Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Izuku stared at the numbers on his Ground Zero alarm clock: 5:59 am. The clock was the sort of thing that Kacchan signed off on only after being threatened by his PR team. It was silly and fun, and just the sort of hero memorabilia that Izuku loved buying. The chunk of plastic sat in the middle of his bedside table, a large half sphere with colorful spikes poking out of it, obviously meant to look like an explosion. Ground Zero stood in the midst of the explosion, arms out with his own tiny explosions at the end of his palms. He looked angry, which was both on brand and the only thing Kacchan liked about the clock.

Izuku watched the angry, plastic Kacchan carefully, clutching his brand new All Might sheets to his chest (Bronze Age, limited edition, VERY hard to find, very expensive and totally worth it). The time changed to 6:00 am in a blink of an eye and the clock counted down from 5 in a robotic voice.

5…
4…
3…
2…
1…

An explosion sounded and his best friend’s voice shouted at him from within the device.

“Wake the fuck up! Wake the fuck up! Wake the-“

Izuku slammed the snooze button, quickly switching the clock from ‘alarm’ mode to ‘off’ mode.

This was how he started every morning. He woke up to Kacchan’s voice, yelling at him as usual, and would throw off the covers to start the day with a smile. He would cheerfully shower, going through his personal hygiene routine, until it was time for breakfast and coffee. He’d hum while making eggs, sigh into a freshly made cup of liquid heaven and be out the door after a quick change into a dress shirt and a pair of slacks.

Except today he wasn't feeling quite so chipper and he wasn’t bounding out of bed to get started on his routine. Instead, Izuku rolled over to face the wall, face digging into his All Might pillow case.

Today was the day. Today, he would have to face the thing he was trying SO HARD not to do for a month now.

He had to break up with Bakugou Katsuki. Or…not break up with him. Stop sleeping with him? Stop hanging out with him and then somewhere allow him to slip his penis into places it shouldn’t be? Izuku groaned, burying his face into All Might’s.

It has been 1 year, 1 month, and 3 days since they made their arrangement, if you can call it that. Kacchan and Izuku had been out of high school for years, working together at Endeavor’s Agency. Though technically it’s not Endeavor’s Agency anymore, as he passed away in battle a few years prior. Shouto had been given the agency in his distant father’s will and had been running the place ever since, keeping Endeavor’s name on the building. This didn’t make Kacchan happy, to have Shouto as a boss, but very little made him happy so it was par for the course.

Working with Kacchan was everything Izuku dreamed it could be. Every day Deku and Ground Zero took to the streets, fighting villians as an unstoppable team. Their PR reps barely had to do anything, and all of Japan loved them. It took one year for them both to break the top 200. It took two years before they were in the top 100, three years and they were in top 50, and now they sat at 20 and 21. Kaachan made sure Izuku always remembered that he was one rank above him.

And they weren’t just great partners, they were friends! Good friends. After high school was over, Izuku came over to Kacchan’s apartment a few nights a week for homecooking, video games and catching up on their favorite TV shows. It was amazing and so much more than Izuku ever thought he would have with Kacchan.

Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you spin it, the amazing-ness took a weird turn. Izuku remembered the moment exactly, trying to pinpoint what he did that made Kacchan react that way. Izuku had beaten Kacchan in a video game, Kacchan scowling at Izuku as he danced around the living room. It had been so long since Izuku won at anything against Kacchan and he wanted to celebrate the victory. Shortly into the happy dance, Kacchan had tackled him to the floor. This wasn’t normal behavior but it had happened before. It usually meant Kacchan wanted to rub Izuku’s face into his penthouse carpet and twist his arm behind his back. That wasn't what happened this time. Instead, just as Izuku shut his eyes tight and prepared for the carpet burn on his face, Kacchan pinned his hands above his head and kissed him. They were not sweet kisses, Kacchan's tongue rough and demanding in his mouth. What followed wasn’t sweet either, as clothes flew off their bodies and they moved together urgently. His body reacted to Kacchan as Izuku dreamed it would, with the same fire and explosions Kacchan brought to battle. It didn't take long before Izuku was crying out his release from beneath his best friend.

Izuku blushed thinking about it. He did not think he was doing anything that particularly screamed, ‘Come and get it!’ But, Kacchan came and got it, and there they were.

Izuku really should have seen this coming. He had looked at Kacchan longingly for years, ever since they were small. What started as awe for Kacchan’s abilities developed into wishful thinking, even as the blonde would often take his head in between his strong arms and slam him to the ground. There really must be something wrong with him to have had to try and hide his erection from his bully while being beat up, but if Kacchan ever noticed, then he didn’t say anything.

So, when Kacchan had growled and bit his neck, hands undoing his belt, Izuku didn't protest. He counted his lucky stars that the thought even went through Kacchan’s mind. There was only one problem…

They never talked about it.

After all was said and done, Kacchan pretended the sex didn’t happen, and just hoisted Izuku off the carpet to catch up on their favorite Anime. Izuku was so caught off guard that he didn’t say anything either, and after a very silent viewing, they parted ways like usual. A few nights later it happened again, and then again, until Izuku was guaranteed to have sex with Kacchan every time he went over to his apartment. Not that he minded! Not in the least! But since they never talked about what was happening between the two of them, Izuku’s mind and feelings were a hopeless mess and he had to come to terms with something he never thought he would have to do…

He had to end it.

Izuku sighed into All Might’s face. Well, he had to get started on the day sometime. That morning, he meandered through his routine lazily, a frown painted on his face. Everything he did was leading up to one of the hardest decisions he ever made in his life, and he was not excited to get it over with. If Izuku had the choice, he’d just tell Kacchan that they were in a relationship and that was that. Not even ask him, just tell him. No more weird middle ground. No more pretending it didn’t happen. They’d cuddle and kiss and after Izuku was properly drunk off of all that affection, they’d have their crazy sex. The kind that always managed to make Izuku’s toes curl as his eyes rolled back in his head until the intense orgasm overtook him…

Wait, why was he doing this again?

Izuku physically slapped himself. Focus! Love, affection. He wasn’t getting this from Kacchan, so he needed to just cut everything off. Izuku frowned into his eggs as he scrambled them. Even if it meant giving up mind blowing orgasms.

Eating quickly, he boarded the train to the office as usual. People often didn’t stare at him on public transportation, but sometimes Izuku would get a small child looking at him with wide eyes. That was the sort of thing he loved to indulge and would give the kid a wink and a wave. The kid would usually gasp as they tried to hide themselves behind their parent. It always made Izuku's day better.

Today there was no such child on the train to dissipate Izuku’s mood. Instead, his melancholy aura followed him as he walked through Endeavor’s agency, waving hello to the agent at the welcome desk. It followed him as he bowed briefly to the receptionist once he reached his floor. Worst, it followed him into the office that he and Kacchan shared. Their desks were pushed up against each other in the middle of the very tiny room they called an office. They usually just worked facing each other since there wasn’t much room for two desks in the oversized broom closet, anyway. Izuku never minded that until today.

As usual, Kacchan had gotten there early, so Izuku knew he had to perk himself up and fast. Izuku put on his best pretend-I’m-so-happy face and greeted his best friend and….lover? No. Sex partner? God, that was awful. What could they even call each other? This was ridiculous. There were so many problems with this arrangement. He needed to break things off yesterday.

“Morning Kacchan!” Izuku chirped, quickly making his way to his seat. Kacchan just grunted in response. That was usually how they spent their days: Izuku would talk and Kacchan would barely answer. It was comforting in its own way, especially when Kacchan smirked during parts of Izuku’s monologues where he was actually interested.

Izuku knew he had to focus, but Kacchan looked far too distracting lately. He’d been wearing his hero costume (at least partially assembled) to work lately. Last week he took too long to change and missed out on sticking it to a particularly gruesome villain. So, instead of the dress shirts he usually wore (which were bad enough. His biceps barely fit in the tight fabric, good lord) Kacchan displayed his arms and shoulders for all to see in a black tank. Those powerful, thick arms that could choke him out in a second. Why was that thought so hot? There most definitely was something wrong with him. No doubt now. Could anyone tell that he’s thinking these things? They probably could. Izuku always knew he was going to die of embarrassment, though he wished he could go out in Kacchan’s choke hold. Oh boy. Izuku made a mental note to get in touch with his therapist during his lunch break.

A quick rasp on the doorframe had both their heads turning towards the visitor. Kacchan frowned and Izuku smiled quickly.

“Todoroki-san!” Izuku said, and Shouto grimaced. Navigating how they spoke to each other was one of the weirdest things for the two friends now. Shouto was his boss, so it wasn’t appropriate to call him by his informal name in front of other people, thus the formal moniker. This wasn’t a problem for Izuku but Shouto would often get visibly uncomfortable.

“What do you want, IcyHot?” Obviously, Kacchan did not have the same problem.

“HR needs your paperwork completed today. You two are on desk duty until it’s done.”

Izuku groaned, head falling on his desk. God, this was the worst part about being a hero. If it was paperwork day, then he and half the pro-heroes in Endeavor’s Agency were going to be grinding away at that horrible practice of collecting information on their patrols and villains and all of that. He knew it was important, but it was terribly boring. He could hear Kacchan audibly growling. He hated it as much as Izuku did.

“What about idiots like Kirishima? He texted me just this morning about saving an old hag downtown.”

Shouto rolled his eyes, which did not help with Kacchan’s mood.

“Kirishima finishes his paperwork after every encounter. He does not wait until the end of the month for me to enter his office and tell him to do his job.”

Kacchan stood up quickly, hands braced on his desk. Izuku stood up as well, trying to to put his body in between the two.

“Thank you, Todoroki-san! We’ll get right on it!” Izuku said, doing everything in his power to tell Shouto non-verbally, ‘Get out of here before Kacchan kills you.’ Shouto took the hint, walking away and Izuku could feel Kacchan relax. Still, he took a moment to slam his fist on his desk a few times before sitting back down. Izuku followed suite, carefully. He opened his desk to find the mountain of paperwork he had been procrastinating on. This was going to be a long day.

“Oi, nerd.”

Izuku looked up to find Kacchan’s deep red eyes focused intensely on him. Izuku was often shocked to be the center of his attention now that they were adults. Hell, Izuku was shocked by it when they were kids too, but now it was usually positive. His attention was especially positive when they were alone at Kacchan's place where Kacchan chuckled and smirked and gave Izuku heated looks that Izuku would mentally store away for when he was alone. Right now, Kacchan just looked tired and irritated.

“You coming over tonight?”

He always asked so nonchalantly, almost like Kacchan’s hands didn’t end up in Izuku’s pants by the end of the night. Did he ask Kirishima to hang out like this? Wait, did they sleep together too?! Izuku couldn’t follow that line of thinking, his brain would short-circuit. Snapping fingers got his attention back.

“Earth to Deku!” Kacchan yelled, more irritated than before.

Izuku yelped and immediately began blushing harder than he already was. He covered his eyes and mouth with hands, shaking his head to rid himself of his blush.

“Uh, sure, Kacchan!” he said, his own hands blocking most of what he said. When he didn't hear anything else, Izuku peaked through his hands to find Kacchan still staring at him, scowling.

“Um, do you still need something?”

“You’re acting fucking weird.”

Well, he couldn’t deny that. Izuku sighed, dropping his hands to the desk.

“You get your copy of the latest Street Fighter?” Kacchan smirked, holding up the video game so Izuku could see the cover: Street Fighter/Heroes Edition?! Izuku grabbed at the copy, holding it close to his face and tracing the outlines of his friends in the picture on the cover. Years ago, the graduates of UA were asked to lend their voices and images for the classic fighting game, and it looked like many of them made it to the cover art. Deku and Ground Zero were back to back in a corner, Deku’s signature green lightning activated and Ground Zero’s grenade gauntlet already in the process of firing a blast.

“I can’t believe this is finally out,” he said in amazement, looking up at Kacchan with a grin.

“Believe it, nerd. My PR team wants me to test it out so they can update my social media with my recommendation,” he said and his smirk turned into a sadistic smile as he leaned back in his chair. “I’m going to beat your ass, tonight.”

Izuku held his breath. Yeah. He probably would.

+++

He could do this. He could do this. He could do this.

Izuku stood before the elevator to Kacchan’s penthouse suite, trying to psych himself up. It was ridiculous how much more money Kacchan made than him! Kacchan knew it too. Whenever Izuku mentioned it, he would just shrug and talk about how many teeny boppers loved bad boys. He wasn't wrong, either. Most of the money that heroes made came from sales of their merchandise. Izuku has seen the forums and comment sections: Kacchan was POPULAR.

Izuku took another deep breath. Slowly in and out. Ok. He was ready. He entered the elevator, pressed the Penthouse button and up he went.

Izuku knocked on the door at the end of the hall as usual, and heard a voice telling him to come in as usual. He entered hesitantly and struck again by how minimalist the apartment was. Kacchan was not a decorative type, so there were no decorations. All the furniture was black, including the few bookshelves set up in the living room, the three person sofa and TV mounted on the wall. The cream colored living room carpet led into the black and white tiled kitchen, home to a small black dining room table with four chairs where Izuku and Kacchan often ate. Izuku was dying to put up some color, but it was not his place. Plus, Kacchan would sneer whenever he brought it up.

Kacchan stirred something delicious in the kitchen while Izuku toed off his sneakers by the door. As Izuku got closer, he noticed Kacchan was not wearing his typical, “Kiss the cook and DIE!” apron. Instead, he wore a teal apron that Izuku thought looked very familiar.

“Italian ok?” Kacchan asked, wiping his hands on a spare towl and turning to Izuku. Izuku’s mouth dropped open. Where did he get an apron from the Deku kitchen collection? The straps of the apron were extra padded to resemble Deku’s ears which lead to a startingly accurate image of Izuku’s eyes while the Deku mask was on. Kacchan wore Izuku face on his chest! Izuku couldn't breath. Why was he wearing it today of all days, when Izuku had to control himself around him?

“Hey! I asked you a question!”

Izuku physically shook his head, wild green eyes meeting stern red.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“You know what? Forget it. We’re having Italian. What’s with you today?” Kacchan yanked silverware from a drawer near the oven and shoved it in Izuku’s face. Izuku took it, but didn’t move. He was way too fascinated by the contrast of teal on Kacchan’s black shirt and jeans. He looked great in Izuku’s hero colors and Izuku's mind supplied him with the image of Kacchan in that apron and nothing else…

“Wait, are you serious?” Kacchan's eyes went from glaring at Izuku down to his apron and back. “Are you trying to give me shit because I’m wearing a Deku apron? My other one is in the wash. This is the only other one I have. Fucking set the table already, you idiot!”

Kacchan punctuated his monologue by returning to stir the red sauce like it offended him. The spell on Izuku was broken and he hurriedly set the silverware and plates on the dining table for the two of them. Kacchan placed a lid over the sauce.

“It’s got to simmer. Come on. Just for all that, I’m planning on beating you at this game. HARD.” Kacchan took Izuku’s wrist to lead him into the living room. He never took off the apron. Izuku was so screwed.

+++

“No, no, no, no, NO!”

Izuku whined as he watched the characters on the TV battle it out. The Deku on the screen was getting pounded in by Kacchan’s Uravity. “How did you figure out how to do that?!”

“If you quit button mashing for two seconds and figured out your own fucking character, you might stand a chance,” Kacchan said, Uravity once again floating Deku into the air, only to release him to the ground.

K.O. flashed on the screen. Izuku groaned, releasing the controller to fist his hair while Kacchan moved to the kitchen to check on the simmering pot of pasta sauce. He hit Izuku in the head as he walked by.

“Hey!”

“Stop being dramatic and come taste the sauce.”

Izuku groaned again, lifting himself off the carpet to follow Kacchan into the kitchen. He leaned against the kitchen counter next to the sauce as Kacchan stirred it before tasting it. Izuku wasn’t usually so weird about being beaten at these sorts of games, but the weight of the night was starting to get to him.

He had to focus. He was going to break off their friends with benefits arrangement soon. No, not soon. Now. He had to do it now. Do it, you coward. Do it now!

His erratic thoughts were interrupted by a spoon covered in red being shoved into his mouth. Izuku closed his eyes and moaned around the spoon, licking up as much of the sauce as he could. He must have looked lewd and desperate but he didn’t care. Kacchan’s cooking was always incredible. Izuku opened his eyes to see Kacchan staring at him, eyes heated. Oh no.

“Good, huh?” Kacchan's smirk caused Izuku's face to flush, body heating at the light teasing. Kacchan swiped some sauce from the side of the pan onto his index finger, holding it near Izuku’s lips. Kacchan’s eyebrow lifted as he his eyes drifted to Izuku's lips, daring the green haired man to back down.

“Want some more?”

Izuku wanted to say no, needed to say no. He couldn’t keep doing this. Sleeping with Kacchan was amazing, of course it was, but he had his own feelings to consider. Izuku was already in such dangerous territory and he had to get out.

Still.

What’s another little taste?

Izuku bent down to Kacchan’s finger, holding his eyes while he took the tip of the finger into his mouth. He sucked hard, swirling his tongue as much as he could, reveling in Kacchan’s intake of breath, the small groan. Izuku released the finger, standing to his full height, still maintaining that heated stare.

“So good, Kacchan,” he whispered, and found himself being lifted onto to the countertop while Kacchan kissed him harshly from between his legs. Clothes disappeared as they grasped at each other. Groans and growls were the only sounds in the kitchen until Kacchan opened a drawer for a bottle of lube and condoms. Always so prepared. In minutes Izuku was a sobbing mess on Kacchan’s fingers, begging for Kacchan to finally give him what he needed. Izuku was never disappointed, gasping at Kacchan's entrance into his body like he always did. They moved together roughly, Izuku trying to hold onto the counter, the cabinets, anything, as Kacchan set a brutal pace, knowing exactly how to make Izuku unravel. When they came, it was within seconds of each other, Izuku’s whines eclipsed by Kacchan’s deep groans until there was only heavy breathing between the two of them. Izuku’s mind always left him in times like this, unusually quiet and calm.

Ok. He had to stop this. But he had to do it gently. Calmly. Let Kacchan see reason so that they could keep their friendship. That was what Izuku meant to do. What came out was-

“Ochako and I are going on a date on Friday.”

Shit.

Chapter Text

Damn. The nerd looked cute all blissed out… until he opened his fucking mouth.

“You’re really gonna talk about a date with someone while my dick is still inside you?” Bakugou asked, removing himself from Deku with a hiss. Deku looked like he was gonna have a heart attack, and Bakugou threw away the used condom.

“You admit it!!” he shouted, jumping off the counter. Bakugou looked at him like he grew three heads as they rounded up their clothing and put it on piece by piece.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“You admit that we’re having sex!!”

Bakugou already had his underwear on, but stopped with his pants at his knees. “Wait, what? What did you think we were doing?” 

“No! That’s-that’s not what I’m talking about,” Deku grumbled, slipping his underwear and pants on simultaneously. Bakugou yanked his t-shirt over his head, crossing his arms while he waited for Deku to finish. Something fucking weird was going on. Deku hardly ever talked after they had sex. He usually just blushed and bit his lip, eyes averted. What made Deku all chatty now was beyond him. 

“We never talked about it,” Deku said finally, slipping his own t-shirt and ruffling his hair. Bakugou scowled.

“The sex?”

“Yes.”

“What was there to talk about?”

Deku’s eyes bugged out of his skull as Bakugou grew more and more confused. He wasn't a stupid guy, and so whatever had crawled up Deku's ass was starting to piss him off.

“You are NOT that clueless, Kaachan!”

“The fuck you just call me?” Bakugou demanded, getting in Deku’s face. Bakugou may have been a lot of things, but clueless was not fucking one of them. Deku held up his hands in surrender.

“Not the point.”

“Then what is the point, idiot? I am obviously too clueless to figure it out.”

Deku took a deep breath, placing his hands on Bakugou’s shoulders. It should have made him angry. If it were anyone else, it would have. But this was Deku, a man that had been the exception to all his rules since he started making them. An exception that he tried not to think about on those terms, because it led to more confusion and mild panic. So, he allowed it. For now.

“When people have sex, there are usually boundaries that need to be set. Are they exclusive? Are they sleeping with other people? Are they in a relationship?”

Bakugou rolled his eyes, walking away from Deku to clean up the kitchen, putting their pasta away. Obviously, he wasn’t going to be eating any time soon if Deku wanted to have the relationship talk. Jesus Christ. He always hoped it would never come to this.

“Kaachan, we never talked about those things.”

“So what?”

“So-“ Deku floundered for words, which was pretty typical. “So, if you didn’t want me to go out with Ochako, then we should have-“

“Never said that.”

Bakugou turned to Deku, Tupperware in hand and watched as it looked like Deku’s brain was about to explode and leak out of his ears.

“Wait, so you want me to go out with her?” 

“It’s your dick, Deku. I’m not gonna police it,” Bakugou commented, continuing his Tupperware duties. He made way too much, maybe Deku will take some home.

It wasn't illogical to tell Deku he could sleep with other people. Of course, the thought of that always made him angrier than it should have, but so did a lot of things. It wasn't like Bakugou wanted a relationship or anything. He just needed to stuff down his anger and keep moving. Bakugou finished piling everything in containers, and wiping down the kitchen before Deku decided to speak up again. The silence was eerie. Bakugou didn’t think he had ever gone this long without Deku saying something.

“So, you’re really just having sex with me. No strings. No emotional obligations,” Deku said quietly, almost painfully while staring at the ground. Bakugou leaned against his kitchen counter.

“Yes. It was just sex,” he said, and Deku winced.

“Just sex,” Deku repeated. “Right. Got it. Ok.”

Deku made eye contact with Bakugou again, but it was a hard stare. The type of stare he gets before a villain battle. Bakugou groaned.

“Look, we don’t have to do it anymore if you’re going to act like…” Bakugou waved a hand vaguely in Deku’s direction. “Like that.”

“Yeah, that’s probably for the best,” Deku said, and he’s back to staring at his feet. “I should go.”

As Deku moved towards the door, Bakugou stoped him by grabbing his arm and bringing him close, far closer than what he meant to. Deku’s eyes showed how sad he was with the situation as he stared up at the blonde, and Bakugou didn’t know how to deal with how that made him feel. A part of Bakugou wanted to hug him and tell him they would be ok. Of course they would. They’ve dealt with so much worse than this. This shouldn’t have to change anything. A bigger part just wanted to gloss over it all. He settled for a compromise.

“Look,” Bakugou said, and he could tell his breath on Deku’s neck made him shiver. “This doesn’t have to….I mean….shit. I don’t know what to say… You can still come over, you know?”

Well, that was clear as mud. Still, Deku looked into his eyes, recognition of how hard that simple statement was.

“Yeah,” He said, and something felt lighter in Bakugou’s chest. “But I shouldn’t.”

Well, so much for lightness. With that, Deku wretched himself away from Bakugou, slipped on his shoes and was out the door before Bakugou could take a breath. The apartment suddenly felt very empty.

What the fuck just happened?

Did Deku just…break up with him?

Bakugou growled at the thought, barreling into his living room before crashing head first on top of his couch. He lied there, limply, unable to summon the motivation to get comfortable. They couldn’t have broken up, because they were never together. So then why did he feel like it was a break up? Either way, if Deku wasn’t going to come over anymore, for any reason, something major just changed in their dynamic. And it wasn’t going to be good.

From his vantage point of his face being smashed into the cushions, he could see his phone within grabbing distance. A notification pulsed on it, and Bakugou snatched it up. It was from Kirishma, only 20 minutes ago.

BFF <3: Dude! I miss you bro. What are you doing tonight?

Bakugou scowled and quickly typed out a message.

Bakugou: Stop fucking changing your name in my phone.

Three dots began to pulse on his screen.

BFF <3: Does that mean you’re free? :D

Bakugou sighed. What else did he have to do now?

+++

Bakugou hated every bar that Kirishima liked, and tonight was no exception. Loud music pulsed through the establishment, tons of people milling about. Crowded? Loud? It can’t get worse than this. As Bakugou made his way to the bar, a bartender slapped a coaster in front of him.

“What’ll you have, friend?” he asked, with a bright smile. Bakugou was wrong. It could get worse. Overfriendly bartenders. Disgusting. He was about to slip out the back and never talk to Kirishima again when a heavy hand found his shoulder and shark teeth came into view.

“I already have a pitcher of beer in a quiet area in the back,” he said quickly, probably realizing that he had a short time to prove to Bakugou that it was worth coming here. “Follow me.”

The area he was talking about was actually a small room to the side with an open doorway. A small room with multiple couches, a few chairs and the people who chose to annoy the crap out of him on a regular basis. Kirishima had led him to Ashido, Kaminari and Sero: the self-proclaimed Bakuquad, not that Bakugou had consented to that name. As Bakugou turned around to walk right back the fuck out, Kirishima stood in his way with a giant grin.

“We’ve missed you!”

Bakugou wasn’t stupid. Kirishima and the others were annoyed that he was dodging their phone calls. The red head might as well have added ‘you asshole’ to the end of that sentence. But Bakugou had to do it every now and then or he wouldn’t get any peace!

Bakugou glared at his best friend, Kirishima’ smile staying the same, until the blonde sighed and entered the room. Upon his admission, the room exploded into noise of greetings. Ashido grabbed his arm and led him to a couch, where Kaminari was making room for him. Sero and Kirishima sat opposite them, after Kirishima had poured Bakugou a beer and stuck it in his hand.

“Baki, why do we have to trick you into hanging out with us?” Ashido asked obnoxiously, practically sitting in Bakugou’s lap. Bakugou just gave her a glare, trying to gulp down his beer. He needed to not be sober. Fast.

“Because you call me that horrible nickname.”

The crowd laughed, and instantly turned on him.

“Please, like you didn’t call us horrible nick names in school,” she said playfully.

“I remember a few ‘Soy Sauce Face’ in my time,” Sero commented, grinning around his drink.

“Shitty hair, of course,” Kirishima said, dragging his hands through his hair like he’s in a shampoo ad.

“Pikachu, which I should have made my hero name,” Kaminari said, already on his way to being drunk.

“Racoon Eyes,” Ashido said proudly, batting her eyelashes in Bakugou’s direction. Bakugou rolled his eyes at the group, taking another swig.

“Anyway, how goes it, bro?” Kirishima asked brightly and Bakugou was more irritated by his bright persona than usual.

“Why do you have be so happy all the fucking time,” Bakugou growled. Kirishma’s eyebrows shot up.

“Something’s wrong. What’s up?”

“Nothing’s wrong, you idiot.”

“No, Kiri’s right. You always evade questions when you don’t want to answer them. What’s going on?” Ashido piped up.

Shit. Was he that transparent? Or maybe these idiots just put up with him for longer than anyone else. Either way, they were getting way too chummy.

“Is something wrong with you and-“

Bakugou immediately covered Kirishima’s mouth, who looked surprised before Bakugou gave him a ‘if you fucking blab this to the rest of the group, I swear to God!’ A look of understanding came over his face.

Ok. So, while Bakugou never talked about having sex to Deku (Which, why would he when they were the ones having sex?! Deku never seemed to mind it until today.) he might have let it slip out to Kirishima that the two of them were banging. This only happened because he was drunk. More than once. Shit, he needed new friends who know nothing about his life and aren’t so fucking nosey.

“You and who? You and who?” Ashido asked, curiosity masking her other personality traits. As soon as this chick felt like there might be gossip, she was like a shark who smelled blood. Fully focused on one thing, killing anything in her way. Bakugou swore to himself, taking his hand off of Kirishima’s mouth. “Bakugou! You and who?!”

“I am so sorry,” Kirishima said. Bakugou glared.

“No one, Ashido. Fucking drop it!” Bakugou leveled a hard stare at Ashido, teeth barred. Ashido paused, looking at his crazy expression.

“You and WHO?!” She repeated, shaking him by one of his arms.

“Him and Midoriya, Mina, for god’s sake!” Kaminari yelled. Bakugou rounded on Kirishima, who looked panicked.

“Did you-?”

“NO! I swear! Never!”

Bakugou turned to Kaminari in shock.

“How the fuck did you know?!” Kaminari sprouted a large smile, looking devilish.

“I didn’t until just now.”

Silence fell over the room. Bakugou stayed still, in shock, while the rest of the room watched him quietly. Finally, Bakugou spoke calmly.

“I’m going to kill you.”

And suddenly his hands were around Kaminari’s throat, and all three of the remaining Bakusquad members were trying to pry him away. Kaminari was sputtering, trying to breath and Bakugou just clamped down harder.

“Think you’re clever, you piece of shit?!” Bakugou roared, hands sparking, as they finally managed to get him off of Kaminari who took a moment to inhale a large breath of air. As he coughed, Bakugou continued to spark in the corner, Ashido, Kirishima and Sero creating a barrier between him and their electrically abled friend.

“You two are crazy transparent,” Kaminari said in-between breaths and coughs. “Just disgustingly cute. He’s constantly stealing glances at you; you’re constantly smirking at him. It’s good to know you finally sealed the deal.”

Instead of being even more angry, Bakugou suddenly felt very confused.

“Sealed the deal, how?”

“You know,” Kaminari remarked, rubbing his neck but finally done coughing. His voice sounded raspier than usual. “Dating, or whatever.”

“We aren’t dating.”

Everyone looked at Bakugou quizzically.

“Wait, hold on,” Sero said. “How are you not dating? What did you think Kirishima told us?”

“We have sex sometimes,” Bakugou said nonchalantly. The entire group looked confused, and it was starting to piss Bakugou off. How was he being unclear?!

“Don’t you hang out with him multiple times during the week?” Kirishima asked.

“Yes.”

“And you cook for him, and you guys watch tv and movies and stuff?” Ashido asked.

“Yes,” Bakugou growled.

“And you guys are having sex?” Sero asked.

“Yes, what the fuck is the point?!”

“Honey, I think you’re already dating,” Ashido said, and it made Bakugou furious.

“We’re not dating, you idiots!”

“What do you think dating is, Bakugou?” Kaminari asked. That made his brain skitter to a stop. Had they actually been dating? Wait, that couldn’t be it. They didn’t have the-

“Emotions,” Bakugou said, triumphant. “We don’t have those lovey dovey, weird, PDA type emotions. No emotions, no dating.”

“Uh, yeah you do,” Kirishima said, looking at Bakugou like he had grown a second head. “At my birthday party last year, you couldn’t be in the same room together without being close.”

Bakugou remembered that party. It was giant, loud and everything Bakugou hated. He and Deku had found each other in the crowd, which gave Bakugou a relief. But that was only because Sero and Kaminari had taken Ecstasy and were trying to bring him into their massage circle. Finding Deku meant he had someone to be on the lookout for the clingy freaks so that he didn’t get ambushed. And so what? He and Deku had a lot to talk about, so they talked…. the whole night….

Bakugou shoved his finger into his best friend’s face.

“That was for self-preservation.” Kirishima held his hands up in surrender.

“What about the last time the old class went to the beach together? You couldn’t keep your hands off of him,” Sero remarked, crossing his arms and smirking.

Bakugou sighed, ruffling his hair with his hands. That had been shockingly fun. When the Bakusquad (Jesus, he was starting to refer to them as that too) decided to invite the class to the beach, Bakugou thought for sure that it would be a horrible time with people he barely spoke to anymore. But he was able to trounce Deku in a game of beach volleyball, shoving his face in the dirt which always meant a good time in Bakugou’s book. Deku had shown some spunk that day, using his quirk to pick Bakugou up and throw him into the ocean in retaliation. They had taken turns doing that to each other whenever the other had their guard down for the rest of the trip. Shit, this looked bad.

“That was…two friends…being competitive,” Bakugou mumbled and the group let out a simultaneous, “Uh huh.”

“And finally, the star gazing trip,” Ashido said triumphantly and the group let out various forms of agreement.

Fuck, Bakugou had thought they were too drunk to remember that. His class needed to stop getting together because every time they did, Bakugou was sure to do something embarrassing with Deku. It was a particularly cold night, and they were all scattered around an open area in a forest. Couples, of course, paired off while most just did their own solo stargazing thing. Deku, for some unknown reason, was too freaking cold to stay by himself and was begging Bakugou to be under the blanket with him. (“Please Kaachan? You’ve always been warm.”) Bakugou had remembered specifically looking around, and everyone looking tipsy and not in his direction. So, he let the nerd under his blanket. They didn’t even cuddle. The nerd just snuggled up to his side….and Bakugou put his head on the other man’s green head of hair.

Shit, did he have feelings for Deku? Bakugou began a staring contest with his shoes because there was no fucking way he was looking at his friends now.

Not when they were right.

Something in the group dynamic shifted the longer Bakugou glared at the ground. The group skittered to their respective areas of the room and starting chatting, as if nothing ever happened.

“Oh my god, remember when Ochako almost floated out of the UA grounds in year 1?” Ashido commented gleefully. The group laughed, and Bakugou felt himself grow calmer since he was no longer the center of the conversation.

“Yeah, she had to hold onto a tree while they got Erasure Head!” Sero commented.

“She was screaming something, wasn’t she?” Kaminari asked. “What was she screaming?”

“’I don’t want to be an astronaut!’” Bakugou chimed in, smirking. That had been hilarious. Ashido’s eyes lit up with mirth, patting the spot next to her on the couch. Bakugou took the hint and sat down, taking a gulp of beer.

The stories flowed freely that night. They talked about the League of Villians, their awesome musical number at the end of year one, the times when Ashido was dared to kiss basically every person in class (“How did I not see how bisexual I was?”) and all the times Bakugou had forgotten. He would never admit it, and would sooner die that say it out loud, but he missed this group.

Even if he had huge things to think about now. The bastards.

Chapter Text

Izuku had been crying, which was a surprise to no one. He was, however, surprised he had been able to keep the tears at bay while his cab driver dropped him off. Once he was safe inside his apartment, they didn’t stop. Izuku buried his face in his red couch, wrapping his body up in his All Might blanket (except his face) and looking like a very sad caterpillar. He would rub his face on the cushions periodically to get rid of the tears and snot, effectively using the couch as a large tissue. Whatever. Izuku would take care of it in the morning. He had more important things on his mind.

There would be no more Wonder Duo. There would be no more late-night binge watching. There would be no more physical…anything. It was all over. Which is what Izuku wanted, except…

Izuku loved Kacchan. Since they were kids, probably. Who knows when it actually started? It was so one-sided and so easy to see. When they were in the same room at U.A., Shouto would make a show of watching the two of them and throwing a raised eyebrow in Izuku’s direction. That was Shouto speak for, ‘When are you going to make a move?’ Izuku would just smile, shrug and get back to whatever it was he was doing. He was a patient guy. He waited for a quirk for 14 years. He could wait for Kacchan even longer.

Except there was nothing to wait on anymore. If Kacchan couldn’t love him after a year of basically dating, it was never going to happen. Izuku had to face facts. He had to remember he was still dealing with the emotionally stunted man who acted like he hated his best friends. Izuku had needs, and Kacchan wasn’t going to fulfill them any time soon. He had to go to someone who could.

Ochako.

She had confessed her love to Izuku in the middle of their second year at U.A. It was like a romantic comedy. They had been fighting at the time. He was upset at her for putting herself too far in danger, too far into a villain’s grasp. She was upset at him because Izuku was acting like Ochako couldn’t take care of herself. The kiss came out of nowhere. The energy of the argument just propelled them both forward. It was hot, and magnetic and everything he could have ever wanted from his first kiss. They dated for the rest of U.A. but when it came time to really commit outside of school, Izuku wasn’t thinking about Ochako. He was thinking about Kacchan. And that wasn’t fair to anyone. So he ended it.

Honestly, it probably still wasn’t fair to try again with Ochako, not where he was emotionally. But Izuku had to hope that if anyone was able to help him get over Kacchan, it was her.

He didn’t remember falling asleep, but he did remember waking up to loud banging on his door while his drool leaked on the couch. He rubbed his eyes, still bleary from sleep when he heard it.

“Let me in, Deku!” Kacchan’s gruff voice leaked through the door, more banging following it. Izuku kept his blanket wrapped firmly around himself as he shuffled to the door, looking through the peep hole. Not that it could have been anyone else.

Izuku opened the door to see Kacchan leaning against the doorframe, his eyes appraising his blanket.

“Silver age?” He asked, barreling through Izuku to get inside. Izuku always hated having Kacchan in his apartment. It was small and cluttered with art work and hero memorabilia. He always said it looked like a twelve-year old’s bedroom. But he wasn’t judging the place right now. Kacchan leaned against the cough in the middle of living room, body more relaxed than Izuku remembered it ever being. He smiled lightly and Izuku almost had a heart attack. He couldn’t remember the last time Kacchan did anything but smirk.

“You look cute like that. Like a little worm,” he said, and Izuku dropped dead. Almost. He would have, if he hadn’t noticed the blood shot eyes and been able to smell the beer coming off of him. Izuku’s nose scrunched up from the heavy odor.

“You’re drunk,” Izuku said, disappointed. Of course. Kacchan wouldn’t compliment him without being under the influence. Did he drive here? Izuku hoped not. Hopefully he got a cab or something. Did he drink with someone? Were they worried about him? Kacchan should give them a call...

“Fuck, I don’t know why I always thought your mumbling was sexy,” Kacchan said softly, almost to himself. “Surest way to get me in your pants was to catch you mumbling about something.”

“You are very drunk,” Izuku said, and Kacchan gave him a heated stare.

“And you are very hot.”

Izuku didn’t have time to process his words as Kacchan kicked off the couch and walked towards him. His movements were steady and graceful, and Izuku was a little mad that Kacchan was able to walk so well while drunk. He was also mad that he couldn’t seem to move away. As usual, Izuku was trapped under Kacchan’s spell, even when Kacchan’s hand found its way to the back of his neck. Izuku inhaled sharply, causing a smirk to appear as Kacchan pulled him closer. The blanket dropped to the ground, but Izuku didn't care about anything but the grounding feeling of Kacchan's fingertips carressing his hairline.

“You think I’d never compliment you?” Kacchan asked softly, red eyes pinned to Izuku’s green. Izuku dared not move, afraid of what would happen, though he didn’t know if he was more afraid Kacchan would keep going or stop. “I guess I never told you all the things I’ve thought about you over the years.”

Izuku was pushed up against the wall as Kacchan leaned in, trapping him. Izuku’s hands found purchase on the plaster behind him, trying to push himself further away from Kacchan's tempting presence. Kacchan just pushed his body closer, and their bodies slotted together in a way Izuku had become intimately familiar with over the past year. He tried to keep his breathing under control but his blood began pumping faster through his veins as Kacchan gave his body a slow and through once over.

This was all so different to how they normally were. Usually, Kacchan made a move and they hurriedly went through the motions, both wanting to find their release quickly. Kaachan was taking his time and Izuku couldn’t stop him even if he wanted to, not when this was everything he wanted. Kacchan’s fingers brushed Izuku’s bottom lip, lightly pulling it down with his thumb.

“You know how long I’ve been obsessed with this mouth?” Kacchan growled, almost angrily. Izuku whimpered as Kacchan’s whispered into his ear. “I would think about it almost every day at U.A. You know how hard it was to pay attention during combat training when all I can think about if your lips wrapped around my cock?”

Izuku groaned, flooded with mental images. He wouldn’t have known what to do if Kacchan had propositioned him back then, but it would have been such an easy ‘yes.’ His hands left the wall and wrapped themselves in Kacchan’s shirt, trying to steady himself. Kacchan’s arms came around him, wrapping Izuku in an embrace that was unfamiliar and perfect in its softness.

“I…I didn’t know,” Izuku said, and Kacchan rubbed his nose on Izuku’s cheek. It would have been affectionate if it had been anyone else. Who was this man? Was he sure this was really Kacchan? Was he still dreaming?

“Maybe not, but I knew about you,” He said, pulling back only to make sure their eyes were locked together. “You were so obvious with all your staring. Bet you never thought I noticed you looking at me.”

Izuku let out a shaky breath, and Kacchan gently took his face in his hands, idling stroking his cheeks with his thumbs.

“I was-I was that obvious?” Izuku mumbled out. Kacchan grinned evilly.

“What were you thinking about back then?” he asked, eyes hooded. Izuku swallowed thickly, his body starting to shake. This was all becoming way too much and not enough.

“Nothing special…” Izuku said, trying to catch his breath against the feelings that grin was giving him.

“Come on,” Kacchan murmured, leaning down to gently coast his lips over Izuku’s. It wasn’t a kiss, more of a feather touch, and it wasn’t helping Izuku’s breathing problem. “I told you how I used to think about you. What dirty little thoughts used to go through your nerd brain?”

Izuku wished he could say that the teasing dampened the mood, but the opposite was true and a soft whine escaped his lips.

“I-uh-I used to think about what it would be like to have you just-uh-throw me to the ground and have your way with me.” Kacchan was ghosting his lips across Izuku’s again and he couldn’t think. Kacchan hummed his approval.

“Kinda like our first time?” Izuku nodded, shivering at the memory of Kacchan’s hands on him for the first time. Kacchan’s voice got lower, more grumbling. “Fuck, I remember how responsive you were. Still are.”

Izuku saw the kiss coming from a mile away and let himself be swept up into it. It was sweeter, more tender than he was used to and he allowed himself to pretend that Kacchan could be sweet, affectionate. Izuku wrapped his arms around Kacchan’s neck as he deepened the kiss, keeping it still more sensual. Kacchan explored his mouth thoroughly with his tongue, trying to map it out as though he won’t ever get to again.

And he won’t. But Izuku couldn’t think about that right now.

Izuku pulled away and rested his forehead against Kacchan, closing his eyes and trying to catch his breath.

“What’s gotten into you?” Izuku asked softly.

“I never got to do this,” Kacchan whispered.

“You’ve touched me like this before.”

“No, I mean I never got to take my time. Slow things down.”

Izuku opened his eyes and pulled his head back to stare at Kacchan. He made sure keep his emotions veiled, and he wasn’t starting now. Kacchan’s gaze was simultaneously blank and intense. Izuku would give his quirk away in that moment to know what he was thinking.

“What are you saying, Kacchan?”

“You deserve to be savored.”

Izuku’s heart felt full suddenly and he grinned at the man in front of him. Kacchan looked away, stepping back far from Izuku. He blushed, and looked uncomfortable, scratching the back of his neck with one hand. Still, Kacchan said one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to him and Izuku was going to milk it for all it was worth.

“Yeah? Am I like a fine wine?” Izuku teased, knowing Kacchan was just going to blush deeper. He was right.

“Look, if you’re going to be weird about it-“

“I love you.”

Izuku hadn’t ever planned to say that to Kacchan (probably ever) but something about this moment made Izuku feel warm and comfortable. He wasn’t surprised when Kacchan looked shocked and backed away even farther. He didn’t say it to get some sort of reaction out of him. But he had to know-

“Do you love me? Is that what’s going on here?”

Kacchan averted his eyes to the ground, face blank again. It was a long time before he spoke, but Izuku knew what he was going to say.

“I don’t know…”

Somehow, Izuku found it in him to smile. It wasn’t a no but it wasn’t a yes. Just like them.

“But I would work on… things. If you asked me to. If it meant nothing had to change.” It was said so softly that Izuku was almost sure he hallucinated it. But there was no hallucinating the look of defeat on Kacchan’s face. It was almost sweet, knowing Kacchan would try and change for him, that he wanted to keep things as they were so bad that he would do anything for it. But Izuku couldn’t ask him to do that, didn’t want to ask him to do that. Izuku needed to know that Kacchan loved him. That’s all he ever needed.

“That’s not what I want.”

Izuku almost expected Kacchan to ask him what he did want, but he stayed silent. Maybe he already knew, or maybe he didn’t care. Either way, the two of them? Together? They weren’t ready yet. Kacchan wasn’t ready yet. Maybe he never would be. Izuku needed to move on.

Without another word, Izuku went to his closet to find a few blankets and pillows, placing them on the couch. Kacchan stayed where he was, unmoving. He simply stared at the carpet blankly.

“You’re too tired to go home,” Izuku whispered. “Just…stay here for the night.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Kacchan nod. Izuku walked into his bedroom and shut the door.

It was done. They were over.

Izuku slept better that night than he had in a long time.

Chapter Text

Bakugou woke up with the biggest headache in his entire drinking existence. He groaned and rolled over, burying his face in Deku’s gaudy red couch, hoping for some relief from its soft cushions. When a hand reached out to him with a glass of water and a few aspirin, he accepted them without thought. They both disappeared quickly. Bakugou set the empty glass on the ground.

“You should probably have something to eat, too.”

Bakugou jumped at the sound of Deku’s voice, causing him to gasp. Peering to the side with his face still smushed into the couch, he watched Deku hold his hand over his chest, sitting opposite of Bakugou on the ottoman, which matched the horrible sofa. God, Deku had terrible taste in furniture.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Bakugou demanded, sitting up quickly.

“I live here. Did you forget where you fell asleep?”

No, Bakugou hadn’t forgotten. He hadn’t forgotten anything from last night, though some parts were hazier than others.

“Let me rephrase that, Deku,” Bakugou let the full weight of Deku’s nickname roll off his tongue like a curse. “Why are you here, waiting for me to wake up?”

Deku averted his eyes and frowned, scratching the back of his neck. “It was a right place, right time thing. When I saw you stirring, I thought you might want some water and aspirin, so I went to get it and you woke up around the time I got back. I wasn’t waiting on you or anything.”

Deku wouldn’t be waiting on Bakugou at all anymore, huh?

More and more became clearer in his mind: Deku’s confessions, his words of love and high school crushes. Wait, hold on, what the hell did Bakugou say last night?!

“Deku…?”

“Yes Kaachan?”

“Tell me I didn’t say those things out loud…”

Deku smiled evilly, the look so strange on his face that Bakugou thought for a second he was looking in the mirror.

“Are you talking about your kind words about my mouth?” Bakugou groaned, his face firmly planted in his hands. Apparently, he did say those things. “Or my mumbling? Or maybe how you couldn’t concentrate in High School over the thought of me going down on you?”

“Holy fuck, I’m a mouthy son of a bitch when I’m drunk.” Bakugou needed to remember to reign in the booze. He couldn’t afford to have everyone and their mother knowing his business like this.

“Did you mean all those things, Kaachan?” Deku asked softly, and Bakugou looked up to see his eyes shining with an emotion Bakugou had no energy to deal with.

“Are you trying to change the subject from the fact that you were waiting in your apartment for me to wake up?” Bakugou glared into green eyes and Deku looked away instantly.

“Yeah-uh-I needed to let you know about some changes.”

“Changes?” Fuck, Bakugou hated change with a passion. Almost as much as he hated this horrible migraine.

“Just a few. How things are going to change at work and…just…what I think is best for us outside of work.” Deku met his eyes then, and Bakugou could explode that pitying look right off his shitty face. He chose to just rub his temples and close his eyes instead.

“We aren’t divorcing, Deku. Whatever happens, happens.” Bakugou hoped his words were confident and dismissive, but the hangover made him a bit more pathetic than usual. Wrong fucking day for that. He wanted Deku to think he wasn’t thinking twice about this change to their relationship. He wanted Deku to think that he was already back on Grindr and searching for his next fuck. He wanted Deku to be jealous over how easy it was to get over him.

Bakugou figured if he just thought that stuff enough, it would become true.

“I want you to understand my expectations so that we can come to an amicable parting of ways.”

Bakugou’s eyes shot open. That did not sound like Deku…

“Holy fuck. You talked to Half-and-Half,” Bakugou growled, and he must have looked more menacing that he thought because Deku was looking at the exits like he might have to use them. “You talked to that bastard, told him about our situation and he told you exactly what to fucking say at the exact right goddamn time and I’m going to have to kill you both!”

Deku winced and Bakugou felt vindicated.

“Ok, yes. I talked to Shouto,” Deku’s hands immediately come up in defense in case Bakugou had it in him to attack. He didn’t. “But he’s a very confidential person, and plus I had to talk to him about the work things anyway.”

Bakugou groaned, hating that someone like Todoroki Shouto knew about his personal business. Not that he had much say in it anymore.

“Whatever, Deku. Just talk. Tell me what I need to know so that I can leave.”

Bakugou didn’t miss the sad frown on Deku’s face, but Deku was the one breaking things off with him, so fuck feeling sorry for the guy. Deku could suck a bag of dicks for all he cared.

“Ok-um-well, first I will be moving out of our office.”

“Fine.”

“Ok. Then we should keep from seeing each other out of work if we have to.”

“Whatever.”

“Alright. Then, we’ll need to find new hero partners.”

Bakugou looked at Deku, right in the eyes and just glared. Deku had been with him in the industry since day one. They were the perfect team. Whenever one would falter, the other intuitively picked up the slack. Whenever one needed to focus on combat, the other would focus on rescue. They didn’t even have to decide, they just both knew what to do and when to do it. Now, what, he would have to find someone else that in tune with him? Just like that?

The silence must have gone on too long, because Deku was the first to break it.

“I know. I hate that part too.”

“Then don’t do it.”

Deku’s faced scrunched up, and he exhaled shakily, staring at the floor. “It’s not that simple.”

“Jesus, is it going to be that fucking hard for you to be in the same room as me now?!” Bakugou asked, all the feelings from the past 24 hours pressing in on him, threatening an internal explosion. Bakugou quickly extinguished the sparks coming from his suddenly sweaty hands. Ok, maybe an external explosion too.

“No. It won’t.” Deku’s quick and level answer gave Bakugou pause.

“Then, why do we have to stop being a team?”

“Because it’s so easy to just fall into a pattern with you. We’ve done it since we were four,” Deku said, his voice even and sad. “I would feel awkward, you would be fine, and eventually we would forget what happened and just fall back into the routine of being the best partners either of us have ever had.”

Bakugou couldn’t find the energy to even half-heartedly deny the claim.

“Then why- “

“Because I love Ground Zero just as much as I love Kaachan.” Well that fucking shut him up for the rest of his life. Damn. “And eventually it’ll hurt worse, knowing that I have part of you but not all of you. Or worse than that, you’ll find someone else who can be everything to you, and then I would be nothing all over again.”

To his credit, Deku was not crying, but his eyes were watering. Bakugou had the sudden urge to kiss him, which he promptly squashed to nothing.

“That’s not going to happen.”

“Of course it will. In fact-,” Deku blinked away his tears and sat up straight, willing the confidence forward. “In fact, I want you to find someone. Someone who you can talk to, and laugh with and tell everyone to. Someone you can show off. Someone with whom you don’t mind having the relationship talk.”

“And you think it’s personal that I wouldn’t do those things with you?” Obviously Bakugou didn’t mean the talking and laughing thing, that stuff came easy for them as adults. But the more complicated adult stuff was…well, complicated. Hell, Bakugou hated talking to his friends, much less having emotional conversations with anyone.

“Kaachan, if it’s the right person than everything falls into place.”

Bakugou rolled his eyes so hard, he was surprised they didn’t stick that way.

“Are you watching old Disney movies again?”

“I’m serious!”

“So am I! That stuff always makes you romanticize relationships. But it’s not real! And I’m not a Disney Prince.”

Deku didn’t look like he was taking him seriously. He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face like this was the worst conversation he ever had. Well, join the fucking club, buddy.

“This is not up for debate. Everything that I just said is happening. Shouto wants you to see him sometime today about the changes and what they mean. I-“ Well, now the nerd was crying. “I just need to go.”

Bakugou almost wanted to follow him as Deku disappeared to his room and shut the door. This was way too difficult. Before figuring out his feelings for the nerd, Bakugou would just sigh at the man’s moodiness and ignore him. Now, he felt a pull to comfort Deku, to try and calm him down. Except it was Bakugou that Deku was upset with. He was in limbo. So, Bakugou just sat on the couch, trying to will his emotions away.

He felt like he was in high school again, watching pathetically as Cheeks and Deku made googly eyes at each other. Bakugou hated many things and public affection was high on his list. It sat right under, 'Watching the-guy-I’m-lusting-after make out with someone else.' Needless to say, he wanted to gouge out his eyes multiple times a day during the 'Deku and Cheeks' stage of U.A. He didn’t even know why they broke up. Deku never talked about it.

That’s when Bakugou and Deku started hanging out a lot. At first it was weird for Bakugou to be so close to him after keeping him at arm’s length for so long. But everything was so natural between them as both heroes and friends, eventually it was just a thing for Bakugou and Deku to be around each other constantly.

Finally kissing him after years of pining? That felt natural, too. Just another part of who they grew into being. An inevitability. Maybe Bakugou was wrong. Maybe he was just a detour on Deku’s way to a love story with Cheeks. Fuck, that thought hurt like hell. And he wasn't about to dwell on it.

A buzzing in his pocket alerted him to a text message. Pulling out his phone (which was almost dead), he saw it was from Icy Hot.

HotnCold: I will need you to come in briefly today to discuss your future without Deku. Please be in by 2pm and meet me in the conference room on the 7th floor.

Shit, was this bastard going to fire him?! He quickly typed out a response, erased it, typed out another one, erased that and settled on:

Bakugou: Ok.

Probably the most professional he could get with someone like Todoroki.

Let the changes begin.

Chapter Text

Ever walk into your office in previous night’s clothes, smelling like body odor and stale alcohol? Cause Bakugou has and he would not fucking recommend it. He had quickly snuck out of Deku’s place after texting Todoroki back, but the thought of going to his apartment just to shower and change felt heavier than it normally would. Everything felt heavier than it normally would, and Bakugou blamed it on the hangover. The headache was enough of a distraction that he believed himself, and didn’t stop to think about it. Either way, he did not go home and change, and instead decided it was a better option to show up at a meeting with his boss looking like shit, his hair a mess and his clothes smelling like beer. He was a fucking idiot, but as soon as he stepped on his floor, there was no turning back.

Floor 7 was basically just the conference room with a receptionist desk. It wasn’t even made of glass, so Bakugou felt like he was flying blind with what Todoroki had in store for him. Odds are the bastard would use this as an excuse to fire him. Bakugou wasn’t even sure why he couldn’t get along with his old classmate at this point in his life. Yeah, he kept a lot of the same attributes as when he was in high school, but he had matured. Sorta. Surely, there would be some way to get along Todoroki. But even as he thought it, there was something about the man that rubbed Bakugou the wrong way. And he was a guy that always went with his gut.

Bakugou stuffed his hands into his black jeans and slouched towards the door. A hand shot out of nowhere to block him from the conference room entrance.

“Do you have an appointment, Bakugou-san?” this random woman asked rigidly, her black hair in a tight bun and large glasses on her face. Her stone face reminded Bakugou of the Todorokis’ which did not please him in the slightest. If Bakugou remembered this extra correctly, which he usually didn’t, she was Todoroki’s receptionist? Assistant? One of those two.

Speak of the devil, Todoroki graced him with his presence by opening the door to the room, only enough to allow himself to leave, but not enough to show Bakugou what was inside. Damn. Todoroki smiled slightly at the woman.

“Thank you for checking, Akami. Bakugou is attending this meeting as well,” Todoroki said before briefly looking the Bakugou up and down. His mouth curled ever so slightly in disgust and Bakugou suddenly remembered why he hated him. “And please get some coffee for Bakugou.”

As Glasses went to get him a cup of coffee, Todoroki’s eyebrows went up in Bakugou’s direction and Bakugou replied with a shrug. At least they were able to speak without words now, so that Bakugou didn’t have to hear his annoying voice. To translate: Todoroki was surprised that Bakugou was looking like shit, and Bakugou didn’t care. His boss rolled his eyes before entering the conference room, Bakugou trailing behind him.

At the large mahogany table sat a misassembled group of people that Bakugou didn't recognize, except for one. As much as he wouldn’t like to admit it, seeing Kirishima calmed him a bit. Bakugou sat to his right, raising a questioning eyebrow. Kirishima just shrugged, holding up his hands. Apparently, he didn’t know what was going on either. Bakugou’s gaze briefly passed over a larger middle age man with a goatee and a guy about his age with brown hair and eyes, who looked awfully familiar. Worse, the guy was smirking at him, his eyes boring into him from across the table. Fucking creepy. That left only Todoroki, who sat at the head of the table, commanding the meeting. His face was stoic again, eyes surveying every member of the room.

“While Butsuki and I understand why we are gathered here, it is time to reveal this knowledge with the rest of you,” Todoroki said, looking at the familiar looking guy currently seated at his right. “Shindou, I believe you also know a bit of what is going on. Care to educate my employees?”

The guy grinned and a hand went behind his head, rubbing his neck. He was still staring at Bakugou and when Bakugou made the mistake of looking over, he winked. Red eyes narrowed in response.

“Thank you, Todoroki-san.” The weirdo’s head titled in Todoroki’s direction before directing his attention to Bakugou and Kirishima seated across from him. The look in his eyes behind that obviously fake grin chilled Bakugou to the bone, and he unconsciously shivered. He must have noticed too, because the grin grew wider.

“A year ago, my agency,” He motioned to the goatee man sitting next to him, “offered the opportunity to outsource me to help train a few of Todoroki-san’s new hires. I very much enjoyed partnering with one in particular who will be moving agencies in a few weeks. So, I reached out to Todoroki-san again to see if there might be an availability for a new partner.”

The way he said it was innocent enough but the way he looked at Bakugou told him that this guy -what the fuck did Todoroki say his name was again?- was taking some sort of external pleasure from this situation. Like Bakugou wasn’t in on the joke, but everyone else was. What the fuck?

Bakugou glared at him, but the weirdo just shrugged his shoulders and kept grinning. Kirishima bent over to whisper in Bakugou’s ear.

“Do you feel like you’ve seen this guy before?”

“Yeah, what is that about?” Bakugou whispered back, not taking his eyes off whatever-the-fuck-his-name-was.

“That, Bakugou and Kirishima, is because we competed against him in our first year for our provisional hero license. His name is Shindou Yo,” Todoroki said. A light bulb of recognition went off in Bakugou’s head.

“Oh yeah, you were that vibrator guy,” Bakugou said. Vibrator chuckled briefly, but his smile was no longer reached his eyes.

“My hero name is Grand,” he said and Bakugou waved him off, turning to Todoroki.

“What, so this is going to be my new partner? Just like that?” Bakugou asked harshly.

“Just like that.”

Bakugou sat back in his chair and watched the Human Vibrator. He might have been nice to look at, but he slightly resembled Deku in a way that made his heart clench. So that wasn’t exactly a point in his favor. He was a manipulative son-of-a-bitch, if Bakugou remembered correctly, though he can’t say he spent a whole lot of time with him. Strike two. He could make Earth move, right? How the hell is that supposed to work with his explosion quirk? Yeah, strike three. This guy is out. Bakugou turned back to Todoroki.

“You’re trying to get me to quit, right?”

“There’s more.” Everyone’s head swiveled to the man with the goatee who squirmed under their gaze, awkwardly shuffling papers in front of him.

“More? What more?” Bakugou asked, clenching his fist on the table and glaring at Goatee. The pathetic individual just started sputtering and stammering before Todoroki took over.

“I’m unsure if everyone in this room is aware, but hero agencies operate on partnerships, putting two different heroes together and forming a stronger team,” Todoroki said calmly, though his eyebrows furrowed slightly. “Most of the time it’s platonic, just a way to partner up heroes that could be good for each other, but sometimes… Sometimes it’s not.”

Todoroki took a deep breath, staring straight in front of him. Bakugou’s stomach dropped. He could feel what Todoroki was going to say, and tried to will him not to say it.

“You two are going to be hero partners for a month, and then transition into a romantic relationship for six more months. It will be meant for the eyes of the public only.”

“Wait, what?” Vibrator was the first to speak up, his anger authentic and potent. Finally, he was being real for once. Bakugou was right there with him.

“You can’t fucking do that!” Bakugou said and Todoroki quickly glanced at him.

“I believe I already fucking did.”

“Jesus, you’re just going to sell us off to each other?! Aren’t we at least going to talk about how many goats I’m worth?” Bakugou growled, wiping flaring sparks onto his jeans. Though they should be aiming at IcyHot’s damn face! Kirishima stared at the table, deep in thought.

“At least 15, right?” He mumbled, and Bakugou punched him in his shoulder. “Hey!”

“Shut up!”

“I wasn’t doing anything!”

“Don’t take this out on him,” Todoroki said.

“Don’t even get me started on you, IcyHot!”

“STOP!” Goatee yelled and everyone in the room froze, eyes shifting to the previously timid man who had suddenly grown a back bone. “Look, this is going to be beneficial for everyone. Endeaver Industries looks good because they're working with other hero agencies amicably. Shindou looks good because he’ll show he can be patient with the most hardheaded hero in the industry. Bakugou looks good because he’ll show he can be loving and affectionate to someone. Everybody wins.”

Bakugou scoffed. Loving and affectionate? No, he couldn’t be. What the fuck was going on here? Why weren’t they consulted on this? How could Todoroki just sell him to the highest bidder like this?

“Is this how you’re going to treat your top-ranking employee?” Bakugou said, rounding on Todoroki again. Todoroki’s responding glare took Bakugou by surprise.

“You may be my top-ranking employee, but you are my absolute worst employee,” Todoroki all but growled. “You are rude, insufferable to everyone, slow on your work and a pain in my ass.”

Todoroki turned his body, still seated, towards Bakugou and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. Bakugou leaned back to gather more distance between the two of them. It was possibly the first time Bakugou was truly scared of this man.

“Let me make this very clear to you. If you do not take this agreement, I will be firing you. And good luck trying to get into another agency when everyone knows what an absolutely insufferable ass you are.”

Silence fell over the group.

Bakugou was too shocked to speak, his eyes wide. Was he really going to lose his job if he refused a fake relationship for half a year? Is that what being a hero was all about? How the hell hadn’t Eraserhead warned him about this shit?

While Bakugou pondered his life choices, Kirishima spoke up.

“Um, why am I here?” he asked timidly, probably afraid of Todoroki firing him as well. Luckily for everyone in the room, Kirishima had always had a second quirk: he could break tension anywhere, at any time, no matter how thick it was. Bakugou watched the rest of the group relax as Todoroki turned his attention to Kirishima and smiled.

“You are here because Bakugou will need someone to confide in during this time. You will be that person,” he said and Bakugou rolled his eyes. He couldn’t even pick his own fucking confidant. Kirishima smiled wide, nudging Bakugou in the side and giving him a thumbs up.

“What’s the next step?” Human Vibrator asked softly. Sounded like he didn’t have a choice either.

“The next step would be to sign the contract.”

“Well? Where are the fucking papers?” Bakugou asked, feeling entirely defeated.

Goatee solemnly handed the Human Vibrator a large stack of paperwork with language Bakugou couldn't interpret. Goatee explained everything, page by page, or at least gave the bullet points. Bakugou briefly wondered if he should sign a document he didn’t fully understand, or if he should get a lawyer or something, but it didn’t really make a difference. It felt so anticlimactic to sign away a piece of his life in so short a time. Shit, he was getting dramatic. He needed to go home and sleep off this hangover. With a final stroke of the pen, it was finished. He and the Vibrator were now partners, soon to be Partners. Jesus Christ.

“Can I go now?” Bakugou asked Todoroki, who rightfully looked a bit guilty. Aint feeling sorry for you IcyHot, that’s for damn sure. As he opened his mouth to reply, Human Vibrator cut him off.

“Before you go, Bakugou, I would appreciate some time alone with you.”

“No.”

Todoroki glared at him, honest to God normal human glare, and Bakugou huffed in response.

“Fine.”

Kirishima, Todoroki and the Goatee got out of there seats, and Bakugou made sure to grab Kirishima’s forearm before he could leave. Kirishima’s eyebrows shot up, and Bakugou addressed 'Personal Massager Man.'

“Kirishima is staying. Whatever you want to say to me, you can say in front of him.”

He shrugged in response, and Kirishima sat back down as their collective bosses left the room. To his credit, Vibrator got straight to the point.

“This sucks,” he said, and Bakugou lifted an eyebrow at him. “But it doesn’t have to.”

Vibrator left his seat, grabbing Todoroki’s old one and positioning it next to Bakugou. He sat so close that their knees almost touched and Bakugou could smell the horrible cologne the man was using. Which meant it was too fucking close.

“What are you doing?” Bakugou asked, shrinking back from him like he was diseased. He smirked, his eyes full of a mirth Bakugou was starting to hate.

“Don’t like me getting too close, Bakugou?” he asked innocently, shifting his weight further into Bakugou's space. His smirk widenned as Bakugou tried to scoot his chair back but was stopped by Kirishima’s presence.

“Just fucking talk. I don’t have all day, Vibrator.” Bakugou watched with glee as his eyes flashed in annoyance. He recovered quickly and rolled his chair slightly so that their knees were touching. Dear God, does this man not understand personal space?

“You can call me Grand or Shindou,” he said, and while he made it seem like a request, Bakugou heard the unspoken ‘or else.’ Bakugou sneered, which did not look nearly as menacing while he was scrunched up next to Kirishima.

“Yeah? Or what?”

“Or I’ll show you what this vibrator can do,” he purred, pulling Bakugou’s chair closer as his right hand gently but firmly grasping the inside of Bakugou’s thigh. Bakugou could feel the shock on his face, as well as the unwelcome blush dusting his cheeks. Who the fuck did this guy think he was?! Bakugou gritted his teeth, choosing to stay still. Bakugou wanted nothing more than to kick this guy’s ass, but Todoroki’s glare came into his mind, and Bakugou knew he couldn’t. He was at the mercy of this sadist freak for however long they were together.

“Get your hand off my fucking thigh,” Bakugou growled.

“What’s my name, Bakugou?” he asked, and Bakugou scoffed.

“If you think I’ll negotiate with you like this, then think again,” Bakugou practically spit at the other man.

“That’s fair." He pulled Bakugou in closer while his hand moved ever so slightly up Bakugou's thigh. Bakugou was trembling with rage, furious red eyes locked with brown as their nose practically touched. The other's man eyes roamed his face as he bit his lip. He was enjoying this.

“So, I’m guessing a lot of people bend over backwards to make sure you never get mad.” His voice was low and gravelly and somehow sent a heat through Bakugou that he would deny up until his death bed. This guy must have been able to tell because his brown eyes briefly went to Bakugou’s lips before meeting red again.

“You love it because you’re an egomaniac. But I need you to know that I don’t care if you’re mad. Ever. You can kick me, scream at me, or try to explode my face, and I don’t give a shit. But if you disrespect me,” the man squeezed his thigh and Bakugou squirmed slightly, “Then we will have a problem. So once again: What’s. My. Name?”

Bakugou was breathing heavily, and he wasn’t quite sure why. Different emotions swirled around in his body, and he couldn't pinpoint any of them. Bakugou was already terrible at understanding his emotions, and whatever this guy was doing made it a thousand times worse. He didn’t notice himself speak until after he said it.

“Shindou…” He said softly, and Shindou slowly moved his hand and chair away from Bakugou, putting a few feet of distance between them. Bakugou took a deep, laboring breath, letting it out slowly while he placed his head in his hands. He rubbed his face before looking up at Shindou, who watched him with a curious expression like Bakugou was an animal in a zoo. God, what the fuck had he gotten himself into with this freak? This had never happened before. Was he that pliable to domineering men? Had he ever met someone more domineering than him? Is that why this was happening?

“Um…You guys know I’m still here, right?” Kirishima asked, breaking yet another tension in the room. Shindou and Bakugou glanced at Kirishima before catching each others' eyes.

“That-uh-that wasn’t what I wanted to talk about,” Shindou mumbled, a blush forming on his face. Bakugou groaned, standing up.

“Whatever you wanted to talk about will have to wait until later,” he said, looking at Kirishima and motioning with his head to follow him. Kirishima stood up as well.

Shindou quickly grabbed at Bakugou’s wrist before he could leave.

“We should probably go over some logistics tomorrow. Figure out all the details of how this new partnership will go down,” he said softly, idly rubbing Bakugou’s pulse point with his thumb. Bakugou wrenched his hand away from Shindou, who responded with another fucking smirk. The cocky asshole knew exactly what he was doing. If he didn’t watch himself, Bakugou would wipe that smirk right off his damn face, contract or no.

“Whatever. My phone number is in the contract. Just text me a time.”

Bakugou walked out without another word, Kirishima running to keep up with his pace. They were out of the building before Kirishima finally stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. When Bakugou met his eyes, he frowned at the shock on Kirishima’s face.

“What the hell was that?!” Kirishima asked.

“Not now.”

“I have never seen you like that with anyone. And then the whole fake relationship thing?! Are you ok?” Kirishima asked, and the worry in his voice calmed Bakugou slightly. Bakugou was thankful in these moments that Kirishima chose him to be his best friend. But if his best friend thought Bakugou was ready to process what happened, he was dead wrong.

“Can’t talk about it right now. I just need to sleep it off. You’ll be here tomorrow, right?” Kirishima nodded and Bakugou began to walk away.

“See you tomorrow!” Kirishima yelled out after him and Bakugou held up a hand in a small wave, his eyes focused on the sidewalk ahead of him.

Tomorrow was going to be a long fucking day.

It wasn’t until after Bakugou made it home that he realized that he never did get that damn cup of coffee…

Chapter Text

“I’m so sorry, did I hurt you Deku-san?” Yui paniced, long purple hair falling over her shoulder as she surveyed Izuku on the ground. Izuku sighed into Endeavor Industries’ gym mats, his Uravity t-shirt and sweatpants ironic for the occasion. The company gym was huge, big enough to handle quirks like Shouto’s and Kacchan’s, while still small enough that it didn’t feel like a stadium. Black gym mats covered the floors so that heroes wouldn’t hurt more than they had to, and mirrors made up one side of the gym so that they could perfect their form. No exercise equipment was used, so it was a perfect place for sparring, which Izuku was trying to do.

“No, Yui. I’m fine,” Izuku sat up and watched the worried look deepen on Yui’s face, her pink eyes sad. “You were supposed to try and hurt me, remember? That’s what sparring is.”

