in conclusion | katsuki bakugo

四 | peony

THREE MORE DAYS. That's how much time Katsuki had left before he had to return to work. He had managed to take about a week and a half off just so he could keep an eye on you. However, even he had a limit to his vacation days. Plus, he wanted to keep more on hand if there was ever another emergency.

"Your coffee," You thrust the white mug in front of him, the warmth of the beverage radiating from the cup to the tip of his fingers. He blinked, gazing at the drink and then at you, but you had already turned your back to get your own cup of tea. Adamant on getting your attention, he cleared his throat.

"Let's watch a fucking movie,"

You paused, turning to look over your shoulder. "Okay," It was only a one-word response and it hardly satisfied Katsuki, but he went with it anyway. The only thing that distracted him from gazing at your now-healing scars was the scalding hot coffee in front of him. The liquid burned down his throat, making him cough slightly.

He felt it scorch his tongue and he poked the inside of his cheek in a frustrated manner. Even something as simple as morning coffee was biting him in the ass. The only thing that lifted his mood was watching as you passed him a glass of water as if it was a habit. "You always do this," You mumbled quietly and he glared at you in confusion.

"When you're distracted," You quickly clarified, avoiding his stare. "You hurt yourself, I mean."

He watched as you reached your left hand to the slits of your right hand, brushing the bandages ever so gently. Katsuki didn't need to ask to know what you were thinking; you were mocking yourself. As if saying, 'Like I'm one to talk'. However, he didn't bring it up. "What shitty film do you want to watch?"

"I don't know. Disney?"

That response made him want to throw himself out the window. Well, for starters, you actually seemed to be making a decision yourself. Second of all, Bakugo Katsuki despised Disney movies with a passion. Anyone else would think it's because he doesn't like 'childish shit', but in reality, he just hated how emotional they could make him.

"Are you saying that on purpose?"

Relief filled his veins when you smiled slightly, clearly enjoying the irritation on his face. However, it didn't matter about his preferences, he would watch it anyway. Anything for you. "Just been a while since I watched Finding Nemo. . . " You trailed off, messing with him. Bakugo scowled at you even though you weren't looking at him.

Finding Nemo made him the most touchy-feely and you knew that. His red eyes were narrowed, his gaze practically burning holes into the back of your head. It didn't matter anyway; you were too busy cleaning up the counter to pay attention to his glares. It was the only thing he allowed you to do in the kitchen.

He even did some paper mâché with you the day before, but quickly switched to origami when he realized the latter didn't require scissors. "So, are you agreeing with Finding Nemo then?" You chewed on your bottom lip, knowing that you had the upper hand here as you set the rag down and grabbed your tea.

"Fucking whatever," He grumbled under his breath, gazing elsewhere. You smiled softly at him, bending down to peck his forehead before setting your tea on the table. "Thank you, Katsuki," His heart fluttered at the sensation. That was the first time you had made an attempt to show affection and he felt happy.

He didn't say anything about it, though. He reveled in his own mini victory, watching as you gradually drained your cup of jasmine tea and looked out the window. "You can go to work tomorrow," You had abruptly said, making him jolt. You seemed more surprised at his action compared to his expression over your statement.

"I'm not going to fucking work tomorrow,"

"You don't have to babysit me, Katsuki. I'll go to the therapist appointment tomorrow, too." 

You reached your hands out, letting go of your drink temporarily to overlap your hands with his. He swallowed, glancing at you and sensing the sincerity in your eyes. Still, though, something ate at him, but he wasn't sure whether to trust you or let his worrying get the best of him. He wanted to trust you.

So he did.

Katsuki sharply inhaled before muttering to himself and answering you. "Okay, but if you aren't at that appointment on time, I'm going to rush back home. No excuses, alright?" You nodded and moved your hands off of him, only for him to grab onto your fingers. He raised your hand to his lips, kissing the top of it.

"You know I love you, right?"

Your chest felt heavy at his words and you smiled softly, an apologetic glint in your eyes. "I know, I love you too." You never meant to drag him into this. You never meant to get him involved in your own depression fest. Hell, you never meant for him to find you in the first place; it was by pure coincidence that he had called off of work early only to see you in the bathroom.

That image still haunted him, but he tried to focus on your recovery. Once again, someone had to be strong for both of you, and Bakugo didn't hesitate to take that burden. "You promise you're going to the therapist appointment tomorrow?" You laughed softly as if trying to make light of his concerns.

"For you, I will—"

"—bullshit. Don't do it for me," Katsuki took a sip of his coffee as he swiftly rendered you silent. "Do it for yourself. It isn't any good if you live for someone else's shitty purpose." Your throat tightened at that, your head dipping. Unlike you, Bakugo still understood the worth of your life and he found it foolish to measure someone's capabilities in equal to their worth.

Unlike you, Bakugo still cherished his life and everything in it.

Unlike you, Bakugo still wanted you to live.