The writing on your hip still had yet to come in.

Following its initial apparition, you'd been whisked away for Recovery Girl to give you a full assessment. Much like always, she'd reported that your health was fine, and there were no symptoms that were cause for concern. The smudged patch remained on your hip, relatively unchanged, still illegible to the naked eye.

You tried to force it to the back of your mind, reminding yourself that you and Katsuki had both been through hell time and time again, and nothing was going to get in your way anymore. That, coupled with his faint smiles and reassuring words, made you feel at ease, and you were able to shift your focus onto other matters.

Such as the provisional license exam.

You'd been preparing for weeks on end, honing your abilities and trying to brainstorm new fighting-styles that would be better suited for your Quirk. He was several steps ahead of you—and everyone else, really—having already managed to refine his explosions and produce more specific, targeted attacks. You weren't all that surprised. You were actually quite proud, even though his strength wasn't yours, it somehow made you feel fulfilled all the same.

Katsuki was strong. He'd always been strong. Even meeting him, that very first day, when he'd uttered those hateful words, you'd known that much. He was strong, and driven—more so than anyone else you'd ever come across.

Which is why it came as a shock that he didn't pass.

[Last Name][Name].

You stared up at the electronic board, a relieved sigh slipping from your lips. It was there. Your name was there, as in you'd actually passed.

For a moment, you were too overcome with emotion and melting nerves that you didn't even think to glance towards your side. But then you did, and your heart dropped at the sight of Katsuki's frantic widened eyes, scanning the screen over and over again.

"Where the fuck is it?" he rasped, and you swore you could hear his heart pounding even from afar. "It's not... there..."

Kirishima stiffened from beside him. "Dude... I'm so sorry."

"There must be a mistake," you tried, forcing a hurried smile. "Let's look again—"

"It ain't there. You don't have to pretend for me."

You slumped your shoulders. He'd done so great during the first portion of the exam, even cooperating with Kirishima and Kaminari to fend off one of Shiketsu's students. He would've aced the fighting portion, that much you were sure of. It was the second half—the rescuing—that had done him in.

Granted, you hadn't expected for him to shine there; he was snapping at the HUC employees a lot, and being his usual grumpy self, but you thought maybe they'd look past that. You were hoping they'd realize how much potential he had, brash remarks or not.

"It's okay, Katsuki-kun." You smiled again, hooking an arm around his. "This can't have been the only chance to take the licensing exam, I'm sure of it. You'll definitely get another try soon."

If it were you, then you were sure you'd have been dejected and mopey right about now. Not Katsuki. It wasn't his brand, it just wasn't who he was. Even though he'd failed, the fire blazing in his crimson eyes told you that the fight was far from over.

"You bet I fucking will."

Kirishima chuckled and playfully slapped him on the back. The blonde wasted no time in elbowing his friend out of the way and flipping him off. Not even a minute later, the supervisor responsible for authorizing the exam had gone back to his announcements. He made it known that there would be another attempt for the provisional license exam, just a few months from now, where those who hadn't passed would be given another try.

Your chest swelled. Another try for Katsuki. He'd pass with flying colors this time around, you just knew it.

Arm still entangled with his own, you followed the rest of your classmates and headed to board the bus that would take you back to campus. Apparently, Todoroki hadn't passed either, which was more surprising than anything else. He'd gotten wrapped up in a fight with one of the Shiketsu students—info you'd gotten from Uraraka, who'd in turn gotten hers from Izuku.

"Next time," you reaffirmed, squeezing Katsuki's hand while you sat side-by-side on the bus. "You'll get your license in a flash."

His lips stopped mid-way to a smile. "It's fine, [Name]. I ain't worried. Just glad you got yours. Well, I guess there was no way you weren't going to, though."

"You actually thought I'd pass?"

"Huh?" he frowned. "No shit. What kind of question is that?"

"I mean, I'm not all that physically strong..."

"So? You're smart, and you use your Quirk well. You can heal people, too." He let out a huff that was half-indignant, half-yearning. "You've... always been good with that shit. Good with people, I mean."

