Hollow Hero

The Best Laid Plans

“You've got it bad, Deku,” laughed Katsuku. Izuku just growled, and tried to focus, only for a blue blur to suddenly flash across the screen and Izuku to start swearing and grumbling as Katsuki passed him and won the race. Katsuki turned to his friend and sighed, “I was kidding, but that's the third round in a row I've beat you. Get your head in the game, shitty nerd. It's no fun if it's not a fair fight. Forget your little girlfriend, and have some fun dammit!”

Izuku looked away, but Katsuki saw the sadness in his friend's eyes, if only for a moment, “Pony isn't my girlfriend. It would never work, and you know why.”

Katsuki scowled, “This isn't more of your ‘empty’ shit is it? You know I think that's all a bunch of crap.”

Izuku growled, “Not empty, hollow, and yes. She's a soul reaper. Their whole purpose is killing monsters, and I'm a monster. Sure she didn't seem bothered by the pit but-”

“YOU TOOK HER TO THE FUCKING PIT. ARE YOU FUCKING INSANE?” shouted Katsuki, and Izuku covered his mouth.

Izuku glowered, “No. We don't need one of our moms hearing and getting suspicious. Naomasa is already pissed that I told you. We do not need to involve them too.”

Katsuki pushed Izuku away and nodded, but he still seethed, “In that case, why did you involve her? This doesn't make any sense.”

Izuku massaged his temples with his right hand, “Ok, I'll lay it out for you. Firstly, this improves my cover. Now all those women will stop trying to cozy up to me, and convince me to claim them. Secondly, after last night nobody will touch her. She's strong and it wasn't my plan, but thanks to that asshole they think she's mine, so even the top players will think twice.” Izuku chuckled, “Entei may be rank ten, but he holds the leash of the rank two fighter, and Lobo doesn't play.”

Katsuki smirked, “Cut the bullshit, Deku. You just wanted to show off. You love the little cow, and wanted to let her see… at least a part of you. It's not your real mask, but it's one of them. Stop making excuses, and just accept it. You want her. You care about her. Fucking just do it. Stop being a pussy, and really claim her.” Katsuki sighed, “DAMMIT. I wasn't going to say anything, but the day you started acting weird… I tried to attack her-”

Izuku snarled, “You attacked my Pony!”

Katsuki felt the room get hot and charged and he held up his hands to defend himself, “Technically yes, but she beat me back. Point is, afterwards she asked about you. She fucking wants you, nerd.”

Izuku blushed, “She did? Are you sure she wants me, and doesn't just want to use me?”

Katsuki rolled his eyes, “Come the fuck on, Deku. I know how to spot a user. They follow me like flies. That girl cares about you, so man up, and stop being a baby bitch!”

Izuku just contemplated for a minute before he smiled, “I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Thanks Kat.”

Katsuki lightly rested his right fist against Izuku's forehead, “Whatever. Just don't fuck it up, and stop being so fucking distant. If it comes to a fight, I've got your back. I'm the only one allowed to beat you, Izuku.” As Katsuki pulled away his fist Izuku smiled, and they returned to their game.

The next two weeks brought a lot of changes for the students of Aldara middle. The eternal loner Izuku became a lot more friendly, and rumors started to get around that it was because of the new student, Pony Tsunotori. Wherever she went he followed, and both would simply disappear during lunch, soon followed by Katsuki and Reiko. What they didn't know was that Izuku had shown them a secret way up to the roof, and they started using it as a quiet place to eat. Izuku even brought Pony a bento a few times of teriyaki beef and vegetable rice or grilled chicken and pork dumplings. After a particularly long string of jobs one day, Izuku started to fall asleep against Pony's shoulder, but when he woke up it was to a blue sky, and the feeling of someone running their fingers through his hair while he laid in their lap. Izuku wanted to spring away, but Pony just smiled down at him, and continued her conversation with Reiko, so he stayed.