Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter One: On Top

“Are you fucking kidding me, on with all this soulmate bullshit again?” 

Bakugou Katsuki was one of the few in the world who just didn’t get the appeal of soulmates. It was a concept he was honestly on the fence about, unsure if he truly believed in the existence or not. He believed in mates, sure, but soulmates? Those that were destined to be together in a way that was deeper—something many longed for and yet couldn’t quite comprehend. 

He wasn’t one of those, Bakugou didn’t want a soulmate or anything of the sort, and he didn’t care to so much as think about it. It’s why he was so annoyed when the idea of it was literally everywhere. While storming into the bookstore wearing a beanie to cover his blond hair and dark shades to cover his crimson eyes, he went straight for the magazines to see the latest issue of The Chart, where he knew he’d find himself listed as the hottest actor. Bakugou always ranked at number one on the charts, but he still liked to see it every month.

Tagging along with him was his childhood friend, Midoriya Izuku, who was more of a pain in the ass than anything, but it was rare these days that Bakugou got out for any form of privacy, and one or more of his friends was usually there to accompany him on his outings to ensure there were no sudden crises. 

“Kacchan, stop being so upset about it. It’s not going anywhere so you might as well get used to it,” Midoriya teased. He was easily recognizable as Bakugou’s friend, even if he wasn’t in the industry, so he wore a hat and shades as well in order to conceal his identity. While Bakugou searched for the magazine he was looking for, Midoriya picked up one of the others, more than content to read about soulmates. “You’ll be so happy when you meet yours. I might even have to say ‘I told you so’.”

“Like hell you will,” Bakugou snapped. Finally, he found the magazine and yanked it off the shelf. “I don’t have a shitty soulmate, don’t want one either.” Any commitment outside of his acting contracts honestly terrified him, and not only did having a mate or soulmate mean there was an obligation to be committed, but it often came with things he didn’t even want to think about.

If it was even real.

Worst of all, some supposed soulmates claimed that it was impossible to lie to their fated other halves, and Bakugou Katsuki was no liar but he’d be damned if anyone forced him to say something he didn’t want to.

“You’re all idiots,” he grumbled as he angrily flipped open the magazine, briefly skimming through the others. It was the top fifty every month, and while many of them were consistent from one month to the next, there were some new faces and names popping up lately. 

Bakugou had been at number one for eleven months in a row, and this month would make it a full year—a feat that was unheard of before now. He couldn’t wait to see his face plastered on the spread and a few good words listed about all the thirst there was for him, but on his way to the top, he found himself not at number one, but number two.

“WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?!” He snatched at the pages, causing a slight rip at the seam of the magazine.

“Kacchan! Keep it down,” Midoriya whispered frantically, fumbling to put away the magazine he’d been looking at to get closer to Bakugou. “People will recognize you yelling!”

“LIKE I GIVE A SHIT!” he roared, yanking off his shades and tossing them over his shoulder, not giving a single damn where they landed or who they might hit in the process. “This goddamn shit is misprinted!”

Bakugou Katsuki as number two? There wasn’t a chance in hell. He scoffed, slammed the magazine into Midoriya’s chest, and then grabbed another, certain that it was a single mistake. He flipped straight to the number one spot and found: not him. 

In the number one spot was Todoroki Shouto, a rookie actor who’d only ever had a single film. It had just premiered the month before and he wasn’t even the leading actor, having a supporting role as the lead’s best friend. Todoroki was a model who worked for various companies, showing off their brands, and Bakugou did recognize him. 

He was an alpha from a very wealthy and well known family, and his looks, along with his fortune, were just two of the things that had him considered as one of the most sought after bachelors in Tokyo. The spread that should’ve been Bakugou’s was now Todoroki’s, and the biggest outrage of all was that Bakugou couldn’t even be mad. He was fucking gorgeous.

“This half n’ half bastard!”

“Kacchan, let’s go, now,” Midoriya said, grabbing his arm, but Bakugou yanked free of his hold.

“Fuck this,” he growled, snatching off his beanie too and flinging it at the magazine rack before storming off. He had been overheard and recognized, and there was soon a swarm of fans surrounding him with hearts in their eyes. “Outta my way, extras,” he snapped, brushing past them while they squealed, considering it an honor to be dubbed an extra by him. 

The paparazzi wasn’t far behind all the extras in locating Bakugou on his way out of the bookstore. Midoriya rushed after him, but Bakugou was never afraid of his fans. No matter how gruff he was with them, he was adored, and despite presenting as an omega, Bakugou suppressed his heat, wore scent blockers, and though he’d never confirmed his secondary gender, everyone assumed he was an alpha based on his personality alone. 

Things like that really pissed him off. Who was it that decided omegas had to act a certain way? Be submissive and breedable and nothing more? He’d be damned. Bakugou had dreams and goals and he wasn’t about to let anyone—much less some stupid alpha bastards—determine what his position in life should be. However, that didn’t mean that he was lying about his omegan status. Bakugou had never once wished he was an alpha instead, he merely wasn’t admitting to anything and working his way up to the top of the charts, winning constant awards and proving that even dainty omegas could be seen as so much more. 

He understood alphas had their own instincts and expectations. There were many of them who weren’t shitty and merely wanted to dote on their omega, ensure their safety, and be seen as good alphan mates. There were so many that took advantage of omegas, considered them inferior, and would even bring harm to them if they didn’t meet their expectations. 

There were certain things that couldn’t be helped, like presenting as an omega and coming into a body that was softer and curvier than any alpha’s would ever be. Bakugou honestly was fond of his curves, but he’d trained his body tirelessly over the years and gained a beautiful physique because of it. He was strong—enough that he could hold his own against any alpha that even thought about trying anything funny—and he could be his omegan self while also possessing muscle and showing that he was no weakling. There was so much more to him.

With so many stereotypes out there and a great deal of discriminating to omegas even still these days, Bakugou had a soft spot for omegas. He’d secretly founded an organization that was a safe space for any and all omegas who needed a place to go at any time, and there were hundreds of locations across the world now. Even if his acting was his biggest pride and joy, founding that organization was what Bakugou considered his greatest accomplishment. 

As if losing his spot as number one wasn’t bad enough, Bakugou spent the following week hearing about it constantly. All his friends and even his manager, Kirishima Eijiro, who was no older than him, couldn’t stop talking about it. Nothing in the world irked him more, and Bakugou swore if he so much as stumbled upon the alpha on the streets he was going to give him a piece of his mind, and maybe even kick his ass.

“Yo, Bakugou,” Kirishima called, waving in front of his face to call his attention. “You really don’t need to chop those chives so angrily.”

“Yes the hell I do, mind your fucking business, Kirishima,” he huffed and glared down at his cutting board. He was so frustrated that he just wanted to cook, as cooking was one of his natural talents, he loved food, and it honestly helped him calm down sometimes. It wasn’t working now though. 

“Is that a new apron? Digging the orange and black.”

“Yes, stupid Deku gave it to me. Why are you talking to me?” He raised the knife in his hand, scowling at his friend and manager threateningly. “Scratch that, why the hell are you here anyway?”

Kirishima was unfazed by his attitude and just took a seat at the counter to watch Bakugou work. “I came with some news, but if you don’t want to hear it, I’ll keep it to myself.”

Brows furrowing, Bakugou slammed the knife down and growled, “You better fucking spit it out, Shitty Hair.”

“Okay okay, fine.” Kirishima laughed and opened his jacket to pull out some papers that were neatly folded in his pocket. He didn’t open them, but he set the papers down on the counter so Bakugou could access them when he was ready. “Remember that novel that blew up last year that you were so crazy about?”

“Twin Flames?”

“Damn, you didn’t waste any time figuring it out,” Kirishima laughed. “But yes, that one. I had heard talks of a potential film coming up, and it’s been confirmed. They’re holding auditions in two weeks.”

“You fucking serious?” Bakugou quickly wiped his hands on his apron and then picked up the folded papers, opening them up to read what Kirishima had provided him. For a moment, he was able to forget his past frustrations and focus on this excitement that was suddenly bubbling up inside of him. “Hell yeah! I can’t believe this is happening.”

“Thought you’d be excited,” Kirishima mused while reaching over to the bowl on Bakugou’s counter which had some cookies in it, but Bakugou swatted his hand with the paper to prevent him from getting one. “Hey!”

“You can eat dinner first, you ass. Anyway, I’ve been wanting to play a villain for a while now, this is my chance.”

Kirishima hummed. “Yeah, I think you’d be a perfect fit for what they’re looking for honestly.”

That went without saying, and Bakugou honestly couldn’t wait for the auditions. He loved Twin Flames and would be honored to have a role in bringing it to the big screen.

Twin Flames was a story of two soulmates who’d severed their bond by seeking different things in life instead of one another. Fate, however, had other things in mind. One, a hero, the other, a villain. Fated rivals who tried time and time again to separate themselves, only to be pulled back together. It was a beautiful and heartfelt story with a romantic aspect that was still heavily centered around action. Bakugou didn’t read often enough, and there were very few novels that enraptured him as Twin Flames had. He was going to get that role if it was the last thing he did.

Todoroki Shouto didn’t believe in perfection, but he still strove for something pretty close to it. He wanted to succeed and rebelled against the life that had been planned out for him. Even as a child he was in the public’s eye, constantly compared to his siblings and analyzed by complete strangers. He’d been raised with a firm hand and was given only the best. Clothes, education, food and even his social circles were all high class and of the utmost quality. He was expected to enter the family business and marry a politician's daughter when he finished college. 

