"Thanks for dinner," Katsuki mumbled, setting his utensils down. "It was really good."

Your mother smiled brightly. "My pleasure. [Name] told me you liked spicy food, so I tried my best to make it to your liking."

"Oh. Well, yeah, I liked it. You cook way better than my shitty mom. Uh—I-I mean..." He glanced over towards you hurriedly. "That's not what I—"

"It's alright," she chuckled. "I was told that you're a bit brash with your manner of speaking. It doesn't bother me. My husband swears like a sailor every now and then, too."

"Right..."

The blonde swallowed thickly, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. It was probably the cutest thing you'd ever seen. He was pretty quick to get flustered around you in general, but watching him purposefully try to censor himself and be somewhat polite around your mom was just plain adorable. You'd never imagined something like this happening, not way back when you'd first discovered he was your soulmate.

You let out a hum of approval. "Katsuki-kun swears a lot, but his heart's in the right place."

"[Name], you—! What the hell are you telling her?! I don't even fuckin' swear all that much!"

"I think you just did."

"When?!"

Your mom smiled, grabbing the dirty plates in her hands. "You two get along really well. I'm glad. My daughter's always been kind with others, but she's not the type that opens up easily. It's nice to see her feel so comfortable around you."

Katsuki blinked. "Oh. Thanks... I guess." He drummed his fingers across the table, eyes widening with a sudden thought. "So she... never dated anyone before me?"

"As far as I know, you're her first boyfriend."

You blushed a little upon noting the faint smile gracing Katsuki's lips. He crossed his arms and nodded his head in approval.

"So I'm the first, huh? Number One."

So that's where his mind goes right away. Somehow, I'm not surprised.

He looked far too pleased with himself. This was surely doing wonders for his already-inflated ego. Your mom watched you stick out your tongue and jab Katsuki in the ribs, giggling to herself as she started with the dishes.

"I'll clean up here," she smiled. "You two go have fun. As far as sleeping arrangements go, I hope you'll be okay with staying in [Name]'s room. We've cleaned up there and set a mattress down for you to use."

Katsuki stiffened a bit. You flushed almost immediately, remembering your earlier discussion over the phone. You knew you'd probably end up sleeping in the same room, but it didn't make you feel any less nervous. Katsuki was awkwardly scratching at the back of his head.

"Uhh...yeah. Sounds good. Mattress is g-good. Yeah."

You heard your mom chuckle to herself. Wouldn't most parents normally be opposed to their teenage daughter sleeping with her boyfriend in the same room? She almost looked like she was getting a kick out of messing with you two.

"Thanks for dinner, mom." You stood up and smiled. "C'mon, Katsuki-kun—let me show you my room."

—

Katsuki furrowed his brows. "Somehow... it's more decked-out than I expected."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"I don't know. You seem like the type who doesn't feel the need to get a whole lot of stuff. I get that whole minimalist vibe from you. But now it just seems like you have a lot of unnecessary shit. The fuck do you need a tiny cactus for?"

"Hey," you pouted, "that tiny cactus is adorable, and it's super easy to take care of since I almost never need to water it."

He chuckled. "Sure, [Name]. Whatever lets you sleep at night."

You plopped down on the edge of your bed, letting out a lofty sigh. Katsuki was still scanning the room over. He chuckled at some things, smirked at others, and even cracked a few smiles every now and then. You felt a little flustered about the whole thing. You'd found out that you were soulmates such a long time ago, yet he'd still never once been to your house before.

"What's that?" Katsuki asked, gesturing towards a thick book resting by your desk. It had a glossy cover, though the binding was starting to fall apart. You smiled.

"It's a photo album. I was cleaning up a bit yesterday and I found it crammed in between some of my books. It was actually pretty fun, getting to look through it after all this—ah! Katsuki-kun, I didn't say you could open it...!"

"Too late," he grinned, already leafing through its pages. You stood up in a hurry, trying to pry it out of his meandering hands, but he was taller than you and held it up and out of your reach. He watched you let out a huff and stifled a laugh. "Relax. I'm sure there's nothing too embarrassing in here, right?"

"There isn't, but you're definitely gonna find something to make fun of."