“Oh. Right.”

Yui smiled apologetically, holding a hand out to help Izuku up, which he gladly accepted. Yui was like so many in Endeavor Industries: star struck by Deku. This must have been his 12th sparring match of the day with as many partners, and every time they would get a hit on him, they would immediately stop to making sure he was ok. Every. Time. Not only were they terrible sparring partners, but Izuku couldn’t see any of them as a future hero partner. Surely they were all excellent on the job, but Izuku knew that the younger heros, fresh out of high school, tended to idol worship him.

“Why don’t we try again?” Yui asked, sensing she didn’t do what she was supposed to. As much as Izuku wanted to give her another chance, he was far too tired at this point to continue.

“Sorry, Yui. You were great but I’m exhausted. Rain check?”

Yui nodded, giving a smile and a wave as she exited the gym. Izuku groaned, falling to the mats and moving to lie on his back. He looked up at the black dome ceiling above him, wondering what he was going to do. Izuku supposed any one of the people he sparred with today were fine. He could teach them to accept that Izuku gets hurt in battle, and most of their work in the field would be separate. Still, he craved a good fight right now, where the opponent would come at him with everything. He already missed the slight fear of wondering if they would hurt him, too overcome with giving Izuku everything they had. He wanted someone who wasn’t scared of him, and who he could unleash his full power on.

“How are auditions going?” Shouto asked, appearing in his friend’s eye line and staring down at him as Izuku continued to look at the ceiling. Shouto dressed so cleanly, now that he was the boss. Though he never cared about fashion, he still always looked good in a suite jacket, button up and slacks. Today it was a black and green combo. Izuku smiled.

“I’m very glad to see you, Shouto,” he replied, “Do you want to be my new partner?”

Shouto frowned and bent down, moving to lie next to Izuku. “Things were that bad?”

They lay there, staring at the ceiling and these were the times that Izuku was grateful for Shouto’s friendship. He could stoic, sure, but for what he lacked in social graces, he made up for in solidarity. Izuku could always count on the man to be there for him. Even now, Shouto did not ask Izuku why he was staring at the ceiling, merely acknowledged that Izuku sounded upset and went along with what he was doing.

Solidarity.

Izuku rolled to his side, looking at his friend’s profile as he cradled his head in his elbow.

“They’re all…fine. But that’s it. Fine. I’m not looking for perfection, but someone who isn’t afraid of me. Someone who is happy to unleash themselves on their opponent, even when the opponent is me. Someone who I can feel free with. Someone-“

“Like Bakugou.”

Izuku sighed. Yes.

“I’m never going to find someone like him again, am I?”

Shouto frowned, as Izuku knew he would. Shouto was well aware of what Izuku and Kacchan were doing this past year, and made it clear that he did not approve. Shouto tried to be a good friend, looking out for Izuku’s feelings when he refused to. Izuku knew his friend was secretly happy that they stopped. Even if no one was happy that Ground Zero and Deku were no longer hero partners.

“You’ll find someone who compliments you. But you will never have with them what you had with Bakugou.”

So true. In so many different ways. Shouto turned on his side as well, head on his palm, as the two friends faced each other.

“I dunno. I guess I just feel this hole in my chest now that I don’t see Kacchan anymore. Feels like I can’t breathe,” Izuku commented, sadly.

Shouto lifted an eyebrow.

“You mean, since yesterday?”

Izuku pouted.

“Well, when you say it like that, it doesn’t sound as romantic,” Izuku grumbled.

“When YOU say it like that, you sound addicted,” Shouto teased.

“You just wouldn’t understand the complexities of romantic love, Shouto.”

“Thank God for that.”

Izuku chuckled, smiling in his direction. Shouto returned the smile.

“Remember the last time we lay like this?” Shouto asked.

“The last time we were in this position was…” It was on the tip of Izuku’s tongue.

“Last day in the dorms at U.A., right before graduation.”

“Oh wow. That seems like a lifetime ago!” Izuku said, nostalgia filling him. Shouto nodded.

“You had just broken up with Ochako. I was trying to keep you company.”

“And I repaid your kindness by kissing you,” Izuku said happily, the memory fond in his mind. Shouto chuckled. “And it was so good that it ruined you for anyone else in the world, including me.”

Shouto laughed loudly at that, or as loudly as Shouto laughs. It resembled the laughter of someone who was just laughing to be nice, but Izuku knew better. He loved making him sound like that.

“I suppose you could say that, yes. You did me a kindness. By then I already knew I wasn’t straight, so you helped me figure out I wasn’t gay either.”

“If you were gay, would we have gotten together?” Izuku asked, curious. Shouto looked pensive.

“I would hope so. If I were to be gay, I could only imagine you would be the person I would want to be with.” Izuku was flattered, but understood that Shouto was talking on an intellectual level and not a romantic level. Being AroAce meant he was off limits in more ways than one.

“The world would be so different,” Izuku remarked, and Shouto lifted an eyebrow.

“Not that different.”

“How’s that?”

“Yes, we might have gotten together but you still would have been in love with Bakugou. Eventually you would choose him over me.”

Izuku rolled back to look at the ceiling, frowning. Is that really the path his life was headed? He would just date one person, pining for Kacchan and then break up with them? Even though Kacchan didn’t love him? How pathetic.

But maybe that was true. Kacchan was very much on his mind, even before the break up or whatever you want to call it. They spent so much time together, but when they were apart, Izuku would still think about him until they were together again. When did he get this way, so tied into another person?

“You’re quiet now. Did I offend?” Shouto asked, brows furrowed. Izuku shook his head, rolling it to the side as he smiled at his friend.

“Nah. We’re ok.” Shouto nodded.

The two men heard footsteps shortly before hearing Kirishima’s voice.

“What are you guys doing?” Kirishima yelled from across the gym. They sat up to see their friend waving at them, smiling with a water bottle in his other hand. “It’s gotta be better than what I’m dealing with.”

“Are you with Bakugou?” Shouto questioned and Kirishima nodded, rolling his eyes. “That explains it.”

Izuku looked at him questioningly.

“What is he talking about?” Izuku asked.

“Bakugou has a new hero partner. They’ve been getting to know each other all morning.” Izuku gasped.

“Oh no, who?” The question was ultimately, ‘who is Kacchan paired up with?’ but it could also be read as, ‘who has to put up with Kacchan?’ Means virtually the same thing. Izuku felt sorry for them already. While he loved Kacchan, he also understood that Kacchan did not warm up to people quickly, often taking years before they saw a softer side to him. This person was in for a long fight.

Then the three of them heard it.

“Walk behind me, you poor excuse for a personal massager!”

The angry growl of Kacchan’s voice was unmistakable and the quickening of Izuku’s heartbeat was unmistakable too. Oh God oh god oh god oh god…

“Did I hit a nerve, Bakugou?”

The argument echoed throughout the hallway to the gym. Actually, it seemed like Kacchan was arguing with his new hero partner but the other guy seemed…friendly? Maybe that’s not the right word. But words escaped him the moment Kacchan entered.

Kacchan had never looked better, dressed in a black tank top and sweat pants and glaring in Kirishima’s direction. Kirishima gave him a grin, hand on his neck in embarrassment. Izuku felt like he was floating being in the same room as Kacchan, which was ridiculous since they only saw each other yesterday. Maybe he WAS an addict. Another thing to bring up to therapist. She must be tired of hearing about Kacchan at this point.

A familiar looking man walked in shortly after Kacchan, sending a smirk in Kacchan's direction.

“I had no idea you were so sensitive.”

Izuku knew that voice! Shindou Yo? That was who Shouto chose for Kacchan? Izuku felt his entire body tense, his hands fisting at his sides. He could feel himself unconsciously activating his quirk. Shindou wasn’t good enough for Kacchan! No one was good enough for Kacchan! Only-

Izuku stopped that line of thought, releasing the tension in his body with a large breath. Only Izuku was good enough for him. But that’s over now. He needed to learn to let go. Thankfully no one seemed to notice Izuku’s frustration, but the breath must have caught Shindou’s attention because suddenly his eyes were glued to Izuku.

“Midoriya Izuku?!” He exclaimed across the gym, and Izuku had just enough time to stand up before Shindou had pulled him into a bear hug. Izuku gently patted Shindou on the back with one hand while staring at Kacchan. He scowled but did not otherwise acknowledge him. Great.

Shindou pulled back, keeping his hands on Izuku’s shoulders. Izuku was always surprised that the men around him were taller than him, Shindou included. Shindou was bigger than Kacchan, by just a little, and so he towered over Izuku.

“How have you been?” he asked, flashing a grin. Izuku smiled awkwardly.

“Oh you know…” he said, unsure of what to say when Kacchan was staring a hole into his shoulder, right where Shindou was touching him. He wasn’t jealous….right?

“Just climbing through the ranks and making yourself Japan’s sweetheart?” Shindou asked, grin growing wide. “Been a while since I’ve seen you in person. I can understand what the comment sections are going on about now.”

Shindou winked and Izuku felt his face heat up. Shindou never failed to embarrass him whenever they ran into each other. Today was no exception. He turned to Kacchan, hands still on Izuku’s shoulders.

“Bakugou, settle a debate. Deku’s fans argue about whether his ass or his smile is sexier. Which do you think?”

Izuku was mortified, on so many different levels but also flattered? What a terrible combination for someone like him. His face was beat red, he just knew it. He could feel sweat beginning to form at his temples.

“You don’t have to answer that, Kacchan!” Izuku quickly yelled out. Shindou’s eyes slowly moved back to Izuku’s.

“I’m sorry, did you just say, ‘Kacchan?’” he asked, face a mixture of glee and surprise. Izuku nodded.

“I’ve known him since we were in diapers. It’s what I’ve always called him,” Izuku said.

“That is so fucking cute,” Shindou remarked, laughter in his voice. He looked at Kacchan, flinging his arm around Izuku’s shoulders, and smirked.

“How is Midoriya the only one that gets to see your cute side, Kacchan?” Shindou yelled, the nickname elongated.

The sound of an explosion was the only warning they got before Kacchan grabbed Shindou by his tank and flung him towards the middle of the gym. Shindou stumbled briefly before catching himself, turning back to his new partner. Their tones were lower, and they were a bit too far away for Izuku to hear them, but after exchanging a few sentences, Kacchan pushed Shindou backwards.

“Are we doin’ this or what?” he demanded, his energy seething. They both moved to opposite sides of the gym. Shindou’s face slipped into a hyper concertation as he readied himself for what was going to happen next. After a beat, they ran towards each other, meeting in the middle. Izuku backed away, headed to where Kirishima and Shouto were watching the fight near the wall.

“Are they going to try and kill each other?” Izuku whispered to Kirishima, eyes glued to the hero partners.

“Not quite. They want to go five rounds of sparring, and the best out of five wins,” Kirishima responded, also engrossed in the match.

“Wins what?” Shouto asked. Kirishima shrugged his shoulders.

“Probably bragging rights.”

That made sense. Kacchan always loved a bit of bragging rights.

Just as they came within arm’s length, Shindou reached for Kacchan’s torso, and Kacchan flipped himself over Shindou head, firing an explosion that he dodged while bending his body to evade the attack. Shindou waited for Kacchan to reach the ground before placing his hand down and releasing his quirk. Kacchan stumbled upon the vibration, falling to a knee and Shindou lifted his hand to take a run at him again. Kacchan was staying still for too long, and Izuku knew what that meant. Sure enough, as Shindou came in for a kick, Kacchan reared up and grabbed his ankle with both hands, hurling him to the ground and pinning him. That would be a point for Kacchan. Shindou leaned forward in Kacchan’s hold and whispered something to him. Kacchan growled, pushing himself off of the other man to stalk towards the other side of the room. Shindou got up, brushed himself off nonchalantly and prepared for the next round. They ran towards each other once again.

Watching the fight was exhilarating, and seeing Kacchan like this was even better. His strength, his control of his quirk, ability to read his opponent were all what made him the envy of all heroes below him, and some above. Izuku counted himself lucky to have learned from him all these years, but today his thoughts were not staying in the ‘hero worship’ section of his brain.

He looked good. But then, Kacchan always looked good. His muscles moved precisely, clinging to his tank top, and his hands flexed with power. Izuku fanned himself with his t-shirt. Those hands! They were strong and perfect, and probably one of Izuku’s favorite things on planet Earth. He remembered what it was like to have them in his hair, on his neck, on his waist, everywhere. He could still feel them on his thighs as he was lifted on the kitchen counter, the memory of their last time together burning the feel of his hands into his body. Izuku got lost in the memory of Kacchan grinding against him, his tongue claiming his mouth with a veracity that always made him a mess…

Kacchan was pinned to the ground this time, Shindou leaning in and whispering something into his ear, again. Kacchan bared his teeth and Shindou laughed, letting him go and sauntering to the other side of the gym. Round 3 was on.

“Thirsty, Midoriya?”

“Huh?” Izuku asked, startled out of his lustful thoughts. Kirishima was smirking at him, leaning his water bottle in Izuku’s direction.

“I asked if you were thirsty.” The question was innocent, the look in Kirishima’s eyes was not. It was like he was privy to his previous thoughts.

“Uh…no. I’m good,” Izuku mumbled, blushing and Shouto lifted an eyebrow.

“You sure? You’re looking a little hot-under-the-collar there,” Kirishima commented, eyes lit up in glee. Izuku groaned, covering his face with his hands.

“I’m being obvious, aren’t I?” He asked, and Kirishima laughed.

“Only to those of us with eyes,” Shouto deadpanned.

Kaachan was being pinned to the mat again, and Shindou was saying something low enough that the rest of the people in the room couldn’t hear him. Whatever it was angered Kacchan, and he struggled intensely with the hold. Shindou strengthened his hold and glared at him, which in Izuku’s mind should have made Kacchan struggle more, but somehow, he started to move less and less under Shindou’s gaze until he finally let his body relax. Their stare was different, now. The gaze between the two felt more…. desperate? Is that right? Shindou slowly lifted his body up, walking towards the opposite end of the gym. Kaachan waited a beat and then went to his side as well. Time for Round 4.

“Don’t worry, man. Bakugo is oblivious to things like that. You should see the way he looks at you,” Kirishima said, wagging his eyebrows. Izuku wasn’t too sure what Kirishima was talking about anymore, concerned with the heat he was feeling between the two people fighting. Was he imagining it?

Shouto sighed.

“Don’t, Kirishima. You’ll give him false hope.”

“Hey, I’m just making a statement,” Kirishima said, throwing up his hands in surrender. “Maybe some of us are rooting for them.”

Watching the two heroes fight made Izuku realize two things: 1) He was not imagining the sexual tension between the two. Their movements read slightly slower and every blow was met with an energy and glare that pulsed out from between them. 2) Izuku had never hated anyone more than he hated Shindou Yo in that moment. All of the frustration he tried to squash earlier when he first saw Shindou came back 100-fold. His eyes were firmly locked on Shindou as he seemed to do everything he could to touch Kacchan, and Izuku balled his fists up at his side. It took every last bit of focus he had not to throw himself into the fight.

“Woah, dude, are you ok?” Kirishima asked, hand on Izuku’s shoulder. Izuku tensed under the contact, eyes never leaving Shindou.

“I’m fine,” he mumbled, and Kirishima followed his eye line.

“Oh,” he said, “Right. That. Uh, you don’t have to worry about that.”

Izuku turned to Kirshima who smiled awkwardly.

“So, it’s obvious to you, too.”

“Yeah, they keep having these weird moments, but that’s all they are. Moments. It’ll pass,” Kirishima commented with a grin. Izuku’s eyes went back to the hero partners and Kacchan was pinning Shindou to the ground. Shindou didn’t say anything this time, but they shared a heavy eye contact that made Izuku furious. Then, they were back on opposite ends of the gym. Final Round.

“Of course. I mean, Kacchan and I used to share moments like that too,” Izuku said, giving Kirishima a pointed stare. He dropped his hand from Izuku's shoulder. “No big deal, right?”

They all had their eyes on the two heroes for the final round. Kacchan was breathing hard, his anger evident while Shindou faced him with a stone face. Kacchan yelled, charging at the other man. It was a flurry of kicks and punches while Kacchan splattered the fight in explosions and Shindou tried his best to get an open palm on any part of Kacchan’s body. Kacchan’s final mistake was an explosion to Shindou’s face that landed his palm too close, and Shindou took advantage, dodging the attack while placing his palm up to Kacchan’s. Kacchan’s body began to vibrate and he dropped to the ground, allowing Shindou to easily pin him. Shindou won.

As Shindou released the hold, Kacchan immediately began stomping towards the other side of the gym, towards the locker rooms. Kirishima followed after.

Shindou looked towards Izuku and Shouto, grinning.

“What did you guys think?” He asked, tone bright and happy. Izuku wanted to kill him, wanted to murder him, wanted to string him up by his stupid grin and watch as birds pecked out his eyeballs.

Izuku smiled slightly. As much as he could.

“Great match. You were great, Shindou.”

“Very well done,” Shouto commended.

“Thanks,” He said simply. “Looks like I might need to help out my hero partner, so I’ll see you two later.”

Before Izuku could tell him that was a bad idea for Kacchan and that he just needed space, Shindou was already out the room. Izuku sighed, and Shouto turned to him.

“You want to skin him alive, don’t you?” Shouto asked.

“Yes.”

“Feel like a drink?”

“Yes.”

Walking out with Shouto, Izuku had one lone thought: Breaking up with Kacchan was the worst decision he ever made.

Chapter Text

When Bakugou met Kirishima outside Endeavor Industries in his favorite black tank and sweatpants, he was still exhausted. He couldn’t sleep the previous night, the last few days swirling in his head and keeping him awake. To go from spending every moment with Deku, to be shunned by him, and then put in a horrible position to tie himself to a sadistic nutjob, Bakugou was not doing well. Apparently, it showed.

“Woah, walking dead coming through,” Kirishima said, Bakugou passing him to enter the building.

“Shut up,” Bakugou mumbled, halfheartedly.

“Just kidding, man. Rough night?” Kirishima asked, and he grabbed the inside of Bakugou’s forearm to stop him from getting on the elevator. Bakugou gave him a patented ‘What the fuck?’ look.

“I need us to talk before we go up there.”

Bakugou felt like he could hardly resist, and so he didn’t try, just turned his tired eyes to his best friend. Except his best friend was looking at him with pity, and he hated it.

“I’m fine,” Bakugou mumbled and Kirishima rolled his eyes.

“Yep, you look great. Top notch.” The sarcasm just made him even more tired. “What’s going on, man? I feel like there’s something I don’t know. Is this really all because of Shindou?”

No, not because of Shindou.

Well, shit, partially because of that bastard. But the image in his mind playing on repeat last night was the look on Deku’s face as he was breaking up with him. Or whatever the fuck you wanna call it. With this horrible ache in his chest, Bakugou was becoming more and more ok with calling it a break up. He couldn’t make Deku’s face disappear last night, green eyes brimming with tears and trying to will them down to look strong. Deku had gotten better at it over the years, but apparently Bakugou still had a talent for making him cry. Jesus.

And then there was the freak with brown eyes, and brown hair who felt like he could do whatever he wanted to Bakugou. He tried to tell himself that he hated it, that he hated how Shindou had already taken control over their partnership, how he had already stepped over his boundaries. But Bakugou was so tired, and his mind and body weren’t cooperating. More than once last night, he felt himself become heated at the thought of Shindou telling him what to do, taking what he wanted from him or even letting Bakugou do what he wanted to Shindou. He forced himself to think about other things as soon as he realized what was happening, but it didn’t stop him from getting hard every time. Fuck.

“You know you can talk to me, right? I’m quite possibly the only person who fully understands what’s going on.”

Bakugou shrugged, rubbing his face and eyes to try and wake up. Kirishima sighed.

“Ok, at least talk to me about why you and Midoriya aren’t hero partners anymore. This whole situation is fucked, but that’s the weirdest part for me.”

Bakugou, in all his thoughtfulness, had forgotten to mention that crucial bit of information when the Bakusquad ambushed him the other night. While Bakugou didn’t think it would help, he wanted very badly to get this day over with and crawl back into bed, so he caved.

“The short version is that Deku told me he loved me, and I didn’t say it back. And now we’re here.”

He didn’t think Kirishima would have such a visceral reaction to that, but his mouth dropped open as his eyes went wide.

“Why-What did you-How did-Why wouldn’t you say it back?!” Kirishima almost shouted the last part, and Bakugou whipped his head around to see if anyone happened to be in the lobby at the same time. Luckily, it was too late in the day for that.

“Because I fucking don’t. You got your information. Just drop it,” Bakugou said, his voice low. Kirishima rubbed his hands over his face, groaning into them.

“Bro! Your pride is going to kill you one day. And I’m just going to tell you, ‘I told you so!’”

Bakugou chose not to point out the contradiction in logic, and just pressed the button for the elevator again.

“Let’s just get this over with,” Bakugou said and they both entered the elevator and quickly found themselves on floor 7. The doors opened to a casual Shindou Yo in black tank and sweatpants, almost identical to Bakugou’s. Bakugou gave him a once over and sneered, which only made Shindou chuckle.

“You have good taste,” he teased with a smirk, and Bakugou walked past him, making sure to shoulder check him on the way into the conference room.

“How’s it goin’, man?” Kirishima asked, trying to make conversation with the devil while they followed him.

“Pretty well. I’m glad you’re here, Kirishima. You might be able to convince Bakugou of a few things.”

Bakugou’s head whipped to Shindou.

“Convince me of what?” he snapped.

“We’ll come to that,” Shindou said, perfectly at ease with how out-of-the-loop Bakugou felt. It was just another level where Shindou had full control and Bakugou had none.

They each chose to sit in the spots they took the previous day. Bakugou was almost surprised Shindou didn’t sit next to him, not that he wanted him to. Shindou passed a few pieces of paper to Kirishima and Bakugou.

The paper had two headings, one at the top and one halfway down: Phase 1 and Phase 2 respectively.

“Phase 1, in case you are wondering, is the first month of us being hero partners,” Shindou began explaining, reading the minds of the other two in the room. “Phase 2 will be for when we transition to a romantic relationship.”

Bakugou felt like he was going to be sick. God, they were really doing this, weren’t they? Kirishima looked at him with curious eyes. Bakugou chose to avoid eye contact.

“The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the physical nature of those two phases. It needs to look real, and so I think it’s appropriate for all of us to be on the same page with each phase so that no one’s boundaries get crossed.”

Bakugou openly scoffed, scowling in Shindou’s direction. Like he fucking cared about boundaries. Shindou kept his face blank, holding his hands up in surrender.

“I know, I know. I have not proven that I value that so far. However, from here on out, I’m not going to touch you outside of the boundaries that we set,” Shindou said, smirking finally. Bakugou hears the rest of the comment in his head: Unless Bakugou wants Shindou to touch him. Fucker.

“When you say physical nature, you mean…” Kirishima trailed off, obviously hoping Shindou would fill in the blanks.

“I mean: touching, arm across the shoulder, hugging, kissing, that sort of thing,” Shindou responded and Kirishima nodded. Bakugou’s stomach rolled violently and he did his best to keep his vomit down.

“Shall we get started? How about with touching?”

“Meaning?” Bakugou grumbled, already tired of this conversation that hadn’t even happened yet.

“Ok, let’s be more specific. I like to put my arm around people. The public knows this, and it tends to be a purely platonic action. Are you comfortable with that?” Shindou asked.

“No.”

“Wait, Bakugou, seriously?” Kirishima asked, and Bakugou shot him a glare.

“Let me make one thing perfectly clear. I am not comfortable with you touching me. Ever,” Bakugou growled at Shindou, who merely raised an eyebrow in acknowledgement. “However, I am currently not in a position where I can say no to this. If I was, I would not be here. I get you like to be touchy. Whatever. Just go with the bare minimum, and I’ll try not to make it look like I want to blast your face off.”

Shindou sighed.

“Fair enough. But you know, Bakugou, it might be helpful for you to get more on board with what’s happening.”

“And I think it might be helpful for you to go fuck yourself.”

Shindou’s eyes flashed, and he chuckled darkly.

“God, it is so hard to ignore you when you do that,” Shindou purred, his expression intense and focused on Bakugou. “Especially when you’re just begging me to do something about it.”

There was something in that fucking stare. Bakugou couldn’t look away. Apparently, he had no control over his body, because every part of himself felt heavy and tingling. He grasped his knees, digging his fingernails in to try and will the sensations out of him. But the longer Shindou looked at him like that, the longer Bakugou found himself taking slow, trembling breaths, and maybe he should just give in. Would it really be that bad? It might even be good. Really good. Maybe he should just-

“Can you guys stop doing that while I’m in the room?”

Bakugou was shocked out of his stupor, watching as Shindou blushed just as he had yesterday. He closed his eyes and thanked whatever god was listening that Kirishima was next to him.

“Stop doing what?” Bakugou grumbled. Kirishima rolled his eyes and gestured between the two of them.

“Eye fucking. Cut it out.”

Shindou’s blush grew deeper, and a sadist side of Bakugou relished it.

“I apologize. That was a slip up,” Shindou mumbled. “Let’s just get back to it.”

Apparently, it took multiple hours to go through all the ways that Shindou was going to touch him over the next 7 months. Jesus Christ. To his credit, there was no more “eye fucking,” and Bakugou felt himself slip into a comfortable space while they negotiated physicality.

“What do you mean, ‘where?’” Bakugou asked, leaning back in his chair with his feet on the conference room table.

“Do we want our first kiss to be more public, like at a party or would you rather do it on a date or what?” Shindou asked, notes drawn all over his piece of paper. His pencil was poised to take down Bakugou’s answer.

“Mina and I could throw a party for the class. You could introduce him and kiss him there,” Kirishima offered, and Bakugou rolled his eyes.

“Fine. Whatever.” Shindou scribbled down a note on his piece of paper.

“Ok, so by the next day we can call a press conference, or do an interview and talk out our new relationship. We would be official. What about after that?”

“What about it?”

“Where are your boundaries for kissing and hugging once our relationship is established?”

“I don’t hug,” Bakugou replied, and Kirishima grinned for some God forsaken reason.

“No, he doesn’t. Not even the people who’ve known him the longest.” Kirishima had a fond look on his face while he looked at Bakugou, as though he said something charming.

“No hugs then,” Shindou scribbled on his piece of paper. “Holding hands?”

Bakugou shuddered at the mental image. He can already feel his body becoming stiff at such a sweet gesture.

“No.”

Shindou tapped his pencil against his chin, looking at Bakugou curiously.

“Why’s that?”

“Too intimate.”

“Holding someone’s hand is intimate? That’s how middle schoolers start a relationship. How is that intimate?” Kirishima asked, and Shindou nodded in agreement.

Flashes of Deku went through his mind. Bakugou did not always imagine just jumping Deku one day as adults. Sometimes, when he was younger, Bakugou imagined what it would be like to instigate something with him. Like if they were out together, he would take Deku’s hand in his as a way of telling the other boy how he felt. Their fingers would slot together and Bakugou would rub his thumb across Deku’s. Deku would blush, because of course. But it wouldn’t be weird, because it was them. That shifted as Bakugou grew up, but the image stuck with him.

And Shindou was not Deku.

“No hand holding.”

Shindou rolled his eyes.

“Are you going to argue against kissing next?”

“Couples kiss in public, I get that. Like a goodbye kiss or what?”

Shindou suddenly looked very confused, and began assessing Bakugou, eye roaming all over him. There was something behind those brown eyes that made Bakugou feel like he was peeling away the layers of his outer shell without his permission.

“Kirishima, do you know where we can find some water bottles?” Shindou asked, turning his attention Kirishima, who nodded. “Do mind getting us some?”

Kirishima wisely looked to Bakugou, probably for permission to leave the room. He knew Bakugou couldn’t stand Shindou, and Kirishima would only leave him alone if he indicated it was ok. Bakugou glanced at Shindou, wondering what he was up to, and decided to nod in Kirishima’s direction. He left the room and Bakugou removed his feet from the conference room table. He wasn't about to let his guard down while he was alone with someone like Shindou.

“What’s up with you?” Shindou asked, his face carefully neutral.

“What the fuck does that mean?” Bakugou asked.

“How are you ok with kissing, but not with hand holding?”

“You sent Kirishima away for that question?”

“Yes, because if he was here you wouldn’t answer my next one.”

“Which is?” Bakugou asked, impatient with Shindou’s games.

“Who are you in love with?”

Fuck, he was just going to lay it all out there, wasn’t he? Shit, Bakugou could feel himself starting to blush and he willed it down.

“The fuck are you talking about?” Denial was the name of the game and he would play it for as long as he had to.

“You aren’t being subtle, Bakugou. I know you’re attracted to me, but you’re afraid of being vulnerable.”

“Excuse me?! I’m not afraid of anything!” Bakugou sneered.

Shindou lifted an eyebrow, and hummed in acknowledge. He stood up and walked around to table towards Bakugou, who cursed to himself. He should have known this asshole would try something the second a challenge came up. Bakugou crossed his arms over his chest, holding his head high defiantly. If this creep was going to do something, then Bakugou will meet him blow for blow.

Shindou sat on the table in front of him, his legs dangling on either side of Bakugou and he pretended not to notice. Shindou hooked his feet on Bakugou’s chair, bring it closer to the table and leaning over him to grasp at the back of his headrest, caging him in. Bakugou tried not to notice muscular arms moving into giant shoulders leading into pecs that Shindou’s tank top did nothing to hide. He forced his gaze to settle over Shindou's shoulder instead.

“I told you I wasn’t going to violate your boundaries anymore, and I meant it,” he said and Bakugou could feel his warm breath on his face. He shuddered, gritting his teeth against the onslaught of heat coursing through his veins.

“Then what do you call what you’re doing right now?” Bakugou asked through gritted teeth. Shindou moved his head slightly so that their eyes would catch each other’s. As soon as they locked, Shindou’s dark look caused a mixture of fear and excitement to course through him and he couldn’t stop the breath that hitched in this throat. Fuck fuck fuck!

“Pushing your boundaries,” Shindou said softly. “You know, I imagine if I kissed you right now, you would let me.”

Bakugou swallowed thickly, almost expecting it to happen. Would he let him if Shindou did try and kiss him?

“But if I were to stroke your face…” And Shindou lifted one hand off the chair, making the slow movements towards Bakugou’s cheek. Bakugou immediately shot out his hand and caught Shindou by the wrist.

“Don’t you fucking dare.” Bakugou said, and Shindou smirked.

“Exactly. You don’t have a problem with physicality, but you have a problem with intimacy.”

Well, welcome to Bakugou’s life. Shindou pulled his hand away and Bakugou’s hands fell to his lap.

“So who is it?”

Memories of Deku were once again running through his brain: eating, laughing, fucking, playing video games, doing anything. His brain stopped on a particularly nice image of Deku trying not to laugh while his face was full of food. Eventually he spewed it across the living room. Bakugou helped him clean it up, teasing him mercilessly until Deku was blushing, and they decided to make the floor messy for a completely different reason...

“Please!” Bakugou scoffed. “Just because I don’t want your hands on me-“

“And what about if I let you touch me instead?” Shindou asked, leaning away from Bakugou and onto his back on the table, propped up on his elbows. “What if I let you fuck me like I know you want to? Would you stroke my hair and kiss my face?”

His browns eyes smoldered, his eyebrow arched with that fucking smirk on his face. He was truly offering himself as a meal to Bakugou, and all he had to do was reach out and touch. It was tempting, so very tempting and Bakugou’s hands flexed on his lap with the restraint that he had. He was not going to do it.

“Why do you care?” Bakugou asked instead, and Shindou shrugged his shoulders.

“Because anyone who can hold your interest like this deserves a medal. Imagine: The great Bakugou Katsuki wanting to hold some random guy’s hand,” Shindou said mockingly.

Bakugou shot out of his seat, leaning on the table with both hands.

“Fuck. You,” he whispered. Shindou sat up from his position on the table, and suddenly their faces were way too close. All Bakugou had to do was lean in a few more inches…

“Tell you what,” Shindou said, breaking a bit of the tension, and Bakugou couldn’t tell if it was a good or bad thing. “How about we spar for it? Best out of five? If I win, you tell me who has your fancy.”

“And when I win?”

Shindou chuckled at the insinuation.

“If you win, I will never come further than three feet from you in private,” Shindou said. Fuck that sounded appealing. He was starting to hate how easily Shindou was able to toy with him. While Shindou could do a lot at three feet away, Bakugou’s brain and body were more on edge the closer he was.

“Best out of 5 then.”

Kirishima entered the room at that moment, which was a godsend. He tended to ground Bakugou in reality while Shindou snatched it away. Kirishima frowned, holding three water bottles.

“Well, at least you guys waited until I was out of the room this time.”

Shindou smiled brightly, and Bakugou was surprised to see Kirishima smiling back. This motherfucker was manipulative magic. Bakugou backed away a few feet from the table.

“Sorry, man,” Shindou responded, moving to stand up. “Bakugou and I are planning a sparring match. Wanna watch?”

Kirishima lit up at the thought.

“Oh awesome! I’ll go make sure the gym is available.”

Once more, he was gone, leaving two water bottles behind. Damnit! Bakugou was going to kill him for flippantly leaving him alone with Shindou again! Even though Kirishima was already in the elevator and on his way down, Bakugou made his way to the elevators himself, Shindou following shortly behind.

As the doors closed around them, Shindou decided to open his stupid mouth.

“It’s not Kirishima, is it?”

“Bite your fucking tongue.”

+++

Bakugou couldn’t stand people who entered his personal space, and this guy was the fucking worst offender. Touching him with intent was bad enough, but this weird ‘almost touching’ thing he’s doing is driving Bakugou insane! Shindou felt the need to walk shoulder to shoulder with him into the gym, causing their hands to brush.

“Sorry,” he said with a grin. “Didn’t mean to almost hold your hand.”

Shindou laughed and Bakugou huffed, walking faster to get away from him.

“Walk behind me, you poor excuse for a personal massager!” Bakugou growled.

“Did I strike a nerve, Bakugou?” Shindou called after him, and as Bakugou entered the gym, his eyes went immediately to Kirishima, who looked guilty. As he should.

“Sorry bro, I just got excited. At least you get to kick his ass, right?”

Bakugou frowned, barely registering Todoroki walking in their direction.

“Half and Half,” Bakugou acknowledged, not looking at his boss.

“Bakugou,” Todoroki returned, also not looking in the direction of his employee. Instead, his multicolored eyes were on Shindou, just walking in.

“I had no idea you were so sensitive,” Shindou threw at Bakugou with a smirk. He looked around the room and locked eyes with someone Bakugou just noticed as well: Deku.

He must have just finished working out, and hard. Deku always saved his Uravity outfits for days he needed a bit of extra motivation. Bakugou hated that he knew that about him.

Shindou grinned wide, yelling Deku’s name and jogging to go give him a hug. Bakugou didn’t know he could hate Shindou more than he already did, but watching him speak to Deku and hold him by his shoulders? Bakugou felt fucking murderous. This fight was very necessary.

Shindou flirted with the other man blatantly, and at one point shouted a comment that Bakugou barely caught about Deku’s ass. The idiot. Bakugou willed Shindou to stop touching the nerd through his stare. It didn’t work.

The next thing he heard was Deku calling to him, using his nickname. And shit, that did things to him. It had been over twenty-four hours since he heard a ‘Kacchan,’ and Bakugou never thought he would miss it this much. He hated to admit it, but he loved it back at U.A. In school, Bakugou used to dream about what it would be like to hear Deku moan that name for him. When he finally got to hear it in real life, it did not disappoint.

And the asshole had to go and ruin it.

“How is Midoriya the only one that gets to see your cute side, Kacchan?” Shindou yelled, and that caused Bakugou’s blood to boil. He didn’t even think before using his quirk to shoot himself across the gym, grabbing Shindou’s top and throwing him towards the center. Bakugou stalked towards Shindou, who wore a stupid grin on his face.

“You will never call me that, ever again,” Bakugou said lowly. Shindou stared into Bakugou’s red eyes, his face curious. It was like he was searching for something in particular. His expression dropped, replaced by shock.

“Oh my god,” Shindou whispered, and he glanced in Deku’s direction. “Does he know?”

Bakugou mentally shrugged off the question of how Shindou figured it out so quickly, needing desperately to kick this guy’s ass. He shoved Shindou, backing away himself.

“Are we doin’ this, or what?” Bakugou demanded, his rage escalating. Shindou could back out of the fight if he wanted to. He already knew Bakugou’s secret. But he wasn’t. Bakugou didn’t know why, but he wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. They both went to their separate ends of the gym. Then the fight began.

Bakugou barely acknowledged the fight as it took place. It was a flurry of kicks, quirks and evasive maneuvers. It didn’t much matter, except for who was going to win. And Bakugou got the first pin.

Seeing Shindou spread out underneath him, Bakugou tried not to think about his proposition from earlier. Shindou smirked, leaning forward to whisper to Bakugou.

“As much as I love you above me, I think this scene would be better if I dyed my hair green. What do you think?”

Bakugou growled, quickly removing himself from the pain-in-his-ass to run over to his side of the gym. Shindou followed shortly and they were off to Round Two. Shindou got in a particularly good shot, and Bakugou found himself underneath the asshole this time. He felt Shindou’s breath on his ear and suppressed a shiver.

“Just curious, did you ever bottom for him? You don’t seem the type.”

Bakugou barred his teeth and Shindou laughed, letting him go to move towards his side. Bakugou wondered if he would actually murder Shindou today. That would be worth his job. Round Three began. But Shindou was more on his game than Bakugou was, and Bakugou found himself underneath him yet again. He immediately began to struggle against Shindou’s hold and he doubled down, squeezing tightly.

“When are you going to learn that you are only making your life harder?” Shindou said lowly, glaring. He didn’t know why, couldn’t possibly understand, but the fight was draining from him the longer Shindou glared. Maybe he WAS making his life harder. Bakugou didn’t have it in him to deny much of anything at that moment and it all poured into his brain unfiltered. Fine, he was in love with Deku. Sure, he was attracted to Shindou and wanted him to do terrible things to his body. The denial seemed to matter less and less. When Bakugou’s body gave way completely, Shindou’s gaze changed to something softer. Bakugou could feel the open longing on his face, but he wasn’t quite sure what he was longing for. Shindou's face held that same hunger as he slowly lifted himself up and away from the man underneath him, back to his side of the gym. Bakugou took a moment to breath, trying to calm himself down, before he went to his side as well. Round Four.

The movements were different after that, but Bakugou couldn’t quite put his finger on it. The next thing he knew, Shindou was under him again. He felt his heart beating wildly and Shindou’s eyes strayed to Bakugou’s lips more than once. He must be feeling it too. The extra heat between the two of them was starting to affecting them both. They separated and Bakugou was unprepared for the feelings of anger to rise up in him. What was he letting Shindou do to him?! How was he so far out of his own control?! Why did he like it?

Bakugou yelled out at the start of the final round, trying to physically make sense of what was happening. The movements were sloppy and filled with the emotion that Bakugou hated showing in battle. One wrong move was all it took and Shindou was pinning him for a final time. Shindou won.

Bakugou couldn’t get out of Shindou’s hold fast enough, couldn’t get out of the gym fast enough. He stomped to the locker room, and heard footsteps following. As he entered the room, Bakugou whirled around to make sure it wasn’t Shindou.

Kirishima.

“What the hell was that?” Kirishima demanded, horrified.

“I lost. So what?” Bakugou grumbled, trying to play it off like it wasn’t a big deal. It was a very big deal.

“I’m not talking about the loss. I’m talking about the weird chemistry you and Shindou had.” Well, fuck. He didn’t think other people could see. “Do you like him?”

Bakugou scoffed. What a complicated fucking question! Did Bakugou enjoy spending time with him? No. Did Bakugou wonder about what it would be like to take his dick? Yes. Did Bakugou see himself going to the movies with that fucker? Hell no. Could Bakugou see himself being bent over a table with him? Hell yes.

“No, I don’t,” Bakugou settled on finally.

“Then why would you be all weird in front of Midoriya?”

“It wasn’t intentional,” was all Bakugou could say. What else was he supposed to say? He wanted to make Deku jealous? Bakugou wasn’t even thinking about Deku during the fight. In fact, the only times in the past few days he hadn’t been thinking about Deku was when he was around Shindou.

All of the adrenaline from the fight was leaving him, and he only had a deep sense of tiredness left. Bakugou sat on a bench, his eyes drooping and mind fuzzy.

“Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if Midoriya now thinks you two are fucking.”

“Let him think that.”

“How can you say that?” Kirishima demanded, obviously far too invested in this conversation.

“Cause he’s the one who left me, Kirishima!” Bakugou shouted, tired eyes finding Kirishima’s for one last bout of energy. “He’s the one who called it off. He’s the one who put love on the table. He’s the one who would rather be with Uraraka. So, fuck it. Let him think what he wants.”

Kirishima’s sadness read all over his face, and he moved to put a hand on Bakugou’s shoulder. Bakugou shook it off immediately.

“Just, don’t. Get out of here. I’m done talking about this. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Bakugou didn’t even look up but saw Kirishima nod out of the corner of his eye. Just as he turned around, Shindou entered.

“Just a sec, Kirishima. You might want to be around for this,” Shindou said, going to sit next to Bakugou on the bench. Kirishima turned back around, looking a bit lost.

“What do you want?” Bakugou mumbled. “You figured it out before we even started the match, so I guess I don’t really have a prize for you.”

“Well now that I know who it is, I can think of a better prize,” Shindou said, smirk returning to his face.

“Are you going to say me?” Bakugou deadpanned. Shindou laughed, an honest laugh that actually made Bakugou feel a bit better. Huh.

“No, no. Nothing like that,” He said, staring at Bakugou’s profile.

“I want to get you back together with Midoriya.”

Chapter Text

Izuku padded out into the living room in a t-shirt and sweatpants, a complete suite in either hand as he held them both high off the ground.

“Which one?”

“Not the pin striped one,” Shouto said without looking up from the large stack of paperwork on Izuku’s couch. Izuku frowned.

“You aren’t even looking.”

“Is there a pinstriped suit in your hand?”

“….Yes.”

“Then I don’t have to, do I?”

Izuku huffed, surveying the brown pinstriped suite in his right hand. Was it really that bad? He used to love it, but suddenly everyone was telling him it was horrible. Maybe it had always been horrible, and his friends were only now telling him the truth.

Izuku slumped back inside his bedroom, throwing the brown suite on his bed in favor of the silver suite in his left hand. He held it up to his body, looking into to the full-length mirror on his wall. Did this one really look much better? Izuku hated to wear or buy anything this plain but he wasn’t in a position to be choosey when he only owned two suites. And he had a date to get to.

With Ochako.

Izuku could feel the nerves flooding his stomach, causing it to roll violently. The clothes were dropped to the ground and Izuku squatted down low, taking deep breaths. Don’t throw up, don’t throw up, don’t throw up….

“I got to a stopping place,” Shouto said, walking through the open door to his bedroom. His eyebrows furrowed in concern. “Are you ok, Izuku?”

Izuku nodded furiously and waited until his stomach felt calmer before standing up and turning to face Shouto.

“I’m fine,” he said. “Just getting a bit nervous.”

“Do you need to sit down?”

Izuku waved off the concern, picking up the silver suite and dusting it off.

“No, I’m ok. Just, for a brief second I got caught up in the realty of…well, going on a date with Ochako again. I honestly never thought that would happen.”

Izuku said it sadder than he meant to, but being sad was where he was at these days. He so missed Kacchan in more ways than one, and would rather just watch a romantic comedy than go out. But he made these plans a week ago and he wasn’t going to back out now. Not that Izuku didn’t want to see Ochako! She was always fun to be around. The circumstances were the only issue he had.

“Thinking about Bakugou?”

Izuku nodded, taking off his t-shirt and beginning the process of putting on and buttoning the white button up.

“You really think it’s a good idea to go out with someone when your mind is on him?” Shouto asked, eyes unreadable.

“I don’t know. I think if I wait until I don’t love Kacchan anymore, I’ll be waiting a long time.”

Izuku buttoned the white shirt up the front and began fumbling with the wrist. Shouto wordlessly walked over and helped him, gracefully pulling the buttons through. Izuku wondered how many times Shouto had to wear a suite for his position as President of Endeavor Industries, having to button the wrist buttons on his own. He could probably do it in his sleep by now.

“You could at least wait a few weeks. So that it’s not so fresh.”

“I think you might be making a bigger deal out of this date than me. This is Ochako. We’ve been having coffee once a month since high school. This is just like that, only in a fancier setting.”

Izuku gave him smile and Shouto raised an eyebrow in disbelief. Once the wrists were buttoned, Izuku looked at the dark blue tie that accompanied the suite and shook his head. He immediately went to his closet and started searching.

“Even I know that calling an event a ‘date’ means that it’s more than coffee. What are you looking for?”

“My bowtie,” Izuku said, excitedly grabbing the dark green material upon sight. He turned around and held it up high in victory. Shouto smiled slightly, holding out his hand. Izuku placed the tie in Shouto’s palm, standing before him as his friend helped him tie it.

“No matter what, she is my friend. This is just a way for us to see if the old spark is still there,” Izuku said, lifting his chin slightly as Shouto expertly wove the fabric together and magically tied a bowtie.

“There,” Shouto said, adjusting it and stepping aside for Izuku to look at in the mirror. Izuku quickly lost his sweatpants, replacing them with the silver-grey slacks and shrugged on the silver-grey suite jacket. Stepping closer to the mirror, Izuku began adjusting his look. He looked pretty damn good.

If only Kacchan could see it.

“Now to do something about this,” Izuku commented, pulling at his green strands and trying to forget his previous thought. Shouto shook his head.

“I can’t help you with that.”

“Well, what do you do to make your hair all….” Izuku floundered a bit and decided on closing his eyes and using his hand to sweep something large off his shoulder, almost like he was someone with long hair, trying get it out of the way. Opening his eyes, Shouto looked quite affronted.

“I do not look like that.”

“Come on. You know what I mean.”

“I cannot possibly know what you mean. My hair dries like this.”

“Wait, you mean, no product or anything?”

Shouto shook his head and Izuku reached out, twirling some of Shouto’s hair in between his fingers. Silky. He dropped his hand and took a look at himself in the mirror again. He frowned.

“Well, I guess this will have to do, then.”

“You could shave your head.”

“Ok, now you’re really not helping.”

+++

He was late.

Izuku thought he left in plenty of time, but finding parking was a nightmare and he had to park multiple blocks away. He speed-walked down the block, ignoring the sweat the was starting to gather in his armpits. Izuku maintained it was because of the mild exercise and not the nerves.

It was not hard to spot her once he was in sight of the restaurant. God, Ochako looked beautiful. Her back was to him as she stared down the street, probably looking for Izuku’s car. She hadn’t grown much since high school, but the way she presented herself had certainly morphed. Her hair was longer now, to her shoulders and curled cleanly for the occasion. Ochako wore her red body contouring dress well, her shoulders invitingly open from the off-the-shoulder design. Her red high heels gave her added height and (Izuku was embarrassed to admit) gave her backside a lift that she hardly needed. As Ochako turned around, finally spotting Izuku walking up, he tried and failed not to notice the swell of her cleavage. She was stunning.

“I’m so sorry!” He called with an embarrassed grin, jogging the rest of the way to meet her. Ochako’s cherry lips lifted into a matching smile, instantly pulling Izuku into a hug. Her arms looped around his mid-section tightly, face plastered to his jacket. It was the first time in a while Izuku had been pulled into her curves like this, his heartbeat speeding up as he hesitantly placed his hands on her tiny waist.

Ochako pulled back but did not let go and Izuku stared down into her brown eyes.

“Hi,” she said softly.

“Hi,” he returned, just as softly.

“You look good.”

“You look better.”

Ochako’s eyes went wide and Izuku blushed with similar wide eyes, finally stepping back.

“I am so sorry,” Izuku said and Ochako’s grin told him that she was trying to keep from laughing.

“Why are you apologizing for complimenting me? I just didn’t know I was on a date with someone so smooth,” she said gleefully and Izuku laughed.

“Yeah, I don’t know who said that, ‘cause that was not me,” Izuku said. “But you do. Look better. Then me! Not than your yourself. You always look good. Not that I think about that a lot! Oh God, please put me out of my misery.”

Izuku placed his head in his hands, groaning. Ochako lightly touched his arm and he removed his hands from his face, looking down into her chocolate eyes once more.

“There’s the Izuku I know,” She smiled sweetly and Izuku returned the smile. He took a breath and held out his arm for her to take a hold of. She happily rested her hand onto his bicep, her black clutch in her other hand.

“I don’t think I ever asked if Italian was ok,” Izuku said as they walked into the restaurant together.

“Carbs and cheese? What’s not to love?”

It was the exact right atmosphere for a date: the lighting was low, helped by candles on every table. The music being play was slow, at just the right volume for ambiance. Izuku barely opened his mouth before the hostess began scrambling for a table for the two of them. They were seated immediately, while the waitstaff murmured various renditions of, ‘Is that Uravity and Deku together?!’ It was a booth in the corner, most likely saved for occasions such as these. After sliding in, Ochako leaned closer into Izuku’s space and Izuku was surprised at the flurry of excitement he got from the proximity.

“Remember when we used to dream about reactions like that?” She whispered and Izuku smiled.

“It never gets old.”

Their waiter walked to their table with poise and introduced himself as Yan before giving them short menus and explaining the specials. Yan handed Izuku the wine the list, and he could feel himself begin to sweat. He hummed while looking over the names of the wines, as though he had any clue what to choose. Ochako and Izuku weren’t dating while they were drinking… or at least drinking anything other than stale beer at one of Mina’s parties. Izuku barely drank, and when he did, it was not wine. Ochako slid closer to him and Izuku could feel her side mold to his. He breathed into the way his body to tingled where they touched.

“Go for the Moscato,” She whispered, small smile on her lips.

“Uh, we’ll have the uh, 2009 Rosatello Moscato. Bring the bottle,” Izuku said, unsure why he chose to deepen his voice while speaking to the waiter. Yan lifted an eyebrow.

“Very good choice, sir.”

As soon as the other man was out of sight, Ochako giggled openly.

“What? I’ve never ordered wine before!” Izuku protested, blushing and Ochako laughed outright, gaining some mild attention from the tables that bordered theirs.

“It’s just wine, ‘Zuku. I thought for sure after all you’ve accomplished, you’d have a little more confidence,” She said, taking her cloth napkin and draping it over lap. Ochako had yet to move away from Izuku and he found he was enjoying how close she was.

“I feel like being unconfident with new things is just part of my personality now,” he responded with a self-deprecating grin.

“Well, you’re certainly confident with other things,” Ochako said, looking up at him beneath her lashes. Was she…doing what Izuku thought she was doing? Ochako gently rubbed her fingers on the back of Izuku’s hand. Yep, yep she was. Izuku watched the contact, refusing to move. Izuku felt heat travel up his body where their hands touched and Izuku sat there, allowing Ochako’s gently probing fingers to make him tremble.

Their waiter glided to their table with a wine bucket and two glasses, and Ochako withdrew her fingers much to Izuku’s disappointment. Setting the glasses down, Yan removed the bottle of Moscato from the win bucket and presented it on his arm to Izuku. He watched Izuku expectantly and Izuku nodded, hoping that was what the waiter wanted. Yan poured a glass for him and once again watched Izuku, waiting for a response. Izuku glanced at Ochako and she leaned over, whispering in his ear.

“You’re supposed to taste it,” she whispered and Izuku smiled at her warm breathe on his neck. He took the glass of wine, swirled it like he has seen in movies and took a sip. Fruity and very sweet. No wonder Ochako ordered this one!

“Uh, yes,” Izuku said, trying and failing to sound confident. “That’s…. uh…. that’s certainly… wine.” The waiter nodded, gliding away, and Izuku let out the breath he didn’t realize he was holding. Ochako burst out laughing, ignoring the looks the other patrons gave her.

“Has anyone told you that its rude to laugh at your date?” he asked, mock-narrowing his eyes at her. She toned it down to a giggle behind her hands.

“I’m sorry, I’ll stop.”

This all should have been awkward. They should be fumbling around each other, talking over one another and not making eye contact. As Izuku took another sip of his wine, he realized that they would never be that way. Their friendship was too strong, and their potential for a new relationship? More than Izuku could have ever hoped.

“So I heard about you and Bakugou.”

He spoke too soon. Izuku swallowed thickly, trying to remain casual though every nerve ending was on fire at the mention of Kacchan’s name.

“What uh, what did you hear about us?” Izuku asked, playing with the stem of his wine glass instead of looking at her.

“That you two are finding new hero partners. Shouto accidentally let it slip,” Ochako revealed, taking the bottle of Moscato and pouring herself a glass. The tension in Izuku’s body dissipated. Good, she probably doesn’t know anything else.

“Yeah. That has… not been great,” Izuku said, feeling comfortable enough to make eye contact again. Ochako was giving him sympathy eyes. Izuku almost felt guilty that she didn’t have the whole story.

“You wanna talk about what happened?”

Oh, you know. Kacchan and I just had sex one too many times, and I caught feelings, and now every time I look at him I want to punch him and make out with him simultaneously. And his new partner is a dick.

“Not really,” Izuku replied instead, boldly reaching over to lay his hand on Ochako’s. She looked at him, surprised for a moment, before turning her hand over to interlace their fingers. Her smile was shy this time, and Izuku’s heart warmed at the expression. “It’s just Kacchan being Kacchan.”

Ochako nodded.

“Let’s talk about you’ve been up to.”

+++

The conversation flowed freely, as did the memories and the laughter. More than once they had to motion for each other to “tone it down” when they got too out of hand. It was hard to remember that they were not still at UA, sneaking out to watch the stars and make love without the dorms hindering them. Thankfully Tenya still doesn’t know about that.

The empty tiramisu plate in front of them let Izuku know that their date was coming to an end. Ochako leaned back, puffing out her stomach in her dress dramatically. Izuku was already in the process of signing the card statement from the restaurant, tipping well for Yan putting up with them.

“I’m so full,” she whined, smile on her face. “This dress does nothing but hurt my puffy stomach now.”

“Let’s get you and your puffy stomach out of here, then.”

Ochako put on her best ‘How dare you!’ face, eye mock-glaring.

“You’re supposed to tell me I look beautiful, not puffy!” Izuku grinned evilly.

“Why can’t you be both?”

Ochako huffed, lightly hitting him on the shoulder, but Izuku knew when she was just being playful. They scooted out of the booth and Izuku once again held out his arm to her. She took his hand instead, interlacing their fingers. Izuku blushed but did nothing to stop their hands dangling between them as they walked out of the restaurant.

Looking up at the night sky, Izuku barely saw any stars from the city light, but the moon was beautiful and reflected off of Ochako’s face, making her glow. She stared up at him and Izuku felt a little lost.

“Where’d you park?” She whispered. The moment seemed delicate, like talking to loudly could ruin it. Izuku understood.

“A few blocks that way,” he answered lowly, gesturing lightly with his head but not taking his eyes off her. “I could take you home.”

“No,” she said. “I want to end the night right here. I already called an uber while you were in the restroom.”

Izuku didn’t know what to make of that. He thought the night was going well, but maybe she didn’t think so. However, as a car pulled up, Ochako released his hand to place all of her fingertips together. She floated up barely, enough to put her at eye level with him.

“Good night, Izuku,” she whispered, lightly touching her lips to his. Izuku slowly moved his in response, eyes closing as his heart thundered in his chest. It was chaste and quicker than Izuku would have liked, and she leaned back, pressed her fingertips together again and whispered, ‘Release.’

She smiled as the uber driver opened the door for her. Izuku kept his eyes on her as she waved, the car beginning to move away. Izuku waved back, and watched as it sped off down the street.

He took a moment to marvel at Ochako, and then was off down the street to his car. He happily went over the date in his mind, blushing at the thought of Ochako and how forward she was through the whole thing. It just made everything so much easier, allowed Izuku to get lost in the night.

Izuku made it home, only to find Shouto already left and all of his paperwork gone. He grinned as he undid his bowtie, humming lightly as he took off his jacket. Everything was perfect.

It wasn’t until he entered his bedroom, seeing the Ground Zero alarm clock that he even remembered what happened a few days ago.

It was like it was happening all over again.

He couldn’t stop the tears from coming, and once they started, they fell hard and fast. This wasn’t right. It wasn’t how it was supposed to be. He was supposed to have been on this date with Kacchan. He was supposed to be with him tonight.

His date with Ochako had been so perfect, that he had forgotten that Kacchan couldn’t love him like that. He couldn’t be the man that Izuku needed. And yet, he couldn’t stop thinking about them, together.

He was still crying when he unplugged the alarm clock. He walked to his garbage can with tear stains and threw it in, slamming the lid closed.

He couldn’t get rid of Kacchan’s memory overnight, but maybe this was a start.

Chapter Text

“Get that fucking thing away from me! The papers are gonna have a field day with this. ‘New Partner stitches up Ground Zero haphazardly. Medics few feet away.’”

“Wrong. They’ll read, ‘Grand using medical training to help new partner. Could there be something more between them?’”

Bakugou glared at Shindou from his position on the ground, legs stretched out before him. Ambulances, firetrucks and EMTs surrounded them. Shindou crouched near his partner, steadying his right leg with one hand and holding a needle and surgical thread in the other. He kept trying to come at the deep gash in Bakugou’s leg and Bakugou kept batting his hand away.

The two partners had just finished a pretty epic battle, involving at least three different agencies and pro heroes that were higher up on the food chain than Ground Zero and Grand. They were officially on recovery duty as soon as anyone in the Top Ten arrived, and Bakugou had gotten a pretty nasty gash trying to get some brats out of the way of a flying pole.

It had been a week since their sparring match, and something had shifted between Bakugou and Shindou. Nothing significant, but Bakugou wasn’t trying to actively hate him anymore. Not that the little shit wasn’t doing enough to get Bakugou to hate him on his own, but he wasn’t going out of his way to seek the emotion. Sometimes, Bakugou even could feel… neutral in his presence. Imagine that.

“Where the fuck did you even get that thread?” Bakugou demanded, holding Shindou’s wrist as he tried to go after his wound again.

“I told you. I am a licensed Paramedic. I got my training after finishing high school. I am allowed to do shit like this.”

Shindou was becoming irritated at Bakugou’s stubborn behavior, and if there was anything that Bakugou enjoyed about Shindou, it was irritating him. He smirked.

“You aren’t even going to give me something to bite down on?” He asked, and watched as Shindou’s eyes locked with his, flashing darkly.

“Yeah? You want something stuffed in your mouth, Bakugou?” Shindou purred and Bakugou ground his teeth against the heat of the innuendo.

So, that hadn’t changed. Shindou used most opportunities to make something sexual, just to get a rise out of Bakugou. It usually worked in more ways than one. Bakugou didn’t like to think about the sexual energy between the two of them, so he didn’t. But he wasn’t going to deny it anymore, either. Changing the subject was usually the best way to ward off any unnecessary reactions that Shindou gave him.

“Fucking fine. But if it gets infected, you’re taking me to the hospital,” Bakugou growled. Shindou smiled, placing his left hand around the back of Bakugou’s neck in an intimate hold. He tried flinching away but Shindou had a strong grip and kept him still.

“Smile pretty for the cameras,” He said, and sure enough, dozens of flashes went off, capturing Shindou’s very real looking smile and Bakugou’s very real looking scowl.

+++

The next day, Bakugou made the error of trying to get a cup of coffee in the break room of Endeavor Industries. It was a rookie mistake, as every time he left his office, he was bombarded by someone he didn’t want to talk to. Glaring at everyone he passed in the hopes that no one would try and start a conversation, Bakugou breathed in the solitude of the tiny little nook where he could get a cup of coffee. It was barely a room, more just a collection of shelves and cabinets, and a few coffee makers. Someone had already brewed a new batch, and Bakugou was in the process of grabbing a mug when Shindou was all over him. When the fuck did he even come in? The room was tiny enough as it was, without the behemoth that was Shindou Yo trying to crowd his space and show him the latest gossip mag. All he wanted was a shitty cup of coffee. Jesus. Bakugou twisted his face to the side when Shindou thrust the paper too close.

“Personal space, fucker,” Bakugou said, shoving Shindou back. The asshole didn’t even have the curtesy to look upset, just kept pointing to the front page.

“Phase 1 is under way!” He kept saying excitedly, and Bakugou tried to take a closer look at the picture. It was a pretty incriminating shot: Shindou looked about ready to pull Bakugou in for a kiss. No one would have known that they were arguing just moments before.

The headline read: ‘Just partners or something more?’

“Is this what is supposed to make Deku come running back?” Bakugou said in disgust. If all Shindou had up his sleeve was jealousy, Bakugou could do without his help. Shindou laughed.

“Uh, no. Just the first part. Believe me, it’ll take a lot more than this for someone like Midoriya to come crawling back to you.”

Bakugou scowled, and Shindou grinned wide. He tended to be really excited whenever talking about the whole ‘Make Deku want Bakugou again’ plan. Bakugou wasn’t sure if it was the manipulation that was getting Shindou off or what, but he didn’t look this happy talking about anything else.

“And the rest of the plan is….?”

“Part of it will be getting Midoriya to hate me.”

“You’re just going to be yourself, then?” Bakugou asked with a smirk, finally grabbing his mug and pouring himself a cup of coffee. Bitter, disgusting, but it got the job done. Shindou smiled, leaning against the wall behind him. His eyes focused on Bakugou, gaze heating in that now familiar way.

“Anyone ever shut you up with their cock?”

Bakugou did a spit take, coffee spewing onto the floor. He coughed, beating his chest a little. Goddamn, Shindou was getting more and more lewd by the day.

“Everything ok there?” Shindou asked innocently, and Bakugou sneered in between coughs. Not exactly the stuff of nightmares, but the look got the point across. Unfortunately, Shindou thought the point was ‘get as close to Bakugou as you can without touching him.’ Shindou placed his hands calmly behind Bakugou on the counter, making sure Bakugou couldn’t get away. Bakugou could feel the warmth radiating from his body, and he shut his eyes tight, trying to take a breath. He just needed to change the subject. He opened his eyes to see Shindou staring at his lips, before brown eyes met red. Fuck. Just change the subject! CHANGE THE SUBJECT!

“No one’s ever done that you before, have they? Made you choke on their dick? At least, not yet,” he said with a smirk.

Jesus Christ, why the fuck was this getting him hot?! Just talk about something else. Anything but Shindou’s cock, and lips, and how great his ass has been looking lately. This is not helping!

Luckily, he didn’t have to think of something to say, because Deku walked into the break room at the exact right time. Green and red eyes locked briefly before Deku gasped.

“Oh! Oh, no. I’m so sorry,” Deku exclaimed, high pitched as he turned his back on the two of them. Shindou gave Bakugou a grin, which he did not return, before backing away a few feet.

“You’re cool, man. Nothing to see here anyway,” he said, and Deku slowly turned his head to confirm. He looked relieved, but was not meeting Bakugou’s eyes as he turned around fully. Shindou turned to Bakugou, suddenly surprised.

“Shoot. Completely forgot. I still need to take care of that paperwork,” Shindou said and it took everything in Bakugou not to roll his eyes. “See you two later!”

Shindou made sure to give Bakugou a thumbs up from behind Deku’s back, the nerd still stuck in place. This was a little bit of an awkward situation. Bakugou couldn’t be 100% certain he wasn’t about to make bad decisions before Deku appeared, but he tried to focus on the man in front of him. He sure as shit was fucking up any alone time with Deku because of Shindou.

“I’m just…. here for some coffee. So sorry,” he mumbled, eyes fixed on the ground. Bakugou smirked internally, trying to keep his face neutral. He was so fucking cute.

“Go ahead,” Bakugou challenged, knowing that the nerd would be extremely close to him in trying to retrieve his coffee. He motioned to the pot to his right. “Coffee’s right there.”

Deku continued to avoid eye contact, slowly moving to grab the handle of the pot. He made an awkward amount of room between them, practically bending himself horizontal to avoiding touching Bakugou. Bakugou smirked when Deku realized he didn’t have a cup to pour it in.

“Uh, Kacchan?” He asked, and fuck, it was worth the awkwardness to hear that name again.

“Yeah, Deku?” He answered.

“I think the coffee cups are behind your head,” He said, continuing to have a staring match with the floor. Joke’s on him. There’s no way Bakugou was moving until the nerd looked him dead in the eye.

“What’s that?” Bakugou said, pretending not to hear.

“The coffee cups are in that cabinet,” Deku repeated but he still wasn’t looking at Bakugou.

“You’re mumbling, Deku.”

Deku sighed, finally looking up and into Bakugou’s eyes. The clash of red and green created a fire inside him, one that Bakugou wanted to burn forever. Deku bit his bottom lip nervously, eyes wide and vulnerable. Shit. There was no way Deku didn’t know what he was doing. Bakugou wanted to bite that lip for him, make him groan the way he used to. Make him stutter out Bakugou’s nickname wantonly, right there in the middle of their damn break room.

He settled for clenching his fists, and breathing deeply.

“Can you get me a cup, Kacchan?” he asked, and fuck, two times in a span of a few minutes? Felt like Bakugou’s fucking birthday. Bakugou kept his eyes on Deku as he reached behind himself to get what turned out to be a dark green mug. He held it out and Deku took it, looking away again. He silently poured his cup of coffee, placing the pot back in its rightful place and turned around to leave. Bakugou suddenly felt panicked. He had to get Deku to stay. They didn’t have moments like this anymore. He couldn’t miss his shot! Just a little bit longer…

“Uh, how’s your new partner?” He asked quickly, causing Deku to stop. When he turned around, his eyes were wide with surprise.

“She’s…she’s good. Yuri. She’s…. a good hero.” Deku stuttered and stopped, and while this was very Deku and Bakugou was glad to have it, Bakugou also remembered the days were Deku wasn’t nervous to be around him. Were those days over?

“That’s good,” Bakugou mumbled, suddenly very self-conscious about their conversation. He hadn’t thought they’d revert back to high school, where they could barely string two sentences of a conversation together. Still, Deku wasn’t leaving the room yet.

“How’s…uh, how’s Shindou working out?” Deku’s face seemed to close off while mentioning him. Huh.

“He’s a dick,” Bakugou replied easily.

“Well, he can’t be all bad. Everyone keeps talking about you two,” Deku said, shyly. The press did seem to find the two heroes interesting, though Bakugou was never sure why. It might have something to do with the juxtaposition of their natures: In front of the camera, Shindou is all happy smiles, while Bakugou is all scowls. Even Deku’s smiles were more tough and determined than Shindou’s after a battle.

“Don’t know why. He’s always annoying the shit out of me.”

Deku nodded.

Bakugou never remembered Deku being this quiet before. He always had something to talk about. Especially around new heroes and their powers. Deku had never fanboyed out on Shindou yet, and Bakugou was surprised he was keeping himself so tight lipped.

“You know, he’s able to focus his tremors onto a single line in the ground now,” Bakugou tested, wondering if Deku would take the bait.

“Wait, really? Can he create fault lines?” Deku asked instantly, his energy lifted. The spark was starting to come back into the nerd’s eyes. Bakugou smirked. Hook, line and fucking sicker.

“Don’t think so. At least I don’t think he’s ever tried something that powerful.”

“Has he ever tried to focus his energies into the Earth, like perpendicular?” Deku asked excitedly.

“Not that I know of,” Bakugou said, trying to keep his cool while also feeding off Deku’s excitement. God, he missed this. “You can come by during one of our training sessions and see, if you want.”

“Oh,” And Deku’s face fell again, eyes cast to the ground. It was like all the energy that was being stored up in his body just left. Damnit. What did he say? “I don’t want to intrude on you two.”

Bakugou scoffed.

“Believe me, you’d be welcome.”

“You should talk to Shindou though. You guys probably have special partner things you like to do.”

“What?” Bakugou asked, suddenly very suspicious. “He doesn’t give a shit. He barely notices I’m there half the time.”

Deku shook his head furiously, his hands clenched in front of him. When his eyes met Bakugou’s again, there was an anger that Bakugou didn’t recognize.

“Stop, Kacchan. Just, stop.”

“Stop what?” Bakugou asked, hesitantly. He wasn’t sure when the fight started, but it started.

“Stop treating me like I’m stupid. Like I don’t see what’s going on,” Deku said louder, and Bakugou found himself too shocked to move. What the fuck was happening?

“What do you think is going on, Deku?”

“I saw you,” Deku said, and tears were starting to spring to his eyes. Shit. “I saw you two during your sparring match and I saw how you two were…were…”

Kirishima’s words were ringing in his ears. Deku thought they were sleeping together. That they were a couple. Bakugou stepped forward, hoping to get closer.

“Deku, nothing’s going on.”

Deku shook his head again, obviously not believing the words.

“It’s true,” Bakugou said, taking a few more steps and reaching out his hand to place it on his shoulder. Deku let him, though he wasn’t calming down. “We’re just hero partners. Nothing more.”

“Maybe nothing is going on now. But it will,” Deku said angrily, wiping away a few of his tears. Bakugou quirked an eyebrow.

“What is that supposed to mean?” He asked. Deku just rolled his eyes.

“I know you, Kacchan. Something will happen between you two.”

Was…was Deku calling him a slut? There’s no possible way, right? Bakugou was getting pissed off, now. What, because Bakugou slept with Deku, Deku thought he just went around sleeping with anyone with a dick? What the fuck?

“That doesn’t make any fucking sense! Jesus, why the fuck would you even care? You don’t get to care who I sleep with. We were never even fucking together!”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he regreted them. He instantly tried to take them back, his face going slack and his mouth stuttering. But it was too late. Deku shrugged his hand off his shoulder, crossing his arms over himself. His face was hardened in a way that told Bakugou that he royally fucked up.

