn’t end up getting snot all over his clean clothes.
He doesn’t protest getting dressed until Eijirou starts to pull his sweatpants up.
“Nooo,” he whines, kicking them off his legs.
“What’s wrong? You don’t wanna wear pants?”
“Mm-mm!” He shakes his head, pouting.
“Okay, alright,” he chuckles. “That’s fine. C’mon, lets go to your room.”
Clean and dressed to his own comfort, Katsuki is promptly rolled up in his softest blanket and handed Pochi. Eijirou pops a pacifier into his mouth and clips it to his shirt collar, just in case. He gets his laptop booted up and immediately hits play on an episode of Hello Kitty, knowing that Katsuki will want to watch his comfort show.
“Sanrio,” he mumbles quietly when the intro starts up. Eijirou smiles at him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.
“That’s right, kiddo.”
They don’t even get halfway through the first episode before Katsuki crawls into his lap and looks at him expectantly.
“What’s up?”
“Mm...” He looks back at the show playing on the laptop. “Y’like Sanrio?”
“I like watching it with you,” he confirms, nodding. Katsuki frowns.
“S’not a big kid show.”
“Some big kids like it though,” he supplies. “Mina does. And Tooru!”
The blonde narrows his eyes for a moment, seemingly weighing his options before shaking his head and sliding off of Eijirou.
“Let’s color,” he decides, reaching for his coloring book and crayons. “We can do Cris- Crimsim- Crim-“
“Crimson Riot?” Eijirou guess. Katsuki’s eyes light up, and he nods.
“Mhm! Y’favorite!”
“He IS my favorite,” he chuckles, crabbing a red crayon and starting to fill in the lines.
Coloring goes well for a while. Katsuki always looks so cute when he focuses on coloring, poking his tongue out of the side of his mouth and leaning close to the paper to try and color in the lines as best as possible. Unfortunately, though, he seems to get bored with this activity too, as he starts to focus less on coloring and more on Eijirou.
“You don’t wanna color anymore?” Eijirou asks, placing his crayon do. Katsuki shrugs.
“You like colorin’, Kiri?”
“I like coloring with you.”
“But...” The blonde seems bewildered, frowning at the floor and squirming.
“What do you wanna do instead, ‘Suki?”
“What Kiri wants,” he answers quickly, looking up at his carer. Eijirou laughs.
“Well, I wanna do whatever you want to do, kiddo,” he grins. “So what’ll that be? A tea party? A walk? You wanna bake something?”
“I...”
He’s not sure why the words set him off, but his eyes start to water, chin trembling as he fights back yet another crying session.
“Aw, baby,” Eijirou coos, reaching forward to pull Katsuki into his lap. “You don’t wanna choose? Is that too much right now? That’s okay, bud. We don’t have to do anything. We can just stay here and snuggle if you want.”
“I w-wan’ you t’have fun too-oo,” he sobs. “You sh-should have fun Ki-i-ri!!”
“‘Suki, are you still hung up on that?” He asks, pushing his forehead back so he can see his face. “Buddy, I told you, you don’t need to worry about me getting upset because you’re small. That includes when you only wanna do small stuff. It’s more important to me that you’re feeling happy and safe than anything else when you’re regressed.”
Katsuki shakes his head, clearly not convinced, and Eijirou sighs.
“Well, then, let’s see... It makes me happy when we snuggle together. I like playing with you, but I don’t think either of us are up for that right now, and that’s totally okay.” He pauses for a moment, thinks about how to handle this, then continues. “You know what I think we should do right now, kiddo?”
“H-Huh?” Katsuki whimpers, eyes begging him for the right answer. He wants to please him so bad.... poor baby. Eijirou’s going to have to make him feel like the best little boy ever.
“I think we should get a yummy snack and a drink. Definitely a little water, but maybe I can put some apple juice in your bottle after, hm? Does that sound good?” He asks. Katsuki hesitantly nods, rubbing at his wet eyelashes. “And then after we fill our tummies up with lots of good things, I think we should snuggle up under your softest blankets with all your stuffies and take a nap. I could read to you to help you fall asleep, or we could watch a show, whichever one you want. And then after we’re nice and recharged from our rough morning out, we can figure out what to do. Okay?”
Katsuki takes in a shaky breath and nods before burying his forehead against Eijirou’s neck, letting out a meek little “‘kay..”
Eijirou carries Katsuki down to the kitchen, insisting that he wants to when Katsuki nervously tells him that he can walk.
“It’s okay, kiddo,” he tells him. “I just want to take care of you right now.”
He gets Katsuki a nice pile of fruit salad and some Mana biscuits on one of his favorite character-themed plastic plates, along with a little sippy cup of water. If he gets some good nutrition in him before they take a nap, he’s hoping that he’ll feel better about everything.
As he eats, Eijirou starts to ask him questions to try and understand the situation better.
“‘Suki, did you remember to take your medicine this morning?” He asks lightly, rubbing Katsuki’s back to soothe him. He receives a nod. “Wow, good job for remembering! I’m proud of you.”
“Took ‘em b’fore we left,” he says quietly, poking at a sliced strawberry with his fork.
“Before we went to the mall?” Katsuki nods. “What is it that you don’t like about that place? I’m not upset, I just wanna know so you don’t get upset again in the future.”
“I-It’s...” He bumps his hands against his ears, getting an uncomfortable look on his face. “Too loud... an’ big and busy. D’lights hurt my head an’ it smells funny.”
“Ohh, I gotcha. Yeah, I can see how that would make you feel bad. I’m sorry,” he apologizes, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “I promise we won’t ever make you go again if you don’t want to. That wasn’t very nice of us.”
“But-“
“No ‘buts,’” he insists, shaking his head. “You don’t have to do anything you’re uncomfortable with. Promise.”
Katsuki chews his lip thoughtfully for a moment, then sniffs and nods his head in agreement before taking a long drink out of his sippy cup. Eijirou smiles, squeezes his shoulder comfortingly, and continues.
“Do you think you could tell me about your bad dream, buddy?” He asks softly. “Or at least why it upset you so much?”
Katsuki’s face pinches up.
“Everyone ‘as bein’ mad t’me,” he mumbles, looking down at his lap and pouting. “A-An’ Kiri tol’ me bein’ small wasn’t ‘kay anymore. An’ I jus’ got sad an’ scared when I got awake...”
“Oh, poor baby,” Eijirou tuts, pulling him into a hug. Katsuki squeezes him back, pushing his face into his shoulder. “Well, you don’t ever have to worry about that happening in real life. Being small will always be okay. It’s your brain’s way of helping you stay out of scary situations where you could be in even more danger by having a panic attack or another one of your seizures. I’m never gonna make you feel bad about needing that. I love you, kiddo.”
Katsuki sniffles and squeezes him tighter.
“Lovie too, Kiri.”
After a few more minutes of hugging and rocking and soft words of affirmation, Katsuki manages to finish his snack and drink with a little help from his carer, then he gets his face cleaned up before he’s carried back to his bedroom. This time, he doesn’t feel bad about being carried. In fact, he appreciates it.
“Why don’t we change you into a diaper before we snooze,” Eijirou suggests, and Katsuki’s too far slipped at this point to feel embarrassed about that, so he just nods in agreement.
Once he’s got some more protection on and his pacifier is cleaned off, they snuggle up under the blankets and resume their show, Katsuki’s head lying on Eijirou’s chest as their arms and legs entangle for optimal comfort.
It doesn’t take him long to drift off after that.
- - -
By the time Katsuki wakes up, the rest of his friends are back, and Eijirou’s already explained to them the situation (leaving out the train incident, of course- there’s no reason to embarrass him).
“We’re sorry, baby!” Mina wails, genuine tears of guilt making her eyes shine as she throws her arms around his neck. “I’m never, ever gonna make you do that again! I didn’t realize how upsetting it was for you!”
“And I’m sorry for teasing you,” Kaminari says, frowning. “I should know better by now.”
“Same,” Sero agrees, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “And it, uh... it wasn’t my place to talk about your mood. My bad.”
“If you ever want someone to hang back with you, let me know,” Jirou says softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Or if you want to tag along but just hang out outside or in quieter stores or something. My quirk makes it overwhelming to be in loud places sometimes, so I kind of get where your coming from.”
“M’kay,” he nods, sniffling a little bit. “M’sorry for yellin’. Wasn’t nice.”
“Everyone makes mistakes, bud,” Eijirou says quietly. “And remember, you shouldn’t-“
“- feel bad for feeling bad,” the rest of the group finishes for him in unison, making Katsuki giggle.
“I didn’t realize I said that so much,” Eijirou chuckles, blushing a bit. Mina laughs.
“That, and ‘Mind your manners, missy,’” she says, imitating Eijirou’s voice.
“Ooh, he always hits me with the ‘You get what you get and you don’t get upset,’” Kaminari giggles. Sero raises his hand.
“No, no, my favorite is, ‘Take your sass, put it in your pocket,’” he cackles, slapping his knee. Eijirou rolls his eyes.
“Whatever, guys. I’m just looking out for you.”
“What about you, Jirou?” Mina asks, grinning. “Does Kiri have any insightful wisdom that he likes to bestow upon you countless times?”
“Not really,” she shrugs.
“I never have to talk to Jirou, because she BEHAVES,” Eijirou points out.
“Nah,” Kaminari laughs. “It’s because you’re the mom friend, and she’s, like, the cool, responsible, emo dad friend.”
“‘Emo dad?’” Jirou snorts, rolling her eyes.
“Why am I the mom?” Eijirou whines. “Can’t I at least be a COOL mom? I’m cool!”
“Ehh,” Mina squints. “Sorry, hon, but no way.”
“Aww, man!”
“Wait wait wait,” Sero stops them. “If Kiri’s the boring, lame mom-“
“Hey!”
“- and Jirou’s the cool goth dad-“
“Emo, actually.”
“- then what does that make Bakugou?” He asks, raising a brow and turning to the blonde with a playful look on his face.
Katsuki sucks on his binky thoughtfully for a moment before lifting his teddy bear in the air and saying,
“Kiri’s kiddo!”
“YEAAH!” Eijirou cheers, squeezing Katsuki close and kissing his forehead. “And since you’re my kiddo, you’ll tell ‘em I’m cool, right?”
Katsuki gets a doubtful look on his face, and that’s all it takes for the group to erupt in laughter.
Notes:
* stop reading at ‘““Hey, it’s okay. I won’t let anyone see. It’s alright.”’ and start up again at ‘ When he returns to the bathroom,...’
* brief summary: katsuki cleans up by himself on the train + back at the dorms because he doesn’t want help from kiri since he’s worried he’s being too much for him, he also doesn’t tell him about his nightmareWHOO that was a long break!! i’m back now and i’m holing my writer’s block will ease up ^.^
Chapter 74: Baby Steps (w/ Dadzawa, Papa Mic, Big Bro Hitoshi, Carers Izu + Kiri, and Regressor Shouto)
Summary:
It’s Katsuki’s birthday.
Notes:
CWs: heavily implied child abuse, panic attacks, fighting, concerns for mental health (including mild criticism of regression), references to bathroom stuff but nothing explicit
THIS IS VERY MESSY AND NOT VERY GOOD but i needed to get it published by today >_<
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!”
“Wake up Mister Aizawa!!”
“Mmph,” Aizawa grunts, pressing his face further into the bed. “S’early.”
“It’s midnight,” Yamada groans from beside him. Aizawa’s brow furrows.
“Get back to bed, kids.”
“But it’s Katsu-nii’s birthday!” Eri chirps. “He’s like a bajillion years old now!”
Aizawa chuckles breathily, sitting upright and looking at the two kids standing at the foot of his bed. Katsuki has a big grin on his face.
“Hi Daddy.”
“Hey sweetheart,” he greets. “Is there something special going on?”
“Mhm,” he nods. “S’my birthday.”
“Ohhh that is special.” He reaches his arms out. “C’mere, let me hug you.”
Katsuki hums a little bit and hops over to him, letting himself be wrapped in his father’s arms.
“It’s a big day today, huh?”
“Mhm,” Katsuki sighs.
He’s not surprised that Katsuki regressed. He can’t recall any major holiday that isn’t difficult for him, and one as personal as a birthday was bound to be even harder. He could tell that Katsuki’s been stressing over it all week- nervously checking the calendar, ignoring letters and calls from Masaru, snapping at his friends, spending more time in his room. It definitely seemed liked he didn’t want to make a big deal out of his birthday, which is fine, but if being regressed is gonna help him enjoy it then he’ll encourage it.
“Well, you should get some more sleep,” Aizawa advises him, patting his back. “You can’t enjoy a big day if you’re not rested enough for it. You too, Princess.”
“But I’m not tired!” Eri protests.
“Shh shh, c’mere,” Yamada says softly, opening his arms. “You’ll fall asleep with some cuddles.”
“Okaayy,” she agrees, huffing as she crawls onto Yamada’s chest. Aizawa’s eyes crinkle with amusement, and he turns to Katsuki.
“Would cuddles help you sleep too?”
“Yup!”
- - -
When Katsuki wakes up, there’s sunlight in his eyes. It’s unpleasant and rude and not at all the way he wants to wake up on his birthday.
(In all honesty, he’d rather not wake up at all. Sleep through the day and pretend like nothing changed while he was unconscious.)
Birthdays are... complicated for him. He has lots of good memories, but lots of bad memories too. He gets older every year, which fucks with his brain when his inner child still hasn’t grown up. It also means that it’s been longer than he ever expects he’s been with his new family.
Holidays always do that to him, even stupid, insignificant ones like pocky day. He’s finally able to handle day-to-day life, but the second people start celebrating he feels like he doesn’t belong and starts to remember all the bad shit he’s gone through and then he relapses in all his progress and the healing process starts all over and he’s....
He’s just so sick of it.
He normally regresses on holidays after he’s inevitably triggered by something dumb, like hearing a too-loud high five or seeing Eri cry after she falls. He can slip at the drop of a pin on days like today. So he’s just not going to give himself the chance to need it.
He’s always struggled with forcing himself to regress, and today is no different. It was easier last night, when Eri excitedly woke him up and informed him that it was tomorrow and that he’s an even bigger boy now.
(Of course, it helped to be held by Aizawa.)
But that was nighttime, and this is daytime, and he smells dorayaki and hears Yamada singing and feels the sun in his eyes and it feels impossible to go back to that soft, fuzzy place in his head when he’s this dreadful.
“Morning, squirt,” Hitoshi says from the doorway. “You slept in. C’mon, it’s time for breakfast.”
Katsuki sighs heavily through his nose.
“G’morning.”
Hitoshi grins slyly as he makes his way out of bed, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
“Happy birthday, bub.”
“Mmph,” Katsuki shrugs. Hitoshi’s smile falls.
“Oh, sorry. Dad mentioned you might be regressed still. I just assumed-“
“I am,” he says quietly, looking at the floor. Hitoshi gives him an odd look, clearly not believing him, but doesn’t push it.
“... Wanna hold my hand?” He asks.
Katsuki nods. That sounds good. He can have his big brother protect him, and maybe then he can have a nice birthday, all small and sweet and void of any bad memories or relapses or old wounds being freshly reopened in his mind.
“There’s the birthday boy!” Yamada cheers when he spots Katsuki, landing a big kiss on his forehead. “How’re we feeling, Kitty-Kat?”
“Hungry,” Katsuki answers softly.
Okay, that’s actually true. Even if he knows he only made it with the intention of giving Baby Katsuki a treat, Yamada’s dorayaki is goddamn delicious, and he’s going to devour it. He receives a happy grin in return.
“Well, lucky for you, we’ve got a whole pile of ‘em done already. Unless Eri ate them all.”
Katsuki looks over to see Eri wiggling around happily in her seat, red bean paste staining her hands and chin. She grins and waves at him.
“Happy birthday, Katsu-nii! Mister Mic made pancakes, they’re so yummy!” He can’t help the small, fond smile that curls at his lips.
“I’ll go sit with her,” he says to Hitoshi, letting go of his hand. Yamada raises a brow and looks to his older son for an answer.
“No idea,” Hitoshi whispers. “Maybe he’s just older than normal?”
“Maybe,” Yamada hums. “Well, we’ll figure it out. Go get Dad from his office, tell him Katsuki’s awake and that we’re eating breakfast.”
“‘Kay,” Hitoshi nods. After he leaves, Yamada turns to Katsuki with another bright smile.
“Okay, little listener. How many do you want?”
Katsuki sighs a little bit through his nose again and holds up four fingers.
- - -
By noon, all Katsuki can think is, “At least it didn’t fall on a weekday this year.”
He loves his family. He really does. But everything about today feels wrong. Everyone but Eri seems to be walking on eggshells around him, and he knows even she can tell something is up by the way she doesn’t offer to share her crayons or blocks with him.
His breaking point is when Aizawa asks if he wants to take a nap before they leave for the park.
“I don’t want to go to the park,” he grouches, crossing his arms. Aizawa furrows his brow.
“Okay, we don’t have to then. What do you want to do? It’s your birthday, you can pick out whatever you want.”
“Stop saying that,” he snarls, standing up. “I don’t like my birthday! I hate everything about it! So just shut up already!!”
The room falls silent, but Katsuki stands his ground and pretends that his face isn’t heating up and that his eyes aren’t watering.
“Baby...” Yamada starts.
“Hitoshi, why don’t you help Eri get ready,” Aizawa instructs him. “Let her pack whatever she wants in a bag. And take as long as you need. We’re gonna be a little bit.”
Katsuki chin wobbles, but he doesn’t stop glaring at the floor and he doesn’t leave. He didn’t want to get in trouble or make anyone upset, he just... doesn’t like today.
And now today is gonna be bad here, now, with them, which is just going to prove to him once again that birthdays are always awful and he has no right celebrating this shitty life of his and he’ll never be right, never be normal and never get better and-
Aizawa wraps his arms around him.
“You can cry, Katsuki. It’s alright.”
Katsuki doesn’t. He refuses. Not today.
That lasts all of four seconds before he starts, though.
“I’m sorry,” he wheezes. “I didn’t mean to yell.”
“You’re not in trouble, kiddo,” Yamada assures him, rubbing his back. “We just want to know what’s going on. Are you regressed?”
“N-No,” he admits. “I th-thought I could make myself be small so that this wouldn’t happen, but it did a-anyways...”
“That’s alright,” Aizawa says softly. “Is there something specific that’s wrong?”
“I dunno,” he sniffles. “Birthdays a-are weird for me... Ma used to throw these big parties, invite all her friends and everyone in my grade, and then hold it against me if I did something wrong. She paraded me around like some show pony and then got pissed when I protested it. They weren’t all bad, just.... the ones that were really sucked. It was embarrassing and scary, and ever since I started regressing, growing up in general is really freaky and weird to me. I-I’m not scared, I just... I get weird. That’s all.”
“We don’t have to celebrate if you don’t want to,” Yamada suggests. “It can just be a normal day today. No birthday, no big deal.”
“I guess,” Katsuki shrugs, sniffling again before pulling away from Aizawa. “I don’t really know how to fix it, though. I was supposed to just... process today, or whatever. I can’t avoid it forever. How am I gonna be a hero if my own birthday sends me spiraling?”
“Well, we can just take things easy,” Aizawa says. “We’ll make today special, not because it’s your birthday but because we’re all together and that’s worth celebrating. Baby steps. We can even invite some of your friends over, if you like.”
“Eh,” he shrugs, looking at the ground. “Give it a little bit. I don’t want anyone seeing me like this right now.”
“Does that sound good, though? Baby steps?”
Katsuki closes his eyes. He can do baby steps.
“Yeah,” he decides. “Sounds good.”
“Then how about that picnic at the park?” Yamada grins, wiggling his eyebrows. “A family picnic for family celebration day.”
“Hah.” A little smile quirks at his lips. “Whatever, old man.”
“Hey! I’m not that old!”
- - -
“You wanna go on the swings?” Hitoshi asks, placing a hand on Katsuki’s shoulder. The blonde wrinkles his nose.
“I’m not-“
“I know,” he grins, tilting his head. “But swinging is fun for everyone, don’t you think? Doesn’t matter if you’re four or forty.”
Katsuki agrees, but he doesn’t say so out loud. Instead, he complains loudly as Hitoshi drags him over to the swing-set, eliciting laughter and cheers from their dads and sister watching from the picnic table.
“So, you having a good birthday?” Hitoshi asks as they swing. Katsuki’s throat tightens.
“Shit, I would be if people stopped fucking reminding me what day it was,” he grumbles.
“What do you mean?” He inquires, frowning.
“I don’t wanna talk about it,” he says lowly. “Just cool it with the birthday talk, alright?”
“Dude, I’m not trying to be a dick,” Hitoshi scoffs. “I’m literally just asking.”
“And I’m literally just telling you to stop!”
“Look, I just wanna know what’s wrong!” He shouts. “You’re worrying me! You were pretending to be regressed-“
“Shut up?! We’re in public!”
“- and then you flipped out on Dad and Papa-“
“Hitoshi, stop!”
“- and now you’re mad at me for bringing up the fact that it’s your birthday?! I mean, what the Hell, Katsuki? I get that these things are tough for you but you have to talk about them. It’s hard for me too sometimes, but if we keep avoiding this shit forever it’s never gonna get better! So just talk it out with me, I promise-“
“I SAID STOP!” He shouts, glaring Hitoshi down as sparks rain down from his palms.
The world seems to freeze.
Katsuki and Hitoshi never fight. They needle each other sometimes, pick on each other to get on their nerves. Sometimes Hitoshi makes a comment that offends Katsuki beyond lighthearted teasing, and other time Katsuki will yell too loud or punch too hard, but it’s never FIGHTING. They apologize and make up and move on.
This doesn’t seem like that.
Hitoshi sighs heavily through his nose.
“Katsuki-“
“It’s none of your business.”
“Kat, just listen-“
“No! You didn’t listen to me, so why should I listen to you?!” He shrieks, standing up and stomping his foot. “You think that you need to fucking protect me all the time, you think that I can’t handle shit on my own, that I need help to process my own fucking emotions! They’re mine, Hitoshi! I get to decide how to deal with them! Not you, me!”
Hitoshi gives him a blank stare in return.
“You’re shaking,” he points out, raising a brow. “And you look like you’re about to cry.”
Katsuki scrubs his arm over his eyes.