"True." Having given up, you crossed your arms and watched—with great reluctance—as Katsuki perused through memories of your youth. He had a toothy grin almost the entire time. "Ha-ha. You were so damn chubby as a baby. You look like a dumpling."

"That's a good thing," you eye-rolled, "it's healthy for babies to be like that."

"Oh, shit." He feigned a gasp as he pointed towards yet another mildly unflattering baby photo. "You're naked in this one, [Name]. I've officially seen you naked."

It didn't seem as if he was going to finish anytime soon, so you sighed and went back to the bed, hoisting the blanket over your legs. Katsuki chortled at some other photo of you; apparently you were dressed up like a pumpkin for Halloween, or something. Well, whatever. As long as he was having fun, you were happy.

"I'm sleepy," you mumbled, rubbing at your eyes. "Katsuki-kun, you go to bed early, right? Let's go to bed soon, then. We leave for the training camp tomorrow, too."

Katsuki finally closed the book and set it aside. "No shit," he snapped. "We've gotta get our rest. I don't wanna deal with you being all whiny first thing in the morning 'cause you didn't sleep enough."

"Why do you automatically assume I'm not a morning person?"

He cocked a brow. "Well, are you?"

"...no."

"Fucking knew it."

You would've liked to spend more time with him. Ideally, this sleepover would've consisted of watching late-night TV, binging on snacks, and staying up all night cuddling and chatting about silly, insignificant things. Another time, you decided. You'd be having many more of these sleepovers in the future, you hoped.

"I'm gonna start getting ready then." You hopped off the bed and rummaged through your closet to pick out some pajamas. "Do you mind if I use the washroom first?"

"Yeah, knock yourself out."

"Thanks."

You smiled and left to begin your preparations. Knowing that you'd be sharing a room with Katsuki tonight made you feel a little nervous, but you were mostly just excited. You trusted that he wouldn't do anything to make you uncomfortable. Plus, you got to see him in his PJ's, so there was that to look forward to, as well.

You'd finished brushing your teeth and washing your face. Looking back into the mirror one last time, you smoothed down your shirt and tucked your hair back. Admittedly, you'd chosen one of your cuter night attire, which consisted of a matching [f/c] camisole and breezy shorts. It wasn't a crime to try to look nice in front of your boyfriend, right?

At some point, your heart had begun beating more erratically. You returned to the room, humming contentedly, and opened the door.

"...ah, shit."

Katsuki was standing right in the center, half-naked. You'd seen him shirtless before, when you'd gone to the pool together, but now he was only in his boxers, and it certainly wasn't leaving a whole lot to the imagination. You had to forcibly tear your gaze away from flitting too close to his crotch.

"What... are you doing?" you asked calmly, though your cheeks were already flushed bright-red. Katsuki scratched at the back of his neck. His biceps tensed and bulged as his arm moved.

"I forgot to pack my damn pajamas," he muttered. "It's hot out, so I don't normally wear anything when I sleep, but I told myself I'd bring something for tonight. Y'know... so that you're not uncomfortable and shit."

Uncomfortable wasn't exactly the word you'd use. Excited, embarrassed—those might've been more accurate.

You coughed. "When you say you don't wear anything at night... you mean you sleep naked?"

"The fuck? No, you perv. I meant just in my boxers. Get your damn mind out of the gutter."

"Right..."

Well, this didn't need to be made into a bigger deal than it actually was. You shuffled over towards your bed and shook out the covers.

"It's fine, Katsuki-kun. Sleep however you want."

He hummed. "You sure you can handle it?"

"Your concern is appreciated, but I'll be fine."

"I'm just saying, you looked pretty red back there. You like my body, [Name]?"

He was teasing you now, and you gritted your teeth to keep from taking the bait. You turned on the lamp by the bed and moved back to click off the rest of the lights. It was much dimmer now. Better this way—at least Katsuki wouldn't notice the way your blush deepened.

"You can have my bed," you offered, "if you think it'll be more comfortable. I don't really mind either way."

"Why the fuck would I take your bed? What kind of asshole have you pegged me for?"

"Well, you're the guest, so..."