Embarrassingly enough, he used to be a people pleaser and played the part he had been given in order to make his family proud and those around him happy. It came as quite the shock when his fiancée broke off the engagement to spread her wings and live her own life, urging him to do the same and think about what he wanted, what made him happy and ‘wiped that indifferent look off of his face’. That woman was Yaoyorozu Momo, his closest and most trusted friend to this day even if she had dumped him. 

With everyone frantic about the scandal of their break up, Todoroki thought long and hard about how he’d been living his life and what really mattered. Yaoyorozu had inspired him and he decided to live for himself as well. It wasn’t selfish, it wasn’t shameful, he was finally taking control and doing something rather than behaving like a puppet. He even surprised himself by taking an interest in modeling, diving head first into a different kind of spotlight. The speed at which his popularity grew felt too unreal to be true, but he was requested left and right, desired for his body and handsome features.

It wasn’t all simply genetics, however, Todoroki worked hard and was always seeking to improve. He pushed himself to find out what his limits were and how far he could go, but one day it wasn’t enough anymore, he didn’t want to be just a pretty face on a billboard. His thirst for more led him to acting and it sparked a fire within him that he never knew was possible. His change in focus and enthusiasm for the entertainment industry was enough to have Yaoyorozu expand her expertise, doubling as not only a talent scout, but Todoroki’s manager as well.

He was able to audition for a supporting role in a mainstream film, a chance that almost never came to rookies with zero experience aside from acting classes. After devoting himself to the script and putting to use everything he’d learned, his name was once again reaching new heights. He thought he was dreaming when he first saw himself as a main topic for critics when they reviewed the film. The past month was filled with requests for roles and interviews, but he didn’t let the sudden and unbelievable success get to his head, he was completely unsatisfied. 

He was literally a beginner and had so much to learn and practice, it was exciting and he wanted to keep challenging himself. That was why he was currently on his way to the room where auditions were being held for Twin Flames. Instead of a supporting role, he was after the main role of the hero, purposely biting off more than he could chew to put himself to the test and gain more skill. Yaoyorozu assured him that the movie was going to be one of the most anticipated films of the year and the cast members would most likely be some of the best actors and actresses out there. Even if he wasn’t chosen as the hero, obtaining any role would boost his career.

“Are you nervous?” Yaoyorozu asked as they walked down the hallway, her heels clicking against the hardwood floors.

“Not really,” Todoroki told her and did his best to stifle a yawn. 

The raven raised a brow in suspicion, noting his tiredness. “Don’t tell me you were up all night before one of the biggest auditions you’ll ever receive.”

A small smile appeared on his lips as he glanced over at her. “Perhaps.”

“Shouto!”

“Relax, I was merely reading the novel again and reviewing all of my notes,” he told her. Despite loving the chance to sit down with a good book, Todoroki never had the pleasure of reading Twin Flames before, the title somehow evading his grasp. He’d studied the book and read through it many times since the past week and could honestly say it was one of his favorite works. “I’m as prepared as I’ll ever be and once I’m in that audition room, you’ll learn that sleep means nothing to me.”

Yaoyorozu grinned at his confidence, knowing he always pulled through once he set his mind to something. “I suppose there's no harm in being over prepared. Since sleep is for the weak, I won’t let you live it down if you don’t land a role with that cocky attitude of yours.”

“Cocky? You really think so?” He hummed as he put his hands in his pockets. “I prefer to think of it as self-motivation. Manifestation. A pep talk.”

“Bragging can hardly be compared to a pep talk,” she laughed with a shake of her head. “But it’s good that you’re all fired up. Let’s show them what the rookie of our generation is made of, hm?”

“I despise that title,” Todoroki murmured, but was with her nonetheless. “I’ll get the hero role and use it as a stepping stone for what awaits in the future.”

They reached the audition room and stepped inside, hundreds of people already there and seated in the chairs scattered around. Todoroki’s gaze zeroed in on the director and producer sitting atop a platform that faced the stage where everyone would perform. A number of eyes followed him as he went to a less crowded area where there were plenty of open seats. Momo parted ways to sign him in and get his audition number, feeling proud that so many people were already feeling intimidated by Todoroki’s presence. The man in question didn’t pay his competition any mind and instead focused on himself.

He sat in one of the chairs with his arms crossed over his chest, eyes closing as he took deep, calming breaths. He was going to give this his all and wouldn’t let anything distract him or break his concentration. Rookie or not, his hard work and determination made him a force to be reckoned with. 

“Oi, Half n’ Half,” a low voice growled, and Todoroki opened his eyes to find none other than Bakugou Katsuki glaring at him, sitting in the chair right in front of him with his foot propped up.

While he expected talented actors of Katsuki’s caliber to be present, he hadn’t anticipated a confrontation so soon. So much for his concentration. “Are you talking to me?”

The blond’s glare intensified at the question and he raised a threatening fist. “Are you an idiot? Who else would I be talking to?”

“Beats me, it’s hard to differentiate when you’re not using a proper name,” he said with a shrug.

“You really think you’re something, huh?” Bakugou huffed. “One fucking film and you rise to the top all because of a pretty face and daddy’s name. Fuck you. Enjoy it while you have it, because next month, it’s mine again. Got it?”

Todoroki wasn’t the type to pick a fight nor was he one to let every little thing that people said about him get under his skin. Of course, some comments rubbed him the wrong way more than others, but he’d heard them so many times that it came as a surprise if certain things weren’t thrown in his face. “I’m sure your threat would have a better effect on me if I knew what you were talking about.”

“Are you trying to say that you don’t know you were ranked number one hottest actor on The Chart this month?” he asked, completely taken aback and still annoyed.

It was impossible for him to check everything that mentioned his name and he would rather bury himself in research than keep up with the latest gossip. Todoroki had, however, heard about The Chart and seen many famous actors spread across its pages. “You’re kidding…”

Bakugou’s jaw dropped and he moved his foot from the chair to the floor, straightening his back. “Wow. If I didn’t know better I’d think you wanted to fight me.”

Todoroki’s words hadn’t in fact been in response to his number one ranking, but the very apparent offense it caused to the blond. The Chart was simply a beauty contest and he didn’t think Katsuki, the man who never cared about image, was invested in it. He was baffled until he began to suspect that the other actor only cared because he wasn’t number one anymore, and everyone knew Bakugou Katsuki had to be number one in everything that he saw as a competition. He didn’t know if he was impressed or amused.

“I don’t have a reason or desire to fight you,” he told him and then added on a whim, “well, not off the stage at least.” 

“Haaaaah?” Bakugou leaned forward, grabbing Todoroki by the scruff of his shirt. “Look here, pretty boy. I don’t give a fuck who you are. I’ll knock your ass down to size.”

He wasn’t sure why he was egging the short-tempered actor on, but there was something about him that made Todoroki want to rile him up. It was both concerning and exciting. “What role are you auditioning for?” he asked curiously, not at all fazed by the manhandling and letting the blond do as he pleased. Another action that was quite out of the ordinary. 

“Who the hell are you to question me, and after I threatened your ass no less! Fucker.” Bakugou let him go and shoved him in the chest as he stepped back with a scoff. “Obviously I’m going for the villain, he’s the coolest character in Twin Flames.”

Todoroki straightened his shirt and regarded the crimson-eyed man. “He won you over in chapter seventeen, didn’t he?”

“Seventeen was badass, but no. If you must know, I was pulled in from the very first chapter.” He crossed his arms and turned his nose up. “When it all started and the twin flames met, and he showed a hint of who he truly was right from the beginning. That shit went hard. I’m made for the role.”

“Fair enough, but what about everything that went down after their third battle? It’s nothing new for the protagonist of a novel to do some soul searching, but the way it was done was so uniquely written. It hit different,” Todoroki said with a sigh as he recalled how he’d reacted when he first read it. “The hero really dove deep into what was truly right and wrong.”

“Yet he understood the villain all along, did he not?” Bakugou asked, scowling again. “They both had their reasoning for every action. And while the villain never actually hurt the hero… the hero never gave up on him no matter what he did.”

The other actor nodded in agreement. “His will and belief in the villain was unbreakable, remaining intact even in his darkest moments.”

“Anyway, you better not fucking try and come for my role. Not like you’d get it anyway.”

“I’m more partial to the hero,” Todoroki clarified. “Which is why I’m auditioning for his role.”

“Straight for a lead role? Damn I don’t know whether you’re just cocky or an idiot. Both, probably.” Bakugou turned his back to Todoroki before throwing over his shoulder, “We just might have to audition together then. Just know, I’d eat your ass alive.”

If he didn’t know any better, he would think the blond wanted to audition with him, but it was up to random chance. Even still, Todoroki wouldn’t mind going toe to toe with a professional and gain more experience. “Cross your fingers. I wouldn’t want to upstage you in front of all these people.”

Bakugou’s eye twitched and he turned back to glare at him. “You—you’re dead to me.”

A short and soundless chuckle escaped Todoroki before he collected himself and closed his eyes again, having been distracted for long enough. He didn’t know why he felt compelled to tease and even antagonize the blond when they were nothing but acquaintances. It was odd and he was confused by his own actions, thinking they were too…familiar.

“Sorry that took so long,” Yaoyorozu said as she took the seat next to Todoroki and gasped quietly when she spotted Bakugou. “Well, this audition just got a lot more interesting.”