“Only ‘cause you made me mad,” he croaks out. “I’m done swinging with you.”
Hitoshi tries to stop him, but he storms off before he gets the chance. He slumps down in his swing and drags a hand down his face, groaning to himself.
“Shit.”
- - -
Aizawa eyes the two boys sitting in the backseat warily. They’re pointedly ignoring each other, crossing their arms and glaring out of their respective windows. With Eri snoozing away in her booster seat, the ride from the park is completely quiet.
“... So,” Yamada starts cheerily from the driver’s seat, a nervous smile on his face. “Everyone have a good time?”
The boys remains silent.
“Alright, cut the shit,” Aizawa mutters. “What happened? Why are you two upset?”
Hitoshi starts.
“I was just trying to help-“
“You were being mean,” Katsuki cuts in.
“Well someone needed to say something!”
“No they didn’t!”
“They did!”
“Knock it off!” Aizawa scolds them. “Hitoshi. You explain first. What happened?”
Hitoshi gets a sheepish look on his face.
“I... I just told him he shouldn’t flat-out avoid these things,” he says quietly. “It’s not healthy.”
“... Wow. That’s...” He sighs heavily. “Okay. I get where you’re coming from, and I know that you’re concerned, but that’s not your place to say, alright? That’s nobody’s business but your brother’s and mine and Papa’s.”
“Okay,” he nods, looking down at his lap with a guilty expression on his face.
“You’re not in trouble, kid,” he promises. “It’s just something to keep in mind for the future.”
“Got it,” he says lowly, pulling his hood over his ears. Aizawa frowns, but doesn’t push the subject with him anymore. Shutting down is Hitoshi’s way of dealing with things and thinking them through, and that’s alright.
“Now, Katsuki,” he continues, turning to his other son. He pauses when he sees tears rolling down his cheeks. “Woah- Hey, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”
“I d-didn’t mean to get ‘Toshi in trouble,” he blubbers, rubbing his wet eyes.
“Hitoshi isn’t in trouble, baby,” Yamada tells him. “It was just a talk. You know that sometimes talks can be upsetting.”
“I di-idn’ wanna make him sad either!” He wails, full-on sobbing at this point. “I ju-jus’ di’n wan’ him t’say it’s my birthday because m-my birthday makes me scared an’ sad an’- an’ I din’ wan’ it to ha-happen d’is time!”
Worry overcomes Aizawa’s features, and he softly asks Yamada to pull the car over so he can climb into the backseat with Katsuki. Almost immediately, Katsuki starts crying harder, which causes Eri to wake up.
“Katsu-nii’s sad?” She asks Hitoshi, sleep still evident in her voice.
“He’ll be okay,” he says quietly, smoothing back her hair. “Go back to your nap.”
Once Aizawa situates himself next to Katsuki, he wraps his arms around him and soothes him with gentle pets and soft hushes.
“I know,” he whispers. “I know you’re upset. Today is a weird day for you, I get it. It’s okay.”
“I’m s-sorry,” he sobs, shaking his head.
“What do you have to be sorry for, sweetheart?”
“Cryin’...”
“No, honey,” Aizawa promises, kissing the top of his head. “You don’t have to feel sorry for being upset. It’s okay. You can cry.”
Sometimes it astounds Katsuki how different Aizawa is from Mitsuki. He’s gruff and brutally honest where she was shrill and fake-nice. He’s understanding and willing to help whereas she refused to accept anything not going her way. Crying was always frowned upon in the Bakugou household. Mitsuki taught him from a young age that “Big kids don’t cry” and “You’ll never succeed as a hero if you show weakness.” Masaru shed a few tears occasionally, sure, but this was met with either teasing or downright berating.
Katsuki never really acknowledged the fact that he’s a bit of a crybaby himself until he learned to let himself feel a lot more.
“I didn’t mean to upset you,” Hitoshi says suddenly. “I mean, like, I... I believe what I said, but it really wasn’t my place and I could’ve picked a better time to talk about it. And, uh... been less harsh too, probably. Sorry, Kitty.”
“S’o-okay.”
God, Katsuki’s brain is a mess right now. He needs a nap.... and also a stuffie, and maybe some juice, his head hurts. At least he finally slipped, though? Sucks that he can only manage to do it when he’s stressed or triggered nowadays, but...
“Daddy, I f-feel yucky,” he sniffles, whimpering as he turns his head into his father’s chest.
“I know, kiddo. I’m sure you’re all anxious and stressed right now, huh?” He runs a hand through Katsuki’s hair. “It’s alright. We’ll take care of you, sweet boy. Don’t worry.”
- - -
After he’s washed up in a nice hot bath, helped into loose, comfy shorts and one of Yamada’s shirts, fed some graham crackers and apple juice, and bundled up in a soft blanket, Aizawa guides him into the living room and lets him nap on his lap. Once he’s sure he’s asleep,pacifier hanging loosely from his lips and soft pants of air puffing from his nose, he beckons his husband over.
“What are we going to do about this?”
“Whatever Katsuki sees fit,” Yamada shrugs. “You guys can talk to his therapist about it at his next appointment, but it’s kind of out of our hands at the moment. We’ll just keep him calm and happy and do what he wants.”
“... Yeah,” Aizawa sighs, looking down at his son. “I guess that’ll have to do for now.”
“Don’t work yourself up about it,” he says, placing a hand on his shoulder. “A stressed Daddy doesn’t do Kitty-Kat any good.”
“Mmph,” he chuckles halfheartedly. “I just wish I could make it all okay for him.”
“It will be,” he promises. “We’ll get through it. We always do, don’t we?”
“Yeah,” he smiles. “We always do.”
- - -
“Daddy,” Katsuki says, pulling his pacifier out of his mouth. “Can Kiri come over?”
Aizawa tilts his head.
“I can ask him,” he nods. “Why? You okay?”
“Mhm, jus’ wan him over,” he says softly, playing with his shirt. “An’... Izu an’ Auntie too? An’ Todo? Y’think?”
“I’ll make some calls,” he chuckles, smooching Katsuki’s scalp. “What’s everyone coming over for? A playdate?”
“I wanna... be not scared,” he says, frowning. “S’better ‘cause m’small righ’ now, but I don’ wanna be scared fo’ever ‘cause m’brave.”
“You are brave,” Aizawa nods, rubbing a thumb over his cheek. “But you don’t have to push yourself to be brave. You don’t have to celebrate if you don’t want to. It’s alright.”
“I wanna,” he mumbles. “M’jus’.... m’not ready for big kid bir’fdays yet. I jus’ wanna have little kid ones. Um... d’at’s ‘kay?”
“That’s more than okay,” he smiles. “I’m really proud of you, Katsuki. You’re a very brave little boy. We can keep going at an easy pace for right now, I promise there’s no rush.”
Katsuki sighs happily and bumps his head against Aizawa’s chest.
“Okay, Daddy.”
- - -
The instructions were pretty clear. If you’re available, show up at 18:30. Don’t bring gifts or cards. Don’t overwhelm him. Be gentle.
(Not that any of them would have expected otherwise.)
“Kiri!” Katsuki jumps up when his carer walks in, wrapping him in a big hug. “Hi! Missed you!”
“I missed you too, bud,” he laughs, ruffling his hair. “So I hear it’s a special day, huh?”
“Mm. Wanna play with me?” He deflects. Eijirou falters for a moment, but a knowing look from Aizawa snaps him out of it.
“Yeah I do! What’cha got, kiddo?”
“We can play dinosaurs!” He squeals, racing over to grab his dinosaur figurines. “D’is is a vewops- vem- vem- um...”
He frowns down at the toy.
“What’s’it?”
“Velociraptor,” Hitoshi provides for him, already sitting down with his own dino. “So Kiri’s a raptor and I’m a stegosaurus. What does that make you, little man?”
“T-REX!” Katsuki shouts excitedly. “‘Cause he’s the dino king, an’ I’m like him ‘cause I’m the best! ROAR!”
“Eep!” Eijirou squeaks as Katsuki roars in his face, making the blonde cackle loudly. “You’re a very scary dino, ‘Suki.”
“Mhm mhm, that’s me!”
While they’re playing, the next guest enters. Shouto seems uncharacteristically nervous when Aizawa opens the door to let him in, shifting from foot to foot and fiddling with the hem of his shirt.
“Are you alright, Todoroki?” He asks, frowning.
“U-Um... I’m good, I just... had a fight with my Dad,” he explains shakily, peering behind him. “Is Baku in there? Is Midoriya here yet?”
“Woah, woah, slow down,” Aizawa instructs him, holding a hand out. “Are you hurt?”
“W-Well, no...”
“... But?” He prods, raising a brow.
“I just... want to see Zuzu,” Shouto pleads quietly, tugging on his shirt harder. Aizawa’s demeanor softens instantly.
“Well, Midoriya’s not here yet, but Kirishima is. Why don’t you come inside?” He says gently, stepping aside. “Have you eaten yet today?”
“U-Uh, no, but-“
“We’ve got potsticker, spicy rice cakes, and a big pan of beef and veggie stir fry at the table, go on and eat up. We’ll be having mochi for dessert later, Yamada is out picking it up right now. I’ll put some tea on,” he says, guiding Shouto to the table. “Is there anything else I can get you?”
“No, Sensei,” Shouto whispers, eyes blown in astonishment. “Er, you don’t have to-“
“I don’t want to hear it,” he says bluntly. Shouto lowers his head.
“... Right.”
“... Katsuki will be happy when he sees you,” he says, moving to fill up a pot with water. Shouto’s head lifts back up.
“He will?”
“Mhm. He talks about you a lot, you know. I doubt he’d ever make it through remedial classes without you there.” He smiles fondly. “He may not show it typically, but the fact that he asked for you today is enough to tell me that you two are close friends.”
“Ah, well...” He swallows heavily. “This... is good food. Thank you.”
“Katsuki wanted to make sure we got something everyone would like,” he explains. “We were gonna buy him his usual curry, but he said that you and Kirishima wouldn’t like it, and the Midoriyas would only kind of tolerate it.”
“Hah, yeah,” he chuckles nervously. Aizawa’s eyes crinkle with amusement.
“You know, Todoroki, you can go eat at the coffee table if you like. I’ll bring your tea out when it’s-“
“Okay, thank you Sensei.”
Aizawa is almost worried when Shouto races to get out of his presence, but that quickly dissipates when he hears Katsuki’s excited shriek of “Todo!” followed by a quiet, “Can I be spin’saurus, Baku?”
The Midoriyas show up a few minutes later, flustered and apologizing profusely for being late... by two minutes. He tries to tell them that it’s fine, Katsuki will just be excited that they showed up at all, and this proves itself to be true when he hears a loud gasp.
“AUNTIE!!!”
Inko, despite her height, is a sturdy woman, but even she stumbles a bit when Katsuki throws himself at her and wraps his arms around her neck.
“H-Hello, Katsuki-chan!” She greets, patting his back. “You’re awfully excited, huh?”
“C’you make my dinos float?” He asks, pulling away to give her an excited grin. “That way they’ll be dragons!”
“O-Oh! Your dinos? Um, I suppose so! Why don’t you show me where they are, dear?”
“Actually, Katsuki, I’d like to talk with Midoriya-san for a bit,” Aizawa stops him. “Why don’t you take Izu over? I know Todoroki has been waiting to see him.”
“T-Todoroki’s here?” Izuku stutters as Katsuki takes his hand. “Ah, Kacchan, too tight!”
“Sorry!” Katsuki chirps, but doesn’t really loosen his grip as he continues to drag Izuku away. “You can be one ‘a those dinos with the long necks that eat leaves!”
“Brachiosaurus?”
“Mhm! I can’t say d’name,” he explains. “But s’like you because he’s strong but nice! An’ he’s the last dino I got left.”
“Ah, makes sense.”
After they’ve left the room, Inko turns to Aizawa expectantly.
“Is everything alright?”
“Yeah, things are great,” he nods. “I just... ah, I think I could use a little advice, is all. Sometimes an outsider’s perspective is good, and, well, we are a male-dominated household, so I guess it couldn’t hurt that you’re...”
“A woman?” She asks, raising a brow. He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly and shrugs.
“Yeah.”
“Just teasing, Aizawa,” she chuckles. “What can I help you with? Is it something with Eri-chan? She’s just the sweetest thing.”
“Katsuki, actually,” he says. “He’s going through a little... thing right now where he’s having trouble processing big events without regressing. I’m not saying it’s bad, necessarily, but it feels like he either has to be small, which is fine, but otherwise he flat-out avoids it. And... I dunno, I just want to make sure we’re doing the right thing, is all. I don’t want to encourage bad behavior or anything like that.”
“Poor Katsuki-chan,” she tuts. “Well... I don’t know too much about the regression thing beyond what I’ve seen, but... I wouldn’t push him, to be perfectly honest.”
“You don’t think it’s unhealthy?” He asks, peering at her. She purses her lips.
“If it is, he’ll pick up on it, and he’ll ask for help on his own,” she assures him. “I just... I watched his mother push him so hard to grow up, and it clearly hurt him. I mean, he was toilet-trained a year before Izuku was even in pull-ups. He didn’t get to have much of a childhood, and I know you’re aware of that, but I feel like it’s important to remind you.”
Aizawa sighs through his nose.
“It feels like a relapse,” he admits. “Every major holiday or event has him slipping backwards in his progress, and don’t get me wrong, Hizashi and I are more than happy to help, but he gets so frustrated with himself.”
“I think it’d be worse if you tried to wean him off of this,” she says. “Your kids all have different ways of processing big emotions, right? I know my Izuku is a crier, but he’s also a writer. He journals all his problems, and it helps him work through it. His teachers tried to discourage it when he was younger, but eventually they realized it was doing much more good than they anticipated.”
“So you think it’s still helping?” He asks nervously, crossing his arms. Inko places a hand on his shoulder.
“I think all of it is helping,” she answers honestly. “You’re a good dad, Aizawa. And Katsuki-chan is a smart boy. He’ll let you know if there’s a problem. Loudly, in fact.”
“Loudly and violently,” he mutters, shaking his head. Inko giggles. “Thanks for letting me vent to you. That was probably inappropriate.”
“Don’t mention it!” She chirps, shooting him a wink. “Us parents have to look out for each other, don’t we?”
- - -
“Mmm,” Shouto whines, burying his face in Izuku’s shoulder. Izuku frowns.
“What’s wrong, Shoucchan?”
“Tummy...”
“Probably all the mochi,” Eijirou says. “I know I’m stuffed, and a skinny guy like Todoroki? Poor dude’s gotta be bursting at the seams.”
“I can help!” Katsuki announces, bouncing over to Shouto and guiding his head into Izuku’s lap. “Here, Todo, you lay on Izu an’ I’ll rub your tummy. It helps me when Kiri does that af’er I eat too much spicy food!”
“It’s true,” Eijirou nods. “It helps with digestion or somethin’. I don’t really remember the logic behind it, but it helps ‘Suki’s belly!”
“Papa used to do that to me,” Hitoshi says, smiling. “When I first got adopted I had really bad separation anxiety and sometimes I made myself sick. Tummy rubs are legit.”
“See?” Katsuki prompts, sliding his palm over Shouto’s distended stomach and lightly rubbing circles on it. “S’alright, Todo.”
“Hey. We should think about getting you big before you go home,” Izuku whispers, carding his hands through Shouto’s hair.
“... No...” Shouto whimpers, squeezing his eyes shut. “D-Daddy will yell...”
“You can stay here!” Katsuki offers. “My Daddy doesn’t yell, even when I yell at him.”
“It’s a little more difficult than that with Shoucchan’s situation, bug,” Izuku explains quietly. “He might have to make it home so he doesn’t get in trouble. Do you understand?”
“Nuh uh,” Shouto shakes his head. “H-He says.... d’at I don’t come home for t’nigh’.”
“Endeavor said that?” He asks, confused.
“... He’s really mad...”
“We’ve got plenty of extra room,” Hitoshi says quickly. “You can crash with Katsuki, if you want. Or take my bed. Wherever, really.”
“Sleepover!” Katsuki shouts excitedly. “Izu an’ Kiri stay too!!”
“We should ask your dad first,” Eijirou laughs.
“Oh, I heard,” Yamada says from the entryway. “Yeesh, you boys sure made a mess in here. What’s this I hear about a sleepover?”
“Can they, Papa?” Katsuki begs. “Pleaaase?”
“If it’s alright with their parents,” he smiles.
“M’all set,” Shouto says quietly.
“I’ll text my mom,” Eijirou says.
“I’ll ask- Uh, Shoucchan, could you lay on Kacchan’s lap for a bit? I have to ask my mom if I can spend the night with you.”
Once everyone has permission, Katsuki guides them through building “the best, most awesome-est blanket fort ever.” It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done.
“Alright, teeth brushin’ and pajama wearin’” Yamada claps. “Hitoshi, get the boys some clothes to wear. I’ll help Katsuki get ready.”
Katsuki yawns a little bit as Yamada helps him step into a pull-up, which makes him pause.
“You’re still tired? You took a nap earlier.”
“Not that tired! We can still watch a movie! I won’t fall to sleep, promise!”
“Alright, if you say so,” he chuckles. “Just a long day, huh? Lots of stuff happened.”
“Mhm. But... m’happy wi’f it now.”
“Yeah?”
“Mhm! An’ Papa?”
“Yes, baby?”
“C’we have some catnip to get the kitties in our fort? Todo loves Chobi!”
“Isn’t Kirishima scared of them because Hime hissed at him one time?”
“I’ll protect him!”
“Well... alright...”
- - -
Two hours later, the boys are all dressed in pajamas and passed out in the fort. Shouto is sleeping on Izuku’s chest, but he doesn’t seem to care much as he sprawls out. Katsuki is tucked carefully in between Hitoshi and Eijirou, both of them subconsciously throwing an arm over him in their sleep.
(Yamada snaps a couple pictures, but no one needs to know about that but him. And Aizawa when he shows him later. And Hitoshi to tease him. And Izuku and Eijirou’s moms since their kids are in it. And Nemuri so he can brag about having the cutest family ever. But that’s it.)
“Hey,” Aizawa greets as he snakes his arms around his waist, pressing a kiss to his neck. “Todoroki’s spending the weekend with us. Endeavor just called me.”
“Oh, that’s nice,” he hums. “We’ll have to make sure they don’t get into any fights. The dorm kitchen walls still have scorch marks on them.”
“They’ll behave,” he assures him. “Just look at them. How could kids that look like that ever cause us any trouble, hm?”
“That’s rich,” Yamada snorts.
“Did you have a chance to talk to him?”
“I did,” he nods. “He seems better. Not all the way there yet, but we promised him baby steps and that’s what we’ll work with. We’ll just make sure to take it easy this weekend so he doesn’t get all down in the dumps. Sound good?”
“Perfect. Probably a good thing that Todoroki’s with us, too,” he notes. “He might need the distraction. He seemed alright, though?”
“Much more than before. Today was good progress.” He leans his head back against Aizawa’s shoulder. “I told you we’d get through it, didn’t I?”
“Don’t be cute,” Aizawa grins, reaching down to squeeze his hand. “C’mon, I don’t want Eri to wake up without us there. Let’s get to bed.”
“Whatever you say, sweet cheeks.”
“Knock that off.”
As Yamada and Aizawa leave, the lights are turned off, and Katsuki smiles a little bit as he snuggles further into Eijirou’s arms.
Notes:
OKAY i’m gonna get sappy for a minute here.
today is the one year anniversary of this fic. i don’t think i can express with words everything that has come from writing this. this past year was really, really rough for me. i went through some stuff. for a while, writing this fic was the only outlet i had. every single comment and ask that i got made it easier to move forward. you guys have stuck with me through thick and thin (especially those of you that were used to daily uploads!!! kudos to you for sticking around even though my writer’s block has been intense lately XD) and i’ll be forever grateful for that. it’s crazy to think that all of this has been happening for a whole year, but it’s also crazy to think that it’s ONLY been a year! ik this is all jumbled nonsense and i’m sorry that i can’t properly express just how important this fic and the community it’s brought together are to me, but just know that i appreciate you guys. so much.
ily all and i hope you’re taking care <3
Chapter 75: Stormy Memories (w/ Regressor Kiri + Carer Izu)
Summary:
Eijirou has to watch Katsuki for the day, but he’s... not feeling up to it, to say the least.
Notes:
CWs: mild emetophobia + medical talk (it’s a vvv minor thing!), depression, anxiety
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Hm,” Aizawa tuts, pulling the thermometer out of Hitoshi’s mouth. “It hasn’t gone down at all. I think I’m gonna have to take you to the doctor’s office later, kid.”
“Mm,” Hitoshi grunts, squeezing his eyes shut. Normally he’d protest a little more, but he honestly feels like shit, so he’s willing to suck it up and take some nasty medicine.
Since yesterday evening, Hitoshi hasn’t been able to keep anything down, not even water. That accompanied with the fever (low-grade, but not low enough to not be worrying) that still hasn’t broken told Aizawa the exact thing that he’s been fearing all year.
There’s a stomach bug going around.
Originally, he was going to have Hitoshi wait it out, but he hasn’t been able to drink because of all the throwing up. At this rate he’s going to end up severely dehydrated, so even if the doctor just tells him to take some Tums and sleep it off, he definitely wants a second opinion.
Call it fatherly instincts. Or paranoia. Whatever works.
The only problem with this is the fact that Yamada is hosting his radio show right now, so Toshinori is going to have to supervise the dorms, which normally wouldn’t be a big deal, but today-
“Daddy, I don’ wan’ you t’leave with Bubba.”
... Katsuki’s regressed.
And clingy.
“I know, sweetheart, but you don’t want Bubba to stay sick, right? Or for anyone else to? That’s why I need to take him to the doctor, so he can get better.”
Katsuki’s lip wobbles.
“I wanna come!”
Oh boy.
“No, baby, you have to stay here,” Aizawa tells him, stroking the side of his face. “I don’t want to leave you alone in the waiting room, and you can’t come into Hitoshi’s appointment with us. It wouldn’t be appropriate. Do you understand?”
It hurts, but he gets it. He’s got the body of a big boy, even when it doesn’t match up with his brain. He shouldn’t be following his brother in for a personal appointment. That’s not right.
But, still! He doesn’t want Daddy to leave!
Without the right words to express this, he simply throws himself at his father and starts sobbing into his neck, fists tangled into his shirt and hair as he wails with despair. Aizawa sighs and rubs his back.
