The Proximation of Hello and Goodbye

14

Hello, lovies! Before we jump in I want to provide a content/trigger warning for those who may need it. This chapter contains content pertaining to toxic/abusive relationships and behaviors, such as manipulation, gaslighting, and even some physical harm. Please take care of yourself. If you're worried this might be too much for you, feel free to skip the chapter or come back to it another time. As always, put yourself first and read with caution.

Much love,
Len.

*****

Izuku walks into his home, closing the door quietly behind him. He makes his way into the living room to see his boyfriend asleep on the couch. He made such a big deal of me getting home and couldn't even wait up to see me when I got here? He sighs and walks over to the couch, nudging Masashi gently. "Masa, I'm home. Come on, let's go to bed," he whispers. Masashi stirs at his touch and looks up through half-lidded eyes. Izuku smiles his heartwarming at the sight of his boyfriend's smile. He hasn't seen his face in so long, they've hardly even spoken since he left. Seeing him would've been enough for the night, but his smile really is a special treat. Masashi doesn't smile as much as he used to, so when he does it's almost like a treasure. Despite his happiness with having Masashi home, he still can't help but feel somewhat disappointed though. He'd been having so much fun with his friends and now, it's going to be put on hold again for the foreseeable future. "Come on. I know you're tired, love. We'll get some rest and catch up tomorrow. I'll even call into work for a couple of days. Yeah?"

"Mhm," Masashi answers sleepily, sitting up. Izuku helps him off the couch and leads him upstairs to their bedroom. He helps him into something more comfortable, the two of them laying down for the night. Masashi wraps his arms around Izuku, and used to Izuku would've been elated to have his boyfriend cling to him like that, but he just can't help but feel as if it's not what he's wanting.

He stays awake, laid on his side through most of the night, wondering about his friends. Did Ena ever wake up? Is she doing okay? How about Enmei and Katsu's cousin? Are his injuries really not all that bad? Is Akasuki still alone in the waiting room? What about the cafe? How much damage was there? Katsu... Is he okay? He didn't think it was serious, but that gash on his head looked pretty deep. I wonder if he'll have stitches or a concussion. He's always so casual about things. Things that matter, things that don't. It's always so... plain to him. He can't help but wonder if there's anything at all that matters to Katsu. Does he get worked up over anything? Is there anything he wouldn't be so casual about? Surely, there is. I guess he cares enough about Ena to get serious going by the way he was so beat up when he got to the hospital. Would he do the same for Suki? Me?

It doesn't matter.

He closes his eyes, trying to shut his thoughts off for the night, but they continue for longer than he cares to know. By the time he drifts off to sleep and wakes up, it feels like no time has passed at all. He wakes to the feeling of Masashi pressing light kisses to his shoulder. He smiles and rolls over to find him wide awake and dressed up for work. Izuku's soft, sleepy smile falls into a solemn frown at the sight of Masashi in his button-up and slacks. "Are you going back to work already?" he whispers.

"Yeah. There's some business for me to catch up on in the office. I'll be back in a few hours. Okay?" he asks.

Izuku nods silently, rolling back onto his side. "Yeah. That's fine," he lies.

"I'm sorry, baby cakes. I'll be back before you know it," he whispers, placing a kiss on Izuku's cheek before getting out of bed.

He slips on his shoes and grabs his coat, making his way out of the bedroom. He listens in wait for the sound of the front door closing before he allows himself to settle into the disappointment he feels. I thought he'd at least be home for one day before going back to the office. I should've known better, I guess. He reaches for his phone right before it starts to ring. He slides it open, answering Akasuki's call. "Hey," he answers.