“You his manager?” Bakugou snapped. “Tell him to put his money where his mouth is.”

Yaoyorozu raised her brows, putting two and two together. “You’re saying he was acting cocky in front of you? Shouto, when did you and Mr. Bakugou get so close?”

Todoroki felt his ears warm and tried very hard to ignore her loaded question, pretending she hadn’t spoken at all. 

“Close? Me and that bastard. Not a chance in hell.” Bakugou visibly shuddered as he spoke and a look of confusion crossed his features.

“Uh huh,” the raven mused and stared down her client, barely resisting the urge to grill him on the matter right then and there.

The actor could feel her gaze, but still remained silent, not looking forward to the interrogation that was sure to come. 

The auditions kicked off just moments later and Bakugou separated himself from Todoroki. They would each be auditioning individually. The director, Yamada Hizashi, and producer, Kayama Nemuri, were eager to get things going—they were a dynamic duo that was renowned for producing some of the most successful films in recent years. They were working closely with Aizawa Shouta, the scriptwriter who was said to be a close friend to the original author of Twin Flames. Some actors gossipped about overhearing a rumor that the author refused to allow any other team to turn their words into a motion picture that would soon sweep the world.

There were so many people auditioning, but the majority of them were there for supporting roles only, content just to take on any role as long as it provided them some form of involvement. There were others who tried for all the roles, including the leads. Bakugou, however, auditioned for only the villain. When he took the stage, he showed just how seasoned he was, easily capturing the attention of the room and getting into character. He’d rehearsed and knew the lines, delivering every word and movement as if he was in front of the camera already.

When it was Todoroki’s turn, he let go of himself and became the hero, visualizing himself within the world of the Twin Flames and faithfully following the script word for word, bringing the character to life with his ability to understand the role completely from days of immersion and analysis. Sadly, there would be no say in who made the cut until they began callbacks. It was expected to be a few days of stress and anxiety, but the two actors were confident about their performances and knew that the callbacks were where the real battles truly began. 

Chapter Text

Chapter Two: Symptoms

Three days after the initial auditions for Twin Flames, the callbacks came. Bakugou had been in the middle of some much needed rest and relaxation, visiting the spa he very rarely frequented when he needed a bit of down time to rejuvenate. It felt good to partake in a bit of self-care that wasn’t forced on him. He went when he wanted to, did what he wanted to, and his career didn’t dictate a single moment of it. 

Something had been going on with him lately. Ever since the Todoroki shitfest—especially since meeting him in person at the audition—Bakugou had just felt… unsettled. It began that day with a sudden shiver that washed over him out of nowhere. Nothing like that had ever happened to him before, and while he initially brushed it off as a draft he hadn’t noticed at the time, it had happened again that night, and again the next day.

Bakugou was feeling these strange bouts of shivers, tingles that crawled over his skin and made him quiver and wonder if he was catching a cold. He didn’t feel sick otherwise, though, and went on about his daily activities before taking some time off from everything else just to be massaged and pampered and relax for a while.

Kirishima’s call came when he was lounging back in one of the massage chairs with his face masked in a cleansing mask and his eyes covered in cucumbers. Kirishima was the only person he had as an emergency contact that would ring through as priority, something he didn’t think about when he set his phone to silent. He groaned at the familiar sound of his manager’s ringtone and plucked the cucumbers from his eyes to reach for his phone and answer it on speaker.

“Yo, Bakugou.” Kirishima spoke before Bakugou could even snap at him. “I know you’re having a spa day, but I just got a call from Yamada. They wanna know if you can come in for a partnered audition today.”

“TODAY?!” Bakugou yelled. “Fucking assholes.”

“They said they could schedule it for tomorrow, but I told them you were free as a bird today, you’re welcome.”

“You’re fucking fired, Kirishima.” Bakugou groaned and forced himself up to his feet. So much for some good old rest and relaxation.

“Meet you at the center in an hour.”

As he ended the call, that strange tingling sensation returned, manifesting first in his arms and then billowing out through the rest of his body. Bakugou frowned, rubbing at his arms while another feeling overcame him, like a sense of hopelessness—something else he’d never experienced before. He wondered if he was beginning to have some form of anxiety, but he didn’t understand how or why he would. 

He just had to shake it off and do what he had to do. There was no way he was missing out on his role as the villain in Twin Flames.

Todoroki had been keeping a secret from Yaoyorozu, something he felt guilty about, but didn’t want to cause worry. Something was wrong with him and he was mulling over if he should go to a doctor or not. Ever since he came home from the Twin Flame audition, he’d been feeling random and inconsistent pains in his chest. He was a very healthy man and kept a strict workout routine that he never skipped. His eating habits were decent and he didn’t stay up every night, only occasionally when he was wrapped up in his work. That afternoon, however, he took a shower and prepared for bed to catch up on the sleep he had missed. 

He’d laid down for a mere ten minutes when his chest constricted with a sharp pain that had his brows knitting together. It was so sudden and out of the blue that Todoroki wasn’t sure what to make of it. Then it happened again, and again, and again the following few days. Sometimes it was a light and faint pain while other times he felt like he couldn’t breathe or as if he was being stabbed. Surely he hadn’t fallen ill when there were no other symptoms to speak of. Perhaps he pulled something and hadn’t realized it, the pain flaring up whenever he moved a certain way or pinched whatever it was that was causing it.

Either way, he couldn’t let his condition rob him of a once in a lifetime opportunity. If the chest pains continued through the rest of the week, he decided he would tell his manager and go see a doctor after all, but he wouldn’t let it interfere with the movie. Yaoyorozu called him when he was summoned for a callback, still a little disappointed that she hadn’t had the chance to sit down with him and interrogate him yet. She was a busy woman and was always on the move. That worked in Todoroki’s favor on more than one account and, in this case, he was glad he didn’t have to explain something he couldn’t even rationalize to himself.

His change in behavior around Bakugou was still a mystery and one that would have to wait on the back burner. The callback was going to be a partnered audition and while he had never done one before, he was looking forward to it and couldn’t wait for another chance to play the hero. He arrived at the same building as last time although he was alone. Yaoyorozu had other matters to attend to and Todoroki was perfectly capable of going by himself, welcoming the isolation to sharpen his mind and keep him focused. He signed in at a table in the lobby and was given his room number where he would wait with his selected partner for the director, producer, and script writer to walk in. 

They were traveling room to room and had apparently already started auditions. He made his way to his assigned room, taking an elevator up and finding the room empty and a lot smaller than the large one from before. It was more personal this way and they would be able to see what he was made of up close and personal. To loosen up, Todoroki did a couple stretches and a vocal exercise only to be cut short when his chest clenched with pain again. It was really starting to become a nuisance. 

The door slammed open and he looked over to find Bakugou there, blond hair pushed back by a headband, chin smeared with some green substance, and clothes looking like something one would wear to sleep in. He looked angrier than ever as he stormed in, grumbling under his breath and then slammed the door closed even more forcefully than he’d opened it. Then his eyes landed on Todoroki and visibly softened before narrowing all over again.

“Don’t tell me I’m stuck with you of all fuckers.”

“I did tell you to cross your fingers,” Todoroki responded as he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, offering it to the other actor without so much as a second thought.  

“The hell’s that for?” Bakugou huffed, looking at it as if it was somehow offending him just to exist in the space in front of him.

Seeing how he was ignorant to his own appearance, the taller man crossed the distance between them in two strides, wiping the blond’s chin clean in three quick movements. “There. Good as new.”

Bakugou gaped at him in shock for a long moment before his whole face erupted in a blush so deep it turned his skin as red as his eyes. “What the hell?” He turned sharply and hid his face behind one arm while digging his phone out of his pocket to check himself with his camera. He noticed the headband then and snatched it off, flinging it across the room. He ruffled his hair with a frustrated huff. “You don’t go around just touching people without permission, idiot.”

“But I didn’t, only the handkerchief touched you,” Todoroki pointed out as he folded it back up and then returned it to his pocket.

“You think that makes a fucking difference?” Bakugou mumbled, crossing his arms over his chest. “I don’t want you touching me.”

Todoroki scratched his wrist and forearm, the area suddenly itchy. “You’ll have to get used to it if we get casted as the hero and villain. All joking aside, they paired us together for a reason.” There was no way it was random, it couldn’t have been when it felt so much like a set up.

“Why the hell are you so scratchy?” Bakugou asked in an accusatory tone. “You’re not allergic to anything are you?”

“Not that I’m aware,” he said and for a moment wondered if it was possible to have chest pains from an allergic reaction. Maybe that’s what was wrong with him.

“Well, are you breaking out?” the blond demanded, reaching over and grabbing his hand, pushing up his sleeve to get a look. There was something strange there, but it was fading already, enough so that it was impossible to tell what it was. Though it didn’t appear to be a rash. Bakugou stroked his fingers over his arm thoughtfully. “You didn’t touch that face cream enough for it to do anything…”

“Face cream? And here I thought you had been battling slime monsters,” Todoroki mused, referencing chapter three of Twin Flames when the villain had to face off against the jelly-like beasts.

“Stupid Half n’ Half, no you idiot. It was from a face mask. I wasn’t prepared when they called me.”

“Battling slime monsters still sounds cooler.” 

