The Proximation of Hello and Goodbye

42

Three Years Later

For all intents and purposes, Izuku is no longer someone that causes Katsuki pain. Granted, he no longer hurts at the thought of him, the green-haired man with emerald eyes definitely left a scar. It's nothing to wince at, but it is something that occasionally catches his attention at the right time. It's a scar that makes its presence known every time Katsuki sees his friends falling in love or being in love or when he sees Eijiro and Shoto's children, but realizes he has no family of his own. It's the scar he grows ashamed of every time a friend who doesn't know any better such as Mina or Ochacco asks why he's still single. It's the scar that he can't help but reflect on every time he has a chance to see it. It's there, and it's a constant reminder of why he continues to thrive as a hero. As long as he's still standing, no one he loves or knows will ever have to carry around a similar scar.

And, that's how Katsuki has learned to smile again over the course of time.

He walks up to Eijiro and Shoto's door, knocking a few times. It's only seconds later when he's met with Shoto, a small black-haired boy on his hip. Katsuki grins and holds his hands out, "Well if it isn't one of my favorite brats. Come see me." Kaito lets go of Shoto's neck and reaches out for Katsuki with a bright smile. Katsuki takes the toddler into his arms and hugs him tight. He makes his way into the living room to see Asahi playing with some blocks on the ground. Meanwhile, Eijiro stands in the corner cradling a sleeping baby girl to sleep. He loves seeing how much his best friend's family has grown. He looks at Kaito and grins, "You think we can talk your dad and papa into doing something fun with us, huh?" he whispers. Kaito nods excitedly causing Katsuki to laugh. "Hey, E. Whaddya say we get these brats dressed and all of us go out for a bite?"

Eijiro smiles down at the sleeping baby girl, Etsuko. "Yeah, that could be fun. Hey, hon! Will you help the boys get their shoes on? I'm going to change Su's diaper and get her dressed up before we go."

Within the hour, the six of them find themselves walking down the sidewalk. Shoto pushes the two boys along in a stroller whereas Eijiro has Etsuko snuggled safely against his chest. It's not every day that those two are seen in public with their family on a casual day off. With Etsuko being almost a year old, everybody has been trying to get a glimpse of the small girl. Even with that being the case, most people are keeping a respectful distance despite surrounding them all. Kaito scowls, "These people are too loud."

Katsuki throws his head back as he laughs. "Damn kid, you're already..." He stops his sentence short, turning around and trying to tune into the sound of the crowd. He struggles to separate the various sounds from one another.

It's frustrating, the number of people who are trying to call out for Eijiro, Shoto, and the boys' attention. Additionally frustrating is the amount of people telling them to shut up. He closes his eyes, trying harder to pick it all apart. "Kats? Is everything okay?"

He shakes his head, the crowd only growing louder. "I just need everyone to stop talking for a moment," he says.

Asahi stomps his foot, "Hush! Uncle Kats said to hush!" His voice is nothing in the midst of it all, but still, Katsuki can finally hear it.

" Katsu! "

***

Izuku finds himself exploring the streets of his new home alongside Ena and Rody. It took him a while to settle on this exact city, but with his mom living here and the number of heroes in the area, he simply couldn't pass it up. Besides, something about it just felt right . His eyes wander the skyscrapers and the streets, taking it all in. His newly established office is in the area, and he's wanting to go take a look at the building before they start setting it up for business tomorrow. Rody places both of his hands on the back of his head, a low whistle being resounded into the air. "Damn, Izu. You really know how to pick 'em, don't ya?"