“You’re right. Why should I care? There is no reason we should care about each other. Probably never was. Good to know how you feel.”

Fuck! Shit! No! That wasn’t what he meant! That wasn’t what he wanted to say! Without another word, Deku turned around and walked off, leaving Bakugou to fist his blonde hair in self-hatred. He fucked it up again. How did he fuck it up again? Bakugou hit the nearest counter with his fist, growling.

Swiftly, Bakugou made his way back to his office, throwing open the door to find Shindou sitting at Deku’s old desk. Shindou looked up, probably surprised at the intense energy Bakugou exuded. Bakugou took one look at Shindou, and only felt anger. Why was he trying so damn hard to curb his desire for this guy? For who? Deku? For the man who wouldn’t believe him even when he said nothing was going on? Was he really trying so hard to keep everything in check in the hopes that Deku might think better of him? That Deku might be grateful? That Deku might think he was special in Bakugou’s eyes?

Fuck. That.

Bakugou grabbed Shindou by his dress shirt, slamming him against the nearest wall. Bakugou’s diploma shook with the force. Shindou looked stunned, and completely overwhelmed. Good.

“Do you know how much I fucking hate you?” Bakugou spat, hands still fisted in the dress shirt. Shindou shook his head at the rhetorical question. “God, so fucking much. It’s disgusting. I shouldn’t have all this hatred for one person, and some of it is probably misplaced, but it doesn’t change the fact that I despise everything about you.”

Shindou wisely chose to stay silent.

“And yet, somehow,” Bakugou continued. “Somehow, every time I think about you, I want to rip every piece of clothing off your body and tear you apart on my cock. I want to let you do disgusting things to me while I can’t do anything to stop you. I want us to destroy each other.”

Shindou swallowed, his pupils dilating. Perfect.

“I’m done pretending that I want anything different. So, I’m going to ask you a question. And you’re going to be fucking honest for once in your goddamn life. Do you want me?”

Shindou hesitated a moment, seeming to think it over.

“Well, I ac-“

Bakugou lifted him away from the wall only to slam him against it again. Shindou groaned on impact.

“Yes or no. Do you want me or not? Cause I will gladly take this offer elsewhere,” Bakugou growled, and Shindou took a few deep breathes. Too long passed without Shindou doing anything, and Bakugou was about to leave altogether. If this guy didn’t want it, he knew of plenty who would.

Then the smirk appeared.

“Yes.”

Bakugou slammed his mouth against Shindou’s.

Chapter Text

Bakugou slammed his mouth against Shindou’s.

Shindou’s shock in the moment allowed Bakugou to slip his tongue inside easily, letting their tongues tangles as he tightly fisted dark hair. Shindou groaned at the ferocity of his touch, grabbing Bakugou’s waist and pulling their bodies flush from head to toe. Shindou's hands explored the planes of Bakugou's back and he lightly rolled his hips where they connected. Bakugou hated the groan he let out, and hated more the smirk Shindou gave him for it. Bakugou gasped as Shindou continued to roll his hips, even as Bakugou tried to regain some control. Bakugou let out a soft curse, his free hand untucking the Shindou shirt from his slacks, reaching underneath.

Shindou broke their kiss to moan as Bakugou first glided his fingertips over his cock, their lips still close enough that Bakugou could feel the vibration of the sound on his face. His fingers traveled upwards, raking his fingernails up and down Shindou's toned abs before starting on his belt.

“Ok, we gotta slow – holy shit –“ Bakugou licked the hallow of his throat, biting at his jaw. “Gotta slow down.”

Despite his words, Shindou took Bakugou by the back of his head, grabbing at his spikey hair and melding their mouths together again.

“You slow down, you die,” Bakugou growled against his mouth, unbuttoning Shindou’s slacks and pulling down the zipper. Shindou’s hands covered Bakugou’s, stopping them from moving.

“Are we really about to do this?” Shindou asked, pupils blown wide and eyelids drooping. “We’re in the middle of the office where anyone could hear us.”

“Then you’ll just have to be quiet, won’t you?” Bakugou said, reaching into Shindou’s underwear and grasping a firm hold on his dick. Shindou groaned, head hitting the wall behind him. Well, well, well. This dude was packing. Bakugou thought for sure the cocky attitude meant he was gonna have to deal with a tiny dick, but thankfully that was not the case.

Things were gonna need to speed the fuck up. So far, Shindou held himself back, allowing Bakugou to do all the work. That was not what Bakugou signed up for. If he knew Shindou would be this passive, he’d have gone anywhere else. Bakugou leaned in so that his mouth was near Shindou’s ear, just as he started to slowly move his hand along the man’s cock.

“You’re not chickening out, are you?” Bakugou whispered, watching Shindou groan and move his hips in time with Bakugou’s hand. “I would hate to think you’ve been all talk.”

Shindou’s eyes locked with Bakugou’s. If he thought Shindou’s eyes were intense in everyday life, it was nothing to how he looked aroused. Bakugou shivered under the stare, faltering in his rhythm. Shindou pulled Bakugou’s hand away from his cock, holding both of his wrists in his hands lightly.

“Believe me, you aren’t ready for what I want to do to you,” Shindou said, holding harder to Bakugou’s wrists as he tried to move away. “But I don’t mind you doing a few things to me.”

Shindou moved his head down and sucked on the juncture of Bakugou’s neck. Bakugou groaned, leaning his head to the side for Shindou to have more access.

“Tell me, Bakugou,” Shindou murmured against his skin. “You wanna make love to me like I’m your precious Midoriya?”

“Shut the fuck up,” Bakugou growled, hating how Deku’s name entered this. Hating how it made him feel guilty for even a moment.

“Or do you want to do something… different?” he asked mischievously, licking and biting his way down Bakugou’s neck before dropping to his knees. Bakugou watched with heavy lidded eyes as Shindou, somehow still looking smug, undid Bakugou’s belt and unzipped his pants before pulling everything down. Bakugou hissed at the feeling of the cool air, looking down as Shindou took his cock in hand. Shindou didn’t take his eyes off of Bakugou’s face as he placed his mouth around the tip and sucked like a fucking vacuum cleaner. Bakugou cursed loudly, covering his mouth too late. Not like people around the building weren’t used to his cursing, anyway. Shindou winked from his position on his knees and Bakugou had the sudden urge watch him choke on him.

Bakugou grabbed at Shindou’s hair, pulling his mouth further onto his dick. Shindou moaned wantonly, his smug expression replaced with look of desperation at the harsh treatment. Bakugou grinned, pushing Shindou’s face even closer and his cock sliding further into the man’s mouth, touching near the back of his throat. Shindou whimpered, grabbing at Bakugou’s thighs and begging with his eyes. Bakugou pulled Shindou completely off him, fisting his hand in Shindou’s hair as the man gasped, looking debauched.

“Are you trying to make me to fuck your mouth?”

Shindou’s eyes twinkled as he breathed heavily.

“Don’t be so surprised. Who doesn’t like a little abuse now and then?”

Is that what they were doing? Holy shit. Bakugou refused to think about it, instead focusing on the power high that coursed through his veins at what Shindou was asking of him.

“You want my cock down your throat that badly?”

Shindou nodded as best he could from his position.

“Then say it.”

Shindou lifted an eyebrow with the shadow of a smile on his face. But it didn’t take away from the desperation already embedded there. He licked his lips and Bakugou followed the movement with his eyes.

“Please…. please Bakugou,” Shindou whimpered. “Fuck my mouth. Cum down my throat.” Bakugou knew the man was playing with him and he didn’t fucking care. Bakugou grabbed at brown hair with both hands leading him back to his cock as Shindou opened his mouth wide, shutting his eyes.

Bakugou started off slowly, seeing where Shindou’s limits were. As he pushed into Shindou’s throat, cursing against the moan that the other man let out, he found that Shindou had no gag reflex. The more he pushed in, the more the other man groaned and clawed at his thighs until Shindou’s nose was buried in Bakugou’s pubic hair. Shindou’s eyes were screaming at him: ‘More, more, more.’ So he gave him more.

Bakugou moved faster, spurred on by Shindou’s whines and groans. He watched enraptured by Shindou’s mouth taking him again and again, moaning at the feel of the warmth and wetness he provided.

“Shit. You’re so fucking good at this,” Bakugou murmured, rewarded by Shindou crying out and thrusting his hips in the air, trying to find some sort friction. Fuck, that was hot.

“So perfect. Like your mouth was made for my cock,” Bakugou continued, encouraged by the sounds of Shindou’s frustration as he continued to try and hump into nothing. He wasn’t even trying to jerk himself off. Bakugou wanted to see Shindou pleasure himself like this, unable to contain himself as someone took their pleasure from him.

“Get your dick out."

Shindou hurriedly took himself out the confines of his pants, squeezing his cock as precum dribbled from the tip. Fuck, he wasn’t even stroking himself as he looked into Bakugou’s eyes, pleading. Hold the fuck up. Shindou was waiting for him. Waiting for permission. Holy shit. Bakugou groaned against the knowledge that he had the power over Shindou’s orgasm, that Shindou wanted him to have it. The man was lucky that Bakugou wanted to see him fall apart.

“Go ahead,” Bakugou said, never letting up on his pace in Shindou’s mouth. “Wanna see you cum while I fuck you.” Shindou whimpered again, stroking himself in time with Bakugou’s thrusts and Bakugou felt himself starting to lose control. Shindou’s mouth and throat continued to vibrate around him from Shindou’s sounds, and Bakugou could feel them both about to near their peak.

Bakugou's orgasm hit him like a slap in the face, pumping into Shindou’s mouth and coming harder than he had in a long fucking time. He felt Shindou’s deep groan as he finished, spilling himself on the floor as Bakugou continued to thrust lazily. Bakugou kept them in that position for a beat, both panting heavily as they regained their composure. He slipped out of Shindou’s mouth slowly, grabbing some tissues from inside his desk and wiping off the mess on the floor, along with himself. Bakugou pushed himself back into his pants, zipping them up and buckling his belt. Shindou hadn’t even moved yet, his hands on his knees as he breathed heavily.

As if finally realizing what was happening, Shindou tucked himself back into his pants, zipping and buckling everything up before turning his head in Bakugou’s direction.

“That was good,” Shindou said, staring at Bakugou with a small frown, as though he were surprised. Bakugou narrowed his eyes.

“You’re welcome.”

Shindou huffed out a small laugh, lifting himself off the ground. They stood and stared at each other, assessing the other in light of everything that just happened. Bakugou felt the sudden urge to hug the other man, rub his back or do something else that was equally stupid and unlikely. He tried not to think about where the fuck that came from.

“I’m not going to hold you,” Bakugou said. Shindou shrugged.

“I don’t want to be held.”

Bakugou hummed in acknowledgement.

“What the fuck are we supposed to do now?” Bakugou had never done anything like this before. He'd had some quickies in a bathroom stall at a bar, but nothing where he has to see and interact with the person the next day. He was at a loss as to the next step.

“Get back to work, probably.”

A practical idea. Bakugou nodded slowly, but did not move from his spot. He was having trouble not replaying what they just did in his mind. The images ran on loop with the background sound of Deku’s words from the break room. It was striking and horrible and Bakugou had no one to blame but himself. He suddenly felt ill.

“I gotta go,” Bakugou mumbled, slipping past Shindou and out of the door. Speed walking through the halls, he briefly passed Todoroki who lifted his eyebrows at Bakugou. Neither or them said anything and he continued his pace out of the building.

+++

Bakugou showed up at the extravagant home outside of town an hour later. The teal building stuck out from the brick homes that surrounded it and Bakugou already knew that the HOA was going to be on their ass. But that’s what you get when you allow Ashido Mina to move into your neighborhood.

Bakugou knocked on the red door, not so subtly peeking through the open windows to see if anyone was home. He saw Kirishima talking to someone on the phone, and the red head quickly noticed Bakugou’s snooping. Kirishima waved at him, and the blonde scowled, motioning for the door. Kirishima ran to open it for him, smiling wide with his phone clutched to his chest.

“What’s up, man? Don’t you have work today?”

“I fucked Shindou.”

Kirishima almost dropped his phone as he fumbled with it, hurriedly putting it back up to his ear.

“I gotta go babe. I’ll talk to you soon,” Kirishima hung up, putting the phone in pocket, all while motioning for Bakugou to come in.

Bakugou walked inside, stuffing his hands in his pockets. The décor mostly consisted of half full boxes of a variety of crap, as well as a large couch. It made sense since Kirishima and Ashido had only moved there a week ago. A flat screen TV was playing the news on mute in the background. Bakugou caught the words ‘Endeavor Industries’ and ‘bankrupt’ fly across the screen a few times before turning away. He waited for Kirishima’s brain to slowly catch up to what was happening.

“You had sex with Shindou?” He asked, and Bakugou nodded. Kirishima opened and closed his mouth like a fish a few times before he was able to speak again. “Um, did he look particularly good last night? I don’t know what to say here, man.”

“Wasn’t last night. Just happened.” Bakugou’s bored tone was in stark contrast to how he was freaking out on the inside. Kirishima’s jaw dropped.

“Wait, you fucked Shindou during work?”

“Yes.”

“Tell me it wasn’t in the building.”

“Ok, then I won’t.”

“You fucked him right under Todoroki’s nose?!” Kirishima practically yelled.

Bakugou smirked at that. He hadn’t thought of it that way. Kirishima groaned, motioning to Bakugou’s face.

“And you’re proud of it. Holy shit, this is so bad, Bakugou!”

Bakugou smirked dropped. He wasn’t about to argue with him. He fucked up, majorly. He opened the can of worms that he knew wasn’t going to close. And he did it while supposedly wanting to get back together with Deku. Bakugou was an asshole.

“Dude, you know this is bad right?” Kirishima demanded after a time of no response. Bakugou gritted his teeth.

“Of course, I know this is fucking bad. Why do you think I’m here?” Bakugou demanded, his voice raising.

“Wait. Why are you here?” Kirishima asked, and Bakugou was about to answer before he realized that he didn’t have one. He didn’t do this sort of thing. He never alerted people about the things happening in his life. Most of it was work related anyway, so anyone who watched the news could know what was going on. And he never really had a personal life outside of Deku and his shitty friends before. In fact, he used to tell Deku most things, if only because he was so damn nosey. When did he start becoming dependent on that? On people?

“I needed to tell someone,” Bakugou said finally, and he refused to watch as Kirishima’s face transformed to something softer. Kirishima must have been satisfied with the answer, motioning for Bakugou to take a seat on their living room couch. They sat together, eyes focused on the tv as the news played out. Someone hero or another saving someone. Didn’t matter. It was moments like this that Bakugou was grateful for Kirishima ability to know when to speak and not to speak around him. It meant they didn’t have to try and make conversation, and could just sit and be sometimes.

Bakugou found himself relaxing heavily into the couch, glad to be out of Endeavor Industries for a bit. He’d been spending so much time around Shindou, and the stress of putting up with the man was getting to him, not to mention watching Deku avoid him like the plague and Todoroki look down on him. He hadn’t even realized it until just then, but he needed a fucking vacation. Burn out is a bitch.

“How do you think Midoriya’s going to react?” Kirishima asked softly. Bakugou shook his head.

“He already thought we were fucking before. Wouldn’t shut up about it actually. We got in a fight right before…” Bakugou didn’t finish his sentence, but Kirishima caught the drift. They both kept their eyes on the tv.

“So that’s why you two had sex? Cause you were mad at him?” Kirishima managed to say this in the least judgmental way possible. A true gift.

“Maybe. Partially. But I wanted to fuck Shindou. The fight just gave me a reason.”

“Are you guys a couple now?”

Bakugou lifted his lip in disgust.

“Fuck, no.”

“So you still hate him?”

“Yes.”

“Are you gonna have sex with him again?”

Bakugou wanted to say no, but even with Deku’s voice in his mind, the memory of their sex was… shit, incredible. What the ever-loving fuck was wrong with him?

“Probably.”

Kirishima sighed, but otherwise didn’t comment on that.

“Is he still trying to get you and Midoriya back together?”

“Yes.”

“Jesus Christ,” Kirishima said softly. He finally turned to look at Bakugou, who kept his eyes on the tv screen. “This is so fucked up.”

“Yeah,” Bakugou sighed. “Yeah, it is.”

Chapter Text

Izuku didn’t know why but Shouto was looking haggard these days. Ochako and Izuku sat at their now usual space in Endeavor Industries’s cafeteria with their bento boxes, watching as Shouto gathered up hoards of paperwork from a nearby table. He was starting to forget to shave, his multicolored facial hair shadowing his face and making the bags under his eyes deeper than before.

“Do you need help, Todoroki-san?” Izuku asked, munching on a sausage link cut up to look like an octopus. Shouto shook his head, arranging the paperwork perfectly and gathered it in his arms before headed to the elevator.

“You think he’s ok?” Ochako asked, biting into a brown rice ball made to look like a bear. Ochako always made the cutest lunches.

“I don’t know. Whenever he’s around me now, even if it’s after hours, he’s constantly doing paperwork and mumbling to himself about funding. He says everything’s ok, but I don’t know.”

Izuku was worried about Shouto, he really was. But Ochako was leaning her head on her hand and staring at him with a smile and Izuku couldn’t resist shifting his attention to her. Izuku bent down, kissing her briefly and causing her to blush.

“Sorry. You just looked cute,” Izuku said with a smile, not feeling sorry at all. Ochako grinned.

“Where are you taking me this weekend?” Ochako asked, leaning in further and allowing their shoulders to touch.

“I feel like I’m starting to spoil you if you stop asking, ‘Are we going anywhere?’ and move to, ‘Where are we going?’” Izuku responded, feeding Ochako an octopus as she opened her mouth. She chewed it happily, waiting until she was done to respond.

“I think it means I feel safe. I know you are going to want to spend time with me this weekend, it’s just a matter of where.”

Izuku stared into Ochako’s chocolate brown eyes and couldn’t help the fluttering in his chest. Yeah. Things were going spectacularly for them. In just a few weeks, they had begun being apart of each other’s routines, from lunches every day to being together throughout the weekend.

“Do you have anything planned yet?” Ochako asked.

“Not yet. Why, are you thinking about something specific?”

“Mina was wanting to get some people together for a movie and drinks after,” Ochako said hopefully, nudging her boyfriend’s elbow with her own. “What do you think?”

Izuku smiled, gently pushing some of his girlfriend’s hair behind her ear.

“Sounds fun. When and where?”

Ochako took out her phone to start texting Mina for details. Apparently, she got a pretty quick reply back, because Ochako giggled and continued texting. This was going to take a while. Izuku’s eyes roamed the cafeteria, taking in the small tables and chairs, as well as the assorted vending machines and coffee kiosk. Not much to look at. Until his green eyes met red.

His stupid heart picked up its pace as Izuku blushed and looked back down to his table. Their fight a week ago had been a punch to the gut, and Izuku needed to keep his distance before he said something equally stupid. He didn’t want to talk to Kacchan right now, and he certainly didn’t want to look at his gorgeous cheekbones, soft hair and sharp jawline. Izuku sighed to himself.

“You ok, ‘Zuku?” Ochako asked, briefly taking her eyes off her phone. Izuku laughed awkwardly.

“Yep, sure. Everything’s ok. Yep!” Izuku said, perhaps too loudly, before going back to eating his bento. Ochako gave him an odd look as she went back to texting.

+++

Bakugou glared blatantly at Deku and Uraraka, idly eating his lunch with Kirishima sitting at his side. Kirishima was blathering on about…something. He couldn’t pay attention. All Bakugou knew was that Uraraka was touching Deku, kissing Deku, laughing with Deku and Bakugou’s blood was boiling to the point where he could feel his insides start to cook. The two idiots had been all over each other the past week, eating lunch together and being disgusting. Bakugou knew he would have to see this if he ate his lunch in the cafeteria, and yet here he was. And for whatever fucking reason, he couldn’t look away.

“Dude, are you even listening?” Kirishima asked, mildly irritated.

“No,” Bakugou said, his eyes on the couple across from the cafeteria. Kirishima followed Bakugou’s eyes to their table.

“Oooooh,” Kirishima said, smirking. “You’re too busy being jealous to listen to my hilarious stories?”

“I’m not jealous,” Bakugou said instantly and Kirishima barked out a laugh.

“Yeah, sure buddy. Ok.”

Bakugou took his eyes off of Deku to glare at the man giving him a shark grin.

“What if I told you that I know the next step in the ‘get you back together with Midoriya’ plan?’” Kirishima asked, and Bakugou not-so-subtly sat up straighter.

“Prove to me it’s not a stupid idea, and I’ll listen.”

Kirishima rolled his eyes.

“Beggars can’t be choosers, Bakugou,” Kirishima said. “But for the record, it’s a great idea: super simple, would make Midoriya very happy and only consists of two words.”

“Which are?” Bakugou asked, skeptically.

“I’m sorry.”

Bakugou scoffed.

“I knew it would be a stupid idea.”

“No, this is perfect,” Kirishima said excitedly. “It’s not like it’s going to make Midoriya fall all over you or anything, but by putting aside your pride for the briefest of moments, you will show him that you are capable of putting him first. All while being vulnerable, and Midoriya loves that shit.”

Fuck, he was right. Midoriya did love that shit.

Bakugou took a bite of chicken, eating it slowly as he stared off into space. Putting aside his pride was not exactly something he did on a daily, or weekly, or monthly-fuck, ok. He hardly ever did something like that. But why would he? He rarely had anything to apologize for. But, yeah. He could see how he should apologize for what he said. Bakugou couldn’t stop thinking about the hardened look on his face when Deku had left the break room. Fucking chilling.

But Bakugou couldn’t pretend he wasn’t just as mad at Deku. Deku was the one who was jealous of whatever he had going on with Shindou, when he had already scooped up Cheeks into a relationship a week before their fight. What a fucking hypocrite. Why should he have to apologize first?!

“You’re over thinking this,” Kirishima warned, as if he was privy to Bakugou’s thoughts. Bakugou scowled.

“Deku has some shit he needs to explain too, and I’m not apologizing first,” Bakugou said.

“Dude, that’s not how any relationship works. When two people are mad, someone has to make the first move. I guarantee you, if you apologize, Midoriya will too. That’s how he is.”

Bakugou grumbled to himself, hating when Kirishima was right.

“He doesn’t want to speak to me anyway,” Bakugou said.

“How do you know?”

“He leaves the room the second I enter. Been doin’ that for the past week,” Bakugou grumbled, hating this feeling. He had never been so desperate to talk to someone as he was with Deku and the little nerd refused to even acknowledge him anymore. It sucked.

“Then you’ll probably have to corner him. You could wait until he’s in the bathroom. Or try and catch him while he’s alone in his office,” Kirishima suggested and Bakugou frowned. Great. He had to turn into a crazy stalker to try and talk to Deku now. This is what they’ve become? Jesus Christ.

“What are we talking about?” Shindou asked energetically, biting into an apple as he sat next to Kirishima. Bakugou hadn’t even noticed the asshole walk up.

“Nothing,” Bakugou responded, just as Kirishima said, “The next phase of the Midoriya plan.”

Bakugou glared at Kirishima, who just shrugged his shoulders.

“Look, you need whatever help you can get.”

Before Bakugou could chew Kirishima out for that statement, Shindou cut him off.

“What’d you come up with?” Shindou asked Kirishima, and Bakugou narrowed his eyes at both of them.

“Apologizing.”

“For what?” Shindou asked curiously, and Bakugou gave Kirishima his best, ‘shut your fucking mouth’ look. Kirishima was not paying attention to him.

“For the fight they got into, you know. Before you two…” Kirishima trailed off, gesturing oddly to the two men.

“Huh,” Shindou said with a smirk. “So Midoriya’s responsible for that? I should probably go thank him.”

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Bakugou growled at Kirishima, ignoring Shindou’s smug expression.

“How was I supposed to know you didn’t tell him?” Kirishima responded, his cheeks turning pink.

“Why the hell would I discuss something like that with Shindou?!”

“No offense taken,” Shindou said idly, looking over at Deku and Uraraka. “So you’re trying to figure out how to talk to him if he doesn’t want to speak to you?”

“We don’t need your help,” Bakugou said, angry at everyone at this table and very close to storming off back to his office. Not that he could get away from Shindou there.

But like a beacon of hope, Uraraka got up from the table, kissing Deku on the cheek. She wasn’t walking to the exit. She was walking towards the restroom.

“Looks like you might,” Shindou said. “I’ll keep her distracted, and you use this time wisely.”

Before Bakugou could protest, Shindou was already following in Uraraka’s direction. Bakugou’s eyes found Deku’s, who promptly looked back at his food. Shit. This was way too fast. He didn’t have time to prepare, to make sure he sounded like he meant the apology. Not that he wouldn’t mean it, but Bakugou couldn’t be responsible for how much of a jerk he could sound when going off the cuff.

Bakugou took a deep breath. Here goes nothing.

Bakugou slowly left his table, walking towards Deku with led in his legs. He never did things he didn’t want to do, but here he was. Walking to go talk to someone, who didn’t want to talk to him, and lay himself bare before them. Deku looked like a deer in headlights, like he couldn’t do anything but stare as Bakugou walked forward.

“What are you doing here?” Deku asked softly, finally looking away from Bakugou’s eyes. The churning in Bakugou’s stomach did not bode well for the conversation, but he moved forward anyway.

“I…” Bakugou had no clue how to start this, keeping his hand on the table and refusing to sit down. “Uh…”

“What?” Deku asked, his face almost worried at this point. Bakugou was worried for himself, so he could understand. He could practically feel the constipated look on his face.

“I wanted to - not want to. I don’t want to. But I have to. I should. Shit, this is horrible. This is like the only thing I’m bad at,” Bakugou said, wiping his now sweaty hands on his pants and breathing deeply. Was it hot in here?

“Are you about to be sick or something?” Deku asked, moving to stand up. “Do you need some water?”

“Don’t leave!” Bakugou said sharply, and Deku stopped moving, eyes wide.

“Please don’t leave,” Bakugou said again, softer this time. Deku slowly relaxed back into the chair.

“I’m sorry.”

Deku’s eyes were back to being dinner plates, his body immobile. It was helpful, actually. Bakugou felt like he was talking to a statue, which made it easier for the words to come.

“I said some stupid shit that I shouldn’t have said. I can’t take them back, but you should know that I’m sorry I said them. I shouldn’t have implied that I didn’t care about you. Because that’s the opposite of the truth.”

Whelp, he didn’t mean to go that far, but there you go. Deku sat there, still immobile and looking at him with wide eyes. Bakugou waited for him to process whatever he needed to, but those eyes were starting to creep him out.

“Deku, you gotta say something,” Bakugou said, about to shake Deku out of whatever was happening. He didn’t have to, as Deku shook his head in the next moment, whatever spell that was on him broken.

“I can’t remember the last time you apologized to me… or anyone actually,” Deku said breathlessly, but Bakugou was having trouble concentrating. Deku was staring into his eyes with a sort of softness that made the green sparkle and Bakugou couldn’t focus on anything else. Deku’s words processed slowly in his brain.

“I can,” Bakugou said softly, a clear picture in his mind.

“When?”

“Your eighteenth birthday.”

Bakugou pulled Deku to the side while they were on the sand, right as everyone was about to leave. Their class had just thrown Deku a surprise party at Yaoyorozu’s family beach house. Deku was still wearing a birthday hat, though it was off kilter. His face was flushed from some of the alcohol people had snuck in, against Yaoyorozu’s warnings. Deku wasn’t even tipsy at that point, just happy. He grinned up at Bakugou as he dropped the other boy’s arm.

“What’s up, Kacchan?”

Bakugou felt extremely uncomfortable being the sole attention of those stupid amazing green eyes, but he had been psyching himself up for this all night, shit, all month from the second he decided to do it. Bakugou wasn’t about to blow this moment.

“I wanted to give you your gift,” Bakugou said gruffly, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

“Should I close my eyes?” Deku asked and Bakugou shook his head.

“It’s not that sort of gift.”

Deku looked curious, but excited and waited patiently with his hands clasped behind his back. Bakugou took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

“I’ve treated you horribly for practically all of our lives,” Bakugou began, finding the words coming easily once he got started. “I’ve bullied you incessantly for years, even when you called yourself a friend, and you didn’t deserve that. The only reasoning I have is that I knew, deep down, that you were better than me. Even without a quirk, you were a better person than I could have hoped to be. And I hated you for it. So when you finally got All Might’s quirk, it was worse than before. Not only did you act like a hero, but you had the power to back it up. I hated you even more-”

“This isn’t feeling like a present, Kacchan…”

“Let me finish. I’ve grown up a lot since then, because of you: you pushed me to become better, not only as a hero but as a person. I only have you to thank for how strong I am now. In every way. So, I wanted to say that I’m sorry. I’m sorry for all the ways I hurt you. I’m sorry I ever treated you as less than. I’m sorry I ever told you that you were worthless. You aren’t, and you never were. You’re worth more to this city than they know. I know you’re going continue to be an amazing hero.”

Bakugou finished, and Deku started crying. Bakugou furrowed his eyebrows as he watched Deku wipe his eyes furiously, continuing to sob.

“I fucked this up, didn’t I? Shit,” Bakugou said softly, grinding his teeth at his own stupidity.

“No!” Deku yelled, grabbing his arm. Tears continued to stream down his face. “Thank you, Kacchan. You didn’t have to say any of that. I already knew you cared, but you did it anyway. Thank you.”

Deku grabbed Bakugou’s waste, bringing him in for a hug. Deku smeared his tears on Bakugou’s shirt, but he didn’t care. This was the closest physically they had ever been and Bakugou closed his eyes to focus on the warmth of having Deku arms around him. He gently patted Deku's back a few times before Deku pulled away, laughing.

“Sorry,” Deku said, wiping the remainder of his tears off his face. “I know you don’t like hugs.”

Bakugou shrugged, his hands back in his pockets. He mentally added Deku to the list of exceptions for the ‘no hugging’ rule. Deku tended to be an exception to a lot of things.  

A car honked in the background, Iida waving frantically from the driver’s side. Deku grinned and waved back at him.

“That’s my ride,” Deku said softly, turning his grin on Bakugou. “Thank you for my gift, Kacchan.”

“You’re welcome…” Bakugou mumbled, face heating up slightly. Deku walked away, turning around ever so often to smile at Bakugou before he made it to the car. He waved, which Bakugou acknowledged with a head tilt, and the car sped off.

The two men stared at each other as they remembered, Deku’s face sweet and bright.

“That’s right,” Deku said, smiling. “That was the best birthday present I ever got.”

Bakugou could feel himself blush, and hated his body for it. He opened his mouth to respond, only to have Uraraka slip into her spot at the table. Her presence felt like a record scratch on the moment.

“Hey Bakugou!” She said happily, kissing Deku sweetly. Bakugou was going to vomit, he just knew it. It took everything in him to not gag in front of the couple.

“Sorry I was gone for so long,” Cheeks said to Deku. “I didn’t know Shindou Yo was working for Endeavor Industries.”

“He’s on loan as my new partner,” Bakugou grumbled, scowling. If Uraraka noticed Bakugou’s bad mood, she did not seem to mind.

“Oh, that’s cool! We got to talking in the hallway. I know he was a little jerk with we were younger, but he’s so nice now.”

Bakugou almost laughed out loud at that, choosing to scowl deeper instead. If only she knew. Even Deku smiled awkwardly at the comment. Bakugou was suddenly feeling like a third wheel, which was fucking unacceptable.

“I’ll see you later, Deku,” Bakugou said, turning around and walking away, barely catching the soft, “Bye, Kacchan,” that Deku sent his way.  

Bakugou arrived back at his table to an excited Kirishima and expectant Shindou.

“How’d it go?” Kirishima asked, holding onto the table to keep from bouncing in his chair like a toddler.

“Good,” Bakugou said gruffly.

“You say what you needed to?” Shindou asked, and Bakugou had to hand it to him. Shindou did his part.

“Yeah. Uh, thanks.”

Kirishima and Shindou glanced at each other, surprised. They instantly put their heads near each other and started whispering.

Instead of being annoyed, Bakugou just looked back up to find Deku again. Bakugou already missed being in the nerd’s presence, and he was finally coming to terms with that. He was surprised to see that Deku was already looking at him, a soft smile on his face.

Huh. Maybe there was some hope after all.

Chapter Text

“Mina’s going to flip out when she sees you. Everyone will,” Ochako says, massaging and combing the defrizzer into Izuku’s wet hair. She had said that she wanted to try something different with him, and Izuku was probably a pervert for thinking she meant anything but his hair. Ochako made eye contact with Izuku in the mirror and they smiled at each other.

“Thank you for letting me do this to you. If you like it, you can keep doing it, but if you don’t, please stop. I don’t want you doing something just cause you think I want you to.”

Izuku hums in acknowledgement, but was focused on the pleasurable feeling of someone running their hands all over his scalp. The last time this happened was…

“How the fuck did you get a comb stuck in your hair?” Kacchan grumbled, trying his best to pull it out without taking Izuku’s scalp with it. Izuku pouted, looking up at Kacchan from his seated position on the floor. Kacchan continued to try and pull the comb out while seated above him on the couch, and Izuku winced, batting his hand away.

“I have curly hair. I haven’t brushed my hair in a really long time…”

“So you start with a comb on dry hair?!”

Izuku winced at another hard tug.

“Stop that!”

Kacchan huffed.

“Look, if you’re going to be such a baby about it…”

Kacchan started at the nape of Izuku’s neck, massaging lightly upwards until reaching the roots of his hair. Izuku’s eyes rolled back and he groaned, entire body relaxing completely. He heard a chuckle above him, but it didn’t matter. All that mattered were the fingers moving across his scalp. Izuku rolled his head to the side, giving Kacchan plenty of room to work the hair away from the comb. His entire body tingled, and he let out another moan. Apparently with all the moaning, his dick thought that meant it was fun time, happily demanding attention in his basketball shorts as Kacchan continued his ministrations. This would be embarrassing, except as soon as Kacchan had gotten the comb out, his fingers continued to massage Izuku’s scalp. As he let out a whimper, Kacchan started kissing down his neck, hand reaching under his shirt.

“Kacchan…” Izuku whispered, feeling him smile against his neck. A hand slid into his shorts and-

“You still with me, ‘Zuku?” Ochako asked, and Izuku blushed harder than he had ever blushed in his entire life. His mind was screaming at him. He just indulged in a sexual memory…in front of his girlfriend…. about a guy he used to sleep with….and she didn’t know about any of it.  

“Trying. Feels good though,” Izuku said, laughing awkwardly. Ochako grinned in the mirror, moving to stand in front of him.

“We can let your curls air dry if you want…” she said mischievously, arms wrapping around Izuku’s neck and pulling him close. This would, of course, be great if Izuku didn’t feel like the worst person alive for fantasizing about someone else while Ochako was in the freaking room. He would like to say that this was the first time this happened, but he’d already done it a couple times this week while eating lunch with her. If she ever caught on and thought Izuku was in “the mood,” he tried to do the honorable (or uh, not terrible) thing by having them wait until later. You know, when he wasn’t thinking about someone else. Izuku was such a horrible person.

It all stemmed from that apology, like an avalanche of emotional and sexual energy. Kacchan wasn’t doing anything differently, but for some reason, memories of their time together over the last year kept popping up. And they were all sexual! So whenever Kacchan accidentally brushed him in trying to get a coffee cup, or had to move passed him in the hallway, or even smirked in his direction before a battle, Izuku’s mind would helpfully supplement it with a sexual memory of the two of them. And after a year? Izuku had a lot of memories to choose from. Now, it didn’t stick to situations at work anymore. It was bleeding into his social life as well. Great. That’s just great.

“Can we save it for later?” Izuku suggested, smirking in what he hoped was a sexy way. “I don’t want us to rush, you know?”

Ochako pouted briefly but ultimately shrugged her shoulders, attaching the diffuser to her hair dryer. Izuku was getting better at lying because of all of this, and it was not a skill he was proud of.

“After the bar, then?” Ochako asked. “I was super looking forward to this new cocktail Mina wanted me to try.”

“After the bar, then,” Izuku responded, internally relieved.

+++

Whoever convinced Bakugou to go to Kirishima’s house so that he could dress him up like a doll was getting their ass kicked.  

“Remember the plan?” Kirishima asked, holding up a shirt to Bakugou’s chest.

“I swear to God, Kirishima, if you ask me that one more time…” Bakugou growled, taking the shirt from his best friend. He quickly buttoned it and looked at himself in the mirror. Kirishima gave him a thumbs up over his shoulder, and Bakugou just rolled his eyes, yanking the shirt off. Bakugou put his black t-shirt and jeans back on, and collapsed on Kirishima’s and Ashido’s bed. He must have tried on 15 different outfits and hated every single one of them. Bakugou refused to do any more.

Kirishime’s eyes roamed over Bakugou’s clothes, disappointed.

“Is that really what you want to wear?”

“This whole plan is making you way too fucking mouthy.”

“Look, I’m just sayin’ that you look like you always do,” Kirishima said, and if the look on his face was any indication, Bakugou must always look disgusting. Asshole.

“And I’m just saying that he fucked me for the past year and didn’t stop because of how I dressed,” Bakugou snarled through gritted teeth.

This was getting ridiculous. It was just a movie. Bakugou was only going to see Deku anyway, so his plan was simple: he’d go, see Deku, pine for him like he was back in high school and then leave without doing anything, like the loser he was. But now that Kirishima knew he was going, he wanted it to be a part of the plan that Kirishima and Shindou were cooking up. A plan that Bakugou could not be privy to, lest he mess it up apparently. All Bakugou knew was that tonight, he was supposed to dress like an asshole and tell Deku how pretty he looked. What the fuck was that supposed to accomplish?

“Dude, this is not about fucking him. It’s about getting him to notice you, meaning wearing something a bit out of the ordinary. You want him to leave thinking about you.”

“And you want me to compliment him.”

“Yep.”

“I never compliment him. I never compliment anyone.”

“Exactly!”

“So you want me to dress like I’m not myself and then talk like I’m not myself?” Bakugou asked with narrowed eyes, propping himself up on his friends’ bed using his elbows. Kirishima rolled his eyes, and sighed. Oh, sure! Bakugou was the one who was being annoying!

“You know, the group really loves it when you get drunk,” Kirishima offhandedly.

“…Ok?” Bakugou said, sitting up all the way.

“We love it because you stop filtering yourself.”

“I don’t fucking filter myself. I say whatever I want!”

“Yes, and you never want to say anything nice. You only want to say mean things when you’re sober. When you’re drunk, you start saying the nice things that come to your mind, and you make everyone happy. What I’m asking you to do, is to stop filtering yourself around Midoriya. Say the nice things.”

Bakugou frowned. He hated spilling all his thoughts while he was intoxicated, but other people seemed to love it. Now Kirishima wanted him to do it sober too. Honestly, Bakugou could wax poetic about the green eyelashes on Deku’s face or the way his ears moved when he laughed. But no one needed to hear that embarrassing shit. Ever.

“Fuck that,” Bakugou said. “Are you kidding me? I can’t let him hear any of that.”

“Why? Are all your thoughts about him dirty?” Kirishima asked.

“No,” Bakugou said, disgusted and a little shocked. “Shit. Really? You’re hanging out with Shindou way too much.”

Kirishima laughed.

“You’re probably right about that. Only cause we want to make sure you’re taken care of. I think I see him more than you do now.”

“Yeah, let’s keep it that way,” Bakugou grumbled. “And by the way, I’m not some baby bird. Stop trying to take care of me.”

Kirishima gave him the most unimpressed look he had ever seen in his life.

“Dude, you managed to lose Midoriya Izuku, the guy that would follow your ungrateful ass anywhere, after he had been sleeping with you for a year. You need anyone and everyone taking care of you.”

Well, when you put it that way… God, was he really this bad at relationships? Why hadn’t anyone told him before? Fuck, they probably had and he hadn’t listened. Bakugou was not about to follow that thought process any longer than he had to.

“What does Ashido think of your little plan? Doesn’t it interfere with her girl-code or whatever?”

“Why would you think I would tell her?” Kirishima asked, nonchalantly. Bakugou lifted an eyebrow.

“Cause if you’re spending a bunch of time with Shindou, you aren’t spending it with her. So she’s going to want to know why.”

Kirishima huffed, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Yeah, she learned about it a day after Shindou proposed the idea.”

“You are so fucking weak,” Bakugou chuckled.

“I know,” Kirishima grumbled, sitting next to Bakugou on the bed. “It’s just that she has this very specific set of lingerie that she wears for interrogating me about stuff, and she does this-“

“Nope. Stop. Don’t want to know,” Bakugou cut him off, shaking his head. Kirishima sighed dreamingly, staring off into space. As gross as it was, Kirishima and Ashido had been acting like a disgustingly cute couple for years. You either thought it was cute or you moved on. Bakugou had done neither. 

“So, does she want to murder me or what?” Bakugou asked, trying to wait the guy out of whatever fantasy took hold, but getting impatient. Kirishima jolted out of his thoughts.

“Oh! No. She is reluctant about you being around Midoriya, but if you can ‘keep it in your pants,’” Kirishima used actual air quotes, “Then she’s ok.”

Wow. It was official. Way too many people had a hand in his sex life. Kirishima lept off the bed, startling his best friend.

“I think I know one more thing we can try!”

After looking for only a few seconds, Kirishima’s eyes lit up and he brought out a vintage leather jacket. While it did look nice, it was not something Bakugou would typically wear. He sighed deeply, pained at acknowledging Kirishima’s knowledge about this stuff.

“Fine.”

+++

Ashido and Kirishima were all over each other as soon as they were seated in the theater, and they kept mentioning his name. It made Bakugou want to puke.

“You did so good dressing Bakugou, baby,” Ashido said, hands rubbing all over Kirishima’s chest, arm rest quickly pushed up between them. Though they were both fully clothed, AND IN PUBLIC, they were not acting like it. Kirishima was ghosting his lips over Ashido’s neck and she was doing this breathy moan, and JESUS CHRIST how were they being so pornographic without even getting close to touching their respective “areas.”

Bakugou was probably the only one who noticed too. Thankfully, there were two empty seats between him and the shameless couple. They were reserved for Kaminari and Sero, but those two idiots were playing a game of ‘See if one of us can throw an M&M into the others mouth from across the theater.’ They’ve hit two patrons so far. Bakugou was nervous enough about seeing Deku outside of office hours, he didn’t need the rest of his ‘squad’ or what-the-fuck-ever, pulling this shit!

“Bakugou just needs a little extra help sometimes, you know?” Kirishima said breathless, as his hand rubbed the outside of his girlfriend’s thigh. She giggled, pulling him in for a kiss.

“Oi, morons! Stop talking about me. I am right fucking here!” Bakugou growled, a bit too loudly.

Ashido pretended to look shocked, Kirishima kissing her neck.

“Bakugou, please. Have some respect. People are trying to watch the pre-previews.”

Bakugou’s nose flared in anger, and he could feel sparks coming out of his hands as Ashido smiled evilly. An M&M hit him in the back of the head, and Bakugou whirled around to see Kaminari trying not to laugh. He stood up quickly, making his way to the exit.

“Fuck all of you!” He said, waving both middle fingers to the four of them. They looked entirely unfazed, and it pissed him off even more. Bakugou marched outside of the theater, trying to get some space to calm down. His sour mood dissipated almost the second he got outside.

Because he was here.

Deku was standing right in front of him, eye glued to the phone in his hand.

And he was hot.

Not like he wasn’t before, because Deku had always been hot in a way only he could pull off. But this was different. Bakugou marveled at the polished look he put together, wearing a simple sweater and slacks with his hair perfectly styled to the side, looking shiny and soft.

“Holy shit…” Bakugou said, softly. He cursed in his own brain for saying anything out loud. Deku looked up surprised. Bakugou just stared, eyes widened at the gorgeous man in front of him, unable to move.

“I didn’t know you’d be here,” Deku said, smiling wide. And Bakugou wanted to push him up against the wall and ram his tongue down the nerd’s throat.

“You…” Bakugou said, at a loss for words. “You changed your hair.”

Deku’s cheeks dusted pink and he ducked his head a bit, tousling the green curls. Fuck, he looked like he was in a magazine ad when he did that. Bakugou had no idea what he was selling, but he was sure as hell buying. 

“Does it look bad?” He asked shyly.

“No,” Bakugou breathed out immediately. “Looks good…You look…good.”

God, that better be all Kirishima wanted him to say, because that was all that was coming out of his mouth. Deku grinned, and his stomach did a flip.

“You aren’t drunk again, are you?” Deku teased. Bakugou smirked.

“I wish. Those idiots in there are making me want something strong after this.”

Deku ignored his comment in favor of reaching out and grabbing his jacket. Holy fuck, his fingers were way too close to his stomach. Bakugou fought the blush trying to spring up on his face.

“Is this new?” He asked, idly rubbing the leather. “I’ve never seen you wear it.”

“Uh, it’s Kirishima’s. I asked if I could borrow it,” He said, though it was a partial lie. Not like he could tell the truth and get away with it anyway. Deku smiled, continuing to graze the leather with his fingers.

“It’s soft,” He said, his voice low and Bakugou nodded his head, instead of looping his fingers through the nerd’s belt loops and pulling him close.

Not like they had any more time left alone, anyway. Bakugou spotted Cheeks coming their way. Her presence was like a bucket of ice water on their interaction, but probably one that he needed. Bakugou just came to be in Deku’s presence, and it was best if they weren’t alone. He knew that. Even still, Bakugou could feel his face drop a bit as he watched her, and Deku turned to look over his shoulder, his hand leaving Bakugou’s jacket.

“Sorry, hun. She was super chatty,” Uraraka explained, grabbing a hold of Deku’s arm. “Hey Bakugou! Wow, this is the most I’ve seen you in years.”

Bakugou just shrugged, putting his hands inside his jacket.

“Well, when you hang out with Ashido…”

“You get the Bakusquad,” Uraraka finished knowingly. Was everyone calling them that? Bakugou mentally shook his head.

“Ready to go in?” She asked to the two men, not waiting for an answer before dragging Deku along. Bakugou took a breath and followed them inside.

+++

Izuku hated being the center of attention, especially when he wasn’t feeling super confident. Meeting Kacchan outside the theater was so perfect. The stunned look on Kacchan’s face, the compliment he gave him, the way he didn’t seem to be able to breath? That made him feel good. He held his head up high as Ochako dragged him in the theater.

But he forgot who he was dealing with.

Kaminari and Sero were easily the worst ones, catcalling him loudly from the top, and drawing everyone in the theater’s eyes onto his new look. Izuku’s hands instantly went to his face, covering his tomato complexion and Ochako led him along up the stairs. She tried saying sweet things to him, to get him more comfortable, but Izuku was having none of that.

“Looking sexy, Midoriya,” Ashido commented happily, arms wrapped around Kirishima. Izuku’s face continued to be a bright shade of red but he dropped his hands to smile at her. At least Ashido and Kirishima weren’t being too loud.

“This your doing, Uraraka?” Kirishima asked. Ochako nodded enthusiastically.

“Just something I wanted to try. Looks great, right?” The couple nodded, and Ochako turned to Izuku with a smile.

“I agree,” She said, kissing him sweetly just as Kacchan walked up. Izuku never wanted to break off a kiss from Ochako, but whenever Kacchan was around, especially close, Izuku felt awkward indulging them. Izuku pulled away first, making sure to wrap an arm around her waist. Hopefully Ochako wouldn’t think it was awkward. If she did, she didn’t say so, and turned to Ashido.

“Where do you want us to sit?”

Ashido seemed to be thinking fairly hard about this, tapping her chin while looking between Ochako, Izuku and Kacchan.

“Well, as long as everyone is going to be good…” She trailed off, looking pointedly at Kaachan.

“The only one who is in danger of not being good around here is you, Ashido,” Kacchan said gruffly and Ashido giggled. Izuku was confused about what that meant, but internally shrugged. Must be a Bakusquad thing.

“Fair enough. Ok!” She exclaimed, standing up. She pointed to the far-left seat, all the way day. “Let’s do Kiri, me, ‘Chako, Deku, Explodo Boy and the weirdos can join us on the end.”

Izuku looked up. Sero and Kaminari were now trying to throw M&Ms into people’s bags without them noticing. They seemed to have an endless supply. Kaminari waved at Izuku, blowing him a kiss and Izuku looked away. They probably weren’t going to join them.

The lights began to dim, signaling to the audience that the previews were about to start. Everyone in the group started to settle down. Kirishima let his hand rest on Ashido’s thigh as he watched the screen, and Ashido leaned into Ochako’s space. Ochako happily leaned in herself and they began whispering over the arm rest. Izuku found out the hard way during high school that they were both “movie talkers” but they were able to communicate mostly through looks and sounds now that they were adults. Izuku was usually able to tune them out even if they wanted to talk, just like now.

Well, especially now. Because Kacchan was sitting right next to him. He had already lifted up the arm rest to his left and was halfway to lifting up the arm rest separating the two men. Kacchan caught Midoriya’s eye.

“This ok?” Kacchan asks softly, the previews already playing. Izuku nodded jerkily and the arm rest was raised.

Oh, shoot. Nope. This was not ok. Kacchan was way too close. Izuku shifted uncomfortably, trying to figure out where to put his arm. One arm went on the arm rest between himself and Ochako, but the other arm felt out of place. Izuku kept being afraid to enter into Kacchan’s space. He continued to fidget until he decided to play it safe and place his hand on his left thigh, his elbow jutting out awkwardly.

Kacchan was not having the same issue, spreading himself pretty wide across his seat, knees practically touching Izuku’s. It was entirely too distracting. He must have noticed because he chuckled, and when Izuku looked over at him, he lifted an eyebrow.

“Comfortable?” He mouthed, and Izuku glared.

Once the movie started, it wasn’t as big of a deal. It was a comedy, so Izuku relaxed. Relaxed too much, one might say. It wasn’t Izuku’s fault, and he certainly didn’t do it intentionally. He just let his arm drop between himself and Kacchan, and Kacchan didn’t move out of the way so the backs of their hands brushed a little. Not a big deal. So now the backs of their hands were touching? It would have been a big deal if they were 13. But they were grown men. So not a big deal. But when Kacchan accidentally moved his fingers against Izuku’s, it became a big deal.

Apparently Izuku was a 13-year-old boy again, because he gasped at the contact. He didn’t recoil at the touch, keeping his hand still. The backs of their hands leaned against one another as they watched the movie, but Izuku was barely paying attention. Without thinking about it, Izuku glided his middle finger up the back of Kacchan’s hand, turning his head slightly to see Kacchan’s reaction. He was looking at him with a raised eyebrow but otherwise neutral expression.

“Watch the movie,” He mouthed, and Izuku turned his head back to the screen only to feel Kacchan’s knuckles slide against him own. Suddenly, his brain switched into supplemental mode, and Izuku couldn’t stop it even if he wanted to.

“Watch the movie,” Kacchan whispered into Izuku’s ear, both sitting on the carpet of Kacchan’s apartment. Kacchan was straddling Izuku from behind, his legs propped up on either side of the other man. Izuku didn’t even know how they got into that position. He just thought it would be fun to watch ‘Pride and Prejudice’ with him since Mr. Darcy reminded him of Kacchan. When Kacchan agreed too readily, Izuku should have been suspicious. Izuku’s eyes were focused on the screen, just like Kacchan asked.

Kacchan kissed gently along the back of Izuku’s neck and Izuku sighed, the sigh turning into a moan as Kacchan gave special attention the juncture between his neck and shoulder. Kacchan’s hand glided up Izuku’s thigh, traveling under his shirt to lightly graze his nipple, pinching the bud beneath his fingers. Izuku gasped, already stirring with arousal and they’d barely done anything yet. Kacchan chuckled, kissing up his neck to whisper in his ear.

“Still watching, Deku?”

“Yes…” Izuku whispered, barely focused on the screen.

“What’s happening right now?”

Izuku tried to unblur his vision but Kacchan’s hands were still coasting across his chest, lightly grazing skin with his fingernails.

“Uh, Mr. Darcy just said some mean things about Eliza…”

“That’s the character I remind you of?” Kacchan asked, hand traveling down to unbutton and unzip Izuku’s pants. Izuku began to squirm slightly, desperate for Kacchan to touch him.

“Yes.”

Kacchan’s hand glided inside, wrapping around Izuku’s length and Izuku groaned, bucking into the fist.

“You always get hard watching this movie?” Kacchan asked, biting his ear and Izuku moaned as the other man began moving his hand up and down.

“No. It’s only because of you,” He whispered and Kacchan growled at that, pulling Izuku flush against his chest so he could feel Kacchan’s hardness on his back. Kacchan continued stroking him, and Izuku turned slightly to reach behind himself to take a hold of the other man. Izuku stared into the face of the one he loved, in awe of intensity of their mutual desire. Kacchan breathed heavily, red eyes heavy lidded, as Izuku began stroking him in time with Kacchan’s established tempo.

“You can’t see the screen anymore,” Kacchan commented roughly.

“I don’t care,” Izuku whispered, leaning up to capture Kacchan’s lips in his own. They moaned into each other’s mouths and picked up the pace. Izuku gasped, eye squeezed shut. He threw his head back on Kacchan’s shoulder, riding out the waves of pleasure as they continued their race towards orgasm. When Kacchan’s hit first, he groaned into Izuku’s ear, sending Izuku over the edge after him.

Izuku was going to Hell. He wasn’t even sure he believed in Hell, but he was going there anyway. The back of his and Kacchan’s hands were still gliding along each other’s, as though that was somehow normal but Izuku couldn’t stop. Ochako slid her hand over his bicep, putting her head on his shoulder, and it took way too much strength for Izuku to not run screaming from the theater. He stiffened and Ochako lifted her head up, concerned.

“You ok?” She whispered. Izuku nodded stiffly, and could have sworn Ochako’s eyes glanced to Izuku and Kacchan’s hands between them. Instead of saying anything, she put her head back on his shoulder, watching the screen with a neutral expression. Izuku felt the guilt roll through him, and he pulled his hand away from Kacchan’s to cup Ochako’s face, leaning it up so she could look at him. Izuku leaned down, kissing her deeply and could feel her smile against his mouth.

When they broke apart, Ochako nuzzled into his neck and Izuku moved to grasp her hand in both of his. He could see out of the corner of his eye when Kacchan leaned away from Izuku, crossing his arms over his chest. Izuku hated seeing Kacchan lean away from him, but he hated feeling like he was hurting Ochako more. It was ultimately all for the best…. Right?

The movie ended shortly after, the lights coming up and the group stretched in their seats, various joints popping. They filed out quickly, Sero and Kaminari catching up to them from the top. Izuku tried not take it personally when Kacchan put multiple feet between them as they stood on the sidewalk outside of the theater.

“You’re coming to the bar with us, right?” Mina chirped.

“Oh, sorry. I’m feeling super tired all of a sudden. Been taking a few extra shifts at work. Rain check?” Ochako asked, and Izuku turned to her in surprise. Didn’t she want to try that cocktail? Mina looked disappointed, but nodded.

“I get it, girl. Next time, for sure,” she said, taking Kirishima’s hand and walking in the direction of his car. “Bye!”

The group waved at Ochako and Izuku, and Ochako turned to him.

“That’s ok, right?” She asked and Izuku smiled reassuringly. Izuku noticed Bakugou trailing behind the rest of the group, his hands in the pockets of his jacket.

“Of course. Hey, I gotta go say something to Kacchan real fast and then we can go, ok?”

Ochako bit her bottom lip nervously, but ultimately nodded. Izuku kissed her cheek, and ran over to the group. Bakugou heard his footsteps, glancing over his shoulder and stopping when Izuku caught up to them. Izuku felt himself beaming up at him, which he couldn’t really explain to himself. Just that it was always nice to be in his presence. Bakugou smirked in response.

“Thank you for being so nice to me about my hair,” Izuku said, and Bakugou looked surprised. He shrugged.

“Not a big deal. You look good, everyone said so,” Bakugou responded gruffly.

“I dunno,” Izuku said, nervously fiddling with the bottom of his sweater. “I wasn’t feeling too great about it, and you don’t say nice things all the time. I just wanted you to know that I appreciated it.”

The small smile Bakugou gave him made Izuku’s heart flutter.

“I just hope I…didn’t make it weird…” Izuku trailed off, hoping he would have to be explicit about what he meant. Bakugou’s eyebrow shot up but otherwise didn’t acknowledge it.

“It was just a movie, Deku,” Bakugou said. “Don’t think too much about it.”

Well, that just wasn’t going to happen. Izuku tried nodding, but Bakugou’s fingers took a bit of Izuku’s curls at the same time, pushing them behind his ear. Izuku’s eyes widened, and Bakugou’s smile grew.

“I’ll see you at work, Deku.”

And he was gone. It took a few seconds for Izuku’s brain to catch up, but he quickly ran back over to Ochako and took her hand.

“Ready to go?” He asked happily, and Ochako nodded, briefly looking over her shoulder to the rest of the group, before they started towards the car.

Chapter Text

“They were so cute, Kacchan,” Deku said enthusiastically, flipping through photos on his phone.

They had gotten coffee in the break room at the same time that day, and Deku wanted to show Bakugou pictures of his trip to the zoo with his mom. He was particularly impressed with the cougars, taking multiple photos of them in action. With his eyes glued to his phone, Bakugou took the time to just stare at his profile uninterrupted. He might not have kept the model-hair from a few days ago, but it didn’t matter. Especially when he was being this fucking cute.

“They have a female and a male, and the female kept doing that house cat thing where she wiggles her butt and then pounces on the male. He was so annoyed every time,” Deku said, finding the picture he wanted and looking up with a dazzling smile. Bakugou wasn’t even looking at the picture. He tried to hide his adoration for the nerd but after the whole finger brushing incident, it was getting more difficult. It might have been small, but it gave Bakugou hope that he wasn’t just dreaming up the idea they could be together. That everything could go back to normal. Every now and then Bakugou let a soft look leak onto his face and Deku would blush, smiling shyly. Fuck, it was good time to be alive.

“You still stand in line for feeding the giraffes?” Bakugou asked, shifting a bit closer to the other man. He’d been playing with fire lately, expecting Deku to just tell him to back off but it never happened. Sometimes Deku would even shift closer himself and they’d be a hair’s breath away from each other. Never closer, but Bakugou could wait. He wasn’t exactly a patient guy, but Deku was an exception to all things.

“I can’t help it. It’s always worth it. Especially seeing my mom feed them. She’s always taken by surprise,” Deku said, shifting towards him just like Bakugou thought he would. Their eyes were locked together.

“I remember that. Even as kids, Auntie Inko would get terrified they’d bite her fingers off or something,” Bakugou said. He was practically whispering at this point, hardly paying attention to what he was saying. Deku was biting his lip and looking up at Bakugou sweetly, and Bakugou wondered what it would be like to close the distance between them.

“I hate to interrupt,” Todoroki commented from the doorway, eyebrow raised.

Bakugou’s scowl was immediate, focused on his boss. Something told Bakugou that Todoroki did not give a fuck about interrupting them. Deku, startled by the intrusion, took a step away from Bakugou, and he decided that he probably wouldn’t mind the consequences of punching his boss in the fucking face. Not that Todoroki gave the impression he could take a punch these days, his appearance haggard and frail.

He sipped on a small cup of espresso, the same cup Bakugou had seen him carrying all day. It would magically get refilled as it got too low. His assistants were apparently very good at their job.

“Can I speak to you for a moment in my office, Midoriya?” Todoroki lifted his eyebrows in Deku’s direction, and Deku sent Bakugou a smile and a shrug as he followed Todoroki out of the break room. Well, there went Bakugou’s good mood. Still, he had gotten to be close to Deku so it wasn’t all bad.

Bakugou went through his day riding the high that was Deku. The other man was noticeable absent throughout the rest of Bakugou’s time at the office, but it hardly mattered. He had stored up every smile, every touch, ever glance in his memory. He was making progress on trying to figure out what he wanted and being willing to open himself up to being vulnerable…sometimes.

“We need to start easy,” Kirishima said, hands at his side as he spotted Bakugou. He was not talking about the weight on the bar as Bakugou was currently pressing 500 lbs. The multiple TV’s in the room showed the news scrolling, all of them on mute as the heroes of Endeavor Industries used the weight room to their advantage.

“Like what?” Bakugou grunted out between sets.

“Like just trying to support and encourage people in little ways.”

Bakugou started his reps again, frowning up at Kirishima.

“What, like all the time?”

“Only if you’re Midoriya,” Kirishima said, his smile wide. “For you, every now and then should work. Start with me. What’s something you could say that’s encouraging?”

All he could hear in his brain was static. Bakugou knew intellectually that he must like something about Kirishima. They had been friends for over a decade. So why couldn’t he think of anything to encourage Kirishima about? Shit, Bakugou hated being bad at stuff, and this was just another thing he was bad at!

“I don’t know,” Bakugou said through gritted teeth, putting the bar back and sitting up. “Your shitty hair has grown on me over the years.”

“You see? You need practice,” Kirishima said, handing over a towel. “That was terrible.”

“Well, it’s not exactly in my fucking personality to do shit like this!”

“So what? You need to be able to,” Kirishima said matter-of-factly. “What if Midoriya comes home after a long day, feeling shitty about himself? What would you do?”

Fuck, what would he do? When Deku had been sad in the past, he just ignored it, changing the subject or something. Feelings were not his forte.

“This is why we’re starting with compliments,” Kirishima said, reading his mind. “So that you can start encouraging other people, and then maybe start working on being supportive when they need you.”

Bakugou grumbled to himself as he dabbed at his face and neck with the towel. This was a lot more fucking work than he thought it would be. Bakugou saw Kirishima wave briefly and Bakugou followed his eyes to Shindou who had just entered. Shindou smiled at Kirishima but his face transformed into a smirk when his eyes met Bakugou. Bakugou just watched from across the room as he took a few of the largest dumbbells off the rack.

“Shindou’s probably a good marker for how you’re doing. If you can say something nice to his face, you are probably where you need to be.”

Yeah, that was not going to fucking happen. Shindou was a pile of human garbage, and Bakugou rarely stayed in his presence long enough to learn anything about him. And the “incident” just made it worse. It was like a horrifying porn played in his head whenever Shindou was in the room. So Bakugou chose to never be in the same room as him. Easy as that.  

Shindou’s eyes caught Bakugou’s in the mirror and his breath caught in his throat. There was an extra heat in that gaze today, or maybe Bakugou was projecting. Either way, he needed to leave and fast. Bakugou took his water bottle and towel, quickly exiting the weights room and walking out to the hallway leading to the elevator. It didn’t take long to be followed.

“You’re avoiding me.”

Shindou’s voice made him stop. Bakugou’s entire body tensed but he did not turn around.

“Of course I am. Go back to the weights room,” He said gruffly and kept walking. A hand on his shoulder spun him around.

“You say, ‘of course,’ like I’m supposed to know what that means,” Shindou said, his face neutral. “As I recall, you were the one who came onto me.”

“Go back to the fucking weights room,” Bakugou growled, his jaw tense. Shindou’s eyes flashed darkly, and Bakugou felt a wave of arousal course through him. Before he could stop it, his back hit the brick walls of the hallway, Shindou’s hand flat on his chest. That hand was burning into him, the shove into the wall jarring in a way that awakened his senses.

“I have no idea why you keep pretending it didn’t happen.”

“You don’t? I was sure this happened to you all the time,” Bakugou said with a smirk, and Shindou chuckled, his hand moving up to the back of Bakugou’s neck and pulling him in closer.

“You’d think you’d stop pretending you were attracted to me after a good fuck.”  

“Of course I’m attracted to you, but so what? I’m not doing anything about it anymore,” Bakugou said, pretending his eyes didn’t slide towards Shindou’s mouth.

“Because of Midoriya.”

“Amongst a whole host of other reasons.” Though Bakugou was having a hard time naming them all when Shindou was this close, looking over his body with a heated stare.

“You know he’s not going to touch you. He wouldn’t cheat on her.”

“I wouldn’t want him to,” Bakugou asserted. Bakugou hated being cheated out of anything, and he wasn’t going to encourage anything like that in someone else.

“And if our plan takes a year or longer? What would you do then, just remain celibate?” Shindou asked, sarcasm dripping. Bakugou didn’t answer, grinding his teeth.

“It’s not going to take that long. I give them another week, tops.”

Shindou snorted a laugh.

“And here I thought Midoriya was the naïve one.”

Bakugou tried shoving Shindou backward, but he was like a brick wall. Shindou grabbed at his wrists, holding them near his chest. God, Bakugou loved and hated when he did that.

“Look, I’m only making sure you know all your options,” Shindou said and Bakugou broke out of his hold.

“You are not an option for me,” He growled, and Shindou licked his bottom lip before turning the corner of his mouth up in a smirk. Bakugou tried not to notice.

 “Still, the offer’s out there for a little distraction. In case you need it,” Shindou said lowly.

“Fuck you.”

“You’re gonna have to ask nicely, first.”

God, Bakugou wished he wasn’t turned on in that moment. He wished he could say that going toe-to-toe with Shindou like this didn’t light every one of his nerve endings on fire. He knew he wasn’t alone either, Shindou’s heated gaze locked onto his. But Bakugou made this mistake before, and he wasn’t about to fuck things up with Deku when they were so close.

“Can you guys eye-fuck another time?” Kirishima asked, his head poking from outside the weight room. “You’re going to want to see this.”

Bakugou’s curiosity was piqued, and he hoped to get away from Shindou by following Kirishima. Too bad the asshole just trailed behind him anyway.

Kirishima had the remote control, turning up the sound on one of the TVs. Everyone in the room stopped what they were doing, probably wondering why someone actually turned the sound on for once. The brunette news anchor remained stoic during the broadcast, her well-manicured hands crossed on top of the desk.   

“Thank you, Tom. We take you live to our studio where we have Pro-Heroes Deku and Uravity for a surprise interview.”

The camera switched, and Deku and Cheeks were in full view, sitting on a large purple couch. Deku looked like he wanted to throw up, holding Uraraka’s hand. She whispered a few things into his ear. Whatever it was caused Deku to smile and relax a bit. They both looked so polished and well dressed, probably the work of professionals. Even Uraraka didn’t dress herself up that well.

Bakugou didn’t have to watch the rest of this to know what was about to happen.

They were going public as a couple.

And like the train wreck it was, Bakugou couldn’t look away.

“Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us,” A young blue-haired interviewer said to the couple. She had cards in her hands, but wasn’t looking at them as she surveyed Deku and Uravity.

“Thank you for having us,” Uraraka said sweetly. There was a beat left for Deku to say something, but he just stared, his lips pressed tightly together.

“Well, to start, I have to ask. Can you confirm the rumors about you two?” The interviewer asked, grinning. Uraraka turned to Deku and smiled, rubbing his arm with her free hand. Deku’s answering smile was stiff.

“Yes. We’ve been dating for a few weeks now.”

The weights room collectively began chatting away. Bakugou could hear a variety of phrases being tossed around. (“Oh good, they’re so cute.” “She’s hot. Good for Deku.” “Are you kidding? They’re both hot. Those babies are gonna be gorgeous.”)

“Shut the fuck up, all of you!” Bakugou yelled at them, quickly turning back to stare at the screen. The room hushed.

“What brought about this announcement after only a few weeks?” The interviewer asked.

“We dated in High School and recently rekindled our relationship,” Uraraka remarked, looking pointedly at Deku. He wet his lips, clearing his throat.

“Yeah. It just… felt right.”

Steam was practically pouring out of Bakugou’s ears as he ground his teeth together. He had heard enough. Kirishima and Shindou stared at his profile and Bakugou ignored them, stomping out of the room and down the hall. Bakugou could hear them following closely behind him, but he had no plans to stop. Deku’s voice was running on loop in his mind.  

‘Yeah. It just… felt right.’

“What are you about to do, man?” Kirishima called after him. Bakugou turned around swiftly, stopping them both with a glare.

“Don’t fucking follow me unless you want me to kill you both,” Bakugou growled, low and menacing. Kirishima looked rightfully frightened.

“We’re just worried you’re about to do something stupid,” Shindou said.

‘Yeah. It just… felt right.’

Bakugou smiled evilly.

“I am.”

The two men stayed still, stunned, as Bakugou got into the elevator and pressed the button for the 11^th floor.

+++

Multiple explosions sounded off of Bakugou’s palms as he entered Todoroki’s waiting area. The receptionist squeaked, jumping under her desk.

“Where the fuck are you, IcyHot?” Bakugou roared, walking into the hallway with ease. People squished themselves against the wall as Bakugou barreled through. He didn’t care about any of them. His goal was simple: Find Todoroki. Hurt Todoroki.

Despite only seeing red, Bakugou spotted his boss’s name plate on an open door. Todoroki looked up stoically, hands crossed on his desk as though he had been waiting for him. Bakugou took no time to rush over, fists slamming down on the mahogany.   

“What the hell did you do?” Bakugou growled.

“What I had to.”

Before Bakugou could move, Todoroki used his ice to freeze his entire desk, Bakugou’s hands included.

“I would advise you against whatever you’re thinking, Bakugou,” Todoroki said, standing up and moving to the other side. “I’m running on next to no sleep and I don’t need to deal with your bullshit.”

“What about your bullshit, Half-and-half?!” Bakugou yelled, trying to gather enough sweat amidst the ice to blast out of the hold.

“Please. If you knew what I’ve been going through for this agency, you would bow down and kiss my feet,” Todoroki said.

“It was your idea, wasn’t it? You made them go public,” Bakugou spat out. Todoroki looked at Bakugou with pity, and it spurred Bakugou on to break free from the ice. He rounded on Todoroki immediately, hands firing. 

“They would have gone public anyway,” Todoroki said, dodging an explosion to the face, grabbing Bakugou’s arm and the back of his head. Before he knew it, Todoroki was smashing Bakugou’s face into the carpet, pinning him down with his body. Todoroki twisted Bakugou’s arms behind his back, forcing Bakugou’s palms towards his own torso.