Bakugou hadn't let go of his arm and was still brushing over pale skin with his thumb, Todoroki weirdly enough staying put and even enjoying his soft touch. He wasn’t able to dwell on the strange occurrence for long when he unconsciously sniffed the air, barefly catching a whiff of something before he felt a stabbing pain and tensed up for a split second, doing his best to hide it and gritting his teeth. 

“What’s the matter?” Bakugou asked worriedly, moving one arm around Todoroki and guiding him over to the couch to sit down. “Are you alright? So help me if you pass out or some shit I’m gonna kick your ass.”

“I’m alright, merely a cramp in my stomach,” he lied. “I’m probably just hungry.”

As the words left Todoroki’s mouth, Bakugou’s left arm began itching irritatingly and he pulled back to rub over it and look down. “You fucking passed whatever that shit is to me!” But that wasn’t the case. As hard as it was to believe, there were words, clear as day, appearing on his skin. 

It hurts. I’m having chest pains. 

“What the FUCK?!” Bakugou panicked, rubbing frantically over the words until they began to fade, but his chest was the one hurting because his heart was beating wildly.

Now it was Todoroki’s turn to be worried and he got to his feet, frowning as he asked, “What’s wrong?”

Bakugou thought he was on the verge of losing his mind and wasn’t about to admit it. “Nothing! Just you making me itch.”

It was obviously something more than that, but his attention was pulled when his right arm started itching again. He looked down in confusion and mild irritation when he saw words written in red on his skin.

Words on my arm, I’m going insane.

“What on Earth…” Todoroki trailed in awe and very heavy concern.

“What?” Bakugou questioned and then began sniffing around. “The hell is that… scent?”

Too many impossible and unexplainable things were happening and Todoroki was finally beginning to piece things together. “Scent?” he repeated, half listening to the blond as his mind raced. 

Bakugou breathed in deeply, eyes closed as he focused on the scent that was becoming increasingly noticeable to him. “Something minty… and smoky too. Smells like outside but… clean and… alpha?” 

Todoroki’s head snapped in his direction, thoughts going completely silent before he backed the other actor up against a wall, nails scratching at the paint as his hands rested on either side of the shorter man. “What did you just call me?”

Everything happened so quickly, Bakugou hadn’t a chance of reacting until Todoroki was already caging him in. The scent was suddenly overpowering, dizzying, making him breathe heavier and shorter at once. “I didn’t,” he said, having not meant it like that at all, but Todoroki was quite clearly all alpha, and the omega within Bakugou was longing for him for some reason.

“You most certainly did.” Without so much as a warning, Todoroki had lost control of himself and felt on edge, jaw aching as his gaze drifted down to Bakugou’s neck. 

He was unsettled by his own actions and pushed away from the wall, grunting at the effort and chest pain that ripped through him afterwards. Whatever was going on, whatever was wrong with him was somehow connected to the blond. Todoroki clutched at his chest while he panted and tried to get a hold of himself. 

“Todoroki?” Bakugou began, voice softer than he’d ever heard it. He was hesitant for all of two seconds, and then he bound over and wrapped an arm around the alpha. “Do you need me to call someone?”

All at once, he was hit with a sweet, caramel scent that slowly caressed his body and screamed omega. It wasn’t easy to process, shocking him still while he balled his hands into fists, struggling to process everything. People knew his secondary gender, Todoroki never kept it private but still wore scent blockers to prevent others from smelling him. Bakugou shouldn’t have been able to describe his scent so accurately and he should have been wearing scent blockers as well, protecting his secondary gender from those that he didn’t wish to know it, but Todoroki could smell nothing but omega .

He was drowning in caramel and quickly losing what control he had regained. “I… I’m a bit out of sorts. I need a moment to… you shouldn’t get so close to me right now…”

“You think I’m scared of your ass?” Bakugou wasn’t scared of anyone or anything, especially not some pretty-faced alpha. He pushed him back to the couch and forced him to sit down. “You just need to breathe and calm down.”

Breathing was the problem, but Todoroki didn’t have much of a choice and suppressed the growl that wanted to leave his throat. He held his head in his hands and told himself to knock it off, it wasn’t like him to be taken over by instinct. Stop it, stop it, stop it.

Instincts weren’t always a bad thing though. While Bakugou was at a loss, the omega within him was what helped him expand his scent with soothing pheromones and though he was normally one to keep his distance, he sat next to Todoroki and leaned into him, determined to comfort him as if it was his duty to do so. Todoroki was smelling so strong but so good, and Bakugou couldn’t even be mad about it. There was something going on, and he couldn’t stop it.

Somehow, it wasn’t as bad to breathe the blond in anymore and he could feel himself settling down. Bakugou nuzzled him and Todoroki found himself opening his arms, welcoming him into his embrace as he nuzzled him back.

Without realizing it, Bakugou had begun humming contentedly, basking in the alpha’s warmth and scent as it became more soothing. “Stupid alpha bastard. The hell’s wrong with you?”

“I wish I knew,” Todoroki answered honestly, unsure what it was about the fellow actor that made him react as he had. Then there was the writing on his arm… “I’m sorry for my behavior.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Bakugou scoffed and pulled himself away in a fluster. “You tell anyone about any of this and you’re dead.”

“My lips are sealed,” he said and was disappointed at the distance between them, wanting to hold him for a while longer. He really was losing his mind.

They barely had time to calm down before the producer and director came in, then Aizawa dragging behind them as if he’d rather be anywhere else in the world. Todoroki and Bakugou both stood up to prepare themselves, and just as they had days prior, Todoroki acted the part of the hero while Bakugou acted as the villain. They were given three different scenes to enact, and thought all was going well until Aizawa dared to chime in.

“Reverse the roles,” he said simply, having Yamada and Kayama both turn their heads to him curiously.

“The hell d’you mean reverse the roles?” Bakugou was instantly agitated.

“You be the hero, Todoroki the villain, and try again.”

Todoroki wasn’t sure where this was going, but suspected that they wanted to see if the actors understood both of the roles and not just the ones they were auditioning for. Despite thinking that the villain character didn’t suit him at all, he was prepared to show that he knew the story from both perspectives, fully capable of switching things up for the demonstration. 

“Ohh,” Kayama’s interest had been piqued and she crossed her legs, turning her attention back to the two actors. “Let’s give it a try, scene two.”

Bakugou didn’t want to be the hero. The villain was his true calling, at least that’s how he felt. But when the two of them faced one another again and got into character, something akin to destiny unfurled then and there.

“No matter how hard I tried to hold onto you, you pulled away from me,” Bakugou uttered the words as if they resonated with his own soul. His face twisted as if he was agonizing over the situation before him and his crimson eyes remained locked on Todoroki’s mismatched ones to convey the feeling. He reached up and ran a hand through his hair, huffing out a shaky breath. “You keep pulling away from me, as if I’d give up on you. But I won’t. You fucking hear me?!”

“When will you understand that I’m not someone for you to save?” Todoroki asked him, expression closed off and distant, but the coldness didn’t meet his eyes because deep down the villain had always wanted the hero to save him. “I don’t want to be saved and I’ll keep pulling away until I’m out of your grasp. You can’t change my mind… so let’s end this here before I’m forced to make you.”

“You really think you could, huh?” Bakugou shook his head, laughing lowly, the sound anything but amused. Though he was merely acting, it felt real, he pulled off the laugh as if it was genuine, laden with hurt and almost maniacal in a sense. The hero had been trying to save his fated one for so long, and was suffering immensely every moment that he couldn’t do so. “No matter what you say or what you do, your place is with me, and I’m never letting you go.”

The judges were on the edge of their seats, completely engrossed in the scene playing out before them.

Todoroki scowled and grabbed the blond by the front of his shirt, fighting with everything he had to deny the truth of his words. “You forget that whatever fondness I once had for you is gone. It won’t protect you anymore nor hold me back. If you continue to chase after me then I’ll end you with my own hands, I’ll prove to you that the man you once knew is dead!”

“Fucking do it then,” Bakugou hissed, fists clenching and chest beginning to heave as he pulled in deeper, more hastened breaths. The way he trembled didn’t come off as an act, and both of them were getting lost in their roles. “Nobody knows you like I do. Nobody else will ever fucking know you like I do. You’re not dead. You’re right here, and that means… that means I still have a chance.”

Now it was Todoroki’s turn to laugh, the sound full of tiredness and pain. “That iron will of yours is what broke me in the first place… but never again.” Tightening his grip on Bakugou’s shirt and pulling him closer, the two actors were nose to nose. “You and your so-called chance can go straight to hell.”  

“I think that’s more than enough,” Aizawa chimed in when it seemed the director and producer were just going to let it continue. 

“It was just getting good!” Kayama whined. “I felt the passion, the angst, the sexual tension! Mm. Mmm.”

“Can’t lie there, it was way better than I thought it would be. Good eye, Aizawa.”

Bakugou pushed Todoroki away from him, face burning red. “What the hell’s your problem? I auditioned for the villain for a reason.”

“For the wrong ones,” Kayama smirked. “You just ate up that scene as the hero and I’m here for it. I never wanted it to end.”

“Wait a moment,” Todoroki chimed in and had to agree with the blond. “Aren’t you looking for what comes across naturally? The way we delivered the roles were completely different from each other.”

“Did you really not notice how effortlessly and how beautiful this scene just played out with you two? Luckily, the auditions are recorded. We can get copies sent over to your agents for you to view later. I think we have enough for now.”

The dismissal irked Bakugou even more than the switch in role but he bit his tongue since he did want to see the clip. He said nothing more and just left the room as angrily as he’d entered it, only this time, Todoroki was hot on his heels.