"Not like me", it seemed he wanted to say. You smiled gently, letting your head fall to rest against his shoulder.

"Thank you, Katsuki-kun. For believing in me."

"'Course. I'm proud of you."

Katsuki mussed your hair with his fingers, and it honestly felt as though your heart stopped beating for a moment. His arm soon made its way around your back, settling into the groove by your waist. He was as warm as ever.

—

The day had gone on for far too long, and you were thankful to have made your way back into the dorms, and by extension, the soft, foam mattress of Katsuki's bed.

"Today was tiring," you breathed out, [e/c] orbs glued to the ceiling. You heard shuffling in the corner of the room, and craned your neck up just in time to see Katsuki changing out of his button-up and into a black tee. Your eyes lingered on his toned biceps for longer than you would've liked to admit.

"So go to sleep, then," he gruffed out, turning back to you. "If you're tired, head off to your room and go to bed. I'm gonna tuck in soon, too."

You pursed your lips. "No."

"Huh?"

"Nuh-uh," you whined, kicking your feet out like a child. "Katsuki-kun, I wanna stay with you longer!"

He flushed for a moment, but was quick to roll his eyes. "C'mon," he muttered, taking a seat on the edge of the bed, "don't be a brat, [Name]."

"I'm never a brat," you protested.

"Sometimes you are."

"Nonsense."

"See? Like right now."

You twisted your lips into a pout, intent on being as childish as possible. Katsuki's eyelids looked heavy. He must've been really tired, after the day he'd just had.

"It's late," he sighed. "Time for you to go to your room."

You were still for a moment, just staring at the soft crease between his brows. Then you grinned, and latched a hand across his wrist, pulling him onto the bed and right over-top of your body. He dug his knuckles into the bedspread, staring down at you with flushed cheeks.

"W-What?" he mumbled.

"Nothing," you smiled. "I just wanted to be close to you."

Your arms shifted to dangle over his shoulders, while you craned your neck upwards and pressed your lips against his own. Katsuki faltered for a moment as you cradled his cheek and deepened the kiss.

You weren't normally the one to initiate the more passionate kisses. That was for Katsuki to do—he usually caught you off-guard, delving into your lips with unannounced vigor. Much like with his temper, he was quick to flare up; to turn ardent and sensual. Which is why he must've been surprised, to feel you gripping at his neck, pressing him impossibly close and nibbling hungrily at his bottom lip.

"[Name]—"

He hardly choked out another word; your tongue was already prodding the inside of his cheek, fighting for dominance between swollen lips. You could feel your chest tightening to the point that it was difficult to breathe, but somehow pleasant all the same, and you urged to press forward, regardless of how violently your cheeks were burning. You pulled away, teeth dragging across the bottom of his lower lip, just in time to feel his throat reverberate with a groan.

You were flushed all over. Instinctively, your eyes drifted away, wanting to look anywhere but into his own. It was a bad habit of yours. Whenever you got too flustered or overwhelmed with emotion, you found it difficult to match his gaze. This time, you willed yourself to look back, to gaze into those bright, crimson orbs that were practically overflowing with desire and yearning.

"You're so perfect," Katsuki muttered breathily. Your chest erupted in a fit of pangs. You wanted to look away again, but you urged yourself to stare right into his eyes. He leaned closer, clasping one of your hands in his own and pressing it flat against the mattress. The movement in his chest stilled. "I love you so much."

And then he was kissing you, catching your lips over and over again, chest pressed flush against your own. You stifled a gasp as your knee shifted slightly and brushed up against the stiffening bulge in his pants. A point in your lower abdomen had begun to throb, almost violently. You felt like there was a fire blazing inside your core.

Katsuki's lips moved to hover above your own. They stopped for a moment, then brushed along your jawline, moving all the way down to the base of your neck and trailing hot kisses ever-so-often. You felt that same point in your lower abdomen throb, almost as if it were calling to you, screaming to be heard. You shuddered and gently shook Katsuki off.