“I know, kiddo, I know. It’s just the way things are,” he says softly. “But you wouldn’t have fun at the doctor’s, anyways. You’ll have much more fun staying here at the dorms.”
“I-Is Papa comin’ back?” He asks through his sobs. Aizawa winces.
“Well, no, but...”
Eesh. He really wouldn’t describe Toshinori as “fun.” Especially nowadays, when all the man seems to think about are his legacy and his inevitable doom. Perhaps Aizawa should suggest some sort of therapy to him, now that he thinks about it...
But, for now-
“... I bet Kiri would really want to spend some time with you.”
Katsuki sniffles.
“.. H-He would?”
Bingo.
“Mhm, he loves taking care of you. You guys can color together, or go on a walk, or have a tea party... All sorts of fun. Sound good?”
“Mm... yeah...”
“Perfect,” he smiles, kissing Katsuki’s head. “So it’s settled, then.”
He just needs to make sure Eijirou is free.
- - -
When Eijirou wakes up that morning, his brain feels like it’s bogged down with rain and mud.
He gets like this, sometimes. Down in the dumps. It doesn’t happen much anymore, and sometimes he can will it away with a good workout, a hot shower, and a day with his friends. Other times he just needs to curl up in bed, have a good cry, and watch old comfort shows of his on his phone.
It used to happen more often. The rainclouds. When Eijirou was in middle school, he woke up nearly every morning wishing desperately that he could crawl into a cave somewhere and waste away for a long while. He lacked energy, feeling, and most of all, confidence.
And while he hates to admit it... that imaginary cave of his sounds all too appealing today.
Instead of thinking too much about it and spiraling, he closes his eyes, pulls the blankets over his head, and tries to will himself back to sleep. Sleep is good. Maybe when he wakes up a second time he’ll feel better.
And, y’know, as he feels his brain start to drift off into unconsciousness, it kinda does feel better...
Knock, knock.
“Kirishima? Are you in there?”
Ugh. Aizawa. He probably failed another test or forgot to pass in his homework or something. He’s not exactly the person that he wants to see right now, but he is his teacher, so he drags himself out of bed and opens the door, bracing himself for a lecture.
“Hey, what’s up?” He asks tiredly, rubbing his eyes. Aizawa narrows his eyes.
“Are you busy today?”
“Um...”
Can he count laying in bed all day and eating junk food to try and fill the pit in his stomach as ‘busy?’ Probably not. Unfortunately.
“Not really... why?”
“Great. Can you watch Katsuki for me? I have to run Hitoshi to the doctor, he’s still not feeling good, and Yamada Sensei isn’t available right now,” he says explains. Eijirou’s eyes go wide.
“Oh- Um-“
“Hi Kiri,” Katsuki says quietly, peering up from behind Aizawa’s shoulder. His face is red and splotchy and puffy. He must’ve been crying earlier. Gosh, he loves his best friend, but he’s not sure he’s equipped to deal with an emotional Katsuki right now.
“Hey, kiddo,” he greets back with a weak smile.
“You’ll keep an eye on him?” Aizawa asks again, and even though he keeps his tone and expression as deadpan as ever, Eijirou can tell that he’s desperate for a hand right now.
He swallows back a sigh. It’s what a hero would do. Heroes put others first. Heroes always help, no matter how they’re feeling.
“Yeah, of course!”
Aizawa slumps with relief.
“Perfect. Thank you.” Katsuki gets pushed into his chest. “If he starts to seem sick, call me immediately. I’ll be back in a few hours.”
“Okay, take your time.” He gives a wobbly little smile. “Tell Shinsou I hope he feels better.”
The door is shut. Eijirou’s shoulders fall, and Katsuki lets out a little whine, reaching for the door.
“I di’n say bye to Daddy...” he whimpers.
“He’ll be back soon, bud. He’s just making sure Toshi gets better, remember?” He pats his back reassuringly. “We can have a good time together, though. You wanna watch a movie?”
“No...!” Katsuki whines, sinking to the ground and rubbing his fists against his eyes. “I-I miss D-Daddy an’ bubba! I don’ wanna staaaay!”
“Katsuki...”
Eijirou closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before crouching down next to him.
“Come on, bud. Let’s go to your room and set something up.”
Katsuki kicks at him, hard, then jumps up and grabs the doorknob again. Eijirou groans and reaches out for him, managing to grab his shirt and pull him back into his lap. He holds him there for a while, waiting for his tantrum to end as he stares off into space.
He doesn’t comfort him. Doesn’t rock him back and forth or whisper in his ear. He barely processes the situation at all. He just sits there, holding him close, staring wide-eyed at the door in front of him.
He’s not cut out for this today.
“Kiri, le’ GO!” Katsuki shrieks, smacking the back of his head against his chin. Eijirou winces and lets out a shaky sigh.
“Bud, you gotta calm down.”
“No-o-ooooo!”
“Katsuki, please...”
Tears start to well up in Eijirou’s eyes, and he mentally curses himself for it. Why can’t he do this? Why is he getting so weird? He doesn’t feel big enough to watch Katsuki... He can barely take care of himself, why is he watching his friend? What if he gets hurt and Eijirou is too spacey or upset to help? What if Katsuki notices and gets scared and stops trusting him? He can’t screw this up, he loves Katsuki and he doesn’t want to lose him, he just CAN’T right now, oh God...
“I-I need help,” Eijirou says shakily, letting out a little cry and wiping his eyes. “I need help, ‘Suki, I can’t do this alone today...”
Katsuki stops shrieking when he realizes that Eijirou is crying, immediately relaxing and turning around to look at him.
“U-Uh oh,” he whimpers. “You hurt?”
Eijirou shakes his head, now fully weeping into his hands. He can’t face Katsuki right now.
“Kiri...” Katsuki says softly, emotion cracking his voice. He reaches out and touches his friend’s face. “Why y’cryin’...?”
“I-I don’t know,” Eijirou sobs, shaking his head. “Everything is just a lot today, a-and I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to try and h-help you because I don’t want to- to mess a-anything up! I’m s-so-orry! I’m sorry!”
Katsuki’s face pinches up with worry, and tears are filling his eyes again, but this time ones of fear. His hands shake against Eijirou’s skin as he holds his face, trying to calm him down.
“A-Are you gettin’ small, Kiri?”
Eijirou shrugs, shaking his head. He’s never regressed before, but if he had to guess what it felt like, this is probably what he’d draw comparison to. He doesn’t feel too small for his body or super young and babyish the way Katsuki describes it, though. Just overwhelmed and immature and emotional.
Kinda like middle school.
“I-I’m sorry,” Katsuki blubbers, squishing his cheeks between his palms. “I-I can’t get big, m’sorry Kiri! M’tryin’ but I can’t an’ y’sad an’-“
“No no, it’s okay,” Eijirou rushes to say. “It’s gonna b-be alright, you don’t have to be big, I-I’ll fix it, I promise. I’m gonna fix this, bud.”
- - -
Izuku is, quite frankly, bored out of his mind.
He’s all caught up on his homework. He’s done all his personal workouts for the day, and any further pushing is going to result in him being too sore for All Might’s training. He’s had breakfast, and a snack. He’s written everything he wanted to write. All of his binge-shows are caught up on. Nothing exciting is happening on the news. Most of his friends are either at home or busy with other things. He’d go home himself, but his mom is working day shifts all throughout the weekend, so he’d just be doing the same thing there.
He’d be lying if he said he didn’t jump onto his phone the second he got a notification.
RedRiot: Hey Midoriya are you free rn
Deku: Yes!!!!! What’s up? :0
RedRiot: I need your help
RedRiot: Bakugou is regressed rn and I can’t help him or calm him down
RedRiot: If not it’s cool I just didn’t know who else to text. Aizawa and Yamada are busy
Deku: Oh totally!! ^.^ Where are you guys?
RedRiot: My room. Thanks so much.
When Izuku gets to Eijirou’s floor he can already hear the panicked sobbing. As soon as he opens the door, he’s met face-to-face with both boys. Eijirou is sitting criss cross on the floor, staring blankly at the floor with tired eyes as tears run down his cheeks. Katsuki’s in his lap, crying onto his shoulder and hugging his neck. Eijirou sniffs lightly and looks up at him.
“... Hey.”
“Hi,” Izuku greets softly. “Are you okay?”
“I’m... I dunno, honestly,” he shrugs. “You’re good to take ‘Suki?”
“S-Sure. C’mere, bug,” he mumbles, lightly pulling on Katsuki’s shoulder. The blonde lets out a distressed noise and flings around, jumping up and squeezing Izuku tightly.
“I-Izu, m’s-scared!” He wails. “S-Some’fin happened to Ki-iri!”
“Shh, shh, it’s alright,” Izuku whispers, rubbing his back. “We’ll figure it out, bubba.”
“Uh.” Eijirou wipes his nose on his hand, sniffling loudly. “He doesn’t have any of his stuff over here. There’s probably some things in his dad’s room but they might have locked it up since neither of them are here. I was gonna set him up with a movie or something, but...”
“Kirishima,” Izuku says quietly, shaking his head. “I’m not leaving you alone like this.”
Eijirou’s lip starts to wobble, and then the tears start to flow again with a new fervor.
“I’m sorry,” he squeaks. “I’m such a mess right now and I don’t even know why. I-I normally just take it easy when I get like this b-but I-“
“Hey, don’t worry. It’s gonna be alright,” he assures him. “Why don’t you come hang out with Kacchan and I? You can clean up, get in some comfy jammies, grab a nice soft blanket, then we’ll all snuggle up and watch a movie together. Nothing to worry about.”
Eijirou crumples at that, folding in on himself as he nods and cries even harder. Katsuki buries his face in Izuku’s shoulder.
“He got sm-small,” he informs Izuku, holding him tighter. “I c-can’t help because m’r-really small righ’ now an’ when I try’a get big I g-get scared a-an I can’t help Ki-iriiii..!”
“Shh, Kacchan, it’s alright.” He smooths a hand over Katsuki’s head before looking at Eijirou. “Do you think you’re regressed right now, Kirishima?”
Eijirou shrugs.
“N-Not like ‘Suki is,” he says softly. “B-But... maybe, I guess...”
“Is this the first time it’s happened?” Eijirou nods. “Okay, not a problem. Do you need help getting ready, you think?”
“No,” he grunts, wiping his eyes and sniffling again. “No, I’m good. You guys go on. I’ll shower and all that stuff. I’m sorry-“
“Kirishima,” Izuku stops him. “It’s alright. Let someone else take care of you for once.”
Eijirou nods, pretending that he doesn’t want to start crying all over again at that, then stands up and gives Izuku a hug.
“Thanks,” he whispers.
“No worries,” he responds. “We’ll be in Kacchan’s room. Come in whenever you’re ready, alright? Take your time.”
- - -
“I-Is he gonna be okay?” Katsuki asks, leaning against Izuku’s chest. A hand cards through his hair soothingly.
“He’s gonna be okay, bug. We’re gonna take care of him with lots of snuggles and love,” he promises. “That makes you feel better, right?”
“Mhm. Papa says that, um, sometimes you just gotta need a hug to make you feel better,” he recites. “‘Cause sometimes I forget’a get hugs when m’big an’ the’doctor says d’ats why I like cuddles so much when I am small.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Mhm, an’ um...” He sniffles a little bit before looking up at Izuku. “M’hungry. C’we have some noodle soup?”
“Sure, bug,” Izuku smiles, smooching his forehead. “We’ll make a big pot of it and put extra meat in so Kirishima can have some too.”
“An’ maybe the soup will make his belly warm an’ he won’t be sad anymore,” he hums, resting his head again and sticking his thumb in his mouth. Izuku winces.
“Ah ah, there’s sickies going around right now, remember? We gotta wash our hands super good,” he reminds him, pulling his thumb out of his mouth. “I’ll get you a binky, alright?”
Once Katsuki has a pacifier in his mouth to soothe his anxieties, they wash their hands thoroughly and get to work making some ramen with lots of chicken and pork cut up into it. By the time it’s sizzling away on the stove, Eijirou pads down into the kitchen, hair damp from his shower and dressed in fresh pajamas.
“Mm. What’re you cooking?”
“Ramen,” Izuku says. “Kacchan got hungry, and we figured you’d want some as well.”
“It smells really good,” he comments, taking the chair next to Katsuki with a sigh. “Sorry for freaking out earlier. That was... kinda dumb.”
“It wasn’t dumb,” he shakes his head. “You’re having a rough day. That’s nothing to be ashamed of. And we’re gonna take care of it! Right, Kacchan?”
Katsuki nods affirmatively, taking Eijirou’s hand into his own and playing with his fingers.
“Wi’s cuddles.”
“Heh,” Eijirou chuckles.
“Are you feeling a little better after your shower?” Izuku asks. Eijirou nods.
“Better. Just tired, now. And still...” He drops his gaze to his lap, embarrassed. “Y’know.”
“It’s okay if you still feel small,” he assures him. “Can I ask what’s different with you? You said it’s not like Kacchan’s regression.”
“... It sounds kinda dumb to say it out loud,” he says quietly. “But... I dunno, the only way I can describe is, like- Okay, so, when I was thirteen, I was in a really bad place. Just depressed and angry and scared of everything. And today I feel just like that. It feels just like I’m back in middle school, and I can’t shake it.”
Katsuki makes an upset little whine at that, grabbing Eijirou’s arm and holding it close to his chest. He nuzzles his cheek against his shoulder and pouts.
“I don’ wan’ Kiri t’be sad...”
“It’s gonna be okay. Don’t worry, bug,” Izuku tells him, giving the noodles a stir. “Kiri just needs a little more loving today, I think. Does that sound good, Eichan?”
Eijirou softens a little bit when he hears the nickname, and he rubs his eyes with his free hand and nods. That sounds really good.
As soon as they all have their bowls of soup, Eijirou scarfs his down and gets a second helping. Don’t judge him! There are few comforts in the world that work as well as a good home cooked meal. And Izuku isn’t half bad at this, either!
“Looks like Eichan was hungry, hm?” He giggles, blowing on a bite of noodles and raising the chopsticks to Katsuki’s mouth. “Here, Kacchan, try. I can add some more crushed red pepper if it’s not hot enough.”
Katsuki takes his pacifier out and gingerly sets it on the table before allowing Izuku to guide the bite into his mouth. He swallows, tilting his head in contemplation.
“S’okay,” he shrugs. “Mine’s better.”
“That’s fair,” Izuku grins.
- - -
They build a giant fort in Katsuki’s room after they’re done eating. Stuffies and pillows and every soft blanket owned between the three of them are thrown into the mix, and the result is an exceptionally cozy movie spot.
Katsuki snuggles right up to Eijirou’s chest, wrapping his arms around him and rubbing his cheek against his shirt.
“Are you giving Eichan all your cuddles, Kacchan? You’re gonna make him all better?” Izuku asks, reaching over to ruffle his hair. Katsuki nods, looking up at him.
“An’ also he’s super warm.”
“Hm,” Eijirou chuckles through his nose, hugging Katsuki back. Izuku smiles at him.
“Why don’t you pick out the movie?” He suggests, running a hand through his hair. It’s still a little damp, and definitely knotted up. He’ll just have to comb through it with his fingers for the next hour or so.
“Oh, I dunno,” he mumbles, sighing. “I don’t really think you guys would be into anything I picked out.”
“You pick,” Katsuki insists. “‘r else m’gonna make my sharkie eat you!”
As he makes his threat, he grabs his stuffed shark from beside Izuku, lifting it in the air and bringing it’s soft nose down onto Eijirou’s neck.
“That tickles!” Eijirou laughs. Katsuki grins and presses down harder, wiggling the plush.
“Pick! Pick pick pick!”
“Okay, okay!” He gasps. “Maybe... Whisper of the Heart? It’s my favorite Ghibli movie, but... I dunno, I don’t want you to get bored.”
“I’ve never seen it,” Izuku admits. “Have you, Kacchan?”
Katsuki shakes his head, narrowing his eyes at Eijirou and lifting the shark threateningly.
“W-Well, it’s an alright one,” Eijirou starts. “It’s a little dry at first but it’s really pretty and... I used to watch it to cheer myself up. Sometimes. I get that it’s probably not the coolest or manliest movie, but-“
“You like it and we’ve never seen it,” Izuku cuts him off, typing the film’s name into his laptop. “That makes it the perfect movie to watch right now. Good suggestion, Eichan.”
Eijirou’s chest feels all fuzzy and warm from that, and he feels a lot better as the opening scene plays out, Izuku’s hand brushing through his tangled hair and Katsuki snuggling into his side. It’s nice. Comforting.
Things feel okay, now.
- - -
“I guess twenty-four hours isn’t... a terribly long time,” Aizawa mutters, looking over at Hitoshi in the passenger seat. “Are the antacids helping at all?”
“Kind of,” he shrugs. “I don’t really feel nauseous right now. Just woozy and weak.”
“Well, that’s the fever, bub. We’ll get you in a cool bath as soon as we get back,” he decides. “And you should eat something too if your stomach is settling down. Some toast and crackers, probably. Maybe an egg if you’re feeling up to it, but we’ll play it by ear.”
“Mm,” he hums, leaning against the window. “I’m tired.”
“I’m sure you are. It’s been a long day. As soon as you get a bath and some food in your belly, you can go right to bed.”
By the time they get back to the dorms, Hitoshi’s already halfway asleep, and Aizawa has to guide a groggy teenager all the way to the baths. He allows him to get into the cool water on his own, but makes sure that he has his phone on him and instructs him to call if anything happens.
After he puts some bread in the toaster, he dashes up to Eijirou’s room to check in on Katsuki really quick. He almost panics after three attempts at knocking get him no response, but then he hears the noise emitting from Katsuki’s room.
Cracking the door open a bit reveals Katsuki, Eijirou, and Izuku cuddled up in a blanket fort with an animated film playing on one of their laptops. Izuku, being the only one awake, offers him a little smile and a wave.
“How’s Shinsou?”
“He’ll be alright. Just a twenty-four hour flu like the others. I’m making him some toast right now,” he says. “Do you think you can keep an eye on things if Katsuki wakes up before Kirishima?”
“Of course. I’ve got everything handled,” he assures him, offering a blinding grin. “That’s what heroes do, after all!”
Aizawa rolls his eyes.
“Sure. Thanks, kid.”
Notes:
aaa there’s been too much angst lately!!!! next chapter will have to be one of the fluffier requests ^.^
Chapter 76: Breathe, Shouto (w/ Regressor Shou, Dadzawa, Papa Mic, Carer Kiri, Carer Iida, and more)
Summary:
Katsuki and Shouto are paired together for a project.
Notes:
CWS (PLEASE PAY ATTENTION): child abuse (explicit verbal abuse, referenced physical abuse), referenced domestic violence, misogyny, anxiety/panic attacks, performance anxiety
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“For the next three weeks, you and your assigned partners will be putting together a presentation on costume design and it’s importance in modern hero culture, complete with your own critiques and interpretations of a specific hero costume. You will be required to put together an essay as well as a slideshow that you will present to the class,” Midnight explains, leaning against her desk. “Any questions?”
Katsuki hand shoots up.
“Yes, Bakugou?”
“I’m paired with Kirishima,” he says.
“No, you’re not.”
“Hitoshi, then.”
“No, you’re being paired up with people based on your grade in this class. Which means your partner is...” She scans down her list, clicking her tongue. “... Todoroki.”
“Aw, man! I wanted to be with Todoroki!” Mina whines, crossing her arms.
“Mina, you’re with Aoyama.”
“What? But he’s so-!”
“Nuh uh. The next word out of your mouth better be ‘talented,’ ‘creative,’ or ‘smart,’ because he’s got the top grade in this class,” Midnight interrupts. “I better not catch you teasing anyone, Miss Pinky. Understand?”
“Yes, Midnight Sensei,” she sighs.
Tenya’s hand goes up next.
“Iida,” she acknowledges, nodding.
“Will we be informed of our grade rankings in this class?” He asks, furrowing his brow. “And if not, may I ask you in private?”
“You’re each getting a copy of this,” she says, holding up the sheet of paper. “It has everyone’s partners and rankings under their names. Any other questions?”
The class stays silent.
“No? Good.” She yawns, moving to sit behind her desk. “You, class rep. Hand these out, will ya? I’m waiting for my second round of caffeine and ibuprofen to kick in.”
“O-Of course! Right away, Sensei!”
Katsuki rolls his eyes when Tenya sets his copy down on his desk, not bothering to check it.
He changes his mind, thought, when he hears teasing “ohhhh”s arise from the peanut gallery (namely Kaminari and Sero).
‘Katsuki Bakugou
Partner: Shouto Todoroki (20th)
Ranking: 19th’
“What the fuck?!” He curses, standing up. “How’d my grade get so damn low?”
“You never do the drawing portion of your work,” Midnight explains.
“I CAN’T DRAW!” He protests.
“You don’t have to be Michelangelo,” she says. “But you do have to make an effort. When you don’t have a portion of your work in, it gets marked as incomplete. You’re not failing, though, and this project should get your grade up no problem as long as you do it all.”
His face burns bright red as Shouto takes the seat next to him.
“It’s not so bad,” he says. “The project’s easy.”
“Fuck off, IcyHot! You’ve got the lowest grade in the class, I don’t wanna hear shit from a slacker!”
“My dad doesn’t think this class matters,” he shrugs. “As long as I’m passing, he doesn’t really care. And besides, aren’t you a slacker too by that logic?” Katsuki grits his teeth.
“Whatever. Let’s get to work already.”
- - -
“Stupid Deku,” Katsuki snarls. “He and Glasses are just going to talk two-on-one with him and get bonus points for having him show up to model their costume or some shit.”
“Aren’t we essentially doing the same thing?” Shouto questions, raising a brow. “I know you wanted All Might, but we aren’t exactly making things hard on ourselves by choosing my father.”
“Like hell we aren’t. Your old man’s a hardass and a bitch. The only reason we’re doing him is to get extra credit,” he snorts.
“So... we are doing the same thing.”
“Shut the fuck up, Icy Hot,” he bites. “You know damn well All Might’s gonna make things easy for them because fuckin’ Deku’s spent the past however many months doing nothing but kissing his ass.”
“I think he did more than that-“
“Oi! Fucking focus!” He spits, knocking him over the head with his packet. “We gotta get to work, you damn slacker!”
