𝔸 𝔾𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕎𝕒𝕤 𝕆𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕄𝕚𝕟𝕖 𝕍.𝟚 💥𝔹𝕜𝔻𝕜💥

Chapter 19

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Gentle Embrace

Katsuki meticulously adjusted the water temperature, determined to create a relaxing ambiance for Izuku. The sweet aroma of milk and honey Epsom salt filled the air as he poured it into the tub, each granule dissolving into the water with a soft fizz. As the shower hummed to life, he turned to help Izuku, who was trying to hide behind a towel like it was some kind of shield.

"Deku, seriously? This ain't the first time I've seen you strip down before. Cut the shy crap," Katsuki pointed out bluntly, double-checking the tub, making sure it was just right before getting down to business. Izuku blushed lightly, struggling to find his voice as Katsuki gently lifted him onto a stool.

"You think you can sit up without me having to babysit you?" Katsuki asked, his hand hovering over the small of his back. He adjusted Izuku a bit, so he could lean back more comfortably, getting a nod in response.

"Good. Holler if you need the oxygen line," Katsuki said, his focus never wavering from Izuku. He pumped some shampoo into his hands, working up a lather that filled the air with a fragrant cloud. With careful strokes, he washed Izuku's hair, feeling the strands between his fingertips. He couldn't help but notice how soft it was, and more so how gentle he himself was for someone known to blow shit up. It was weird, he admitted to himself. Not the hair itself, but the fact that he was here, washing it. Never in a million years did he think he'd actually find himself in this situation, treating Izuku like he was some delicate flower or something. Though Izuku's hair was a mess, and way overdue for a trim, that could wait for another day.

Katsuki's attention remained laser-focused on Izuku; his senses tuned to every little detail. He navigated carefully around bruises and scars, his touch deliberate and cautious. Despite the cast complicating things, Katsuki made sure not to soak it, using the showerhead extension with finesse. He couldn't help but relax a little when he noticed the way Izuku shivered in delight as the warm water trickled down his body, melting away the tension and leaving behind a sense of calm.

As he rinsed off the soap, he took a moment to really look at Izuku, really take him in. His eyes traced over Izuku's form, taking in every scar, every imperfection that littered his body. It was like looking at a completely different person, someone he barely recognized. Why did it have to be him, of all people? Why did Izuku have to bear the brunt of so much pain and suffering? Everywhere he looked, there were scars. Some were obvious, like the ones from the fight at UA, the collapse, and surgeries, but others... Others were more subtle, like the faint white lines that zigzagged across Izuku's pale thighs and ribs.

Katsuki's eyes traveled upwards, landing on the purple and green bruising around Izuku's neck, stark against his pale skin. The handprint was unmistakable, a chilling reminder that... that waste of space had tried to strangle him. He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he almost didn't notice when Izuku shifted, glancing at him with those big, green eyes. With a grunt, Katsuki snapped back to reality, his expression hardening into his trademark scowl as he shut off the showerhead.

"I'll pop you in the tub while I rinse off," Katsuki declared, turning off the water and lifting Izuku effortlessly. Shit, he couldn't help but focus on how light Izuku felt in his arms. He looked and felt like he'd been through literal hell, all skin and bones. When was the last time he actually had a proper bath?

Carefully, Katsuki settled Izuku into the tub, making sure he was comfortable. The milky water embraced Izuku as he closed his eyes, letting out a sigh of relief. Katsuki placed the oxygen line over his face, keeping an eye on him as steam curled around the room.