Shoto for some reason seemed nervous, which in turn made me more nervous. He offered to take some of my luggage and walked mostly at my side - but a little behind. He's quiet but that I'm used to.
"To the garage then?" I asked knowingly, but to break the awkward silence.
"Yes, Midoriya.. may I ask what brings you back home?"
"Oh. Well, I was going to tell you about it over lun-"
"Lunch sounds good." Shoto answered a little too quickly.
"Oh. Right. Um, good.." After a pause, Izuku added, "I guess the short of it is that I'm back for mom's birthday."
"This is a lot of luggage for a birthday visit." Shoto eyed both rolling suitcases in either hand, Izuku had multiple bags slung over his shoulders as well.
*Ping*
Kacchan: I'll ask if she's free.
Izuku visibly relaxed, so much so that a drawstring bag he hadn't put through both arms slid down one shoulder.
Physically and mentally gathering himself he asked, "So can I treat you to lunch for picking me up? ..and, you know you can call me Izuku, right?"
Shoto, eyeing Izuku's phone curiously, nodded and said he was free for the rest of the day. He then pressed a button on his keys, popping open the nearest trunk.
"This is nice, Shoto!"
"Want to drive to lunch?"
"Wuah?! No way! I had to get my driver's license in the states but I was too afraid to drive - the driving there is nuts! ..and I've never driven here.." He added quietly as he ran his hand over the shiny dark green hood in awe.
"Okay.. So where to?"
"I was hoping we'd go downtown, we can get something to eat quick and then I can scope out a dinner reservation for mom.." Izuku trailed off in thought.
***
After washing his bowl, Katsuki went back to his room and unceremoniously stuffed the letter into his hoodie pocket while shoving his feet into still-laced boots. He grabbed headphones and headed out to the park around the corner.
The emo music in his ears clashed with the comfortable warm breeze he felt sitting on his favorite bench. A bird flew by casting a shadow across his closed sun-kissed eyes. Repositioning himself forward, he elbowed his spread muscular thighs as he continued to read the letter:
Listen, I like you Kacchan. Yes, like you, like you.
What? Katsuki flipped the letter back and over again as if he had missed something.
Before you go blowing up, can you really say that you're surprised?
I thought long and hard about this. You know more than anyone how I overanalyze things.
I didn't know if it was just my admiration towards you, our history in aiming to be like All Might.. or just my appreciation of your challenge, our rivalry.. but I know this:
On my - our* - way to becoming number one, all I could see, can* see, is the goal, and you, and both are so always intertwined.
I'm going to the states to stay out of your way. All Might spent some time there so I'm going to give it a try, too. A lot of my fight style is still influenced by him - by you - so I'm going to make sure to hone my own more out there.
I know you'll continue to do your best and maybe one day we'll test our strengths against each other again. If you don't actually hate me now, that is.
I don't expect you to return my feelings, just, please, accept me being me as I love you for you.
Be well,
Your Deku.
?!
Katsuki felt tight in more than one place. He went into his contacts, hovering between two entries..
Stupid Nerd.. and
"Old hag?"
***