“The hell are you following me for, Half n’ Half?” He stopped and turned to level the taller man with a glare.

Todoroki’s body had moved on its own when he started following the blond, he didn’t have a reason for it. “I have to go this way to leave,” he said to hide the embarrassing puppy-like behavior. Everything was going wrong today.

He’d wanted to persuade them to change the roles back to what they originally were, but he couldn’t when he was nothing but a rookie that didn’t understand their professional opinions. Arguing any further would have made him look like a child and he did in fact want to see the recording. With their expertise and skill, perhaps they picked up on things he was too green to, but that logic didn’t help ease his slight bitterness.

“Whatever,” Bakugou huffed, walking a bit faster towards the elevators. Soon, the two of them were inside of one together and slowly making their way down to the ground floor. “Not that I fucking care or some shit, but if you’ve got an issue, you need to get it taken care of. Looks like they’re set on what they want and I’m not gonna work with some stupid alpha who can’t focus. Like hell you’ll drag me down.”

Realizing he was talking about his chest pain, Todoroki put his hands in his pockets and stared at the elevator buttons. He needed to make that doctor’s appointment. “I won’t let it interfere with work, you have my word.”

Bakugou’s face scrunched up as he scowled at the alpha, muttering, “Fucking idiot. Stupid.” He sighed to try and calm himself before asking, “Where are you going after this? Not that I care.”

“I haven’t decided yet,” Todoroki answered honestly and felt his ears burn when his stomach growled rather obnoxiously. 

“You fucking starving yourself, damn.” Bakugou rolled his eyes. “That’s probably what’s wrong with your ass.”

His chest problems definitely weren’t caused by hunger, but the suggestion was humorous and made a low and quiet chuckle escape his lips. “Maybe.”

“Pisses me off. You’re one of those fuckers who just doesn’t take care of himself, right? Don’t you know how important proper meals and sleep are?” Bakugou clicked his tongue and huffed, “You’re not my fucking responsibility but I will feed you.”

Both the lecture and the offer came as a surprise, making Todoroki lift his gaze and look at the blond curiously. “You would do that?”

“What kind of asshole do you think I am?” The elevator came to a stop and Bakugou stomped out with yet another scowl. “If you don’t want it just fucking say so.”

For someone that seemed ready to punch his lights out at the drop of a hat, Bakugou was actually thoughtful. Todoroki continued to follow him and decided to accept the offer. “I’ll take it.”

“Damn right you’ll take it.” Though his lips were poked out and he looked as if he was both pouting and pissed off, Bakugou led Todoroki out of the building. “You can follow me to my place.”

That changed the situation entirely and Todoroki didn’t think it was a good idea, but just the thought of rejecting Bakugou made his chest flare up again and his brows furrowed as he took in a shaky breath. “Alright… I’ll drive along behind you.”

“Exactly.” 

The ride to Bakugou’s condo was less than half an hour and would’ve been much faster had traffic not factored in. He lived in the heart of the city in a penthouse that he owned. Actually, he owned the entire building, but there were other tenants, including friends of his and even his manager. There was a private garage and security, though the paparazzi often lingered just outside of the building anyway—always eager to get even a little information to make a story out of it.

It was a place that had been Bakugou’s home for five long years and he felt safe and content there. He was also glad to have his friends there, even if most of the time he told them to leave him the hell alone. The building came with a parking garage, which they drove through to the fourth floor where all of Bakugou’s cars were. He only had four, but he was very attached to each of them. 

Todoroki parked right next to him and they both got out of their cars. Bakugou looked him over suspiciously before turning and leading the way through the garage to the elevator. “Do you always have a stick up your ass?”

“Excuse me?” he asked with raised brows. It wasn’t the first time he’d ever been called uptight, but it came out of nowhere and was a trait he thought he’d left in the past. Wasn’t he more relaxed now that he was living for himself?

“Can’t you just fucking… slouch a bit or something. You’re irritating as hell.” He pressed the call button for the elevator and propped a hand on his hip while he waited for it to arrive. “You smell like you’re fucking scared or something. Don’t you wear scent blockers? Damn.”

“I’m not scared,” Todoroki told him, but figured he might as well come clean. “I’m concerned. Before the audition, I was a bit aggressive towards you and lost my composure. My scent blockers must have worn off… and so did yours.”

“What the fuck do you mean so did mine? No the hell they didn’t.” Bakugou stepped into the elevator when the door slid open and sniffed at himself but all he could smell was stupid alpha. “Your scent blockers are shit, and do you think I’m worried about your scrawny ass? Yeah right.”

“I’m not nearly as scrawny as I appear,” Todoroki said after he entered the elevator as well. “And while you’re not an easy person to gain the upper hand on, that doesn’t make me any less of a threat.”

“Why?” Bakugou turned to stare at him. “Because you’re a big bad alpha and you figured out I’m not? I’ll still kick your fucking ass.”

“Because even if I wasn’t an alpha and you were, the situation would remain the same.”

Regardless of who or what people were, the one with the most strength physically and mentally would be the victor. They were both cunning. They were both strong. However, if Todoroki had to say who he thought would overpower the other, he would choose himself. Bakugou seemed pretty undefeatable, but he’d never had Todoroki as an opponent before. 

“You got that right. Either fucking way, I’d kick your ass.” 

Arguing with him was pointless, he would have to learn for himself firsthand, but Todoroki hoped it didn’t come to that. He would just have to keep a short leash on himself and not let his alpha take over.

They rode up to the top floor and the elevator opened directly to Bakugou’s home. The entryway itself was spotless and neat, having a coat rack and shoe rack. Bakugou toed his shoes off there and neatly placed them on the rack with the others before stepping into a pair of bedroom shoes.

“Wait here and take your disgusting shoes off.”

While Todoroki did as he was told, Bakugou disappeared inside of his home, finding a spare and new pair of bedroom shoes which he brought out for his guest. He knelt down and placed the shoes on the floor for Todoroki’s convenience, then straightened and turned away from him.

“Come on in.”

Already, the other man was assaulted with the blond’s scent, the entire place coated with it and offering no escape. Todoroki felt a little light headed and hated how easily the sweet smell of caramel could make him weak. 

“So, what are you hungry for?” Bakugou asked as Todoroki followed behind him.

“Cold soba,” he responded on impulse while he tried to contain himself. He was better than this, he wouldn’t lose control a second time, not after he was welcomed into the other actor’s home.

“Soba, really?” He sounded surprised to hear it. “I haven’t made any in so long, I’ll have to make sure I have the ingredients.”

Todoroki caught up with what he had said, blurting out his favorite without realizing it and quickly backtracked. “Whatever you have will be just fine, I don’t want to be a bother.”

Bakugou scoffed at him and took the single step up on his way into his open kitchen. “Don’t worry, I’m sure I have what I need to make it.” He had a large kitchen and cooked more often than not, so it was well stocked. “You can take a seat wherever,” he said as he walked to the sink and turned on the water to wash his hands.

Making himself comfortable, Todoroki took a seat at the kitchen table and looked around with interest. Now that he had managed to deal with the omega’s scent properly, he was able to observe the home and see more of Bakugou’s personality. The kitchen was very clean and well kept, everything having its place and appearing as if it was used frequently. There were all kinds of mixers and blenders and other things that he had no idea what they were used for. It seemed the blond liked new and shiny cooking gadgets, but he remained loyal to some old fashioned things as well. Black and orange accents brought color into the white and stainless area and Bakugou moved around as if this was where he thrived the most.

“Your kitchen makes mine look as if I’m playing house in comparison,” Todoroki admitted.

“It’s my favorite room, so you bet your ass it’s gonna be amazing.” He opened his pantry and grabbed his apron, putting it on as he walked back to the counter to look at his guest. “You should get a better kitchen. Maybe then you wouldn’t be starving.”

Todoroki wasn’t prepared for the domestic sight of Bakugou in an apron and averted his gaze for a moment. “If that’s what you suggest, I might have to try it.”

“Do you cook at all?” he wondered aloud as he tied the apron behind his back and then turned to go back to his pantry.

“I do, but the things I make are very simple and I’m afraid the person who taught me how isn’t very good at it.”

“That’s fucking stupid. Cooking is the best thing you can do, and everyone should be able to do this basic thing.” He gathered what he needed and first prepared to boil his noodles. “But I guess it’s one of those things that’s just not for everyone.”

It certainly wasn’t for Yaoyorozu, but he was still thankful that she took the time to teach him. “My sister is an amazing cook,” Todoroki recalled, although he hadn’t eaten her food in a long time. “I regret never asking her to take me under her wing… but I doubt our father would have allowed it anyway.”

Bakugou had heard talk of the notorious Todoroki Enji, a man feared by many who trusted very few. Todoroki was only one of his four children, and while two of them didn’t have anything to do with the family business, his eldest brother Touya was well on his way to taking over the company. There had been mentions of a scandal before—rumors that Enji preferred his youngest son over his eldest and wished to pass everything on to him, but then Todoroki refused and decided to follow his own path. Of course, that was only after he’d been devastatingly broken up with by his fiancée at the time, who was currently his manager. It was a weird situation that Bakugou couldn’t quite wrap his head around.

“He’s an ass,” Bakugou decided while he turned the stove on and then went back to the counter to look at him once more. “You’ve got hella money though, right? Why don’t you just pay someone to do your cooking instead of going hungry?”