Katsuki clicked his tongue, then, pursed his lips. His crimson orbs flitted over towards your frame. The apples of his cheeks flushed.

"Did you... wanna share the bed, then?"

For a second, you weren't even sure you'd heard him right. There it was. The exact thing you'd been hoping for, but had been far too embarrassed to admit to yourself. You wanted to sleep together, even if it made you nervous and gave you butterflies in your stomach. You wanted to wrap your arms around his back and have him cuddle you all night long.

"Yes," you blurted out, "I really do."

"O-okay." Katsuki stiffened in place, reddening even more as the seconds passed. "I... wasn't expecting for you to be alright with it. Actually, I was sure you'd refuse..."

"I want to sleep with you, Katsuki-kun. And before you start thinking something dirty, it's not that. I just... it feels like it would make us feel closer. I want to be able to say that we've spent the night by each other's side." You smiled gently. "That much is fine, right?"

Katsuki inhaled sharply. "Good lord, you're cute."

"I-I'm—"

He'd thrown himself over you and pinned you to the bed before you could even utter a response. You felt his flushed skin pressed up against your own. You'd always known he ran hot, but this was on a whole other level entirely. He was almost like a human heating system.

You giggled, wrapping your arms around his back. "Let's turn the lights off first."

"[Name], you... you're not even a little nervous? You don't think I'll try something?"

"Whatever you try, I know you'd only do it if I felt comfortable. Katsuki-kun, I trust you."

"M-maybe you shouldn't."

"I do, though."

Katsuki gazed down at you, chin quivering. He was the one who looked more nervous about the whole situation. Maybe he thought he'd take things too far.

So he... doesn't know if he can hold himself back...?

Perhaps it should've made you feel a bit wary, but you were just happy. To see him staring into your eyes with such emotion and desire... it made your chest tighten, but in a good way. You knew that no one had ever looked at you quite in this way before.

You felt loved.

"Time to sleep," you smiled, reaching around Katsuki to turn off your lamp. He remained still for a few moments, just hunched over you with your body nestled in his arms. His breath fanned across your forehead and he nodded quickly, rolling over onto the bed.

It was dark now. You couldn't see each other as clearly as before, which was unfortunate, but you knew that Katsuki was pressed up by your side all the same. Sometimes you got restless at night, and it was hard to fall asleep, but knowing he was there provided you with a world of comfort. He could be so callous and rough, but in a way, he was also one of the most gentle people you knew.

"I like you a lot, Katsuki-kun." You pressed up against his chest, letting your hands sink into the groove of his shoulder-blades. "I really, really like you. I'm sure you must think I'm being a bit clingy right now... but I just thought I should say it. Things didn't start off so great between the two of us, but I'm really happy with where we are now."

Katsuki shuddered. "Goddammit, you... how can you go around saying shit like that? Don't make me any more damn excited than I already am."

"I make you excited?"

"No shit. And you just had to wear these damn booty shorts to bed, didn't ya?"

Guilty.

You chuckled softly. "Sorry. I wanted to look nice for you. I'm usually a mess when I go to sleep, but... well. You don't need to see that."

"When are you ever a mess?"

"Sometimes I am."

"You always look perfect to me," Katsuki breathed out. You flushed immediately; it felt like all the air had been knocked out of your lungs. He squeezed you tighter and pressed a gentle kiss to your neck. "You're the prettiest," he mumbled, "and the cutest, and the nicest, and the smartest—"

"S-stop it!" you spluttered. "If you keep saying things like that, I'll seriously die of embarrassment..."

"I mean it, though." Katsuki withdrew one of the arms that was wrapped around your waist. He tugged at your hands, interlacing his fingers with your own. "I... really like you, too. I kinda suck at this shit, but I hope you believe me when I say that."

Your lips pulled up into a smile. "I don't think you suck at all. You're always treating me well, and I can tell that you're trying."

"I mean... I'm just not used to this—having to watch what I say, and how I act around someone. Actually caring about how I make them feel."

"You make me feel happy. That's all."

Katsuki buried his head in the crook of your neck. He must've known that wasn't the entire truth. You'd been hurt because of him, time and time again, but somehow, moments like this made all of that seem worth it. And you were happy. Happier than you'd ever been before.