“You’re the one that brought it up,” he mutters. “Damn hypocrite.”
“If you got a complaint, bring it up with HR. Start fuckin’ writing already.”
- - -
“There’s nothing wrong with my costume,” Enji says sharply, not looking up from his paperwork. Shouto rolls his eyes.
“We’re not saying there is. It’s for a class project. Would you come in and model the one we designed for you?”
“Why? So you can get a good grade without having to work hard for it?”
“Well, yeah,” Katsuki mutters under his breath. Shouto elbows him, and he scowls. “Look, old man, would you just look at the damn thing?”
Enji sighs, takes off his glasses, and narrows his eyes at the two boys. He extends his hand and Shouto carefully hands the design to him. Enji makes a small grunt as he looks over it (of approval or disapproval, they can’t tell), before setting it down on his desk and resuming his paperwork. Shouto shifts awkwardly.
“Did- Did you-“
“Yes, I looked at it, Shouto.”
“Give us a straight answer, then!” Katsuki demands, crossing his arms. Enji sends him a withering glare, and the blonde’s eye twitches with annoyance. Fucking dick trying to intimidate him. What a fake hero.
“You want me to come into a classroom and have a crowd of young, aspiring heroes watch you two ridicule me?” He asks. “Absolutely not. I care about my reputation too much for that.”
“Okay, well, we’re using you as our redesign whether you’re there or not,” Shouto informs him. “We’ve already submitted a rough draft.”
“Shouto-“
“So you can either show up and be there to defend yourself if anyone dares to insult you, or you can stay behind without knowing what those young, aspiring heroes are saying.”
Enji levels him with a glare, but Shouto stands his ground. Katsuki’s almost impressed.
(Almost. He won’t let it get to Shouto’s head.)
“... I’ll talk to my assistant,” Enji says lowly. “I can’t make any promises. I’m a busy man.”
Shouto snatches the paper back.
“Thanks so much, Dad,” he spits, scowling and turning on his heel. “Come on Bakugou, we’re leaving.”
Katsuki grins to himself.
“Fuckin’ right!”
- - -
Katsuki glances over at the door nervously, bouncing his leg. Shouto left to use the bathroom twenty minutes ago, shouldn’t he be done by now?
“Bakugou and Todoroki, you’re up next,” Midnight announces. Katsuki grits his teeth.
“Icy Hot’s still not back.”
Midnight glances over to Shouto’s empty seat and sighs. She waves her hand at Katsuki.
“Go find him, kid. Iida and Midoriya, I know you wanted to go last, but come on up.”
Katsuki rolls his eyes and storms out of the classroom. He really wanted to see what Four Eyes and Deku had in store for All Might.... He’s gonna kick Shouto’s ass for leaving him stranded like that.
When he gets to the boy’s bathroom, he hears shouting coming from inside. His brow furrows. Is there some sort of fight going on? An attack? Is Shouto in danger?
He throws the door open and finds Shouto on the phone, angrily shouting into the speaker.
“I don’t care! I’m your son, the least you could do is show up for this!”
Oh.
... Shit.
“You know, Dad, I don’t really give a shit how I speak to you! You don’t respect me, why the fuck should I respect you?! You know I’ll flunk this project if you don’t show up, right?!” He pauses for a second to scoff. “She’s not a ‘dumb whore,’ she’s my teacher, and she’s a better hero than you’ll ever be.”
Katsuki’s fists tighten. If Enji doesn’t show up to this, then their project loses all of it’s extra credit and over half of it’s presentation time. They’re gonna fail. He’s gonna fail.
“Tell your dad to get over here,” he growls.
“I’m trying, Bakugou,” Shouto hisses, sticking a finger in the ear not pressed against his phone. “Yes, Enji, he is here. He’s my partner for the project. ... I’m not telling him that! He’s my friend, you miserable fuck!”
Katsuki feels his face heat up. What is Endeavor saying about him? Nothing nice, judging by Shouto’s reaction.
“Todoroki, just drop it,” he mutters. “We have to do the presentation even if he doesn’t have the fucking decency to show up.”
“Go away, Bakugou,” he hisses, nudging him towards the door. Katsuki scowls at him.
“I know you didn’t just-“
“Yeah, actually, it does matter to me!” Shouto shouts, turning away from Katsuki. “I don’t want to fail any of my classes! I’m already at the bottom of Midnight’s class with my grade, because you don’t care enough to-“
Okay, Katsuki’s heard enough. He can only take so much familial fighting before he starts to get all anxious and upset. He shoves his hands deep into his pockets and stomps all the way back to the classroom.
He does end up getting to see the tail end of the All Might presentation. It’s not a half-bad redesign, and if he were in a better mood he might have actually complimented his classmates. Or offered some constructive criticism. Either way, he’s far too upset to bless them with his words of wisdom.
“Bakugou,” Midnight addresses him. “Did you manage to find your partner?”
Katsuki frowns.
“Yeah, I don’t think he’s coming.”
“And Endeavor?”
“Him either.”
“... Very well,” she sighs. “Todoroki will only receive credit for the writing and drawing portion of the project for now, unless he feels he can present to me later. You’re up.”
Katsuki’s chest tightens. He’s really not the best at public speaking. At least with Shouto up there he would’ve seemed like the less awkward of the two. As it is, he’s already got a shitty presentation and no hero to boost his grade. He doesn’t even have the costume that Yamada helped them throw together, because it’s with Endeavor. Fuck.
“Uh, so,” he begins, pointedly looking away from his classmates. “H-Hang on, shit, can’t get this stupid computer to connect to the projector.” Midnight frowns.
“Language. If it happens again I’m taking points off, kid.”
Katsuki takes in a shaky breath. Okay. He needs to watch his mouth. He can’t afford to lose any points with this thing.
“Alright, so, we picked Endeavor. Or, I mean. We were- It’s just me right now, so. Not ‘we.’” He clenches his jaw and turns to Midnight. “Can I start over?”
“You’re doing fine,” she reassures him. “Go on.”
“I- Okay...” He clicks the first slide on the laptop. “Uh, this is his current costume. I think it looks cheesy and kinda dumb.”
“Says the guy with giant gauntlets on his costume,” Kaminari snickers. Sero giggles and elbows his side. Katsuki glares at them.
“Can it, losers.”
“Bakugou,” Midnight snips. “Continue, please.”
He bites the inside of his cheek. God, this sucks. He hates this. Nothing about this is enjoyable. Fuck his life.
“Right, so, it’s kinda stupid lookin’, but it’s also not super practical. I mean, he’s got this fire power that’s gonna be crazy hot since he can’t really regulate the temperature, but he’s never looked into getting a coolant system hooked up into his suit. That’s why he gets those nasty lung injuries when he overuses his quirk. So we’ve, uh, I guess designed a suit that will ... “
- - -
Katsuki is pissed.
He didn’t fail. Midnight understood the circumstances he was under and is allowing him to redo the presentation sometime after school within the next week. He wasn’t made a complete fool out of, but he got far too many snickers and giggles for him to not feel absolutely humiliated right now.
He’s anxious, stressed, embarrassed, and so pissed.
He storms through the halls, glaring at anyone in his way and shoving past them if that wasn’t enough to make them clear his path. He’s a man on a mission, and he’ll be damned if he doesn’t make Shouto eat his fist by the end of the day.
“Hey, Kitty Kat!”
... Right. Except, both of his parents are teachers at this school. So there’s that.
He glares up at the ceiling for a moment, huffing before he turns to face Yamada.
“What.”
“Oh, nothin’. Just wondering why there’s steam pouring out your ears,” he grins, raising a brow. “I’m off duty today if you wanna stay and chat. Just got some papers to grade.”
Katsuki scowls, gripping the strap of his bag until his knuckles turn white. Not good.
“M’not in the mood.”
“No? Did your project go well?”
His eye twitches.
’Did it go well.’ No, it didn’t go well. Katsuki’s about to literally explode, clearly it didn’t go fucking well!
“Talk about it later,” he grunts, turning and storming off. He hears Yamada shout after him, but doesn’t acknowledge it. He needs some time to... blow some steam off.
He kicks the door to the bathroom open and, yet again, there is the source of all his chagrin: Shouto Todoroki.
Sitting on the floor, hugging his knees, and sniffling quietly as tears roll down his face.
Goddamn.
“Oi. You missed the presentation.”
“I know,” he croaks out.
“Yeah? I wasn’t so sure. Thought you had more common sense than to purposefully skip out on me.”
“What do you want?” He mutters, glaring at the floor. Katsuki scoffs.
“I wanna know why you weren’t there with me! It better be a fucking good excuse, because I’m about this close to giving you a third degree burn,” he hisses, pinching his fingers together. Shouto winces.
“Stop.”
Right. Right, okay, no burn talks. That was a low blow. Katsuki’s not gonna fight dirty just because he’s upset. He’s not a damn villain.
“Words, Icy Hot. We gotta have them.”
“I’m not in the mood,” he stresses, burying his face in his knees. “Just leave me alone...”
Katsuki’s chest tightens again. Ugh! He just wants to get all his upset feelings out! Shouto seemed like a good outlet at first, but if he’s just as upset as him then...
Whatever. It’s technically not Shouto’s fault that he’s got an asshole father, and he shouldn’t take it out on him. He’ll just have to find another way to get all this misplaced anger out of him now.
“Sorry about your dad,” he mutters, glaring at the ground. Shouto sniffles.
“Sorry about the project.”
“Whatever. We can just redo it later this-“
“Shou?” A deep voice calls out from behind the door, accompanied by a knock. “I’m coming in now, okay?”
The door opens again, and in steps Tenya Iida. Katsuki’s eyes widen a bit with realization. His frown deepening. That must mean...
“Papa,” Shouto mumbles, looking up at Tenya with watery eyes. Katsuki wrinkles his nose.
... He didn’t know Shouto was regressed.
“Bakugou, could you-“
“Yeah, I’m leaving,” he interrupts Tenya, shoving past him and out of the bathroom.
God, he really feels awful right now. He humiliated himself in front of his whole class, he had to witness the bullshit Shouto goes through with his dad, then he almost fought the kid while he’s regressed?! He feels terrible, like some dumb brat that can’t keep his emotions in check or get his shit together for long enough to do a goddamn high school presentation.
He passes Eijirou while he’s storming through the halls, and although the sight of bright red hair and those eyes full of care and concern instantly fill his veins with relief, he can’t-
He just can’t. He doesn’t deserve it right now.
“Hey, Bakugou!” Eijirou calls after him, jogging to catch up. When he reaches him, he places a hand on his shoulder. “Are you okay?”
“Fuck off,” he snarls, shoving him off. “M’fine. Go train with that wacky tentacle dude, you’ve been blabbing about it all week.”
“Amajiki-senpai will understand-“
”No, Kirishima,” he growls. “Don’t- Stop being so selfless all the time. You’re almost as bad as fucking Deku. Go have fun.”
Eijirou furrows his brow.
“But... you look upset.”
“I always look upset,” he mutters. “I’m fine. Just go, I’m serious.”
It only takes a little more coaxing after that, but by the time Eijirou finally leaves, the hallways are nearly empty.
Katsuki is finally alone.
He presses his hands against his eyes, hard, and lets out a shaky breath. It’s been a rough day. A really, really rough day. He wants to go back to his room and curl up in bed and scream into his pillow and sleep and wake up again this morning so he can do it all over again, but better this time, and only he will have to live with the memory.
He stays like that for a while. Standing alone, in the middle of a hallway, pushing his face into his hands and trying to calm himself down. His feet hurt. His bag is digging into his shoulder. His face is starting to get greasy. But he can’t move, he can’t, because he needs to be better first, needs to calm down-
“Katsuki?”
Yamada. Of course.
Katsuki removes his hands and looks up, but doesn’t turn around. Doesn’t face him.
There are hands on his shoulders.
“You okay, kiddo?”
Katsuki shatters.
He whirls around, shaking his head before burying his face in Yamada’s chest and sobbing. Everything from the day spills out of him with his cries. Endeavor not showing up. Shouto’s fight with him. Embarrassing himself in front of the class. How he feels awful and guilty about all of it, because he’s worried about his friend’s home life and he’s worried that Midnight thinks he doesn’t respect her and he’s worried that he hurt Eijirou’s feelings when he pushed him away and it’s all eating at him, and...
... And along with the day, that feeling in his chest also flows out of him until it’s completely gone. He feels drained, but better.
“... That’s... a lot to take in,” Yamada says softly, petting his head. “Poor baby. You’ve had quite the day, haven’t you?”
“Y-Yeah,” Katsuki whimpers. “Papa, I- I-“
“Shh, shh it’s okay,” he whispers. “I’ll take care of it. You just relax, little listener. I’ve got you.”
- - -
Katsuki takes a nap.
It’s not very long and not very deep. He just sort of rests in his father’s lap for a little bit, eyes closed and breathing even as Yamada grades papers. There’s a hand rubbing his back and a voice that occasionally whispers in his ear, gently shushing him and telling him he can doze for a little while longer.
It works. By the time Yamada finishes his last paper, he feels so much better.
“You wanna go back to the dorms now?” Yamada asks, brushing the hair out of his face. Katsuki shrugs. “Okay. We can wait until you’re ready. I just have to text Daddy and let him know we’re gonna be a little late.”
“Papa,” Katsuki says softly, smushing his cheek against his shirt. “I feel... yucky.”
“I know, baby. You didn’t have a very fun day today,” he coos emphatically, rubbing the back of his neck. “When we get back I’ll make sure you get nice and clean. It’ll help you relax, too.”
“Mm,” Katsuki hums, sighing through his nose.
They sit there for a little while longer. Yamada texts Aizawa so he doesn’t worry about them, then Nemuri to figure out what on earth went down during the presentations today.
Eventually, though, nature calls, and Katsuki is forced to accept the fact that he has to leave this warm, dreamy state before he does something embarrassing.
“Can you take me to the bathroom?” He asks quietly. Yamada tilts his head.
“Sure, baby. Are you feeling really small right now? It’s okay if you are,” he assures him, helping him stand up on his wobbly legs before getting out of the chair himself. Katsuki shakes his head, nervously chewing his lip.
“I-I...”
M’worried Todo’s still gonna be in there with his Papa. M’scared they’ll be mad at me ‘cus I was gonna fight him. I don’t wanna be alone when I have to face them.
“Jus’ want you there,” he decides on, his voice a quiet whisper. “Jus’ in case.”
Yamada, for his part, takes it in stride. He nods and tells Katsuki that it’s alright, he’ll help him, then he takes his hand and does just that.
To his relief, the bathroom is empty, and even though he’s able to do his business in peace, it does make him worry a little bit. Is Shouto okay? He doesn’t want his friend to be upset anymore.
“Can we go take a bath now?” He asks meekly, avoiding eye contact. “I-I’m done at school.”
“Sure, kiddo,” Yamada nods. “Let’s wash our hands, and then we can head back, alright?”
When they get to the dorms, Izuku is in the common room. He jumps up when he sees Katsuki.
“Hey, Kacchan. Have you seen Todoroki anywhere? He’s not answering his phone.”
Katsuki gnaws the inside of his cheek worriedly. Izu doesn’t know where Todo is either? Oh gosh, he hopes his Papa is keeping him safe...
“Katsuki’s feeling a little overwhelmed right now, Midoriya,” Yamada explains softly. “I’m just about to get him into a nice, warm bath to help him relax a little bit. Have you tried getting in touch with Iida at all?”
“A-Ah, good idea!” Izuku nods. “Alright, I’ll do that. I hope you feel better soon, Kacchan!”
Katsuki swallows. He’s not sure he will.
- - -
“I don’t know, he just seemed really upset...”
Katsuki’s skin is pink and warm from his bath. Papa helped him get dressed in some nice, soft jammies with cute fuzzy socks, and now they’re going to his room to get a binky and a bottle and some stuffies before they talk to Daddy about what happened with Todo’s dad.
But he hears Kiri talking! And he sounds sad!
“Well, I don’t know Bakugou very well, but it sounds like he was probably just stressed about his project not going as planned,” another voice says. Tamaki.
“Kiri,” Katsuki whispers, reaching for the doorknob. Yamada gently takes his hands and guides it away.
“Not right now, sweetheart. You can talk to Kiri later, okay? Right how we have to go see Daddy. It’s really important that he knows about what Endeavor was saying.”
Katsuki pouts a little bit, but he understands. He still has some Big Boy responsibilities to take care of before he can fully let his worries go. He’s willing to do that. That’s what heroes do, after all.
- - -
“He said ‘mean things?’” Aizawa repeats, furrowing his brow. “What mean things?”
“Um... dunno everything...” Katsuki admits. “But he was yellin’ at Todo an’ makin’ him really really mad an’ sad an’ he called Auntie Nem a bad word an’ said somethin’ mean about me an’ then Todo got more mad.”
“Really now?” Aizawa seethes, narrowing his eyes. Yamada places a hand on his shoulder to ground him. “What did he say about you and Auntie Nem, Katsuki? Do you remember?”
“I dunno what he said ‘bout me,” he shakes his head, eyes wide. “A-An’... I can’t say the bad word. S’really bad.”
“You have permission for this one time,” Aizawa assures him.
Katsuki shifts nervously. He doesn’t mind saying bad words normally, and sometimes he says them when he feels small to be funny or when he’s naughty, but he gets in trouble for those times. And Endeavor said a really, really bad word about Nemuri, one he doesn’t say when he’s big. It’s too mean.
“You can whisper it to me if you want,” Yamada suggests, sensing his apprehension. “And then I’ll be the one to tell Daddy. If that’ll make you feel better.”
He’s still a bit anxious about the whole situation, but he nods and quickly whispers the phrase into Yamada’s ear, flinching away when he hears him gasp. He doesn’t get in trouble, though. Yamada just leans over and quietly tells Aizawa.
“... Okay,” Aizawa sighs, rubbing his temples. “So, Todoroki’s father yelled at him over the phone, said some really nasty things, and didn’t show up for your presentation. Is that where the story ends?”
“Uhm... well, Todo w-was really sad about his-.... ‘bout the phone call, so he stayed in there and fighted with him ‘til we had the project an’ then I had’ta do it by myself a-an’ I messed up lots, but Auntie Nem said I can do it again with Todo so s’not gonna make my grades bad,” he quickly says. “An’ then I went to see Todo again ‘cause... um.”
He lifts his gaze from the ground and stares at Yamada with worried eyes. He doesn’t wanna admit that he was gonna be mean to Todo after all that! But Yamada gives him a reassuring nod and coaxes him to continue.
“... I-I was mad at him so I was gonna fight him,” he says softly, nervously tapping his foot. “B-But I didn’t! I- I started to say mean things but then I stopped because Todo’s Papa came in an’ he was small an’ then I left and I went to see Papa an’ I cried on him an’ told him.”
“Wait, wait,” Aizawa says, pinching his face up in confusion. “I need you to explain that last part again, sweetheart. Todoroki regressed? And Endeavor showed up?”
What? No. Where did he- ohhhh.
“Mm-mm,” Katsuki shakes his head. “Todo’s Papa is Iida. He helps him when he’s small.”
A silence overtakes the room. Aizawa looks angry and worried and shocked. His hands are curled into fists and his eyes are wide and full of disbelief. He can’t believe...
“Kitty-Kat, were there any times before today when you noticed Todoroki regressing? Or his dad being mean to him?”
“He’s always mean to him,” he says quietly, shaking his head. “An’ he gets small ‘cause of it. I dunno if he does it as much as me, but...”
“Honey, how long have you know about this?” Aizawa asks, leaning forward.
Katsuki’s veins run icy. He’s getting in trouble again. God, he’s going to get in so much trouble this time, but up until today it didn’t occur to him to tell anyone, and Shouto is always so insistent about not going to the adults for help, he doesn’t trust them, and now so many kids know but kids can’t help, not like grown ups can, and Katsuki knows that and he still stayed silent-
“Sports Festival,” he whispers hoarsely, eyes wide as saucers. “He told Izu and... I heard.”
There’s silence again, but it’s heavier this time. More final. Katsuki is trembling, and he’d squeeze Pochi but he can’t really feel his hands. Aizawa nods slowly.
“... Okay. Thank you for being honest.” Katsuki doesn’t respond. He can’t. “Does anyone else know besides you and Midoriya?”
A nod.
“Who?”
He can’t, he can’t-
“Baby, they’re not gonna get in trouble, I just need to get everyone who knows in here so I can piece together the situation before I take action. Okay?”
Still, though-!
“Honey-“ Yamada starts.
“No, no, sweetie,” Aizawa gasps, standing up and going over to him. Katsuki gets hugged close and rocked back and forth. “It’s okay. There’s nothing to be scared of, I promise. You can be done talking now. I know that was hard for you. I’m gonna take care of it, okay?”
’Daddy will handle it. You can let go now.’
And so he does.
- - -
“So pretty, Shou. I love your drawings so much,” Tenya praises, petting Shouto’s head. “Do you want me to get your special crayons? With the sparkles in them?”
Shouto doesn’t really respond, just sort of wiggles and returns back to his coloring, so Tenya assumes he’s alright with the normal crayons for now.
The taller boy represses a sigh and goes back to softly praising him and rubbing his back. Shouto only gets this way when he’s really, really upset. In fact, Tenya’s only seen it once or twice before, after some pretty intense panic attacks. He doesn’t know the full details of what happened today, but he knows that he’s glad Enji never showed up, or he’d certainly be facing expulsion right now.
“Oh- bubby, you’re drooling on yourself,” Tenya realizes, using his sleeve to wipe Shouto’s chin off. “Do you want your pacifier? Or a teether?”
Still no response.
“Lovey, can you look at me for a second? Please?” Shouto’s brow furrows, and he seems to lean closer to the page, coloring a bit harder. “Shou, baby-“
“Stoppit,” Shouto says very, very quietly. Tenya’s heart aches.
“Okay. I’m sorry.”
He doesn’t bother talking after that.
Shouto’s halfway through his next coloring page, furiously scribbling pink into a cat’s fur, when there’s a knock at the door.
He tenses up, gasps, drops his crayon, and for the first time in a while, he turns around and looks at Tenya with a look of terror.
“Shh shh, don’t worry, bear,” he soothes him, patting his shoulder. “It’s probably just Midoriya checking in on you. He’s been texting me for a little while. It’s okay.”