It was a fair question, things would have been easier on him if he had done that, but Todoroki didn’t want the easy way out. “I depended on my family longer than I should have and was always supplied with someone to do things for me. For years now, I’ve been independent and supporting myself, but hiring people for basic skills I should have would make me feel like I did back then,” he explained and was surprised by how easily he opened up and talked to the other man. “I don’t mind ordering out or preparing the things I do know how to make for myself.”

“Ordering out sounds like you’re eating fucking garbage,” Bakugou snapped, scowling at him on his way to the large refrigerator. “And here I would’ve thought the bastard that beat me for number one in The Chart had it all together.”

“You’re never going to let that go, are you?” Todoroki asked with a small smile.

“Shut the hell up, there’s not a chance in hell you’ll beat me in next week’s release.” He opened the freezer as he ranted and pulled out the ice container. “You’d better be happy at number two.”

“Are you?” The taller man couldn’t help but tease.

Bakugou almost dropped the ice he was carrying to the sink, but managed to get it in there with a clatter before rounding on the alpha viciously. “As fucking if I’d settle for number two!”

“I wish you luck.” It didn’t really matter to Todoroki if he was on The Chart at all, but he couldn’t deny how fun it was to see the blond get so worked up over it. 

“YOU THINK I NEED LUCK?! BASTARD?!” Bakugou growled as he started snatching and roughly moving everything around he was working with. “You’re so fucking full of it.”

Todoroki watched him in amusement and was given a personal demonstration of how the kitchen was not only stylish and functional, but sturdy as well. 

Even being pissed off, Bakugou prepared the ice soak for the noodles that had yet to boil and then returned to the counter once more to prepare the dipping sauce, glaring at Todoroki all the while. “Pisses me off even more that you’re being a cheeky little shit right now.”

“I would never.”

“You—” Bakugou cut himself off, crimson eyes narrowing. “You’re the worst.”

“You think so?” Todoroki mused.

“I know so!” 

For as angry as Bakugou seemed, his scent was light and calm, and he was attentive to the task set before him. He was determined to make a proper meal for Todoroki and then send him on his way knowing he was alright. Until then, he’d be keeping an eye on him personally.

Chapter Text

Chapter Three: Soulmates

Bakugou was full of surprises. Todoroki never thought he would be invited to his home or prepared a meal made by his own hands. He ate every bite of the cold soba, beyond satisfied by the delicious taste. The blond was truly a talented cook. They had eaten together at the table and after thanking him for the wonderful food, Todoroki insisted on doing the dishes and wouldn’t take no for an answer. He was currently at the sink washing them with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, crimson eyes watching him from the table. 

“Can I ask you something?” Todoroki said after a few moments of silence.

“No.”

The answer made the taller man shake his head and he asked anyway. “You know how directors, producers, and script writers think. You’ve had lots of experience and know how to play a role to its fullest.” He was one of the actors Todoroki watched when doing his research, seeing for himself how capable and successful an actor the blond was. “Why do you think they switched our roles?”

Bakugou grunted and crossed his arms over the table, raising his right hand to prop his cheek in. “It goes against the norm and gave depth to the characters in a different way. Keep the villain with a dangerous spark but have him empathetic. Your eyes are softer than mine. As for the hero, me taking the role makes him edgier. It honestly fits the characters as the original author intended… but I didn’t wanna fucking admit it because I want to be the fucking villain.”

Todoroki sighed as he took in his words and wished that they didn’t make complete sense. “I suppose I’m just being stubborn about this. However, being portrayed as the bad guy isn’t something I want.” It hit way too close to home. “I’d rather not be seen as dangerous either.”

“You fucking idiot,” Bakugou grumbled. “Just because he’s labeled as the villain doesn’t mean he’s a bad guy… he’s the coolest character in my opinion and if he was so bad, the hero would never save him in the end.”

“He sounds like you,” Todoroki told him. “Not me. I’d be more comfortable if it was the other way around, but I have no other choice but to accept what they decide. Maybe I’ll be able to come to terms with it better after seeing our audition.”

Before he could respond, Bakugou’s phone rang with Kirishima’s ringtone blaring loud and clear. “Stupid Shitty Hair, better answer it though.” He answered the call, speaking for only a moment before ending it. “Well, you’re in luck. I’ve got an email. We can watch when you get finished.”

“That was fast,” he noted, but knew the sooner he got over this the better. If he was going to be the villain, then he needed to start preparing.

“Kirishima knows I’d have his ass otherwise,” Bakugou huffed. “They have interns for shit like that, doesn’t take long to send an email when you ask for it. Depending on who you are I guess.” He shrugged his shoulders and got up from his seat to stretch. “Can you not sulk about it?”

“Who’s sulking?” Todoroki said before cutting off the water and drying his hands.

“You are. I can fucking smell it. You reek.”

He shouldn’t have been able to smell him in the first place, but it reminded him that he wanted to discuss something else as well. “About that… before we watch the audition, I want to talk about what happened. We can smell each other but we’re both wearing blockers?”

“You said yours quit working,” Bakugou pointed out. “And mine’s working just fine, it’s all in your head.”

There was no logical reason for them to have stopped working, Todoroki didn’t understand, and he couldn’t smell his own scent, proving that they were still in effect. He thought they had worn off earlier, but that was his way of denying the impossible. “If yours were working then how did I find out you’re not an alpha?”

“You’re really going there right now? Seriously?” Bakugou was pissed off all over again, but he knew he couldn’t avoid the facts. “Fuck. I don’t know what happened or why you can smell me… unless they’re not working good enough anymore and I’m nearing… that time.”

Todoroki’s ears burned and he cleared his throat. “It doesn’t matter what you are, the problem is something is going on between us. I’ve never reacted to anyone’s scent like I did to yours and I could have sworn that… for a moment, I saw… there was writing on my arm.”

Crimson eyes widening, Bakugou laid his right hand over his own left arm, remembering that it had happened to him, too. “W-what kind of writing?”

“Red letters… they appeared after you spoke, and my right arm started to itch…” Todoroki wondered just how many things were connecting here and if the blond was experiencing the same things aside from just the break in scent blockers. “Bakugou… have you been having chest pains recently? Starting from around the time the first auditions were held?”

“Chest pains?” he repeated distractedly. “No… no chest pains, but there was this odd… tingling sensation.” Bakugou glanced over at Todoroki, trying to piece together the puzzle between them but it wasn’t a simple one. “What do you think it is?”

“I’m not sure. We’ve been together for a while now and the itching hasn’t returned,” he said and raised his right arm to examine it. “I haven’t seen the lettering either, but then again I wasn’t paying close attention and my arm’s been covered.”

“I’ve never heard of a condition like this before.” He rubbed his arm anxiously. “Except for… no.” He laughed suddenly and dropped his arms. “That’s for damn sure not the reason.”

“What? Did you think of something?”

Bakugou snorted. “Fuck no.”

Todoroki’s eyes went wide and once again he saw crimson writing on his skin. “Look!” There wasn’t any itching this time, but the writing was there, clear as day.

Yes

Bakugou’s eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets, and he started panicking. “No. No. Hell no. You can’t be for real.”

It sounded like he knew exactly what was happening. “If you know what’s going on then explain it to me.”

His brows furrowed and he averted his eyes, not wanting to even accept it as a possibility. “First… let me just… ask you something. But I want you to lie.”

“You want to test it,” Todoroki figured out even though he didn’t have all of the information the blond did. “Very well.”

“Is the sky blue?”

“No.”

And there was his answer. The tingle was gone and there was no itch, but on Bakugou’s arm in blue writing appeared a very clear: yes. 

“Holy fucking shit.”

“A lie detector…” Todoroki couldn’t believe it. Not only was one of the most absurd things in his life happening to him, but it didn’t make a shred of sense. Why would they both be able to tell when the other is lying? For what reason and how had the connection happened in the first place?

Even if Bakugou hated the idea and damn near went out of his way to pretend it didn’t exist, he was no fool. He wasn’t so sure that was the case when it came to Todoroki. “You haven’t heard of that stupid soulmate bullshit? We can’t fucking lie to each other!”

“Soul—” The taller man broke off as his mind started racing and his heart began to pound. He had heard of soulmates before, two people destined to be with one another, but that was all he knew. If soulmates weren’t able to lie to each other then the blond was saying that they were… 

“Fucking soulmates.” Bakugou palmed at his face in frustration. “How the hell could this happen? I’m gonna kick Deku’s ass for this, stupid nerd.”

Todoroki went around the counter and came to stand in front of the shorter man. He stared down at him intently, trying to process what he had just been told, realizing that everything that he’d experienced since meeting the blond in person was all falling into place.

“The fuck are you staring at?”

“You.”

Bakugou’s jaw tensed, and his eyes remained locked on Todoroki’s despite the strong urge his omega had to avert them in submission for the first time in his life. “Well fucking stop.”

He was probably making him uncomfortable, but Todoroki wanted to look at him properly even if his feelings were all over the place, to see him for everything that he was. “Not yet.”

“Oi, you won’t have an eyeball to see with if you keep it up, Half n’ Half,” he threatened. “Not like anything’s gonna change with you fucking staring endlessly.”

“I’ll take my chances,” Todoroki said and put his hands in his pockets, leaving himself wide open.

“The hell—fuck you.” Bakugou turned his back then and started on his way to the living room, unwilling to be ogled a second more.