His nearly-unclothed body was burning now, but it was a strangely pleasant feeling. You liked having his warm skin pressed flush up against your own, and being able to notice subtle things like the quiet beating of his heart. Just being in his arms was already lulling you to sleep.

"...this is bad," Katsuki muttered out, pulling you from your drowsy state. You shifted on the bed and looked up at him.

"What's wrong?"

"I won't be able to sleep," he rasped, and the flustered yet somewhat guilty look on his face said it all. You blushed, suddenly wary of the fact that your chest was scantily clad and pushing up against him unabashed. Perhaps you'd underestimated just how revealing these sleeping garments were.

You flashed him a timid smile. "Well, there's no rush. We're not going anywhere. It's a good idea we got into bed so early, huh?"

"You moron. How the fuck am I supposed to sleep at all when you're pressed right up against me like this?"

"Huh? But it's—"

"I can't fucking calm down." Katsuki hugged you tightly, and you could feel his shoulders trembling. "Goddammit... and you had to go and mention the damn condoms earlier, too..."

Right. That was stupid of you. It didn't change the fact that your mom had given you some; they were currently stuffed in one of your drawers, under mounds of clothing. It was supposed to be just in case. Just in case... in case of... in the event that...

"W-we can do stuff like that if you want."

Katsuki's entire body went stiff against your own. You couldn't believe those words had come out of your own mouth, but it was too late to take them back now. That small bit of courage you'd just mustered up... at some point, you definitely wanted to do those things with him. Wouldn't now be a good of a time as any?

"A-a-are you fucking with me?" he croaked out. "[Name], don't—you better not be trying to joke around, 'cause that shit ain't funny. You can't just go ahead and say something like that... then expect me not to get excited."

You were feeling much braver than usual. Maybe the fact that it was so dark, and he couldn't see your expression was instilling you with some courage.

"I care for you a lot. I think I'm ready. I wouldn't want to do it with anyone other than you."

"Shit. You've gone and done it now—!"

In an instant, he'd clambered over top of you, both arms pinned to the bed just above your shoulders. Your eyes had somewhat adjusted to the dark after all this time, but it was still hard to see Katsuki's face clearly. You could feel him breathing, though—shallowly, taking in large puffs that would cut off all too soon. He was so nervous.

"[Name], I—"

"I don't mind," you smiled, cradling his cheek with your hand. "I want to, Katsuki-kun. I'm sure of it now. If you're okay with it, then..."

His lips came crashing against your own. Your head started to feel fuzzy, the way it always did when he kissed you. Some sort of intoxication, almost.

You pressed back into the kiss, arms clinging to Katsuki's back and squeezing him with want and need. He let out a low growl under his breath, forking his tongue into your mouth. You felt your entire body shake. His kisses were always passionate, but this was far different from all the other times. You shuddered again at the sensation of him biting your lower lip.

His breath tickled your skin as he pulled away, hovering almost-teasingly above your puckered lips that were yearning for more. You'd said you were ready, but... if even this was making your entire body break out into a fever, then could you really handle what was left to come?

You stared up at him, eyes lidded and lips parted. You felt his fingers dig into the exposed flesh of your hips. Something had hardened up against the inside of your thigh. You knew what it was, of course, and that didn't help with your ever-more reddening cheeks.

Katsuki almost looked dazed. It was as if he was stuck, not knowing whether to keep going, or back out altogether, before the last ounce of his self-restraint melted away. You didn't want him to feel so conflicted. You were ready. You wanted this.

"Katsuki-kun," you breathed out. "Don't worry so much." You shifted on the bed, slowly lifting up your shirt. You were mere seconds away from exposing your bare chest to him. "I'm okay with—"

His arms pinned down your wrists. You heard the shaky exhale he forcibly pushed out from his lungs. He'd stopped you from removing your clothing.

"I can't," he rasped out, "not now. Even if you tell me you're ready... I don't have enough faith in myself to be able to stop. The whole soulmate thing aside, we only actually starting dating not too long ago. I fucking—believe me, I want to so fucking bad, but it just feels wrong. I don't want to take advantage of this moment."

"Oh."