Katsuki Bakugo had never been good with surprises. He thrived on control, on knowing the next step before it was even taken. But nothing in his life had prepared him for the moment his name spilled, quiet and raw, from the lips of the man he loved.

The room was dimly lit, a golden glow from the bedside lamp casting long shadows across their entwined bodies. Katsuki’s breathing was heavy, his forehead pressed against the crook of his partner's neck. His hands rested gently on the smaller man’s hips. He’d always been careful with him, his anger and strength tempered by a tenderness he’d never thought himself capable of.

They had just finished, both bodies trembling from the aftershocks of pleasure. Katsuki’s heart was still racing, but his focus was already shifting back to the little signs that told him his partner was okay. The light squeeze of his shoulder, the lazy brush of fingers over his back.

He had learned the sign alphabet back in school, thinking it would never matter. Then the gala happened. The other man had been working the event, meticulously handling logistics. They’d connected, slowly at first, but with a depth that blindsided him.

Now, every night he spent learning new signs in secret was a testament to how far he was willing to go for this man.

Katsuki lifted his head, his ruby eyes scanning his partner’s face for signs of exhaustion. A small, satisfied smile played on his lips when he caught the flush dusting his partner's cheeks. But one thing kept replaying in his mind, and suddenly he realised he hadn’t imagined it.

Katsuki froze. His boyfriend had spoken. He. had. said. his. name.

"You—" His voice cracked, rough and unused to moments like this. "Say it again."

His partner hesitated, his lips trembling slightly before he repeated it, barely above a whisper. "Ka-tsu-ki."

Something inside him broke. Katsuki wasn’t a man prone to tears, but his chest felt like it might burst as he reached out, his hands cupping the face of the man he loved.