“They were already talking about the next steps in their relationship. I suggested this as a way of benefitting everyone.”  

‘Yeah. It just… felt right.’

Fuck, that can’t be true. One of Bakugou’s eyes glared up at his boss from his position on the carpet.

“You’re lying. You’re just trying to make money off of them. Off the publicity,” Bakugou said through clenched teeth. “If only Endeavor could see you now. He’d be so proud.”

Todoroki twisted Bakugou’s arms further and he cried out in pain. Todoroki leaned down, his mouth close to Bakugou’s ear as Bakugou’s jaw clenched in agony.

“You try anything after I release you, not only will I make sure you lose your hero license, you will go to jail,” Todoroki whispered, his voice more menacing than Bakugou had ever heard. “You are officially on a one-week sabbatical. The next time I see you, you better be fucking ecstatic to announce your relationship with Shindou to the world.”

Todoroki let go of Bakugou’s arms, and he groaned in relief.

“Now leave.”

Todoroki stood up, brushing himself off lightly. He defrosted his desk to begin working once more, almost like nothing even happened. Bakugou had no idea what to do now. He hadn’t thought about what would happen when he came up here, but this was not something he could have imagined. He slowly pushed himself off the ground, glancing in his boss’s direction. Todoroki had taken paperwork from off of a nearby cabinet, sorting them and stapling at various points. It was like Bakugou didn’t exist.

Bakugou said nothing to the receptionist or workers he had frightened in the hallway, though he knew Kirishima would have wanted him to. Learning to be vulnerable and all that shit. All their planning seemed like it hardly mattered anymore. 

Bakugou’s energy continued to dissipate as he walked towards the elevator. That might have been the most reckless thing he’d ever done, going to Todoroki like that, but seeing Deku and Uraraka on TV together made his blood boil. He was lucky Todoroki chose such a light punishment, and wondered why he did. They hated each other. This would have been the perfect reason to just send him packing. But he didn’t. Bakugou got in the elevator and pressed the Lobby button.

Thinking about the interview made everything worse. Was Todoroki right? Were Deku and Uraraka just progressing in their relationship and Bakugou was the idiot who thought Deku was feeling the same as him? Had Deku already moved on? He thought Todoroki was the bad guy in all this. What if Bakugou was just holding on to something that was already gone?

Walking through the lobby and out of the building, Bakugou felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.

Bakugou frowned, watching Deku’s name flash on his phone screen. He idly wondered if he should answer it, but realized he didn’t have anything to say. And Bakugou didn’t want to hear what Deku had to say. About anything.

‘Yeah. It just… felt right.’

He let it go to voicemail as he headed home.  

Chapter Text

BEFORE GOING PUBLIC

Izuku sat in Shouto’s office, listening to him talk about the future of Endeavor Industries. It didn’t sound like a promising future. They just needed a little boost, according to Shouto. Something in Izuku knew Shouto was still holding back the whole truth, but one problem at a time. Izuku’s current problem being that Shouto wanted him to go public with his relationship with Ochako. Make it a part of his public persona. They would do interviews together, have groups and fans centered around them online and there would probably be merchandize featuring the two of them together. Izuku gnawed on his finger nails as he listened, continuing until he tasted blood.

“But I think this will help everyone,” Shouto finished and Izuku stared at him, eyes sad and his face grimaced. “Ochako told me you two had been talking about this already. Is that correct?”

Izuku nodded. The conversation started after the movie the other night and seemed to come out of nowhere. Izuku had some major reservations about it, especially with Kacchan treating him so differently lately. But he didn’t want to mess up a good thing with Ochako just because Bakugou might be trying… might even love him. He had to be sure. And going public while he was still on the edge like this? That didn’t seem like a good idea. Not to mention what it would do to Kacchan.

“I just don’t want to hurt anyone,” Izuku said.

“I can handle Bakugou if you’re worried about it.”

“I don’t want anyone to ‘handle’ Kacchan. I want him to be ok,” Izuku said and his voice was as small as Izuku felt. Shouto did not look comfortable with this conversation, and he couldn’t blame him. For all his flaws, Shouto cared about Izuku and knew this was not ideal.

“You can’t have it both ways, you know,” Shouto said, his voice steady. “I know you want to wait around for Bakugou to prove he can attend to your emotional needs, but you can’t keep leading Ochako on like this. Ochako is here for you now, and you might want to consider that.”

Izuku had considered that, but like always Kacchan was not someone he could easily shake off. He didn’t know if he would be waiting around forever for him, if he could wait around forever for him. And Endeavor Industries needed him right now.

“Ok,” Izuku said, messing with his cuticles instead of looking at Shouto. “Give Ochako a call. I’ll meet her at the station today.”

+++

DAY 1

Bakugou hated the fucking world and wanted everyone to know it. He had never been on a “sabbatical” or a vacation or even took days off, but it all fucking sucked. Bakugou often had to be forced to take time away, and even then he made sure to patrol and stop villains from being dicks. But this? He wasn’t allowed to do any hero work. The HR rep who sent him an e-mail yesterday told him as much. If he tried, he could lose his license. So Bakugou was stuck twiddling his fucking thumbs.

And screening Deku’s phone calls. He had called 7 times already and Bakugou ignored every last one, unsure of what to even say to him. ‘No it’s totally cool you became publicly tied to your girlfriend. Not upsetting at all. So glad you’re happy. Can you come over and Detroit Smash me in the face the next time you’re in the area?’ Bakugou was steering clear of that situation for now. 

He had also been ignoring the internet and his tv because Uraku was everywhere. Uraku. Their couple name. That’s something that is burned into Bakugou’s brain until he dies. He had no idea stupid people sat around and thought of stupid combined names for stupid couples, but apparently that’s a thing. Apparently, fans had nothing better to do than to hashtag their stupid combined names everywhere. And worse? People fucking loved them. Thought they were cute. Thought they were sweet. Thought they were written in the fucking stars. Goddamn idiots, all of them. Bakugou wasn’t allowing himself access to any form of media right now. He would blow up the fucking Earth if he did.

Which left only a few things: working out and leaving the apartment building. Bakugou had already tried working out, taking advantage of his apartment gym since Endeavor Industries’s gym was not available to him. He had no idea how much apartment gyms sucked. They were tiny and cramped, and apparently the people in his building had no idea he lived there. They just gawked at him as he tried to make the most out of the shitty space. After ten minutes, Bakugou realized that it wasn’t worth it. He sent a glare to the people who had been staring at him and left. He thought he might have heard one of them say excitedly, “Holy shit, did Ground Zero just glare at us?” Fucking perfect.

So all he could do was leave the apartment building. But he had no where to go. Bakugou had always been a homebody, especially when Deku was around all the time. The 3 weeks that have passed without him just made Bakugou recognize that he didn’t like going out. Especially as a Pro-Hero. Pro-Heroes were so often mauled by paparazzi or fans and the few times Bakugou went outside without a disguise, unless he was going to or from work, meant that people were constantly taking his picture asking him for autographs. And because of Ground Zero’s persona, whenever Bakugou yelled at them, they would just start laughing and clapping, like he was a fucking actor.

Thankfully there were still places he could go that were meant for Pro-Heroes only. That was the only way their group was able to go to the movies without having swarms all over them. Unfortunately, they were few and far between.

Bakugou needed to do something, because if he didn’t, he would scour the internet for clips of fucking Uraku because he was that fucking weak. Damnit. Bakugou grabbed a baseball cap, trying to stuff his hair underneath, and placed large sunglasses on his face. It wasn’t the most original of disguises but maybe he’d be able to walk down the street for a little while.

Outside was sunny and bright, contrary to Bakugou’s mood and he hated it. People milled about, passing each other to get wherever the fuck they were going. Bakugou had never taken the time to explore what was around his apartment so now that he had nothing better to do, he thought it was the best plan. Turns out there was a shopping district a few blocks over. It was jam-packed and noisy, but Bakugou found himself blending into the crowd and no one bothered him. Especially when there was another Pro-Hero to focus on.

“Pinky! Pinky, over here!”

Bakugou’s head shot up at the call, looking for Ashido. There she was, doing nothing to hide her hair or her horns, while she assessed a set of earrings in a jewelry shop. Ashido looked up at the sound of her name, smiling wide as the person began snapping photos. If there was anyone in world made for the famous life, it was Ashido. She posed briefly, laughing at the claps she got from the surrounding crowd. The shop owner pressed the earrings towards her, probably trying to get her to take them for free. Bakugou hated that shit, but some heroes enjoyed the perks more than others. Ashido shook her head, presenting the money for the items. The man shook his head back, bowing and handing them to her. Ashido took the earrings, sliding the money towards him and kissed him on the cheek. It worked. He was too stunned to turn down her cash and she bounced away. Bakugou smirked. He knew he liked her for some reason.

Bakugou ducked his head a bit as she stopped at a food cart nearest to him. The same back and forth with money happened at the food cart as Ashido tried to pay for her Takoyaki. And it ended the same way, where Ashido kissed the attendant, slipped some money over and walked off. Bakugou wondered how surprised these attendants actually were at the kiss, or if they went through all this trouble just to get a peck on the cheek from Pro-Hero Pinky. Wasn’t like Ashido didn’t love the attention she got after she did it, so no harm no foul. She skipped away and past where Bakugou was standing and he let out a breath in relief. She took out her cellphone, properly balancing her Takoyaki in one hand while texting with the other. A buzz went off in Bakugou’s pocket. Their eyes met across the way.

Ashido: Whatcha doin’ here?

Bakugou frowned. Apparently, his disguise didn’t work. At least she was trying to be discreet.

Bakugou: None of your fucking business.

Ashido: Don’t you have work? ARE YOU SKIPPING WORK?!

Bakugou: No.

Ashido: Do you actually have a day off?

Bakugou: God, you are so annoying.

Ashido: I haven’t seen you walking around us mere mortals in years!

Ashido: Come on! I have to know….

Bakugou refused to answer, blatantly glaring at Ashido and not texting her back. She rolled her eyes, sending one last text.

Ashido: Let me treat you to some brunch at the Hero Café. You can tell me why you’re skipping work.

Instead of correcting her, Bakugou sighed. What else did he have to do today?

Bakugou: Fine.

The Hero Café was possibly the only place in their city where someone in the top 50 could have a bite to eat without being photographed like crazy. In fact, only the top 50 Pro-Heroes on the charts were allowed in, with the restaurant covered in bullet proof glass and heavily tinted windows. They even boasted being “transport quirk” proof, but Bakugou thought they were full of shit. Still, a villain never attacked a hero at the Hero Café in its 5 years of existence. Pinky had broken into number 49 a month ago, and would go there every week.

They were seated at a small two-person table without fuss and Ashido continued to eat her Takoyaki when they sat down. The waiter pretended that was normal as he welcomed the two heroes, asking for their drink order. A mimosa for Ashido and a water for Bakugou. The waiter left stoically.

“Don’t you love skipping work when you aren’t sick?” Ashido asked, and Bakugou sneered.

“Fucking stop with that. I’m not skipping work.”

“Then why are you out here, in the land of the living?”

Bakugou wasn’t sure if he wanted to tell her, but he also didn’t want her to think he’d been trying to get out of his hero duties for fun. Because this day had not been fun.

“I’m not allowed back at work for a week.”

“Wait, not allowed? What did you do?” Ashido asked, shocked as she put down her now empty food container. Someone came from nowhere and took it off the table without a word.

“Tried to attack Todoroki,” Bakugou said, scowling at the memory of their tussle. Ashido’s jaw slackened, making her look like a fish.

“Why? What did he do?”

“He made Deku and Uravity go public.”

“Oooooh!” Ashido said, eyes alight with understanding. “Yeah. I saw that. That makes sense. If I were in your shoes, I’d try to punch him too. Why would he do that?”

“Don’t know. Said it was best for everyone or some shit. Don’t care. He’s a dick.”

Bakugou’s phone buzzed in his pocket. Deku again. Bakugou hit ‘ignore’ just as the waiter appeared again, drinks in hand and setting them on the table. Ashido happily took a sip from her mimosa as the well-mannered employee asked if they were ready to order. Bakugou was not, but apparently Ashido was.

“I’ll take the triple stack of pancakes with bacon on the side,” She quipped instantly. The waiter turned to Bakugou.

“Uh, do you have eggs?”

“Yes, sir,” the waiter responded without any sarcasm. They trained their employees well.

“Three eggs. And a side of sausage,” Bakugou said. “Over medium.”

“Very good,” the waiter responded, walking away.

“You have an entire week off work?” Ashido asked. Bakugou shrugged. “You’re stir crazy already, aren’t you?”

“You know I hate doing anything but work,” Bakugou grumbled.

“And Midoriya,” Ashido said with a grin. Bakugou grimaced, folding his arms over his chest.

“You aren’t clever, Ashido.”

“Why, cause you looooove him? Wanna protect his honor?” She asked, batting her eyelashes. Bakugou blushed and hated himself for it.

“Cut it out,” He said in between gritted teeth.

“This whole thing between you two is just so weird. I’m surprised you’re letting it happen like this.”

“The fuck?! Letting it happen? This shit is just happening and I’m trying to hold on for dear fucking life!” Bakugou practically yelled across the table.

“Lower your voice, sweetie,” Ashido commented, smiling and waving briefly at the people who turned to the man yelling. She leaned across the table to whisper, “I feel like this all could have been stopped if you were just willing to tell Midoriya that you loved him.”

That’s the worst part. She was right. If Bakugou could go back in time, he’d choose the night Deku told him that he loved him. He’d say it back no question. But that wasn’t an option anymore.

“Well, too late now. Would hate to interfere with Uraku,” Bakugou said, the name dripping with venom. “Besides, Cheeks is everything Deku ever wanted, right?”

“You know that for sure?” Ashido asked, faux innocence spread on her features. Bakugou surveyed the woman in front of him, curious why she would respond that way.

“Why? What do you know?”

Ashido met Bakugou’s eyes across the table, the stare more serious than Bakugou was used to seeing on Ashido.  

“You know, best friends tell each other things,” Ashido remarked, swirling her mimosa. Bakugou lifted an eyebrow.

“And?”

“That means I know more about their relationship than you do. Because Ochako talks about it. And I’m a good friend. I would never just tell anyone her secrets.”

Ashido was being fucking cryptic, staring into Bakugou’s eyes.

“But you know me. I can’t lie either.”

Bakugou’s eyebrows shot up. Oh.

“So if I were to ask a straight forward question-“ Bakugou started.

“Then I would have to respond.”

Ashido took a sip of her drink, trying to hide her smile. She was offering information about Deku and Cheek’s relationship. And, in true Ashido fashion, she was doing it in a way that she thought was more fun. Bakugou hated playing games like this with her but this might be the best way for him to get some answers to questions he’s been having for weeks.

“Does Deku love her?” he asked and Ashido shot him an annoyed look.

“I don’t have that information. I only know what Ochako knows.”

“Fine,” Bakugou sighed. “Does she love him?”

“Yes.”

“Does she…” Bakugou thought for a moment, trying to frame the question. “Does she think Deku loves her?”

“No,” Ashido responded, eyes glittering.  

Bakugou was taken aback for a second. Why would they go public if she thought he didn’t feel the same way?

“Why not?”

Ashido shook her head.

“I’m not just going to tell you everything. You gotta work for this stuff.”

Bakugou rolled his eyes.

“Uh, has she seen something that makes her think Deku doesn’t love her?”

“Yes,” Ashido said, smiling. “Much better question.”

Bakugou stared down at the tablecloth, trying to think. Fuck, what the hell was he supposed to ask to get to the bottom of this? What could Ochako possibly seen that would make her think Deku wasn’t 100% in lo-

Bakugou looked up and Ashido grinned wide, leaning in. Bakugou leaned in too, their voices dropping to a whisper.

“Has she said anything about me and Deku at the movies?”

“Yes.”

“Does she think he’s in love with someone else?”

“Yes.”

“Does she think he’s in love with me?”

“Yes!” Ashido finished excitedly, clasping her hands near her face. “That was fun!”

“You’re psychotic,” Bakugou mumbled, looking off. What the fuck was he supposed to do with this information?

“Don’t overthink this. You have what you need. You know they aren’t the picture-perfect couple they are trying to show to the world. You know that Ochako has noticed the both of you buzzing around each other, though you are not being subtle. You know he said, ‘I love you,’ to you three weeks ago-“

Ashido waved off Bakugou’s shocked look at that comment.

“Oh please. Kiri tells me everything. You have what you need! Go get him!”

“These are all just things Ochako said. How can I know they’re even true? How do I know that Deku even still loves me?”

“You don’t until you actually fucking talk to him!” Ashido said, raising her own voice. She clasped a hand over her mouth and giggled as the patrons looked at their tables once more. 

“And say what? ‘I love you. Dump your girlfriend you just publicly tied yourself to?’” Bakugou asked quietly.

“I mean, for starters,” Ashido said with a shrug of her shoulders. Bakugou watched her quizzically.

“Why are you trying to help me out with all of this if Cheeks is your best friend?”

“Cause Ochako has been pining after that boy since they broke up and I’m sick of it. She is way too hot and awesome to be waiting around for a dude who doesn’t love her. He obviously only loves you so just be together already! All of you are so frustrating,” Ashido said, leaning back from him in a huff.  

It couldn’t be that simple, not with everything that’s happened. They would have to work through some things. But the more Bakugou thought about it, the more he wanted to tell Deku everything. Spill it all on the table and see what he had to say. At this point, what did Bakugou have to lose? Bakugou relaxed and sat back in his chair. Yeah. Everything will be ok if he just talked to Deku.

Ashido jumped on the change in his posture, reminding Bakugou why he never let down his guard around his friends.

“You’re gonna do it aren’t you?” Ashido asked excitedly. Bakugou kept his face neutral.

“Shut up. Drink your mimosa.”

“You are! And you two will be a couple, and you’ll have him hang out with the Bakusquad and all will be right with the world!” Ashido had her hands on her cheeks, staring off dreamily.

Bakugou shook his head, smirking. He took out his phone, noticing the missed calls from Deku. Bakugou made eye contact with Ashido as he pressed the ‘Call’ button.

“Right now?” She mouthed, whispering slightly. Bakugou shrugged, still smirking. Why the fuck not? She gazed on, hopeful and excited.

“Kacchan?” The answering voice was low and desperate and caused warmth to flow through Bakugou’s body. He relaxed into it, imaging the nerd smiling in front of him. This was good. This was the right decision.

“Hey Deku.”

“I’m so sorry Kacchan-“ Bakugou could hear the tears forming in Izuku’s voice and he sighed, his heart heavy against the feeling of helplessness the voice brought.

“I don’t want to talk about that, Deku. Not right now. I want to see you first.”

Ashido watched Bakugou smiling with her head in her hand until their food arrived. Apparently Ashido’s attention was no match for pancakes.

“I can’t,” He whispered and Bakugou’s stomach sank into his knees.

“You’re with Uraraka,” Bakugou remarked, making sure his voice sounded composed, and Ashido stopped shoveling carbs into her face to look up.

“It’s-uh-It’s a photo shoot. I-I didn’t know when you would call…”

Bakugou pinched the bridge of his nose, his body tensing. He had to know they would be doing stuff like this. It’s not a big deal. Just meet him later. Don’t comment on it. Just meet him later!

“Not important,” Bakugou said finally. “I just want to see you.”

“I want to see you too,” Izuku said breathlessly, and Bakugou relaxed. “Can we talk after the meeting tomorrow?”

“Meeting?” Bakugou asked, and Ashido mimicked his confused expression.

“The one Todoroki e-mailed everyone about?”

Bakugou hadn’t received an alert for any- Fuck. He turned the wifi and data off on his phone. His stupid shitty internet fast. Fuck.

“Yep. The meeting. I can talk to you after that,” Bakugou said, determined to check him e-mail after the call was done.

“Good,” Izuku said, and Bakugou could hear the smile in his voice. Hell yes. “See you then, Kacchan.”

“See you then.”

They hung up, and Ashido squealed, not even caring about the looks other patrons gave them this time. Bakugou smirked, crossing his arms over his chest and lifting his head cockily. Fuck yeah. Time to win back Deku.

Chapter Text

DAY 2

Izuku chewed his bottom lip as he set up the projector for the meeting on the 7^th floor. He carefully plugged in Shouto’s laptop, lightly touching the fingerpad to help it wake up. The screen across from the projector lit up appropriately.

This had all been Izuku’s idea. After Kacchan stopped answering his phone, Izuku stopped being upset and starting getting angry. But not at Kacchan. He confronted Shouto in his office the day of his big “going public” interview. He already had three other interviews and a few photo shoots scheduled for the rest of the week and if he was doing any of this, Shouto was giving him a good answer for once.

“I told you, it will help all of you at Endeavor Industries,” Shouto said. Izuku crossed his arms over his chest.

“I need you to be specific. What is so important that I should have gone public with Ochako? I know you. You have to have a good reason!”

Shouto did not respond, eyes adverted as he messed with his oily hair. Izuku idly wondered when the last time was he showered.

“How much trouble are you in, Shouto?”

Shouto met Izuku’s eyes with his own despondent ones.

“A lot,” Shouto responded and Izuku knew it was the most honest Shouto had been in weeks.

“We deserve to know what’s going on if we’re going to help.”

Shouto scrunched up his face and dragged his fingers through red and white. He’d been in such distress for the past few weeks and Izuku did want to help. He also couldn’t stand by useless as his personal life went up in flames.

“I need to give someone a call.”

That’s all Shouto said, taking out his phone and shooing Izuku from the room.

The next morning Izuku received an e-mail addressed to himself, Kirishima, Kacchan and Shindou. It said that Shouto wanted to meet with them the next day at 10:00 am on the 7^th floor. So, here Izuku was, helping the technologically unable Shouto set up a power point presentation for this meeting.

“You’ll need to sign in and bring up the powerpoint so that we can all see it,” Izuku said, giving him space to do just that. Izuku’s hands glided over the plush chairs in the conference room as he paced back and forth, waiting to see if anything was going to go wrong with the technology. Izuku waved at Akami, typing away at the receptionist area right outside the door. She stopped typing to look at Izuku, and then continue on. Akami wasn’t exactly a social butterfly, so Izuku understood. Shouto brought up the powerpoint to its starting page with not more issues.

Shouto was as stoic as ever, though there was an edge of distress in his face and body language. Just enough tension to let Izuku know he wasn’t calm. He looked like he’d actually showered and shaved for once, which Izuku took as a good sign.

“It’s good that you’re doing this,” Izuku said and Shouto glanced at Izuku from the corner of his eye before staring at the screen.

“Good is a funny word. It’s important that everyone knows what’s going on, but I’m unsure if anyone is going to consider this conversation, ‘good.’”

Shouto’s phone rang in his pocket and he answered it, quickly responding, “Yes, let him in.”

Kacchan. Kacchan had to check into the Welcome Desk downstairs, so they would have called Todoroki to make sure he could come up. Kacchan was here!

Izuku could barely contain his excitement. After Kacchan had called him back yesterday, he’d been ecstatic through the rest of the photo shoot. Originally, Izuku only called him to explain everything Shouto said, but hearing his voice did something to him. Izuku realized he couldn’t keep hiding his feelings like this and stringing Ochako along. He was going to tell Kacchan what he wanted and screw the consequences. If Kacchan still didn’t want anything, fine. Izuku was going to break it off with Ochako no matter what because she didn’t deserve this. It would be a crushing blow to his billboard ranking but he’d pull through.

Kacchan was worth it.

+++

Kirishima waved with his entire arm when Bakugou spotted him standing next to Shindou in front of their agency. The two old friends had spoken the night before, as Kirishima called to make sure he was going to be in the meeting. Bakugou let his best friend in on his plan to finally tell Deku know how he felt, and the big sap almost cried over the phone. Now, Kirishima looked like he was going to cry again.

“Don’t,” Bakugou said as Kirishima reached in for a hug. He floundered for a moment before turning to Shindou and hugging him tight around the shoulders. Shindou’s shock almost made Bakugou laugh.

“I have to hug someone. Sorry, dude,” Kirishima said, holding back tears. Shindou chuckled, patting Kirishima’s back awkwardly.

“So you’re really gonna do it?” Shindou said, peaking over Kirishima’s spikes. Bakugou smirked. “Good for you.”

“Good for all of us!” Kirishima wailed, hugging Shindou harder and crying into his shoulder.

“He’s one of the reasons I don’t do hugs,” Bakugou said, walking past them and into the lobby to check in at the Welcome Desk. Eventually Shindou pried Kirishima off of him so they both could follow. The blonde receptionist smiled fakely as she greeted them.

“Floor 7, Bakugou for Todoroki,” Bakugou said without responding to the greeting. The receptionist called in, giving the required information, and then made a fucking name tag for him. Bakugou refused it.

“All visitors have to wear a name tag!” The receptionist replied chirpily and Bakugou refrained from blowing the name tag up in front of her. He was in a good mood. He could do it later. Bakugou snatched the offending tag, fastening it to his t-shirt.

Bakugou’s companions let his thoughts run wild on the way up to the 7^th floor. This was it. He was finally going to end this whole mess. Either Deku rejected him and they were finished for good, or he felt the same way and they were able to be together.

When Bakugou entered the conference room with a smirk, he knew it was the latter. Deku’s face shown brightly and his eyes twinkled as he slowly moved in Bakugou’s direction. Bakugou wasn’t hiding his admiration for the nerd anymore, meeting him in the middle of the room, his gaze intense. Izuku blushed, looking down. Bakugou’s smirk grew as Izuku fiddled with the sleeves of his dress shirt.

“Hi Kacchan,” Deku said softly and Bakugou took a finger under his chin to lift his head up so that they were gazing into each other’s eyes. Deku sighed into the small touch and Bakugou was having a hard time keeping his hands off of the other man.

“Hey Deku,” Bakugou said, just as softly. He heard a groan coming from Todoroki behind him, but fuck him. Todoroki could suck a bag of dicks.

“Oh God, let’s just get started,” Todoroki said, pained as he messaged his temples. Bakugou breathed in, memorizing the way Deku looked at him in that moment and then turned to find a chair so that he could see the screen. Deku sat next to him, stealing brief glances while trying to place his full attention on Todoroki. It was apparently very difficult for him, and Bakugou preened under the attention. He could see Shindou and Kirishima wave briefly at Deku, who smiled shyly back at them.  

Glasses or whoever-the-fuck-she-was (one of Todoroki’s assistants) entered the room briefly.

“Would anyone be requiring refreshments?” She asked, just as stoic as her boss. Everyone in the room shook their heads and she left without another word.

“Thank you for meeting with me today. I’m sure you all are having a bit of trouble understanding why Endeavor Industries is making the decisions it’s making,” Todoroki started and Bakugou openly scoffed. Todoroki took a moment to glare before clicking his remote to go to the next slide. ‘Current State of Affairs.’

“It pains me to say this, but Endeavor Industries is currently underperforming in the industry.”

“How can a Hero agency underperform?” Kirishima asked. Todoroki shifted uncomfortably.

“You all know that I changed the policy of Endeavor Industries two years ago when I took over the agency,” Todoroki said. “I hated the idea that there were so many sidekicks who were never able to become Pro-Heroes. I decided that at my agency, everyone would start out as a hero and be able to act on their own volition. I felt that I was able to handle the responsibilities of overseeing their behavior.”

Todoroki clicked his remote and a new slide appeared. Various heroes in the agency were shown in short videos, all of which Bakugou vaguely recognized. And they were all fucking up. Some were half-hazardly committing property damage, some where allowing citizens to get in the way of flying debris and still more had attacks missing their villians, and heading towards innocents instead.

“There were too many to oversee,” Todoroki said simply. “I tried to micromanage instead of allowing the sidekick system train people the way it was supposed to. The result was laying off half of heroes at the agency to cover the damages caused a year ago.”

“Yesterday morning I got in touch with other agencies in the area and gave the other half of these heroes the opportunity to transfer to them as sidekicks. For those that didn’t agree to the transfer, I had to lay them off. You three are the only ones from Endeavor Industries left. Plus Shindou, of course but he’s on loan.”

“It wasn’t a bad idea,” Deku said. “We all know that sidekicks can get stuck and not be able to move up. You wanted to prevent that, which was admirable. You just weren’t able to execute it properly.”

Todoroki’s answering smile was stiff.

“So, what? We’re starting over with just us?” Bakugou asked, and Todoroki sighed deeply.

“No.”

Click. The new slide showed the man with the goatee that Bakugou met during that whole shitshow of a meeting with Shindou. Under his picture was written, ‘Butsuki Hero Agency.’

“We were already in financial trouble two years ago when I started as President. Butsuki approached me and tried to buy me out. This man is known for encroaching in on agency territory, making them obsolete and then taking over. He has already done this to three agencies. I did not take him up on his offer. Butsuki believes in only allowing a few heroes to have full control over large territories with sidekicks underneath them doing most of the work of patrol and taking down villians. If I had allowed for him to buy us out, you all would have been downgraded to sidekicks with no way of moving up the ladder.”

Click. The new slide showed a lay out of how Butsuki Hero Agency worked, with 15 slots for Pro-Heroes and small boxes underneath those heroes for sidekicks. Butsuki was over all of them at the top. Todoroki turned his attention to Shindou.

“This is your agency, Shindou. Would you care to elaborate on Butsuki’s stucture?” Todoroki asked and Shindou nodded, turning to the group.

“The system relies on the sidekicks doing the work and the Pro-Heroes taking the credit. The sidekicks are blamed for what goes wrong, while being paid much less with less access to proper PR, and the heroes are praised for what goes right, while being paid much more and seen everywhere. Since the number of cases solved is a large part of the hero ranking system, this means the sidekicks don’t have a chance to become heroes because the heroes get the credit and boost to their own profile,” Shindou added.

“Butsuki is also what’s known as a ‘collector,’” Shindou continued. “He ‘collects’ heroes of certain ranks, bringing them into his agency and everyone else is made to be a sidekick outright. That’s what happened when he took over my agency a year ago.”

“I didn’t know you started an agency,” Deku remarked. Shindou rubbed a hand along the back of his neck, frowning.

“Well, it was very small. We were naïve to think we could just handle a few small sectors of Musutafu without trouble. We didn’t stand a chance against Butsuki and were swallowed whole when he basically took over our sectors. Instead of taking a position as a sidekick, I negotiated with Butsuki to work with Endeavor Industries to help them train their lower ranking heroes. Butsuki loved this idea. He thought it made his agency look like it cared about other agencies, like he wasn’t trying to take over the whole city.”

“Is that what he wants, ultimately? To control the city’s heroes?” Deku asked and Shindou shrugged.

“No one knows why he’s doing this,” Shindou remarked. “We do know that he doesn’t have a quirk. It’s a possibility that he just wants to have the power of knowing that Musutafu’s heroes are beholden to his agency, since he doesn’t have any special abilities of his own.”

Deku stiffened at that idea, staring at his lap. Bakugou glared at Shindou.

“Just cause he doesn’t have a quirk doesn’t mean he hates people who do. Don’t be fucking ignorant,” Bakugou growled. Deku glanced over at him, smiling.

“Just a theory.”

“Well, it’s a stupid fucking theory.”

“I’ve been working on trying to see if he’s been breaking any laws,” Todoroki said, both breaking up and ignoring the argument. “He’s been in business for 5 years and I’ve looked through all of his business decisions to see if any of them were illegal. And unfortunately, every move he’s made has been above board.”

“Nothing illegal about being a dick,” Bakugou commented. “So if you turned him down, why are we talking about him?”

“While he did not buy us out, I mistakenly made a business deal with him before I knew I couldn’t trust him,” Todoroki continued. “The deadline to pay back the money I borrowed is almost up and we cannot pay it back. The collateral was, unfortunately, the agency.”

Silence fell over the room. No one moved. No one blinked. Everyone took their time processing what Todoroki meant.

Kirishima was the first to break the tension.

“You’re sure we can’t pay it back?”

“If I took away all of your salaries for three years, I could. But I wouldn’t, and we don’t have that sort of time anyway.”

“For three years?! Shit, Todoroki. How did you get in that much debt?” Bakugou demanded, his anger starting to leak through what should have been a great fucking day.

“I micromanaged more than the heroes at the agency,” Todoroki said, embarrassed and rubbing his eyebrows.

“And you didn’t ask for help,” Deku said, disappointed.

“Correct.”

“So let me get this straight,” Bakugou started, leaning over in his chair. “You were a piss poor manager of a giant ass agency and made a deal with the devil, and now we are either going to work under said devil or become sidekicks after 6 years of pro-hero work. Is that right?”

Todoroki’s shoulders were hunched, not looking Bakugou in the eyes.

“Yes.”

Bakugou rounded on Shindou.

“You said he collected Pro-heroes of a certain rank, right?”

“Uh, Yes,” Shindou responded, uncomfortable with the sudden attention.

“What’s his cut-off?”

“He only collects rank numbers 1 - 20.”

Kirishima’s and Deku’s eyes slid to Bakugou. He crossed his arms over his chest and stared at his two oldest friends, two of the strongest heroes he knew who be forced into sidekick positions while Bakugou was made a hero. Why, cause some asshole got their jollies off of controlling the hero population? Fuck, if this was his first year a U.A. he wouldn’t give a shit, but after everything he’s been through with both of them? Hell no.

“That’s why you wanted me to go public with Ochako. I wasn’t helping Endeavor Industries. You were trying to make sure I stayed a hero after Butsuki took over,” Deku said, and Bakugou stared at Todoroki. Todoroki was trying to make the best out of an extremely bad situation, trying to take care of Deku’s status as a hero.

“By tying yourself to someone like Ochako, your ranking will most assuredly go up and into the top 20s. But we’ll have to see how the unofficial rankings look in a week.”

 “Deku, can you step out for second?” Bakugou said suddenly, and the other man looked over in surprise.

“Is something wrong?” Deku asked, and Bakugou shook his head.

“Todoroki promised he’d settle a workplace spat between Shindou and I," Bakugou lied easily. "Kirishima was a witness. Don’t want you getting in the middle of it.”

“Right now?” He asked incredulous. Todoroki’s eyes widened as he caught onto what was happening, and he nodded.

“That’s a good idea,” Todoroki said. “While we’re thinking about it. We can just try and get it out of the way. Do you mind, Izuku?”  

“Uh, sure. Ok,” Deku said, though he did not look convinced. He moved out of the room awkwardly, looking at every person sitting around the table before closing the door behind him.

“This is why Shindou is here. You’re trying to boost yourself to the 20s by being my fucking boyfriend,” Bakugou accused and Shindou’s face pinched into a glare.

“Only by being your hero partner,” Shindou seethed. “That’s all I agreed to, but then that whole fake relationship shit came out at the meeting. I realized either I turned down the offer completely and resigned myself to be a sidekick for the rest of my fucking life, or I deal with you for 7 months and go back to being a Pro-Hero.”

“Butsuki thought that a work partnership wouldn’t be sufficient to boost Shindou’s ratings. He wanted to do something that would skyrocket them,” Todoroki said simply.

“And what did you get out of that deal?” Bakugou asked.

“I was buying time. He wanted to take the agency a month ago, and he could have, but I convinced him to try this with one of our top employees. Obviously, I didn’t know he would change it to a relationship. We were all a little blindsided. He had the choice between you and Izuku to tie to Shindou. He chose you.”

Bakugou’s lip rolled in disgust.

“Why?”

“He might not be power hungry because he’s quirkless, but he certainly enjoys lording over the power he has,” Todoroki said, fumbling with his next words. “From the way he talked, Butsuki liked how strong willed you were and was interested in how Shindou would push you. He hoped Shindou would push you… too hard.”

“Fuck this shit. I’m calling this off right now,” Bakugou asserted, pointer finger smashing into the conference room table. “We’re not going through with this fake relationship bullshit.”

“You can’t. You’re contractually obligated,” Shindou said.

“Fuck you, who cares?” Bakugou heard himself shouting. He wasn’t about to be made to feel weak or out of control by anyone, and he wasn’t starting with Butsuki. “I’ll lose some money. Hell, I’ll lose my job. Don’t give a shit!”

“You’d lose your hero license,” Todoroki said. The wind left Bakugou’s sails immediately and he slumped into his chair. His hero license. One of the most important things to him in his life could be gone if he didn’t go through with a fake relationship the way Butsuki wanted.

“Fuck,” Bakugou whispered to himself. “I can’t believe I didn’t read that contract.”

“If you had, you would have said ‘no’ and sealed Kirishima’s and Izuku’s fate to that of a sidekick.”

“Am I able to tell Deku what’s going on?” Bakugou asked Todoroki. He frowned.

“It’s in your contract to keep it confidential. Probably another power play. If you want to tell him, you’d have to make sure Butsuki doesn’t have a way of finding out. He’s a powerful man and he has a variety of ways of obtaining information.”

“Um, about the whole sidekick thing,” Kirishima interrupted, looking panicked. “I’m currently ranked number 29 which was great but now I’m realizing that’s not good enough.”

Todoroki turned to Kirishima with regret which did not help ease Kirishima’s panicked expression.

“I don’t know what to do to get your rank up,” he said softly. “I’ve been trying to put you on more patrols and more missions and you’re always amazing. But your rank refuses to budge.”

Kirishima nodded, his dread still obvious.

“I’m getting Midoriya back in here,” Shindou said, leaving the table and waving him down from outside. The rest of the group paused their conversation as Deku reentered.

“Everything ok now?”

“As ok as it can be knowing we’re about to have the world’s biggest dick as a boss,” Bakugou said. “Why are we even entertaining this? Why aren’t we trying to find new jobs while we can?”

“The market is oversaturated. There aren’t positions open,” Todoroki started.

“Really? For three people in the top 30?” Kirishima asked.

“Yes, you all are very high ranking, but most of these agencies are being run by people below you or in competition with your rankings. Why would they hire someone who could make them look bad?” Todoroki said. “Maybe there are places for you three in another city in Japan or another country, but nothing here.”

Fuck.

They were stuck.

Completely helpless.

“This has been a lot,” Todoroki said. “I’ve been dealing with it for the past month and that’s still not enough time to process everything.”

“Are you sure you thought of everything?” Deku asked, a hopeful glimmer in his eye. The hopeful glimmer that Bakugou loved.

“Maybe not,” Todoroki said, sighing. “Maybe there’s something I haven’t thought about. I’m open to suggestions.”

Everyone stayed silent.

“When is he taking over?” Kirishima asked.

“In 5 months.”

5 months. He’s waiting to see how Bakugou will do on the official billboard charts once he and Shindou go public. Shit. And the more Bakugou thought about this entire situation, the more helpless he became.

Bakugou saw three choices for everyone at this table:

• Try and make it into the top 20 and work as a pro hero for someone who would just use them to make himself more powerful.
• Become a sidekick with the knowledge you will never break out of that position.
• Find a new place where you could work as a hero and leave the Musutafu. For good.

He tried thinking through the options for Kirishima. Kirishima’s girlfriend is a well-respected hero in Musutafu, and since it didn’t look like he’d be able to break into the top 20, he would probably become a sidekick. But honestly, Ashido would kill him for trying to compromise like that, so they would both move to another city to start over. Bakugou would lose his best friend.

Worse, Bakugou tried for a moment to think about what could happen to Deku. With Cheeks on his arm, he’d break into the top 20 easy. He’d have his place in the agency and would be able to continue to do what he loved, in whatever way that asshole of a boss would allow. And Bakugou wouldn’t have a place in his life.

Or, Bakugou could be with Deku. They could be together and happy for the briefest of moments, and it’d have to be in secret because of the contract he had with Shindou. Deku would drop in the ranks, making his only option to work as a sidekick, which Bakugou would never let him fucking do. So he’d have to move away to be a Pro-Hero elsewhere.

And Bakugou? He wanted to say that Deku was the only thing he wanted in life, but it wasn’t. He’d always wanted to be a hero and nothing was changing that. Since breaking it off with Shindou would mean losing his hero license, Bakugou wasn’t able to do it. So Bakugou would probably be a Pro-Hero under this asshole of a boss, and Deku would move away and who knows if they would ever see each other again. Maybe Bakugou could follow him after this was all over. Maybe not.

Everyone at the table, including Shindou, looked wrecked. If they were like Bakugou, they were deciding their next steps, trying to see if there was a way out of this.

“Are we free to go?” Kirishima asked quietly, not looking Todoroki in the eyes. His happy, friendly self was gone for the moment, replaced with a quiet reflection Bakugou found eerie. Todoroki nodded and Kirishima got up without a word and left. Shindou stood up, opened his mouth, closed it, shook his head and walked out as well.

“What’s going to happen to you, Shouto?” Deku asked.

“I’m going to stay with my mother once everything starts shifting over. I’ll figure something out from there.”

Deku nodded, and looked at Bakugou. Shit. They were going to talk, weren’t they? Bakugou was going to profess his love to him and everything. It feels different now, but this conversation will be more important than ever.

“I want you two to know that I don’t…disapprove of you,” Todoroki said, looking to the side like he was searching for what to say. “Maybe I did before all this started, but I’ve seen you two try and be without each other. I think you’re both better people together than you are apart.”

“You must also know that I had to call Butsuki before having this meeting,” Todoroki said, his tone shifting to one of warning. “He said he was ‘delighted’ that you two would be discovering his role in your lives. I believe he is very interested in the both of you, but not together. He’s seen what you two can do together. For whatever that’s worth.”  

Todoroki left the conference room, briefly stopping to update Akami before he left the building.

The two old friends sat very still, staring at odd points in the room but not at each other. Bakugou realized that he had no idea what to say to Deku now. It didn’t feel like it was the right time for-

“So how are we going to bring him down?”

“Hah?” Bakugou responded loudly, head swiveling quickly to Deku.

“Butsuki. How are we going to bring him down? Do you already have a plan or do we need to think about it more?”

Deku was looking at Bakugou hopefully, like the last hour hadn’t happened. Like they hadn’t just learned their hero lives and their personal lives were never going to be the same. Deku was looking at him like they were told that there was a new villain in town that they needed to eradicate. Which was kind of what happened. And because this was Deku, he didn’t think about ‘if’ they were able to get rid of him. ‘If’ was not in that man’s vocabulary. It was just ‘how.’ That was who Deku was.

Bakugou didn’t even think about it, just surged forward until their lips pressed against each other’s and for a moment, he pretended nothing else existed but the touch of Deku’s mouth against his own. Deku gasped, allowing him to slip his tongue inside and the answering moan reminded him of one of the best things about touching Deku: he was always so fucking vocal. So when Bakugou slipped a hand in his hair to bring him closer, Deku whined into his mouth and grabbed onto his shirt and Bakugou wondered if anyone in the world was half as lucky as he was in that moment.

Bakugou was the first to pull away, taking in the look on Deku’s face. He looked surprised and elated and a little drugged, which was just so fucking adorable. They breathed heavily together.

“I love you,” Bakugou said, making sure Deku’s eyes were focused on his. Deku practically melted to the floor. Bakugou smirked as he caught Deku by the shoulders, the other man going slack.

“You ok?” Bakugou asked teasingly and Deku grabbed onto his biceps to steady himself.

“Nope. I’m hallucinating,” Deku responded, eyes hazy as he looked into Bakugou’s. “I thought the love of my life just told me he loved me.”

Bakugou ran a hand through Deku’s hair, and the other man sighed, closing his eyes.

“He does love you,” Bakugou whispered.

“This is the best hallucination I’ve ever had,” Deku said, opening his eyes and grinning. Deku sat up, keeping a hold on Bakugou’s hands and their fingers weaved in and out together.

“I shouldn’t have done that,” Bakugou said, and Deku tilted his head quizzically.

“The kiss? I mean, you should have done it weeks ago,” Deku said with a smile, leaning in. “But-“

“Because of Uraraka.”

Deku stopped leaning halfway in, his smile dropping from his face.

“Because I’m dating Uraraka,” He said, like he just remembered.

“Yeah.”

Deku leaned back again until his back hit the chair.

“I might be dating her,” Deku said. “But I don’t have to be.”

His eyes implored Bakugou, who took Deku’s head in his hands.

“Do you want to be with me?” He asked and Deku smiled, nodding. “Then we can’t make any rash decisions about us right now.”

Deku lifted his face out of Bakugou’s hands, intertwining their fingers again.

“Kacchan, I already decided that I’m going to break up with her. I can take the hit in the rankings.” He looked so cheerful and happy, and Bakugou hated taking it away from him.

“Not if that means you’re out of the running for being a Pro-Hero at this new agency.”

Deku frowned.

“I’m surprised you’re thinking about this, Kacchan. I thought for sure you’d just start throwing punches. What he’s doing isn’t right, for the heroes or for Musutafu. Are you seriously thinking we would just work as heroes under him?”

Bakugou gritted his teeth, trying to keep from telling Deku everything. He couldn’t do it just then. He had to be sure it wouldn’t come back to bite him.

“I just... I have to play it safe right now. We have to play it safe.”

“What aren’t you telling me?” Deku asked, and Bakugou groaned in frustration.

“Do you trust me, Deku?”

“Of course I do, Kacchan.”

“Then trust that I have a good reason to keep something from you,” Bakugou said, eyebrows furrowing at Deku’s confusion. He didn’t look like he wanted to, and with all the lies being told, Bakugou couldn’t blame him.

“I’m so sick of all these secrets,” Deku said quietly, still holding on to Bakugou’s hands. “But I trust you.”

“We’ll be fine, Deku. We just gotta wait a little bit longer.”  

“And then…?” Deku asked, eyes hopeful again. Bakugou smirked.

“And then we can be together. I promise. I’m not letting go of you this time.”

Deku smiled wide and Bakugou’s heart swelled. They sat there for what seemed like hours, allowing their hands to skim across each other’s.

+++

When Bakugou left Endeavor Industries to head home, his feelings mixed and swirled in his chest, confusing him. On one hand, he finally told Deku how he felt and the other man reciprocated those feelings. Which was fucking awesome. On the other hand, they weren’t in a position to act on them any time soon, so they had to keep their distance. Which was fucking not.

Deku was right. This Butsuki character needed to be knocked off his pedestal. And they were the perfect team to do it. Todoroki’s warning be damned, they would find a way to get rid of him together.

So Bakugou was more than startled when he almost ran into a portly man with a goatee outside his apartment building. His eyes widened at the smile on the man’s face, his colorful vest matching the lines of color on the cane he carried. Butsuki.

“Beautiful weather we’re having, don’t you think?” Butsuki asked, steadying Bakugou slightly before Bakugou wrenched himself away from him. This only made the Butsuki’s smile bigger.

This was a completely different man than Bakugou met at the meeting. The person he met at the meeting was timid and meek, and the person in front of him now was confident and poised.

“You’re Butuski,” Bakugou responded finally.

“Your agency had its meeting today! That’s the only way you’d remember my name, right?” Butsuki guessed correctly. Bakugou frowned.

“You’re thinking that I’m different than before,” Butsuki added. Bakugou didn’t move or speak, but Butsuki laughed like he had appropriately responded to the comment. His grey eyes sparkled in a way that set Bakugou on edge. “Well, you have to be who people need you to be, sometimes. You and Shindou are such confident, big personalities. I wanted you two to have your fun.”

“What are you doing here?” Bakugou asked gruffly, hating this guy already. Butsuki happy demeanor disappeared and he gripped his cane tightly with both hands.

“Always so rude, Katsuki. You’ll need to start being more careful with how you speak to me,” Butsuki said, his face devoid of all emotion.

“Don’t call me that,” Bakugou said instantly, and Butsuki’s smile was back. Bakugou had never met someone so creepy in his life and he tried not to shiver every time their eyes met.

“That’s cute,” He said. “It’s like you think you have a choice in what I call you. I call all my heroes by their given names.”

“I’m not one of your heroes.”

“Not yet,” Butsuki responded. “I’m just here to re-introduce myself. I look forward to working with you.”

“Go to Hell,” Bakugou said, and Butsuki sighed.

“What am I going to do with someone so mouthy?” He asked dramatically. “Oh well. It makes life more fun.”

The toothy grin Butsuki offered only made Bakugou sick to his stomach.

“Enjoy your sabbatical, Katsuki. It was lovely to see you again.”

Butsuki left in a large black towncar, sliding into the back seat. Bakugou stared at the car as it sped away, all the hairs on his body sticking up straight.

Fuck that guy.

There was no way he and Deku were going down without a fight.

Chapter Text

Izuku sat in a makeup chair, his curls pinned back on his head as the makeup artist ‘did her magic,’ as she said. Izuku was sad to see that she was not talking about a quirk, but instead liquid foundation and a sponge.

“You have the sweetest face, hun,” she said, dabbing the liquid and using circular motions to blend it in.

“Thank you,” Izuku squeaked, trying to keep his face still. Ochako sat beside him, her makeup finished as they worked on gently curling her hair.

“’Zuku’s always had a great complexion,” Ochako added, turning to give Izuku a smile. Her makeup artist immediately turned her head back.

“Don’t move,” She said gruffly and Ochako blushed, keeping still.

“We just gotta blot out these freckles,” Izuku’s artist commented.

“Not too many!” Ochako chirped, before addressing Izuku directly. “Are we still planning on spending the day together?”

Izuku glanced at her from the corner of his eye and smiled.

“Sure, sounds like fun.”

Izuku felt a buzz in his pocket. His makeup artist raised an annoyed brow as Izuku went to fish it out. He smiled apologetically, but was very glad he checked.

Kacchan: Morning nerd. How was last night? You were on duty, right?

Izuku tried not to clutch the phone to his chest in excitement, instead gently placed it on his lap as he worked to keep his facial muscles still. Even when they were having sex, they’d never communicate via text, unless it was a quick ETA or something. Now Kacchan wanted to connect when they weren’t even around… He quickly typed out a text before placing it back on his lap.

Izuku: Mostly patrol, since it’s way too quiet to get any work done at the office. ヽ (´ ー ` )┌

Kacchan: I bet. Catch anyone?

Izuku: A convenience store robbery. It was basically dead. ლ(¯ ロ ¯"ლ)

Kacchan: Not a good sign.

Izuku: ヽ(°〇°)ﾉ Do you think Butsuki had something to do with it?

Kacchan: Probably. Already taking over Endeavor sectors.

Kacchan: And stop with the weird text faces.

Izuku: 人 (_ _*)

Izuku: You can’t see my face. How will you know what my face looks like if I don’t use emoticons?

Kacchan: I know your fucking face. I don’t need to see that cutesy crap.

Izuku sighed dreamily. Even his annoyance was cute right now.

Izuku: …

Izuku: Hey Kacchan?

Kacchan: Fuck. What?

Izuku: We used to be like this: ( ﾉ -.-) ﾉ ….((((((((((((●~* ( >_<)

Izuku: And now we’re like this: ＼ ( ＾ ∀ ＾ ) メ ( ＾ ∀ ＾ ) ノ

Kacchan: I take everything back. I actually hate you.

Izuku stifled his laughter with his hand and his makeup artist grunted out a, “Keep still.”

Izuku: ∠( ᐛ 」∠)_

Izuku: Do you have a plan yet to take down Butsuki? With all your free time?

Kacchan: Yep. I’m just not telling you.

Izuku: Kaaaaaaaaacchan!

Kacchan: And I’m never making you Katsudon ever again.

Izuku: ( ⊙ _ ⊙ ) No! But… but… ( ᗒᗣᗕ )՞

Izuku hoped he was just teasing, especially considering the pause in Kacchan’s responses.

Kacchan: I miss you.

Izuku placed his phone in his lap and made the screen go black, his face blushing furiously.

This was such a new side to Kacchan. Izuku was overwhelmed and it was just three words. He was being sweet, outside of the ‘have to know Kacchan to know it’s sweet’ sort of way. If anyone were to read it, they would know-

Oh.

Oh no.

Izuku was so stupid.

He was sitting right next to the woman he was about to go have an interview with. They would tell the world, once again, that they were happy and in love and Izuku felt very ill all of a sudden. And he’s doing this the day after he and Kacchan professed their love to each other. And kissed.

He thought texting with Kacchan before the show was a good idea. Why would he think it was a good idea?

Izuku typed a dozen or so text messages that had to do with boundaries while they weren’t together, and how they would have time for all of that later.

Instead he wrote:

Izuku: I miss you too.  

Because of course, he was going to say it back. Izuku should have told him that they needed to keep their texting platonic, and out of any realm that might be seen as romantic or sexual. But this was Kacchan. Since when has he not been weak for Kacchan?   

Izuku was pretty sure neither of them knew what to do then, because the texting just stopped. It was just as well. His artist was fluffing his hair and ushering him into wardrobe so that the interview could start on time.

Here we go again.

+++

Vulnerability was a bitch.

Bakugou wasn’t quite sure how to navigate this new dimension of his relationship with Deku. Bakugou found himself wanting to be near him all the time, and if not near, then at least in touch. He couldn’t remember the last time he instigated a texting conversation with anyone, and this morning he just felt compelled to hear from Deku in some way. He certainly never told anyone that he missed them before, because it had never been true. But couples said that to each other, not that they were a couple yet. Did they feel as bare and exposed as Bakugou felt? Even though Deku said it back, Bakugou felt vulnerable in a way that he wasn’t sure he liked. How did people do this all the time?

Bakugou shook himself out of his thoughts, choosing to focus on the other text messages he received this morning.

Ashido: I’ve never seen Kiri this down before…

Ashido: I think he might need your perky self around to cheer him up.   

Bakugou: That sounds like the stupidest idea you’ve ever had.

Ashido: Trust me. I know what I’m doing. You come strutting into our house, suddenly he’s back to being his old self.

Bakugou: Seriously? You think my mere presence will cure him?

Ashido: Wasn’t Kirishima teaching you about supporting people in your life? This is basic support stuff. Showing up when others want you to show up. I’m telling you Kirishima wants you to show up.

Bakugou: …Fine.

Bakugou was the absolute worst person to cheer anyone up. He still thought Ashido was out of her mind. But he knew how to cook and decided that would be good enough ‘support’ for now.

Bakugou turned on the TV to the Kari Branson Show, which he would never fucking watch if Deku weren’t on it this morning. And yeah, it was a little fucked that he would be on it with his girlfriend talking about their love life, but Bakugou knew better than to take that shit seriously. Plus, he had to take whatever he could get in regards to seeing Deku. If that meant glancing at his sloppy green curls on a tv screen, Bakugou would stomach a stupid talk show. The TV was in the living room while Bakugou worked in the kitchen, but he only planned to take peaks at the screen anyway.

Bakugou wrapped his Deku apron around himself, setting up his vegetables and mushrooms on the cutting board. A pot of water was already boiling as he began dicing the vegetables, listening to the opening theme song of that stupid morning show. The interview was pretty standard. How’d you meet? How longer were you together? How did you reconnect? Bakugou tuned out most of it as his knife sliced through the greenery.

The host began explaining a game she liked to play when couples came on her show. She asked them a few questions about themselves and the other member of the couple would guess the answer. It started with Cheeks writing down her answers on a dry erase board so that Deku couldn’t see and Deku was supposed to guess the correct answer before 60 seconds was up. Bakugou already knew that he’d get every answer correct, since the man knew everything about everyone. It wasn’t a surprise to him, but the studio audience ‘aww’d every time Deku got it right, like it was a fucking rom com. Whatever.

When it was Deku’s turn to write down his answers, Bakugou found himself playing along.

“Ok, first question Uraraka. Who was Midoriya’s favorite hero growing up? You have 60 seconds,” The host, whatever the fuck her name was, asked. Bakugou rolled his eyes.

“I don’t think I need the 60 seconds,” Cheeks said happily, and Bakugou spoke in tandem with her on the screen.

“All Might.”

Deku turned his dry erase board around, smiling big as the words read, ‘All Might!’ The audience clapped and Bakugou wondered why he was watching such utter crap.

“Next question, what is Midoriya’s favorite food?” The host asked, and Uraraka looked surprised as Deku started writing furiously.

“Oh, that’s a little more difficult. I see him eat so many different foods now. What did he eat the most of at school?” Uraraka was talking to herself and Bakugou waited for her to figure it out. She had to remember right? Bakugou went back to chopping the vegetables, making sure they were ready for the pot.

“Time’s up! What do you think?”

“Uh, I’m going to go with Udon?” Cheeks said, questioning her own answer.

“Katsudon,” Bakugou said, and Deku turned over his dry erase board to show the word, ‘Katsudon.’

“Close! Katsudon,” Deku said, and Bakugou glanced at the tv to see that he was blushing. Bakugou wondered if he was thinking of their text messages this morning when he wrote that. Uraraka laughed, shrugging her shoulders.

“Ok, last one. What is Midoriya’s favorite color?” The host asked, and Uraraka looked surprised again. Bakugou was a little stumped himself, scraping the vegetables into the boiling water. He placed a lid over the pot and went to look at the screen. Deku was blushing again, his answer already written.

“What is making you blush?” Bakugou asked TV Deku softly, as the host signaled it was time for Uraraka to answer.

“Uh, green?” Uraraka said with a smile. Deku shyly turned over his dry erase board to show the word, ‘Red.’ Bakugou smirked. That fucking sap.

Cheeks’ eyes widened while her eyebrows lifted, staring at Deku while Deku averted his eyes. Her expression didn’t change when the host began talking again.

“Well, that’s our show! Tune in-“ Bakugou turned off the television, finally wiping his hands on his apron before picking up his phone to text Deku again.

Bakugou: Red, huh?

Bakugou took the thinly sliced pork from the fridge, placing it on the counter. A knock sounded on his door, and Bakugou already knew who it was.

“It’s open!” He shouted and Shindou stepped inside, shutting the door behind himself.

“Morning,” Shindou said, looking around Bakugou’s apartment briefly. “Nice place.”

Bakugou grunted in acknowledgement, setting a timer that would tell him when he could put the beef in the boiling water. He turned to look at Shindou, standing in front of his door. It should feel weird, having a guy you fooled around with see your apartment for the first time but Bakugou was far too deep into his Deku obsession to give a shit about that now. Bakugou’s phone dinged at him, and he picked it up to see that Deku had texted him back.

Deku: (*μ_μ)

Bakugou: That answer wouldn’t have anything to do with the color of my eyes, would it?

Deku: ╮ ( ˘_˘ ) ╭  Don’t know what you mean. Are your eyes red?

Bakugou: You fucking liar.

Deku: ┬┴┬┴┤ ( ･ _ ├┬┴┬┴

Bakugou: I’m going to make you pay for that, and these stupid emoticons.

Deku: (^_-) Bring it on, Kacchan.

Bakugou chuckled, looking up to see Shindou watching him in surprise. He frowned instantly.

“Shut up.”

“That’s Midoriya, right?”

“Shut. Up.”

“I can see why you wanted me to come over and talk about our fake relationship now.”

Bakugou had texted him the night before to show up in the morning, not knowing what to do about them. The way things were going now, they had four days to figure out how to tell Deku they were going into a publicity stunt relationship and without Butsuki figuring out what was happening. If they didn’t, whatever was brewing between Bakugou and Deku was done for.

“Any ideas?” Shindou asked. Bakugou sighed, rubbing his forehead.

“Not so far. I just picture Butsuki’s face whenever I even think about telling Deku what’s about to happen.”

“Losing our hero licenses is not exactly good motivation to step out of line like this.”

“So, what? We just don’t tell him?” Bakugou asked. “Just pretend everything’s great and watch him get blindsided by the news? I’ve been there. That fucking sucks.”

“Didn’t you guys tell each other you wanted to be together? Would he believe that you just decided that wasn’t a good idea 5 days later? Sounds like we have the opportunity to let this play out and see what happens.”

“Hell no. We’re going to tell him. I’m not taking the chance that he decides to end it between us before it even started,” Bakugou stated with finality. His timer went off and Bakugou scooped the meat into the boiling water. Shindou lifted his head from where he was standing, still by the front door, to see what Bakugou was doing.

“Do you want… a beverage or something?” Bakugou asked, suddenly very aware of his poor hospitality. He should have kept his mouth fucking shut, because Shindou smirked at him.

“You don’t get a lot of visitors, do you?”

“Bite me.”

“Been there,” Shindou said, eyes twinkling. “Not a bad place to visit, actually.”

The cadence of his voice shifted from teasing to flirtatious, and it was just enough to twist Bakugou’s stomach. He slammed his hands down on his kitchen counter briefly before turning around to face Shindou.

“Cut that shit out.”

“I can’t possibly know what you mean.”

“Look! This,” Bakugou said, gesturing between the two men, “Is never fucking happening again.”

“Ok.”

“I mean it,” Bakugou growled.

Shindou laughed, his brown eyes crinkling at the edges and making him look softer. Too bad he was still a dick.

“You are the easiest person in the world to rile up, you know that?” He said it in that same flirtatious manner and it made Bakugou feel a bit winded.

“Just, sit down, shut up, and let me finish my Shabu Shabu,” Bakugou grumbled, checking on his dish. The meat was not yet fully cooked. Shindou grabbed himself a seat on the sofa, and put his feet up on the coffee table like he lived there. His arms stretched languidly and Bakugou could see his muscles flex beneath his shirt. Which he quickly turned away from.

“Whose it for?”

“Kirishima. Ashido wants me to come over and…perk him up.”

Shindou laughed again, this time louder and longer than before. Bakugou felt his cheeks dust pink.

“You are a fucking guest, in my fucking apartment and I will ask you politely to shut the fuck up!”

That did not help Shindou’s laughter and Bakugou waited, eyes narrowed and fists clenched, for him to be finished.

“I’m sorry,” He said, laughter dying down. “I just never expected anyone to count on you to be ‘perky.’”

“Fuck you! I can be perky if I want to be!”

“Oh you’re absolutely right,” Shindou said, sarcasm evident. “When someone hears, ‘Bakugou’ they hear ‘cheerful’ and ‘bubbly.’”

“Get the fuck out. I’ll take care of this problem by myself,” Bakugou grumbled, listening to Shindou giggle before letting out a giant, put-upon sigh.

“Ok, ok. I’m done,” Shindou said. “I’ll play nice. Look, if you want to tell Midoriya, then you might should do it quickly. Butsuki is watching us now, if he wasn’t before.”

“Are you really ok with me telling him?” Bakugou asked seriously.

“If I wasn’t, would that stop you?” Shindou asked, eyebrows raised. Bakugou sighed. He had to take into account that he wasn’t just risking his own license, but Shindou’s as well.

“If you weren’t ok with this… at all…and no amount of sound judgement could sway you to the correct line of thinking, I wouldn’t tell him,” Bakugou admitted.

“Oh,” Shindou said, surprised. “That’s actually… nice.”

“And I would fucking kill you for ruining my shot with Deku.”

“There he is!” Shindou said, smiling. “I was wondering where you went for a second.”

Shindou looked off to the side as he thought about the situation, but it didn’t take him long to decide.

“Yeah, I’m ok. You can tell him. I think I know where you’re coming from. And it’s not like Butsuki can see us all the time, right? We just gotta make sure Midoriya plays along.”

Bakugou nodded.

“Should I… go visit Kirishima? Since he’s upset.” Shindou asked hesitantly.

“You’re going to have to ask someone who knows what the fuck they’re doing,” Bakugou responded. “My plan is to give him food and let him hug me for exactly 5 seconds. You’re on your own with what you want to do.”

Bakugou took out a travel crockpot from the cupboards, spooning his creation into it. As he was finishing his task, he caught the genuine smile on Shindou’s face as he watched him.

“Stop that,” Bakugou growled.

“What?” Shindou asked, eyes widened in genuine confusion.

“That smile you’re doing. Stop it.”

“You don’t like my smile?” Shindou exclaimed. The curve of Shindou’s lips morphed into something more teasing. Teasing Bakugou could handle. Whatever the fuck he was doing before was unnerving.

“Yes. It’s fucking creepy.”

Shindou held his hands up in surrender, chuckling.

“Fine. I’ll get out of your hair,” Shindou said, standing up and walking over to Bakugou until they were a few inches from one another. Any proximity between them always made his body go on high alert, like he was waiting for an attack of some sort. It wasn’t a terrible feeling.

“You’re a lovely host, Bakugou-san. I hope we can do this again sometime,” Shindou murmured with that same teasing smile and Bakugou narrowed his eyes, his chest constricted for whatever reason.

“In your fucking dreams.”

Shindou winked, walking out the front door and closing it behind himself. Bakugou took a deep breath, finally able to breathe.

+++

“You’re the best friend ever,” Kirishima cried, arms around Bakugou as he limply allowed Kirishima to hug him. Bakugou scowled in Ashido’s direction as she took a picture on Kirishima’s phone before setting it down on their dresser. She smiled and walked out of the bedroom she shared with her boyfriend, leaving the two men alone.

“Time’s up,” Bakugou grumbled and Kirishima let go, wiping his eyes on his dirty t-shirt.

Kirishima had been in bed since he came home yesterday from the meeting, according to Ashido. It was understandable for a time, but he was never one to just lie around like this, usually off with his girlfriend exploring the city if he ever got bored. Ashido seemed out of options and Kirishima was coming up on 24 hours doing nothing, with no end in sight. Kirishima didn’t even get up to give Bakugou a hug, the blankets still wrapped around his legs.

“I can’t wait for the Shabu Shabu,” he said, shark smile large.

“What are you still doing in bed?” Bakugou asked bluntly and Kirishima’s smile faded.

“I don’t know, man. It’s been hard to think about, knowing I’m about to lose my job. That I’ll have to move away to be a hero. Not exactly something most people can relate to.”

Bakugou certainly couldn’t relate. He wasn’t dealing with the same stuff Kirishima was.

“Well, we need you right now, so get up,” Bakugou said gruffly. From the confused look on Kirishima’s face, he wasn’t doing a very good job being ‘perky’ or ‘cheering him up.’ Bakugou hated when Shindou was right.

“Need me for what?”

“Helping Deku and I take Butsuki down,” Bakugou said. Kirishima smiled again.

“I love how you two always think you can save the world. Even when it’s just a boring corporation.”

“We have to do something.”

“I am doing something,” Kirishima responded. “I’m looking at apartments in Tokyo.”

“Something besides giving up!” Bakugou said, his voice raising. “We didn’t climb this high and this fast through the ranks to be beat by an asshole who has nothing better to do than to watch us dance for him!”

Kirishima shrugged.

“I dunno, man. Maybe we didn’t, but it might be time for me to know when I’ve been beat. I’m not like you and Midoriya.”

“That sounds like middle school Kirishima to me,” Ashido said from the doorway. Trust her to not let them have any real privacy. Kirishima’s offended look made Bakugou curious.

“What does that mean?” Bakugou asked and Kirishima waved his hands furiously, shaking his head. Ashido ignored him.

“He was kind of a push over in middle school. He never tried to be better or do better. After watching me heroically take down a giant villain on my own at just 13 years old-“

“Not what happened,” Kirishima said, exasperated.

“He decided he needed to try more, to be the person he wanted to be. So he worked his ass off, and got into U.A.”

Bakugou’s eyebrows shot up, turning to his best friend.

“Well, where the fuck is that guy? I’d like him on my team about now.”

“Low blow, dude,” Kirishima grumbled.

“Not low enough,” Ashido asserted. “You aren’t acting like yourself. Why did you think I asked Bakugou to come over? He is part of the reason you are as strong as you are today. He gave you the standard of worth ethic that you always strived to copy.”

Bakugou refused to blush at that, especially when Kirishima smiled at him fondly. He stared at the blankets instead.

“That’s true,” Kirishima said. “You really think we can do something about this? You really think we can get rid of him? That Mina and I could stay here and do our hero work?”

“We’re not in a good spot right now,” Bakugou said honestly. “But fighting is better than giving up.”

Kirishima threw off the covers on the bed, his grin wide.

“Then let’s fight!”

Ashido squealed, jumping on Kirishima before he could get up. Bakugou watched, horrified, as she kissed him. Her mouth was open enough for Bakugou to see when she stuck her tongue down Kirishima’s throat. Bakugou turned away, trying not to heave.

“Jesus Christ!” Bakugou growled, making his way to the door.

“I love it when you go into battle mode,” Ashido said, giggling at something Bakugou was sure he did not want to see. He kept his eyes averted as he exited, trying to erase the moans he was overhearing from his memory. Bakugou shut the bedroom door behind himself quickly.

Bakugou would see himself out.  

+++

After spending the day together, Ochako asked Izuku to drive, which should not have made him as nervous as it did.

“You sure you’re ok with me driving your car?” Izuku asked, wide eyed, in front of the very sensible black sedan. Ochako smiled, rubbing a hand along his back.

“I trust that you will not crash it on the way back to your apartment,” she commented and Izuku froze for a second. His place. Right. Back to his apartment. Like they were used to doing. As a couple.

“Everything ok, ‘Zuku?” Ochako asked, already on the passenger side with her hand on the handle. Izuku nodded furiously, his grin wide and a little manic. He got in just as Ochako was buckling up and easily maneuvered them onto the correct road.

Ochako was quieter than usual during the drive, her hand intertwined with his as she looked out the window. Izuku counted his blessings because it allowed him to think. He hadn’t thought about the sex part of their relationship. Sure, they had been having sex, but now that Izuku was setting his sights on a future with Kacchan, he didn’t know what to do. They got to a stop light and Izuku pulled out his phone to send a quick text.

Izuku: Ochako is staying the night.

“Who have you been texting today?” Ochako asked, looking over at Izuku as he dropped his phone into his lap.

“Oh. Uh, Just…. work stuff,” Izuku said, and prayed Ochako didn’t ask much more about it.

“You’ve been smiling a lot while looking at your phone,” Ochako responded and it sounded vaguely accusatory. Izuku was probably projecting.

“Well, um, some people at work have been sending funny memes,” Izuku said, feeling perspiration on his temple.

“Are you sweating?” She asked and Izuku slid his hand away from hers to dab at his hairline. Yep. Yep, he was.