Todoroki trailed behind him, following him like a puppy for the second time that day. Then he joined Bakugou on the couch while the blond grabbed his laptop and opened it, scooting closer to Todoroki so they could both see easily.

“Is this the first time you’ve watched one of your audition clips?” he asked while pulling up his email.

“Yes,” Todoroki said with a nod. “I’ve recorded myself before and watched it for self-reflection, but that was when I was in acting classes. I’m sure this will be very different.”

“You took acting classes?” Bakugou looked at him, dropping his task for the moment.

“Of course. I might have been comfortable being in front of a camera, but I had no idea what I was doing when it came to acting. Instead of winging it, I wanted to learn everything I could and pursue it seriously, so I signed myself up for classes and watched countless movies.”

“And debuted with a fucking hit that had everybody thirsting for you.” He rolled his eyes and turned back to the laptop, opening the email from Kirishima with the recording attached.

It was funny that it made him upset given his career had started off in a similar manner. “If memory serves, your first film was a hit as well.”

“Hah, damn right it was. You think I’d settle for anything less?” He made sure the volume was up and then pressed play on the recording.

The video started with the original set up, Bakugou as the villain and Todoroki as the hero. Then it switched to the role reversals and the difference was astounding. 

“I’ll admit it,” Todoroki sighed in defeat and acceptance. “They were right.”

“Yeah,” Bakugou agreed. “There’s no denying it.”

Now he had to start from square one and envision himself as the villain, changing his mindset entirely. “I’ve got a lot of work to do. It was better, but my performance was still lacking.”

“It was only the audition, besides… there’s always room for growth.” Bakugou closed his laptop and sighed. “You seem like you’re way too hard on yourself.”

“I do?” Todoroki asked, pausing to consider it. “Perhaps, but I want to strive for more and reach my full potential. I’m still a rookie, after all, one film hardly counts as experience compared to all the great actors and actresses out there.”

“You’re not wrong about that,” Bakugou admitted. “But they don’t pair the greats with just anyone… and I’m one of the greats.”

His words made him hopeful, and he wanted to take advantage of the opportunity. “Does that mean you’ll give me pointers?” 

“Well, I’m not about to let you drag me down.” Bakugou smirked. “You’ll do fine… or else.”

“Thanks. I’ll be counting on you.” Todoroki glanced at the time and then got to his feet. “I should get going now, don’t want to overstay my welcome,” he said, but just as he finished his sentence, his chest pain came back with a vengeance, much worse than before—even knocking the wind out of him. 

“Oi, Todoroki,” Bakugou gripped his shoulder as he stood as well, shuddering as he felt the tingles return. “The hell? Is it… your chest?”

He grunted in confirmation, hand coming up to press against it as if that would somehow relieve the pain. “I… I’ll be fine. It just caught me off guard.”

“Stay.”

Todoroki wasn’t sure he heard him correctly and looked over at him, asking, “What?”

“Isaidstay,” he grumbled. “Can’t you fucking hear?”

“You’d really be alright with that?” He didn’t know if that was the wisest decision to make, but it did make sense. If they were together then they would have a better chance of understanding their soulmate symptoms. He already suspected that being apart was causing his flare ups.

“Do you have to question everything? Damn.” Bakugou gritted his teeth and sighed. “It’s not like I want it… it’s just… I think we should, just until this shit settles or whatever.”

“Okay.” He was a little worried of how things would transpire, but he preferred this treatment over going to the doctor. “Will you come with me to my place so I can pick up a few things?”

“Your place?” Bakugou stiffened. “Okay… but we’re coming back here to stay.”

Todoroki had no intention of making him stay at his place and assured the blond that they would be returning. They took his car to his apartment, and he told Bakugou that he didn’t have to go inside, he was already close enough that there probably wouldn’t be any complications, but he refused and went in anyway. Todoroki lived on the fifth floor and his space consisted of one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen and living room, and one study.  

The instant Bakugou stepped inside his home, he leaned against the wall and pinched his nose. “Holy hell, Half n’ Half. You shouldn’t smell this strong…”

It had been the same for Todoroki when he first entered the actor’s penthouse. “We won’t be here long, I’ll make it quick,” he promised and walked down the hall to his bedroom. 

Bakugou followed behind him, overwhelmed by the alpha’s scent all around him. It made him hot and dizzy but he loved it at the same time. 

“Hot as hell in here,” Bakugou complained as he stepped into Todoroki’s room behind him.

“My scent is the strongest in here, you might be better off waiting in the hall.”

“Don’t tell me what to do, bastard,” he hissed, even with his knees turning wobbly, he wasn’t waiting in the hall.

Rather than dragging things out by arguing with him, Todoroki let him do as he pleased and went to his closest to retrieve a duffle bag to pack some clothes in. Bakugou had never in his life been so taken with an alpha’s scent. Never been pulled in by one at all, but to this extent was baffling. It left him dazed and wanting more. The room was clean, a traditional Japanese style room. The bed looked inviting and smelled of Todoroki more than anything else, and as irritating as it was, the blond couldn’t look away from it.

The taller man packed two sets of clothes before going into the bathroom and grabbing a few things. Spending the night at an omega’s house was improper, but he had a good hold of himself and trusted that Bakugou would snap him out of it if something happened. It was crazy to believe that they were soulmates of all things. Todoroki hadn’t thought of having a mate in a long time, but he had felt comfortable with the blond from the start. Acting cocky in front of him, teasing him and egging him on, he was behaving as if they were longtime friends.

He wasn’t afraid of Bakugou’s explosive and violent personality, he didn’t back down from his threats or take most of what he said personally, somehow getting along with him in such a short matter of time. Todoroki didn’t know what the other man thought about their situation or if he wanted anything out of it, but he was looking at things with an open mind. They might not have been able to choose whether or not they were soulmates, but they could choose whether or not to fall in love. 

Bakugou was still staring at the bed and had made his way over to it, just about to grab one of the pillows when Todoroki returned to the bedroom and he quickly dropped his hands and stepped away from the bed. 

“This is the last of it,” Todoroki said, pretending he hadn’t seen anything and putting the last few items in his bag, but his alpha felt a sense of pride knowing the blond was tempted. 

“Then let’s fucking go, it’s stuffy in here.” Bakugou brushed past him, leading the way out.

Back at Bakugou’s place, the blond showed Todoroki to his spare bathroom and while Todoroki showered, Bakugou began preparing dinner. He had his apron back on and was working on the finishing touches of spicy curry when Todoroki came back out. His natural scent was still so strong, but Bakugou’s eyes kept gravitating towards him, the soft-looking pants and tight shirt was making him want to be closer to Todoroki just as much as the scent he was letting off.

“That smells delicious, what are you making?”

“Curry,” Bakugou said, forcing his eyes from Todoroki to the stove. “It’s a bit spicy… I love spicy foods. Hope that’s okay with you.”

“Yeah, it’s perfectly okay,” he assured a second before his phone started ringing. Seeing that it was his manager, he answered right away. Yaoyorozu told him about the audition video, not knowing he had already watched it with Bakugou, and said she sent it to him. He thanked her and hung up the moment she started gushing about their chemistry on camera. “Sorry about that.”

“Your manager?” Bakugou asked before muttering, “I mean, your ex.” 

“The one and the same,” Todoroki said and then added, “Is it really that odd to still be on such good terms with her? There wasn’t much between us despite what the papers said.”

Bakugou honestly didn’t know what to think about it, but he couldn’t say that their current relationship was wrong. “It is weird but whatever. If you’re fucking or something though tell me instead of acting like a nonchalant ass.”

“I’m not, never did in fact. I only met her a handful of times before she broke things off and it was the best thing that could have happened for both of us,” Todoroki told him as remembered how shocked their parents had been. “We only became good friends after our engagement ended.”

“Sounds sickening,” Bakugou hummed while checking the curry. “This is done. I’m fucking starving.” 

Wanting to make himself useful, Todoroki started setting the table while the blond made their bowls. Soon, they settled at the table together and ate in silence. It wasn’t uncomfortable, in fact, they both were more at ease than they ever were with other people. Todoroki kindly praised Bakugou for another delicious meal and once again took over cleaning after they ate. 

Bakugou didn’t mind it, letting the alpha do as he pleased while going to take his own bath. It was early by most standards, but Bakugou had a strict nighttime routine that he never broke. He soaked for a while and cleaned himself thoroughly, then dressed in a pair of his favorite gray joggers and a black tank top to sleep in.

Todoroki was just wiping down the counter, having just finished the dishes by the time he returned. He had a towel around his shoulders, still drying his hair as he approached the other man. 

“Ready for bed?”

“I’ll probably stay up and read for a bit,” Todoroki answered. “I won’t disturb you and keep quiet, go on ahead.”

“The hell did I say about getting some sleep, Half n’ Half?” Bakugou scowled. “It’s late. Time for sleep, not reading.”

“It’s eight o’clock.”

“Like I said, late.” 

He was ridiculous, making Todoroki chuckle. “Alright, fine. You win.”

“And I always will. Don’t fucking forget it.” He turned on his heel. “Come.”

Ever the faithful puppy it seemed, the taller man followed behind him, but he stopped dead in his tracks at the blond’s bedroom. “You’re not serious,” he deadpanned, having assumed he was being taken to a guest room.

“Hah? You got a problem?”

“You’ll have a problem if I set one foot in there.” If he didn’t have a guest room then he would be just fine sleeping in the living room. “I’ll take the couch.”