He carefully slides Shouto off of his lap and faces him away from the door, just in case. He’s fully expecting it to be Izuku, but-
“Oh. Aizawa Sensei.”
He hears Shouto inhale sharply behind him, but ignores it for the time being. Priorities. He can’t out him just because he’s worried.
“Is Todoroki in there?” Aizawa asks bluntly.
“Um, well...” He tries to keep his tone and expression as even as possible. “He’s... a little preoccupied at the moment, sir.”
“Is he still regressed?”
Tenya’s heart practically stops.
“U-Uh, you- how- er-“
“It’s okay. No one’s in trouble,” he says. “I need to talk to both of you about something.”
“Sensei-“
“It’s very important, and I’d like to get it done tonight,” he explains. “I’m just going to ask you guys some questions. You can stay with Todoroki the whole time.”
Tenya swallows dryly. He knows Shouto can hear their conversation, and he’s really not sure he’s in the right headspace for it at the moment. He needs a lot more information before they can move on.
“Can I have a little more context, please, sir?”
Aizawa looks and sounds more tired than usual when he speaks.
“... We need to talk about Endeavor.”
- - -
“How long has your dad been treating you like this, kiddo?” Aizawa asks gently. Shouto clenches his jaw, hard, and Tenya squeezes his hand reassuringly.
“It’s okay,” he whispers. “I promise it’s okay.”
“... He always yelled and said mean things. A-And he- he h-h.... hit my mommy,” he admits, squeezing Tenya’s hand as hard as he can. “B-But he didn’t hit me ‘t-til I got my quirk. ‘Cause then I had’ta train t’be a hero.”
“... Okay,” Aizawa says softly, nodding. “Could you tell us any specific times that your dad did those things? You can take your time.”
Shouto’s breath hitches. No, he can’t, he doesn’t like to think about-
“I w-wanna go home,” he sobs, clinging desperately to Tenya’s shirt collar. “Wanna go home. Ple-ease! Please, Papa..!”
“Ah...” Tenya winces, pulling Shouto close and cradling his head against his neck. “Shh, baby, it’s alright. You’re doing a good job. You’re being so so brave, little bear. It’s okay.”
Aizawa watches the two of them for a moment, then gives a deep sigh.
“... I can work with this,” he mumbles. “Kid’s been through enough. I’m gonna need to talk to you though, Iida. Is there anyone else that knows about the situation?”
“... Midoriya,” he nods. “Kirishima and Bakugou as well. And Momo, although I’m not sure Shou’s ever shared the fine details with her.”
“Why do I feel like it’s always you five?” He mutters, shaking his head. “Alright. Is there anyone else that Todoroki might feel comfortable staying with while I speak with all of you? Katsuki’s with Yamada Sensei right now, but it seems like he might not feel comfortable around adults like this.”
“He’s not,” Tenya confirms. “Um... Jirou might be up for it. She’s watched him a few times before while Momo and I were in class rep meetings. Does that sound okay, Shou?”
“No, no,” Shouto sobs, digging his nails into Tenya’s skin. “P-Please don’t go, please, wanna- wanna stay, please don’t-“
“Okay, never mind, I’m not separating the two of you right now,” Aizawa decides. “Iida, you take care of the kid while I talk with the others. If I need any more information I can find you later. It’s not a problem.”
“Thank you, sir,” Tenya sighs with relief. He pats Shouto’s back. “Alright, darling. We’re gonna go back now. You want me to carry you?”
Shouto gives a little whimper and doesn’t let go, so Tenya takes that as a ‘yes’ and stands, allowing Shouto to wrap his limbs around his body as he does so. He gives a short nod to Aizawa as he leaves, but doesn’t say another word. Best to leave on... well, not a high note, but a better one than the one they entered on.
- - -
Eijirou wrings his hands nervously as Aizawa scribbles down more information on the piece of paper he’s been holding onto. This seems... final, somehow. He’s scared. Not for himself, but for Shouto. The things they discussed...
“Okay. I think that’s all I need to know,” Aizawa announces, looking terribly exhausted.
“Sensei, what’s going to happen to Todoroki?” Izuku asks nervously. “H-He’s going to get in trouble if Endeavor catches wind of this, I’m not sure it’ll be safe to move on with-“
“Endeavor won’t be ‘catching wind’ of this under my watch. Todoroki will be staying here until we can ensure he has a safe place to go home to,” Aizawa explains. He closes his eyes and sighs deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I’ve got to talk to Nezu about this in the morning. He’s not going to be available until then.”
“Sir, if you need any more help with anything, I’d be happy to step in,” Momo offers. “Todoroki is a dear friend of mine, and I want this to go as smoothly as possible.”
“Thank you, Yaoyorozu, but it’s not in your hands anymore. That goes for all of you,” he says, giving them a pointed look. “I’m glad that you told me everything you know, because there are some things that kids your age can’t and shouldn’t handle. It’s time for the adults to take action.”
He drags a hand down his face.
“We should have taken action a long time ago.”
- - -
“How is he?” Eijirou asks, nervously rubbing his arm. Yamada smiles softly.
“Sleeping,” he whispers. “He really tuckered himself out. How’d everything go?”
“I dunno,” he admits. “We told Aizawa Sensei everything we knew about the situation. He said he’s gonna talk to Principal Nezu tomorrow and try to keep Todoroki at the dorms until everything calms down.”
“That’s good,” Yamada hums. “Poor kid.”
“I know...”
Eijirou stares at the ground with a pinched look on his face, as if he’s frustrated with himself. Yamada tilts his head. Surely he doesn’t think-
“Kirishima, you know that this is no one’s fault but Endeavor’s, right?” He asks, if only to reassure himself. Eijirou huffs loudly.
“If any of us had said something sooner-“
“You’re only kids,” Yamada stops him. “You handled the situation the way that made Todoroki feel the safest, and that helped everyone be able to get to this point. This was never you guys’ burden to bear, kiddo.”
Eijirou’s lip wobbles.
“W-When we were talking about everything we knew about how his dad treats him...” he starts, rubbing his eyes. “He’s been through s-so much... I n-never put it all together like that...”
Yamada leans forward and pulls him into a hug.
“I know, kid. It’s scary,” he whispers. “But it’s okay. It’s gonna be over now.”
- - -
“Are you sure you’re gonna be okay with other people around?” Tenya asks, carding a hand through Shouto’s hair. The regressor is currently curled up in his lap, face pressed into his neck as the last remaining sniffles from his crying periodically break the silence.
“Mm,” Shouto nods, squeezing him tighter.
“Okay, love. I’m just making sure. I know Bakugou can sometimes be a little loud-“
“H-He’s my friend,” Shouto insists. “I w-wanna... I wan’ him.”
“Alright, bear.” He pulls out his phone to check his text messages. “Kirishima says they’re heading here with dinner for all of us right now. And Bakugou’s not, er... he’s having a rough night as well, so he might want to leave early to be with Aizawa Sensei, understand?”
“Okay,” Shouto says quietly.
Tenya rubs his back and sighs. If Shouto says he’ll be alright, he’ll just have to trust him.
When Eijirou and Katsuki show up, the blonde immediately sets two bowls of soba down on the desk and rushes over to Shouto to wrap him in a tight hug. Since Shouto still refuses to leave Tenya’s lap, he gets a full view of Katsuki’s pinched up face, puffy eyes, and tear stained cheeks.
No words are exchanged between the two regressors. They just hold each other for a while, seeming to understand that nothing needs to be said. They tell each other “Sorry” and “I’m here” and “We’re going to get through this” all with their hug. No talking is necessary.
“How are you guys doing?” Eijirou asks, setting up their meal properly. Tenya smiles weakly.
“We’ve been better. You?”
“Yeah,” he sighs. “Us too.”
Once everyone is settled in, Shouto and Katsuki let go of each other, although they keep their fingers laced for the entirety of their dinner. They grip each other’s hands tightly, as if it’s a way to release tension rather than to comfort one another.
“‘Suki and I made the soba special for you, Todoroki,” Eijirou says lightly. “Is it any good? I know you’re probably the best at it, but...”
Shouto gives a little nod, gingerly picking at his food. Eijirou’s brows knit worriedly, but he knows better than to push.
After a while of tense silence, Eijirou feels Katsuki’s head bump against his arm. He looks down at him, only to realize that his eyes are filling with tears again.
“Oh,” he breathes. “What’s wrong, honey?”
Katsuki shakes his head a little bit, then starts sobbing quietly. Eijirou squeezes his eyes shut and pulls him into his lap, cradling the back of his head carefully.
“I know. Everything’s a lot right now,” he whispers. He turns to Tenya. “I think we’re gonna have to head out. Sorry.”
“It’s alright,” Tenya nods. “I understand. It’s almost time for Shou to get ready for bed anyways. You two have a good night.”
“You too,” Eijirou replies, helping a weepy Katsuki to his feet. “C’mon, kiddo. Let’s get you back to your dads, alright?”
- - -
“Hi, Shouto. How are you?” Fuyumi greets, wrapping her arms around her brother.
“Hi, sissy,” he mumbles, sighing through his nose. “Did Sensei tell you everything?”
“Yes. I’m meeting with a lawyer later to discuss taking guardianship of you. I’m just here to pick up the report from your principal,” she explains. “You’re... you’re very brave, Shouto.”
“Mm,” he grunts, shrugging. “Have you talked to Mom about it yet?”
“Just the basics,” she hums. “I don’t want to upset her. If she can get through the next few weeks without any incidents, she can start transitioning out of the hospital, and then we can talk about making her your legal guardian. For now, you’re gonna be stuck with me!”
“Hah,” he chuckles hollowly.
“I’m glad that you told someone,” she says lowly, squeezing his shoulders. “I’ve always been too afraid to... well. At least someone in our family is courageous.”
“I didn’t,” he admits quietly. “I had some friends say everything for me.”
“Well, either way, it’s over now,” she promises, kissing the top of his head. “You can breathe now, Shouto. We can breathe. Isn’t it nice?”
Shouto inhales deeply.
He exhales.
“... Yes.”
Notes:
THIS. PROMPT. RAN AWAY FROM ME SO MUCH.
so here’s what i wanna say about that.
this was originally a request about katsuki doing a presentation and regressing in front of the whole class with lots of comfort and fluff. clearly that didn’t happen. also, clearly this isn’t katsuki OR regression-centric! so i will be writing an alternate ending more suited for the prompt + double uploading this chapter to my shouto fic. i’m sorry about that!!! sometimes chapters write themselves for me lolz
Chapter 77: Family Outing (w/ Dazawa, Papa Mic, Big Bro Hitoshi, and Eri)
Summary:
A day out with the family! What could go wrong?
Notes:
CWs: some tears, a lil negativity towards regression, and references to past child neglect/abuse (nothin heavy!!)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The days when Katsuki and his family are all free and able to go out are rare. Most days off Yamada has his radio show, Aizawa has paperwork, Hitoshi and Katsuki have training and homework, or Eri has doctors appointments. Things aren’t like they used to be, when Katsuki first got adopted. His dads don’t need to take extra time off of work to care for him, Hitoshi doesn’t spend all his free time lounging around, and they’ve got a whole other child to worry about, too.
So, when they all have time off from their busy day-to-day lives, they make the most of it.
Yamada always lets them sleep in. He wakes up early to feed the cats and make breakfast for everyone. Aizawa normally wanders into the kitchen once he smells coffee, then Eri once she smells food. Katsuki and Hitoshi both sleep like the dead, so they don’t wake up until Aizawa goes into their rooms and flicks all the lights on. A rude awakening, but nothing else really works. Especially for Hitoshi.
Then, once they’re all sitting around the table, they talk about their plans for the day.
Katsuki normally makes up some bullshit about some new workout plan or studying or some shit because he gets all freaked the fuck out at the idea of someone getting mad at him for being lazy, but he never sticks with it once he hears about what his father has planned.
“I was thinking we can just do some shopping today,” Yamada suggests. “Go to the mall for the morning, then maybe catch a matinee.”
“We’ve been talking about doing a hike,” Aizawa points out. “It’s the perfect day to go. No bugs, not too hot. Might be a little busy since it’s the weekend, but still. Not bad.”
“Yeah, I’ve been scoping out new spots for Shitty Hair and I to do some hiking,” Katsuki agrees. “Let’s try it out.”
“Alright, so hike first, then the mall, then a movie?” Yamada says, counting the events off on his fingers. “Sounds like a fun day.”
“Busy, too,” Hitoshi comments. “Can I down one of Dad’s energy gels before we go?”
“Absolutely not,” Aizawa shuts him down.
“Can we look at dress stores when we’re there?” Eri requests. “And-! And the one for stuffed animals too! Please?”
“I don’t see why not,” Yamada nods. “Any other requests?”
“Game Stop,” Hitoshi says. “I’ve got enough money for a new controller. Mine... fell.”
“Bullshit,” Katsuki snorts. “You threw it because you were raging, didn’t you?”
“Hitoshi...” Aizawa says sternly. He receives a sheepish grin in response.
“Sorry. Won’t happen again.”
“What about you, Kit-Kat?” Yamada asks. “Any stops you wanna make at the mall today?”
Katsuki shifts uncomfortably in his seat. Honestly, if it were up to him, they wouldn’t be going to any place like the mall. He hates shopping, he hates crowds, and he always seems to end up crying by the end of the trip.
“Uh... not really.”
Aizawa raises a brow at him.
“Y’know, I’m not really into the mall,” he says nonchalantly. “So if any of you guys wanna do something different, let me know.”
“Oh!” Yamada exclaims. “What about that new cat cafè, Sho? If Katsuki’s not feeling up to going with us, why don’t you take him there?”
Aizawa looks at his son with an easy smile.
“What do you think, problem child?”
Katsuki smiles back at him and nods.
- - -
“You guys didn’t mention that was gonna take as long as it did,” Hitoshi groans, stretching his arms. “I’m so tired right now.”
“It wasn’t that hard,” Katsuki scoffs.
“Yeah? You didn’t have to carry Eri once her legs got tired though, did you?”
“Yeah, but I’m not strength training right now, either. Sucks to suck,” he teases, sticking his tongue out. Aizawa rolls his eyes.
“No bickering,” he scolds them. “He’s right, Hitoshi, you did get some good lifting in today.”
“Ha!” Katsuki shouts, sticking his tongue out.
“And Katsuki, don’t be an asshole.”
“That’s really too much to ask of him,” Hitoshi snorts, grinning. Katsuki punches his arm.
“Mister Aizawa said a bad word,” Eri informs Yamada. He chuckles and shakes his head.
“Naughty Daddy,” he jokes. “Maybe we should make him put money in Katsu-nii’s swear jar.”
”More money? That thing’s practically overflowing,” Hitoshi points out.
“Hey, it’s not my fault,” Katsuki defends himself. “There’s just so many ways you can use the word ‘fuck.’ I’m trying to explore them all. I’m broadening my horizons.”
“But not your vocabulary.”
“Watch it, I’ve got better grades than you.”
“Nerd.”
“Dumbass.”
“Teacher’s pet.”
“Enough,” Aizawa stops them. “Get in the car already. I know you’ve got to be hungry.”
“Fuck yeah!” Katsuki shouts, clambering into his seat. Aizawa groans and rolls his eyes.
“Teenagers,” Yamada grins.
“Uh!” Eri gasps, eyes widening. “Mister Mic, I forgot my throw up bag at home!”
“… Lovely.”
“If she gets sick, I’ve got nausea pills in my bag and extra clothes for everyone in the trunk in case we can’t pull over,” Aizawa says. “We’ll just have to try and avoid a repeat incident.”
“Sorry,” Eri says softly, pouting at the ground as she recalls the time she got car sick all over Hitoshi. Yamada ruffles her hair.
“No worries, princess. We got you covered,” he promises. “Now, why don’t we drop off Daddy and Katsu-nii so we can have some fun at the mall? Does that sound good?”
“… Yes,” she smiles softly, sniffing a little.
“Ugh, finally,” Katsuki groans, tilting his head back dramatically. “I’m gonna pass out if I don’t eat soon, I’m serious!”
“Drama queen,” Hitoshi bites.
“Braindead bitch.”
”Boys.”
- - -
“She likes you,” Aizawa observes, smiling as the fluffy black cat nudges against Katsuki’s hand again. The boy suppresses a grin.
“She’s soft. Like Rin.”
“Mm,” he hums. “How’s your food?”
“Not bad. Kinda bland.”
“Well, not everyone can predict your level of spice tolerance,” he chuckles. “You gotta admit, kiddo, you’re a bit of a rare kind.”
Katsuki chews the inside of his lip before taking another bite.
If he’s being perfectly honest, he’s feeling a little… soft, at the moment. The special day with his family, the opportunity to spend some alone time with his dad, the kitties, the food, the soft way Aizawa is talking to him…
But, no. He can’t slip. He needs to enjoy this moment in a headspace where he’ll be fully coherent and not hypersensitive to every little thing. He doesn’t want to ruin the day by something stupid like getting spooked by a loud noise. Being regressed leaves him open and vulnerable to situations like that. He needs to take this day in as it was intended, and be strong. Like a big boy!
Not- No. Like an adult. Almost adult.
Whatever.
“So where do you want to go after this?” Aizawa asks, taking another sip of his coffee. “We’re right by that duck pond you like.”
“… The duck pond?” Katsuki questions, furrowing his brow. “But that’s…”
… That’s a place for baby Katsuki. They only ever go there when he’s regressed. Ugh! He’s not gonna make this easy for him, is he?
“Or we could check out the library. Or meet up with Papa at the mall. It’s up to you.”
Katsuki takes a deep breath.
“The duck pond is fine.”
- - -
It’s sunny. It’s quiet. The park attendants gave them little food pellets to toss at the ducks, which makes them go crazy snd flap their wings and splash all over and honk at each other, which makes Katsuki giggle. His belly is full. His head is clear. His chest isn’t tight.
Mmm……
…. He’s kinda small….
He didn’t mean to; in fact, he tried his hardest to avoid it, but sometime between Aizawa guiding him by hand to the pond and the fluffiest duck coming right up to his feet and pecking at the pellets he dropped, he managed to fully regress.
Well. At least it’s a happy slip.
He still doesn’t tell Aizawa, though. He doesn’t want him to think that something today triggered his PTSD, or that he can’t have a normal day out and about anymore without regressing. He’ll make him go home and talk to his doctor about it, and he doesn’t want that! He just wants to feed the ducks with Daddy!
“Look, Katsuki. You’ve got a shadow.”
Aizawa points behind him, and he turns around to see the fluffy duck from before following him around the perimeter of the pond.
“Oh… heh,” he chuckles nervously. “Can I feed him more?”
“Just a little more. You don’t want him to get too full,” he warns, pouring some of the pellets into Katsuki’s open palm. “Hold your hand out and crouch down- good, like that. Now wait for him to come to you.”
“Will he bite?” Katsuki asks anxiously as the duck waddles over. Aizawa hums.
“He might nip you a little bit, but it won’t hurt.”
“Okay…”
The duck starts to feed out of Katsuki’s hand, which makes him squeal quietly in delight.
“He’s doing it!!” He whisper-shouts, beaming at Aizawa. The older man chuckles.
“I can see that.”
“It tickles!” Katsuki giggles. Aizawa tilts his head, a curious glint flashing in his eyes.
“Katsuki-“
“Ah-ha! He kissed me!” He exclaims, raising his palm to show his father the little rosy mark on his skin where the duck nipped at him affectionately. He receives an easy smile.
“That’s sweet, honey. C’mere, you’ve got to get some hand sanitizer on until we can find a place for you to wash your hands.”
“Okay,” Katsuki agrees, standing up and saying goodbye from his duck friend. He walks over to Aizawa and-
Slips in the mud and immediately falls backwards.
“AH-!”
“Oh!” Aizawa winces as he lands flat on his back, narrowly missing a rock that would he have smacked his head right off of. He crouches down, waiting for the shock to wear off and for the air to return to his lungs- there’s no way he didn’t get the wind knocked out of him with a fall like that. “Are you okay, kiddo?”
Katsuki’s chin trembles, eyes filling with tears that wobble precariously at his water line as he shakes his head. Aizawa tuts.
“Here, sit up,” he says softly, helping him into a sitting position. “Did you hurt anything? Or did it just scare you?”
“M-My leg…” He whimpers, pointing at his right thigh. “A-An’ over my butt.”
“You probably bruised your tailbone. It’ll be alright, just sore for a couple of days when you sit down. You didn’t hit your head at all?” Katsuki shakes his head. “Okay. Let’s go get you cleaned up and I can take a look at your leg.”
“My shorts…” Katsuki whines mournfully. They’ll be ruined!!! These were brand new, too.
“They’ll be alright. Nothing some stain remover can’t fix,” Aizawa promises, helping him up. Katsuki winces and lets out a little yelp. “We’ll get you some Tylenol as well. Poor kid.”
Katsuki manages to keep it together the whole walk to the mall parking lot, despite the yucky mud drying against his skin and in his hair. He is, however, very grateful that it’s not any further away from the park than it is, because he breaks the second he’s in the car.
“Oh, Katsuki,” Aizawa says softly, taking him into his arms as he dissolves into a fit of sobs and wailing. “Shh, honey, it’s alright. We’ll get you all cleaned up and make the boo-boos better, and when we get home you can jump straight into the shower.”
“N-No! M’not small!”
“Baby…” He sighs. “… Okay. Let’s just get you nice and clean for now. I’ve got spare clothes in the trunk and wet wipes in the glove box.”
That makes Katsuki cry harder. Not only did he make a fool of himself and hurt his thigh and spine, but now Daddy knows he’s small, and came prepared for it too!! He doesn’t think Katsuki can be a big boy ever!
“I-I’m not a baby!” He wails, rubbing his eyes. “I don’ need extra clothes!”
“Hon, we put them in the trunk in case your sister got carsick. And in case of accidents like this. I’m not calling you a baby,” he promises, rubbing his thumb over Katsuki’s cheek. “We’re just prepared for some messes. It happens when you’re a big family.”
That makes Katsuki feel a little bit better, but it doesn’t slow his hiccuping cries at all.
“I wa-want to go h-h-home,” he gasps through his crying. Aizawa shushes him and smooths a hand over his hair.
“We’ve gotta calm down, sweetheart. You’re working yourself up. Deep breaths,” he instructs, guiding him through it until his breathing evens out. “There we go. Good work. Excellent work, kiddo.”