“Must be a little hot,” Izuku mumbled, turning the air conditioning up a little higher. Ochako nodded, looking out the window again with her hands twisting in her lap.

“Must be.”

+++

The train ride back to his apartment was quiet, most people at work so he was unbothered. Bakugou went through the events of the day in his mind, lingering on everything Deku. Things were going to be ok, Bakugou could feel it. He just had a few things to take care of and everything would work out.

Deku: Ochako is staying the night.

Shit. That’s right. They were a couple so they’d do things like spend the night together. His torso felt tight, and Bakugou swallowed around the gold ball in his throat. Fuck. They didn’t think these things through. Bakugou’s mind supplied him with images of Cheeks and Deku intertwined in a romantic or, fuck him, a sexual embrace. He shut his eyes tight trying to think of anything else but the images that just kept on coming.

Bakugou: Makes sense.

Would Deku still have sex with her? To keep up appearances? Would he pretend to have the longest running headache instead? Would she get suspicious, or really more suspicious than she already was? Would it all blow up in their faces?

Walking back to his apartment from the station felt like a feat, his limbs more rubbery than he remembered them being. Why was he making such a big fucking deal about this anyway? It’s not like they weren’t having sex before. Hell, it wasn’t like Bakugou wasn’t-

Fuck.

He still had to tell Deku about that.

Fuck, fuck, fuck!  

Deku: Is that ok?

What was he supposed to say to that? All Bakugou could think was a constant stream of, ‘No. Don’t. Don’t touch her. Don’t fuck her, please, just don’t have sex with her!’

Bakugou: I get it.

Bakugou took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. When he felt a vibration in his pocket, he thought it might be Deku again. Instead, it was a text from Todoroki to himself, Kirishima and Shindou.

Todoroki: Butsuki wants us on a call with him tomorrow morning. He says the contract between Shindou and Bakugou has been broken by one of the participants. He’s willing to negotiate so that no one loses their hero license. Details in your e-mail.

Goddamn it. Thoughts of Deku are going to have to wait.

Chapter Text

After accusing Shindou of fucking things up and asking Todoroki and Kirishima if they knew what was going on, Bakugou had the worst night’s sleep of his night. If he wasn’t dreaming about Deku making babies with Uraraka, he was dreaming about being Butsuki’s literal lapdog with a leash and everything. He woke up sweating multiple times during the night, which just made him fearful of catching his bed on fire in his sleep. Luckily, that never happened.

His first thought in the morning was to get in touch with Deku. He played through a dozen different texts that morning along the lines of:

Bakugou: Morning, Deku. Sleep with your girlfriend last night?

To

Bakugou: Sup, nerd. I’ve decided I’m willing to risk my hero license so that no one but me touches you. Ever Again.

And all the rest were just as bad. He needed to get out of his head and stop being obsessed with Deku’s every fucking move. Kirishima promised the group was going to hang out later that evening, and while Bakugou would rather just get drunk alone, it gave him the opportunity to introduce Sero and Kaminari to Shindou…as his boyfriend.

Jesus Christ.

And he still had to tell Deku about it before he thought it was real, assuming Butsuki wasn’t just canceling that plan altogether. Guess he was going to find out.

When 11:30am rolled around, Bakugou made sure to dress as casually as possible in a t-shirt and sweats so that the dickhead wouldn’t think he dressed up for him. He took the usual route from his home to the train and then the train to his agency, showing up around 11:50am. Bakugou found the rest of them in the lobby, like they planned.

“9^th floor, right?” Bakugou asked and Todoroki nodded.

“It’s just a glass conference room. I’m unsure why he chose that location,” Todoroki remarked.

“You sure you didn’t fuck this up?” Bakugou said harshly to Shindou, who glared back at him.

“Probably about as sure as you are, asshole,” He responded. “I care about my hero license more than my personal life.”

“Oh fuck you. I’m willing to risk everything for this fucking license!”

“Woah, guys!” Kirishima said, hands in the air. “Let’s all just take a moment to calm down before we go up there. We need to be a team against this guy. None of this ‘every man for himself’ stuff.”

“Kirishima has a point. If we are to ever beat this man, it would be together and not separately.”

Bakugou glared at Shindou who clenched his jaw before offering a very stiff hand to Bakugou. Bakugou stared at it for a moment before grabbing it tightly.

“If it turns out this is your fault…” Bakugou mumbled.

“Oh my God! How does anyone stand being around you?” Shindou yelled, and stormed off towards the elevator. Kirishima’s eyebrows furrowed at Bakugou, his hands open palmed in front of him in a classic, ‘What the fuck?’ motion. Bakugou just followed Shindou, hands stuffed in his pockets.

“So much for teamwork,” Kirishima said to Todoroki as they followed the other two men.

+++

The 9^th floor was exactly as Todoroki said. Anyone was able to see inside the glass doors of the conference room which only housed a small table and four chairs. That chick with black hair and glasses was there waiting for them, a laptop under her arm.

“Amaki, what are you doing here?” Todoroki asked, concerned. “You gave your immediate notice yesterday.”

“I’m not here on behalf of Endeavor Industries,” She replied, walking into the conference room and placing the laptop on the table. While Todoroki still looked confused, he seemed to be putting pieces together in his mind.

“When did she start working for Butsuki?” He asked himself, watching her every movement.

As the men moved to walk into the conference room, Amaki blocked their entrance, holding out her hands, palms up.

“I will need any devices you use to communicate with the outside world,” She said, like a fucking robot.

“Why do you need our things?” Kirishima asked.

“Butsuki-san wishes for this to be an unplugged meeting,” Amaki said.

“That’s highly unusual,” Todoroki responded.

“It would be in your best interest to follow his advice,” She responded, somehow colder than she was before. Bakugou threw his hands up, smashing his phone in her hand.

“There,” He growled. “You gonna let me in, now?”

Glasses lifted her nose in the air and opened the door for him. He stomped inside and sat down. The rest followed shortly. They only had their phones on them anyway, except for Todoroki who took off his smartwatch as well. Glasses placed them in a bowl next to the conference room doors.

As soon as Todoroki entered, the black-haired woman opened the laptop, entering the password and pulling up the video call.

“When he’s ready, he’ll be on the call. Please shift your chairs so that you can all see the screen. Butsuki-san requested that Bakugou sit in the middle.”

Bakugou rolled his eyes, working with the others to move their chairs around as Glasses left the room to stand outside its doors. Butsuki was showing that he had a very special interest in Bakugou and it was the first time in his life he wished that he had a lower rank. With him in the middle, Kirishima sat to Bakugou’s right, with Shindou on his left and Todoroki a bit behind him. They did not have to wait long until the call started.

Butsuki smiled wide at the four of them, taking them in one by one until his grey eyes landed on Bakugou’s. He had the same portley appearance as before, same goatee, and in fact the same black dress shirt on. Only his vest was different, a purple color that day.

“Thank you so much for meeting with me today. How is everyone?”

Everyone muttered out an appropriate answer, except for Bakugou whose narrowed eyes focused on Butsuki. Butsuki gave Bakugou a beat to respond as well, but red eyes continued to stare into grey.

“Wonderful,” Butsuki said, despite Bakugou’s lack of response. “I called this meeting because of a mistake I made. I am afraid that I did not appropriately express my expectations with Katsuki and Shindou. I would like to take this opportunity to rectify that.”

“You see, I don’t believe it was clear that the no cheating clause in your contracts began three weeks ago when you initially sighed it. I know we were rushed at the meeting, and had very little time to go over every point. I take some responsibility for that. That is why, when I received a particular photo of Katsuki, I knew I couldn’t be angry with him.”

Butstuki shared his screen with the four men, showing a clear photo of Bakugou kissing Deku in the conference room. Bakugou refused to look at any other member of the room, especially with the intensity of Shindou’s glare. He tried to keep his face neutral, but his eyes widened as his facial muscles tensed. 

Butsuki returned to the screen, looking like a disappointed parent.

“It is really too bad this happened. If I were more communicative, then perhaps this wouldn’t have occurred. But of course, it is your responsibility, Katsuki, to understand the duties of a position like this, wouldn’t you agree?”

Bakugou didn’t respond, didn’t even blink. Butsuki smiled cruelly.

“Of course you would. You see, though the ramifications of this action slipped your mind, if anyone in the media were to discover this photo, your and Shindou’s relationship would never seem believable. Instead of moving higher in the rankings, both of your rankings would plummet. This would be a real shame, since I so looked forward to having you two in my arsenal. Not to mention the breach in contract the kiss insinuates. You could have your licenses taken away.”

Bakugou’s brain was moving a mile a minute. He didn’t understand fully what was happening. Butsuki wasn’t going to leak the photo, and it looked like his license was safe for the moment. So why the pageantry? What did he want?

“I won’t be doing that, Katsuki,” Butsuki said, as though he were doing Bakugou a favor. Bakugou knew in his gut that whatever was about to happen wasn’t going to be favor to him. “Not yet, anyway. But for everyone’s best interest, I realized that I needed to make a decision for you. You are an amazing fighter, Katsuki, but your reckless nature could make someone like me look bad.”

Butsuki’s expression hardened briefly.

“And I don’t like it when people make me look bad.”

The expression left as quickly as it came, replaced by a large smile.

“So I’ve decided what you’re going to do: You’re going to break up with Midoriya. For good.”

Bakugou’s eye twitched as Kirishima took a large breath in, the other man’s eyes staring a hole into Bakugou’s face.

“It’s the perfect plan,” Butsuki explained, his hands active as though he was excited. “I’ve even written a few plausible reasons or talking points to help you out. Amaki will hand those out to you in a moment. I don’t actually care if you use them, I just want it to be believable.”

Butsuki’s face changed again, hardening with a sense of sadistic glee.

“This photo is a photo of love, and after you speak to him, Katsuki, I want it very clear that Midoriya’s heart has been broken. I want to be able to sense the heartbreak from where I’m sitting. Or I’ll just release the photos anyway. You have exactly one hour to figure out a plan to make it convincing. Or shorter, if you think you can manage that. And then I’m going to watch you do it.”

The expression shifted to one of kindness and cheerfulness once more.

“Again, so sorry for my part in the confusion. Mistakes happen. We just have to be able to rectify them, don’t you agree?”

At this point, everyone but Bakugou stared at the screen like they just watched a kitten being murdered. Bakugou’s eye twitched and his facial muscles were hardened, but he kept his face as neutral as possible. He wasn’t giving this asshole the satisfaction.

“Thank you all for your time. I’ll see you in an hour, if not sooner.”

The screen went dark.

Everyone began talking at once.

“Oh my God,” Todoroki groaned, rubbing his face with his palms.

“I think I need a shower,” Kirishima remarked, his face green and mouth turned downward.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” Shindou yelled, and Bakugou’s hand lifted as explosions started going off in his palm.

“Shut the fuck up, or I swear to God, I will shut you up!” Bakugou yelled right back.

“No!” Todoroki shouted, a flaming left arm shooting between the two of them. “You two put away your dicks for five seconds so we can talk about what needs to be done!”

Bakugou’s eyes widened at the curse, impressed with Todoroki’s spine. Shindou’s eyes stared at the arm, backing down immediately and sinking into his chair.

“None of this is ideal. But maybe we can come up with a plan that is the easiest to rectify after the fact,” He continued, his blank expression trying to twist into one of hope. Bakugou knew better than to hope in that moment.

“What does that mean?” Kirishima asked.

“I don’t see a way out of this,” Todoroki responded. “So, whatever we do has to be convincing but also something Izuku could bounce back from. Months from now, Bakugou needs to be able to prove to Izuku that his excuse for a break up was meaningless.”

Akami walked in, set down 4 small pieces of paper and left immediately. Bakugou grabbed one, reading them over.

“This is horse shit,” He growled and began reading it out loud. “Number 1. I don’t love you anymore. Number 2. I see you more as a friend. Number 3. Shindou is more my type.”

Bakugou’s eyes slid to Shindou whose own brown eyes narrowed.

“What the fuck is going on?” Bakugou demanded, slamming the paper down on the table. “Why the fuck isn’t he just taking away our licenses?”

“That what you want?” Shindou asked coldly and Bakugou sneered in his direction.

“He wants you and Midoriya separated,” Todoroki remarked. “He sees the two of you together as a threat so he’s eliminating the threat.”

“And he keeps Bakugou under his thumb while he’s at it,” Kirishima added. Todoroki hummed in agreement.

“How is Midoriya supposed to believe that Bakugou wants to break things off with him? We’ve seen them. They’re like magnets,” Shindou said, hands clasping together in demonstration.

“Butsuki isn’t looking for a break up that’s amicable. He’s looking for one where Bakugou destroys Midoriya. Which means it will need to come from an insecurity in their relationship,” Todoroki said thoughtfully.

“Todoroki’s right,” Kirishima said. “I remember reading an article about a car salesman once. He talked about how he could look at someone and see what their insecurity was immediately, and used that to try and sell them a car that they couldn’t afford. We’re basically trying to sell Midoriya on the idea that Bakugou doesn’t want to be with him. Same concept.”

“Deku’s not exactly a fountain of confidence,” Bakugou said, crossing his arms across himself.

“You just have to think of the strongest insecurity he has in regards to you,” Todoroki said. “And of course, one that you can dismiss once the contract is up.”

Bakugou hated this. He hated he was picking apart his relationship with Deku like this. This was supposed to be the part where they were stupid and happy and finally fucking together after years of dancing around each other. Instead he was having to think about all the different reasons they would break up.

“I can think of one thing he’s insecure about,” Shindou said, eyebrows raised. Bakugou gritted his teeth while Kirishima’s eyes lit up in recognition.

“No,” He growled out.

“He’s right, man…” Kirishima whispered.

“What the fuck? I said no, motherfuckers!” Bakugou yelled, head swiveling to glare at both of them. He couldn’t do that. Not to Deku.

“Whatever you three are talking about, it sounds like Izuku wouldn’t like it,” Todoroki commented and Bakugou’s heart sank. That’s an understatement. “Do you think he would believe that it was a lie later down the road?”

Bakugou didn’t answer.

“I couldn’t do that to him,” Bakugou whispered.

“What other option do we have?” Kirishima asked.

“I don’t know!” Bakugou shouted. “I’ll just talk about his stupid hair and his stupid freckles and shit like that.”

“I think you know that won’t be convincing,” Todoroki said.

“There’s gotta be something else we can do,” Bakugou whispered.

“Look. This is a horrible situation that Butsuki has put you in,” Shindou said, voice soft. “You kissed a man you love and now you’re being blackmailed into breaking his heart. If you don’t do it, you might get to keep Midoriya, but you will never be a hero again. If you do it, you might fracture your relationship in a way that it can never heal, but you’ll go on doing what you love. I would hate to be in your shoes.”

The kindness in Shindou’s voice calmed Bakugou a bit, enough for him to think more clearly.

“This affects you too,” Bakugou responded, and red met brown in a mix of confusing emotions that Bakugou refused to acknowledge.  

“Yes it does. I can’t say I want you to pick your relationship with Midoriya over your-over OUR licenses. But that’s not just selfishness. I honestly believe your relationship can recover.”  

Bakugou wasn’t so sure, but he was becoming more and more aware that he had no other choice. Bakugou walked up to the glass doors of room and rasping on them to get the black-haired woman’s attention.

“We’re ready,” Bakugou said through the glass. Glasses nodded, calling Butsuki on her own cellphone. Bakugou sat back down to see the laptop light up again, Butsuki’s call coming through. He looked surprised, elated and Bakugou wanted so badly to be able to punch him.

“You’re ready so quickly?” Butsuki asked as the black-haired woman walked into the conference room with Bakugou’s phone. “That’s wonderful. You can start whenever.”

Bakugou took his phone from the woman. As Bakugou pressed call on Deku’s contact, the other three men in the room averted their eyes to give him some semblance of privacy. Butsuki stared, transfixed and looking at Bakugou like he was a one man show. Bakugou did his best to ignore him. Deku answered after the 3^rd ring.

“Kacchan?” Deku asked, surprise in his voice. Oh fuck, Bakugou wasn’t going to be able to do this. He could feel the tears springing to his eyes, forcing them back.

“Hey Deku,” He said gruffly. The sigh on the other end was melodic and soul crushing at the same time.

“I’m so glad you called. I have not been having the best day, Kacchan,” Deku said, his voice low. Shit. Bakugou wanted to talk to him about what he meant. He wanted to know what was going on, but if he did, he might not be able to go through with this.

“I don’t think my call is going to be any better,” Bakugou said.

“What do you mean?”

“I wanted to talk to you about something. Do you have time?”

“Of course, Kacchan.”

Fuck, he was hoping for a ‘no.’ Didn’t he have another photo shoot today? Must be later. Bakugou took a shaky breath in and let a shaky breath out.

“This isn’t easy.”

“Are you ok?”

“No,” Bakugou said. “I’ve been doing some thinking since we’ve kissed. I’ve been thinking about us and thinking about…. Shindou.”

Shindou flinched at the sound of his name.

“What about him?” Deku asked, his voice wary.

“I’ve been having some…trouble ever since he became my hero partner. Trouble concentrating. Trouble naming my…fuck, my feelings.”

Deku must be holding his breath on the other end because Bakugou couldn’t hear anything.

“I know you’ve seen the demented chemistry between us. It’s getting harder and harder to ignore.”

Bakugou’s words were starting to come out more easily, and he wondered how much of this was a downright lie and how much of it bordered so close to the truth that the lines were starting to get blurry.

“Where is this coming from? Did something happen?” Deku asked, his voice already sounding distraught. Bakugou sighed deeply, the tears he held back threatening to fall.

“Yeah, we-uh-we fucked once.”

Bakugou could hear the beginnings of Deku crying. They were both trying to hold them back now.

“You lied to me about that?” Deku demanded.

“It wasn’t a lie when I told you nothing was going on. I was mad at you and it just happened.”

“So you’re blaming me?!” Deku’s voice was angry and hurt and Bakugou squeezed the part of his chest where his heart was beating a million times a minute.

“No. Fuck. Not at all. I just… can’t stop thinking about it,” Bakugou said.

“Oh my God,” Deku said, his voice wet with tears. “You aren’t just confessing, are you?”

“It’s not fucking fair to you that I feel this way,” Bakugou responded harshly, his own tears streaming down his face.

“This is…this is what you meant when you said we couldn’t be-be together right away, wasn’t it?” Deku asked, his breathing labored and his words coming out in gasps. No. It wasn’t. He was talking about his contract with Butsuki.

“Yes,” Bakugou lied.

“What was with the ‘I love you’ and the texts and the ‘I miss you?’ Were you just lying?” Deku asked, his voice quieter than before.

“No,” Bakugou said, the confidence he had in his true feelings coming through. “I would never lie about any of that. I do love you and I want us to be together. But shit, I can’t ignore these fucking feelings I have and I don’t want you caught in the middle of it. You deserve better than that.”

Deku didn’t speak up after that, the silence on the line so pervasive that Bakugou thought he had hung up.

“So you’re just going to fuck him again? Get it out of your system?” Deku’s voice was more angry than hurt now and Bakugou welcomed the pain the words caused. “Or have you just been looking for a new fuck buddy this whole time? You have Shindou so you don’t need me?”

Oh God, that hurt. That hurt so fucking bad.

“Deku-“

“Don’t answer that. I guess it doesn’t matter. It’s ending either way, isn’t it?” Deku asked, his voice steeling itself against whatever pain Bakugou knew he was causing.

“Jesus, Deku. I can’t tell you how much I don’t want to end it.”

“But you are. So… this is goodbye, then?” Deku asked and Bakugou almost messed up the entire plan right then. It wasn’t goodbye. It was ‘see you soon after we take down this fucker and I can finally tell you what’s been going on.’ But he didn’t say that.

“Yeah, goodbye Deku.”

“Goodbye Kacchan.”

The line went dead. Bakugou didn’t waste a second grieving, wiping his face hastily and turning to Butsuki with righteous anger.

“Enjoy the show, fucker?” Bakugou snarled, and Butsuki started fucking clapping like the maniac he was.

“That was so well done. Thank you Katsuki. I almost wonder how much of it was fake. Perhaps you and Shindou will look back on this moment with fondness one day,” Butsuki said, his smile large and cruel.

“Go fuck yourself.”

“Now, now. That’s not the language of a hero, is it?” Butsuki said, not waiting for a response. “Thank you all for your patience in this matter. I’m sure Katsuki appreciated your support. Hopefully we won’t have an unfortunate incident like this again any time soon. I look forward to seeing you all in person!”

Butsuki ended the call, not waiting for any of the heroes in the room to return the sentiment. Good. He’d be waiting a long ass time.

Bakugou pocketed his phone, and the rest of the group retrieved theirs from Glasses.

“It’s because of you that Butsuki had those photos, wasn’t it? You were the only one who didn’t leave when everyone else did,” Todoroki accused the black-haired woman harshly. She didn’t respond, staring at her former boss with no expression.

Kirishima began typing something on his phone before turning his attention to Bakugou.

“I’m staying with you for the next few days,” He said, and Bakugou frowned.

“Not even going to ask me?” Bakugou asked gruffly, and Kirishima shook his head.

“Nope. Lead the way.”

Bakugou rolled his eyes, but like with all things Kirishima, he was secretly glad the man knew when to push himself onto Bakugou. He wasn’t sure how the next few days were going to go. After traveling down to the lobby together, Shindou grabbed Bakugou’s elbow to hold him back for a second. Kirishima understood, waiting outside with Todoroki. Bakugou wrenched himself away from Shindou, putting ample distance between them.

“These first couple of days are going to be the hardest,” Shindou said. “I know you talked about us going out with your friends tonight, but maybe we should postpone.”

“Eyes on the prize,” Bakugou growled, his body tense. “I didn’t just destroy Deku so that I could fuck everything else up. We need Sero and Kaminari to believe that we’re a couple, so they can spread that shit around at the party Ashido is throwing. Besides, I plan on spending the next week drunk off my ass, so I might as well do it at a bar.”

“You really think that’s wise?” Shindou asked.

“Like I give a shit. I’ll see you tonight.”

Bakugou walked out, leaving Shindou alone in the lobby.

Chapter Text

EARLIER THAT DAY

Izuku woke up feeling rested and ready for the day to begin. He was grateful Ochako didn’t want to, uh, ‘do anything’ the night before so they just slept. He felt good about that, especially thinking about Kacchan. Though, he did not feel good about thinking about Kacchan while thinking about Ochako. Ugh. Izuku checked his phone briefly for any sign of a text, which there wasn’t. It was just as well. He was going to have an early day anyway. Looking over at Ochako’s side, he found it empty of his girlfriend.

“’Chako?” Izuku said, walking into the living room. She was fully dressed, scooping coffee grinds into Izuku’s percolator. She glanced in his direction and then looked down.

“Morning, Izuku,” She said softly, plugging in the pot.

“You sleep well?” Izuku asked, walking over to start breakfast for the two of them.

“I slept fine,” She mumbled. Her arms were crossed over herself and she did not look Izuku in the eyes.

“Is everything ok?” Izuku asked as he took out eggs and milk, setting them on the counter as he searched for a pan in the cabinets.

“I’m not going to the photo shoot today,” She said, and Izuku almost bumped his head in one of the cabinets. When Izuku was finally able to see Ochako’s face, her eyes were full of tears.

“Aren’t we supposed to do it together?” He asked.

“Maybe if we were an actual couple, sure,” She responded, tears threatening to spill over onto her cheeks. Izuku’s heart started to beat fast, his torso tightening.

“What’s going on, Ochako?”

“How long have you been in love with him?” She asked and Izuku fought to keep his eyes from widening.

“Who?” Izuku asked and Ochako cried out in frustration.

“Do you know how long I’ve known?” She cried, tears finally falling. “Since before we went public. I thought this was your way of committing to us, instead of to him. It’s not, is it?”

Oh god oh god oh god….

“I am so sorry,” Izuku said, his own emotions threatening to overflow. He squashed them down, trying not to make this about him.

“Why would you go public if you wanted to be with him?” Ochako demanded. Izuku hands wouldn’t stop twisting together.

“I…” Didn’t know he wanted to be with me.

“I…” Thought we were done.

“I was told by Shouto it would help the agency.”

That was not the one he should have said out loud. Ochako’s large, angry eyes stared at him.

“You decided to take our relationship to the public level to help your agency?” She asked, her voice a deadly whisper.

“It wasn’t just that,” Izuku said quickly. “You and I were talking about it too, and you seemed to really want it.”

“But you didn’t, right?” Ochako asked. Izuku shook his head, his hands still moving around and around.

“I was having some serious doubts…” Izuku said quietly.

“And instead of talking about them, you pushed through because Shouto wanted you to?” Ochako asked, incredulous.

“Yes.”

Ochako ran her hands through her hair, breathing deeply.

“I have no idea what to say here,” She exclaimed. “I just…Are you sleeping together?”

“No!” Izuku said.

“Have you kissed him?”

“Yes,” Izuku said softly, his face twisting into a grimace. Ochako covered her face with both of her hands, shouting into them. “I’m so sor-,”

“Shut up,” She said harshly, dropping her hands as Izuku’s jaw locked. “I don’t want to hear you say you’re sorry. I didn’t want any of this. I didn’t want to see you practically holding his hand in the theater, I didn’t want to watch you flirt, I didn’t want to know that your fucking favorite color is based on his eyes! You’re a coward, Izuku. Answer my original question, because I feel like I deserve to know: How long have you been in love with him?”

Izuku sighed, shifting from one foot to the other.

 “My whole life,” He said faintly and Ochako nodded, though her entire body was stiff.

“When we were dating in high school?” She asked and Izuku shook his head.

“He was the furthest thing from my mind when you and I were dating then. It was like those feelings were put more or less on pause. I loved you. Honestly.”

“Why did you ask me out a few weeks ago?” She asked.

“I wanted to see if there was still something between us,” Izuku said.

“And?”

“And… that spark isn’t what it used to be. You and I have morphed into different people and these new people don’t mesh like the old ones.”

Ochako rubbed her temples, sighing. She looked very tired in that moment.

“Why didn’t you say something? If you didn’t think there was a future, why keep going? Hell, why would Shouto want you to keep going?”

Izuku met her eyes then, hoping she would understand.

“It’s a bit unbelievable.”

“I still want to hear it.”

“Butsuki Hero Agency is taking over Endeavor Industries, and Butsuki only takes the top 20 in the rankings and allows them to be heroes. Everyone else is forced to be a sidekick. Shouto told me that he pushed us to go public so that I could get into the top 20.”

“So you were using me,” She said calmly. Izuku didn’t respond, didn’t move and tried very hard not to breath. Ochako started pacing around the kitchen, pulling at her bottom lip in thought.

“You just wanted to get a higher ranking? That’s why we’re still together?”

“I didn’t know that it would boost me like that. Shouto was trying to give me the option to stay a Pro-Hero while not telling me what was going on,” Izuku responded quietly.

“You just thought it would give Endeavor Industries more publicity?”

“Yes.”

“And you thought it was what I wanted.”

“Wasn’t it?” Izuku asked, wide eyed.

“Come on, Izuku,” Ochako exclaimed. “Are you asking me if I wanted to go public with someone who didn’t feel the same way about me as I felt about him? Do you think that’s anybody’s dream?”

Izuku stared at the floor, embarrassed. Ochako groaned in frustration, continuing to pace.

“Ok. So you have this new agency that is going to make you a sidekick unless you’re in the top 20, is that right? No matter how capable you are?”

“Yes.”

“That’s so wrong,” Ochako commented. “That could completely destroy all the hard work Pro-Heros have already been putting in. Do you already have a plan to get rid of this guy, or what?”

Izuku looked up, trying to hide the smile threatening to burst onto his face. It’s crazy how in sync they could be, while not being compatible.

“Not yet.”

“Who’s working with you on it?”

“Kirishima, Shouto, Shindou and uh, Kacchan,” Izuku said, looking down when he said Kacchan’s name.

“Well, I want to be able to help in some way, too,” Ochako said and Izuku’s eyebrows raised in surprise.

“You would help… even after I was terrible to you?” Izuku asked.

“’Zuku, nothing is going to stop me from wanting to do what’s right. Even if you’re acting like a dick.”

“Point taken,” Izuku said, blushing. Ochako stared off into space, hands on her hips.

“If I break up with you, then you won’t be on the top 20, will you?”

Izuku shook his head. Ochako deflated a bit, pulling at her lower lip again.

“Then I can’t break up with you,” She said, an air of finality to it.

“I don’t want to put you through that. I don’t deserve that sort of-“

“Of course, you don’t deserve it. I wouldn’t be doing it for you,” Ochako said, and Izuku flinched. 

“Bakugou’s still top 20, right?” It was weird that they’ve been talking about him, and this is the first time Ochako has used his name. Izuku nodded.

“Then you need to be in the top 20 with him,” She said, her head held high but her voice wobbling. “You two are powerful together.”

“Ochako. Seriously. You don’t need to do that.”

“Hey. If this Butsuki guy is as crazy as he sounds, I can handle faking a relationship with you for a little bit,” Ochako said, trying to keep her tone neutral. “Not that I’m looking forward to being around you right now. And if you don’t need to be in the top 20 for whatever plan you all decide on, I will jump ship so fast! But for now, you can keep your options open.”

“Thank you Ochako,” Izuku said. Izuku couldn’t be more grateful for Ochako’s gracious nature. Being willing to stay tied to him to try and make the world better was very her. He was very lucky to know someone like her. He was also very stupid for treating her the way he did.

They had both reached the point in the conversation where there wasn’t any more to add. Ochako clasped her hands in front of her.

“I’m still not doing the photo shoot today. I need a break.”

“Of course. I understand.”

“I packed up all my stuff. It’s in the bag by the door. I’m… going to go.”

Ochako didn’t take any time saying goodbye, taking her bag and walking out the door without looking back. That was probably the best their break up was going to go, considering Izuku’s treatment towards her. It still wasn’t exactly a ‘fun time’, and Izuku was going to beat himself up every time he saw her, but that was what he signed up for. He was lucky that beating Butsuki was such a unifying concept.

Izuku let his PR department take care of the cancellation of the photo shoot. They were not happy about the cancellation and chewed him out for it, which irked Izuku. It wasn’t like he planned to break up with Ochako that day. Not that he told them that. Overall, he was glad that the messiness of dating Ochako was over and that he could finally focus on Kacchan, but the day still had not been going great. It was a little past 12:30 when he received the phone call.

“Kacchan?” Izuku answered, surprised to hear from him.

“Hey Deku,” Kacchan responded, a gruffness in his voice and Izuku sighed against the sound of it in his ear.

“I’m so glad you called. I have not been having the best day, Kacchan,” Izuku said, his voice lower as he relaxed into his couch. If there was anyone who could perk up the day, it would be him.

“I don’t think my call is going to be any better.”

+++

THAT NIGHT

Bakugou and Kirishima stood out front of Bakugou’s apartment building, hands in their pockets. They had thought about taking the train, but since Shindou actually had a car, Bakugou believed going together would look better. Bakugou hated waiting around for people to pick him up, but taking the train just to show up at separate times didn’t give off the coupley vibe he was looking for. It wouldn’t be a bad thing, but Bakugou thought that showing up and leaving together could be the icing on the fake relationship cake. Even if Kirishima was tagging along.

Kirishima had given Bakugou permission to drink one fucking drink before they went out and not any during the day. Apparently Bakugou’s comments about remaining drunk for a week scared him a bit, so he hid any and all alcohol in his apartment so that only Kirishima knew where it was. Bakugou thought that would be an easy trail to follow, but so far, he’s practically turned his apartment upside down with no alcohol in sight. Kirishima could be smarter than Bakugou gave him credit for.

“Nervous?” Kirishima asked with a shark smile.

“About?” Bakugou asked gruffly, the beer he consumed only slightly taking the edge off from the past 24 hours.

“Hanta and Denki meeting your fake boyfriend. I mean, Mina obviously knows what’s going on but you still gotta prove yourself to those two.”

Bakugou scoffed.

“Won’t be hard. All I have to do it kiss him or hold his hand a few times, and they’ll believe it.”

Bakugou felt like he was in a play, talking about his stage directions. Just move from point A to point B and the other characters will follow his lead. He hated having so much of his life be fake, but until Butsuki was out of the picture, that’s how things had to be. It just gave Bakugou more of a desire for a strong drink.

Shindou’s red sports car pulled up to the curb, and he got out smiling, walking around to the other side. He was more put together than normal, sporting a blue blazer, white t-shirt and khakis. Why the man was trying so hard, Bakugou had no idea.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Bakugou demanded as Shindou unlocked the passenger side door and opened it.

“I always open the door for my dates,” Shindou said with a smirk. Kirishima laughed, probably knowing how much that pissed Bakugou off.

“Aw, he’s a gentleman,” Kirishima teased, nudging Bakugou with his elbow. Bakugou scowled at the both of them. If only Kirishima knew how very not gentlemanly Shindou could be.

“This is going to be a long ass night,” Bakugou mumbled, taking a seat on the passenger side. Shindou closed it, only to open the backseat door for Kirishima as well.

“Since I have the pleasure of taking two handsome men out this evening,” Shindou said by way of explanation. Kirishima’s eyes lit up in surprise, his hand going over his heart.

“You are so fucking manly, you know that?” Kirishima responded with a grin, sliding into the backseat. Shindou winked at him before closing the door.

The drive to the bar was a short one, only 10 minutes from Bakugou’s apartment. This particular place wasn’t one where heroes had to disguise themselves, since hardly anyone else showed up. It didn’t have a sign, so anyone who frequented it just referred to it as the Dive. The Dive was owned by a large man who resembled a lion with thick, frizzy hair, and giant whiskers coming out of his cheeks. Every night, the owner stood at the bar, cleaning glasses and staring at the patrons. He hardly spoke, even when asked direct questions which tended to weird most customers out. Between the staring, his quiet nature and the lion look, most people found another bar to frequent, which was just fine with Bakugou, because that was the entire reason he loved this place.

“Don’t talk to the owner too much. He doesn’t like it,” Kirishima explained as they pulled up to the tiny beaten up building. “Just order your drink and keep quiet after that.”

Shindou nodded, parking in the small lot right next to the bar.

“Oh and Bakugou gets crazy horny after he gets drunk, just so you’re aware,” Kirishima said, unbuckling himself. Bakugou turned around in seat and glared.

“What the fuck?” Bakugou growled and Shindou laughed, his mouth open in a wide grin. Kirishima’s eyes admonished Bakugou.

“Dude, you do. If he’s gonna be around all evening, I imagine he’ll probably have to slap your hands away a bunch. I’ll see you two in there.”

Kirishima left the car, walking into the bar and leaving the faux couple alone. Bakugou hated that Kirishima was telling the truth, and he could feel the blush on his cheeks as he stared out the window.

“We talked about this before, but I think things are… different now,” Shindou said, staring at Bakugou’s profile. “How comfortable are you with me touching you in front of your friends?”

“It doesn’t matter. You said you were a touchy person, but I’m not. So if you touch me, I’ll just stand it for as long as possible before shaking you off. That should be good enough for them.”

“Ok,” Shindou responded. “And about what Kirishima just said-“

“Oh God!” Bakugou groaned. “Forget what that idiot said. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

Except, of course, he did. Bakugou had made a fool out of himself with a few of the patrons at the Dive many times over the years. Most of the time it was just a quick blow job in the bathroom, which Bakugou was determined not to repeat with the man sitting next to him. Of course, that sort of thing had been put on hold a year ago, with De- Nope. Not thinking about him. Not tonight.

“Just know that I don’t sleep with drunk guys,” Shindou said. “So I’m not going to take advantage of you or anything. Get as wasted as you need to.”

Huh. Well, good.

“You ready, or what?” Bakugou asked, finally looking away from the window and back at Shindou. His serious look caught him off guard, and Bakugou felt his traitorous heart speed up as he matched the intensity of the gaze. Shindou leaned forward, and though Bakugou knew exactly what was going to happen, he stayed still as Shindou captured his lips. It was nothing like before. Shindou moved his lips slowly against Bakugou’s, who must have been fucking touch starved because he moaned into it. Shindou smirked against his mouth, pulling back slightly and Bakugou chased his mouth before he even knew what he was doing. A hand was on his jaw before Bakugou realized what was happening, stopping him from coming closer. Bakugou’s eyes opened slowly to stare into heated chocolate.

“Just to get us started,” He whispered, and Bakugou moved his head sharply to free himself from Shindou’s hand.

Goddamn him.

They entered together, Shindou grabbing his hand as they walked through the main door. Bakugou tried not to compare the experience to holding hands with De-NOPE! Shut. That. Shit. Down.

The catcalling from all four members of his group was not a surprise to Bakugou and he flipped them off with his free hand. Shindou chuckled a bit, staying confident as they walked over. The Bakusquad took their usual table near the wall, right next to the pool tables and Bakugou walked up as self-assured as possible. The group was even in their usual positions: Kirishima with his back to the wall, Ashido on his right followed by Sero and then Kaminari on the other side. The only difference was there were two chairs open between Kirishima and Kaminari this time, instead of just one.

“Ok, idiots,” Bakugou said. “Don’t say I never got you anything. Reintroducing Shindou Yo.”

“How’s it going?” Shindou asked, titled his head up at the table.

“I’m sorry. Is this man a friend of yours?” Kaminari asked with a grin, amber eyes glinting up at Bakugou. Bakugou didn’t respond, baring his teeth instead.

“Perhaps a long-lost cousin? They do seem awfully close,” Sero asked with a raised eyebrow, arms crossed over his chest.

“I just can’t think of any reason Bakugou, of all people, would be so polite as to introduce someone to the group,” Kaminari added.

“I’m his boyfriend,” Shindou said, sending Bakugou a smirk which he did not return. Kaminari and Sero ‘oooo’d at the proclamation, while Ashido and Kirishima just grinned.

“God, this is so good,” Sero said, smile wide. “I don’t think Bakugou has ever used that word before.”

“Technically he still hasn’t,” Kaminari said, standing up and presenting Shindou with an open palm and a flirtatious grin. “Nice to meet you, Shindou. Kaminari Denki. If you ever get tired of this gremlin, I promise I can show you a much better time.”

Bakugou pushed Kaminari back into his seat, which did not keep him from smiling as he sprawled out on the chair. Nothing could.

“You’ve already met him, idiot. Our provisional licensing exam during first year.”

Sero and Kaminari exchanged confused looks, before Sero snapped his fingers in recognition.

“Vibrator guy!” He exclaimed.

“That is what everyone remembers, yes,” Shindou mumbled, and Bakugou did smirk at that.

“Well, that just opens up a whole new realm of possibilities,” Kaminari replied, eyes still focused on Shindou.

“Not for you, Sparky,” Bakugou said, taking his hand out of Shindou’s and grabbing at his waist. Bakugou ignored the blush Shindou was sporting in favor of staring Kaminari down. He wasn’t actually feeling possessive, but he knew what he would do if Kaminari tried that same line with Dek-Goddamn it. He needed a fucking drink.  

“I’m about to order some shots,” Sero said, ignoring whatever it was his friends were doing and sending a friendly smile to Shindou. “You want one?”

“Sure,” He replied as Bakugou ushered him into a seat next to Kirishima, with Bakugou on his other side. They sat close, close enough for Bakugou to feel the heat off his arm.

“I’ll let Simba know,” Sero said, walking to the bar.

“Is Simba his name?” Shindou asked, eyes finally finding the Lion Barkeeper. “Simba” stared daggers at Sero as he ordered, saying nothing and immediately getting to work on the shots.

“No, we have no idea what to call him,” Ashido responded. “We’ve tried a bunch of different names, but he never responds to them and never corrects us. Now we’re just trying to piss him off to see what he’d do.”

Ashido waved in Shindou’s direction, and he smiled back.

“Don’t know if you remember me. Ashido Mina. The lanky gentleman that just left is Sero Hanta.”

“Nice to see you all again,” Shindou said smoothly. Bakugou scoffed.

“Don’t lie to them,” Bakugou said. Shindou knocked his shoulder against Bakugou but otherwise ignored him.

“You play pool, Shindou?” Kaminari asked. “No, wait. Scratch that. Do you play pool well?” 

“I do play pool,” Shindou said with a chuckle. “I can’t say I play it well.”

“Oh thank God,” Kaminari exclaimed dramatically. “I would hate for you to be a protégé like Bakugou.”

Shindou shifted his body towards Bakugou in genuine surprise.

“I didn’t know you were good at pool.”

“I’m good at everything,” Bakugou replied haughtily and everyone at the table groaned, Shindou included.

“Not exactly,” Kaminari stepped in. “He can play ok when he’s sober. But he’s unbeatable when he’s drunk. To the point where he has to sober up before we let him play with us.”

“Fuck you!” Bakugou exclaimed. “I am fucking awesome when I’m sober. I don’t need to be drunk. We’re playing right now!”

Bakugou tried to move towards the pool tables, but Kaminari grabbed him by the forearm.

“Easy, tiger. Let’s get some shots in us first.” 

Sero came back with a tray of vodka shots, setting the tray down in front of the group. Everyone picked one up, and Sero lifted his into the air.

“To Bakugou’s new beau,” Sero said with a grin. The table echoed the sentiment, Bakugou rolling his eyes, and they tossed the vodka down their throats.

“Ok, now I can kick your ass in pool,” Kaminari said as he sauntered over the pool table, giggling when Bakugou trudged over angrily.

“Shindou!” Kaminari yelled while leaning over the cloth, and Shindou’s head perked up. “Come help out your boy.”

“I don’t need help,” Bakugou said as he took his cue stick off the wall, along with one for his electrically abled at the table.

“No,” Kaminari said in a stage whisper. “But you’ll get to stare at his ass all night while he lines up his shots. I’m helping you both out, here.”

“Yeah right,” Bakugou scoffed. “More like you’ll be able to stare at his ass.”

“That too,” He said with a wink.

“Bakugou, if you needed help, you should have just asked,” Shindou said as he walked over, taking a cue stick from the wall. “No worries. I got you.”

“I hate you both,” Bakugou grumbled. Shindou smiled that genuine smile again, the same one from his apartment, and slid up next to him.

“It would be easier if you hated me, huh?” He said, gliding his hand to the small of Bakugou’s back before leaning down for a kiss. Bakugou felt a jolt of anxiety go through him, though he had no idea where it was coming from. The kiss was just a brief rub of their lips together but Bakugou leaned in just the same. He was surprised that he wished it was longer as Shindou leaned back to stare into his eyes.

“That’s the dream right there,” Kaminari said wistfully while Shindou grinned at him.

“Shut up and rack ‘em,” Bakugou said, scowling.

+++

After the 3rd shot, Ashido switched to wine, complaining about how her size inhibited her drinking. After the 4^th shot, Shindou remembered his designated driver duties and switched to water. After the 5^th shot, Sero decided to chat up a cute girl at the bar. After the 6^th shot, Kirishima and Ashido were nowhere to be found. That left Kaminari and Bakugou to throw back their 7^th shot by the pool tables, while Shindou sat on a stool nearby. Since it had only been a few hours, Bakugou was feeling the effects and ‘Drunk Bakugou’ had come out to play. Unfortunately, this meant Bakugou sank two balls at once, alerting Kaminari to what was happening.

“Nope! Go back to the table and order some nachos and water,” Kaminari yelled accusingly, and Bakugou frowned.

“I am not fucking drunk!” Bakugou exclaimed.

“Well, you’re not sober,” Shindou said, and Bakugou felt a hand on his waist. He looked up to see brown eyes glittering in amusement.

“Shit, your eyes are pretty. When did that happen?” Bakugou whispered and Shindou’s pretty eyes widened.

“You are very drunk.”

Bakugou felt the scenery around him shift and change. There was something about this moment that was so familiar to Bakugou, like Shindou just needed to be a bit shorter with green hair and wrapped in an All Might blanket…

“Deku?” Bakugou whispered, and Shindou’s face went from surprised to panicked.

“Yeah, you need to sit down,” Shindou said, lightly guiding Bakugou to their table. Bakugou was having a hard time focusing on his surroundings. He didn’t think he was this drunk.

Shindou made sure to sit across from him and took Bakugou’s head in his palms, looking him over. For once, it wasn’t sexual and seemed like he was assessing Bakugou’s overall look. Like that could determine if he was ok.

Bakugou closed his eyes, and suddenly he could see the conference room, watching like an outsider as a different Bakugou held Deku’s head in his hands. This Deku was smiling and nodding, excited over the idea that they could be together…

Bakugou opened his eyes and the image was gone, replaced with Shindou’s face in front of him. Bakugou pulled his head out of Shindou’s hands, almost knocking himself in the back of the head on the wall.

“Don’t fucking touch me,” Bakugou said, his voice barely above a whisper. Shindou held both hands in the air so Bakugou could see.

“Are you ok? Are you about to be sick or something?” Shindou asked, and Bakugou memory was already filling in the next line, overlaying it with Deku’s voice. “Do you need some water?”

And he was back in front of Deku, apologizing for being an asshole and begging him to stay at the table. To stay in his life.

Bakugou’s expression must have been scary, if the way Shindou was looking at him was any indication.

“I gotta get out of here,” Bakugou said quietly, and before anyone could stop him, he stumbled outside of the bar, breathing in the fresh air. What the fuck was wrong with him? Why was he seeing Deku around every corner? Why couldn’t the memories just leave him the fuck alone?!

“Bakugou?” Shindou said behind him, and Bakugou looked up at the night sky. There were never any stars in a city like theirs.

“I’m fine. Go back inside,” Bakugou said gruffly.

“No,” Shindou responded, staying wherever he was behind Bakugou. Whatever. If Shindou wanted to waste his time watching Bakugou have a mental breakdown, then who the fuck cared? Bakugou moved to the curb, sitting down on its ledge. He kept his knees bent, arms stretched over them as he watched the cars rolling by.

“This was a bad idea,” Bakugou mumbled. Foot steps and a warm presence indicated Shindou was right behind him.

“Like I said. The first couple of days are gonna be the hardest,” Shindou said, sitting next to Bakugou with his legs crossed.

“You’ve been through this,” Bakugou said. “With who?”

“It’s kinda funny that you ask that, cause you won’t remember her.”

“Try me.”

“Nakagame Tatami,” Shindou replied and Bakugou didn’t hide the confusion on his face. “That’s what I thought.”

Bakugou rolled his eyes.

“I meet a lot of fucking people, ok?”

“She was a classmate of mine. We dated since our 2^nd year and got engaged after we graduated.”

Bakugou had to admit that he was curious. They obviously weren’t together anymore, so something must have happened.

“You’re going to make me ask, aren’t you?” Bakugou said and Shindou smiled.

“Of course.”

Bakugou sighed.

“What happened?”

“Well, to start, I’m known for being manipulative-,” Shindou started and Bakugou raised an eyebrow.

“You don’t say,” Bakugou interrupted, deadpan.

“Shut up,” Shindou continued. “But I was never manipulative with Tatami. I couldn’t be. She called me out whenever I tried and just refused to play those sorts of games. That was the whole reason we went out in the first place. She kept me in line throughout high school, and I’d like to think we were happy for most of our relationship. But the pressures of trying to go pro right out of high school made me fall back on old habits. Made me manipulative, even in our relationship. So she ended it. I was a wreck for probably a month afterwards, but the first couple of days were the worst.”

“This doesn’t feel like it’s that bad,” Bakugou said, even though he felt himself trying to burrow into denial.

“It’s the worst because you have to remind yourself that you aren’t together anymore. You have to remember that something terrible happened and now you don’t have anyone to eat your leftover tomatoes or fall asleep with or argue with over stupid shit. They just don’t exist in your life anymore.”

“I’m a fucking coward,” Bakugou heard himself say out of nowhere. Wetness dripped onto his arms. Where did that come from? Bakugou touched his face, just recognizing that he had been crying.

“You aren’t,” Shindou replied simply. Thank God Shindou seemed to know what Bakugou was talking about. “At this point, you’re just reacting to what’s going on around you. You’re trying to survive.”

“I should have chosen Deku.”

“If you had, the scandal would mean he wouldn’t ever be in the top 20 and he would have to work as a sidekick, while you would lose your license altogether.”

“So what? We would have moved. We could have been together somewhere.”

“And you would be, what? A house-husband? A businessman? While Butsuki continues to do whatever the fuck he wants?”

“It would be better than this,” Bakugou said. Shindou reached over, intertwining their hands. Bakugou remained limp in the other man’s hand.

“I know for now you’re going to think it’s hopeless and you will wallow in that a bit. But all of us are going to kick Butsuki’s ass, and then I will give a toast at your wedding to Midoriya. That’s just a fact.”

“Don’t think so,” Bakugou said, hand sliding from Shindou’s. “Don’t know why he’d want someone like me after all this is done.”

Shindou said nothing, creepily staring at Bakugou’s profile. Bakugou turned his head to make eye contact, scowling.

“What?!” Bakugou demanded sharply.

“You are simultaneously the most arrogant and insecure person I have ever met.”

“You’re the one choosing to sit here and talk to me,” Bakugou responded.

“I am. Do you know why that is?”

“You’re a masochist.”

“Actually, it’s because I like you,” Shindou said and Bakugou frowned in disgust.

“Fuck you, no you don’t.”

“I like a lot of people, Bakugou. You happen to be one of them.”

“No,” Bakugou asserted. “You like making me squirm, or blush or just generally be uncomfortable.”

“I do like those things,” Shindou said with a grin. “But I also like you. I like how strong you are, both physically and mentally. I like how loyal you are to people you care about, even while being a…what did Kaminari call you?”

“A gremlin,” Bakugou grumbled and Shindou smiled warmly.

“I like how you refuse to take anyone’s shit, even when it would benefit you. I like how you’re perceptive and somehow clueless at the same time. I like you.”

Bakugou didn’t know what to do with that. Yeah, he somehow had friends who wanted to be around him, sometimes even tricking him to make it happen, but he had never had anyone like Shindou offer his friendship like this.

“Are you gonna be weird about it?” Shindou asked and Bakugou waved off the idea.

“You can like whoever the fuck you want. Makes no difference to me,” Bakugou mumbled, suddenly very tired. “We should probably go back inside though.”

“Or I could just take you and Kirishima home. Wherever he is.”

“He’s in that alleyway,” Bakugou said, pointing to a particularly dark area between the Dive and another run-down building. “That’s where they go when they disappear. I would not look for them if I were you. We’ve been scarred far too many times.”

Shindou got up, holding out a hand for Bakugou to take. If he wasn’t as drunk as he was, Bakugou probably wouldn’t have taken it. But, as it stands…

Bakugou grabbed the hand and allowed himself to be hoisted up. Their proximity did weird things to his head while he was sober, so being drunk and staring up into Shindou’s guarded expression wasn’t doing him any favors.

“Still not into fucking drunk guys, huh?” Bakugou asked. Shindou chuckled.

“Nope.”

“Too bad. You’re a lot hotter when I’m drunk,” He said with a smirk as he turned to walk away. A hand on his bicep stopped him, spinning him around. Shindou’s hands were in his hair before he could blink and their mouths crashed together. Shindou opened his mouth this time sliding his tongue to war with Bakugou’s, just as he heard wolf whistles behind him. They disentangled and turned to Sero and Kaminari.

“This why you left so quickly?” Kaminari asked, eyebrows wiggling.

“What the fuck do you two want?” Bakugou responded.

“Just a little worried, man,” Sero said. “Shindou said he had it taken care of, but you looked a little spooked.”

Bakugou has had way too many people talking about how much they care about him lately. He needed to go sleep it off.

“Just tired,” Bakugou said.

“Yeah. We’re heading out,” Shindou added.

“Cool. It was nice to see you again, man!” Sero said and Kaminari grinned.

“What he said. Don’t be a stranger!”

Bakugou grabbed Shindou’s hand, hauling him off. Shindou had the curtesy to wave at them while he went. Bakugou did not. When they got to the car, Shindou opened the door for him yet again, and Bakugou scowled in protest. As soon as they were out of the parking lot, Bakugou slumped against the car door, staring at Shindou.

“Can I help you with something?” Shindou asked with a smirk.

“Did you see them? Before you kissed me outside?”

“Yes, I did,” Shindou responded. “Thought it would be a nice cover for you.”

“Really? That’s it?” Bakugou mumbled, narrowing his eyes.

“That, and someone has to shut you up when you’re being a little shit.”

Bakugou continued to stare. Shindou looked over at odd points during the drive, so he must have noticed the red eyes on him the entire time. After Shindou stopped the car in front of his building, Shindou finally asked about it.

“What’s up, Bakugou?” Shindou asked, eyes expectant.

“We’re friends,” He said. “Thought you should know.”

“Oh. Good,” Shindou whispered, his expression soft. Bakugou unbuckled himself and let himself out. This day had been way too emotional, and he didn’t appreciate it. Good or bad, this past 24 hours had been a whirwind and Bakugou wanted to sleep the next day away.

He walked into his building, resisting the urge to look back at the red car and man inside.

Chapter Text

Shouto was a good friend but a terrible person to watch a movie with.

“Who is that again?” He asked, pointing his ice cream covered spoon in the direction of Izuku’s television.

“I don’t know who you’re pointing at,” Izuku said, looking at the screen showing a conversation between three teens. “The ‘hot guy’ is Joey. The girl is Bianca. And the nerdy looking guy is Cameron.”

“Cameron, that’s who I was looking for,” Shouto said, dipping into his candy cane ice cream again. “He keeps trying to ask out…Bianca, you said? Quirkless Cinema is very hard to follow.”

“Yes, but she’s attracted to Joey so she goes after him,” Izuku responded, taking a bite of his own cake batter ice cream. “And Quirkless Cinema can be really good if you like dialogue and character development.”

 “Why does he keep pursuing her if she likes someone else?” Shouto asked, and Izuku stared at the character being portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Cameron was giving Bianca metaphorical heart eyes and Bianca looked embarrassed to be seen with him.

“Maybe he thinks Joey sucks, which he does. And that he would be better for Bianca,” Izuku said. “Maybe he sees how much Bianca and Joey have this weird chemistry and it scares him because he doesn’t believe Joey is good enough for Bianca. I mean, what if Bianca falls for this stupid guy and Joey takes advantage of her. Cameron would just have to watch it happen, all while loving her and being unable to love anyone else. And what’s so great about Joey, anyway? Cameron is smart and loving and able to keep up with Bianca while Joey is just a pretty face!”

Izuku somehow worked himself up, stabbing into his ice cream pint with a frown. Shouto took his eyes off the screen during his rant to stare at Izuku.

“How are you doing, Cameron?” Shouto asked. Izuku smiled softly.

“I’m ok.”

“Is the movie not helping?” Shouto asked. “Should we switch to another?”

“No, it’s helping,” Izuku reassured him. “I just got carried away.”

“Do you really think Shindou would take advantage of Bakugou?” Shouto asked and the ache in Izuku’s chest throbbed at Kacchan’s name.

“Don’t…don’t say his name right now,” Izuku mumbled. Shouto nodded.

“Should I call him, ‘the blonde asshole who doesn’t know a good man when he sees one?’” Shouto asked. Izuku grinned.

“That’s perfect,” He responded. Shouto reached for the remote and put the movie on pause.

“Well, said blonde asshole is going to be at our ‘Get Rid of Butsuki’ meeting tonight. How do you wish to handle that?”

Shit. Izuku honestly hadn’t thought about Butsuki since yesterday morning, and mostly tended to his broken heart in the afternoon. He was glad when Shouto called him, just so he could tell someone what had happened that day: one of the worst days of his life, by far. Though with all the shit he’s been through, that might be an exaggeration. Still. Shouto brought over some ice cream for the two of them and allowed Izuku to binge his favorite movies while Shouto asked a bunch of obnoxious questions throughout all of them.

So now that Izuku had to see him again, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. Should he go, see Kacchan and Shindou together and then... what? Set Shindou’s car on fire? Punch Shindou and Kacchan in the face? Cry openly, and beg for Kacchan to take him back? All of these were much more likely than the mature solution of attending the meeting, being a professional and taking care of business.

“I’m afraid of how I’m going to respond. Seeing them together,” Izuku said.

“Do you want me to take notes and tell you after?” Shouto asked. Izuku was tempted by that option, but he didn’t think he could bear that either. Too cowardly, maybe? And he’d already been cowardly enough lately.

“No, I’ll go. I’ll just…put a bag over my head or something,” Izuku mumbled, stirring his melting ice cream pint. “Are they…?”

Izuku stopped himself. He shouldn’t ask about them. He shouldn’t think about them, actually.

“Are they what?” Shouto asked.

“Do they…” Izuku failed to get out the words, trying again. “Do they look… happy? Together?”

Izuku didn’t actually want to know, especially if the answer was yes. He had no idea why he was torturing himself like this.

“They look…” Shouto seemed to be floundering for words too. “Like they don’t know how they feel about each other.”

Yeah, Izuku really didn’t want to know. He needed to stop.

“We should put the movie back on,” Izuku said, trying to be more perky.

“Are you sure? It seems to be an exercise in frustration.”

“No,” Izuku said, snatching the remote away from Shouto. “It’s just what you go through to get to the good stuff.”

+++

“It’s open,” Bakugou yelled to the aggressive knocking on his door. The news anchor on his TV reported on a particularly gruesome villain attack from that morning and Bakugou stared at her from his position on the couch. Apparently, a giant tree like person had run rampant, Godzilla style, through the middle of Musutafu.

“I got us tacos!” Kirishima said after closing the door behind himself, coming over to sit on the arm of the couch. He reached into the paperbag he was holding and pulled out a foil covered object.

Bakugou was barely paying attention to his best friend, transfixed with the scene on TV. Deku’s signature green lightning was spotted as the tree person waved a large branch through one of the taller buildings. Deku was fucking glowing, as he does when he’s at 100%, and Bakugou’s chest felt heavier than normal. Not that he would ever look away.

“Right in Deku’s patrol area, so he’s first on the scene,” Bakugou whispered.

“Luckily it was right in Pro Hero Deku’s patrol area, and he was first on the scene,” The reporter mimicked on screen.

“Did this just happen?” Kirishima asked, watching closely.

“Happened at around 8am.”

“Is this your first time seeing this?”

“No,” Bakugou said, ignoring Kirishima’s sudden stare.

“How many times have you watched this?” he asked with narrowed eyes.

“You don’t want to know,” Bakugou grumbled. “But wait, here comes the perfect and dazzling Uravity who is dating Deku. Maybe they’ll fucking kiss while the villain is still rampaging.”

“Is that who we think it is? Pro-hero Uravity is on the scene. What a coincidence, as they just confirmed rumors of their relationship a few days ago. I can feel the chemistry between the two of them from here!” The reporter says. If you asked Bakugou, he thought she was much too focused on the couple when her job was to talk about the fucking fight.

Truth was that Uravity was absorbed in the safety of civilians while Deku was trying to knock this tree motherfucker to the ground. So much for ‘chemistry.’ Deku wasn’t having much luck, the bark or whatever that was the dude’s skin not yielding to Deku’s quirk. Bakugou knew his own quirk would have blasted the asshole away already.

“Could that be Grand? I sure hope he flirts with me so I can die happy,” Bakugou said, taking a bottle of whiskey of his coffee table and pouring himself a hefty glass.

“And now Grand is here with us as well! Look at all that charm!”

Grand looked over at the reporter and winked, before throwing a hand to the ground.

“Oh thank God. Now I can tell my grandchildren about this moment,” Bakugou mumbled, taking a large gulp from his glass. The whiskey burned as usual, but the third glass was always easier than the first.

“Dude, this is not healthy,” Kirishima said.

“The whiskey or the obsessive news watching?”

“Both.”

Bakugou didn’t care.

“How’d you even find your stash?” Kirishima asked and Bakugou shook his head.

“Didn’t. This is a new bottle.”

A tremor ran towards the tree villain on TV, stopping him in his tracks as it shook the creature. Grand was saying something into his ear piece, and continued to send wave after wave of vibration. Probably trying to buy some time.

Bakugou actually did appreciate the next part, where Uravity realized that her quirk was necessary and floated over to use it against the giant tree. Uravity typically stuck to clean up or recovery, so it was a good change of pace. He might not have been her biggest fan with everything that has happened, but Bakugou knew she had skills and it was nice to see her confident enough to use them in battle. As the tree floated into the air, Deku maneuvered the villain so that Uravity and Deku could be holding it high above the city on either end. The cheers from the people on the ground were well won and obnoxious, especially the close up shot the camera had on Deku and Uravity grinning at each other.

“There you have it,” Bakugou said, taking another giant gulp. “Deku and Uravity saved the day and are now going home for some well-earned fucking. Grand did something too, I guess.”

“There you have it, folks. Thanks to Deku, Uravity and Grand, the day is saved. Let’s see if we can get an interview with the hottest new hero couple.”

Kirishima got up from the arm of the couch and turned the TV off.

“Hey!” Bakugou exclaimed. “How the fuck am I supposed to know how they got that fucker into handcuffs?”

“Something tells me you already know,” Kirishima said. Fair point. “Why are you re-watching this?”

“What the hell else am I supposed to do?” Bakugou demanded. “I’m stuck puttering around while you all go out and fight villians.”

“Do you know how many good shows are on Netflix right now?” Kirishima asked and Bakugou rolled his eyes. “Dude. I know you miss him-”

“That’s not a fucking secret.”

“But I think you’re getting into self-flagellation territory,” Kirishima continued. “Are you even ready to host our ‘Fuck Butsuki’ meeting?”

“Shit, when is that again?” Bakugou set down his drink, rubbing a hand over his face.

“Half and hour, man.”

“I mean, what do we need? Food? Drinks?”

“I have the food,” Kirishima said, holding up his paper bag. “But we need to be lucid. Focused.”

Kirishima stared at Bakugou pointedly. 

“What?” Bakugou asked.

“Get rid of the whiskey.”

“Ugh. Yes, mother,” Bakugou taunted, finishing his glass and getting up to put the bottle on the counter.

“You want me to call your mother? Cause I can,” Kirishima warned and Bakugou turned around quickly, eyes wide.

“When the fuck did you get my mother’s number?!” He demanded.

“Back at UA.”

“Have you used it?” Bakugou asked sharply and Kirishima averted his eyes.

“I’ll just put these on your coffee table,” He said, placing the bag down and opening his taco. A knock sounded on Bakugou’s door.

“You have been saved by the fucking bell,” Bakugou growled, opening the door for Todoroki.

“Hey Todoroki! Come and get a taco,” Kirishima said, gesturing to the bag. Todoroki hummed in agreement, walking over grabbing a foil covered package from inside. Bakugou closed the door behind him.

“Izuku is on his way over,” Todoroki said and Bakugou froze, hand still on the door knob. Izuku was going to be here. In his apartment. After their break up. Oh fuck…

“This is good,” Todoroki said to Kirishima after taking a bite. He turned to Bakugou. “How are you planning on handling this?”

“Handling it?” Bakugou asked blankly. “Handling what? It’s Deku. It’ll be fine.”

It would not be fine, because Bakugou was currently breathing way too fast, and trying to keep from falling over by holding onto the door. He had no clue what seeing Deku would do to him, or vice versa. Another knock sounded on his door and Bakugou opened it quickly. A tall brunette smiled at him on the other side.

“Why are you here?!” Bakugou demanded, and Shindou’s brown eyes widened.

“What crawled up your ass?”

“Come and get some tacos!” Kirishima shouted, Shindou still outside the door.

“You should not wait for Bakugou to give you permission,” Todoroki said, his mouth full of potatoes and beans. Shindou smirked at Bakugou.

“I don’t know. I kind of like when you tell me what to do,” Shindou said and Bakugou scowled.

“Go get your fucking taco,” Bakugou growled and Shindou shrugged with a grin.

“If you insist,” He said, stepping past Bakugou to get to Kirishima. “What kind did you get?”

“It’s kind of a mystery flavor situation,” Kirishima said excitedly as Bakugou closed the door again. “I told them to make different kinds. Looks like Todoroki got a potato and beans one.”

Shindou reached inside, pulling out his own taco and unwrapping it.

“Beef and cheese,” Shindou said after a bite. “Pretty good.”

Bakugou was hardly paying attention to what was going on, staring at the front door as he leaned against his living room couch.

“You gonna come get one?” Shindou asked, eyebrow quirked.

“No.”

“He’s waiting on Midoriya,” Kirishima said, his first taco finished. Todoroki took the remaining foil from Kirishima’s hands.

“Midoriya’s coming?” Shindou asked, surprised. “Oh shit.”

“He did not sound excited to see Bakugou,” Todoroki commented, throwing away both his and Kirishima’s left over foil into the kitchen trash can.

“Can you blame him?” Kirishima asked, taking another taco out and biting into chicken and rice.

“I can hear you idiots!” Bakugou shouted from the door.

“Then stop being weird and come get a taco. At least you’ll look like you weren’t waiting for him,” Shindou said, grabbing a foiled goodie and holding it up. Bakugou frowned taking a step around the couch, only to be stopped by a final knock on his apartment door. Bakugou didn’t have to use his quirk to get to the door in the blink of an eye. He rubbed his suddenly sweaty palms on his jeans and opened the door.

“Deku,” Bakugou said softly, hating how much it affected him to see the nerd again. He looked well put together, even if he was wearing that stupid “T-Shirt” shirt. Deku held his head high, looking Bakugou in the eye with coldness.  

“Hello,” He responded, deftly stepping around Bakugou to get inside. A chorus of “hey” greeted the green haired man and Deku’s expression warmed slightly. Even when he looked at Shindou. What the fuck was happening?

“Taco?” Kirishima offered. Deku smiled, grabbing one and sitting on Bakugou’s couch near the end. People took it as a cue, Todoroki sitting next to him and Kirishima on the other end. Shindou sat on the floor, legs splayed out in front of him and right in front of Deku.

No one was acting like this was strange. Was Bakugou the only one who thought it was strange? He stared at the back of Deku’s head until Kirishima looked back at him.

“Come sit down so we can start,” Kirishima said with a forced smile. Bakugou walked around, sitting on the floor cross legged in front of Kirishima. He continued to watch Deku like the creep he knew he was being. Deku did not so much as glance in his direction.

“How do we want to do this? Just see who has an idea of where to go next?” Shindou asked, and Deku glanced over at him.

“That’s a good idea,” Deku replied, making eye contact with everyone in room, except Bakugou. “I know Todoroki and I talked about looking further into specific legislation surrounding what he’s doing. See if there’s precedent for getting him shut down.”

“We’re meeting with a lawyer currently working at Butsuki’s Agency, though she used to be one of my father’s,” Todoroki added. “She’s the only one so far that has agreed to meet with me after trying for weeks. I believe it will be very useful.”

Todoroki looked meaningfully at Shindou and Bakugou both. He was going to meet with the lawyer about their contract. Perfect. Maybe they’ll be able to get out of it.

“Works for me,” Bakugou said, eyes still on Deku. The other man played with his left-over foil. He didn’t seem awkward or flustered. He just refused to look up. If he did, it wasn’t at Bakugou.

“I’ve got a good lead too,” Kirishima said with a large smile. “Hagakure is apparently friends with one of Butsuki’s Pro-Heroes.”

“Who?” Deku asked quickly, ever the fanboy.

“Trailblazer.”

“Isn’t she number 10 right now?” Deku gasped.

“Yup,” Kirishima said. “And she’s coming to the party on Sunday.”

Fuck. That stupid party. The party where Bakugou was supposed to show off Shindou and make everyone believe they were a couple. In front of Deku.

“That’s great,” Todoroki said.

“It’s especially great for our man Shindou, who I know can charm the pants off of anyone,” Kirishima added, and Bakugou saw Deku cough briefly after choking on air. Great choice of words, Kirishima.

“You want me to butter her up?” Shindou asked, grin forming on his face. “Sounds like I have the easy job. I’m guessing I need to find out about her time at Butsuki’s agency?”

“And if she could be potential ally,” Bakugou added, and watched as Deku looked down at his foil again. He never felt more invisible in his life.

“I’ll be right back,” Deku said, quickly exiting on his way to (what looked like) the bathroom.

“I know plenty of Pro-Heroes working for Butsuki that like what he’s doing,” Todoroki said. “Maybe she can even be swayed to our side with a bit of coaxing.”

“I’m very good at coaxing,” Shindou said with a smirk.

Bakugou got up, without a single excuse and walked down the hallway to the guest bathroom. He felt like a stalker, but Deku had never ignored him like this. Even when Bakugou bullied him. Bakugou heard the sink run for about 30 seconds before the door opened. Deku looked mildly surprised before that cold façade was put back in place. He tried walking around Bakugou, but Bakugou put hands out in both directions, palms flat on the walls to block his path down the hall. Deku rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest.

“What do you want?” He asked, never once looking down. This ‘Confident Deku’ would be fucking sexy if he wasn’t pissing Bakugou off.

“You’re ignoring me,” He accused.

“Yes I am. Is that all?” Deku responded coolly. Well. Bakugou didn’t think he’d admit it.

“Why?”

Deku had the nerve to look affronted at that.

“Why do you think? Let me go,” Deku demanded.

“And if I don’t?” Bakugou said, and Deku’s face transformed to one of anger.

“Then I’ll make you,” Deku said, holding out his arms so that Blackwhip could shoot out and wrap around Bakugou’s wrists. Bakugou shot him a look of indifference.

“Are you seriously going to use your quirk against me?” Bakugou asked and Deku smirked, holding onto the cords with his hands.

“Why not?” Deku asked softly, taking a few slow steps towards Bakugou. “I seem to remember someone asking me to use it against him before.”  

Bakugou felt his face heating up as Blackwhip snapped his arms to his sides. Deku grinned and Bakugou thought he could stand the humiliation for a bit longer if it meant that Deku would continue to smile at him like that.