For a moment, he looked confused, and then he looked worried. "What is it?" he asked. "Did I do something wrong?"

"Y-You didn't do anything wrong."

"Then...?"

You pressed your lips together, feeling just on the verge of erupting into flames. Katsuki's gaze faltered. He looked almost guilty, worried that he'd pressed you too far, when in reality, that couldn't have been further from the truth.

You took another moment to compose yourself, and then your hands fell to grip at the edge of your shirt.

"Is it your mark—" you heard him start, but you'd already removed your uniformed tee in full, left in nothing besides a thin-wired bra. He stiffened, completely entranced as you bid your skirt goodbye as well. You were now half-naked, baring your skin almost in full. The lights were so bright in his room, and you were so, so exposed.

I'm so embarrassed I could die...

Once again, you had the urge to run from your fears; to dart for cover under the blankets and veil your flustered expression. You wanted to, but you didn't. This wouldn't have been the case for anyone else, but with Katsuki, you knew there was nothing to fear. You could be yourself, show everything to him... and he would still love you all the same.

"...what's wrong?" you finally managed, your voice sounding squeaky and strained. Katsuki hadn't budged an inch. His eyes were adhered to your frame, seemingly transfixed. It made your chest burn even more.

"Uh, I'm—" Katsuki coughed. "Sorry," he rasped, "you're just so fucking pretty..."

You didn't know if you could take much more of this, and you still had two more pieces of fabric to remove. Your eyes squeezed shut for a moment as your hands worked around your back, hurriedly unhooking the clasp of your bra. You worked it off your shoulders and let it fall to the bed. There was nothing now. Your chest was exposed in its entirety, and your heart was beating so fast you were just shy of a stroke. Katsuki didn't react—he was still stiff as stone, and his temples were flushed a shade of scarlet to match your own.

"Say something," you blurted out. "Please... I'm already so embarrassed."

"I-I can see your boobs."

"I know that, I meant—!" You covered your face with your palms, suppressing a squeal. "I meant, d-do you—?"

Rather than words, he responded by straddling your body and pinning your wrists down against the bed. You were so red that even your chest was flushed, heaving under shallow, erratic breaths. He held your wrists gently, but still with enough force that you couldn't wiggle free or attempt to hide yourself.

"You're beautiful," he choked out. You couldn't tell if the tremors in his voice were due to nerves, or sheer emotion. "Perfect," he said again. "You're perfect, [Name]."

You almost squeezed your eyes shut again. "Stop it... I get even more embarrassed when you say things like that."

"I say it because it's true."

"You can't honestly think that—"

"I do." Katsuki furrowed his brow, staring right into your trembling orbs. "I never say shit I don't mean. You're the most perfect, most amazing girl in the whole damn world, and I'm the luckiest guy that ever lived."

Small tears prickled at the corners of your eyes. He was so kind. How was he so kind to you? He had a kindness that was buried under countless layers and facades, but he was still one of the kindest people you'd ever known. The type of person you knew you could rely on, no matter what. It saddened you that most weren't able to realize this, but it also felt amazing, knowing that you were one of the only people to ever see this side to him.

You felt so fortunate, so blessed.

Katsuki inhaled sharply, pressing a hurried kiss against your lips. His hands finally moved from your wrists and stopped to hover above your chest. He swallowed, hues of red darting violently across his temples.

"Can I...?"

"Y-Yes. Of course."

A second later and Katsuki's fingers were caressing your body. You shuddered softly. His fingers were rough and calloused; weathered from all of his training as a hero, but still just felt right perched atop your skin. He delved back into your lips, kneading gently at your chest.

"[Name]," he rasped, "are we going to—?"

"Yes... I want to."

You craned your neck to the side at that, having passed the threshold of how much embarrassment you could handle. Katsuki swallowed and nodded quickly, leaning over to rummage through the drawer of his nightstand. You knew what he was getting. When did he even buy those...?

