Stolen Moments

3. Prodigal Son

" Thanks. I missed you too, or whatever.", he finally smirks true to his nature making her laugh finally with a smack to his chest before she hugs him again.

"I'm going to let that go because I missed your cocky ass so much."

He laughs lightly feeling his anxiety start to slide away at the familiar back and forth they've always held as mother and son.

She looks up at him again.

" You're dad will be so happy to see you. He's away a day or so but I'll call him."

He nods.

" Yeah ok, that's good. Tell him I'll give him a call too later."

She smiles at him then sees his gaze shift to the woman still standing on the porch wiping her eyes while she gives the two space to catch up. She pats his arm nodding towards her friend.

" Better get over there and say hi, she's missed you just as much."

The blonde takes a breath then moves to the porch himself looking down at the much shorter woman.

Crimson eyes soften at the sight of the teary greens ones.

" Hi Auntie"

She sniffles with tears down her face while she leans forward and embraces him.

" Oh my .. oh Katsuki, it's so, so good to see you."

He smiles returning the embrace.

" It's good to see you too, it really is."

She looks up at him, a smile on her face as tears continue to fall.

" Well, I'm going to get going so you and your mother can get caught up. I don't want to intrude on that but once you get settled you must come see me ok?"

He nods.

" Yeah, of course, but let me walk you home quick."

She smiles taking hold of his arm.

" I would love that, thank you."

He looks over at his mother who's grinning at him, happy her son has finally returned.

" I'll be right back."

As they begin to walk the blonde speaks up feeling like he might choke on the words if he doesn't.

" I'm sorry."

Inko stops looking up at the blonde who's eyes are swimming with regrets.

" Whatever for?", she questioned.

He clears his throat, trying to get the damn lump down.

" For leaving, for hurting everyone, especially the Hag, you and... and Deku.", the name at the end is said even though there's a cracked in his tone that he's desperately trying to hide.

She feels a rush of ache while she touches his scarred cheek gently.

" Katsuki, look at me."

When he does she continues.

" You weren't in a good place emotionally, mentally or even physically when you left. We knew why you chose space to heal and tho it was so painful to let you go off alone we knew we had to. You did what you felt you had to and by the looks of you your time away was spent getting better, no one can be upset with you for that."

His eyes travel to the sidewalk as he scoffs with a slight smirk that holds pain behind it..

" Bet Deku would disagree. I .. I know how bad I hurt him and I know damn well that hurt you in return, seeing him like that because of me. I wouldn't blame you if you never wanted to see me again."