“I seem to remember someone else liking that experiment,” Bakugou smirked, his voice grumbling. That comment shook Deku out of whatever good mood he was in, distance returning to his face.

“Well I hope you enjoyed it,” He said, using Blackwhip to fling Bakugou’s body to the side. “Cause that’s the last time it’ll happen.”

Deku walked back to the living room, releasing his quirk in the process.   

Damn. How did Bakugou always fuck these things up?

He followed Deku shortly after, his mood obviously soured. Shindou made eye contact, raising his eyebrows. Bakugou shook his head while going back to his spot, looking up to find that Deku was watching him. More specifically, he was glancing between him and Shindou. Interesting.

“I think this has been a successful first meeting,” Todoroki said. “Meet again after the party and see if there’s anything new to report?”

There was a chorus of agreement, people filtering out of Bakugou’s apartment after standard goodbyes. Deku was the first to go.

“Good seeing you all,” He said, avoiding Bakugou’s eye again. “Until the party!”

Once he was gone, the other three men leant in, interested.

“What happened?” Shindou asked. “You both looked pissed.”

Bakugou frowned, not in the mood to recount how stupid he had been acting.

“Nothing new. He hates me. Probably will for a while,” Bakugou said, and the others took the hint to stop asking.

“I will let you both know if we find anything,” Todoroki said. “Izuku was very insistent on coming with me to this meeting, so hopefully I can be discreet.”

Todoroki said his goodbyes, leaving shortly after.

“How much are you going to drink once we leave?” Kirishima asked.

“A lot,” Bakugou replied deadpan.

“Can you cut that in half?” Kirishima implored, trying to make a cutesy begging face. It did not suite him.

“Only if you delete my mother’s number from your phone,” Bakugou replied with an evil grin.

“Good night,” Kirishima said, ignoring his comment and walking towards the door. “I’ll see you both at the party!”

And then there were two.

“So what really happened?” Shindou asked.

“You think I’d tell you, but not them?” Bakugou asked with a scoff.

“Let me guess,” Shindou replied with a smirk. “You hated how much he wasn’t paying attention to you, so you cornered him and he…I don’t know. Used a cute face to get you to let him go?”

“Deku can be intimidating when he wants to be,” Bakugou replied and Shindou’s eyes lit up. “But that’s all I’m going to fucking say.”

“Tease,” Shindou grumbled, his face transforming into something softer. “You comfortable with being all over me at the party while he’s around?”

“First of all,” Bakugou said with a scowl. “I will not be ‘all over you’ ever. Second of all, no. I’m not. But I’ll make it look convincing anyway.”

“He seemed to be paying attention to you towards the end there,” Shindou said, walking himself to the door.

“Don’t know why,” Bakugou commented.

“Good,” Shindou said with another smirk. “Then I’ll get to surprise you at the party. Goodnight.”

And then there was one.  

Chapter Text

Bakugou woke up the next morning with a pounding in his head and YouTube stuck on a video of an interview with Deku from 5 years ago that he must have passed out to. A nearly empty bottle of whiskey gave him a clue of what happened last night and he tried sitting up from his couch before dizziness took over. As he slumped back, Bakugou decided that sleeping the day away was just as good of a decision as actually moving and he rolled over to press his face in the groove of the couch cushions.

It was starting to come back to him, as it always did. The night was mostly hazy after everyone left. Shindou and Kirishima texted to make sure he was still alive. He was. He watched a few interviews of Deku from years ago. By a few, he meant 15. Bakugou vaguely remembered watching them when they first came out, and teasing Deku mercilessly about it. Rewatching them brought him back to those times, and he-

Bakugou shot up off the couch, clutching his head as his headache got exponentially worse. His phone. Where the fuck was his phone? Through the pain, Bakugou felt around and turned over his couch cushions before spotting the device under his couch. He was able to grab it, getting rid of a few missed phone call notifications, and quickly entered his text messages from last night.

Kirishima (9:59pm): You ok?

Bakugou (10:02): Fine.

Kirishima (10:03): Aren’t you normally asleep by now? You sure you’re ok?

Bakugou didn’t answer that one.

Shindou (10:31): You’re not still awake, are you?

Bakugou (10:33): I’m fine. Tell Kirishima.

Bakugou eyes widened on the next few texts.

Bakugou (12:46am): You used to wear a pin striped suite in all of your old interviews. Did you finally burn that thing?

Bakugou (1:12): I’ve seen you blush a million times and somehow, it’s still cute.

Bakugou (1:26): Fuck I miss you.

Bakugou threw his phone to the side before screaming into his palms. He is a stupid fucking idiot. He just entered the realm of the morons who texted their exes when they were drunk. And apparently, he was coherent even then! What he wouldn’t give to be drunk enough to send a horribly worded text that no one was able to decipher.

A red headed presence coming from his hallway almost made Bakugou lose his shit.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Bakugou shouted, immediately clutching his head from his own shouting. Kirishima set some aspirin and water next to him and Bakugou inhaled them both.

“You don’t remember, eh?” He said with a frown. “Hopefully that changes cause I need some answers.”

“About what?” Bakugou demanded and Kirishima took his phone out of his pajama pants and pulled up a text for Bakugou to see.

Midoriya (3:26am): You might want to check on Kacchan. I don’t think he’s doing well.

“Do you remember what happened?” Kirishima asked.

“Not yet,” Bakugou said.

“Check your call history for me,” Kirishima said and Bakugou grabbed at his phone to scroll through the history. There it was. Deku at 3:01 am. A memory popped helpfully into Bakugou’s brain.

“Deku?” Bakugou grumbled, everything a bit hazy. No one replied. “Are you there?”

“Why are you calling me at…?” Deku asked. “3 in the morning?!”

“Is it 3am?” Bakugou asked lazily.

“I’m hanging up.”

“Wait!” Bakugou exclaimed.

“Why should I?”

“There is no good reason, Deku,” Bakugou started and the alcohol helped the rest slip out. “There’s no good reason for any of this. You don’t deserve any of it and I don’t know why it’s happening.”

“Fuck,” Bakugou grumbled, tossing the phone aside again.

“I had a feeling you might have called him. I’m hoping you didn’t talk about the whole ‘fake relationship’ thing. I’ve tried calling him, but he won’t pick up.”

Bakugou wouldn’t mention that, would he? Even while he was drunk and lonely and upset about the break up and wanting to get back together- Ok yeah. He would. Fuck. This was bad. He didn’t remember saying anything, but shit.

“I’m sure I’ll remember it,” Bakugou said, reaching for his almost empty bottle of whiskey. Kirishima moved faster, snatching it before he could get to it.

“Not if you aren’t sober!” Kirishima shouted and Bakugou grabbed his head again.

“Keep your fucking voice down,” Bakugou whispered.

“I’m putting this with the rest,” Kirishima said, disappearing down the hall with the bottle. Bakugou groaned, falling back onto his couch and closing his eyes.

+++

A loud banging alerted a sleeping Izuku to someone at his door. He rubbed one of his eyes glanced at his phone on his nightstand. 10:05am. Izuku gasped, scrambling to get out of bed and run to the door. He threw it open to find a surprised Shouto standing behind it.

“Is everything ok?” Shouto asked and Izuku ushered him inside.

“I overslept, I’m so sorry!” Izuku said. “I’ll change out of my pajamas and we can go!”

Izuku threw his phone onto the couch and ran to his room. As he slipped into a sweater and jeans, he could hear his phone go off.

“Kirishima’s calling!” Shouto shouted from the living room.

“I’ll call him back later!” Izuku shouted back before checking his hair in the master bathroom mirror. Yep, as unruly as usual. Nothing to be done. He ran into the living room, scooping up his phone before toeing on his sneakers by the door.

“Anything keeping you up? You aren’t one to oversleep,” Shouto remarked and they walked outside so that Izuku could lock up his apartment. The fight he and Kacchan had began to play in his head, sticking on a particular monologue Izuku felt the need to make.

“Let me tell you why this is happening,” Izuku said, angry at Kacchan. The list of reasons was long and getting longer. “We slept together for a year. You caught feelings but weren’t ready for them. I broke things off and started dating Ochako. You slept with Shindou, and caught feelings again. So even though you thought you loved me, you didn’t want to commit to anything and instead decided to commit to a man you barely knew. Anything to add?”

Izuku sighed, unsure how much he should tell Shouto from their interaction the previous night. Shouto sometimes treated Izuku like he knew how to better run his life. Admittedly, he was right. But Izuku didn’t have a whole lot of people to confide in at the moment.

“Kacchan called last night,” Izuku mumbled as they made their way out of the building to Shouto’s car. “We kind of…fought.”

“What happened?” Shouto asked, not faltering in the slightest. Apparently, it was only a surprise to Izuku that this happened. A memory from the phone call popped into his head again, begging for his attention.

“That’s completely wrong,” Kacchan said and Izuku scoffed into his ear. “I don’t fucking lie Deku. If I say it’s wrong than it’s wrong.”

“You told me you loved me and then said you wanted to date someone else! What the hell did you want me to think?” Izuku demanded angrily.

“Do you know how many people fall in love with you on a regular basis?” Kacchan asked softly. “It’s a lot. At U.A. people called it ‘catching broccoli fever.’ Swear to God. It was like the fucking flu and everyone eventually caught it once. I heard about so many people, some not even from our class, who would go on and on about how amazing you were, and how they wished you looked at them like that. It pissed me off, actually.”

“Did our classmates at UA ever call having a crush on me, ‘catching broccoli fever?’” Izuku asked hesitantly, aware of how weird that sounded. Shouto smiled as they entered his car.

“I forgot about that,” Shouto said as he started the car. “They did. There were even bets on when certain people would start developing their crushes on you. Apparently, many people lost bets when I came out as asexual.”

“What about Kacchan?” Izuku asked quietly, not that he cared. Because he didn’t. Shouto glanced over at him before giving the road the attention it deserved.

“Most of our classmates gave up on him at the end of third year. Thought he was the exception. Kirishima even got into a small fight with Kaminari over it. Kaminari was telling Kirishima that he lost the bet and that Kirishima needed to ‘pay up.’ Kirishima kept saying, ‘Still counts even if he won’t admit it.’”

“Why’d it piss you off?” Izuku asked snidely. “Another stupid competition thing?”

“Fuck no. I would hate that sort of attention. That sounds fucking obnoxious,” Kacchan responded. “I hated it because it made me feel like another shitty extra in your orbit. If I loved you, then I was just one more person who was pining for the great Midoriya Izuku. I stuffed that shit down until I finally just tackled you in my living room a year ago. So when you say that I ‘caught feelings’ from sleeping with you, that’s fucking wrong. I caught feelings way before that.”

“That’s embarrassing,” Izuku commented, his cheeks dusted pink for many reasons at the moment. “Even while I dated Ochako?”

“They were…quieter while you dated her,” Shouto said, smirking. “But it never stopped.”

Izuku chose to keep silent for the rest of the ride. It wasn’t long before the two of them pulled up to a small, run down park. Very few people visited this particularly one because of its location, along with its lack of amenities, and Shouto made sure it was outside of Butsuki’s jurisdiction. Shouto said it was a perfect place for a meeting with one of Endeavor Industries old lawyers.

“Hopefully this is going to be a simple conversation,” Shouto said, stepping out of the car while Izuku followed. The park housed a few picnic tables, a few trees and a park bench that Shouto walked towards. “Cho will let us know if there is anything within the legal realm that I missed, and we’ll be able to use it against Butsuki.”

“And you’re sure he can’t… overhear our conversations?” Izuku asked nervously.

“He might have power, but he’s not omnipresent.”

Izuku wasn’t so sure about that. Butsuki did not feel like a normal man. With how he was able to infiltrate every aspect of their lives, he felt almost god like. The idea that they just had to drive a few miles to get away from him was strange to Izuku, bordering on ludicrous. He half expected Butsuki to jump out of the bushes at any moment. The two friends sat on the park bench stiffly, its wood old and decaying from disrepair, checking the time every few minutes and trying to remain calm.

A grey sedan pulled up ten minutes later. A tall, slender woman with a shoulder length bob stepped out holding a shiny black briefcase. Shouto perked up in recognition: must have been Cho. Cho’s facial expression was neutral, bordering on cold as she walked towards them. Shouto moved to stand up, his hands already on his knees when the woman lifted a hand briefly, giving him a sharp look. Shouto and Izuku exchanged confused glances as Cho sat at the nearest picnic table, taking out paperwork from her briefcase.

“Do not look at me,” She ordered, laying out her paperwork in front of her. “Look at each other and pretend you are having a conversation.”

Izuku robotically turned to Shouto and Shouto’s eyebrows pinched together in worry.

“Is that really necessary?” Shouto asked Izuku, and Izuku had to remind himself that he was talking to Cho. Cho did not look up, taking out a highlighter from her bag and highlighting a section of one of her papers.

“Todoroki, you are the one who wanted to put all of our careers in danger for this meeting,” Cho responded calmly, and Izuku’s eyes widened. Was that really what they were doing? “I wanted a phone call, but you insisted it had to be in person.”

“I needed to be sure you weren’t being coerced into giving different responses,” Shouto replied.

“Well, here I am. Uncoerced. You better talk and you better talk fast. If I see anyone remotely familiar, I will sprint to my car and pretend this conversation never happened.”

Cho lifted her head slightly to glance around, immediately going back to her paperwork.

“We wanted your advice on Butsuki’s actions and their legal ramifications,” Shouto said in Izuku’s direction.

“Nothing to report,” Cho responded sharply. “Everything he does is legal, even if he is a morally reprehensible slug person.”

Izuku tried not to laugh at the casual insult, and he could see Shouto’s eyes crinkle slightly in amusement before becoming neutral again.

“Why are you working for him, then?” Shouto asked, and Cho sighed.

“Like I have a choice,” She said. “When Butsuki wants something, he gets it. He wanted all of Endeavor Industries lawyers, so he got them. The Employee Contract I was made to sign had me locked in for a year’s worth of work. If I leave before the contract is up, I can’t work for another agency for three years.”

“A 3 year non-compete agreement?” Shouto asked and Cho nodded. “That’s insane.”

“You aren’t wrong, but the pay and benefits Butsuki provides makes his employees think it’s a good deal. I never thought I’d exchange my soul for a salary, but here we are.”

So it wasn’t just the Pro-Heroes and Sidekicks that were affected by this man. The entire Hero industry was being forced to their knees.

“There’s no legal action that can be taken?” Izuku spoke up and Cho straightened at the sound of his voice.

“Deku, I’m sorry,” Cho said kindly. “Honestly, I’m such a big fan of yours and wish there was more I could report on this subject.”

Izuku blushed at the comment, and Shouto smiled at his obvious embarrassment.

“You said you signed an Employee Contract, is that correct?” Shouto asked.

“Yes,” Cho responded, head lifting to look around the park. No one else had joined them, and Cho went back to highlighting.

“Is that something his Pro-Heroes sign as well?” Shouto asked.

“All of his employees sign a basic Employee Contract.”

“What if the person in question was already under another agreement?” He asked. Izuku could see Cho’s face scrunch in confusion.

“What sort? Do you mean a Media Relationship Contract?”

“Or something like that,” Shouto said quickly, looking away from Izuku.

“What’s a Media Relationship Contract?” Izuku asked and Shouto’s eyes remained on the bench in front of him.

“Where two Pro-Heroes are contractually obligated to be in a relationship in the public eye for a specified period of time,” Cho responded and Shouto shut his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“That…doesn’t sound ethical,” Izuku commented blankly. This was the first he heard of such a thing and he could only imagine why two people would agree to do something like that.

“Well, for any agreement besides an employee contract,” Shouto said, ignoring Izuku’s comment. “What would happen if they signed an Employee Contract on top of the first agreement?”

“It would depend,” Cho responded. “If the parties involved with the first agreement were the same as those involved with the second contract, then the Employee Contract could supersede the terms of the previous agreement. If it was written correctly. That’s why it’s important to specify if you’re talking about a Media Relationship Contract, as that particular agreement involves four separate parties: the two agencies involved and the two individuals that work at those agencies. That’s what makes it legally unique. If all four of those parties were under the same umbrella, then the Employee Contract could replace the initial contract.”

“By the same umbrella you mean…?”

“In order for the Employee Contract to supersede a previous agreement, all parties need to be employed at Butsuki Hero Agency.”

“If I was talking about a contract Endeavor Industries had a part in, then who would represent the agency in terms of employment? Would the President accept full responsibility?” Shouto asked, finally looking Izuku in the eye again.

“Yes.”

“Shit,” Shouto cursed softly, and Izuku’s eyes widened.

“What’s going on, Shou’?” Izuku asked.

“Can I get your team to write in a supersession clause like that? Would Butsuki notice?” Shouto asked, ignoring Izuku’s question.

“He doesn’t know anything about law. That’s why he pays us so well. Are the parties involved who I think they are?” Cho asked.

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll write the clause myself. Especially if you are trying to get this fucker’s agency dissolved.”

Shouto stood up and stared at Izuku, though he still wasn’t talking to him.

“Thank you for meeting with me, Cho. I hope we have not caused too much trouble,” Shouto said and he began walking towards his car.

“Give ‘em hell, Todoroki.”

Izuku hurriedly followed, though confused as to what was happening. Cho continued her work, or whatever she was doing, well past the time Shouto and Izuku finally left the park.

“Is everything ok?” Izuku asked, finally alone in the car.

“It will be,” Shouto said. “Though we might need to call in reinforcements.”

“Would you tell me if it wasn’t?”

Shouto frowned, obviously thinking deeply about that question.

“No. Not if I could keep you from being involved in something you didn’t need to be involved in.”

“You’re not getting in with the Yakuza, are you?” Izuku asked with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.

“Not yet,” Shouto responded seriously.

Izuku’s smile dropped. This was not a side to Shouto that he was used to seeing outside of battle, but it certainly fit the general atmosphere surrounding Butsuki. Izuku wasn’t quite sure what was going on, but if it had to do with that awful human being, then he could understand why his friend was upset.

“I hadn’t heard of a Media Relationship Contract before,” Izuku said, that part of the conversation one of the few bits he understood. “She made them sound common.”

“They are more common than you think,” Shouto replied.

“Do you know of any?” Izuku asked. Shouto’s hands tightened on the steering wheel, a move that spoke volumes.

“That’s not something I can speak to,” Shouto commented.

“Right, sorry,” Izuku said. “If you knew about them, it was probably be because of your work at Endeavor Industries, right? Ugh, sorry again. I know you can’t say. I’ll stop talking.”

Shouto kept his eyes on the road and Izuku’s mind wandered through the idea of a contract like that. His brain flitted through the famous couples he had seen get together over the years. Were any of them real? Could he know for sure? Or did it even matter? It wasn’t his relationship so it wasn’t his business. Still, Izuku couldn’t stop thinking about it. He made a mental note to google the topic when he got home. 

+++

When Bakugou woke up next, it was because of the loud, annoying whispering Kirishima and Shindou were doing at his front door.

“Ashido’s gonna kill me if I leave her to unpack the rest of our stuff for tomorrow,” Kirishima whispered.

“It’s cool,” Shindou replied. “I can baby sit Bakugou.”

“I don’t need a fucking sitter, you assholes,” Bakugou grumbled loudly. Kirishima’s head appeared over the back of the couch.

“Didn’t know you were awake!” Kirishima replied happily. “And yes you do. Midoriya’s still not returning my call and I need to know if you said anything stupid so I can do damage control.”

“I don’t know if it matters when you fell in love with me,” Deku said.

“It does matter! It fucking matters because I don’t just sleep with people and fall in love with them like it’s a STD,” Bakugou growled. Deku sighed heavily on the other end.

“Fine. Why did you sleep with Shindou?” Deku asked. “That’s what I really care about.”

“That was a fluke. Do you want to know about all the other people I slept with besides you?” Bakugou asked, frustrated that this was the thing Deku was hung up on.

“Only the ones you started a relationship with.”

“I haven’t started a relationship with him…”

Shindou’s head appeared from behind the couch as well, smiling. Bakugou frowned in return.

“Any memories coming back?” He asked.

“Just an argument on when I fell in love with him,” Bakugou mumbled. “As stupid as that sounds.”

“Sounds dicey to me,” Kirishima frowned. “Did you bring up Shindou?”

“Yes, but that’s still hazy,” Bakugou replied.

“Let Shindou know when it isn’t,” Kirishima said. “I got to get going!”

Kirishima hurried out the door, leaving Shindou to lean on the back of the couch.

“Wanna watch a movie?” He asked and Bakugou scowled.

“No.”

“Then scoot over while I watch one,” Shindou replied, hitting Bakugou’s legs annoyingly until Bakugou moved them.

+++

Izuku found a total of 12 confirmed cases of MRCs. And those were just the couples that were open about being in one. He was shocked by a few of them, but mostly confused at the concept. No one who was verified had ever spoken about the reasoning for entering into one. This bothered Izuku, especially finding out that a few current relationships started as MRCs. One even had children! He could feel himself getting overly judgmental, but he couldn’t stop.  One of the more shocking ones he found was Dragon Hero “Ryuku” who discussed it on a talk show she did years ago. Izuku must have missed it when it first aired, though he was a Pro-Hero by then. 

“I was very young at the time,” Ryuku said, obviously embarrassed that the host brought up the subject in the first place. The host grinned, leaning in.

“Can you talk about who it was with?” He asked and Ryuku shook her head.

“No. I’d rather not,” She replied, trying to remain poised and assertive.

“At least tell us if you were dating someone at the time. I hear it can be tricky to enter into an MRC when you already have a partner.”

Ryuku continued to look uncomfortable, frowning as she played with her hands. Izuku wondered if she was coerced into talking about it.

“I was,” Ryuku replied. “I had to break up with him without him getting suspicious about the new relationship. It was a particularly vicious break up. It had to be.”

Izuku paused the video, his head spinning. He had heard this from a few of the cases that he researched: In the event that someone was dating a different person before entering into an MRC, they had to break up with them. Usually it was done in a way that severed the relationship forever.

“Are you going to be with him?” Izuku asked, trying to be as cold and unfeeling about it as possible.

“We aren’t real, Deku!” Kacchan exclaimed. “Nothing between Shindou and I is even real.”

“I don’t know what the fuck that means!” Izuku shouted, overwhelmed and upset and ready to hang up at any moment. “Are you going to be with him or not?”

“…Yes.”

That’s crazy, right? Kacchan was speaking metaphorically. He had to be, because the alternative was that he was somehow contractually tied to Shindou and then…

Izuku took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts.

He was pathetic. He was looking for any way that Kacchan didn’t mean what he said. Izuku was trying to figure out how the man who kissed him, and told him that he loved him was somehow the same guy who dumped him days later. He needed to stop, get away from his computer and go do something else. He needed to work through this breakup and move on.

Izuku played the video again.

+++

“This is 80s cinema gold right here,” Shindou said, his feet on the coffee table and his hands folded on his stomach. “Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are amazing.”

Bakugou’s TV showed four characters talking, almost on top of each other, through two separate phone conversations. Shindou felt the need to tell Bakugou it took 60 takes to achieve.

“I’ve never seen it,” Bakugou mumbled, wrapped up in a Red Riot blanket as they sat together on his couch. He’d never seen any romantic comedy outside of Deku showing them to him. He was surprised that he was allowing Shindou to show him this one, but his energy levels weren’t exactly high enough to protest. The hangover was still in full effect.

“‘When Harry Met Sally’ is a classic. Everyone should see it once,” Shindou said, glancing over with a smile. When Shindou looked back at the screen, Bakugou stared at his profile, the final bits of his conversation with Deku filtering into his brain.

“You and I are the only real relationship I’ve ever been in,” Bakugou said as calmly as he could, given the circumstances. “It’s weird and complicated and fucked up, but it’s the only thing I want.”

“I thought you said you didn’t lie,” Deku said, quietly.

“It’s not a lie.”

“Maybe you don’t mean it to be,” Deku said. “I’ll give you that. You’ve never been good with your feelings. But I am not the only thing that you want. And you were right, when you broke things off. It’s not fair for me to sit around and watch you have feelings for him.”

“I told Deku that you and I weren’t real,” Bakugou said, and Shindou turned his head. “That was one thing I said last night.”

“You think he understood what you meant?” Shindou asked, pausing the movie.

“He seemed confused by the idea,” Bakugou said. “Deku even thinks that I have feelings for you. Good for us, I guess.”

Shindou shifted his eyes away and stared down at his hands clasped on his stomach. He didn’t look thrilled by that statement, and Bakugou was struck with a thought he never had before.  

“What would be happening right now if Deku wasn’t in the picture?” Bakugou asked calmly.

“What?”

“Deku’s away, out of the city, out of my life. What would we be doing right now?”

“I don’t think this is a helpful thought experiment,” Shindou said, sitting up and resting his elbows on his knees. His eyes were nowhere near Bakugou, staring in the plaster of Bakugou’s wall instead. One of his hands rubbed his forearm nervously.

“Would we be fucking?” Bakugou asked casually.

“Jesus…”

“Screaming at each other?”

“Stop.”

“Cuddling?”

Shindou scoffed at that one.

“Yeah, right.”

“Then what?”

“Why are you asking this?” Shindou demanded, looking almost pained and still not meeting Bakugou’s eye line. Bakugou shrugged.

“What if he’s right?” He asked. “What if I have feelings for you?”

A pause.

“Is he?” Shindou asked softly, brown eyes finally meeting red. There was a hesitancy and vulnerability there that Bakugou wasn’t sure what to do with.

“I don’t know,” Bakugou answered honestly. “I don’t think so. Would that matter?”

“You’re asking if I care that you, the guy I’m supposed to be in a fake relationship with, are in love with me?” Shindou asked, incredulous.

“Not love,” Bakugou responded swiftly. “Because it wouldn’t be love. Just… something not platonic.”  

Another pause.

“Yeah,” Shindou whispered. “It would matter.”

“Why?” Bakugou asked, but he knew the answer. He knew before he asked the first question. Bakugou wasn’t sure he even wanted to hear him say it, but he wanted to know. Maybe Bakugou thought that knowing would make a difference in his own mind, would give him a definitive answer. Or maybe he was just a fucking egomaniac.  

The change in tone was dramatic and instantaneous, Shindou’s eyes shifting in anger as he stood up quickly.

“You’re right. You don’t need a babysitter,” He growled, out Bakugou’s door before he could blink, and slamming it in the process.

Bakugou didn’t expect that reaction, not that he thought a whole lot about what he was saying. He certainly didn’t think about it long enough to wonder how Shindou would respond. Of course, Bakugou just remembered that tomorrow was the day that they were supposed to be a happy couple for all of Bakugou’s old classmates. How did someone go about making up with their fake-boyfriend, anyway? Fuck, he was too hungover for this. He turned the movie back on, laying down with his blanket wrapped around him and continued to watch until he couldn’t keep his eyes open.  

Chapter Text

He didn’t know how he got there.

The black, formless void splashed around Bakugou’s fully clothed body, his grenade gauntlets filling with water and dragging him further down into the depths. Bakugou worked on the snaps to the gauntlets as he struggled, his face still out of the water, but his hands slipped and slide, unable to properly hold onto the grenades long enough to unlatch them. They continued to pull him under and his chin disappeared into splashing void, liquid slipping into his mouth. As he tried gasping for breath, Bakugou heard it.

“That’s not the way a proper hero behaves,” Butsuki’s voice said from the void, his body materializing above the waters. He lifted a boot to place it gently on Bakugou face, pushing him ever so slightly further into the splashing liquid. Bakugou began to choke, the void filling his lungs as he tried to expel it. “I guess it’s more fun this way.”

Butsuki pushed his face fully under the water, his gauntlets weighing him down so heavily that he couldn’t struggle against the boot. He was drowning, suffocating from the water in his lungs. The last thing he saw was Butsuki’s manic grin through the liquid above him before he closed his eyes-

Bakugou shouted himself awake, his body shooting to sit up. He wasn’t alone, Shindou’s hands holding onto his upper arms. Brown eyes watched as Bakugou gasped on the foreign air in his living room. Shindou’s hands moved gently along Bakugou’s biceps.

“It’s ok. You were having a nightmare. It’s alright.” He mumbled this on repeat until Bakugou stopped gasping for breath. It wasn’t until Shindou’s arms wrapped around him that he realized he was trembling.

“Butsuki…” Bakugou murmured, and Shindou tightened his arms around Bakugou, foreheads pressed together. “He was pushing me under water…I couldn’t breathe…”

“Just a nightmare,” Shindou said, hands running up and down Bakugou’s back. Bakugou’s shirt stuck to himself with sweat but the fingertips running across him still felt… nice. “Nothing to be worried about here.”

That was a lie.

But Bakugou knew what he meant.

Red eyes stared at the light coming through his living room curtains, desperate for anything to get his mind off of what had felt so real.

“What time is it?”

“5pm.”

“Holy shit,” Bakugou breathed out, Shindou’s hands shifting upwards to rub his shoulders. Fuck it felt good, goosebumps popping up as he lightly kneaded the muscles there. Bakugou closed his eyes, tilting his head to the side and Shindou made a sound of amusement as he started rubbing his hand over the exposed neck muscles. Bakugou heard light moaning and his eyes flew open when he realized it was coming from him. His hands shot out to grab Shindou’s forearms.

“I’m good,” He said, his tone harsh and accusing. Bakugou was not one to just let people touch him, and enjoying it was another matter entirely. Enjoying it when Shindou touched him was in a whole other galaxy, out of the realm of possibility.

Shindou’s face was unreadable, and Bakugou felt a twinge of guilt as Shindou lifted his hands off of him, standing up.

“I made some coffee while you were out. In case you needed a pick-me-up,” Shindou said, moving to the kitchen. His voice wasn’t the gentle teasing that Bakugou was used to, and he didn’t know what to do about that.

“How did you get in here?” Bakugou asked as his eyes fluttered shut, rubbing his own neck muscles. It wasn’t the same.

“You keep leaving your door unlocked,” Shindou commented. Fuck. He had been doing that lately. He really wasn’t been paying attention to a whole lot happening around him. “Want some?”

Bakugou looked up to Shindou holding a mug out for him by the coffee maker.

“Not if I’m about to get wasted at this party,” Bakugou commented and Shindou frowned.

“That’s not happening tonight,” Shindou said, pouring a cup of coffee and handing it out, waiting for Bakugou to take it. Instead, the he glared from his position on the couch.

“What the fuck does that mean?”

“Kirishima wants to cut you off at 3 drinks for the whole night,” Shindou said, taking the hint that Bakugou wasn’t interested and placing the mug back on the countertop.

“That fucker,” Bakugou growled.

“Well, that fucker’s right.”

“Oh is he?” Bakugou asked, sarcasm laced in. “He’s right that I should suffer through a party with my old classmates who I can barely stand while Uraraka and Deku make heart eyes at each other? He’s right about that?”

“It’s because Midoriya is going to be there that Kirishima wants you sober,” Shindou said, visibly irritated as his arms crossed over his chest. “I can’t believe he didn’t tell you himself. I’m going to kick his ass for making me the bad guy.”

“I can handle my liquor around Deku,” Bakugou added flippantly.

“You can’t handle anything around him right now,” Shindou said, sneering. His body was wound up in a way that Bakugou had never seen.

“What the fuck does that mean?” Bakugou demanded, finally standing.

“It means we hate watching you destroy yourself over him,” Shindou growled. “And you’re an idiot for thinking we would just stand by as you did it.”

“It has not been that bad,” Bakugou asserted.

“Of course not,” Shindou said, his eyes darker than normal. “All the drinking and the obsessive contact and almost outing us were nothing. No big deal.”

“I don’t have to explain anything to you,” Bakugou responded gruffly, crossing his arms over his chest.

“No. You don’t. And you won’t because that would require you actually paying attention to your feelings instead of covering them up with whatever’s available,” Shindou spat out.

“What the hell is your problem?!” Bakugou demanded.

“Nothing!” Shindou shouted, eyes widening at his own volume. He took a deep breath before cursing to himself. The anger left his face, his expression going blank again. Defeated. “Nothing. Nothing is my problem.”

“That’s a lot of shitty words for nothing,” Bakugou grumbled, feeling like a reprimanded child. “I’m a grown ass adult.”

“Yes, you are.”

“How the fuck am I getting yelled at in my own damn apartment?”

“I’m….” Shindou rubbed his temples with one hand. “I’m fucking tense. I don’t know.”

“You weren’t tense a minute ago,” Bakugou murmured, eyes to the side. The air thickened, heavy with something unspoken.

“Neither were you,” Shindou whispered and Bakugou clenched his body. He needed to get out. Now.

“I’m going to take a shower,” Bakugou announced, running away from whatever that was. He barely heard Shindou grumble to himself as he closed his bathroom door: “What the fuck am I doing?”

+++

Izuku swung the front door open for Ochako, apologizing up a storm.

“I just woke up from a nap. I’ll get ready really fast,” He said, and Ochako nodded stiffly, moving to sit on his couch as she avoided eye contact. Izuku’s eyes briefly passed over the short sleeveless purple dress she wore.

“You look nice,” Izuku said.

“Go get ready,” Ochako responded coldly, crossing her arms over her chest.

Izuku had meant to be on time, outside and waiting, but he had stayed up late without meaning to. Part of it was the MRC thing, part of it was Kacchan in general and part of it was trying to figure out the next moves of what the team wanted to do. Right now, Izuku knew he and Kacchan were primed to become Pro-Heroes in Butsuki’s agency but then what? What was the next action? How would they go about taking him down?

Izuku hated how his heart fluttered whenever he thought of the two of them working together. It was the closest he would get to being with Kacchan right now, and he should be fighting against it, but he wasn’t. He couldn’t, no matter how often he thought of Kacchan and Shindou together, the fluttering did not stop.

And he had been thinking about them a lot.

Izuku heard the TV turn on as he finished getting dressed, not really going above a t-shirt and jeans for this occasion. He was only going to see his friends, anyway. If he couldn’t count on Tsu and Tenya attending, he might not have gone at all. Not when Kacchan would be there with him.

Shindou probably didn’t realize how lucky he was to be the man’s date tonight. Izuku and Kacchan never got any of that. They never went to parties together, or hung out with either of their friend groups together or acted like a couple in public together. Knowing he was about to witness it, Kacchan and Shindou as a couple, made him want to vomit. But Izuku had to face it sometime and if his friends were there, then maybe it would be ok.

Ochako must have heard him leaving his room, because the television was off and she was standing next to the door. Izuku hadn’t seen her since the breakup, and looking at her now just made him feel like the asshole he was. She held her head high, body language open, and her eyes made direct eye contact. It was forced, rehearsed. Izuku knew what she looked like when she was confident and Ochako was trying to put on a show.

“Ready?” She asked and Izuku nodded, following her out.

+++

Todoroki, Kirishima, Ashido, Shindou and Bakugou stood in a makeshift circle around Kirishima and Ashido’s kitchen island, chatting idly. Bakugou hated idle chit chat like this, and it was made worse by the weird looks that Shindou was throwing at him. They had stopped talking to each other after their fight, moving like robots just to make it to the party tonight. Every time they made eye contact, Shindou closed himself off and Bakugou hated that he wanted to know why. The worst part was he was laughing and joking with everyone else, but if they looked at each other, Shindou shot out icicles and stayed quiet. The more it happened, the more Bakugou’s blood boiled. Shindou glanced in his direction, again, face impassive, again, and Bakugou wanted to blast him in his fucking face. Again.

“What’d you want to talk to us about?” Kirishima asked before Bakugou could finally throw a punch.

“I spoke to an old lawyer friend yesterday. She gave some specifics concerning the MRC,” Todoroki began, catching Bakugou’s and Shindou’s eyes in turn. “Turns out Butsuki has all of his employees sign contracts upon entering his agency. We are going to put a clause into those contracts so that your initial agreement will be void.”

“Holy shit,” Bakugou said softly.

“That’s great!” Kirishima exclaimed.

“This employee contract will be a bit more complicated than what you’re used to,” Todoroki continued. “For their lawyers, they have a 3 year non-compete agreement they must sign. If they terminate their employment early, they cannot work for another agency in Musutafu for three years.”

“What is it for heroes?” Shindou asked and Todoroki shook his head.

“No idea,” He replied. “Perhaps you can ask Trailblazer.”

“That’s not the sort of conversation I was planning on having with her,” Shindou said with a grin.

“You know you can’t seduce her, right?” Bakugou growled. Shindou smirked at him, eyes dead.

“Bakugou. You’re not jealous, are you?” Shindou asked sweetly. Bakugou glared back at him.

“Reminder: Midoriya and Ochako will be at this party. They may not be together anymore-“ Ashido started before being interrupted.

“Wait, what?” Bakugou barked.

“Not that it matters with this whole Shindou thing, Baki,” Ashido said, waving a hand between the two men. “But Midoriya’s a free agent now. Ochako is putting up appearances that they’re still dating, just in case he needs to be in the top 20.”

Todoroki nodded. Icyhot probably already knew this. When were people going to tell him?!

“With that in mind, it’s probably best that ShinBaku stay-“

“Holy fuck, did you just give us a couple name?” Bakugou demanded, eye wide in horror. Ashido’s answering smile gleamed evilly.

“Would you prefer Grand Zero?” She asked innocently. Shindou grinned at Ashido, probably loving how much this pissed Bakugou off. Asshole.

“Just use our fucking names,” Bakugou growled. “No couple names. Jesus.”

“You are no fun, Baki,” Ashido huffed. “Keep yourself and your man away from Midoriya and Ochako and everyone should have a good time.”

His man. What the hell.

“That won’t be a problem,” Bakugou said bitterly, already picturing how Deku was going to ignore him all night anyway.

“Everybody ready?” Ashido asked brightly. “Who wants to help move the patio furniture around one more time?”

Fuck no. Todoroki shrugged, volunteering and Ashido grabbed at Kirishima’s collar. Bakugou would feel sorry for him if that asshole hadn’t put him on a 3-drink maximum. The faux couple found themselves alone for a brief moment. It was now or never if Bakugou wanted to figure out what Shindou was so pissed about. Shindou moved to leave with the others, and Bakugou grabbed him by the arm.

“Can we talk?” Bakugou asked gruffly, unsure what he was even going to say. Or why he was talking at all. Or why he cared. Fuck, cause he did. He did care, beyond all fucking reason. Goddamnit.

“What?” Shindou asked, just as gruffly, folding his arms over his chest.

“Is there a reason you fucking hate me right now?”

Ok, that was a good start. Direct. To the point. Shindou sighed.

“I don’t hate you,” Shindou said, exasperated. “God, I wish I could hate you.”

“So, what? What’s with the whole pissy mood?” Bakugou asked and watched as Shindou’s face morphed. He smirked, eyes alight and the mood of the room shifted.

“Since when does it matter?” Shindou asked and Bakugou frowned.

“What?” Bakugou asked, body on alert.

“Since when do you care?”

“Am I not supposed to care?” Bakugou asked with a scoff. “Isn’t this what I’m supposed to learning? How to give a shit about my friends?”

Shindou looked coy, smirk plastered to his face as he moved to stand way too fucking close. Bakugou felt the heat come off of him, making him crave that warmth in a way he wasn’t used to. Red eyes widened and Shindou trapped him next to the kitchen island, never fully touching him as his arms leaned into the counter on either side. God this was so familiar. It brought Bakugou back to a time before he even knew who Butsuki was, when he pretended his blood didn’t pump stronger when Shindou was close like this. Had that only been a week ago? Bakugou grabbed at the island behind him, careful not to brush his hands against Shindou’s.

“We are best fucking friends, aren’t we?” Shindou purred, his brown eyes never leaving red. “Cause friends know how each other tastes, huh?”

Oh God. The comment caught Bakugou completely off guard and when his jaw dropped, Shindou’s thumb was there to rub across his bottom lip.

“They know how each other sounds during climax,” Shindou murmured, eyes locked on the thumb gently caressing Bakugou’s lip. Bakugou fought the urge to take that thumb in his mouth and suck, which was not something Bakugou ever did before. And fuck, it was a strong urge. He tried moving further into the counter but Shindou noticed, pushing his body fully into Bakugou’s as he leaned into his ear.

“They know how each other feels.” Bakugou let out an embarrassing whimper.

“Fuck, you are just so cute sometimes,” Shindou growled, the reverberations bouncing in his skull and Bakugou’s eyes fluttered shut. This was getting to him. It was different than before. It was different… or maybe Bakugou was different. Maybe Bakugou was just sick of fighting it so much. Shindou tilted the his head up with his hand, and Bakugou opened his eyes to see a dark hunger written all over Shindou’s face.

“Do you want me to kiss you?” He asked. That wasn’t a question that he thought Shindou would ask, like he was giving Bakugou all the power in the situation. He wasn’t sure he wanted that power right now.

“We shouldn’t,” Bakugou whispered, which only made him want it more. Shindou breathed out bending down to rub his nose against Bakugou’s and he found himself trying to chase Shindou’s mouth. He didn’t know what the fuck was wrong with him but Bakugou didn’t want to think about it.

“Suite yourself,” Shindou murmured, centimeters away from the other man’s face. All Bakugou had to do was lift himself up and they could be kissing. What was stopping him? Shindou stepped back and Bakugou almost fell forward into him, steading himself on the counter instead. He was breathing hard from…what? Some closeness and whispered words? Jesus, he needed to pull himself together. Bakugou groaned when Shindou slid his fingers over an open patch of skin over his belt. Shindou smirked.

“This party is going to be fun.”

+++

Izuku wrung his hands as he and Ochako left her car. According to Ochako, they were right on time even though they were pretty late. The now-exs talked briefly about the logistics of how they were going to present themselves at the party on the way over. Luckily, they didn’t feel like others expected PDA from them so just sitting next to each other was probably enough to keep people thinking they were still together. Other than that, it was a predictably awkward ride. They hadn’t talked a lot since their break up, so this would be the first time they saw each other since calling it quits. Ochako was poised and calm, but not chatty like she normally was. It made Izuku want to fill every silence with the thoughts in his brain but he refrained. If Ochako could handle being in a fake relationship with him, Izuku could handle some awkward silences. Really awkward silences.

As they walked up to Ashido and Kirishima’s new house, Ochako placed her hand gently on Izuku’s to still them.

“What’s going on?” Ochako asked, obviously annoyed.

“Sorry,” Izuku said quickly, stuffing his hands in his jeans instead.

“I’m serious,” Ochako said. “Are you nervous that someone’s going to figure out we’re not together?”

“No,” He said. “I’m nervous about-“

Izuku cut himself off. This was not appropriate. He was not about to confide in Ochako that he was nervous about seeing Kacchan with his new boyfriend.

“I know we aren’t on good terms right now,” Ochako said, crossing her arms over her chest. “But maybe it’ll help you to get it out there.”

“You won’t want to hear about it.”

“You sure about that?” She asked, skeptical.

“Almost positive,” Izuku said.

“Just say it, Izuku,” Ochako said, getting more annoyed by the minute.

“Fine, I’m nervous because kacchanhasanewboyfriend.”

Ochako eyebrows drew together in confusion before shooting up into her hairline.

“Wait, Bakugou is seeing someone?”

Izuku nodded.

“Who?”

“Shindou Yo.”

“His hero partner?” Ochako asked skeptically. Izuku nodded again. Ochako didn’t respond, looking off to the side in confusion. Apparently Izuku wasn’t the only one who found the pairing a bit unbelievable.

“Do you want to go in, now?” Izuku asked, thoroughly embarrassed he had admitted all of that. It also didn’t help calm his nerves at all. Now, he just needed a distraction. Ochako shook herself out of whatever trance she was in, walking through the door without knocking. It was a good thing she did. With all the talking and the music in the background, no one would have heard a knock anyway.

Izuku couldn’t believe that everyone from their class made it. He spotted Tokoyami and Shoji in a dark corner, looking as though they were discussing something very serious. Though, that’s how they always looked. Sero and Kirishima happily munched on a few cupcakes with Sato, who must have made them from the way he blushed at their praise. Ojiro and Hagakure snuggled up in an armchair as they chatted with Jirou, Yaoyorozu and Koda. Koda had brought his bunny, and Jirou absentmindedly stroked its fur as Koda held it. Was that the same one from UA? How long did rabbits live? Mina danced with Aoyama, who was a surprisingly good dancer now from the looks of it. Even Mineta had showed up, sharing something with Kaminari on his phone. While Izuku couldn’t be sure what it was, he was glad he couldn’t see it.

Izuku glanced over at a large opening in the wall to Ashido and Kirishima’s kitchen, seeing Shindou happily chat with a frowning Kacchan. Izuku was unable to look away, trying and failing to tear his eyes from their interaction. Shindou noticed, waving briefly in his direction and Kacchan turned to see who he was waving at. He locked eyes with Izuku, who averted his eyes immediately as he focused on the rest of the room instead. Izuku’s heart sped up because of that one glance, making his stomach queasy.

Suddenly, Izuku felt a hand on his neck, turning to see Ochako smiling at him wide. She gently grazed her fingers along his hairline and Izuku shivered from the touch, confused…and a little turned on. Attraction was never a problem between the two of them, and Izuku remembered how easily they circled around each other. That one touch from Ochako brought it all back and Izuku closed his eyes as Ochako continued.

“You ok?” She asked teasingly and he opened them to warm brown, certainly warmer than Izuku had seen from her today. It was those sorts of looks that always left him a bit breathless.

“What was that for?” Izuku whispered and Ochako shrugged her shoulders, dropping her hand to her side.

“Trying to figure something out,” She said. Ochako’s hand intertwined with his as she opened the door to the patio. Izuku decided that it didn’t matter what she meant.

+++

Bakugou had two problems. One: Even though he knew it was for show, Cheeks kept fucking touching Deku and it was driving him insane. He held down a corner of the room as the party raged around him, and he could see outside onto the patio as Cheeks and Izuku laughed with Iida, Todoroki and FrogGirl. That wouldn’t be an issue, but she kept sliding her hand over his thigh and he kept rubbing her back and they were both going to make him vomit before the night was through.

His second problem: Shindou wouldn’t stop fucking touching him. And Bakugou wasn’t sure if it was for show anymore. Bakugou had been a good “boyfriend” and introduced Shindou to every last fucking classmate he ever had. They weren’t so bad, if Bakugou thought about it long enough to care, but what was infuriating was how Shindou pushed up his shirt to feel his bare skin during all of these introductions. Bakugou had to keep himself under control, act like it was normal when it was shooting electricity through his body. Shindou would look concerned whenever he did it, whispering into his ear: “Anything you want, Bakugou?”

Yeah. Bakugou wanted to punch him in the face.

Trailblazer had shown up once the party really got going, most people dancing in the middle of the living room. Shindou was sticking close to Hagakure, which was smart because the second Trailblazer arrived, the invisible woman practically jumped on her before introducing the hero to the people she was hanging out with. Bakugou vaguely remembered that her quirk had to do with the ground, and her general aesthetic certainly exuded it. Her peach, ankle length dress paired nicely with light brown boots and belt. Her long, curly dark hair swirled around her as she walked, bracelets jingling. Hazel eyes smiled around the room, effortlessly confident despite the new atmosphere. Shindou got Trailblazer laughing within seconds, and it certainly didn’t hurt that he was holding Koda’s rabbit at the same time. If the way she reacted to his feigned embarrassment was any indication, this chick would be on their team in no time. That, wooing other people, wasn’t something Bakugou was good at so he kept to his corner and masochistically watched as Deku pushed Uraraka’s hair off her shoulder. Bakugou doesn’t remember them touching this much before.

“Who are we spying on?” Shindou asked softly, somehow sneaking up on Bakugou and startling him.

“Wear a bell,” Bakugou said, trying to maintain his composure as Shindou slid up to him in his corner, hands going to his hips.

“Never really got into Pet Play,” Shindou murmured. “But I’d love to see you in a collar.”

Bakugou had not missed these sexual jokes, even if his heart raced at the idea of being pulled by a collar around his neck and shoved into carpet so that Shindou could-

Fuck. What was wrong with him?

“You’re thinking about it, aren’t you?” Shindou asked with a grin. Bakugou’s face must have turned horribly red because Shindou laughed. A real laugh, the first one of the night amongst all the fake laughter he threw around. One that Bakugou only remembered hearing when they had been alone.

“Shut up,” Bakugou grumbled, feeling himself lean into the wall as Shindou relaxed into his body. Shindou placed a kiss on his neck, his face horribly close to Bakugou’s again.

“Gotta get back,” Shindou whispered. “Trailblazer wants us to double with her girlfriend sometime next weekend.”

Bakuguo shrugged. Sounded like a horrible time.

“Whatever. Not like I have a choice,” Bakugou said gruffly. Shindou tightened his hold on Bakugou’s hips, slotting their hips together and Bakugou bit his lip to keep from groaning.

“You have lots of choices, Bakugou. Just got to ask yourself what you want,” Shindou said, letting Bakugou go as he sauntered back over to Trailblazer.

Jesus Fuck.

What he wanted?

He wanted out of everything Butsuki was making him do.

He wanted to be a free man again, not worried about pissing the wrong people off because they could take his future away from him forever.

He wanted Deku back.

And he couldn’t have any of it.

Bakugou looked over as Shindou showed Trailblazer something on his phone and they smiled.

And maybe there was something else he wanted.

Even if it was very very bad for him.

+++

Izuku had no idea why Ochako was touching him like this, but he didn’t care. It was the first time he wasn’t thinking about him and he was going to enjoy it for as long as it lasted. She was smiling at Izuku, actually smiling at him and he felt like he had his friend back. His very attractive friend who he realized was wearing a party dress that barely covered herself. Izuku felt like a pervert for staring, except that when she caught his eyes trailing over her curves, Ochako grinned warmly. It was all surreal.

“We’re going to get some drinks,” Ochako announced. The group shouted out orders (2 beers, 1 red wine) and Ochako took Izuku by the hand to “help her out.” She led him through the crowd of people in the living room into the relative quiet of the kitchen.

“Can you get the beers?” She asked and Izuku did as he was told. His curiosity was getting the best of him now that they were alone, and he didn’t know if he wanted the answer. Izuku asked anyway.

“Why do you keep touching me?” Izuku asked, immediately blushing at the bluntness of the question. He could see Ochako turning red as well, almost spilling Todoroki’s wine.

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t think you minded…” She said, glancing over at him shyly.

“I don’t,” Izuku asserted. “I just didn’t expect it. Since you said you didn’t want to.”

Ochako turned around, two wine glasses in both hands.

“God. This is way stupid and petty and actually pretty horrible…” Ochako trailed off.

“What is it?” Izuku asked.

“Um, Bakugou keeps staring at you. And I…” Ochako sighed. “I’m so sorry…”

“You’re trying to make him jealous?” Izuku asked, surprised. Ochako averted her eyes.

“I think so,” She said, and Izuku saw her getting a little worked up over it. “I also don’t think he should be looking at you like that when he’s with someone. Bakugou’s so focused on you, and he’s treating everyone around him like dirt, like their feelings don’t matter and I’m so sick of it. I just wanted to give him a little taste of what that’s like.”

Ochako glanced at Izuku to see his stunned face.

“Sorry-“

“No, please,” Izuku begged with wide eyes. “Continue talking about what a dick Kacchan is. I won’t stop you.”

“You’re not mad that I basically used you?” Ochako said, face pained and Izuku said the first thing that came to mind.

“I guess I like being used.” His cheeks flushed at his own choice of words. Not entirely incorrect. Ochako grinned at that, smile dropping the longer they stood there.

“You were supposed to be with him, right?” She asked softly. Izuku took a deep breath, the question unearthing a hurt he had forgotten about over the course of the party. Not to mention the awkwardness of the two of them talking about this.

“Yes.”

“What happened?” Ochako asked, vulnerable and still keeping everything together like the saint she was. Izuku didn’t know why she would want to know, but he was probably going to spend the rest of his life making up for how he treated her. So if Ochako asked, Izuku was going to tell her.

“The same day you and I broke up, he told me he wanted to be with Shindou. That was the explanation I was given,” Izuku said softly, trembling slightly as the hurt rolled through him again.

“That doesn’t make sense,” Ochako commented, her body leaning towards the gap in the kitchen wall to see Bakugou watching them. “He’s been staring at you all night.”

“You know Kacchan,” Izuku said, frowning. “He can be petty. Probably just doesn’t like someone else playing with his toy.”

Ochako didn’t look so sure but Izuku knew he wasn’t going to be able to convince her. Kacchan was just him…trying to win another competition that he didn’t actually care about so that he could prove himself to be the best.

“We should probably go back to the group,” Izuku said, walking out of the kitchen with three beers and hoping that Ochako would follow with her wine. She did, but her eyes never left Kacchan until they had exited the house.

+++

Why the fuck was she staring at him?

Bakugou’s eyes were glued to Deku and Uraraka outside, narrowing the more Cheeks touched him. Deku wasn’t looking at him, but Cheeks couldn’t stop stealing glances. Hands were on his jaw before he could stop them, his eyes forced to stare up at Shindou.

“You need to be less obvious,” He said seriously, leaning down to peck him on the lips. This was not the typical interaction of the night. Shindou wasn’t coming over to tease and smirk and whisper in his ear. He was coming over to warn, and his stiff body language and fake smile showed as much. “Trailblazer is asking whether you and Uraraka used to date.”

Bakugou sighed, hating that he was right and Shindou moved his hands to gently massage the back of his neck. The sensation reminded him of the morning, when he was abruptly jostled from his nightmare to find Shindou, of all people, trying to comfort him out of it. Bakugou relaxed against the massage looking up into a very real, very soft smile before Shindou kissed him. It wasn’t the first kiss of the night, but it was the most intense and Bakugou’s mouth opened freely for Shindou slide his tongue inside. Bakugou moaned, hands lifting from his sides to gently move themselves under Shindou’s shirt. Shindou chuckled against his lips, stopping his hands from wandering too far.

“Careful,” Shindou whispered against Bakugou’s mouth. “A guy could get ideas.”

“Like that I want him naked?” Bakugou asked gruffly, eyes on Shindou’s as he pulled away. Shindou grinned, and a dusting of pink appeared on his cheeks. Embarrassment looked good on him.

“Let’s see how you feel by the end of the night,” Shindou remarked, hands dropping from Bakugou completely. “Try and keep your eyes off Deku until then.”

This was the part where Bakugou was supposed to feel bad for feeling up Shindou while Deku could see, but a quick glance showed that Deku wasn’t even paying attention. Cheek’s hand was caressing his thigh and her eyes were trained on Bakugou before looking back at her friends.

Staying where he was wasn’t helping him look innocent, and Bakugou took off from his long-time corner to go step onto the patio. The air outside allowed him to breath, his lungs filling with the bit of cold coming through. He had to get over his frustration that he couldn’t have Deku. Whether or not Cheeks was with him or not, he did not belong to Bakugou. If Deku wanted to try again with Cheeks, then he had that opportunity, and if Bakugou wanted another run at….

Fuck.

Did he?

“Guess I couldn’t stay away for long,” Shindou said from the entryway. Bakugou turned around, his entire body feeling called to the stupid, snarky, annoying presence that was currently walking in his direction. As he let the breath out of his body, Bakugou finally came to terms with being attracted to Shindou. And wanting to do something about it.

“You look scared,” Shindou said as he came close. He wasn’t trying to touch Bakugou this time. Maybe all that physicality was for the crowds. Now that they were alone, there was no reason to be all over each other. Unless they wanted to.

“I don’t get scared,” Bakugou replied harshly and Shindou smirked.

“Of course not,” He said. “Trailblazer loves me, by the way.”

“Everyone loves you,” Bakugou said, before he even really thought about how that would sound. Shindou raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment.

“We’re planning on going clubbing Friday night and then we’ll double with her girlfriend on Saturday for a wine tasting she’s being dragged to.”

“Whatever,” Bakugou replied and the distance between them was starting to seem like too much.

“You ok?” Shindou asked seriously. He had that open and vulnerable look on his face and Bakugou hated it.

“No,” Bakugou said.

“What’s going on? Thinking about the nightmare?”

“I’m thinking about you,” Bakugou growled out.

“What about me?” Shindou asked carefully.

“Just…I thought-fuck, I don’t-“ Bakugou lurched forward, fisting Shindou’s shirt in his hands. “What’s going on?”

“What do you want?” Shindou asked simply, for what seemed like the millionth time that night. Bakugou must have looked like he was in pain because Shindou’s face softened, which he did not need. He needed the man who was touching him under his shirt all night. He needed the man who had backed him into a corner more times than Bakugou can count. He needed the man who once grabbed his thigh and refused to let go until Bakugou said his name.

“I want…”

Shindou’s eyebrows shot up, anticipating what he was about to say. Bakugou breathed deeply, pulling Shindou closer.

“Say it,” Shindou murmured, hands coming up to cup Bakugou’s jaw. Fuck. Bakugou didn’t know what he wanted, not really. Something fuzzy on the corner of his brain that he thought this man could give him.

“Say what?”

“What’s my name?” Shindou growled, his eyes dangerous as he held onto Bakugou a bit harder. Fuck, that was it. That same intensity he saw when they first met. That was what he wanted.

“Shindou.”

No one knew who moved first, but Bakugou’s mouth was on Shindou’s and Shindou’s hand was in his hair, fisting at the roots. Shindou groaned as he moved Bakugou so that he could press him against the brick of the house. Shindou’s tongue thrust against Bakugou’s and he held on for dear life while Shindou glided his hand under Bakugou’s shirt, over his abs, up his pecs and down again. Shindou used the pull on his hair to break their kiss and Bakugou whimpered pathetically at the painful, pleasurable feeling.

“I can’t fucking wait to destroy you,” Shindou whispered, lips ghosting his ear before he bit down on the lobe. “Been thinking about this forever. How I was going to tear you apart when I got the chance.”

“Fuck…” Bakugou moaned, trying to draw Shindou in for another kiss but the hold on his hair hadn’t loosened.

“Finally telling me what you want?” Shindou asked with a smirk, eyes open and focused. Bakugou must have looked pathetic next to him, eyes at half mast and breathing heavily. Bakugou tried and failed to struggle out of Shindou’s grip on his hair, just so he could kiss him again but Shindou held firm. It made him feel desperate and out of control and was getting him harder than he’d ever been in his life. Shindou pressed into him with a growl and Bakugou could feel how affected he was, especially when he moved his hips to slot their clothed erections against each other. Bakugou moaned, relaxing into Shindou’s hold as Shindou grinded his dick onto Bakugou’s.

“Shit...” Bakugou let out a desperate whimper and Shindou groaned at the sound.

“Don’t worry,” Shindou whispered. “We just gotta say goodbye-“

“Hey do you all-WHAT THE FUCK,” Kirishima yelled and the man metaphorically doused the two of them in cold water. Shindou and Bakugou stopped moving, eyes wide and focused on each other. Well if that wasn’t a boner killer…

“What the hell?” Kirishima demanded and Shindou stepped away from Bakugou, rubbing the back of his neck. Bakugou felt anger rise inside him. He wasn’t some sort of teenager getting caught by a parent. He didn’t need people treating him the way.

“What’s your problem here?” Bakugou asked harshly. Kirishima gave him a pointed look, eyebrows furrowed in hopes that Bakugou would understand without him having to say anything. Because Bakugou knew what his problem was.

With all the buddy-buddying that Kirishima did with Shindou, he was still rooting for Deku and any and every time Bakugou touched Shindou, Kirishima saw that falling away.

“It’s not your life,” Bakugou growled and Krishima stood up straighter, crossing his arms over his chest. The fucker could be menacing at times like this but Bakugou just mimicked his posture, their eyes locked. Kirishima didn’t even have to say it. Bakugou knew that he cared about Bakugou and Deku and wanted what was best for them. He also wanted Bakugou to be happy and was wondering if Shindou would make Bakugou happy.

They had been best friends for way too long.

Shindou looked between them as red eyes stared into red.

“You sure you’re ok?” Kirishima demanded.

“I’m sober, aren’t I?”

“Not the same thing.”

No. Bakugou was not ok, but he wasn’t allowed to make a lot of choices for himself right now. So, if the choice was between sleeping with Shindou and not, then caving into his desires felt a bit easier. Like it was the only thing he could control.

“I’m fine.”

Kirishima’s hands dropped to his sides. He didn’t look happy or relaxed, but he also didn’t look angry.

“You two want pizza?” He asked simply.

“He’s coming home with me. We were just leaving,” Bakugou said and Kirishima took in a deep breath and let it out.

“Ok.”

And he was gone, back into the house.

“Is he…Is he angry?” Shindou asked, looking deeply confused

“Yes. And no,” Bakugou said. “Ready to go?”

“Uh, Sure. Let’s-“

“Shindou!”

Cheeks’ chirper voice sounded from the doorway and Bakugou rolled his eyes. Shindou smiled at Uraraka, because that’s what he does no matter how many cockblockers he runs into. She ran up to him, hugging him around the waist like they were friends. Uraraka’s eyes swept over Bakugou before sliding up to Shindou’s.

“I haven’t talked to you in a while,” she said, leaning against his chest. Had they been talking? Shindou didn’t mention anything but it wasn’t like Bakugou and Shindou’s conversations ever ran very deep. Still. Cheeks was acting really weird tonight.

“Sorry,” Shindou apologized, as though he had anything to apologize for. “Maybe I’ll catch you next time you visit the office with Midoriya?”

Shindou disentangled himself from Uraraka and gave her a charming smile. The sort that said, ‘I wish I could stay but I have to fuck the man standing near me.’ Or something like that. Uraraka smiled back.

“Sure,” She said. “See you later!”

She practically skipped into the house and Shindou watched her, just as confused as he watched Kirishima.

“You good?” Bakugou asked. Shindou shrugged, obviously struggling with the twists and turns of the night.

“I’ll say a quick goodbye to Trailblazer and we’ll head out.”

+++

Ochako grabbed Izuku’s elbow as he was headed to the fridge for another beer.

“Can I talk to you about something?” She asked, looking deadly serious.

“Is everything alright?” He asked and Ochako looked around a bit. She dragged him down the hall quickly, opening a door to a spare bedroom and closed the door behind them. Ochako took in a deep breath and Izuku watched her, worried.

“I can’t believe I’m about to say this,” She said, eye wide. “It seems farfetched, except… I don’t think it is.”

“What’s wrong?” Izuku asked.

“Promise you won’t think I’m crazy?” She asked.

“I promise.”

“Ok. Have you ever heard of a Media Relationship Contract?”

Chapter Text

Ochako was explaining her reasoning behind believing Kacchan and Shindou were in an MRC and Izuku was having trouble concentrating. She knew about MRCs because Ochako was almost roped into one a few years ago. She was saying something about jealousy and how Kacchan didn’t look at Shindou the way he looked at Izuku and Izuku couldn’t think around Kacchan’s name being chanted in his brain. Kacchan Kacchan Kacchan. Izuku shook himself. Someone was telling him something important. He had to focus.

“…Ultimately, I just knew it wouldn’t have happened like that,” Ochako explained softly, her vulnerability telling Izuku he clued back in just in time. Large brown eyes stared deeply into Izuku’s green and continued to confuse him. Wasn’t he just overcome with thoughts of Kacchan just two seconds ago? But Ochako was standing before him and her vulnerability erased his mind. “I knew if he had a chance with you, he would have taken it. If anyone had a chance with you, they’d take it.” 

Izuku’s heart stuttered to a stop. He’d been making so many mistakes lately and Ochako was making him think that breaking up with her was just another mistake. Izuku felt the urge to kiss her and it wasn’t the first time he thought about it that evening. Between the light touches and the shy glances and the fact that Kacchan wasn’t around for most of Izuku’s time at the party, it was easy to pretend that he and Ochako had never broken up. Like he was witnessing a world where he and Kacchan had never gone through all their drama. It was nice. Safe. Now, Ochako was trying to tell him that Kacchan might not want to be with Shindou, but it didn’t overshadow the woman standing in front of him.

“Are you trying to help me? With Kacchan?” Izuku asked, confused as to Ochako’s intentions. Her wide eyes blinked as she tried to speak, only air coming out.

“I don’t know,” She said finally, sounding lost. “That was…I saw something that seemed strange, I had a theory and I wanted to know if I was right. And now I’m realizing that I just helped my ex-boyfriend get back together with his ex-boyfriend and…this situation is so screwed up.”

“It’s not as if Kacchan and I can get back together right now,” Izuku said, unsure why that was what he wanted to communicate. Didn’t he want to get back to together with him? But it was true. They couldn’t be together. If he was under contract, Kacchan couldn’t tell him about it or be with him, otherwise he’d be breaking the agreement. Maybe Ochako’s revelation made it easier for him to stomach being around Kacchan and Shindou, knowing it wasn’t real. But what difference did it make at that very moment?

“No,” She said softly, her initial energy in the situation depleted. Ochako sat on the guest bed, hands in her lap. “I suppose you can’t.”

“Thank you for telling me,” Izuku said, sitting on the bed with her. Ochako stared at the space between them before her eyes traveled up to Izuku’s. This shouldn’t have felt so dangerous, but it did. They were broken up, but the way it happened left so much open between them.

“What did you mean by, ‘the spark between us isn’t there anymore?” Ochako asked.

“When I say spark, I don’t mean--” Izuku cut himself off, feeling stupid for even going there. For having this conversation. For being in this room. He should go. Why wasn’t he going?

“Attraction,” She said. “Right. I get that.”

Knowing she felt the same way didn’t help the anticipation in Izuku’s gut and he avoided eye contact.

“I meant that there was a time in my life when I thought we would end up together.”

“And now we know we won’t.”

We?

Izuku caught her eyes again and Ochako smiled sadly.

“Yeah,” She said. “I feel that way too. I felt it over the past month. I thought it was just an awkwardness of trying to restart our relationship but no. We don’t belong together.”

The air in the room circulated a tension that had nothing to do with the conversation and Izuku felt Ochako’s hand against his thigh.

“It’s just…tonight was--“

“Nice,” Izuku breathed out, watching as Ochako shifted her body in his direction. Izuku was surprised to find his body mirroring hers. Neither of them breathed too loudly, or moved too suddenly, eyes darting between hands, eyes and mouths.

“And it isn’t like either one of us is tied to anyone,” Ochako said. Izuku ignored the mild hurt of the statement, his mind trying to go back to Kacchan. Instead of dwelling on him, Izuku brought his hand up to Ochako’s neck, stroking the skin softly. Her eyes fluttered closed and she sighed.

“We aren’t,” Izuku whispered.

“Then, would it be so bad if we--“

Izuku leaned in and their mouths met softly.

+++

The silence on the drive back to Bakugou’s apartment created a tension Bakugou hated. The sexual energy from earlier was replaced with a mild anxiety that didn’t do Bakugou any favors, his mind playing through the night and hyper focusing on thoughts of Deku. Was he actually broken up with Cheeks? Would he ignore Bakugou forever? Did it even matter with Butsuki? Was he throwing away a chance at him by indulging in his attraction to Shindou?

Shindou and Bakugou continued in silence as they boarded the elevator to Bakugou’s apartment. He was almost surprised to feel Shindou’s hand running through his hair when the doors closed, forgetting why they were even there. Bakugou’s head was tilted back to find Shindou’s face full of reverence and it made Bakugou’s stomach twist.

“Second thoughts?” He asked and Bakugou reached up, pulling Shindou down to his level for a deep kiss. Shindou slowly moved his lips across Bakugou’s, tongue not even in play as they glided their mouths together. Bakugou growled at the pace, trying to control the speed and plunging his tongue into Shindou’s mouth. Shindou pulled back with a smile.

“You don’t like slow, huh?” He asked, hands scratching the back of Bakugou’s head gently. Bakugou frowned. Slow? With Shindou, slow was not going to cut it. Bakugou was fine with slow when it was—

“No,” Bakugou said gruffly, cutting off his own thoughts. Shindou gripped Bakugou’s hair with both hands harshly, a gasp flying from Bakugou’s lips.

“Of course not,” Shindou murmured, eyes all over Bakugou’s face. “You want to be able to forget.”

Bakugou gritted his teeth, meeting brown eyes head on.

“So, what if I do?” He asked harshly.

“Not a problem for me,” Shindou said. “As long as you can remember who’s fucking you.”

Like Bakugou could forget Shindou was--WAIT WHAT?!

Shindou smirked, guiding Bakugou out of the elevator in the midst of his shock with a gentle push on the back. Bakugou fumbled with his keys as Shindou leaned against the door frame, cool and calm. After ushering them both inside and closing the door, Bakugou rounded on Shindou.

“What the hell did you mean by--“ Bakugou was cut off by Shindou harshly pushing Bakugou’s shoulders into the front door, body covering his instantly.

“Fucking you? It means I’ll be pounding your ass by the end of the night,” Shindou growled in his ear and Bakugou’s body shuddered at the mental image of Shindou on top of him, inside of him. His fingers scratched against the door behind him as Shindou pressed in further. “Problem?”

Bakugou let out a shaky breath.

“I haven’t…that...in a while,” Bakugou grumbled, hating how his face heated up at the confession. Shindou pulled back, eyes dark and intense.

“Even better,” Shindou said. “Bedroom?” 

Bakugou tilted his head towards the hallway and Shindou grinned, squatting and placing his hands on the back of Bakugou’s thighs.

“What the fuck are—”

Breath left Bakugou’s body as Shindou hoisted him up, wrapping his legs around his waist. Luckily, Bakugou caught himself with a grunt, arms wrapping around Shindou’s shoulders.

“You could have warned me, you asshole,” Bakugou breathed in Shindou’s ear as he effortlessly carried him down the hall.

“You’re going to have to trust me tonight, even if I don’t warn you,” Shindou said, lips already on Bakugou’s neck before they entered the bedroom. Bakugou sighed against the feeling, steeling himself against any strong reactions.

Trust him? Not fucking likely.