Katsuki searches Aizawa’s face for any hint of a negative reaction, but doesn’t find one. There are still times when he expects his father to get upset with him for… well, getting upset, but he’s always there to comfort him. Even when he ruins their day out and cries about it like a little baby.
“We- We can go h-home?” He asks hopefully, still sniffling and shaking. Aizawa smiles.
“Of course, sweetheart. I’ll call Papa and tell him to wrap things up while we get you cleaned up in here.”
Katsuki’s eyes widen nervously.
“They- They’ll see-“
“We can go inside and find a bathroom if you want,” he offers. Katsuki is quick to shake his head. “Well… I can hold up a blanket while you get dressed in the backseat?”
Katsuki thinks about that for a moment, and while it’s tempting to just stay in his muddy clothes until they get home to avoid this situation altogether, he knows it’s better to get changed now. He gives Aizawa a nod.
“Okay. I’ll go get your outfit and call Papa.”
- - -
By the time Katsuki is wiped down, re-dressed, and given a couple painkillers, Yamada and the others are making their way across the parking lot. When Katsuki spots them, he sniffles and crosses his arms, pouting at the floor.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Aizawa asks, rubbing his shoulder. Katsuki frowns.
“Nothin’.”
“Baby-“
“Said m’not small,” he insists. “So stop.”
Aizawa furrows his brow.
“Sweetheart, it’s okay if you are,” he assures him. “It’s okay to be small. It’s okay to regress when something like that happens, and it’s okay to regress just because. I know you can’t control it most of the time, and it doesn’t affect any of us in a bad way. We love all the different parts of you, kiddo. It’s okay to be small.”
Katsuki’s lip wobbles again, and he turns around to squeeze Aizawa tight and bury his face in his armpit.
“Sorry, Daddy…”
“You don’t have anything to apologize for,” he promises, kissing the top of his head. “I had such a good day today, Katsuki. Did you?”
Katsuki sniffles and nods. Even though it didn’t go as planned, today was really, really good. It just got a bit… turned around towards the end.
“They’re almost here, bud. You sure you still wanna go home? We can go somewhere else if you want to,” he offers, stroking his back. Katsuki shrugs. “Well, give it some thought.”
“Hey, little listener,” Yamada greets as he slides open the car door. “How you doing?”
“He’s a little upset right now,” Aizawa explains. “It’s okay. We’re gonna head home. You can take the others back out after, we just need a ride to the house.”
“Katsu-nii got hurt?” Eri asks, furrowing her brow. Katsuki sniffs.
“M’good…”
“You got all muddy,” Hitoshi observes, seeing the clumps in his hair. “Poor kid.”
“I- … I’m not…”
It’s okay to be small.
Katsuki takes a deep breath.
“I don’t wanna go home,” he says quietly, turning to look at Aizawa. “Wanna stay.”
“You sure? You don’t want a bath?”
“No, m’okay,” he shakes his head. “I wanna stay wi’f Bubba an’ Papa an’ Sissy.”
Aizawa gives a doubtful look to Yamada, to which he’s met with a hopeful smile.
“We were talking about maybe going to that ice cream place with the petting zoo,” Yamada says softly. “Eri’s never been. Does that sound like a good idea, baby?”
Katsuki sighs through his nose. He likes that place. They have goats. He likes goats.
“I like goats,” he mumbles absentmindedly. “They’re funny an’ fuzzy an’ loud.”
“I think that’s a ‘yes,’” Aizawa says quietly, smiling at Yamada.
“So it’s settled then! We’ll go and see the goats!”
- - -
They each get a small ice cream cone when they get there, still full from their lunches. Eri skips around happily, dripping ice cream all over her face and dress. Aizawa snorts.
“She’s in her own world right now,” he comments. Yamada chuckles.
“She’s going to wander off, you know.”
“True.” He raises his volume so she can hear. “Eri, hold your brother’s hand.”
“Okay!”
She skips over to Katsuki and slips her hand in his.
“C’mon, Katsu-nii! You don’t wanna get lost!”
“Ohhhhh my God,” Yamada whispers. “That’s adorable.”
“She’s looking out for him,” Aizawa smiles. “Huh. We must be doing something right.”
“Ah, fuck,” Hitoshi groans, realizing he spilled his ice cream on his shirt. Yamada huffs.
“Language, kiddo.”
“Sorry. Ah, shit,” he corrects himself.
“Very funny,” Aizawa deadpans. “Why don’t you go with your brother and sister?”
“What? You mean you don’t trust Eri to protect her precious Katsu-nii?” He asks in mock-offense. “She’s his knight in shining armor, Dad!”
“She’s also six, and barely comes up to his hip,” he points out, raising a brow. “Just go keep an eye on them.”
“Yeah, Dad wants alone time with me,” Yamada grins slyly, wrapping his arms around Aizawa’s waist. “We’re gonna practice aaaaalll the PDA. Cuddling and kissing and sappy nicknames- isn’t that right, schnookums?”
“That’s right, cupcake.”
“Gross,” Hitoshi scoffs, turning and walking towards his siblings. Yamada laughs.
“You’re welcome to stay, kiddo! We’ve got plenty of love to share!” He shouts after him. Hitoshi pretends like he doesn’t hear.
“Something tells me he’s not interested in cuddles,” Aizawa chuckles.
“Oh, well. You know he’s gonna get tackled with hugs the second Eri and Katsuki see him.”
As if on cue, they hear Katsuki gasp excitedly and watch as he and Eri work together to take down Hitoshi with their affection.
“Oh, their ice cream is everywhere…” Yamada groans mournfully. Aizawa shrugs.
“We’ve got spare clothes.”
“Katsuki doesn’t,” he reminds him.
“… Shit.”
“Language, Shouta.”
Notes:
a short n sweet chapter to get back into things! life has been super busy lately >_<
also!! little reminder to pls not request things while they’re closed!! i’ve still got requests to work on from almost a year ago, i need time to get those done before i can work on new chapters!! tysm for ur patience <3
Chapter 78: Mixed Up Inside (w/ Mama Momo)
Summary:
Katsuki longs for affection that he never got from his mother.
Chapter Text
Katsuki has had a rough day.
He had a patrol that ended up in him having to play sidekick. The details aren’t necessary. He’s tired, he’s sweaty, he’s in pain, and he just wants to be in bed. Maybe a nice, hot meal too. And a shower. God, he wants a shower.
He doesn’t want to deal with his loudmouth classmates the second he walks into the common room, but it happens anyways.
“Kacchan! You were on TV!”
“You looked so cool!”
“You’ll make headlines tomorrow!”
“Were you scared? Are you hurt?”
“You and Jeanist took him down like he was nothing!”
“Enough!” He barks, swatting away their excited hands and glaring down their grinning faces. “Leave me alone.”
“Aww, but we wanna gossip!” Kaminari whines. “Spill all your beans, Bakugou! Were you nervous? You were sweating a lot.”
Yeah, because he was running his ass off.
“Can it, Dunce Face.”
He shoves his hands deep into his pockets. Shower. Shower, shower, shower.
“Wait!” Hagakure grabs his wrist (NOT cool), and the momentary panic causes him to stop in his tracks. “Can’t you just tell us a little bit?”
“No. And don’t touch me,” he snarls, tearing his hand away. “M’gonna go shower.”
“Hey, he’s back!” Hitoshi calls out, entering at the worst possible time, as usual. Katsuki grits his teeth. He just wants to relax. “Saw you had a pretty rough patrol, huh?”
“It’s whatever! God!”
“Wow, someone’s touchy,” he winces. “Have you talked to Dad or Papa yet? They were probably-“
“I don’t want to talk to anyone!” He screams, stomping his foot.
Okay, yes, so he went from a little cranky to full-blown toddler tantrum in a matter of seconds. Sue him. He’s only human!
That doesn’t save him from the embarrassment upon realizing how immature and whiny he just made himself sound, though, so he can’t help the blush that crawls up his face.
“Shut up. Just leave me alone,” he mutters, storming past Hitoshi.
There’s silence for a moment, and then Izuku speaks up.
“M-Maybe I should text Kirishima? He’s not gonna be back from Fatgum’s until late tonight, but…”
Hitoshi frowns.
“I mean, he’s got plenty of people here if he needs help. There’s no need to worry Kirishima,” he reasons. “Let’s just… give him his space. It’s what he asked for, right?”
“Totally,” Mina nods. “You should probably mention it to your parents that he was upset, though. Just in case.”
“Shit, yeah,” he agrees. “… Where are they? My parents?”
“Present Mic is setting up at the radio station right now, and Sensei is on patrol,” Jirou tells him. “All Might is here to watch us right now. You’ll have to text them.”
“And also maybe pay attention to where your dads are, dingus,” Kaminari teases him.
“Don’t give me that shit, you had no idea they were gone either, did you?”
“Irrelevant!”
- - -
Katsuki stays under the spray of the shower for a while after he gets clean. He sits there, knees hugged close against his chest, chin tucked between them, and just basks in the silence for a while.
He’s pretty proud of himself. He proved to himself that he can still remain stable in high-stress situations. Not that he truly doubted it, but it’s been a while since he was in a real battle without a safety net of some sort by him- Deku, or Kiri, or some family member or getaway car or some other semblance of familiarity and comfort and safety. It was just him and Jeanist and the villain (and plenty of other heroes, to be fair), and they kicked ass!
It’s the aftermath that’s making him uneasy.
He’s going to be doing that shit near-daily. His battery is going to be fully drained by the time he gets home from work. He can’t flip the fuck out if he doesn’t get to recharge immediately.
Whatever. It’s a learning curve. He’ll learn with time.
Except it’s not. Because this is kind of a lifetime struggle for him- things get to be too much, and he snaps. He’s been doing it since he was a baby, and he’s never grown out of it.
One time, when he was maybe five or six, he was over at the Midoriya’s. Katsuki’s usual bedtime rolled around, but Izuku wasn’t tired yet, and Inko wasn’t telling them to go to sleep, so he stayed up.
And he was tired.
One thing led to another, and it eventually crescendoed into him kicking and screaming on the floor because Izuku got into his personal bubble. Far too old for a fit like that, and extremely embarrassing, but he didn’t care at the time. He just yelled and hit and kicked until Inko came and scooped him up in her soft, strong arms and pressed his face into her chest until he fell asleep there, drooling on her shirt and sucking his thumb.
… He kinda wishes Inko was here right now. He could use someone gentle and motherly to hold him and make everything okay.
His mother was never like that. His tantrums resulted in her own tantrums. Even when he grew out of his childish stage of crying and batting his fists against the ground, he just leveled up to screaming obscenities and throwing punches, which she met with flawless offense. Every time. No hugs, no comfort, no soft voice telling him that everything would be okay, that he doesn’t need to yell or hit, he just needs to tell her what’s wrong.
Ha. That would be the day.
Nowadays, he has plenty of people willing to comfort him. And he loves his little family, he really does, but none of them are… maternal, for lack of a better word.
Aizawa can be sweet, but he also gruff and hard to read.
Yamada can be soft, but he’s also goofy and, admittedly, sometimes way too loud.
Hitoshi can be gentle, but he’s also fretful and will always treat Katsuki like his brother, not someone to coddle and coo over.
Eijirou is the king of comfort, but he’s also over-the-top and rough and, most importantly, not available at the moment.
There’s Izuku, but… no, no, that’s too close to Inko, and it’ll make Katsuki’s heart hurt.
They make Katsuki nervous, for sure, especially when he’s regressed, but sometimes he misses the presence of a woman in his life. He never really had a consistent one, but…
Ugh. Goddamn mommy issues. He sounds just as bad as IcyHot right now.
He turns the water off, wraps a towel around himself, and trudges off to his room. He gets dressed in his comfiest, softest, baggiest pajamas, towel-dries his hair until it’s fluffy again, and then heads off to the kitchen.
Not before grabbing his headphones, though. Hopefully people will take the hint.
Thankfully, there’s barely anyone downstairs. Izuku, Ochako, and Shouto are watching some movie together, and Tenya is studying at the table, but besides that the coast is clear. And none of these idiots will dare talk to him if he looks busy enough.
(Kaminari, he’d have to worry about. That guy has zero respect for personal space.)
He manages to heat up some leftovers that he blessedly had the hindsight to save for himself in peace, then he heads back up to his room.
His meal is… fine. A little unsatisfying.
He was hungry, don’t get him wrong. And his cooking is fantastic, so it’s not like it tasted bad. It just left him feeling a bit… empty.
He was so tired before. And he still is, seriously, he’s exhausted, but it’s different now. Before, he was too drained to want people around. But now his room feels awfully big for one person, and his empty bed doesn’t seem nearly as welcoming.
Sighing, he pulls out his phone and calls Aizawa. Maybe he just needs to hear a few comforting words before he goes to sleep. He’s good for those.
“You’ve reached Shouta, leave your name, number, and a detailed message and I’ll get back to you eventually.”
Beeeeeep. Straight to voicemail.
That’s right, he’s at work. Yamada is, too. Great.
He texts Aizawa a quick little white lie (“sorry, that was a butt dial.”) so he doesn’t have a heart attack when he sees he got a missed call from Katsuki, who never calls him, and then goes back to his contacts.
He has Inko’s number. He could…….
But, no. He doesn’t want to talk to Inko. He wants that feeling again, that feeling he got however many years ago when she cradled him against his chest and made the pounding anger in his head melt away so nicely that it lulled him to sleep. The fact of the matter is, a phone call isn’t going to give him that feeling.
(It might be nice to talk to her, though. Maybe they should invite the Midoriya’s over for dinner this weekend.)
Very few women in his life have made him feel as safe and comfortable as Inko has. Magne was probably the first ever besides her, but-
Wow, yikes! Ha! Not a good time to think about his whole kidnapping incident. Not now, when he’s all woozy and vulnerable.
Anyways.
Besides those two, has… anyone, really?
Nemuri was alright, but she was more of a fun babysitter than anything else. Mina’s cool and all, and great at keeping him from falling apart at the seams when Eijirou’s not around, but she’s not… soft. Caring, but not in the quiet, gentle way that he’s currently craving.
God fucking damn it. Why couldn’t his mom just have hugged him a little more when she was still in his life? Then he wouldn’t have to deal with this… this weirdness in his gut that’s making him-
Oh, God.
Making him cry?!
A hissed sob escapes his mouth, and he curls up again, wiping his eyes on the backs of his hands as he weeps into his knees.
Is Kiri gonna be back soon? It won’t be the same, but he could really use a hug right now. Maybe some cuddles. Just something.
Still hiccuping out little, broken cries, he opens his phone again, checking to see if Eijirou texted him any updates. And, lo and behold, he has a new message from him!
RedRiot: Hey man! Just letting you know to not save dinner for me or anything, Fat’s gonna treat us after we finish up paperwork. Won’t be back until late tonight, so don’t wait up for me.
Of course. Just perfect.
He bites back another sob.
LORDEXPLODOKILL: wasnt planning on it anyways loser
It’s weak, not his best work, but can you blame him? He’s having a rough go of it right now.
He shuts his phone off and chucks it across the room. Too much disappointment.
While one of his hands busies itself with wiping the tears and snot from his face, the other blindly gropes about for Pochi. When he finds it, he buries his face into the stuffed bear and sobs again, feeling utterly hollow.
“I miss being a baby,” he whispers, although he’s not sure to whom. Pochi, maybe.
He means it, though. With all his heart. He misses every second of his life before things went wrong. Back when a temper tantrum was the worst part of his day.
If he could go back in time, maybe he’d be nicer. Softer. Easier. Curl up on his Mama’s chest and look so sweet that she wouldn’t care about him interrupting her reading.
That would be really nice.
Things are so complicated now. Even on a day like today, where he should be celebrating such an awesome win, he still feels all wobbly inside. It’s as if he’s always teetering on the line between stable and full-blown shitshow.
Maybe he should go see Izuku. He’s good at hugs and cuddles and-
And watching movies with his friends. His normal friends, friends that don’t have such a weird history with him. He’s not gonna walk away from that just because Katsuki’s feeling all wishy-washy and needs snuggles.
(I mean, he probably would, but Katsuki isn’t gonna make him do that.)
Oh, God, he doesn’t know what to do…!
He’s probably just gonna end up crying himself to sleep. He’s tired enough for it to happen. And it really doesn’t sound all that bad, not when he’s done it so many times before.
But first, warm milk. He can’t be all blue and alone without warm milk to help him drift off. He’ll just have to heat it up in a mug, because if someone sees him with his sippy it’ll be a whole thing and he’s not up for that. He wants to be alone and small and have a good cry and then he’ll be better again. Just like old times.
And it almost works. He even leaves Pochi in his room for a plausible deniability factor. He’s discreet, he barely makes any noise, he manages to get all the way out of the kitchen and the common room-
And then he bumps into someone.
“Ack!”
“Woah!”
Katsuki winces heavily, screwing his eyes shut and hoping, praying really, that it’s someone unobservant or easy to irritate so they won’t notice.
He dares to open an eye.
It’s not someone like that. It’s Momo. The smartest person in class, who will definitely put two and two together.
And he spilled milk all over her fancy pajamas.
“Oh, Bakugou,” she says quietly, frowning down at him. “Are you alright?”
Katsuki’s heart pangs.
It’s not… it’s not Auntie, alright? It’s not him being so small and sweet that he can curl up with his Mama and receive affection in return, either. It’s not really a motherly touch.
But it is Momo. And Momo is calm, and gentle, and smart, and good at hugs. He remembers, from a while back when she helped him fall asleep that one time.
And they’re not close. By any means. But she understands, he thinks. She’s normally one of the voices of reason when he starts to blow up.
(And, honestly, are any of them not close at this point? That’s a nonsense statement.)
“Bakugou?” She speaks up again, brows furrowed. Milk is dripping on the ground and they’re standing in a puddle and he feels empty and upset and he wants-
“I don’t feel good,” he whines, drawing his shoulders to his ears. Momo blinks.
“O-Oh. I’m sure you don’t. You had a really big day today, didn’t you?” He nods. It was a big day. “Do you want me to get someone for you? Would that make you feel better?”
“No..!”
In actuality, no one can make him feel better right now. The person he wants; really wants- she doesn’t exist. She’s a make-believe mother. But if Momo is willing to help him, if she can hold him and help him go to sleep like she did before….
Well, it’s better than crying himself to sleep, at least.
“Um… okay, well, let me help you clean up, then,” she offers, taking the cup from his hands and walking into the kitchen, presumably to get some towels for him.
But he wanted his bedtime drink!
“Wait!” He shouts, running after her just in time to watch her place the mug in the sink.
And for some reason, that’s his breaking point.
Normally, it wouldn’t be a big deal. Normally, he’d just ask for milk after the mess is cleaned, and he’d have it and it would be okay.
But he doesn’t feel normal right now. Right now, all he knows is that he’s sad, and he’s frustrated, and he wanted warm milk and Momo just took away his cup!
“Why did you do that?!” He yells, eyes welling with tears. Momo’s mouth gapes open.
“I-I, well-“
“STOP IT! JUST SHUT UP!!” He screams, stomping his foot. “YOU’RE STUPID!”
“Bakugou-“
“SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP! STOP IT!!”
He stomps his foot and balls his fists and squeezes his eyes shut tight. He can feel his face getting red and his palms starting to sweat as the anger rises, the frustration that she couldn’t read his mind, and-
And then he’s being hugged.
His eyes fly open in confusion.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to yell,” she whispers to him. “I get it. It’s a lot right now.”
He squirms out of her grip, glares at her, and then sniffles. The rage starts to fizzle out.
“… You took my cup.”
“We can get a new one. Maybe one of your sippy cups, or a bottle?” She smiles at him, holding out her hand. “We just need to clean up the spill first, alright? And then I can help you make whatever you want.”
He’s reluctant to take her hand. She could be lying. He doesn’t know her that well. Maybe she’s punishing him for being so angry. Maybe this is just how she does her punishments- quiet, and unsuspicious.
Ugh, his brain just can’t decide how he feels tonight. Is he sad, or is he angry? Is he big, or is he small? Does he want Momo to take care of him or not?
It’s so much easier to just let other people figure it out for him sometimes.
So he takes her hand. And he lets her guide him through soaking up the milk and cleaning the floor with disinfectant spray. And he waits patiently, quietly, still holding her hand as she heats up more milk in his orange sippy cup.
“There we go, all set,” she announces when she’s finished, handing him the cup. He lifts it up to his mouth and takes a sip.
It’s good. Warm. Makes him feel better.
“… Thanks…”
“You’re welcome,” she smiles warmly. “Did you get any milk on your clothes? You should change if you did, they’ll need to be washed.”
“My socks…” He looks down, observing his wet feet before he remembers something and snaps his head back up. “Your jammies!”
“Don’t worry, they can be washed,” she brushes off, shaking her head. “It’s chilly tonight anyways, I’d like to change into something warmer.”
“Oh…”
He takes another sip of his milk.
“Why don’t we go change your socks?” She reminds him, tilting her head. He nods, letting himself be led to the elevator.
She takes him all the way to his room, sitting him down on the bed and peeling off his gross socks. Once he points out where he keeps his others in, she rolls a new pair on him and pats his knee.
“There we go, good as new,” she decides. “Goodnight, Bakugou. I’ll see you tom-“
“W-Wait,” he stops her, sitting up a little straighter. She looks at him expectantly, and it makes his stomach jump with anxiety. “U-Um… I’m sorry… for spilling on you a-an’ throwin’ a fit ‘bout it.”
“That’s alright,” she assures him, petting his hair softly. “Everyone gets upset sometimes, and accidents happen. Now you get some rest, alright? You had a really long day, I’m sure you’re tired.”
No! Well, yes, he is, but-
“Y-You remember… when you helped me nap?” He asks before she can leave, fidgeting on his bed. “When I got really small, and I c-couldn’t sleep? An’ Kiri gave m-me to you to watch?”
Her eyes soften impossibly more.
“I do,” she nods. He clenches his fist in his blanket nervously.
“… Do you… C-could… um…”
“Do you want me to help you sleep again?” She asks, voice free of judgement. He averts his gaze as he nods. “Okay, honey. Just let me get into new pajamas, and I’ll be right back.”
He hears the door close, and immediately grabs Pochi again, burying his nose in his fur. Everything is finally starting to feel soft again.