He tore open the box and left it on the edge of the nightstand. You glanced up at him underneath your lashes, tensing when you saw him looming over-top of you, unblinking. He was studying your body so intently, you would've thought he was committing it to memory. Or maybe he really was committing it to memory. God, you were so red.

Katsuki moved closer. "If you're really sure," he breathed. "Only if you're really sure."

"I'm sure," you nodded. "I'm really sure."

He pressed into your frame, catching your lips anew.

You inhaled sharply, breath hitched in your chest as Katsuki kissed you with passion and fervor. One of his hands was pressed down against the mattress; the other was still fondling at your chest, working your breasts with his palms. You let out a gasp as he rolled your nipple between his fingers.

Katsuki swallowed hard, taking in every inch of your body as if it were a piece of art. His crimson orbs were heavily lidded, both from desire and arousal, and the more intently he stared at you, the more you could feel your entire being flush. He drew his fingers away from your now-hardened bud, ghosting them down along your waist and stopping to grip at the edge of your underwear. Even though you'd already prepared yourself, your body tensed up instinctively.

"You don't need this anymore, right?" Katsuki breathed. There was a twinge of hesitation in his voice, as if he were worried he was pressing you too far, but you squeezed your eyes shut and hurriedly nodded your head. You were already so exposed. The thought of baring absolutely everything had your heart threatening to leap out your rib-cage.

You felt the slightest bit of resistance as Katsuki slipped his fingers under the fabric and began pulling your underwear off. He patted your thighs and had you bend your knees upwards so that he could fully slide it off.

Now, you were completely naked. It was your first time being intimate with anyone like this, which went without saying that nobody had ever seen you so exposed. The realization made your temples burn even more, knowing that Katsuki had now seen every inch of your body; every nook and cranny, every little blemish and imperfection. That was a good way to describe it, actually—imperfect. You really did feel imperfect, in this moment, and more self-conscious than ever before. Everything was right there on display for Katsuki to see, and your chest quivered and ached with the realization that you wanted to look your best for him. No, better than your best; you wanted to be as close to immaculate as you could possibly be, just for him, and he—

"You're so fucking perfect, holy shit."

There it was again. You stifled a soft whine, hands rushing to veil your shameful expression. You didn't know how he did it, to say such things so blunty and without an ounce of wavering or hesitation. He couldn't have even been lying. Katsuki never lied, not when it came to things he truly cared for. You felt him lightly tug at your arms, pulling them away from your face.

"Don't cover up, babe. You're so cute. You have nothing to be embarrassed about."

He was speaking to you so gently, so vastly different from his usual brash tone. Then again, he was always gentle when he was with you. With you, and only you. A shaky breath fell out your lips. You shifted your hand across the mattress, finding Katsuki's and clamping down on it like a vice. His lips pulled up into a small smile, and he squeezed your hand back.

After pausing for a moment, you craned your neck upwards to meet Katsuki mid-way in another kiss. He wasn't as gentle or meticulous in his approach this time, outright plunging his tongue down your throat. You whimpered in an attempt to stifle a moan as he nibbled at your swollen, yearning lips relentlessly. He was still cupping your breast in his hand, rolling your taut nipple back and forth. You threw your head back and moaned openly as he tugged at your flushed, heaving mound.

"Sorry," he rasped, "am I hurting you?"

You couldn't form a coherent response, so you shook your head hurriedly. There was a warmth building in your core. Your glassy eyes flickered down and stopped by the belt-buckle of Katsuki's pants. An angry bulge was jutting up beneath the fabric, screaming to be pulled from its restraints. Even the dark of his denim couldn't keep you from making out its girth and size. You swallowed hard, feverish and dizzy all at once.

Katsuki must've noticed you staring, or maybe his own arousal was just that pronounced. Either way, he began muttering impatiently, ripping his t-shirt off in one fluid motion and exposing his chiseled form. You could see the v-line bend of muscles, slanting down at the hip and trailing off beneath denim. You'd never seen him in full, never seen how he looked down there, but you yearned to know.