+++

Ochako pushed Izuku gently down onto the bed, crawling over him and straddling his hips, grinding down. Izuku gasped at the friction, the gasp turning into a groan as Ochako smirked. It wasn’t a look she wore often, but her smirk was something that wildly turned him on. Probably because it reminded Izuku of--

“Any second thoughts?” Ochako asked, leaning over to push her body flush with Izuku’s and he groaned at the feeling of her curves against him. He reached up, sliding his hands along her waist as her hands glided into his green curls. Her fingers played with his hair, as she smiled down at Izuku. He leaned forward, bringing his lips softly against hers. Their mouths moved slowly against each other, fingers gently moving along any skin that was already exposed. 

Ochako lifted herself on her hands while Izuku grasped her thighs. She rolled her hips confidently against Izuku’s and he moaned, watching eagerly as She gave him another smirk.

+++

They made quick work of shedding their clothes, Bakugou only allowing himself a sliver of pleasure at Shindou’s naked body before averting his eyes. Shindou, on the other hand, let his eyes roam over Bakugou’s form freely, opening him up. His pupils were blown wide by the time Shindou’s body covered Bakugou’s on his bed, both sighing against the feel of naked skin. Shindou kissed along Bakugou’s shoulder as he rolled their hips together and Bakugou gritted his teeth, holding back a moan. Shindou’s head lifted and his eyes assessed Bakugou’s face briefly before lifting himself off the bed and squatting down so he wasn’t seen.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Bakugou demanded, propped up on his elbows. Shindou’s belt buckle clanked and he stood up, his belt being manipulated by his hands.

“Making things more fun,” He said, creating a loop within the buckle of the belt before he crawled up Bakugou’s body. Bakugou’s eyes did not leave the belt, entire body tense.

“What do you think you’re doing with that?”

“Tying your wrists together.”

“Like Hell!” Bakugou growled and Shindou leaned in close to Bakugou’s face as he straddled his hips.

“If you’re not able to use your hands, then you have no way of controlling how I touch you,” Shindou said lowly, breath fanning over Bakugou’s mouth as their eyes bore into one another’s. “You can’t push me away when I tease the sensitive parts of your body over and over again. You allow me complete control over your orgasm, touching you only when you’ve earned it and--”

Shindou stopped himself, wide eyes taking in Bakugou’s squirming form below him. Bakugou shut his own eyes tight trying to calm himself down. It shouldn’t have been such an attractive thought, to give over that sort of control to someone else but Bakugou was getting harder the longer Shindou talked.

“When I finally get to fuck you,” Shindou growled “You’d have to take it however I wanted you.”

A small moan escaped Bakugou’s lips and he hated himself for it.

“Sound good?”

Bakugou couldn’t respond, instead lifting his hands above his head, wrists together.

“Eyes on me,” Shindou commanded. Bakugou opened his eyes to see Shindou smirk before fitting Bakugou’s wrists through the loop in the belt before pulling it tight. Shindou’s hands moved over Bakugou’s, along the belt and over Bakugou’s forearms before moving back up again. Bakugou’s arms tingled where touched.

“How’s it feel?” Shindou asked and Bakugou tried to move his arms a bit, finding he could only move them from above his head to in front of him.

"Fine,” Bakugou mumbled, arms going above his head. Better than fine. But he didn’t need to know that. Shindou gave him a knowing smile, bending to capture Bakugou’s lips once again.

+++

Ochako’s hands glided over Izuku’s, hands intertwining as their mouths continued to move together. Izuku had missed this, being intimate, partially with Ochako but with anyone. Ochako gently moved Izuku’s arms above his head, placing his wrists together. She broke their kiss, looking down at him confidently.

“Don’t move,” She said, standing up to quickly shed her underwear before kneeling on the bed again. Izuku trembled under the command, watching as Ochako moved back over him to undo his pants, unzipping him to pull out a half hard cock. She slowly moved her hand along his length and Izuku groaned, hands lifting to try and grasp at Ochako. She sent him a quick glare, stopping her movement.

“I said ‘Don’t. Move.’” She reiterated. Izuku’s eyes widened, arms falling back to the bed and he placed his wrists together again.  She grinned, moving faster along him and Izuku cried out in pleasure.

+++

Shindou raked his nails across Bakugou’s skin, leaving red mark in their wake. Bakugou hissed, arching his back at the mix of pain and pleasure that it caused. His eyes shut tightly to try and stave off the intensity of the sensations. Shindou’s mouth found Bakugou’s nipple, licking and biting as one hand worked its way to his already hard cock.

“Fuck--“ Bakugou groaned, eyes shutting tightly as Shindou’s activated his quirk ever so gently. “Holy shi-“

Bakugou ground his teeth to keep the sounds he was making in, keep his pathetic whimpering at bay. He felt a second hand on his jaw, squeezing almost painfully.

“Open your eyes,” Shindou commanded and Bakugou let out a shuddering breath, looking up into dark brown. Shindou kept eye contact, his hand moving slowly up and down Bakugou’s shaft as Bakugou gasped. Bakugou couldn’t comprehend anything but Shindou’s face as he writhed on the bed.

“You wanna keep those noises to yourself?” Shindou asked. Bakugou glared up, eyes fiery. Shindou acted so casual while he worked Bakugou over and it pissed him off. Shindou’s hand left Bakugou’s dick and he moaned in frustration.

“What’s it going to take for me to hear you get loud for me?”

“You get off on that?”

“I’d get off on anything you did,” Shindou replied and Bakugou’s eyes widened at the honesty in his eyes. Bakugou didn’t answer and Shindou smirked. “Speechless?”

“Shut up.”

“You keep avoiding the question,” Shindou said, hands rubbing along Bakugou’s abdomen without touching the one place Bakugou wanted him to touch. “I’ve been dreaming about the types of noises you’d make like this.”

“Keep dreaming.”

Shindou regarded him with heat in his eyes, hands trailing around and under his thighs to his puckered hole. Bakugou jumped at the feeling, eyes wide.

“Lube?”

+++

Izuku gasped against Ochako’s hand as she glided it along his chest without removing his shirt. Her other hand left his dick and Izuku gasped at the loss as Ochako crawled up his body for another kiss, deeper and more sensual than before as their tongues slipped along each other.

“You ready?” She asked and Izuku nodded, just as Ochako sank herself slowly onto him. She gasped, eyes drifting closed as her hips met his. Izuku kept his hands above his head, knowing Ochako wanted to control this and also loving how Ochako looked when she took control of a situation. When she sank down completely, Ochako took a few deep breaths, staying still with Izuku inside her.

“Ochako, plea-“

Izuku’s plea was cut off by Ochako bringing herself up only to fall back on him once more, hands braced on his chest.

“Please what, ‘Zuku?” Ochako whispered, using her thighs to bring herself up again. “You mean this?”

And she brought herself down again and Izuku moaned, nodding eagerly. She hummed in approval, slowly grinding herself on him. Izuku groaned at the frustration of not being able to touch her, to control the pace.

“You ok?” Ochako taunted. The taunt must have been what got to him, that combined with the smirk, his mind suddenly full of images of Kacchan.

‘Kacchan.’

The guilt struck him in his chest, thinking of someone else while he was with Ochako, and he clenched his eyes shut. It wouldn’t be the first time, either.

‘Kacchan.’

He knew he’d be ok if Ochako would just move!

‘Kacchan.’

Izuku opened his eyes, thrusting up into her and Ochako moaned, steading herself.

“Well. Since you’re so impatient,” She said, breathless as she moved on top of him and Izuku’s mind whited out, closing his eyes again.

+++

Shindou flipped Bakugou over and Bakugou floundered, bringing himself up on his elbows as Shindou lifted his hips into the air. Fuck, he felt exposed like this. He’d never assumed this position in his entire sexual history, and on top of that, he couldn’t see what Shindou was about to do. Bakugou hated how much it built up the anticipation for him, anxiously waiting for Shindou’s hands on his body again. From the sounds of it, Shindou opened the bottle of lube and soon a wet finger found his hole. Bakugou did everything in his power not to move, naturally inclined to jolt away. He could do this, goddamn it. Shindou rubbed a hand along his back, rubbing circles on his shoulders and back until Bakugou relaxed enough for Shindou to slip a finger inside of him. Bakugou groaned at the intrusion, doing his best to cover the sound with the sheets. The feeling was strange, stretching after years of never indulging this part of himself.

“You don’t have to keep quiet,” Shindou said, large body draping itself over Bakugou as he worked one finger in and out. “I already know you love this.”

“Shut up,” Bakugou gritted out, eyes closed and cheeks enflamed in his sheets. He felt Shindou’s chest press against his back and his nose rub against his ear. Bakugou gasped against his weight on top of him, pressing his upper body further into the mattress. It should have been crushing, suffocating. But Bakugou had to bite his lip to keep from gasping in pleasure, his already throbbing cock bobbing in between his legs.

“Fuck, look how you fall apart for me,” Shindou murmured roughly, lips traveling from his ear to his neck as he inserted a second finger, scissoring him open. Bakugou groaned into mattress, hiding his shame from the man pulling these noises from him.

“Such a good little slut.”

Bakugou growled, thrashing and trying to buck Shindou off him for the comment, the asshole. Shindou smirked against Bakugou’s neck as he reached around, hand moving from chest to navel and down to Bakugou’s dripping dick. Bakugou’s eyes flew open as Shindou wrapped a large hand around him, a moan flying from his lips before he could stop it.

“Wish you could see yourself like this.” Shindou inserted a third finger as he slowly moved his hand along Bakugou’s cock. Bakugou barely registered how fast he was breathing, how he was moaning, how his body bucked on its own. He was only aware of Shindou’s hands on him and the glorious pleasure it was causing him.

The hands were gone for an instant, an instant where he had time to take in a real breath before they found Bakugou’s hips and squeezed tight. That mouth was near his ear again and his eyes fluttered closed at Shindou’s cock at his entrance.

“You ready?” He asked, the rough tone from earlier replaced with his caring side. And Bakugou hated it. All it did was remind him of-

“Fucking do it, already,” Bakugou growled.

The hands on his hips clenched harder, earning a gasp, and Bakugou felt Shindou enter him slowly. The breech burned, just like he knew it would but Bakugou’s brain whited out the further Shindou got. When Shindou bottomed out, Bakugou couldn’t think at all, their groans the only other thing he was registering besides the throbbing dick inside of him. Bakugou hadn’t had this feeling in a long time, full and stretched. But his brain was already catching up to the situation, and the longer Shindou took to move, the longer he had time to indulge his intrusive thoughts. It shouldn’t be Shindou behind him. He should be experiencing this with the one person he actually wanted to be with.

‘Deku.’

He shut his eyes tight, hands clenching in their binding.

‘Deku.’

Jesus Christ was this guy going to fucking move?!

‘Deku.’

He tried moving himself, fucking himself on Shindou but the other man wouldn’t allow it. Shindou leaned forward again, hand sliding to Bakugou’s dick.

“You have to relax,” Shindou said, activating his quirk and sending shocks of pleasure throughout Bakugou’s system. It was enough for Bakugou to relax again, his groan loud and desperate to his own ears. “There’s a good boy.”

Shindou removed his hand, finally moving, though slowly. Their combined sounds grew more desperate as Shindou slid in and out, and Bakugou felt himself finally release control, slumping into the sheets in bliss. He sensed more than heard the noises coming from him, a combination of groans, whimpers and moans, and Shindou leaned over him again, hand next to his head as his pace turned brutal.

“Fuck, I knew you’d--shit--sound sexy like this,” Shindou grumbled and Bakugou didn’t respond, too caught up in the pace of Shindou’s cock inside of him. His body pulled taunt, gut coiling and he wanted so badly to come, but his hard dick hung from his body untouched.

For the first time that night, Bakugou hated being restrained, and he turned his head towards Shindou’s, body still draped over his back. Shindou looked dazed, debauched and somehow still fucking cocky.

“Need something, Bakugou?” He asked sweetly, breathing heavily. Bakugou bared his teeth and Shindou sat up, angling different and suddenly the pleasure and overstimulation turned more intense. “Gotta use your words.”

“Fuck you,” Bakugou growled and Shindou stopped moving. Bakugou buried his face into the mattress to yell in frustration as Shindou leaned over him once again, cock still buried inside of him.

“Not the words I was looking for.”

“You’re a mother fucking cocksucker!” Bakugou growled into the mattress and Shindou hoisted Bakugou’s upper half up off the bed under his arms. Bakugou was impressed at the show of strength until he saw Shindou’s look of anger.

“Still not it,” Shindou growled. Bakugou looked down at his red, angry looking cock and his entire body tensed at what he was about to do. At what he never did.

“Just--fuck--I can’t believe you--shit…,” Bakugou grumbled, his face turned to Shindou’s. Shindou’s eyes glared into Bakugou’s and it somehow made it easier to just let go. “Please.”

Shindou’s anger melted away, and he leaned in for a soft kiss. The next thing Bakugou knew, Shindou was pushing his face back into the mattress, making sure he was properly braced on his elbows. The feel of Shindou’s dick moving in him assaulted his senses again, worse than before and hitting Bakugou’s prostrate with every thrust. Bakugou felt Shindou reach around, activating his quirk one more time and a few seconds was all it took before Bakugou was coming all over the mattress, his groan deep and satisfied. Shindou cursed as Bakugou lost control, following him shortly afterwards with a shout.

+++

“Shit, ‘Chako-I’m-“

“Go ahead,” Ochako moaned, reaching down to work her clit furiously as she continued to move on top of him. They came with deep groans within seconds of each other, Ochako slumping boneless against Izuku. Sucking in a deep breath, Izuku moved his hands from above his head to place them on Ochako’s back gently. Ochako hummed her approval, snuggling into his chest as Izuku glided his hands up and down her spine, still clothed in her party dress. Izuku idly realized that neither one of them had removed their clothes.

There was something familiar about laying like that, more familiar than any sex they could have. Izuku and Ochako spent more nights in the dorms holding each other than they did having sex, though they didn’t shy away from that either. They were always friends first and a couple second. Somewhere in all of this, they had lost that.

Ochako sat up slowly, eyes meeting Izuku’s before smiling softly. She rolled off the bed to fetch her underwear, adjusting her dress and coming hands through her hair. Izuku took the time to tuck himself back into his underwear and sat up on his hands.

“Everything look ok?” She asked.

Sure, her hairline was a bit sweaty and the hair attached, a little mussed but she didn’t look worse for wear. Especially considering what happened.

“You look good,” Izuku responded honestly. “As always.”

Ochako stared at Izuku from the foot of the bed, assessing him.

“We still aren’t supposed to be together,” Ochako said gently. Izuku breathed out a sigh of relief. Good. Ok. They were on the same page. Ochako walked around the bed towards Izuku, leaning over to gently kiss his lips.

“But I feel better about it now,” She said happily and Izuku understood what she meant. He felt better too. Ochako reached out a hand, tugging gently on Izuku’s curls.

“You should fix your hair before you go back out there.”

“Sex hair?” Izuku asked, hands raking through mussed green.

“Not too bad,” Ochako said, unconvincingly. He smiled and shrugged, fastening his pants again and shuffling off the bed.

“You want to go back out there together?” Izuku asked. Ochako feigned a gasp, hand flying to her chest.

“But what if they think we were having sex?” She asked with a grin.

“Then they might believe we’re still a couple,” Izuku reminded. Her grin fell, biting her bottom lip instead.

“Everything ok?”

Ochako took a deep breath, looking like she was preparing herself for a battle.

“It’ll be fine,” She said confidently. “I’ll figure it out!”

Ochako grabbed Izuku’s hand and they left the room, Izuku trailing behind her.

+++

Shindou gently undid the belt around Bakugou’s wrists as Bakugou caught his breath, barely comprehending what was happening as he was rolled onto his back. Shindou rubbed at the red marks around his wrists.

“How do they feel?” He asked and Bakugou shrugged, face relaxed and satiated. Shindou smiled. “You’re going to have to talk.”

“S’fine,” Bakugou mumbled, eyes drifting closed.

“That good, huh?” Shindou teased and Bakugou felt himself being turned on his side, hands on his back. They rubbed along his spine and shoulders, leaving goosebumps in their wake as Shindou pulled Bakugou into his chest.

“This ok?” He asked softly. Bakugou swallowed thickly, nodding into Shindou’s neck. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone held him like this. It was nice.

And just one night. He could let Shindou hold him for one night.

They drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other’s arms. 

Chapter Text

Bakugou woke up to a messy bed and the smell of coffee and bacon. He didn’t even have to wonder why, knowing that Shindou was in his kitchen cooking and making coffee.  He would be lying if he said he was glad Shindou had stayed in his apartment but it made sense he would want to stick around. After everything they’ve been through, Bakugou knew there was an awkward conversation waiting for him over breakfast this morning.

Bakugou took a moment to stare at his ceiling, going over his decisions the past month. Refuse to acknowledge his love for Deku? Check. Have sex with his hero partner? Check. Profess his love for Deku? Check. Be forced into breaking up with Deku? Check. Have sex with his hero partner again? Check. Go public as a fake couple with his hero partner? That would be today. Fuck.

This could have all been avoided. A lot of other shit would have happened surrounding Butsuki but he and Deku would have been together, happy. He wouldn’t be thinking about Shindou and what part he played in Bakugou’s life.

After everything that’s happened, he was thinking about that stupid, obnoxious man who fucked him six ways from Sunday last night, almost like Bakugou wanted him to stick around. Did he?

He didn’t know.

Bakugou took his time getting his sweatpants and tank top on, not exactly in a rush to see Shindou after last night. There were way too many personal lines Bakugou stepped over last and he wasn’t even sure why he allowed Shindou to blow through them. It certainly felt good in the moment but that wasn’t it. He just couldn’t put his finger on the exact reasoning for allowing him free reign. He was currently chalking it up to being a dumbass and hoping that was the extent of it.

As he shuffled out of the bedroom, Shindou glanced over from the kitchen, Bakugou’s ‘Kiss the Cook and DIE!’ apron on and everything as he moved bacon around a skillet. Shindou smiled warmly and Bakugou avoided that warmth like the plague, frowning at his feet as he walked over.

“Hungry?” Shindou asked, ignoring Bakugou’s awkwardness as he made his way to the small dining table and chairs in his kitchen to sit down. He wasn’t even trying to push back against Shindou’s presence, against the fact that he was using his apron to cook food for him. This was very not like him and he didn’t understand what was happening in his life right then. Bakugou just sat at the dining room table, looking off to the side in thought. “You ok?”

“Hmm?” Bakugou hummed gruffly, meeting Shindou’s eyes again. There was concern there and Bakugou shifted his eyes away again. Shindou was way too vulnerable this early in the morning. “I’m fine.”

A plate of scrambled eggs and bacon with a cup of coffee appeared in front of him a few minutes later. Shindou sat down with his own plate and cup, setting a handful of silverware between them.

They ate in silence, silverware clanging and mouths chewing. It wasn’t as awkward as Bakugou thought it would be. It was almost nice, having someone make food for him and then eat together.

“I’m surprised you didn’t ask me what I was still doing here,” Shindou said after his plate was empty.

“Me too,” Bakugou replied, sitting back from his mostly finished food to sip his coffee. “I guess I already know the answer.”

“I like you,” Shindou said and Bakugou couldn’t help but flinch. “More than I should.”

And there it was, just what he had been dreading. Bakugou didn’t respond but made eye contact with Shindou so that he knew Bakugou was listening. The asshole deserved that, at least.

“I’ve been trying to figure out why I’ve been so weird these past couple of days. That’s why. I know you aren’t on the same page,” Shindou continued stoically. “So, I’m giving you an out, here. Last night can be a one-time thing and we can pretend it never happened.”

Bakugou didn’t know what was wrong with him because the second Shindou finished talking he said-

“No.”

“What?” Shindou asked, surprised. Bakugou took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

“I probably don’t feel the same way you do,” Bakugou said. “But I’m not going to pretend that it’s…nothing. Fuck, I really wish it was.”

“The sex was that good, huh?” Shindou asked with a smirk, bouncing back from surprise pretty easily. Bakugou rolled his eyes.

“Doesn’t have to do with the sex. Not really.”

“Then what are you thinking?” Shindou asked and Bakugou’s stomach churned and twisted.

“A date,” Bakugou said, immediately feeling sick. It wasn’t even that he regretted what he said, but he just hated seeing that look of shock on Shindou’s slack face. Made him feel exposed. Bakugou set down his coffee. “Close your fucking mouth.”

“You want to go on a date with me?” Shindou asked, incredulous and Bakugou pursed his lips, eyebrows drawing together.

“That’s not--I don’t want--UGH!” Bakugou snarled, clenching and unclenching his fists. “I think we should go on a date to figure some shit out.”

“So, you don’t want to go on a date with me, but you want us to go on a date?!” Shindou asked, more incredulous than before.

“You’re thinking too much about this.”

“You aren’t thinking about it enough,” Shindou accused. “What exactly do you think is going to happen?”

“I don’t fucking know!” Bakugou groaned, already hating himself for getting out of bed. He should have jumped out the window instead. “We’d get dressed up and go to dinner or something.”

“And do what?”

“Fuck, talk? I don’t know!”

“We’re talking right now. Why do we have to go on a date?”

“You’re making this way too hard,” Bakugou said.

“I’m making this hard?!” Shindou asked, eyes flashing. “You’re the one who wants us to go out but doesn’t know why!”

“I do know why!” Bakugou said.

“Then why?!”

“Because I think I could like you too!”

It looked like Shindou had been slapped and he thought he might have liked it.

“You think?” Shindou asked softly, face stunned.

“I think,” Bakugou said, just as softly. “I don’t know what’s going on. There is something here, we both know that. And yeah, I probably don’t feel the same way as you. That doesn’t mean that I couldn’t.”

“Do you even want to?” Shindou asked.

God, this was way too complicated. Bakugou didn’t even know why he proposed any of this. He thought if they just went on a date, Bakugou could see if he could picture them together, at any point. For real.

“I think I wouldn’t have proposed it if I wasn’t open to it,” Bakugou said.

“And Midoriya?”

Fuck, Shindou had no problem bringing everything up. Why the hell was he like that? Why couldn’t he just pretend hard things didn’t exist, like Bakugou could?

“What about him?”

“When he comes back into the picture--“

“Please. That’s a big ‘IF,’” Bakugou scoffed.

“That’s not true,” Shindou said. “You don’t fall out of love with someone in a month.”

“No, but you can decide not to pursue someone in one month,” Bakugou said, hating this conversation more and more. “And if he’s still trying to pursue me after all this, he must have an undiagnosed concussion.”

“So, this is you looking for a replacement?” Shindou asked. “You can’t have Midoriya so you look for the next best thing?”

Bakugou growled in frustration, practically snapping his teeth across the table.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?! I swear to God, if I had this conversation on Grindr, I would drop the dude in a heartbeat,” Bakugou said. “You either want to fucking go on a date with me, or you don’t. Which is it?”

The silence stretched between them and Bakugou’s anger wasn’t going away. He irritably cleared his plate and cup, trying to gently place them in the sink despite his temper. For fucks sake, it wasn’t like he had asked anyone on a date in… shit, a long ass time. It was just a suggestion, Jesus Fucking Christ. Bakugou crossed his arms and leaned on the counter next to the sink as he stared at his partner.

“When would it be?” Shindou asked his breakfast stoically. Bakugou took a breath to calm himself before answering, uncrossing his arms.

“Friday? Whatever,” Bakugou said. He didn’t give a shit. Shindou hummed in acknowledgement, clearing the table of his dishes, walking over to the sink and gently placing them inside. When he turned to Bakugou again, the same heat from last night was back and Bakugou instantly felt his anger turn to arousal. How did Shindou do that to him?

“Sex off the table, then?”

“Shit.”

Bakugou closed his eyes tightly as his hands gripped the counter behind him. He felt a hand on his hip and he knew Shindou was right in front of him. Another hand joined the other hip and Shindou was pressed against him so Bakugou could feel the hard muscle that he tried to ignore.

“’Cause I’d really like to keep fucking you,” Shindou whispered into his ear and Bakugou shivered, failing to keep control over himself. Bakugou’s mind flooding with images from last night, being filled and satiated and taken care of and fuck.

“Fine,” Bakugou said through gritted teeth, still not opening his eyes.

“You know I’m not going to take that as a yes,” Shindou rumbled and Bakugou could feel it in his body, like Shindou activated his quirked on his whole being. Bakugou opened his eyes, red, filled with contempt. Mostly towards himself.

“You need an engraved invitation?”

“Just a bit more enthusiasm,” Shindou teased, hands gripping tighter and reminding Bakugou of all the reasons he hated himself. Bakugou rolled his eyes.

“Please, Lord Shindou. I beg you. Bless me with your dick,” Bakugou said, and Shindou actually laughed, eyes bright and gorgeous.

“Lord?” Shindou smiled, leaning in. “I like that.”

Their lips met, Shindou reached up to hold Bakugou’s face in his hands and Bakugou couldn’t help it. He smiled.

+++

Shouto showed up with take out from the Hero Café at around noon, surprising Izuku on his day off. He still had his All Might pajamas on, but Shouto didn’t care about things like that, eyes forcibly bright as he rushed into Izuku’s living room.

“What’s the occasion?” Izuku asked happily. Shouto froze, hands still gripping the food. “Shouto?”

“Don’t turn on the TV,” Shouto said, and Izuku frowned.

“Why?”

“I was told that Shindou and Bakugou would be going public today,” Shouto said, turning around with his plate so he could look him in the eye.

“Huh,” Izuku said. “Ok. Do we need plates or--“

“Did you hear me?”

“Yes. Shindou and Kacchan are an official couple. Do you want water or coffee? Or both?”

Shouto’s mouth fell open, his face more expressive than Izuku had seen it in a while. He didn’t say anything and Izuku went to pour them both a cup a coffee. Looked like Shouto would need it.

“Why aren’t you upset?” Shouto asked and Izuku sighed.

“Look, I know you’re not supposed to talk about it, but I know about them.”

“What about them?” Shouto asked, expression turning to confusion.

“About the MRC,” Izuku said, taking a sip of coffee. Shouto’s eyes went impossibly wide and Izuku was having emotional whiplash just from looking at his best friend.

“How did--what--what’s going--“ Shouto stumbled over his words in a way that Izuku was not used to seeing. Izuku set down his coffee and placed both of his hands on Shouto’s shoulders.

“Hey, hey. It’s ok. Breathe,” Izuku implored and Shout took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Shouto was still holding his food and Izuku took it from him, placing it on the coffee table beside his mug. “You ok?”

“Absolutely not,” he said, sounding more like himself. Stoic. In control. “How did you find out?”

“Ochako and I figured it out,” Izuku said, and Shouto’s eyes widened slightly in recognition. That was the sort of expression that Izuku was used to.

“That’s what you two were doing during the party,” Shouto said, and Izuku blushed instantly.

“Uh…”

“Was it not?” He asked, tilting his head and Izuku rubbed at his neck.

“Um, a bit of it,” Izuku said.

“What does that mean?”

“Uh, we kind of, had sex at the party,” Izuku said and Shouto closed his eyes, moving to sit on Izuku’s couch.

“This is too much, ‘Zuku,” Shouto said. “I can’t handle all of this right now.”

“Think of how I felt,” Izuku said and Shouto sighed.

“Right,” He said. “You must have felt…horny.”

“Shou!” Izuku admonished, and Shouto lifted an eyebrow.

“I saw you two touching each other all night,” He said. “I thought it was for show.”

“Well, it kind of was,” Izuku said. “She was trying to get a reaction out of Kacchan and apparently it worked.”

“Worked so well that you two had to fuck each other?” He asked dryly.

“You are super judgey today,” Izuku said. “Tone it down a bit.”

“Sorry,” Shouto said. “I just thought you’d be upset about your ex going public with Shindou. I guess you have a few reasons to not care.”

“Well, we’re not together. Ochako and I still want to be together for the public, but not together--together.”

Shouto rubbed at his temples with his right side. Izuku could detect a bit of frost already forming.

“Ok,” Shouto said. “I’ll attempt to be less ‘judgey.’ So, let me just rehash this. You found out about the MRC from Ochako, who you are in a pretend relationship with. And then you two decided to have sex but you’re still not actually together. That, about right?”

Izuku nodded and Shouto sighed again.

“Fuck it,” He said. “I’m judging. Both you and Bakugou need a good spray with a water hose.”

“What do you mean both me and Bakugou?” Izuku asked.

“Nothing,” Shouto said, guilt radiating off of him as he refused to meet Izuku’s gaze. He immediately got up to uncover their food but Izuku stopped him with a hand on his arm.

“Not nothing. What did Kacchan do?” Izuku asked. Shouto sat back down.

“You were right about the MRC,” Shouto said.

“And?”

“Actually, it’s more a but.”

Izuku rolled his eyes.

“Fine. But?”

“But, Shindou and Bakugou left together after the party and Bakugou told Kirishima, away from listening ears, that they were going back to Bakugou’s place together.”

Oh. Oh no. Izuku felt his chest constrict. But he was right. He was right about the MRC.

“What’s going on?” Izuku asked, panicked. “They aren’t in a real relationship.”

“They’ve been spending quite a bit of time trying to convince other people they are a couple. Perhaps something bled through,” Shouto said earnestly. Izuku hated his honesty in that moment. Was that possible? That it wasn’t as simple as just an MRC? He was just getting used to the idea that they were pretending and now he had to readjust all over again? He felt like he was going to puke.

“Talk about something else,” Izuku said quickly, leaving to get a glass of water to drown himself in.

“Kirishima and I were thinking of getting people together this afternoon, after…everything… to talk over strategy for Butsuki,” Shouto shouted from the other room and Izuku filled a glass.

“Good,” Izuku said before chugging the water. “I want to be there.”

“Perfect,” Shouto replied. “But be prepared, they will probably be acting… coupley. It may not be in anyone’s best interest for you to tell them that you know.”

“Right,” Izuku said as he slammed down his water glass, eyes shutting tightly as he tried to keep his tears away.

Sure. Acting.

Izuku couldn’t help but think back over the past month while Shouto set up their take out on his coffee table. Break off their friends with benefits arrangement without talking about his feelings? Check. Get together with Ochako? Check. Try and get together with Kacchan while he was still dating Ochako? Check. Have Ochako find out and get dumped? Check. Get dumped by Kacchan? Check. Have sex with Ochako? Check.

What would have happened if he had been honest with Kacchan after the first time they had sex? Would he have told him to ‘fuck off?’ Or would he have thought about it and told him that he loved him too? Did he love him anymore? Izuku wasn’t in love with Ochako when they had sex. Sex didn’t mean that Kacchan loved Shindou. But Kacchan didn’t have casual hookups with people he knew. It was only nameless faceless nobodies or at least that’s how he used to be.

Izuku took a few breaths, leaning over the kitchen sink. He was catastrophizing. He’s always catastrophizing. He had to stop. If he ever wanted to see Kacchan as more than an ex--

Did he?

Izuku was starting to feel insane. All this back and forth made Izuku terrified to try again with Kacchan, even if his heart hurt at the thought of them not being together.

Something had to change.

Something had to--

Reset.

They had to reset.

They had to go back to being friends.

Izuku stood up, eyes wild and darting around the kitchen. Could it be that simple? He felt a bit manic, but maybe this was a good thing. Going back to basics. Once they were out of school, Kacchan was one of the best friends he had. If they could just go back to that, maybe everything could be salvaged.

Izuku grinned from ear to ear.

+++

Bakugou fucking hated lights and reporters and talking about his personal life. Even if it was fake. Shindou was perfect, as everyone knew he would be. He charmed and flirted (appropriately) and Bakugou barely had to do anything, just allow Shindou to look at him lovingly and touch his arm. Now, they were meeting everyone at Kirishima’s to go over some sort of plan.

“Wasn’t so bad,” Shindou chirped happily as he shifted gears. “They seemed to like us.”

“They liked you,” Bakugou said, head resting on the window of the car. “Which will be enough.”

“Well, where are you taking me Friday?” Shindou asked, tone turning teasing.

“Thai, ok?” Bakugou mumbled, head still on the window as he shifted his eyes over to look at him. Shindou face softened.

“I love Thai,” Shindou replied earnestly.

“Well, there’s a place that has a special ‘Hero only’ room where you can just be alone with your date or whatever. We could go there,” Bakugou said. 

“That sounds fun,” Shindou smiled and something odd happened to his face. He blushed.

“What’s wrong with you?” Bakugou grumbled.

“Nothing,” Shindou said quickly.

“You’re being weird,” Bakugou said.

“No,” Shindou said, eyes very intent on Bakugou’s even as he tried to stay focused on the road. “I’m excited about going out with the guy that I like. This is how people act when they’re looking forward to a date.”

Bakugou stared out the window again. Is that what he was supposed to be feeling? Excited? Should he be blushing and nervous and act all vulnerable over Thai food? His palms were sweating, so that was something. He rubbed them on his pants before crossing his arms over his chest.

“I can’t believe I’m going to ask this,” Shindou said nervously, smile dropping from his face. “But how are you feeling about the date?”

“What? I’m the one who suggested it.”

“Yes,” Shindou agreed. “But are you excited? Nervous? Angry?”

Hell if Bakugou knew. He just knew that they needed to do this, so they were doing this. He’d worry about his feelings later.

“I’m glad we’re going,” Bakugou said and that must have been the right thing to say because Shindou smiled again.

+++

Izuku was nervous. He hadn’t been this nervous in a long time. All because he was going to see Kacchan and Shindou together. He bit at his nails from Kirishima’s living room couch, Shouto sitting next to him while Kirishima grabbed a few beers for them.

“This will be good,” Kirishima said once he returned. “Time to get focused on taking Butsuki down.”

Izuku nodded, nail in his mouth as he took one of the offered beers with his other hand. Focus on Butsuki. Not Kacchan and Shindou. Butsuki. Butsuki. Butsuki.

“When are Kacchan and Shindou getting here?” Izuku asked and Kirishima frowned, glancing at Shouto.

“I already told him,” Shouto said, popping the tab on his beer to take a drink.

“You ok, man?” Kirishima asked Izuku. “I know you know about the MRC now, which thank god. But you also know about last night.”

Izuku nodded, taking his thumb out of his mouth and wiping the saliva on his jeans.

“I’m fine,” Izuku said. “I have a plan.”

“Really?” Kirishima asked excitedly and Shouto groaned loudly, flopping onto the couch.

“Are you seriously trying to win him back?” Shouto asked tiredly.

“No, not that it’s your business Judgey-McJudgerson,” Izuku grumbled.

“I’m sorry,” Shouto said, sighing. “You’re right. I’m just stressed. What are you thinking?”

“I think we should be friends again!”

Silence struck Kirishima and Shouto as they stared at him.

“Friends?” Kirishima asked after a while, disappointed and Shouto had the same question, only more confused.

“Why?” Kirishima asked.

“We’re working together on this whole Butsuki thing, we’ve been through so much stuff this past month and I think we need to go back to basics. Back to what we had. If there’s something still there, then we can do something about it then but for now, we would just focus on the friendship.”

Izuku was proud of himself. He felt mature and in control, like he could actually handle seeing--

The doorbell rang and Kirishima got up to answer it. Izuku felt himself start to hyperventilate. He couldn’t see them! Friends? What was he thinking? There was no way he could be in the same room as them right now! What was wrong with him?

He felt Shouto’s hand on his shoulder, stopping him from suffocating in the middle of Kirishima’s living room. He was smiling.

“I think ‘friends’ is a good idea,” He said sincerely. “I think Bakugou will think so too.”

Izuku sighed, tension leaving his body and he grabbed at the hand on his shoulder with a relieved smile. There were no words for how grateful he was for Shouto in times like this.

“Are you sure you’re not gay?” Izuku asked and Shouto laughed, shaking his head.

“I’m afraid not.”

“Will you let me know if that changes?”

“You’ll be the first to know.”

Kacchan and Shindou walked in. They weren’t holding hands or anything, which was a good sign. Izuku locked eyes with Kacchan, trying to keep his face neutral but still open. It was very difficult when Kacchan was staring, irritated at his and Shouto’s intertwined hands. Izuku was going to let the hand go, but if Kacchan was a little jealous of Shouto for the time being, well. That was great. He squeezed Shouto’s hand and sent him a knowing smile. Shouto rolled his eyes but kept his hand where it was. Awesome.

“Beer?” Kirishima asked excitedly, eyes darting between Shindou and Bakugou. They nodded, with varied degrees of enthusiasm. Shindou looked pretty happy, happier than Izuku remembered him being and it made him want to punch him in the throat. Kacchan just continued staring angrily at Shouto’s and Izuku’s hands.

Kirishima came back with their beers and Shindou and Kacchan took a seat on the floor. Together. Side by side. Which was fine. Because Izuku just wanted to be Kacchan’s friend. Friends don’t care about who other friends have sex with. Friends just watch movies and play video games and do things together. Non-sexual things.

“We’re pumped to tell you about our plan!” Kirishima said excitedly. Shouto nodded.

“We think the sidekicks might be the answer in all of this,” Shouto said.

“How so?” Izuku asked.

“If the sidekicks aren’t working, then no one is getting saved,” Kirishima said, eyes bright. “Or, more importantly to Butsuki, no one is getting credit.”

“A sidekick strike,” Shindou said, smiling. Izuku was going to slap that smile off his face, except friends didn’t do that to their friends. Even if they are sitting too close to Kacchan. So, never mind.

“Exactly,” Shouto said. “Since Kirishima and I will be sidekicks once we all start at Butsuki’s agency, we’ll be focused on getting them to go on strike. We don’t want to potentially harm civilians, so we’ll need to partner up with a few Pro-Heroes to make sure the districts are taken care of while the sidekicks are off duty.”

“Anyone in mind?” Kacchan asked, looking away from their intertwined hands to Shouto’s face.

“Not yet, but I have a few leads. We’ll know at the gala on Friday,” Shouto said.

“Gala? What Gala?” Kacchan asked.

Shouto sighed heavily, reminding Izuku of the past month at Endeavor Industries. He must have had a meeting with Butsuki recently.

“Butsuki is throwing a Gala to honor his newest top 20,” Shouto said. “All of his heroes and sidekicks are invited. You’ll receive an official hand delivered invitation tomorrow.”

“Hand delivered by who?” Kacchan growled and Izuku watched him, worried as he sat up straight, his body stiff and coiled. Shindou placed a hand on his back and Izuku’s stomach jumped into his throat at the contact but he swallowed it back down. They were going to try being friends. Kacchan glanced at Shindou, but didn’t look like he hated the touch. Which was fine.

“One of Butsuki’s henchmen,” Shouto reassured him. “Not Butsuki.”

Kacchan relaxed a little bit and Izuku felt his heart clench at the sight of him so worked up over the idea of seeing Butsuki.

“Friday, huh?” Shindou asked. Kacchan shifted his stare to the floor and Shindou leaned closer into his space. Izuku thought Shindou might be trying to keep quiet, but he certainly wasn’t doing a good job. “We can reschedule.”

Kacchan glared at Shindou, who smirked at him. Maybe he wasn’t trying to be all that quiet. Izuku tilted his head in curiosity. Reschedule. Reschedule what? Reschedule…

Oh.

Kirishima’s curiosity perked up too and Izuku had a dreadful feeling he knew what was about to happen.

“Reschedule what? What would you need-OH MY GOD!” Kirishima’s eyes widened in horror and recognition and Kacchan shifted his glare to Kirishima.

“Don’t say a fucking word,” Kacchan grumbled through clenched teeth and Kirishima looked like he might take a swing at Kacchan.

“Are you serious?” Kirishima demanded in a stage whisper. “What is wrong with you?”

“Not your place,” Bakugou growled lowly. “Back off.”

“Seriously,” Shindou added quietly, looking affronted.

Izuku wasn’t sure who any of them thought they were fooling with all this pretend quietness but it was starting to piss Izuku off. If they were trying to spare his feelings, no need. Just trying to be friends over here!

“You’ll have to go on your date some other night,” Izuku said, far too loudly and stiffly. He did not sound like himself but he got everyone to shut up. So that was something. They all stared at anyone but each other, a blush covering all of their faces. It was fine. Friends didn’t care about things like dates. Not a big deal.

“We figure Izuku and Ochako, as well as Shindou and Bakugou, can try and be red herrings,” Shouto said, as if nothing had just happened.

“Meaning?” Izuku asked, currently grateful for Shouto’s lack of social awareness. He was going to send Shouto a gratitude bouquet after all this was over.

“Meaning you will try and lure the Pro-Heroes away from Butsuki and he will catch you. This will hopefully keep him off our trail as we work on the sidekick strike,” Shouto responded. Izuku smiled. They were so smart. He was so proud of Kirishima and Shouto right now.

“Works for me,” Shindou said, smirking like an asshole. Kacchan shrugged, still not looking at anyone.

“Sounds good,” Izuku added. Kirishima and Shouto beamed at each other. Kirishima caught Izuku’s eye and winked before turning to Shindou.

“Hey Shindou,” Kirishima said and Shindou hummed in acknowledgement, seemingly over whatever he was offended about before. “Can I see your car real fast? Mina is thinking of getting a new one and she wanted to know about yours.”

Shindou shrugged, getting up and walking with Kirishima outside. Shouto stayed behind, hand still in Izuku’s and Izuku gave him a pointed look, eyes moving between his best friend and the door. Shouto looked confused for a second before Izuku started gesturing in Kacchan’s direction.

“Oh!” Shouto exclaimed. “Me too. I’ll go too.”

And he was off to join the other two outside. Izuku watched as Kacchan actively avoided eye contact with him. He didn’t realize how awkward this would be but if Kacchan was trying to d-date Shindou, then this would be very awkward. Not that Izuku knew that. Or cared. Friends don’t care about things like that. Except in the way that friends care. About that.

This was horribly awkward. He had to say something.

“Have you been playing Mortal Kombat?” Izuku asked softly. It made Kacchan flinch, head swiveling in Izuku’s direction before his eyes met the floor again.

“Not really,” Kacchan grumbled. Izuku nodded, even though Kacchan wasn’t looking at him. That was a game Kacchan bought months ago and he railed on Izuku whenever he got the chance. It was fun to watch him get all excited like that. It felt like that happened a lifetime ago, to completely different people.

“That’s too bad,” Izuku said. “You were really excited when it came out. You kept beating me at it.”

“I remember,” Kacchan said, a slow smirk starting on his face. That was a good sign.

Izuku starting picked at his nails again. Well. Here goes nothing.

“I think I might be up for a rematch,” Izuku offered softly and Kacchan’s eyes slid over to Izuku’s.

“What?”

“We should play it again. Together.”

“Why?”

“What do you mean, why?”

“I mean, why would you want to play it with me?”

“Because this is our chance to go back to being…friends.” Izuku said it and immediately wanted to take it back. It sounded horribly desperate and childish to his ears but then Kacchan’s face softened, still confused.

“Friends.”

“Yeah. Like how we used to be. Before…any of this happened. You were one of my best friends.”

Kacchan nodded. That was his way of saying the same.

“So, let’s go back to that.”

“Just like that?” Kacchan asked skeptically, eyebrow raised.

“Not exactly,” Izuku said. “Could take some time. But maybe we can try.”

Kacchan didn’t look convinced.

“Let’s just try. Plan a time to get together and see if it works,” Izuku said. Kacchan shrugged, though somehow not in a flippant way. In a way that told Izuku that he was willing to try too.

“Yeah,” Kacchan replied. “Sure. What have we got to lose at this point?”

“I’ll text you,” Izuku said softly, smiling and Kacchan returned it. This was good. They could do this. It was just friends.

They could be friends.  

Chapter Text

Bakugou hated how dead the streets were as he and Shindou walked side by side in the morning sun. He knew it had to do with Butsuki already coming into their sectors and that just pissed him off. Bakugou had been looking forward to taking out his frustrations on some sort of villain today, the day he was finally able to return to work but they’d only stopped a liquor store robbery so far. The dude didn’t even have a quirk. Fucking travesty.

“It’s kind of nice,” Shindou said as they continued their patrol. “Peaceful.”

Bakugou bit back a snarky reply. He didn’t want peaceful. He wanted to get his hands deep in some random villain and explode the shit out of them. Butsuki was ruining his life on multiple levels.

A vibration in his pocket alerted him to a notification and Bakugou took his phone out briefly to check who it was.

“Since when do you keep your phone on during patrols?” Shindou asked. Bakugou didn’t respond.

Shindou didn’t need to know that Bakugou was a desperate little bitch who was waiting for Deku to text him about hanging out. It was possibly the first time in Bakugou’s life that he felt attached to his cellphone, making sure it was on him everywhere he went ever since Deku suggested they start to be friends.

Deku: (￣▽￣)ノ Dinner and movies/video games soon?

Shindou not so subtly craned his neck to see what Bakugou was doing on his phone. Bakugou not so subtly glared and turned his phone away.

“Midoriya, huh?” Shindou asked, face blank.

“What of it?” Bakugou asked, putting his phone back in his pocket.

“Didn’t know you two were talking.”

“We aren’t,” Bakugou responded. “He wants to start hanging out.”

“Why?” Shindou asked, blank face slipping into anger as he frowned.

“Why does it fucking matter?” Bakugou asked, feeding off of Shindou’s tone. Asshole had no reason to be pissed that Deku wanted to see him.

“In case you forgot, Butsuki is keeping tabs on us,” Shindou said harshly. “Don’t you think you two hanging out with him will piss him off?”

“We’re doing everything that fucker wants us to do,” Bakugou said. “Hell, he didn’t ask us to actually have sex, but here we are.”

Shindou’s eyes darkened, anger still on his face as he smirked. He chuckled, the sound deep and husky.

“Yes, here we are.”

Shindou grabbed Bakugou’s shirt and flung him into the alleyway next to them. Before he could react, Bakugou was slammed into the nearest wall with Shindou face burrowed under his chin. He hated that he groaned into Shindou’s licks and bites, only being able to receive the attention while his gauntlets got in the way of trying to push Shindou off…or reciprocate.

“I can’t—fuck--”

Shindou lifted him up on the wall, holding onto Bakugou’s ass while he ground into him. Bakugou’s head hit the brick behind him and he bit his lip to keep in any more embarrassing sounds. Fuck it felt good. It was also so fucking good with him.

“You can’t what?” Shindou asked lowly, movements causing them both to get hard right in the middle of fucking downtown. In their hero costumes. On patrol! “Can’t push me away? Can’t get your hands on me? Can’t text Midoriya back?”

“Jesus,” Bakugou said, breathless. He did his best to think through the lust trying to encompass his brain. “You’re fucking jealous.”

Shindou chuckled again, his mouth still on Bakugou’s body and the vibrations caused Bakugou’s eyes to flutter closed.

“Maybe,” Shindou said, teeth scraping on Bakugou’s neck, around his neck guard. “But I shouldn’t be jealous when I’m the only one who gets to do this to you.”

“You need to fucking wait,” Bakugou snarled, Shindou’s comment sobering him just enough to try and stop this, but not enough to keep in sounds of pleasure when Shindou bit the spot under his ear.

“Why?” Shindou breathed, peppering kisses there. “I hope someone catches us. Gets a nice picture of it in the papers. Would love to have your face caught on film like this.”

“Put me down,” Bakugou said harshly, or as harshly as he could in his current position. Shindou leaned back slowly, half lidded eyes on Bakugou’s as they breathed deeply. He gently lowered him to the ground, stepping away and watching as Bakugou took a few more deep breathes. Bakugou hated how easily Shindou could make a mess of him.

“You’re an asshole,” Bakugou said as soon as his body was under control, fixing Shindou with a glare. He responded with a cocky smile. “What, you want to risk a Public Indecency ticket because you couldn’t stand Deku and I talking again?”

“Talk to whoever you want, Bakugou,” Shindou remarked coolly. “Just don’t be stupid about it.”

“Right, stupid,” Bakugou sneered. “Stupid like having sex in an alleyway in the middle of the fucking day.”

“Careful now,” Shindou murmured, eyes flashing as they roamed Bakugou’s body. “I could have you back on that wall begging for my dick in 5 minutes.”

Bakugou lifted a gauntlet up, finger already on the pin of the grenade.

“Try it, cocksucker,” Bakugou snarled. Shindou smirked, lifting his hands in surrender.

“You should probably text him back, right?” Shindou said faux innocently as he dropped his hands. “You wouldn’t want to keep Midoriya waiting.”

Bakugou kept his glare on Shindou as his gauntlet fell to his side. He dug his phone out of his pocket, face softening at the text again. It was so simple but more than enough to cause butterflies to start fluttering in his stomach. He never thought he’d miss those stupid fucking emoticons.

Bakugou: Sounds good. I’ll cook. Tonight?

Bakugou smiled, pocketing his phone again and looking up into Shindou’s eyes. While the rest of Shindou’s body showed the same cockiness it always did, his eyes had changed to a defeat that Bakugou wasn’t used to seeing and he knew exactly where it came from. What was Bakugou doing? Did he really think Shindou would be ok with him hanging out with his ex like this without being upset? How stupid could he be?

“We should probably plan on Saturday instead of Friday,” Bakugou said. “For our date.”

Shindou’s body perked up at the word ‘date’ and Bakugou felt sick to his stomach. A few truths were being unearthed in all of this Shindou weirdness. One of those truths was that Bakugou did not want to go on this date as much as Shindou did. Still, Bakugou was trying.

Should he really have to try this hard?

“Sounds good,” Shindou murmured, and Bakugou saw the tint of a blush on his face as he turned around and walked out of the alley.

20 minutes later, Bakugou hid his smile from Shindou when Deku replied back.

Deku: (*´▽`*) 7:30?

+++

Bakugou’s sweatpants hung low on his hips, not even bothering with a shirt as he rushed around his apartment that morning and gathered up all his dirty laundry and dishes. He never used to be this unclean. He always made fun of people like Kirishima who left their shit lying around in the dorms, while his dorm remained immaculate. Losing the love of your life turn you into a slob, apparently. Now that he had someone coming over, Bakugou had a reason to clean again. Someone besides Shindou anyway.

A knock at 6pm surprised him, especially when Deku was headed over at 7:30pm. Opening his front door, Bakugou was surprised with a scarily happy Ashido and Kirishima who barreled their way in immediately. Kirishima headed towards Bakugou’s bedroom as Ashido stood next to Bakugou with a large box of some sort with a small handle.

“I’ll check his closet!” Kirishima shouted over his shoulder.

“What?” Bakugou yelled back. “Why?”

“I’ll get him started in the kitchen!” Ashido said, taking him by the bicep and dragging him into his own goddamn kitchen. “You can sit anywhere.”

“I can sit…?“ Bakugou felt his eyes bug out of his skull as Ashido placed her box on his dining room table. “What the fuck are you two doing in my apartment?!”

“Makeover time, sweetie,” Ashido chirped, opening the box to reveal layers of various kinds of creams, liquids and powders in a variety of colors. “Have a seat!”

“Fuck no!” Bakugou growled, and Ashido placed a chair behind his legs before pushing on him. He fell into the chair with a thump.

“I’m not going to do a whole lot to you,” Ashido said. “Just even out your skin tone and make your eyes pop.”

“The hell you are!” Bakugou snarled and Ashido smiled, taking out an oval shaped object from the box, along with a cream-colored liquid. “What the fuck is that?”

“Sponge and foundation. We’ll start with some liquid foundation and then apply some concealer to any blemishes,” Ashido said, dabbing the liquid on the oval.

“Fuck you,” Bakugou said, reclining his head away from Ashido as she leaned over to come at him with the sponge. “I have perfect fucking skin. Get away from me with that.”

Ashido rolled her eyes, hand on her hip as she stood up again.

“No one has perfect skin, Bakugou,” Ashido said. “You have very moisturized skin, because of your sweat of course, but it’s still uneven. A little foundation would make it perfect.”

“Why do I need even skin tone? I’m a super hero, not a model,” Bakugou grumbled, slumping into his chair with his knees spread wide.

“So that Midoriya remembers how handsome you are and wants to get back together with you,” Ashido grinned, looking pretty happy with her plan.

The comment caused a pain in his chest to resurface, one that Bakugou didn’t realize he was pushing down. It was the dull ache of a wound that had been trying to heal but Bakugou kept tearing into it over and over. He was tired of that pain. There was no getting back together with Deku, not with how things were. Not with Butsuki. Not with Shindou. Not with their baggage. Maybe if things were going to change, get better. But a coat of foundation wasn’t going to change that.

“What’s wrong, honey?” Ashido asked, concerned as she placed her sponge on his dining room table. Bakugou hadn’t realized he was frowning until she said something. For a moment, he thought about trying to pretend, like he used to, that nothing was wrong. It would have been so easy to just keep on deflecting, maybe even let Ashido paint his face a little. But what would he be trying to prove to someone who already knew everything, anyway?

“This isn’t going to fix our problems, Ashido,” he said painfully, looking off to the side to avoid Ashido’s pity. Bakugou watched from the corner of his eye as Ashido grabbed a chair, setting it in front of him and sitting down. Her knees touched Bakugou’s as her hands rested in the space between, right where his were. If she thought he was holding her hands…well he didn’t know what he was capable of anymore. Holding hands with a friend? Fuck it. Nothing was off the table. Who the hell was he, anymore? 

“Are you talking about Butsuki?” she asked softly.

“That and a host of other things,” Bakugou murmured.

“Like Shindou,” Ashido said and Bakugou met her eyes again. Those yellow eyes smiled at him, no pity to be found. “What’s going on there, hun? Do you like him?”

That was a complicated question. Why was that such a complicated question?

“I like things about him,” Bakugou said.

“Not what I asked.”

“Well, that’s my answer.”

“Kiri told me how you had to break up with Midoriya,” Ashido said. “How you talked about your feelings for Shindou.”

“Jesus,” Bakugou grumbled. “He needs stop being such a fucking gossip.”

“Not gonna happen,” Ashido said with a small smile, before her face became serious. “Did you mean those things about Shindou?”

Bakugou sighed, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. Nope. Not worth it. Being vulnerable was fucking stupid.

“I’ll take the foundation now,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Not getting away that easily,” she replied, hands on Bakugou’s knees now. “Come on. I’m not Ei. I won’t spread your secrets around. I don’t even tell Kiri everything.”

“Does Kirishima know that?” Bakugou asked suspiciously and Ashido grinned.

“Come on,” She reiterated, leaning over a bit. “There’s something happening between you two.”

Bakugou took a deep breath, preparing himself for a confession he would never be ready to make. He had to admit it to himself sometime.

“Sure, there is,” Bakugou said. “But I don’t know how much of it is me, or how much of it is the situation we’re in or how much of it is just feeling like shit right now. Fuck, I mean, he’s got good qualities. He’s attractive--”

“Very.”

“He’s not an idiot--”

“Seems like a smart guy.”

Bakugou thought he’d get annoyed with Ashido’s interrupting, but it turned out he needed the validation that he wasn’t crazy by someone outside of the situation.

“He’ll be there for you if you need him.”

“That’s important.”

“My friends like him.”

“You care about that?” Ashido asked excitedly. Bakugou groaned, looking up at the ceiling horrified. He didn’t mean to admit that part. Fine. Whatever. He met Ashido’s eyes again.

“Yes, I care--“ Ashido already had her arms stretched out, leaning in and Bakugou had to use both hands on her shoulders to push her off. “Don’t fucking hug me!”

Ashido didn’t seem to mind, hands go back to his knees while she grinned wide.

“Keep going!”

“I mean, it’s not all good. He fucking lies about everything.”

“Not everyone can be you, Bakugou.”

“I never had to worry about that with Deku.”

“Ok,” Ashido said seriously, leaning in a bit. “I have something to say. Are you ready?”

Bakugou frowned, refusing to acknowledge the rhetorical question as Ashido tried peering into his soul. 

“You can’t make anything work with Shindou if you are going to compare him to Midoriya,” Ashido said. “If you plan on comparing the two, you might as well end whatever situation you have going right now.”

“There’s no comparison,” Bakugou said simply. “Shindou has a few things to offer, sure but everything he has, Deku has and then some. Deku’s not just attractive, he’s been on multiple magazine covers as one of the sexiest men alive. He’s not just smart, he’s one of the few people that can surpass me in combat intelligence. He’s not only there for the people that need him, he will drive himself to the point of self-sacrifice to be around for the people who need him the most. There is just no fucking comparison.”

“Then what are you doing with Shindou?” Ashido asked.

“I don’t know,” Bakugou answered honestly. “I don’t know what I’m doing with him. We aren’t anything to each other officially. It’s all just weird feelings and fucking and pretending like I’m not still in love with Deku.”

“Then shouldn’t you just let Shindou go?” Ashido asked. “Shouldn’t you just let him figure himself out while you figure yourself out?”

“I want to at least try with him,” Bakugou admitted, hating himself for saying it out loud. It must have shown on his face, as Ashido began rubbing his knee lightly.

“Because you feel sorry for him?”

“No,” Bakugou said. “I mean, it sucks that he had to start having feelings for someone as fucked up as I am, but that’s not it. He deserves to see if we could be something together. I deserve it too, I think. He’s stuck by me through all this unnecessary drama, and I want to see how it plays out with him.”

“And Midoriya?”

“Fuck. I don’t know if Deku will ever trust me again. He’ll probably forgive me, but I don’t know if he’ll ever forget the way I played on his insecurities. Not once he finds out what happened.”

“Then maybe you should tell Midoriya what happened,” Ashido said. “Get it out of the way.”

“Oh, sure,” Bakugou scoffed, rolling his eyes. “’Hey Deku. I know we’re trying to go back to being friends, but let me bring up how I broke your heart again.’”

“I mean, not like that,” Ashido said with a frown. “More like--“

Ashido sat up, puffing out her chest and scowling at Bakugou. When she spoke, her voice was an octave lower, as she tried to make it gravelly.

“’Hey Deku, you shithead. I have to fucking tell you something, motherfucker. I fucking love you but Butsuki made me do some goddamn heinous shit and I’m fucking sorry. Dick.”

“Was that supposed to me?” Bakugou asked, too confused to be offended. Ashido smiled again, her body posture returning to her normal bubbly self.

“That was a spot-on impersonation.”

“You’re a real bitch sometimes,” Bakugou said casually and Ashido smiled wider. “But you might be right. About the apology, anyway.”

“Hell yeah, I am!”

“Maybe I should rip the band aid off,” Bakugou continued. “Apologize for how I treated him.”

“It would be very mature of you!” Ashido exclaimed. “And for the record, I’m glad you’re giving Shindou a chance. He’s not a bad guy. Plus, he looks like he’d be great in bed.”

“Are we done here?” Bakugou asked, scowling. “Cause I am not talking to you about our sex life.”  

The sound of heavy footsteps alerted the friends to Kirishima’s excited presence.

“I found it!” Kirishima exclaimed, shark grin wide as he ran into the kitchen. “I found the perfect outfit.”

“Sorry, Kiri,” Ashido said, picking up the sponge from the dining room table and bringing it to the kitchen sink. “We’re nixing the makeover today.”

Kirishima’s face fell and Bakugou almost felt sorry for him.

“Why?” Kirishima asked, just as curious as he was sad.

“Well, Bakugou wants to respect Midoriya’s wish to be friends right now,” Ashido said, and Bakugou’s eyebrows rose when she gave him a wink. Maybe she really wouldn’t tell Kirishima what was going on with Shindou.

“Gotta respect that,” Kirishima said, placing a hand on Bakugou’s shoulder. “But if you change your mind, I laid out the outfit on your bed.”

“Thanks, Mom,” Bakugou grumbled. Ashido finished washing her sponge, placing it back in her cosmetic kit and closing it.

“This is our cue to leave, Ei,” Ashido said. “You gonna walk us to the door, Bakugou?”

“Fuck no. I’ll see you two meddling assholes later.”

The meddling assholes waved goodbye on their way out the kitchen and Bakugou waited until he heard a door shut before he got up. They meant well, of course. They just wanted what was best for him but they needed to start asking him what he thought before they tried messing around in his affairs. Bakugou feared the day he would wake up and they’d have already moved him in with them without asking, or something equally ridiculous.

Bakugou found the outfit that Kirishima laid out and surprise surprise, it was something he would never wear. Both of the pieces were a gift from Ashido one Christmas: a tight red t-shirt that outlined all of his muscles and black skinny jeans that highlighted his thighs and ass. Wearing that would be like going naked. Though, he wouldn’t mind if Deku saw that on him at some point. He smirked to himself. He’d probably have a fucking heart attack.

Bakugou took out his loose-fitting black t-shirt and jeans, just the typical outfit he’d lounge around in. Deku had seen him in it a million times before. Perfect for hanging out with a friend.

+++

When 7:30pm rolled around, Bakugou was most of the way through frying the pork for the Katsudon, rice fluffed in the rice cooker with the vegetables in a sauce pan off to the side. Yes, he was wearing his Deku apron, but that was just because his other one still needed to be cleaned. And yes, he was cooking Deku’s favorite dish, but that was because Deku fucking deserved it. No specific reason necessary.

What was Shindou’s favorite food? What was a food that said, ‘I’m sexy but also two-faced.’ Tempura?

Bakugou busied himself with frying the pork in an effort not to think about what he was about to do: see Deku alone. Talk to him. Be super fucking awkward with him. Bakugou had to periodically wipe his overly sweaty hands on his apron to keep from setting himself on fire. He really shouldn’t cook while nervous. He really shouldn’t be nervous either, but this was Deku, who was going to be in home at any moment.

A knock caused Bakugou’s head to swivel in the direction of his door. He wasn’t ready for this.

“It’s open!” Bakugou shouted, returning to his pork while he pretended not to hear Deku enter.

“Hi Kacchan,” he heard Deku say from the door. He didn’t sound nervous. Was he not nervous? How was he not nervous? Bakugou grunted in response and footsteps alerted him of Deku’s place in the kitchen.

“You’re making Katsudon,” he said happily. Confidently. Bakugou couldn’t remember the last time he heard that tone of voice. Even while they were sleeping together, he often sounded unsure of himself. Now, Bakugou knew it was because he was unsure of where they stood. Maybe knowing how each other feels, even in this weird situation was enough to give Deku the mental boost to feel as confident as he should feel, as he deserved to feel.

“Still you favorite, right?” Bakugou said gruffly.

“Always will be,” Deku responded, stealing a small piece of broccoli from the pan and side stepping the hand that immediately flew out to bat his hand away. Bakugou’s half-hearted glare met Deku’s sly smile as he ate the broccoli and a warmth spread through his chest. He pushed down the giddy grin that was threatening to break over his face, smirking instead.

“What about the rest of the night? After dinner?” Deku asked, leaning on the counter so that Bakugou couldn’t avoid looking at him. He didn’t look particularly different: plain green t-shirt and blue jeans. But Bakugou’s eyes kept flitting to his strong neck, muscles flexing as he swallowed. His fucking neck of all fucking appendages. There were websites dedicated to Deku’s ass, but Bakugou only wanted to watch this guy eat vegetables. Bakugou was losing his goddamn mind.

“I was thinking about one of those rom coms you left over here,” Bakugou said, turning down the heat when it was clear the pork was done. As he placed the pan on a separate, non-burning, burner, Bakugou turned to find Deku looking off in the distance with a frown.

“What?” Bakugou asked.

“It’s just…no, never mind,” Deku said, smiling again. That did nothing to alleviate the anxiety that frown caused him.

“No, just fucking say it. What’s wrong?”

“I mean, do you actually want to watch a rom com?” Deku asked. “I know you used to watch them because I was into them, but do you actually want to watch one?’

“Oh my god,” Bakugou groaned, grabbing a few bowls from the cupboard. Deku immediately moved to grab some chopsticks for the two of them without being asked. “You realize we’ve had this conversation before?”

“We have?” Deku asked. “Really? Are you sure it’s not just a you-trying-to-be-extra-nice thing?”

“When the fuck have I ever been ‘extra nice’ to you or anyone else?” Bakugou asked, using a large spoon to dish out rice along with vegetables into each bowl.

“I mean, these are special circumstances,” Deku supplied and Bakugou forced a bowl into his hands just as he finished setting the table.

“No, they fucking aren’t,” Bakugou growled, and Deku looked surprised for a moment before he grinned. For whatever reason. “What is wrong with you?”

“Nothing,” Deku said, sitting down at the table and immediately digging in with his chopsticks. Bakugou huffed, ridding himself of his apron before sitting down and digging in as well. Pretty good, as always. Could be improved. He’d have to double check the recipe.

“It’s amazing, Kacchan,” Deku said, mouth full of food without even trying to cover it with his hand.

“Why do you always talk with your mouth full?” Bakugou barked. Deku blushed, putting his hand over his mouth until he had swallowed the bite.

“Sorry!” he chirped before going back in for more.

Bakugou hid a smile behind his food. Why had he been so nervous? This didn’t feel like anything different than what they had before. Ok, sure Bakugou was going to have to deal with not getting in Deku’s pants by the end of the night, but it was just like old times.

“Have you read Jagaaan, yet?” Bakugou asked. He immediately regretted it when Deku opened his mouth, full of food again, to answer. “You better swallow that fucking bite!”

Deku worked through it, swallowing it down before placing his bowl on the table so that he could grasp the edge of the table.

“Yes, I couldn’t stop! I love what they’re doing with Airi!” Deku exclaimed with wide eyes and Bakugou smirked.

“I told you you’d love it,” he said. Deku’s unimpressed look took Bakugou by surprise. The action was so immediate and teasing, way too confident for the Deku he was used to dealing with. It shouldn’t have been as adorable as it was.

“Yeah, yeah. I know you did,” Deku said dryly. “I didn’t believe you. I bow to your manga guessing abilities.”

“Glad you finally appreciate them.”

Bakugou watched as Deku’s face morphed from unimpressed to confused.

“Wait, you never answered. Do you actually want to watch a rom com?” Deku asked as he started to eat again. Bakugou had to take a second to remember what he was talking about before he rolled his eyes.

“It’ll be fine. I can always talk shit through it if it sucks,” Bakugou said. “You’ve seen all the ones you left here at least five times.”

“As long as you’re quiet during the romantic scenes.”

They both froze, chopsticks in hand as they stared at the Katsudon in front of them. The reality of it must have hit them at the same time. Rom Com’s were romantic. There would be romance scenes, like kissing or, fuck him, sex scenes. Oh no. No no no. Why the hell did he think this would be ok?

“Let’s watch a horror movie instead,” Bakugou grumbled and Deku nodded violently, staring at his food.

“You still have, ‘The Thing,’ right?” Deku asked.

“Fuck yes I do,” Bakugou exclaimed. He’d been trying to talk Deku into it for years, but he said he was, ‘never in the mood.’ “You finally want to watch that?”

Deku met Bakugou’s eyes again, smiling around his mouthful.

Perfect. He was perfect. Bakugou didn’t know what the fuck was wrong with him. Why hadn’t he realized it sooner? Why wasn’t he wrapped in his arms right now so that Bakugou could kiss the hell out of him?

The pain flared in his chest again, that same pain that told him Deku would never be his ever again. It made breathing harder, more and more like a burning sensation going in and out of his lungs. Bakugou averted his eyes from Deku, trying to keep back the sudden wave of tears trying to come to his eyes. Bakugou wasn’t about to cry in front of him. He couldn’t.

“Kacchan?” Deku watched Bakugou in concern. Bakugou kept eating through the dryness in his mouth.

“Yeah?” Bakugou asked, sounding like he always did: gruff, gravelly, like a total asshole. God, he was the worst human being alive. He had everything he wanted and he threw it away because he didn’t want to be honest with Deku about how he felt. What a fucking moron. What an absolute dickhead. How could he be so fucking stupid?

“What’s wrong?”

The hand on his back came out of nowhere, and Bakugou opened his eyes. When had he shut them? He let out a shaky breath, feeling the weight of it leave his lungs. Deku had pulled his chair up to next to his, single hand on Bakugou’s back as his anxious eyes stayed focused on Bakugou’s. It was ok. It was all ok, because Deku was here again.

There were inches separating them now, and Bakugou could feel their breath start to mingle. God, he wanted to kiss him so bad. Someone really should look away, and it wasn’t going to be him. Bakugou’s eyes roamed Deku’s face, taking in the features he had missed seeing up close: adorable shiny curls that he barely knew how to style, wide green eyes that always tore him apart, a dusting of freckles that still struck him as his best feature, and those same soft lips he’d kissed a thousand times before. As Bakugou stared, Deku’s face heated, those cute freckles framed in pink as his lips parted slightly. Bakugou would bet money Deku was thinking the same thing as him. He would only need to lean in a little bit…

“Movie, right Kacchan?” Deku asked softly.

Fuck. Yup. They were trying to be friends.

“Right,” Bakugou grumbled. Deku closed his mouth, taking his hand off Bakugou’s back and moving his chair around to the other side. Bakugou should have felt relief but he didn’t. He must have been itching to make a mistake, because his hands itched to burry themselves in green curls. Deku ate his last bite as Bakugou stared at his half-finished food.

“How do you eat so fucking fast?” Bakugou asked, trying to draw himself out of his Deku filled haze. Deku’s eyes lit up.

“It’s always so good,” he replied after swallowing the bite. “Can’t help it.”

He moved to the sink, setting the bowl and chopsticks inside before turning around. He smiled happily, standing tall and excited.

“Are you actually ok with all of this?” Bakugou asked, taking in Deku’s confident frame. The question slipped out, but once it was out, Bakugou was glad he asked.

“Meaning?”

“Meaning you keep acting like nothing is different,” Bakugou said, standing up. “Like the past month hadn’t happened, hell the past year. Are you really ok with…?”

Bakugou made wide sweeping gestures around his kitchen, around himself and between the two of them. Deku sighed and his shoulders fell slightly, a dent in his otherwise self-assured exterior.

“No,” he said. “This is so hard. I thought I could pretend everything was the same but…”

“It’s not. I get it.”

“I wish it was,” Deku whispered. “I wish I could wipe away the past month and just go back to being friends with benefits.”