- - -
Momo feels much warmer now.
Katsuki’s mattress isn’t nearly as plush as her’s, and his bedclothes are… well, thread-count doesn’t really matter. It’s comfortable despite the differences, is what she’s trying to say.
He’s curled up on her belly, just like last time, playing with her hair and hugging his stuffed bear to his chest. A pacifier bobs between his lips as he listens intently to the story she’s reading off of her phone. He’s much more relaxed now, and she can tell that he really needed this.
She has a very close relationship with her own mother. She can’t imagine doing something as spectacular as what Katsuki did today and not being able to ramble to her about it.
And she can’t say that it doesn’t benefit her, either. Her fingernails lightly scratching his back, the soft breathing, the feeling of being wanted for comfort. She’s not especially close with anyone in the class other than Shouto and Jirou, and they aren’t really touchy-feely friends. She’s always had a bit of a soft spot for Katsuki, so it’s very fulfilling to be able to soothe him this way.
It’s very, very warm.
She can’t say she’s surprised when his breathing slows exponentially and the pacifier falls from his mouth and onto her nightshirt. She also can’t say that she has any desire to leave him like this. So she pops the pacifier back in his mouth, turns off her phone, and leans her head back.
- - -
Eijirou can’t believe he missed it!!!!!!
A huge fight, and Katsuki was at the front of it all!
(Well, sorta. He was involved, at least.)
He has about a million questions running through his head, but it’s late, and he knows his best friend is likely dead to the world right now. Curse Fatgum and his dinner plans!
… Well, maybe that’s too far. That dinner was really, really good. His boss has excellent taste in food.
Still, though, he can’t resist at least trying to talk to his friend. He’s gotta congratulate him! Even if Katsuki doesn’t want to spare him the details, he’s gotta tell him how cool he is!!
He knocks on the door, but doesn’t get a response.
… Maybe just a peek…
Just to make sure he’s okay.
He opens the door, trying to be quiet, and peeks his head in.
“Bakugou?”
The lamp’s on, so he has a clear view of the room. But instead of just seeing his friend curled up, he’s met with two figures on the bed. Is that Aizawa? No, he’s still out on patrol.
Wait…
“Momo?”
The girl gasps, her eyes fluttering open.
“Oh… I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”
“What are you doing in here?” He whispers. “You shouldn’t be in the boy’s dorm this late, you could get in trouble..!”
“Mm, Bakugou needed some help getting to sleep,” she explains, yawning. “I was just going to stay for a little while, but I guess I was pretty tired as well.”
“Did he regress?”
“Yes… it was different this time, though. I think he just needed a little comfort,” she explains, carefully moving Katsuki off of her. “He was alright. Nothing too concerning.”
“O-Oh. Okay, then,” he nods, furrowing his brow. “And he asked for you?”
“Sort of. I just happened to bump into him.”
“… Huh.”
“What?”
“Nothing,” Eijirou shakes his head. “He’s just normally so nervous around girls when he’s small. It’s unexpected, is all.”
“Mm, well…” She sighs through her nose, looking down at the sleeping boy. “… I don’t know. I have speculations, but it’s not my place to say. And I’m not sure he’s ready to talk about it yet.”
“Oh?” He frowns. “Something I should be worried about?”
“No. Just something on his mind, I assume,” she tells him. “I’ve got to get to bed. I’ll see you at breakfast, Kirishima.”
“See ya, Momo. G’night.”
When she leaves, Eijirou walks over and carefully sits on the edge of Katsuki’s bed.
“Mm.. Ma’,” he mumbles in his sleep, curling towards Eijirou’s leg.
Ah. So he’s having one of those nights.
It’s not totally unheard of for Katsuki to miss his mother sometimes. It happens. Every time feels like a new time it seems, because he always ends up confused and upset. He ends up missing someone that never really existed in his life, and it breaks his heart all over again.
Normally he asks for Inko, but doesn’t actually want to see her. Poor guy gets all mixed up inside. Eijirou can’t blame him.
They can talk about it in the morning, if he chooses to. If not, it’s not a big deal. Right now he just needs sleep.
Actually, both of them do. Eijirou’s beat.
“Night, ‘Suki,” he whispers, petting his head for a moment. He flicks off the lamp, gets up, and leaves.
Katsuki coos happily in his sleep and wiggles closer to the warm spot next to him.
Notes:
(it’s so nice to write about the carer’s side of things <3)
hey guys!! so, i’m really sorry if you’ve had a request waiting for a while or have one that you want to share, but i think i’m gonna switch back to this being only chapters that i want to write for now. if that disappoints you i apologize (especially if i haven’t gotten to your request yet) but i’m not totally ruling out the possibility of me going back to opening them up again in the future! it’s just that for now i kind of want to dive into the psychological aspects of regression and branch out my abilities as a writer. i know that sounds kinda silly but i hope that you can understand and stick with me through it :)
Chapter 79: Sleepless Baby (w/ Papa Mic + Dadzawa)
Summary:
Katsuki has a rough day in the thick of an insomnia bout, and reacts accordingly.
Notes:
CWs: public anxiety attack, mention of kidnapping, very very brief mention of child death (blink + you’ll miss it), unsanitary (graphic wetting scene), and, like… active regression? he slowly slips further throughout the chapter idk if that needs a warning
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Katsuki stares at the ceiling in disbelief. It’s the afternoon. He slept his whole morning away. Again.
He’s been having difficulty falling asleep at night lately. He drifts off, has a brief flashback, jolts awake, distracts himself until he drifts off again, and the cycle repeats until the night is gone and the sun threatens to rise.
He used to wake up at five evey morning. Now five is when he finally gets exhausted enough to fall asleep.
And it’s not a huge deal, normally. He’s a teenage boy, it’s alright for him to sleep off a few Saturday mornings here and there. The problem is that he’s not getting enough rest in those precious few hours, and it’s not just Saturday mornings.
He tries so hard to sleep on school nights, but it just doesn’t come. Even if he manages to drift off at a decent hour, he wakes up in a panic halfway through the night. He’s so exhausted, and he’s not sure how to help himself. He’s tried sleeping pills, turning his phone off early, essential oils, meditation, getting a cat to sleep on his chest. None of it works. Sleep escapes him every night.
He just hopes his circadian rhythm will fix itself on its own. Preferably sooner rather than later.
- - -
God, Katsuki feels like he’s going to collapse.
His gauntlets feel heavier than ever… he really needs to look into using just one. His boots, too. Not using one boot, but- oh, you get what he means. All of him feels heavy, like the earth is pulling him down.
It was a hard patrol. A really hard patrol. He’s still getting used to working alongside Jeanist again. The hero is a very particular man, and isn’t hesitant to point out every mistake that Katsuki makes. It normally feels a lot more constructive, but when he’s this sleep deprived every lecture cuts like glass.
They caught a villain. An important one. The guy that’s been kidnapping lower grade heroes. Normally a student wouldn’t be allowed to participate in such a high profile case, but Katsuki didn’t know it was him!
Anyways, they’re still not sure where the heroes are being kept, but they know they’re alive. Or, at least, that’s what Katsuki gathered from what Jeanist was explaining to the interns as they walked back. He wasn’t really listening, honestly.
So they have to do a press conference, or whatever. All the student interns involved are gonna be on the panel. Which means that Katsuki’s gonna have to dress up in a stupid suit and play nice to the reporters because this shit is actually important and…
Ugh. His brain is fried. He can’t think about this anymore.
- - -
“I’m glad you’re safe,” Aizawa mumbles as he embraces his son. “I’m proud of you, kid.”
“Mm,” Katsuki grunts. “M’gonna go to bed.”
“Yeah, I bet you’re tired. Get some rest.” He ruffles his hair. “We’ll talk about the conference tomorrow, alright?”
Katsuki nods a little, nod really acknowledging what his father said. He’s got serious tunnel vision right now and is just barely able to make it to his bed before face planting and blacking out.
He’s not sure what he dreams about. He just knows that his own screams wake him up, and it’s so dark and his alarm clock displays a bright red 2:45 a time where no one should be waking up, and especially not like this.
He rubs his eyes and sits up, sighing. At least he finally slept. He needed that, even if it was just for a few hours. Better to knock them out now than in the middle of the day.
He flicks his light on and then immediately freezes with terror as knocking sounds from his door.
Right. Screaming. He probably woke Eijirou up.
Sure enough, when he opens the door, his friend is standing there, sleepy but clearly concerned, holding his phone and a blanket.
“Hey, bud. Everything okay?”
“M’fine,” Katsuki grunts, crossing his arms. “I don’t think I had a nightmare. Just… yelled, I guess. Sorry to wake you up.”
“It’s cool. You need company?”
Katsuki bites his lip. He could use some company, yeah, but Eijirou means the kind of company where they hold each other until Katsuki falls asleep. The kind of company he needs after a bad dream that leaves him feeling very small and scared. He’s not regressed right now, he’s not scared, and he’s sure as shit not gonna be able to fall back asleep. And Eijirou looks so tired…
“No. Go back to bed, dumbass.”
“Okay.” Eijirou yawns and smacks his lips. “If you need me, I’m a call away.”
“Yeah, yeah. See ya.”
He closes the door and huffs.
Part of him feels super shitty that he’s conditioned his friend to wake up whenever he so much as coughs in his sleep. Another part is jealous of the sure fact that Eijirou’s going to have no problem drifting off again.
Most of him just feels tired.
- - -
“Okay, what are the rules?”
“Only talk when we’re asked a question,” One student pipes up.
“Don’t release any sensitive information.”
“Don’t speak on behalf of the agency or our schools.”
“No inappropriate language.”
The PR lady looks at Katsuki.
“Got that, kid?”
Katsuki scowls. He’s not a moron.
“Yeah, I got it.”
“Okay, good. We need to get you guys out there soon…”
Katsuki tunes her out and tugs at his collar. He hates suits. They’re uncomfortable and remind him of all his worst childhood modeling days. He just wants this to be over with. He’s not even allowed to work on this case, why should he have to speak on it?! Fucking media vultures.
No, no. He’s not going to get angry. He doesn’t want to cause a scene. All he’s going to do is sit there, answer their bullshit questions- “Did you feel unsafe?” “Are you aware of the consequences that could have happened rushing into this as a minor?” “Any comments on the missing heroes?”; and then get home and sleep, sleep, sleep.
Honestly, the whole thing feels like a blur. The bright lights and flashing and ruckus causes him to space out. He doesn’t even realize he’s been addressed until the guy sitting next to him nudges his thigh.
He straightens up and leans into his mic.
“Could you repeat the question?”
A few murmurs arise from the crowd, and his ears burn. Fuck. Stupid. He should have been paying attention.
“I asked if you had any comment about rushing to capture such a dangerous villain when students aren’t even supposed to be exposed to such cases.”
He wants to roll his eyes. If students never got involved with big shot villains, he’d still be tied up in some dingy bar, Eri would still be with Overhaul, Izuku would probably be dead…
But he’s not here to cause a problem.
“I wouldn’t have gone after him if I’d known who he was,” he answers.
“Are you saying Best Jeanist’s agency didn’t equip you with the proper information to keep yourselves safe?”
Katsuki shudders. Is it cold in here? It feels super cold.
“I don’t think that’s what he was saying,” another student cuts in. “Best Jeanist treats us very well. I don’t think anyone knew what the villain looked like.”
God bless this guy. Katsuki should buy him a tea or something after this.
“Respectfully, Watanabe, I was asking Bakugou. This isn’t the first time pro heroes have put you in a dangerous situation, is it?”
Katsuki’s blood rushes to his head.
“What are you doing?” He asks, chin wobbling. Why would she bring that up?
“I’m just asking if you feel there’s a pattern.”
“I…” He looks around the room for help. The PR lady locks eyes with him and motions to take a deep breath, but fuck that. They didn’t say questions like this would be allowed!
“Let’s try to stay on topic,” Jeanist says. The reporter raises a brow.
“This is on topic, sir. That’s why you brought your interns in today, isn’t it?”
Katsuki shivers in his seat. He doesn’t like this. This isn’t supposed to happen. He doesn’t want to make a scene! Why is this happening?!
“Bakugou-“ She starts again, but Jeanist cuts her off, leaning forward so he can look at Katsuki.
“Hey, Bakugou. Do you want to leave?”
He opens his mouth a few times, like a fish out of water. Jeanist raises his brow.
“You can leave. It’s okay.”
Shakily, he nods, standing up. A few security guards step forward to lead him through the crowd. The reporter scoffs.
“I was only trying to ask-“
“Someone get her out of here,” Jeanist deadpans. “I won’t tolerate anyone provoking my interns. That’s inappropriate and uncalled for.”
When Katsuki gets out, Aizawa is waiting there for him. He rushes forward and stands in front of his son, nodding at the guards.
“Thank you, I got it from here.” He pushes Katsuki’s hair away from his forehead and gives him a once-over. “You okay, kiddo?”
Katsuki shakes his head and hiccups, wrapping his arms around himself. Aizawa clicks his tongue and pulls him into a warm hug, rocking them back and forth.
“I’m sorry you had to deal with that. You were so brave, son. You did a good job.”
No. He backed out, like a coward. He panicked because he’s overtired and overwhelmed and over everything and-
“Katsuki, kid. You have to breathe.”
Right. Breathing.
He does something that could pass as an inhale but feels more like gasping for air, and tries to listen to Aizawa’s gentle guidance until he feels normal again.
Well. Somewhat normal.
“Okay, hon. Talk to me. What’s going on?”
Katsuki tries, but finds with great difficulty that he.. can’t. Talking suddenly seems like a monumental task, so he grits his teeth and shakes his head, gripping his father’s shirt with a newfound panic. Aizawa nods, understanding, and pets his head.
“Alright. Let’s just head home, then.”
When they get back, Katsuki is dead on his feet. He barely processes being led to Aizawa’s room, having his blazer removed, and then being tucked in. Pillows have never felt so soft before, and he isn’t even able to thank his father before he promptly passes out.
- - -
“My poor baby,” Yamada whispers, stroking Katsuki’s warm face. “He was so tired…”
“He probably had trouble sleeping last night. I know he was nervous about today,” Aizawa comments, shaking his head. “And for good reason, too.”
“The media will take any chance it gets for a good story, even if it means inducing a panic attack from a kid. We should make sure that Katsuki’s part of the press conference doesn’t get blown out of proportion.”
“I already got in touch with Jeanist’s guys. It was live, so they can’t do much to help that, but they’re working to scrub the internet of any clips and releasing a statement in our best interest. They’re good, you know Tsunagu and his publicity.”
“Mm, I hope so.” Yamada sighs and looks down at Katsuki again. His expression is all pinched up and tense, and he’s started to make little fitful noises in his sleep. “Oh-“
“Wake him up,” Aizawa says quickly, knowing how nightmares can throw his son into an episode in no time. Yamada taps Katsuki’s shoulder.
“Katsuki, love, it’s time to wake up,” he says clearly, shaking him gently. Katsuki awakes with a gasp, clutching Yamada’s wrist out of reflex. “Heyyy, sleepyhead. It looked like you were having a bad dream. You okay now?”
Still shaken, Katsuki nods, blinking a few times before taking in his surroundings.
“… M’thirsty,” he mumbles after a while, rubbing his eyes and sitting up.
“I’ll get you some water,” Aizawa offers, quickly departing for the kitchen. Yamada moves closer to Katsuki, reaching out to stroke his hair, patiently waiting for that panic to drain from his expression.
“You were really tired, huh? You needed that nap.” Katsuki nods, leaning against Yamada’s shoulder. “Couldn’t sleep well last night?”
“S’hard,” he whispers, shrugging. “Papa?”
“Hm?”
“I haf’ta pee,” he mumbles, sticking his thumb in his mouth. Yamada’s eyes widen.
“Oh. Oh. Okay, baby, c’mon, let’s go,” he reacts quickly, taking Katsuki’s hand and dragging him to the bathroom. Poor baby’s been through enough today, they don’t need to add an emergency clean up to the list.
Once that business is taken care of, Yamada makes quick work of changing Katsuki into some comfier clothes and a pull-up, then washing his face off with a warm towel. He whines a little at that, scrunching his nose up, but his father gently shushes him and continues until his skin is all clean and free of old tear streaks and dried drool.
“Hizashi?” Aizawa’s voice rings out, knocking on the door. “Everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine!” He calls back. Katsuki sticks his fingers in his mouth again, and Yamada winces. “Could you grab a pacifier, hon?”
“Oh… yeah, of course.”
Katsuki sighs loudly from where he’s sat on the edge of the bathtub, shuddering a little.
“… Papa?”
“What’s up, little listener?”
“You ‘member… when, um, I got locked up for bein’ naughty at th’ Sports Fest’val, an’ you saved me?” Yamada crouches down next to him, furrowing his brow.
“I do remember that. Why do you ask, baby?”
“‘Cause, ‘member how one time I got stuck there? When Sero got me in trainin’? An’ I couldn’t ‘member what was goin’ on?”
“Yes. That’s called a flashback, remember? It happens sometimes to us, because of everything we went through. That’s why you’re learning all sorts of healthy habits to avoid getting stuck in different times, right?”
“Mhm, but…” He shivers again. “I got stuck today, an’ it didn’t go away like it’s s’posed to. I forgot h-how.. t’ talk, an’ my brain was bein’ mean, but I couldn’t ‘member how to ask Daddy for help.”
“It’s probably because you were so tired,” he hums, rubbing his knee. “You feel better after your nap?” Katsuki nods. “Yeah… When our bodies don’t get the energy they’re supposed to get, it makes it harder for our brains to react to things in a normal way. That’s why we poke fun at Hitoshi for getting ‘hangry’ when he forgets to eat. We need fuel to be healthy.”
“Yeah,” he agrees, nodding. “M’super hungry.”
“Right now?” Yamada questions.
“Mhm.”
“Okay, let’s get some food in your belly,” he chuckles.
- - -
Katsuki is quiet as he munches on his food, swinging his feet and leaning against Yamada’s shoulder. He’s definitely still tired, but there’s really no telling if he’ll fall asleep again. Best to avoid it anyways, so he can sleep through the night.
“Poor baby,” Yamada whispers, delicately running his fingers through Katsuki’s hair. “You know you should let us know if you’re having trouble sleeping, right?”
Katsuki nods, frowning a little. He looks kind of guilty. Yamada’s heart pangs.
“You’re not in trouble, sweetie. I just want to make sure you remember that we’re here for you. Daddy and Hitoshi both have trouble falling asleep at night, so we’ve learned some tricks throughout the years. You don’t have to try and deal with that on your own, love.”
“We can talk about it next time you see your doctor,” Aizawa cuts in. “If it keeps up this way, he can give you medicine to take.”
“Yuck,” Katsuki mumbles, wrinkling his nose. Aizawa chuckles a little bit.
“Not yucky medicine, kid. The same kind of medicine that you take for your head.”
“Oh…” He sighs through his nose. “M’kay.”
He leans his head against Yamada’s shoulder again, nuzzling against him. It’s endearing how affectionate he is right now- normally, Aizawa’s the one receiving all these snuggles.
“You wanna watch a show or something after you eat? Something to help you unwind?” Yamada suggests. Katsuki shrugs. “You want us to get Kiri to hang out with you?”
“Mmm,” Katsuki whines softly, scrunching up his face. He sets down his food and presses his hands against his eyes.
“Sensitive,” Aizawa notes quietly, eyeing his husband. They’re going to have to make sure they’re avoiding a sensory overload tonight.
“Are the lights too much for you, baby?” Yamada asks, rubbing Katsuki’s back reassuringly. The boy doesn’t respond beyond a sharp intake of breath.
He stays like that for another long moment, and when he finally uncovers his face he looks a little confused again. He pushes away his food and blinks, eyes readjusting to the light.
“Think you can eat a little bit more?” Aizawa requests. Katsuki shakes his head. “You gotta fill your belly just a teensy bit more, kiddo. I’ll give you a treat if you do.”
“Wanna bottle instead,” Katsuki whispers, frowning at his food. His fathers share a look.
“Okay, baby boy. Let’s get you a bottle.”
Katsuki rarely slips into an infantile headspace nowadays, but if he’s asking for a bottle instead of food, that’s pretty much a dead giveaway that he’s feeling very small tonight. And that’s okay! They’re equipped to deal with that. They just wish it hadn’t gotten this bad for their son.
While Aizawa fixes him a bottle (with a good scoop of meal replacement powder, so he can still get some calories in), Katsuki curls up in his Yamada’s lap, sucking on his pacifier and playing with his hair. It’s nice and peaceful, a moment of respite for the three as they-
“Bakubaby!!”
… Never mind.
“Ashido, not so loud,” Aizawa tells her, frowning. She covers her mouth.
“My bad! Sorry, Sensei! I’m just grabbing some snacks for the guys and I.”
Katsuki’s head lifts up.
“Ki-ri?” He sounds out, a hopeful look on his face. Mina coos at him, heart melting.
“Yeah, Kiri’s there! Did you want him to come play with you, cutie pie?”
Katsuki’s eyes get wide for a second, and then he buries his face in Yamada’s neck, hiding from Mina. The man smiles at her apologetically.
“He’s not really in a ‘playing mood’ right now, sorry.”
“Ohhh, gotcha.” She nods, then gets to work gathering up an armful of snacks. Before she leaves, she makes sure to tell Katsuki, “Let me know if you need anything, baby!”
Once she’s gone, Aizawa makes quick work of finishing the bottle and tidying up the kitchen. Yamada carries Katsuki to his bedroom so he can feed him in private with the hopes of avoiding any more surprise interactions.
“There we go,” he says quietly as Katsuki begins to suck down his meal. “Good job, little listener. Almost done.”
When the last bit of fluid is drained from the bottle, Katsuki smacks his lips and nuzzles Yamada’s chest again.
“You’re just a little guy tonight, huh?” He remarks, setting the bottle down and rubbing Katsuki’s back. “That’s alright. We can just snuggle and chill out for the evening. Daddy can read to you, or we can watch cartoons, or you can play with your tablet… sound good?”
Katsuki nods, curling his fist in Yamada’s shirt. He stares off at the wall for a while, just picking at the fabric and listening to his father’s heartbeat. It’s comforting.
Some time passes just like that, curled up and basking in the silence. Aizawa enters wordlessly, giving them each a kiss on the forehead before going to take a shower. Yamada is almost convinced that Katsuki’s fallen asleep, when he suddenly tenses.