Deku really shouldn’t be saying things like that, not when Bakugou could easily cross the gap between them and fuck up both their lives. Again. He held himself back.

“We have things to talk about, don’t we?” Bakugou asked. Deku groaned, almost a whine as he frowned.

“I don’t want to have to talk!” he exclaimed. “I don’t want to have to work through anything or try and figure things out. I want to sit on my best friend’s couch after eating his delicious food and watch a movie that’s going to give me nightmares for years to come.”

“I can’t even fucking believe that I’m the one saying this here,” Bakugou sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “But we need to talk. Maybe not all at once. A bullet point at a time or something.”

“I guess I do have a question that I’ve been wanting to ask,” Deku said, biting his lip nervously.

“What?”

“Well, I should start by saying that I know about the MRC,” Deku said casually. Wait, he what?

“How the hell did you find out?” Bakugou growled.

“Ochako figured it out,” he said with a shrug. Like it didn’t even fucking matter.

Should Bakugou feel relieved that Deku knew? He didn’t know what he felt, but relieved was not it. If anything, the revelation made him feel more anxious.

“Well shit, then what do you want to know?” Bakugou asked. Sounded like he already knew quite a fucking lot.

“The break up,” Deku said, his voice going soft and vulnerable.

“I want to know how much of what you said about Shindou was real.”

Chapter Text

Bakugou sat with a half-finished bottle of whiskey in his lap, facing Deku as they spaced themselves on either end of the couch. He never thought he'd be the type of guy to talk about his breakup with someone else like this. Bakugou felt mature. He would be proud of himself if he wasn't so terrified. What if Deku didn’t want to be in his life anymore? Bakugou had been working off of crumbs from Deku for a week now and he was barely holding it together. If Deku disappeared entirely, he wasn’t sure he could handle it.

"Sure you don't want a drink?" Bakugou asked, unscrewing the top and taking a quick sip, then a gulp.

"Are you saying I'll need one?" Deku asked bluntly, his arms wrapped around his legs with his chin on his knees. Bakugou took another drink, averting his eyes.

"Where do you want to start?" Bakugou asked. Deku tilted his head in thought.

"I dunno," he said. "Guess we can just go through the phone call?"

"What, did you memorize it or something?"

Deku's eyebrow rose. "I've thought about this a lot."

Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck.

He hated that phone call. He hated that he made it, hated that it contained the name ‘Shindou’ so often, hated how it wasn’t a complete lie. That phone call broke him and he had scrambled to try and glue the jagged pieces back together ever since.

Bakugou rubbed at his temple with one hand while he took a drink with the other. "Then let's go through the phone call."

"Well, first: Why that day? You called, I obviously was upset and you just kept pushing forward.”

"Right. You said something about having a shitty day. You should probably know that I broke up with you because Butsuki was blackmailing me."

Deku head tilted in confusion, his face reflecting how broken his brain was at the moment.

"He was blackmailing you?" Deku asked.

"Yes."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Bakugou took another quick drink. This was getting complicated fast.

"I'm going to give you the background for this and then you can ask your questions. Ready?"

Deku nodded.

"Butsuki told us the night before that we needed to get to a meeting with him because someone broke our contract.”

"Who is us? What contract?"

Bakugou groaned loudly, taking another gulp.

"This is why I wanted a drink," he said. "The contract is something I signed the day after we stopped sleeping together. It was an agreement that enlisted Shindou as my hero partner and then in a month, we'd move on to dating in the public eye."

"That's why you went public!" Deku said excitedly and Bakugou frowned.

"Don't get too excited," Bakugou said. "There's more to the story."

Deku wilted, but seemed to pick himself up unnaturally quickly.

"You said something about an 'us?'" Deku asked.

"Right. The only people who know about the contract are Todoroki, Kirishima, Shindou and myself. We were called into the meeting because there was a no cheating clause in the contract."

Deku's face pinched in confusion before realization dawned.

"Our kiss," Deku said. "You kissed me even though you were in a contractually obligated relationship with someone else?"

"I didn't mean to," Bakugou said. "I got caught up in the moment and did it without thinking."

Deku bit his lip, ducking his head shyly. Bakugou narrowed his eyes at him.

"What?"

"I, uh, I think it's sweet that you were swept up in everything like that," Deku mumbled and Bakugou noted how the back of his neck started heating up. This was not where he imagined the conversation going.

"Well, you might not think I'm so sweet in a second," Bakugou said, causing Deku's head to lift as they made eye contact. God, when did his eyes get so fucking green? They weren't this vibrant before.

"Why?"

Bakugou took another sip from the whiskey.

"Butsuki wanted me to break it off with you. He wanted me to cut all ties between us and he wanted to do it at that moment, so he could watch like the voyeuristic fucker he is."

"Makes sense," Deku said tentatively. Bakugou took a deep breath.

"Well, that meant I needed ammunition to break up with you, so Todoroki, Kirishima and Shindou--"

"Wait! They were in the room?" Deku asked.

"Yeah."

"Todoroki acted so nonchalant when I talked to him about our break up!" Deku said, inexplicably

floored by this news. Bakugou's face scrunched in confusion.

"I mean, isn't that just how he normally acts?"

Deku's reacting stare told him how unimpressed he was by Bakugou's statement.

"Go on," Deku said dryly.

"Ok, so the three of them said I needed something that was going to make you hate me," Bakugou said, watching for Deku's face for a reaction. "So, I talked about Shindou."

Whatever Deku was feeling didn’t register on his face. It was possible that Deku wasn't registering anything at all. He stared at Bakugou, his head tilted to the side with his eyebrows only slightly drawn in. Bakugou prayed he wouldn’t have to go into any more detail here.

"Keep going," Deku said finally.

"Uh, ok," Bakugou said. "Well, they--no, fuck--we decided that talking about Shindou would be something close enough to your..."

"My?"

"Fuck, your insecurities."

That got his attention. Deku's eyebrows shot into his hairline.

"You were playing on my insecurities?"

Bakugou took another gulp from the bottle. "Butsuki wanted to eviscerate our relationship, and we thought this was the way to do it."

Bakugou stayed perfectly still, body tense as he watched Deku think this over. It didn't take long until he smiled slightly.

"Well, I guess that's pretty smart."

"What the fuck?!"

The sudden outburst seemed to surprise Deku. "What?"

"Aren't you mad?"

"Mad that you lied about having feelings for Shindou?" Deku asked, still smiling. "I mean, no. Should I be?"

Oh. Fuck. Oh, no. Fuck fuck fuck.

"It wasn't all a lie," Bakugou said tentatively and Deku's face slowly comprehended what Bakugou said, eyes widening almost comically as his mouth turned downwards.

"I'm sorry, what?" Deku full on growled and Bakugou took a giant gulp this time.

"Ok," Bakugou said. "I guess we can really start talking now."

"What do you mean it wasn't a lie?" Deku asked, voice growing louder by the second.

"We should probably go through this piece by piece," Bakugou said, suddenly feeling cornered though Deku hadn't moved. Where were the closest exits?

"How many pieces were true?" Deku asked harshly. Just as Bakugou was about to take another swig, Deku reached out and snatched it from his hand. Deku maintained eye contact as he took three giant gulps from the bottle without sputtering. His eyes raged as he set the bottle beside him. Bakugou didn't even try to reach for the bottle again.

"Uh, let's see, what did I say?"

"You said you had been thinking a lot about Shindou since we kissed," Deku said, eyes glacial.

"Right," Bakugou said. "That wasn't actually true. After we kissed, I was focused on you if you couldn't tell from the texts and the fact that I watched that inane show you and Cheeks were on. Shindou did come over once--"

"Why?" Deku asked sharply and Bakugou flinched.

"Uh, I wanted to talk to him about whether I should tell you about all this. Since it affected him too."

"I don't understand any of this!" Deku said, almost shouting. His body appeared to grow three times it’s size as his anger inflated him. "How did it affect him if I knew? What were you going to lose by telling me? By kissing me? Why did you let him blackmail you?"

"If you knew, we could both lose our hero licenses."

Deku deflated instantly. It would be funny if not for the seriousness of the conversation. He slumped on the couch, resembling an inflatable pool toy someone took a knife to.

"Holy shit."

"Yeah."

"You are in a forced relationship with Shindou, that could end with both of your hero licenses being taken away if you break the contract," Deku recounted. His eyes lit up with horror.

"Oh no," he said. "I figured it out! Does that mean you're in danger?"

"I don't know," Bakugou said honestly. "Could be. Right now, it feels like Butsuki wants us to know he could do something, even if he doesn't. I can't do anything about it now that you know."

"I'm so sorry," Deku said.

"Don't be sorry unless something comes from it.”

"I feel silly now. I was so mad to know that you have feelings for--"Deku cut himself off. "Ok, maybe I'm still mad about that. But more understanding of the situation?"

Deku looked about as confused as Bakugou was. Good. They were on the same page. Deku took a gulp from the bottle, handing it to Bakugou afterwards. Bakugou took a swig and placed it in between them.

"I don't know if you want to hear the rest of it--"

"I do," Deku said definitively. "I must be a masochist, because yes. I do."

"Well, Shindou has been...pervasive in my life since he showed up," Bakugou said, eyes on anything but Deku. This was going to be hard enough without looking Deku in the face. "He never compared to--"

Bakugou stopped himself, rubbing at his forehead as a headache started to sprout there. Goddamn. Why was this so hard. Deku's finger tips reached out to his arm, stroking the skin there gently until Bakugou looked up into calm forest green eyes.

"We don't have to pretend like we didn't say it," Deku said softly, fingertips still moving along Bakugou's arm.

"You want to be friends," Bakugou said painfully, and Deku dropped his hand much to Bakugou's disappointment.

"Yes, and I happen to be in love with my friend," Deku said, his whole face radiating joy despite the odd circumstances.

Bakugou's heart flipped in his chest, and he suddenly found it difficult to breathe.

"Deku..."

"You don't have to say it again," Deku said. "It's probably better if you don't. But I know you love me. That doesn't just disappear." 

"He never compared to you," Bakugou said quickly, more confident now despite his soft tone. "I could be with him and the second you showed up, I only wanted to be close to you."

Bakugou wanted to stay in that moment forever, basking in the loving smile Deku sent him. He could too. He could forget Shindou, be friends with Deku, work through their problems and finally be fucking together and happy.

Except Shindou was one of their fucking problems. And there was only one way to work through him.

"But," Bakugou continued. "That doesn't mean he was completely gone. It doesn't mean that being with him didn't confuse me. Chemistry turned into something more along the way."

"Ok," Deku said, his face falling sadly. "That's not unheard-of."

"He's been there for me throughout this whole Butsuki blackmailing mess and Deku," Bakugou's face couldn't have been more serious. "Breaking up with you killed me. Shindou helped me without any sort of reciprocity. He wanted to be there for me."

"Do you love him?"

"No," Bakugou said easily. Deku exhaled shakily, his eyes shining with sadness. He didn’t know if he was relieved or upset. Probably both.

"But he's in my system. I haven't been able to get him out."

Deku fixed himself with a happy face as his eyes started to fill with tears. Bakugou felt Deku’s pain from across the couch and he struggled to continue looking in Deku’s direction.

"Maybe we should--"

"So that's why you're sleeping together?" Deku asked, his voice thicker as he tried to subtly wipe away a few unshed tears. Bakugou hesitated before nodding.

"And why you two are--“ Izuku stopped himself. “Um, I’m going to use the restroom real fast.”

He sped walked to the bathroom as more tears escaped, slamming the door behind himself. Bakugou wasn’t sure what to do, knowing how upset this was making him. He was being selfish for insisting on this conversation; it only hurt Deku. He hated how good he was at hurting Deku. Bakugou wished he didn’t need to be a hero as badly as he did, then maybe none of this would have happened. But would Deku even want to be with him if he wasn’t as driven, wasn’t everything that he’d built himself into over the years? Bakugou knew he’d never want any less than the Deku that once punched him in the face for thinking about giving up. So, here he sat, on his couch as he pretended the man he loved wasn’t hurting in his guest bathroom.

Bakugou decided that waiting by the door was better than waiting on the couch, so he moved to the bathroom and stood their awkwardly. Surprisingly, he didn’t have to wait long, listening as the sink turned on briefly before Deku opened the door. While there weren’t any tears, Deku’s face was still blotchy, his eyes outlined in red and his lips a deep crimson. If he hadn’t been crying, he’d been trying very hard not to.

“I wanted to make sure you were ok,” Bakugou said gruffly at the look of surprise on Deku’s face.

“Oh,” Deku said, breathless. “I’m fine.”

“You sure?” Bakugou asked softly.

Deku smiled just as softly. “Yeah.”

Bakugou rubbed the back of his neck, debating with himself. It wasn’t something he normally did, but… He awkwardly lifted his arms, as he watched Deku’s reaction with trepidation.

“Friends hug…right?”

Deku nodded slowly, shuffling into his chest. He wrapped his arms loosely around Bakugou’s waist, letting his head rest against his shoulder as Bakugou brought his hands down to rest on Deku’s back lightly. Bakugou nuzzled into Deku’s hair, getting a whiff of his cedar scented deodorant. It was a damn shame to have Deku’s natural musk covered up. Bakugou didn’t have a name for how Deku typically smelled, but it was a musk he liked and he would often try and get Deku to go without deodorant over their years as a duo. There was something about the smell after a patrol that always did it for him. Deku usually insisted on putting it on, saying he smelt like ‘old socks’ without deodorant. He didn’t. He smelt like Deku.

Deku was the first to pull back slightly, refusing to take his hands off of Bakugou’s waist as he looked into his eyes. “How many more years am I going to have to wait until I get another hug?”

Bakugou smirked, their noses practically touching as he looked down at Deku. “I’ll give you a punch card. You put up with a certain amount of shit and you get a free hug.”

Deku beamed up at Bakugou, pulling back completely and dropping his arms as Bakugou copied him. “Deal. Speaking of…”

“We don’t have to finish our--“

“You two are dating right?” Deku asked simply.

Bakugou’s brain struggled with how nonchalant Deku was being. “Not exactly. Just planning on going on a date.”

“Good.”

“Good?!”

“Yup.”

“Why?”

“You need to do this,” Deku said simply. “And I’ll be here no matter what happens.”

“Really? What if we…” If we end up staying together. Bakugou didn’t want to say it out loud.

Deku nodded. “Even then.”

Something unraveled in Bakugou’s chest with the knowledge that Deku was choosing to stick by him. Bakugou didn’t realize he had been struggling to breathe until he wasn’t anymore, until Deku gave him permission to breathe deeply again.

“How the fuck are you so cool with this?” Bakugou asked suspiciously. Deku laughed, walking back over to the couch and grabbing the whiskey.

“I’m not,” he said, taking a few swigs. “But I’ll be ok.”

“Always the self-sacrificing asshole, huh?” Bakugou asked, moving over to Deku to grab the bottle from his hands.

“Hey, you might not be the only person who needs this,” Deku said, watching Bakugou’s throat as he swallowed the liquor. “Could be I don’t want to ever wonder about you two. Sometimes you just have to know.”

“Like you and Cheeks.”

“Yeah. I wanted to know if she would be better for me. And now I know she didn’t have what I wanted.”

“What do you want, then?” Bakugou asked, putting the bottle back up to his lips as he watched Deku.

Deku shrugged. “For starters, I want to kiss you.”

Bakugou coughed on the whiskey for the first time that night, leaning over as he tried to expel it from the wrong pipe.

“I mean, I won’t.”

Bakugou stood up, glaring at Deku as his face turned red. Who knows if it from the whiskey or Deku.

 “You ok, there?” Deku asked, grinning.

“Fuck you.”

“Weren’t we supposed to watch a movie or something?” Deku asked, ignoring him. “I was promised ‘The Thing.’”

Bakugou shook his head in disbelief, smirking. "Still want to be terrified, huh?”

Deku's eyes widened. "You told me it wasn't that bad!"

"You'll have to see for yourself.”

Deku sighed. "Fine. Do your worst."

They settled in for a movie, feeling in sync for the first time that night as Bakugou finagled the DVD player. Deku decided to lay on the couch, his face near Bakugou’s while he sat on the floor next to him, a pillow behind him to keep him comfortable. Bakugou held the remote in his hand, watching Deku.

“You ready to get scared out of your mind?” Bakugou asked and Deku glared at him.

“You’re the worst,” Deku said, already pouting before the movie even began. Bakugou grinned maliciously, pressing play. Deku hardly allowed for horror movies because he was a wimp, but whenever they had watched them in the past, Deku always had the most amazing reactions to the scares and gore.

It was nice to focus on something that had nothing to do with the two of them. The movie had Deku predictably shrieking and gagging, despite its terrible special effects and insufficient quirk usage. Bakugou reveled in the times Deku grabbed at his hair in terror, even though it hurt like hell.

Before they knew it, the movie was over.

"That wasn't so bad," Deku said shakily and Bakugou barked out a laugh. Deku frowned, hitting him on the shoulder. "Shut up!"

"Don’t pull my hair so often and I won’t laugh," Bakugou said, rubbing the spot he hit. Damn, even without One for All, Deku packed a punch.

Deku hummed, giggling to himself.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“What?”

“You just never minded me pulling your hair before,” Deku said hastily, before his hands went over his mouth. Bakugou grinned evilly, turning around completely to face Deku.

“Oh my god,” Bakugou said, and Deku shook his head. “Did you just make a reference to our sex life?”

Deku eyes were wide as he kept his hands over his mouth.

“That’s it, right? You’re a filthy pervert that can’t stop thinking about me that way now?” Bakugou teased cruelly and Deku shook his head again. Bakugou stealthily placed both hands on the pillow that was once behind his back. “Oh no? Sounds that way to me!”

“Hey! You’re the one that likes having his hair pulled!” Deku said as he dropped his hands. Bakugou reared up, pillow in hand as he smashed it against Deku’s face violently. “Kacchan!”

“I have to defend my honor!” Bakugou shouted, bringing the pillow upwards and back down on Deku.

“Kacchan no!” Deku’s muffled cries of laughter only fueled him as Bakugou smacked him with the pillow again and again. Deku turned to his side, giggling as Bakugou continued to hit his back with the pillow. “I surrender!”

Bakugou stopped suddenly, waiting as Deku slowly turned back to him and hit him once more in the face, leaving the pillow there.

“Had enough?” he asked and Deku removed the pillow, placing it behind his head. His face was split wide in a dazzling grin, his cheeks flushed. Bakugou couldn’t help smiling from the sight.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had a pillow fight,” Deku said, folding his hands under his head to show off his pecs and arms. Well, the position showed them off, even if Deku didn’t mean to. 

“We still haven’t,” Bakugou said, pretending not to think about how ripped his ‘friend’ was. “That was a pillow massacre.”

Deku rolled his eyes. “I mean, even when we were little.”

“Yeah, well, add that to the list of things I regret from back then,” Bakugou mumbled, toying briefly with the seam of the couch.

“Yeah?” Izuku asked sweetly. “What else do you regret?”

“Besides not letting you be my friend?”

Bakugou hated that he said it out loud, Izuku’s eyes becoming wide as he blinked rapidly.

“Kacchan…”

“Stop.”

“You’re so sweet now.”

“Shut. Up.”

“Don’t worry,” Deku said playfully. “I won’t tell anyone.”

“I’ll fucking bite you.”

Deku rolled so that their faces were close, his eyes on Bakugou’s as he murmured. “Promises, promises.”

Bakugou’s eyebrows shot up and Deku smiled coyly, using the moment to swing a pillow at his face. Bakugou saw it coming, catching it victoriously before it could land. “Not today, asshole!”

“Some other day then,” Deku said, lifting himself up to a sitting position. Bakugou fluffed the pillow in his hands, hating that the night had to end.

“Yeah. Some other day.”

Deku grinned, jumping off the couch as he moved to toe his shoes back on.

"Sounds good," Deku said as Bakugou accompanied him to the door. It was only when they were both at the door that Bakugou realized how uncomfortable it would be to say goodbye at the end of the night. Did they wave? Hug? Come up with an impromptu handshake? No, that was what Kirishima always wanted to do. Deku leaned in just as Bakugou decided on a handshake, sticking his hand out like a fucking loser. Bakugou felt all the more uncomfortable as Deku's eyes widened before he took Bakugou's hand.

"I appreciated the interview, Bakugou-san," Deku said and Bakugou glared, blush appearing on his cheeks.

"Fuck you," he said. "Get out of here."

Deku giggled on his way out, waving as Bakugou shut the door in his face. He tried not to slump against the door like a high school girl with a crush, deciding it was more appropriate to collapse face down on the couch. Maybe he’d still smell Deku in the cushions.

The night went about as well as Bakugou had hoped. Nobody hit anyone or threw anything. Deku still wanted to be in his life. Shit. Things had gone better than he could have imagined.

And he could still smell Deku in the cushions. Score.

Bakugou didn’t think about how weird it was to smell his own couch as he lifted his phone from his pocket. 3 messages, 1 of which was from Kirishima:

10:02 pm The Manliest Person I Know: How’d it go?

Bakugou berated himself for leaving his phone out for Kirishima to mess with.

10:35 pm Bakugou: We survived.

Hopefully that was enough for Kirishima for now. The other two texts were from Shindou.

7:43 pm Shindou: Thinking about you.

Bakugou almost threw his phone across the room. That asshole knew when Deku was coming over. If Bakugou had kept his phone on, it would have fucked with their whole dynamic. Manipulative son of a bitch.

9:11 pm Shindou: Give me a call when you’re done.

Bakugou had half a mind to text back a quick, ‘Fuck you,’ but that wasn’t going to fix anything. He needed to tell Shindou rationally that his actions were unacceptable. That’s what the new mature Bakugou would do. Bakugou rolled over to his back and pressed the call button near Shindou’s name. It took 3 rings before he picked up.

“Hey there,” Shindou said, voice low and rumbling.

“Fuck you,” Bakugou said. Shindou chuckled and Bakugou hated how sexy it sounded.

“Don’t be like that,” he said.

“Yeah? You wanted to fuck up the night. Well, too bad. It went great,” Bakugou said, and Shindou hummed on the other end.

“Glad to hear you enjoyed your playdate,” Shindou said teasingly. “Did you two get to go to the park? Trade baseball cards? Ride your bikes?”

“No, you dick,” Bakugou said, inexplicably smirking at Shindou’s teasing. “We had Katsudon, watched ‘The Thing’ and…”

“And?”

“And he knows about our contract now. He figured it out. So, we talked about the break up.”

“Oh, fuck,” Shindou said.  “Are you--“

“Am I?”

“Are you…ok?” Shindou asked and the question sounded odd. Like Shindou didn’t know if he could ask that. It was nice, actually. Hearing him care like that.

“Yeah,” Bakugou said lowly. “It went about as well as I could have hoped.”

“So, he only set fire to your couch instead of your apartment?” Shindou asked seriously and Bakugou huffed a laugh.

“He actually gave us his blessing,” Bakugou said, still floored by that.

“Well,” Shindou said, obviously surprised. “Good for him. And for us, I guess. Have to say, I’m surprised.”

“No shit.”

“Thought for sure you’d be calling me to tell me that I can go fuck myself,” Shindou said, his voice never wavering.

“Well, that’s still true,” Bakugou said, smirking at the chuckle on the other end.

“Glad it’s not for that reason I expected.”

“I meant what I said about the date.”

“I know.”

“I don’t lie.”

“I know. But this is Midoriya and…things happen.” Shindou said it like people went around cheating on each other all the time.

 “You’re acting insecure and jealous,” Bakugou said. “It’s fucking weird.”

“Fuck you, no I’m not,” Shindou said, mumbling his words.

“You’re normally so confident,” Bakugou said. “It’s one of the things I like about you.”

Bakugou was on a roll for saying things he shouldn’t tonight. He closed his eyes, listening to the silence on the other end of the phone.

“Still there?” Bakugou asked, a blush spreading on his face.

“Yeah,” Shindou said, breathless in a way that surprisingly hurt Bakugou. He was this affected by Bakugou telling him that he liked something about his personality?

“You gonna say anything else?”

“I mean, I’m waiting for you to tell me what else you like about me,” Shindou said coyly.

“A little greedy, don’t you think?” Bakugou asked lowly, relaxing into the couch. At least this was the Shindou he was used to dealing with.

“I don’t know if you heard, but I’m acting jealous and insecure,” Shindou said facetiously. “Maybe there’s a reason.”

“Sounds like you want me to inflate your ego,” Bakugou said, grumbling.

“Amongst other things,” Shindou said. Bakugou barked out a laugh. “Come on. Talk to me. Tell me how I’m pretty and maybe I’ll forget all about Midoriya-what’s-his-name.”

“Ok. Fine. I like… that you’re smart,” Bakugou said, hearing an intake of breath on the other side. He listened closely for Shindou’s reaction, refusing to acknowledge how much he wanted to hear them.

“Mmm hmm.”

“Strong.” There was a noticeable gasp of pleasure.

“Yes…”

“Determined.” A long moan.

“Fuck, keep going…” The familiar sounds of someone-

“Are you getting off to this?” Bakugou asked suddenly. Shindou laughed.

“Absolutely. I’m not ashamed,” he said. “You complimenting me is better than porn.”

“Get help,” Bakugou said, blush staining his cheeks.

“That’s what I’m trying to do,” Shindou said, his voice thick with arousal. Bakugou could picture him, laying on his bed with his hand around his dick as he pumped himself slowly. He wouldn’t even try to hide his noises, body writhing at his own ministrations. Fuck. Now he was getting turned on. “Help me out. What would you do if I was there right now?”

Jesus. Probably go to sleep. This day had been exhausting and it’s past his bed time. But that’s not what Shindou was looking for. Bakugou closed his eyes, trying to summon some sort of sexual fantasy. He was known for a certain prowess during sex but creativity was not always part of the package. So, if he wanted to conjure a fantasy, he’d need…

A memory.

“You’d sit on the arm of my couch as I kissed you,” Bakugou said, eyes still closed, trying to put Shindou into his mind instead of--

“We’d already be naked.”

The steady breathing on the other end was a clear indication to keep going.

“I’d push you down into the couch and climb on top of you,” Bakugou said, his free hand traveling down his chest as he imagined it. His skin buzzed with anticipation as the memory played out, Shindou puncturing the air with tiny gasps.

“You’d already be a mess, looking up at me. Like you couldn’t wait for me to be inside you.”

Shindou’s moan barely registered as the memory grew more detailed, and Bakugou was transported back in time…

“Kacchan…”

Six months into their Friends-With-Benefits situation. Deku was naked and strewn out on Bakugou’s couch, with an equally naked Bakugou on top of him. Deku always looked good like this, his skin flushed as he breathed heavily beneath him. They’d already done this dozens of times by that point. It wasn’t special.

Except Deku looked better than he normally did, and Bakugou couldn’t figure out why.

He lifted Deku’s lower half so that Deku could wrap his legs around his torso, just like he always did. This time Bakugou was already half hard, and the friction caused him to groan. They hadn’t even done anything yet, and Bakugou ground himself against Deku as they moaned together.

“Fuck, Deku…”

Bakugou’s hand glided along thick thighs over narrow hips and a solid chest. Deku already looked like he might cry. Fuck, he loved it when Deku cried during sex. It was how he knew it felt so good for Deku that he couldn’t physically handle anymore.

“I’d want you to cry,” Bakugou said, struggling to remove his pants and underwear with one hand before laying back on the couch. “Think you could do that for me?”

“I’d do anything for you,” Shindou breathed out. Bakugou ignored the pretty words for the memory in his head…

Deku’s heavy lidded eyes were trained on Bakugou’s. His hands reached up to Bakugou’s face, and he didn’t know what came over him. There was something about this experience he couldn’t control already, like Deku had a power Bakugou did not give him and that raged inside of him as he focused on the man below. Bakugou took Deku by the wrists and pinned them to the couch next to his head.

Deku’s startled pupils grew, his eyes glued to Bakugou's lips and Bakugou growled at the sheer desperation in those eyes. Bakugou’s actions continued in their veracity as he attacked Deku’s mouth, forcing it open with his lips and sliding his tongue inside harshly.

Deku’s sounded different this time, hungrier as he moaned into Bakugou’s lips. Or maybe the sounds were the same and Bakugou’s own hunger was growing as he licked the roof of Deku’s mouth. Pulling back didn’t help the gnawing feeling in his gut when he saw how easily Deku sought Bakugou's lips again, whining with desperation when he couldn’t.

It was all too much, the smell, the sight, the sounds. Bakugou wasn’t going to last, and that mindset spurred him to grab the lube and condom from his coffee table, letting go of Deku’s wrists for the first time. Deku didn’t move them from their spot next to his head.

“Always so prepared,” Deku said, barely coherent. Bakugou took a moment from his own overstimulation to send a wicked grin before a finger entered Deku for the first time. Deku’s eyes fluttered closed.

“Yes, please, Kaachan…”

“Already begging, huh?”

“I’d make you beg for it,” Bakugou said to Shindou, grasping himself fully and stroking slowly. Shindou groaned.

“Fuck, yes. Please fuck me, shit--“

The story Bakugou wove for the man moaning in his ear was different from the one in his head, dirtier and more debauched. Bakugou kept the real memory to himself as it played in the background of his dirty talk to Shindou…

He leaned over as he added another finger, getting a good look at Deku as he bit his bottom lip. Bakugou’s free thumb freed the abused lip from Deku’s teeth and Deku opened his eyes.

“How are you going to keep begging if you bite your lip like that?” Bakugou asked, scissoring his fingers inside, and Deku’s hands shot out and grasped Bakugou’s shoulders.

“Do I…Do I need to beg?” Deku asked between heavy breaths. Bakugou smirked, the movement of his fingers stopping inside of him.

“If you want me to keep going.”

Deku didn’t even fucking hesitate, his hands trailing up Bakugou’s neck and into his hair.

“Please, Kacchan. I need you. I need this. Love you inside of me. Love you this close. Please, Please, Pl--“

Deku cried out at two more fingers entering him, jaw slack as his eyes rolled back into his head. Deku’s hands pulled at Bakugou’s hair, at exactly the right spot too, and he joined Deku in a groan.

“Fuck, yeah.”

Deku regained a bit of his spine, a corner of his mouth quirking up as he pulled at Bakugou’s hair again. Bakugou moaned, cutting himself off as quickly as possible and fixing Deku with a glare that he couldn't see.

“Don’t make me pin your down again,” Bakugou said, his fingers moving in and out of Deku steadily.

“Don’t threaten me with a--oh shit--“

Deku whined as Bakugou bit at the juncture of his neck, body fighting with sensations. Bakugou moved upwards and nuzzled his nose against Deku’s, the stark contrast of Bakugou’s gentleness against everything else causing Deku to open his eyes.

“Fuck, I’m not gonna last,” Shindou said, voice thoroughly wanton. Bakugou barely registered it.

“Don’t you dare fucking come right now,” Bakugou said, mind still with Deku as he teased him. Bakugou wasn’t ready for this memory to stop…

“You were saying something, Deku?”

Deku stared into Bakugou’s eyes, green eyes becoming clearer by the second, and the fingers in Bakugou’s hair began lightly caressing the hair there. Time slowed, gliding to a stop as Deku whispered-

“You’re so beautiful.”

Bakugou’s heart stuttered against his will and he slowly removed his fingers from inside Deku. His hands glided gently along muscular sides up to perfect pecs and shoulders, only to move down again. Bakugou knew he must have looked angry, his eyebrows drawn in with a frown. He didn’t feel angry.

He only felt Deku and his warm body and his sweet smile and the way he twisted Bakugou’s insides.

The strong eye contact continued as Bakugou lined up, all his actions so much slower than before. Bakugou felt every sensation more intensely as he dragged Deku’s legs around his torso. As he entered, Bakugou noticed the fleeting changes in Deku's face that he had glossed over in the past, from him closing his eyes to the way his eyebrows tensed to the way he gasped when Bakugou bottomed out.

Bakugou leaned forward and briefly kissed each closed eyelid. Deku reopened his eyes with that small touch and Bakugou made a whispering plea before he could stop himself.

“I like you looking at me like that. Keep your eyes open.”

“How am I looking at you?” Deku asked. His confusion caused Bakugou pain he didn't understand.

“Just… Keep your eyes open.”

Bakugou began to move. He found it difficult not to look away, but Deku stayed focused and so did Bakugou. He didn't understand why that time was so different, so much more. The longer they stayed connected, the longer Bakugou didn't think he could cope with the intensity.

His body stuttered, losing rhythm. Deku’s confusion wasn’t helping.

“Kaachan?”

Tears filled Bakugou’s eyes. Holy shit, what was happening? He stopped completely, resting his head against Deku’s shoulder as he willed the tears away. Deku wrapped his arms around Bakugou, and they both breathed deeply.

“You want to stop?”

“No!” Bakugou growled, trying to focus on anything but Deku's sweetness. “Give me a second.”

After a few moments, Deku whispered in his ear. “I have an idea.”

Deku flipped them effortlessly and Bakugou wondered how many of his quirks were involved in putting Bakugou on his back. Deku smiled on top of him, pushing himself up with a hum of pleasure as his hands steadied themselves on Bakugou’s torso. As he slowly moved on top of him, Bakugou desperately wanted to look away, but he couldn’t. Deku’s eyes shone in reverence and the dull ache those eyes produced threatened to overwhelm him. He was glad he kept his eyes focused, marveling at how stunning Deku looked on top of him like that. It wasn’t long before their voices got away from them.

“Kaachan…” said over and over like a prayer as Deku stared down at him.

“Deku…” said over and over like a plea as Bakugou grasped a hold of his hips, thrusting into him. Deku groaned as he continued his horribly slow pace, and the sound turned Bakugou's blood into lava. Deku would make Bakugou’s chest explode if he kept this up. He didn't seem to care how the man beneath him was falling apart, and let his eyes slide over Bakugou's body. Their joined sounds filled the air between them, making the entire process unbearable.

“Deku, if you don’t move faster, I’ll--“

“I don’t want this to be over,” Deku said between gasps. Bakugou whimpered for every reason, most he couldn’t name, as Deku wielded this strange power over him. Deku noticed it too, his eyes shifting from reverence to lust. “Do you?”

Bakugou shook his head, his brain a blur. He didn't know how Deku was still talking when Bakugou's head only had room for the picture of Deku riding him, his beautiful body strong and stable. It must have been this shaking of the head that enabled Deku to take pity on him as he picked up the pace. Bakugou groaned embarrassingly loudly, which only made Deku move even faster.

“Come on, Bakugou. Please let me come.” Shindou’s desperate voice should have made the experience better but Bakugou could only be annoyed at his intrusion into the memory.

“Do it,” Bakugou growled out. Shindou’s sounds of pleasure were drowned out again as the memory became more vivid…

“Kaachan, I--“

“Oh fuck, Deku, shit I lo--“

Bakugou gritted his teeth and gripped Deku tightly by the hips, causing the other man cry out. He came violently just as Deku took himself in his palm, jerking himself quickly over Bakugou’s chest and coming in thick, hot spurts. Deku stayed upright, watching Bakugou in confusion as he came down from his high. It was too much: the way Deku was watching him, what just happened.

“Are you gonna get a wet rag or what?” Bakugou rasped out and Deku was startled back to reality. He nodded, getting off of Bakugou with a wince. He fetched the rag as Bakugou took off the condom and tied it up. He sat up to throw it away, but Deku came back and gently pressed on his shoulder until he lay down again.

“Just a sec,” Deku whispered, gently cleaning Bakugou off. The intense eye contact from earlier was gone, replaced by averted eyes, and Bakugou was thankful. “Maybe we should--“

“It’s getting pretty late,” Bakugou said, not wanting to hear what Deku might be proposing. He couldn’t handle anything else right now. “Maybe you should go.”

It was the only time in their year together that Bakugou kicked Deku out, especially immediately after sex. But there was something so different about that time. Deku’s hurt burned into Bakugou’s brain as he nodded sadly, moving away from Bakugou to gather his clothes.

The sex between the two was not the same for Bakugou after that but he never let it get so intimate again. He couldn’t. He didn’t want to accidentally tell Deku what he felt during that time of connection.

Didn’t want to tell him that he loved him.

“You ok?” Shindou asked, breathing uneven as he came down from his orgasm. Bakugou didn’t know when it happened, but he must have come too. He lay on his couch, cum on his stomach as his sort-of-boyfriend breathed in his ear.

No. He wasn’t ok.

“How do you feel about moving the date up to tomorrow night?” Bakugou asked.

“That would be fine,” Shindou said, and it almost sounded genuine. Almost. Maybe Shindou knew what was coming, that Bakugou felt the two slipping away. “Still 7pm?”

“Yeah. I’ll call a taxi. Come pick you up.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I do,” Bakugou said plainly. Shindou scoffed.

“Right. Ok. I’ll see you then.” Shindou hung up without another word.

It was for the best. There was nothing more Bakugou needed to say and they both probably needed some space to think about tomorrow. Maybe it would be different tomorrow, when Deku’s scent wasn’t still imprinted into his couch, his voice still whispering in his ear.

Sure. Anything’s possible

Chapter Text

Izuku felt the familiar churn in his abdomen as he left Kacchan’s place that night. It wasn’t a new feeling after a hard conversation with someone, especially when that conversation tapped into a few open wounds that refused to heal. It was fine. The feeling would pass, just like it always did.  

When he arrived home after the long train ride, his apartment greeted him with a thick silence that Izuku hadn’t noticed before. When had it gotten so empty? Izuku had lived alone for years but somehow coming home to the apartment he’s always had now, he felt bombarded by the negative space between his furniture. The churning in his stomach intensified, the ache in his chest beginning to feel more like a gaping hole, widening the longer he tried to ignore it. Izuku took a deep breath. And then another one.

This cannot hurt me. It will pass. Ride it out. 

Izuku’s nighttime routine continued as normal, accompanied by the memories of the night. Izuku focused on the positives, pushing away the heavy talk he and Kacchan had for the memory of Kacchan’s teasing over dinner. Or the fact that he made katsudon specifically for their time together. Or the movie. Or Kacchan’s sweet confessions. There were a lot of positives.

And still the hole in his chest grew bigger. Izuku took another deep breath. 

This cannot hurt me. It will pass. Ride it out.

This was fine. He only needed a good night’s sleep to take away the aches of the night. Everything would be better in the morning.

+++

Izuku’s skin radiated heat, a soothing sort that meant more than a warm body at his side. It meant the kind of affection and love Izuku was always searching for. He opened his eyes to watch Kacchan’s back rise and fall steadily as he slept in the bed they shared. Izuku sighed happily, face pressing into the grooves of his muscles as Izuku’s arms wrapped around Kacchan’s waist. His hands ran gently along his lover’s toned abs as his cheek pressed into the warmth. 

This was all he wanted: to wake up every morning, knowing that Kacchan was right beside him, physically and emotionally. Izuku wanted Kacchan to stand by his side in every part of their lives, pushing each other, making each other better, and supporting each other through hard times. They could do that. They could have that. They could be each other’s everything now. 

“Oi,” Kacchan grumbled softly. “Stop moving.” 

Izuku hummed in agreement, trying to still his hands and his face, but the promise of touching and feeling Kacchan was too tempting. Kacchan rolled to face Izuku, a gentle smirk on his lips as he stared into Izuku’s eyes. 

“I can’t help it, Kacchan,” Izuku said softly, his hands now gently running across Kacchan’s spine.  “I want to be as close to you as possible.”

Izuku tilted his head to brush his lips gently against Kacchan’s who returned the kiss just as sweetly. 

“You’ve always been like that,” Kacchan said, arms snaking their way around Izuku to pull him in tight but never close enough. He lifted a hand to cup Izuku’s cheek and Izuku grinned. It was true. He always wanted to be right at Kacchan’s side, even when he didn’t recognize his own feelings. He wanted to be in the same vicinity as the amazing man that inspired him to be better every day. 

“Even when I didn’t want you there,” Kacchan said, chuckling. Izuku’s muscles stiffened at the sound as it darkly colored the happy moment they were just sharing. “And there were so many times when I didn’t want you around. You were always such a pain in the ass. Still are, really.”

Kacchan laughed again, hands gentle, kind and contrary to the words coming out of his mouth. Izuku felt his chest tighten, unable to look away as Kacchan’s subtle jabs jammed further and further under Izuku’s skin. What was Kacchan saying? Why was he saying it like that? 

“I guess it’s good I decided to be with you, then, huh?” Kacchan said. “You probably would have been unbearable if I rejected you.”

Izuku looked around the room, trying to come up with some sort of reason Kacchan could be saying all this. Kacchan’s arms tightened around him, bringing Izuku’s eyes back to his face.

“I don’t really have a choice, do I? Why would I be with you if I had a choice?” Kacchan asked seriously, his face darkening the longer he held Izuku forcibly. “There isn’t another option, that’s all.”

“But you love me,” Izuku said weakly. “You told me you loved me.”

“How long can that last?” Kacchan asked. “How long can someone like me love someone like you until they’re tired of dealing with that obnoxious personality of yours? You have to know it’ll get old quick.”

Izuku continued to struggle in Kacchan’s arms, tears starting to form at the corner of his eyes. “That’s not true. You love me.”

He tried to free himself from Kacchan’s hold as he chanted that phrase over and over. ‘You love me. You love me.’ The more he said it, the less it meant and Kacchan just stared at him with disdain, the same look Izuku was used to seeing from him when they were younger. He felt himself sinking into the mattress, the room becoming darker and darker as the blankets swallowed him completely.

+++

Izuku woke up gasping in a cold sweat. His eyes searched his room wildly as he ran his hands up and down the mattress. No Kacchan. They weren’t together. He hadn’t said those things to him. It was a dream. 

The aches from last night hadn’t subsided, and Izuku’s limbs felt heavier than he remembered. The floating memory of the dream lingered only in the feelings it stirred, its images already fading away. The aches and combined emptiness in his body radiated outwards. He felt his forehead with the back of his hand. He didn’t have a fever, just a tiredness that didn’t come from lack of sleep. Since it was his day off, Izuku could allow himself to fall back asleep and hopefully wake up with a sunnier disposition. That way, he could spend some time during his day off being productive. He collapsed back into the mattress, eyes already closing when he was startled by the sound of a loud clanging on his door. 

The banging continued, becoming louder and louder by the second as though something heavy and metal beat against it. Izuku rubbed at his eyes as he threw off his covers and trotted over, blearily opening his front door to find a grinning Butsuki. His presence acted like splash of cold water, waking Izuku up instantly. 

"Good morning, Izuku," Butsuki said. "Lovely day we're having, isn't it?"

Izuku rubbed his eyes again, hoping he was still dreaming. No. Butuski stood in front of him, a red vest hugging his rounded stomach as he leaned on a black cane. The handle, Izuku noticed, was of a metal snake. He seemed to be carrying a few manilla envelopes in his other hand. Izuku continued to stare at Butuski, unsure of what to say. The longer Izuku stared, the more Butuski's smile appeared forced instead of genuine. 

"It's rude to keep people in the hallway, Izuku," Butuski said. Izuku wordlessly stepped aside, motioning for Butuski to come in and closing the door behind him.

It was only then that Izuku found his voice. "What are you doing here?" 

Butuski grinned, handing over three manilla envelopes with the top reading Izuku’s name. “I need one of my favorite heroes to sign some things for his new position. Well--"

Butsuki's smile fell, a melancholy look replacing it easily, as though he were performing in a play. "Technically you aren't a hero of mine, anymore." 

"What?" Izuku asked. "Why?"

"Did you have fun with Katsuki last night?" Butsuki asked. Izuku's blood ran cold, and he tried to keep his expression neutral. 

"What do you mean?" Izuku asked and Butsuki laughed, a dark sound that caused Izuku to shiver.

"Do you think we don't keep track of our heroes?" 

"Are you...stalking us?" Izuku asked and Butsuki had the nerve to roll his eyes. 

"Nothing so untoward as that," Butsuki said. "There are cameras used for security surveillance outside of Katsuki's apartment complex. I simply own the security company that is in charge of such surveillance. They keep me up to date on my heroes, especially when they step out of line." 

"No one stepped out of line," Izuku said, feeling his hands clench around the envelopes. 

"No, of course not," Butsuki said. "It was another instance where I wasn't clear with Katsuki about something. He found a loophole. He's very clever that way. It's one of the reasons I'm so glad he's joining my team. But it does mean I need to be clearer about what I meant. And having you both sign on as heroes would send the wrong message."

"You're firing me?" Izuku asked. "Before I even start?"

"Despite what you might think, I am merciful,” Butsuki said. “And letting you go would mean you wouldn't have another agency to turn to. That would be a waste of multiple quirks, don't you think? No. Instead, I'm demoting you to a sidekick."

"Won't the Press have something to say about that?" Izuku asked. 

"The Press will say what I want the Press to say," Butsuki said. "I could tell them you broke up with Uraraka, for one."

Izuku flinched, unprepared for the knowledge that Butsuki had something on him too. "How did you know that?"

"Same security team. Different building." 

Izuku had nothing to say, nothing to add. He could try and beg for his position as a Hero, but he knew that they would be trying to take down Butsuki anyway. Hopefully this nightmare would be over soon. But would it be suspicious that he wasn't begging for his job? 

"Please..." Izuku said softly. He averted his eyes, both to make himself seem more vulnerable and to keep Butsuki from suspecting anything. "Don't do this. Hero work is all I have."

Butsuki smiled evilly, his voice lowering and becoming more repulsively sweet. "Yes. I imagine it is. Perhaps you will think twice about how much a relationship with one of my heroes could cost you."

Izuku stood there quietly, looking at the ground. Butsuki chuckled, and Izuku felt the cold metal of the top of Butsuki's cane as the snake lifted his head up. Izuku tried to make his face twist as pitifully as possible. He couldn't cry on command, but Izuku let his bottom lip quiver. "Don't be so sad. I'm sure you'll find someone else to be so pathetically obsessed with. And maybe you can finally leave Yo and Katsuki alone. After you give Yo those other two envelopes." 

Izuku didn't have to fake the way his face twisted into a scowl as Butsuki’s eyes lit up, letting his cane slide smoothly in his hand until he was leaning on it once more. Izuku checked the names on the other two envelopes he had been given: Shindou Yo and Bakugou Katsuki. Of course, he would give both the envelopes to Shindou. Butsuki didn’t want Izuku seeing Kacchan anymore. 

Butsuki held Izuku’s gaze for a beat while he smiled. "It was a pleasure seeing you, Izuku. Give my best to Shouto, won't you?" 

Butsuki moved towards the door, hand touching the handle briefly before he spun around to face Izuku once more. “One more thing. Let Yo and Katsuki know that they need to be spending the night at each other’s apartments. They seem to be spending their nights apart, and that makes them look suspicious. Doesn’t send the right message. You understand.”

Butsuki wisely let himself out after that comment, giving Izuku a little wave before shutting the door completely. Izuku had never ran to his phone so fast in his life, dropping the envelopes onto the seat next to him as he sat on the edge of his couch. He quickly dialed Shouto’s number, about to initiate a voice call before deciding on a video call instead. They couldn’t meet face to face right now, not after all that, but it might be helpful for everyone to be able to see each other. Izuku fought the secondary thought trying to push its way to the forefront: This is also the only time he’ll get to see Kacchan.

Shouto’s face and naked shoulders popped up on the screen, his eyes confused and mildly panicked. The slightly mussed hair and dark circles under his eyes told Izuku he just woke up. Izuku tended to shy away from video calls, and with everything going on, Shouto probably didn’t see a video call as a good sign, picking up even when he should have been sleeping.

“What’s wrong?” Shouto asked, voice on high alert even while the rest of him was still half asleep.  

“Are you in your apartment?” Izuku asked and Shouto looked around, as if something might pop out at him at any moment. 

“Should I not be?” he asked.

“No, that’s not--” Izuku took a deep breath, rubbing his hand over his face. “Stay in your apartment. I need to talk to everyone.” 

“Tell me what’s the matter.” 

Izuku explained Butsuki’s visit and Shouto hummed along appropriately as he listened. 

"Confusing, right?" Izuku asked once he was done. 

Shouto pursed his lips in thought, bags under his eyes becoming lighter as he slowly gained full consciousness. "You’re right, we should call the others and see what they have to say."

Shouto didn’t bother turning off his video function as he began typing in his phone, undoubtably bringing up the other members of their little ‘Screw over Butsuki’ squad. Izuku got a good look at the deep blue accent ceiling that made up Shouto’s bedroom, a color Izuku helped pick out. 
 
Izuku was therefore totally unprepared for Shouto to dial Kacchan into the call. He was even less prepared for Kacchan's naked torso to show up on screen. 

As soon as that sculpted chest appeared, Izuku scrambled to turn off his video function, slamming it with the heel of his palm and almost dropping his phone in the process. He accidentally hit his mute button too, which was just as well. Izuku knew what his face looked like the second he got a good look at Kacchan’s naked pecs and shoulders. He didn't need anyone to see or hear his desperate reaction. 

There he stood, in the middle of the workout room at Endeavor Industries, all alone, with no shirt on and dripping in sweat. Izuku let out a pathetic whimper as Kacchan scowled at the camera, his other hand preoccupied with wiping the sweat around his brow and the back of his neck with a small towel. His muscles flexed with every movement and Izuku watched them unashamed. Well, as unashamed as he could get while still having his video off.

"Why the fuck are you calling?" Kacchan asked gruffly, eyes begging Shouto to give him a reason not to hang up.

"We have an interesting development that you should know about," Shouto said. 

"We?" Kacchan's face scrunched a bit. He scanned the icons briefly and smirked. "That you, Deku?"

Izuku unmuted himself, but refused to turn on his camera. He didn’t want to give Katsuki any ideas about them, not when Izuku was acting so pathetic. They were friends. That’s all. "Hi Kacchan..." 

Kacchan's smirk turned lazy at the sound of Izuku's voice, which only increased the temperature in his already sweltering apartment. Izuku mentally reminded himself to check the thermostat, fanning his face as Kacchan’s front teeth scraped idly over his bottom lip. "Sleep ok? Any nightmares?" 

Izuku smiled at the screen even though Kacchan couldn't see him. The thoughtfulness of the real Kacchan almost erased the vague memory of the dream. The dream Kacchan wasn’t real, Izuku had to remind himself, but that didn’t stop his heart from accelerating as his brain slowly remembered what the dream version had told him. 

This cannot hurt me. It will pass. Ride it out.

His mantra was starting to have the opposite effect and Izuku pressed a hand over his rapidly beating heart. He breathed in deeply for a moment.

“Deku? You still there?”

“Yes,” Izuku half choked out before clearing his throat. "I’m here. And don’t worry. No crazy aliens tried to steal my identity last night."  

"Glad to hear it." Kacchan continued to stare at the screen fondly, ignoring Shouto completely as Shouto dialed in a few more guests. This wasn’t the sort of attention Izuku was used to from Kacchan, and he reveled in being the focus of Kacchan’s gaze even if Kacchan couldn’t see him.

It didn’t last. When Shindou's face popped up on the screen, Kacchan's and Izuku's jaws dropped in surprise. The man looked like he was in his bathroom, with only a towel wrapped around his waist while his hands gently raked through wet curls. His device was propped over to make sure everyone got a good view of his body as he went about his routine. Shindou grinned at the camera and Izuku watched as a blush appeared on Kacchan's face, though Kacchan scowled and averted his eyes. Izuku could appreciate an attractive form like Shindou's as much as the next guy, but what he couldn’t appreciate was seeing any sort of reaction out of Kacchan. Izuku’s eyes narrowed at the screen, once again glad he didn't have his video on. 

"Put on a fucking shirt," Kacchan growled. Shindou lifted an eyebrow as he swiped some sort of cream from an expensive looking jar before rubbing his hands together. 

"You never struck me as a prude,” Shindou said, smirking. “Not after all the times I’ve had you--“

“Don’t finish that fucking sentence!”

The chuckle Shindou let out sounded sinful, making Izuku’s stomach twist. Shindou rubbed his hands through his hair, and his muscles rippled and flexed, just like Kacchan’s. Except this time, Izuku found himself running a hand over his shoulders and arms, frowning. He never thought much about how his body looked, but getting an eye full of Shindou was starting to make him wonder about what Kacchan found so appealing. It wasn’t as if Izuku lacked any sort of muscle mass, but was there something about Shindou that obviously held Kacchan’s attention. Izuku rubbed idly at the scars on his arm. This wouldn’t be the first time he thought about how ugly they looked, but typically he could ignore them. But now that he had someone to compare them to… Izuku wished his abdomen would stop clenching for two seconds so that he could breathe properly.

This cannot hurt me. It will pass. Ride it out. 

Kirishima popped up on the screen with a giant grin, fully clothed and lounging on his living room sofa. "Hey guys!" 

A chorus of hellos greeted Kirishima, even if Kacchan's was grumbled out as he looked off camera. "Wait, why isn't anyone wearing a shirt?" 

"I have a bit of interesting information to give,” Shouto said, ignoring Kirishima’s question. “Or rather, Izuku has some interesting information to give." 

Izuku felt it wise to turn on his video then, embarrassed now at how out of sorts he probably looked. He had only just woken up when Butsuki arrived, so his hair was still a mess and he probably looked tired and disheveled while dressed in his All Might pajamas. He definitely looked different from the glowing and vibrant Shindou perfecting his curls at the moment. Izuku ran his hand through his hair as he spoke, trying to do something with the fizziness that he spotted in his picture. 

"Butsuki paid me a visit this morning," Izuku said and watched as everyone's eyes focused intently on him. 

"What the hell did he want?" Kacchan asked, using the voice that usually meant someone was going to get their ass kicked. Izuku smiled affectionately.

"Nothing happened, Kacchan," Izuku said. "He gave me a warning, but it was weird. He said something about keeping track of his heroes using the security systems outside our apartments.” 

Kacchan’s eyes lit up in horrific recognition. “Last night--“

“Yeah,” Izuku said. “He knows. He said we stepped out of line, and that I’m being demoted to sidekick. It really isn’t a big deal for me since we plan on kicking his ass anyway.”

The group smiled, with Kacchan looking especially impressed which warmed Izuku’s heart. 

"Did he say anything else?" Shindou asked. 

"No. Which I thought was weird, since I know Kacchan said that Butsuki had threatened to take away both your licenses because of me, right?"

Shindou and Kacchan nodded, both deep in thought.

"What does that mean?" Kirishima asked. "Does anyone have an email notifying them that their Hero lives have been ruined?"

Everyone shook their heads. 

"I have a theory," Shouto said. "Bakugou is too important to him. Too big of a trophy. He's been picky about his heroes before, letting them get away with quite a lot. Maybe Bakugou is another one of those."

"Makes sense. We probably would have woken up to news reports about a GroundDeku kiss if he was looking to ruin your lives," Kirishima said. "Not just a warning made to Midoriya."

"There was one more thing for Shindou and Kacchan," Izuku said, biting his lip as he looked at Shindou and Kacchan's small faces on his screen. "He told me that he expected a bit more, uh, sleepovers down the line from you two."

"What?" Kacchan barked.

"Since he has eyes on the outside of your building, Kacchan, he noticed that Shindou hadn't been sleeping over." There was no way in hell he was getting more descriptive than that. Everyone knew what he meant.

Kacchan's eyes narrowed to slits. Izuku could tell his anger was directed at Butsuki and not him. "What the ever-loving fuck?!" 

"Makes sense," Shindou said and Kacchan growled at him. Shindou just smiled sweetly. "What? He wants us to be in a relationship, right honey?"

"Call me that again and die."

"People tend to sleep together when they’re in relationships. We aren't exactly celibate, anyway. I’ll just start sleeping over instead of leaving." 

Oh god. Izuku felt a bit light headed as the words sunk in. He knew they were sleeping together, but it wasn't fun to hear Shindou talk about it. Kacchan eyes shifted around on his phone as though he were looking at a few different faces before settling on Shindou’s. 

"Shut the fuck up, you idiot," Kacchan said. "This is just another way to control us."

"It's not that big of deal, Bakugou," Shindou said, adjusting his hair in the mirror. His curls were starting to air dry and Izuku was already jealous of how amazing his hair looked. 

"Maybe not for you," Kacchan mumbled, looking away from the phone entirely. Izuku held out onto some sort of hope that Kacchan's sudden awkwardness had something to do with his feelings for Izuku as he watched their interaction. Not that any of that mattered at the moment, especially with Izuku insisting on friendship between them. Something he was quick to forget about. 

“I think that’s it,” Izuku said. “We should probably talk this way from now on, instead of getting together.” 

“Yeah, I was just thinking about the security guard that patrols our neighborhood,” Kirishima said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Butsuki had control over that company too. Video calls it is.” 

“Is everyone planning on going to the Gala tomorrow night?” Shouto asked. The group let out various levels of agreement, with Kacchan notably disgusted. “Good. Apparently, there’s a time towards the end of the night when Butsuki leaves, and the press leaves with him, so we should be able to talk a bit more freely then.”

“Fuckin’ great,” Kacchan said. “So excited.” 

The group said their goodbyes and Izuku let out a sigh of relief now that he didn’t have to be in contact with Shindou. There was something about that man that made him feel uneasy, and Izuku was fine with only interacting with him when he needed to. Izuku glanced at the envelopes next to him. Right. He would have to interact with him at least one more time, apparently. 

Izuku sighed as he texted Shindou’s number to ask when it would be ok to drop off the envelopes. He got a response back almost immediately, saying that any time before 6pm, because he had a date. Izuku clenched his teeth. Shindou didn’t say it was with Kacchan but Izuku was smart enough to know who he would be going out with. He texted back that he’d be coming over as soon as possible. Of course, as soon as possible meant as soon as Izuku freshened up. He wanted to at least shower before he saw Shindou again. For his own self-esteem’s sake. 

Izuku would be lying if he said he was trying to avoid thinking about Shindou and Kacchan together. Their relationship, or rather Kacchan insisting on its existence rubbed him the wrong way. Izuku sighed shakily as he turned on the water for his shower, making sure it was the right temperature. If Izuku wanted to be honest with himself, this wasn’t the first time he felt despondent at the sight of Kacchan in a close relationship with someone else. As Izuku undressed, he tried not to think about all the time Kacchan had put other people before him. It might have been petty, but Izuku felt like his life was a series of instances where Izuku begged Kacchan to chose him and Kacchan chose someone else. It didn’t have to be romantic. Izuku would have settled for friendship with Kacchan a thousand times over but he couldn’t even be bothered to give him that for most of their lives. Izuku begged Kacchan for a place at the table, and Kacchan could only be bothered to give him scraps.

Was he still begging for scraps, still begging for a place at Kacchan’s side? How long could he let that go on? 

Izuku stepped under the water, feeling the warmth of the spray as he allowed his body to be covered. Underneath the constant stream, Izuku let his mind wander, eyes unfocused as they stared at the mismatched tiles of his shower. He probably shouldn’t be letting his mind have any freedom when he was obviously so emotionally low, but sometimes he couldn’t help the way his brain spiraled, especially with everything that was happening. Izuku wanted to believe that he and Kacchan were meant to be, that Kacchan was going to choose him for once. But maybe they weren’t. Not that he really thought Shindou was sticking around or that Kacchan wanted him to. But maybe Kacchan should be with someone else, someone with whom he didn’t have a problem putting front and center in his life. That certainly wasn’t Izuku. Maybe that was why it was so easy to let these doubts cloud his mind to the point of insanity. Maybe Izuku needed to face the fact that Kacchan didn’t want to put him first. 

His brain went into overdrive, imagining things that haven’t even occurred. This only happened when Izuku’s self-esteem hit a particularly low point and with all the stress from Butsuki and Shindou, it was only a matter of time until Izuku could imagine Kacchan saying something like:

“Why are you so pissed off right now?”

“You know this is hurting me,” Izuku said, the setting around them fuzzy and unnecessary for the mental battle he was about to instigate.

“How can I know that?” Kacchan asked. “You haven’t told me anything.”

In reality, Izuku clutched a hand over his heart while the other found purchase on the shower tiles. Water dripped from his hair onto the porcelain tub as he ducked his head in shame. Izuku’s possessive side, his unhealthy side, dragged him in deeper. 

“You should just know. I feel like you aren’t in tune with me at all. Like you aren’t paying attention.”

“I pay as much attention to you as I pay to anything else.”

“That’s the problem!”

Izuku took a deep breath, having to remind himself that the conversation wasn’t real, even as his body reacted to what it felt like was real danger. His heart rate sped up. His muscles contracted. There was no stopping his brain now as it focused on the scenario it spun.

“What, you want me to be hyper focused on you?”

“Yes!” Izuku shouted.

“No…” Izuku whispered to himself, trying so desperately to fight against the unhealthy implications of what he was thinking. But in the deepest recesses of his mind, Izuku could admit that he wanted to be at the center of Kacchan’s world sometimes. He wanted to be everything to Kacchan, just like Kacchan was to him. It wasn’t possible, mentally or emotionally, and to ask that of him would be akin to emotional abuse. Izuku knew that logically. Kacchan couldn’t shift all his attention to Izuku every time he got a little jealous. That didn’t stop Izuku from wanting it to happen anyways. 

“You want me all to yourself?” Kacchan asked, shocked at Izuku for his slip. “You want me waiting around for you? Only caring about the thoughts and feelings of Midoriya Izuku?” 

“I want you to be as focused on me as I am on you,” Izuku said. 

“Sounds like I’m not the problem here.” 

Izuku took a deep, laboring breath as the water continued to beat down on him, quickly swiping at the tears off his face. It was irrational and when he wasn’t feeling so insecure, Izuku didn’t need to be focused on Kacchan like this. When he was in a better mindset, Izuku understood that Kacchan was his own person, and that they should both have lives outside of each other. That understanding didn’t stop his heart from breaking in the present, knowing that Kacchan could not (should not) turn his world around for Izuku.

“I want us to be together. For real,” Izuku said.

“It might be better for me to be with someone else,” Kacchan said sadly. “You’re completely wrapped up in my every move.”

“You used to be completely wrapped up in my every move too…”

“And that wasn’t good, either,” Kacchan said. “If we keep doing this, we will end up destroying each other.” 

“So, what? It would be better to be with Shindou?” Izuku asked. 

“I don’t know,” Kacchan said sadly. “Maybe it would.”

The conversation in Izuku’s head was artificial, a byproduct of being at a low point emotionally. And yet, the moment his brain brought in Shindou, Izuku found himself getting worked up at the thought of Shindou and Kacchan being together for real. Izuku would have to deal with public displays of affection he wasn’t a part of and Kacchan’s attention being focused on Shindou instead of him and secret smiles not sent in his direction and--

This was not how it was supposed to happen. Kacchan was supposed to dump Shindou the second Izuku was available and he didn’t. Izuku couldn’t help but think it was because Kacchan never really wanted him in the first place.

Izuku limbs were heavy as he shut off the water. He had no more thoughts to think, only the pain and misery of the past month of watching Shindou and Kacchan together. It was a taste of what was to come, and Izuku wasn’t sure he could handle it. Izuku dried himself off and quickly picked out an outfit. With Shindou’s apartment being as far away as it was, and with Izuku being in the current state he was in, he didn’t feel comfortable using the trains. He called a cab instead. 

Memories flooded his brain as he continued to spiral during the cab ride. Izuku watched the past month play out: how Shindou was always physically close to Kacchan, how sexually charged their fighting was, how Kacchan couldn’t help looking at him when Shindou was near. Maybe Izuku hadn’t worked hard enough. Maybe he could have been funnier or more biting or more intelligent or sexier or whatever it was that Shindou had that Izuku was obviously lacking. Should he try harder now? Was it too late? Would Izuku even want to be with Kacchan if he had to make himself into someone different? 

Izuku ran both of his hands in his hair as the cab ride continued, leaning over completely until his knees held his head like a vice. This wasn’t a healthy train of thought. Why couldn’t he stop? Why couldn’t he get off this train of debasement and be rid of it? Why did he have to be so-- 

Izuku’s self-hatred was cut off by his driver letting him know they arrived. Izuku peered up at Shindou’s apartment complex. It was a simple, though perhaps nicer than what Izuku lived in, and certainly not worth the dread he was pushing on it. Izuku quickly paid his driver, walking into Shindou’s apartment and traveling up to the 8th floor. The complex was just as posh as Izuku thought it would be, everything pristine and shiny as Izuku found Shindou’s front door. He felt a bit light headed when he knocked and was wholly unprepared to see Shindou’s bright smile when he opened his front door. This time, he was fully dressed in jeans and a t-shirt that somehow clung to his muscles and body. His hair was shiny and soft, a beautiful black that caught the light after plenty of hair treatments. His skin was blemish free and smooth looking, probably from a variety of expensive creams. His frame took over the doorway, large and strong from years of working out. He looked physically perfect. And yet, everything about Shindou hit him the wrong way in person, different than in his imagination or over the phone. Izuku handed the papers over wordlessly, taking a few moments to try and determine what Kacchan saw in him. Everything about him was...fake. Attractive, sure. But attraction didn't last. Izuku stood there long enough for Shindou to notice, smile turning teasing.

“See something you like, Midoriya?” he asked and Izuku shook himself out of whatever daze he was in. 

No. Izuku didn’t see anything he liked. Was this the one who was going to steal Kacchan away from him? This man with the fake smile and smarmy personality? Was Izuku really jealous of a pretty face? Worse, was Izuku really going to allow someone like Shindou to make him feel like he was less than? 

“You’re going out with Kacchan tonight,” Izuku said. Shindou chuckled, throwing the paperwork in his hands off to the side where Izuku couldn’t see.

“Busted,” he said easily. 

“Are you excited?” Izuku asked.

Shindou seemed surprised by the question, crossing his arms over his chest. “I am, yeah. It’s been a while since I’ve had Thai Food.” 

Izuku frowned. “Kacchan doesn’t normally cook Thai.”

“Oh, Bakugou’s taking me out to a restaurant,” Shindou said, slight smirk curling at his lips. “Since he wants this to be a real date.”

Izuku fought the mean smile threatening to burst onto his face at the obvious challenge. “That’s good. You might enjoy that more. It’s probably too intimate for him to cook for you.”

“Believe me,” Shindou said, eyes flashing. “We have no problem being intimate.”

Izuku idly wondered if One for All was crackling around him now, too focused on Shindou to care. “So you’ve said. That’s pretty important to you, huh?”

“I mean, when it’s this good, it becomes a priority.” 

“I guess I’ve been around Kacchan for so long that I see more sides to him.”

Shindou chuckled darkly. “Well, Bakugou needed someone to practice on. I think he’s ready to graduate, don’t you?”

Izuku smiled confidently, hands clenching at his sides to avoid doing something he might regret. “I just want Kacchan to be happy.”

“Of course,” Shindou said, a glint of anger in his eyes. “Me too.”

“Great. Then there’s no issue with me continuing to be friends with him?”

“None at all.” 

“Perfect.” 

Izuku turned away, satisfied as he began his walk to the elevator, only to be stopped by the sound of Shindou’s voice.

“In fact, your playdates have made fucking him even better,” Shindou said.

Without a second thought, Izuku turned back around, walked back to Shindou and sent a hefty punch into the wall next to his head. The sound of surprise and the crunch of the plaster resounded in the hallway as Shindou’s eyes widened into saucers. Izuku retracted his hand, shaking out his fist along with a bit of debris as he stared into Shindou’s dark, panicked eyes. “Would have been your face but I don’t want to ruin the big date. Have fun with Kacchan.” 

Izuku was going to feel bad about this. He was. He knew in a short time, when the adrenaline had worn off and he was back in his right mind, Izuku would hate himself for taking things this far. 

But for right now, he walked over to the elevator and smirked as he entered it calmly. Izuku closed his eyes, enjoying the image of Shindou’s shock behind his eyelids as the doors closed. 

Chapter Text

“A lot of people bend over backwards to make sure you never get mad,” Yo said, feeling the powerful thigh under his fingertips. The look of shock on Bakugou’s face sparked something dangerous in him, and Yo found it difficult to keep an even expression. “You love it because you’re an egomaniac. But I don’t care if you get upset. Ever. You can kick me, scream at me or try to explode my face, and I won’t give a shit. But if you disrespect me,” Yo squeezed Bakugou’s thigh and he squirmed deliciously. “Then we’ll have a problem. So once again: What’s. My. Name?”

The answering breathless tone sent a powerful jolt up Yo’s spine. “Shindou…”

How the hell did he get here?

Shindou Yo stared at the massive hole in the wall next to his door, hands on his hips as he surveyed the damage. Plaster hung off the edges of the hole, debris littering the ground. He could see the bones of the building through open insulation and wiring. It was a mess.

None of this was part of the plan.

Butsuki. Bakugou. Midoriya.

None of it.

He was only trying to keep his spot as a Pro-Hero. He would suffer through being partners with Bakugou and then move on with his life as a Pro-Hero under Butsuki. How could he know it would spiral out into ‘perfect and innocent’ Midoriya Izuku putting a hole through his wall? How could he let that happen?

There had to be multiple steps taken along the way that led him here, steps guided by his own ambitions and lack of restraint.

“I’m sorry, did you just say, ‘Kacchan?’” Yo asked, his face a mixture of glee and surprise. He didn’t know Bakugou well, but he knew an embarrassing nickname when he heard it. Midoriya nodded, his eyes wide in embarrassment. It was an expression that Yo loved to pull from him, knowing how easily Midoriya fell into his own awkwardness. Yo should probably feel guilty, but it was all Midoriya’s fault anyway. Why parade your weaknesses around if you don’t want others to take advantage of them?

“I’ve known him since we were in diapers. It’s what I’ve always called him,” he said.

“That is so fucking cute,” Yo said, feeling the laughter spilling over. He turned to Bakugou, flinging his arm around Midoriya’s shoulders as he smirked. He could barely see Bakugou’s expression, but he was sure it was priceless.