A panicked cry leaves Katsuki’s mouth before he starts full-on sobbing. Yamada is about to start assessing the problem when he feels his lap get wet as Katsuki continues to tremble and wail.
Right. Baby brain. He probably should have switched him to something more protective earlier. Pull-ups, as they learned the hard way long ago, are no good for full-on accidents. As they say, hindsight is 20/20.
Katsuki’s crying grows louder.
“Shh, shh, it’s okay,” Yamada says softly, lifting him up and off the bed. “We’ll get you cleaned up real fast, don’t worry.
“S-Sorry!” Katsuki sobs, using a shaking hand to rub his eyes. His face is bright red and his breathing is fast. Apparently, he’s not quite small enough to only be upset by the discomfort.
“No, baby, it’s my fault. I should have changed you when I realized you slipped further. You don’t have to apologize, sweet boy.”
Although clearly not entirely convinced, Katsuki nods, hiccuping softly as Yamada cleans him up, sucking his teeth in sympathy.
“I’m sorry, hon. You’ve had a really rough day,” he mumbles, setting Katsuki on the bed so he can wipe himself down and toss the dirty clothes in the hamper.
Overwhelmed, upset, and entirely too small to deal with this, Katsuki falls back and cries softly into a pillow, waiting for the shame and anxiety to pass. Yamada sits with him, petting his head and doing his best to comfort him.
“What happened?” Aizawa asks as he steps back into the room, freshly showered.
“A little accident. It’s okay, we’re all cleaned up now, we’ve just got lots of big emotions tonight,” he explains. “Would you mind sitting with him for a second? I’ve gotta start a load of laundry.”
“Of course,” Aizawa nods.
He’s not hesitant to scoops Katsuki into his arms and gently rock him until his crying stops. Soon enough, the soft hiccups dissipate into little sniffles, and his breathing gets shallow and evened out.
“There we go,” Aizawa encourages him. “Nice and easy. You okay now, sweetheart?”
There’s no verbal response, but he isn’t really expecting one. Katsuki desperately needs to heal from the past twenty four hours (not to mention dozens of sleepless nights), and he’s not gonna push him to try and be any bigger than he needs to be right now. Instead, he accepts the little nod as confirmation, and gets to work wrapping them in a soft blanket and setting up a show to watch.
When Yamada returns, Katsuki is completely calmed down, playing with Aizawa’s hair and watching the screen intently.
“You managed that quickly,” he comments, sidling up next to them. Aizawa smiles.
“I’ve got the magic touch,” he says, waggling his eyebrows. Yamada chuckles.
“Our boy’s doing better?”
“I think so,” he remarks. “But we’re gonna take it real easy tonight. After all, we’ve got such a tiny baby on our hands.”
As he says this, he pokes Katsuki’s tummy lightly, eliciting a tiny giggle from him. Gently, he pushes Aizawa’s hand away, then smiles at him, eyes a little clearer.
“Yes, you,” Aizawa chuckles, a goofy grin on his face. “You are, in fact, the tony baby in question.”
Katsuki giggles again, then bumps his forehead on Aizawa’s chest affectionately. For now, the bad feeling has passed, and he can spend the night recovering.
After all, he’s in very good hands.
Notes:
returning after nearly a year with a mediocre chapter that’s like 80% hurt 20% comfort
sorry for the long break, life has been super rough lately. hopefully things will be looking up soon.
Chapter 80: Official Hiatus
Chapter Text
Hey everyone.
Life has really been kicking me down lately. I’ve been in and out of hospitals for both physical and mental health all year, and I also have some personal issues going on. I know updates have been super inconsistent for a while now and that this work has essentially been inactive since last October, but I’m officially putting it on hiatus until I get in a better spot.
Thank you all so much for reading thus far and I hope to come back soon with another update. But in the meantime, stay safe <3
- katsaboo
Chapter 81: The Floaty Place
Notes:
CWs: heavy dissociation, therapy shit, mentions of mental breakdowns/psych ward/etc
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Katsuki stares at the river before him.
He likes to come here, sometimes, when things get to be too much. When his brain gets to be too big and the thoughts get too loud and he starts to feel himself slip away… get “floaty.”
Dissociate.
The river is grounding.
The river reminds him of his past. The good parts of it. His therapist told him that he’s been in survival mode since he was a kid, that part of his regression is about “healing his inner child.” He just wishes all of his childhood could have been good, then he wouldn’t have to appease the parts of himself that never got a chance to grow up. He doesn’t like having to heal. He just wants to be better.
It’s cold out, there’s frost on the grass and the sky is gray. He takes off his shoes anyways, and walks into the freezing water. The mud is still squishy on his skin in the right way, and he doesn’t mind the biting chill. It makes him feel real; alive. He’s felt dead for so long.
It’s been a while since he regressed, but it happened last night after a nightmare. He didn’t call for help, didn’t tell anyone about it in the morning, just cried and waited for it to pass. And now he’s all spacey and wrong.
PTSD comes in waves like that. He can be doing good, really good, for weeks. Months, even. And then a low hits- not just a dip, a real low; and it feels like he’s back at square one.
(If bad shit would just stop HAPPENING to him, maybe he could-)
RIIING, RIIIIING…
He sighs.
“Hi, Papa.”
“Hey, buddy. Where are you?”
“I’m out on a walk.” He curls his toes into the mud and algae. “Needed some fresh air. Sorry, I meant to text you and Dad.”
“It’s okay, we were just wondering. We trust you.” He can practically hear Hizashi chewing on his lip. They were definitely worried. “Are you-… Is everything okay?”
He looks down at his feet. The water is too dark to see them. His head is too muddy to process it.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” His words sound empty. “I’m actually heading back soon.”
“O-Okay, honey. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
The river doesn’t make him feel alive anymore. He feels dead again.
“Hey, punk.” Hitoshi kicks his leg lightly under the table. “When’s your boyfriend coming over?”
“Oh, shit.” Katsuki groans, pinching his nose. “I forgot we had plans today.”
Hitoshi furrows his brow. “You feeling okay? You didn’t call me ‘braindead bitch’ or punch me for calling Kirishima your boyfriend.”
“He isn’t my boyfriend,” he sighs, pulling out his phone to check the time. “But he is gonna be here soon.”
Hitoshi frowns deeply. “Everything good, Kats?”
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
“Well, you disappeared before anyone woke up this morning and came back with your pants all dirty and gross, and you’re acting funny.” He rests his elbows on his knees. “Did you… like, take your pills this morning, or-“
“Jesus, don’t talk to me like I’m fucking crazy. Yes, I took my meds.” He glares at his brother. “Did you? Because you’re on, like, even more shit than me. So before you start bitching at me, maybe take a good, hard look in the mirror.”
“Dude, chill. No judgement here. I was just asking.” He stands up with a huff. “You don’t have to be such a dick about it.”
“Fuck you, eat shit.” He flips him off. “Just leave me alone. I don’t need you breathing down my neck like some stalker.”
“Yeah, gladly.” Hitoshi rolls his eyes. “And maybe pull the stick out of your ass before Kirishima gets here.”
“Yeah, whatever.”
He stands up, stretches, and moves to the couch. He’s cold, deep-cold, and the couch has blankets and sometimes cats and maybe if Eijirou gets here and sees him on the couch he’ll come sit with him and he can steal his body warmth.
His joints pop loudly. He’s got the body of a grizzled old man, the face of a teenage boy, and the brain of a….
Well. His brain likes to switch it up, to say the least. He’s just praying it doesn’t happen while Eijirou’s here.
Fifteen minutes later, there’s a knock on the door. He greets his friend, welcomes him to whatever he wants in the kitchen, and suggests they watch a movie. He’s wrapped tightly in a blanket with a cat in his lap and his friend by his side, yet he can’t stop shivering.
Eijirou notices, because of course he does, and gives him a concerned look.
“You’re really chilly, huh?”
“Yeah, guess so,” he says dryly.
“We can turn up the heat, right? Do you want me to grab you a sweatshirt or anything? Here, I’ll just-“
“I’m fine,” he insists. “I’m just…”
Eijirou sinks back into the couch. “… Bad brain day?” He assumes. Katsuki shakes his head.
“Not bad. Just… weird. I’m all spacey and moody and junk. And last night, I-…”
He trails off. Eijirou doesn’t like it when he regresses and doesn’t tell anyone. It makes him nervous, as his carer. He doesn’t mind if he doesn’t tell him as long as someone knows, but when Katsuki keeps it a secret, it upsets him. It’s not necessarily one of his official rules, but it’s sort of a mutual understanding between the two of them that it’s better if he tells someone.
“It’s okay,” Eijirou assures him. “I’m not mad. Did you slip last night?”
“… Yeah. First time in a while. I just went back to sleep and it was gone when I woke up, but now I’m all…” He wiggles his fingers around his head. “Jumbled.”
“Are your parents home?” He asks gently. “It might be a good idea to let them know. Just in case this ends up being something bigger.”
“No. Absolutely not. They’re gonna make it a big thing, assume I’m having another episode, and I’m sick of that mess. Hospital visits, and inpatient stints, and upping my med dosage again… it’s too much. I know it’s just to help me, but I can’t deal with that right now.”
“Okay, no- no worries.” He clears his throat. “But… do you think you need to? Regress, I mean? It might help.”
“You know I can’t force that shit.” He runs a hand down his face. “How many times have we tried that?”
“No, I mean next time. Maybe don’t go back to sleep? Or ignore it?”
“I wasn’t fucking- ugh.” He huffs loudly. “Never mind.”
“No dude, don’t shut down on me.” He pushes his shoulder lightly. “I’m here for you.”
“Just stop.” He says sharply, shutting his eyes. “Honestly, I think I just need things to be normal. Or at least as normal as my fuckin’ shitshow of a life gets.”
“Okay, dude. Sure.”
He grabs the end of Katsuki’s blanket and yanks it up, diving underneath before any protests can arise.
“But don’t be such a blanket hog! My feet are freezing.”
Ice-cold skin gets jabbed at Katsuki’s body, and he shrieks and growls and thrashes all the while Eijirou cackles away.
As normal as it gets.
It’s happening.
It’s happening so fast and his eyes are fuzzy and his head is cloudy and his breathing feels like it’s coming from someone else and he’s not really sure where he needs to be right now but school is over and he can’t remember and-
“Kacchan?”
Iz- Deku. Deku’s here. He… was supposed to spar with Deku, right? What time is it?
“Hey, Kacchan!”
He hears his jog up to him but he can’t see him, not really, and his head feels swimmy and panicky and he’s drowning in his own body and his hands are fiddling and grabbing onto his own shirt for purchase.
“Why are you still in uniform? Did you forget we were practicing together?”
“A-Ah- I-“
He can’t practice right now. He can’t.
“Kacchan, what’s wrong?”
Why is Izu so much smaller than him? He feels too tall. Like a big, tall giant. He doesn’t want to be so big. He wants his outsides to match his insides.
His lip feels wobbly and upset now. Big, bubbly tears slip out of his eyes and he whines as he starts to wipe them away.
“Okay, shh, shh...” Strong arms envelop him as his whines turn into wails. He buries his face in Izu’s neck and sobs. “Come here, bug. What’s wrong?”
Words are too hard right now. He tries, he really does try, but it just comes out as funny sounds, nothing that Izuku can actually decipher.
“Are you too upset, or is talking just hard right now?” He cries again and shakes his head. “Okay, okay. Come here, bubba. We’re gonna sit down for a bit, alright? Come, come.”
He sits down against the wall, right down on the linoleum tiles of the school floor, and gathers Katsuki in his lap. He cradles him, rocking him back and forth, keeps his head close to his chest and strokes his hair. Katsuki doesn’t stop crying instantly, but he does calm down quite a bit, wails eventually fading into sniffles.
“Shh, shh, there you go. It’s okay. It’s gonna be okay, I promise.” Katsuki sobs and sticks his fingers in his mouth, but Izuku intercepts, gently pulling them away. “Ah, ah. Your hands aren’t clean, bug. You’ll catch germs. Do you know where your binky’s at?”
Katsuki shakes his head and grips Izuku’s shirt. He wants to curl up so much that he shrinks away into nothing. He doesn’t know how to handle himself. It’s too much, far too much, and he just wants to feel safe and secure and small and-
“Yes. He’s pretty upset. We’re right outside Snipe’s classroom. I’ve got him, but he’s pretty messed up. … Okay. Thanks, Kirishima.”
Katsuki sniffles. “Ki- hic! -iri…?”
“Mhm. Kiri’s coming, bug. He’s on his way.” Izuku laces their fingers together. “Think you can be brave for me and hold out ‘til then? Can you do that for me?”
He sniffs again and nods. He can be brave. He can wait for Kiri. Kiri always makes things better.
“There you go! Good job, baby. Nice, deep breaths, just like that.”
He inhales shakily one more time, then breathes out really slow, like he’s trying to push air through a straw. “… Mm.”
“Better?”
“Mhm.” He nods and rests his head against Izuku’s chest, relishing in the contact. It feels like forever since he’s been held.
“What gotcha all worked up, bug? Did something happen?” He shakes his head.
“Got… fuzzy. Too fuzzy.”
He knows that these fugue states are not good. He’s been trying to work through stuff in therapy, but honestly his brain just needs a break. And, he supposes, that’s really what regressing does for him.
It’s really not always a bad thing.
“That’s okay, kiddo. I’m just glad I found you.” He gives him a tight squeeze. “Have you been getting fuzzy a lot lately?”
He shrugs, pauses, then nods. “I don’… N-No talkin’, Izu.” It’s too much.
“Okay, baby. No talking.”
They just sit in silence for a while, and soon enough, Katsuki feels grounded enough to really relax. Which is just as well, because Eijirou arrives shortly after.
Katsuki hiccups softly again when he sees him and reaches his arms out, silently begging to be picked up by his caregiver.
“Uh oh, someone’s fussy,” he teases, bending down to wrap Katsuki around himself. The blonde whines and hides his face, not appreciating Eijirou’s tone. “Shh, shh. Only teasing, kiddo. Here, I gotcha something.”
He digs around in his pocket for a moment and retrieves a pacifier, quickly sticking it into Katsuki’s mouth. He immediately starts to suckle on it, self-soothing with his greatly missed comfort object.
“There ya go. Just hang tight for a sec, okay? We’re gonna get everything set for you.” He turns his attention to Izuku, gently swaying from side to side. “He was like this when you found him?”
“Yes. More panicky, though. I-I think he was having one of his dissociation spells? I know he’s been complaining about them getting worse lately, but this one seemed to upset him a lot more.” He rubs his arm awkwardly. “I’m not sure if anything triggered it specifically. He just seemed kinda lost. I don’t know where his bag is.”
“We’ll worry about that later. I think… I dunno. Maybe we can get Sensei to pull security camera footage or something but..” He bites his lip. “It’s… scary.”
“Hey… Kirishima, he’ll be okay.” Izuku reaches out and squeezes his arm. “Are you good to handle this? Do you need some help?”
“No, I… I just want to take care of him.”
“Alright… Why don’t you let me talk to Aizawa Sensei? That way you can just go straight to helping Kacchan out. I’m the one that found him, anyways. You shouldn’t have to take responsibility for that part. Would that help things go smoother, you think?”
“Yeah, actually.” He nods. “Thanks, man.”
“Anytime, Kirishima.”
“Kiri?” Katsuki mumbles.
“What’s up, kiddo?”
“‘jamas, p’ease.”
“Okay, buddy. That’s a good idea. Let’s get you into some comfy clothes.” He heads off towards the exit. “You need a snack or anything? Have you eaten enough today?”
“Snack.” He agrees, nodding his head.
“Yeah, snacks sound good. Let’s fill that tummy up. You must’ve worked up an appetite, huh?”
Katsuki is a lot calmer once he’s all situated. He’s in his comfiest clothes, binky hanging off his shirt with a clip, Pochi in his lap, a bowl of rice crackers and a sippy cup of apple juice by his side, and Kiri’s arms wrapped around him. He wiggles happily, squirming around with a content look on his face.
“You got the sillies, baby?”
“Nuh uh!” He protests, bouncing. “M’normal. Not silly!”
“If you say so,” Eijirou chuckles. “Now, when you finish your snack, what do you wanna do? We could watch a movie, or read a book, or-“
“Play toys?” Katsuki requests, shoving a cracker into his mouth. “Bahf ayes’m schupaheesh?”
“You can’t talk with your mouth full, bro. I didn’t understand a word you just said,” Eijirou cackles. “What was that?”
“Bad guys an’ supa’ heroes!” He exclaims, throwing his hands up in exasperation as if Eijirou should have known. “Okay, Kiri?”
“Okay, buddy, okay. That sounds very fun. Want me to get out your toys now?”
“Mm-mm.” He shakes his head and hugs Eijirou close. “Stay.”
“Sure thing, snuggle bug.” He returns the embrace, grinning to himself. It feels great to see Katsuki so happy in this state.
A quick knock on the door pulls him away, though, and he’s forced to hold a whiny, clingy Katsuki on his hip as he goes to greet their guest.
To no one’s surprise, Aizawa is standing in the doorway, a carefully crafted neutral expression on his face, but Eijirou can see the worry behind his eyes. Izuku must have told him about the situation.
“Hi, Daddy.” Katsuki greets, picking up his pacifier and jamming it between his lips. He squirms uncomfortably against Eijirou, but doesn’t let go. A little anxious, is all.
“Hi, sweetheart. Think we can talk for a minute? Nothing bad, I promise.”
“Mmm…” He swallows audibly and drops his gaze. “‘Cause I got fuzzy again?”
“Yes, that’s right. I just wanna talk and see if we can help with the fuzziness, okay?”
Katsuki shudders, squeezes Eijirou’s neck, then nods. “O-Okay… Just us, Daddy.”
“Heard.” Eijirou smiles at him. “I’ll be in my room, okay kiddo? You just come and get me when you’re all done.”
He gently sets Katsuki on the floor, then leaves to give him and his father some privacy. Aizawa leads Katsuki to the bed and sits down next to him, rubbing his shoulder soothingly.
“I know this is a lot to think about right now, so we can talk again when you’re big if you feel like it, but I wanted to let you know I called your doctor.”
Immediately, Katsuki tenses and bites down hard on his pacifier, tears welling in his eyes. He can’t do the whole doctor thing right now. It’s too much. He gets so stressed thinking about talking through his past, dealing with relapses, the threat of switching up meds or having to stay at a psychiatric facility again.
“No no, don’t worry. You have nothing to worry about, I promise.” He gently wipes a stray tear from Katsuki’s cheek with his thumb. “She thinks that maybe you’re getting a little too stressed out from trying so hard to feel better. Does that sound right?”
Katsuki nods, a little sob escaping his throat. That’s exactly right.
“Okay, honey. That’s what we figured.” He kisses Katsuki’s head. “We’re gonna try to focus more on taking care of ourselves for now, alright? I think you need a little break from pushing yourself forward for now.”
Last year, had anyone said that to him, Katsuki would have kicked and screamed and refused. He would have been overcome with rage and panic at the mere idea of actively choosing to not better himself. He’d have taken the idea and twisted it into something akin to staying stagnant, or worse, falling behind.
He knows better now.
Taking time to focus on self care instead of self improvement is not necessarily a bad thing. He’s in a fairly good place right now with his anger issues, and he has the tools to help himself in terms of his PTSD. It is possible to push yourself too hard even with something that’s supposed to help, and sometimes it causes more harm than good if you stay on that path.
It’s a lot to take in, though. It’s a lot, and he’s pretty overwhelmed.
He nods, then falls forward and sniffles against Aizawa’s chest. “Oh, baby. You know it’s not a bad thing, right? You just have to do what’s best for you.”
“Y-Yeah.” He fists his hands in his dad’s sweater. “Jus’… s’a lot.”
“It is. I know it is, sweetie.” He pets Katsuki’s head. “But we’re gonna help you out, okay? I’ll talk to Kirishima and your brother if you want me to. You’re not alone in this. You’re always gonna have your family looking out for you, ‘Suki.”
“That’s a really good drawing, kiddo.”
Katsuki wiggles happily at the compliment. He’s not really good with art, even when he’s feeling like a big kid. But Kiri thinks it’s good, so it must be. He trusts Kiri with a lot. His whole life, basically!
So when Kiri holds him close, tells him it’s going to be okay, he believes it. Even when he can’t really figure out where he is or what’s going on. Every time, Kiri tells him it will be okay, and every time, Katsuki believes him.
He can be okay in this floaty world. Safe, even. As long as he has someone there to guide him, it can be okay.
And maybe, for now, okay is enough.
Notes:
If you are invested in this series, I’d appreciate it if you could take a moment to read this end note.
(Warning: I talk about serious mental health issues including suicide, self harm, substance abuse, and PTSD from sexual assault)
I know it’s been a really long time since I’ve updated this. I appreciate anyone that commented telling me to take my time and encouraging me to feel better. This past year has been an actual nightmare. I’ve been through more than I thought I could ever handle, but I’m finally in a place where I can start to heal.
Almost a year ago, I tried to take my life. It’s been a really long and hard struggle since then. I’ve been in and out of psych wards to try and help myself. I became addicted to self harm and have struggled with binge drinking and abusing medicine. Five months ago, I experienced what we suspect was alcohol poisoning. While I was in this extremely inebriated state, a man I didn’t know took advantage of me.
This is all to say that I’ve been dealing with extreme dissociation problems in recent months. I occasionally go into fugue states, and I sometimes dissociate so hard that I feel myself regressing. It’s entirely involuntary and very scary.
I am doing better now. I’ve been clean for a few months and have started to manage my drinking problem. I am also actively seeking treatment for my mental health and have a solid support system.
I am currently in between therapists, but my last therapist encouraged me to use my writing to cope with these things. These fics have always been very cathartic for me to write, so I’m going to take my shot at starting them back up again. However, Safe and Sound in particular has always been a comfort fic for me. I don’t want to turn it into something dark. I will try my best to continue writing comforting one shots for this AU, but I’m going to create separate fics that branch off into darker topics to help cope with what I’ve been through.
I know the community surrounding this fic is small, but it’s been so good to me. I want to help myself through my writing, and I hope that you readers can appreciate the content that comes from it.
Thank you all for sticking around for so long.
<3