“You don’t want to sleep with me?” Bakugou asked, taking complete offense to the rejection. That annoying tingling was working up his spine again and it made him even angrier.

Todoroki shook his head. “It’s not about wanting to, it’s… not proper. Besides that, I’m not sure what would happen. We should be cautious.” He was glad that he’d been able to handle Bakugou’s scent around the house, but inside his bedroom was another matter, it would be so much more potent inside.

“Tch. Whatever. Take a spare room!” Bakugou opened his door and slammed it closed right after stepping in, frowning to himself once he was alone. What had he been thinking—trying to lure the alpha into his room to sleep with him? Even if he hated it, his omega whined at the separation, wanting to remain close to the alpha. 

As Bakugou settled in bed and pulled the covers up to his chin, he wondered what it would’ve been like if he and Todoroki would’ve shared a bed.

And he laid there continuing to think about it because no matter how tired he was, he couldn’t sleep.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4: Practice

Todoroki tossed and turned in the spare bedroom, trying and failing to fall asleep for the last couple of hours. His chest was aching and he could smell distressed omega wafting throughout the penthouse. It got to the point where he couldn’t stand it anymore and got up out of bed. He went to Bakugou’s room, knocking on the door a couple times before he suggested a solution. The blond could come sleep with him in the guest room where there was less risk and they were on an even playing field. After making his proposition, he went back to the spare room without waiting for a reply and got under the covers. 

About two minutes passed before the door eased open and in walked Bakugou. For once, he said nothing, closing the door quietly behind himself before coming over to the bed. He had a blanket draped over his shoulders and kept it with him as he crawled into the bed, settling close to Todoroki. His scent was still displeased and unhappy, making the taller man frown. It wasn’t right for Bakugou to smell that way, he didn’t like seeing him sad and almost depressed. Todoroki took a deep breath before wrapping an arm around his waist and pulling him against his chest. 

“I did want to sleep with you,” he confessed softly and nuzzled his face into blond locks. 

Bakugou hummed, nose buried in the crook of Todoroki’s neck and arms tucked between them. He went completely still and his scent sweetened steadily. He said nothing, but it was clear he was pleased with their position and Todoroki’s confession. It was barely a moment later before the omega was sleeping soundly, after so long of struggling to fall asleep in his own room. The alpha soon fell into slumber as well, feeling warm and needed .

It was much later than he usually woke for the day when Bakugou finally stirred, feeling groggy after being up way past his bedtime. He was warm though, and being held by not just any alpha, but his soulmate. It was still hard to believe, even with the facts knocking him upside the head constantly. Bakugou found he liked where he was though, and he wanted to stay there, breathing in Todoroki’s smoky scent while being held by him. Never before had Bakugou allowed himself to have such a moment of vulnerability and intimate leisure, but he was loving it. 

Todoroki let out a long and quiet sigh when he started to wake up, feeling content and refusing to open his eyes. He was still half asleep, but coherent enough to pull the shorter man even closer, hand rubbing his back for a moment. Bakugou couldn’t believe himself, but he was actually encouraging the closeness and not even trying to separate himself. 

Just a few more minutes, then back to reality. 

Those few minutes were all it took for Todoroki to fall asleep again without even realizing it. Bakugou noticed his breathing even back out right away and a small smile tugged at his lips. He carefully pulled his arm from where it was tucked between them and snaked it around Todoroki’s middle, sighing as he allowed his eyes to close. He didn’t have any appointments for the day and had no interest in rushing to get up, at least until his stomach began rumbling. 

As much as he didn’t want to, Bakugou decided he’d slip out of bed and let Todoroki continue to sleep, but as soon as he went to move away, the alpha held on tighter before stretching a little.

“M’time is it?”

“Late,” Bakugou mumbled. “I’m hungry. Time to cook breakfast.”

“Me too… damn stomach,” Todoroki grumbled and as if on cue, his stomach growled as well. “Don’t wanna get up.”

Bakugou sat up, hair even more of a mess than usual. The blanket he’d crawled into bed with was still swaddled around him. “You’re getting up. I’m gonna feed you. No lazing around on an empty stomach.”

Todoroki peeked his eyes open to look at him before he stretched again and sat up as well, but his eyes closed and he didn’t move for a good minute. He didn’t get drunk, but he always felt like he was when he first woke up in the mornings, his mood cranky and his mouth a little looser than normal. Once he had his coffee, he was good as new, but until then he was a walking zombie and a bit of a clutz. 

After he slipped out of bed, Bakugou dropped the blanket on the bed and then flicked Todoroki in the forehead. “C’mon. I’ll make coffee.”

“Mm,” the taller man grunted, eyes blinking open and this time remained so while he dragged himself out of bed, scratching his head. 

“Somebody’s not a morning person,” Bakugou mused, scoffing out a laugh as he turned and headed to the door. “You like this every morning?”

“Mm,” Todoroki confirmed and slowly followed him out of the bedroom. 

As promised, the first thing Bakugou did was prepare some coffee. 

“How do you take it?”

It took a couple seconds for Todoroki to process what he was talking about, bumping into the chair before he pulled it out to take a seat at the table. “Lil’ bit of cream. No sugar.”

Bakugou eyed him with a fond look as he prepared the cup and brought it over, setting it down on the table for him. “Don’t burn yourself.”

Todoroki picked up the mug and blew on it a few times, staring off blankly into space while he drank it. After about four sips, he hummed and looked over to meet crimson eyes. “Thank you and good morning.”

“Mornin’,” Bakugou responded while padding over to make his own coffee. “What do you want for breakfast?”

He thought it over briefly, knowing that whatever the blond made it would be scrumptious. “Waffles?”

“Waffles? That’s not health—” The words died on his tongue when he saw the way Todoroki deflated and he huffed, “Fine.”

“And a small bowl of fruit on the side,” he added as he stood up and came around the counter, taking his coffee with him. “I can take care of that much at least if you would like some help.”

“Alright,” Bakugou agreed and the two of them began preparing their breakfast together. 

During this process, a familiar beep sounded just before the elevator opened and Bakugou’s eyes flew over there, having not thought about any of his friends popping in. 

“Kacchan!” 

“Damn nerd,” Bakugou growled quietly while he heard Midoriya scrambling to change into bedroom shoes at the entryway, and then he was running in. 

“Kacchan you weren’t answering your phone all morning so I thought—” As soon as he came into the kitchen and saw Todoroki, he lost his words. 

“Deku, I haven’t checked my phone.”

“There’s a stranger in your kitchen, Kacchan,” Midoriya pointed out. “And not just any stranger, but Todoroki Shouto who beat you in—”

“Did you come for me to KICK YOUR ASS?!”

“Ah!” He laughed nervously and walked over, taking a seat at the counter. “Wow, late breakfast. What’s Todoroki doing here? Hi, I’m Midoriya Izuku, Kacchan’s best friend.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” he greeted the small omega as he continued to cut up an apple. 

“Kacchan, what’s going on?” Midoriya asked, smiling kindly but still suspicious. “He’s helping in the kitchen?”

Bakugou opened the waffle press he had and sighed. “Had to give his ass something to do.”

“Since when and why is he even here? Did he get drunk and have to sleep over? You’re both in pajamas… unless… unless… ”

“Hold it right there, nerd,” Bakugou said. “Don’t go getting any ideas. Nothing happened.”

“You let him sleep over, in your house, and… oh my god he’s in the kitchen!”

Todoroki watched the exchange in amusement as he moved on to chopping a banana. 

“Are we really not going to talk about this? I’m gone for five minutes and suddenly you’re in a relationship?”

“A WHAT?!” Bakugou snapped as he slapped a waffle onto a plate. “There is no relationship. We just happened to be s—” 

“Soulmates?!” Midoriya squeaked, everything coming together all at once. “Oh my gosh, Kacchan!”

Bakugou sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Get out.” The words came out calmly but he meant it. “I don’t want to talk about this.”

“Wow, oh my word. I have so many questions.”

“Yeah well find the answers yourself on your own time. We’ll talk later.”

Midoriya sighed but got up from the seat where he was with a grin. “I’m so happy for you, Kacchan… and you, too, Todoroki. See you guys later.” 

When he dashed off, Bakugou had a sinking feeling that he was going to be hearing a lot about this later.

“Fuck. Sorry about that,” he said to Todoroki with a frustrated huff.

“It’s alright,” the taller man assured and realized that Midoriya was probably how Bakugou figured out they were soulmates in the first place. “How long have you two been friends?”

Bakugou walked to the pantry to find the syrup and said, “For as long as I can remember. Never could shake his ass.”

Childhood friends, he supposed. “He chases you around?”

“Chases, no,” Bakugou snorted. “He’s just always there. I used to hate it, still annoying as hell but I’m used to it I guess.”

“I’m glad you have him around.” The situation reminded Todoroki of how he used to be with his older brother, but they weren’t nearly as close now. 

Bakugou hummed, wondering if Todoroki had anyone like that but not wanting to ask. He brought the plates to the table along with the syrup and then poured the two of them some milk and waited at the table until Todoroki brought the fruit. 

“Plans today?”

“Not particularity. My schedule is clear until the day after tomorrow, I wanted to make sure I was free of any distractions during the audition period.”

“I’m free today too,” Bakugou said, taking a strawberry to chew on as he contemplated what they could do for the day. “Are you um… feeling better? The chest pains?”

“Yes, it only happens when… well, when something is wrong or if we get too far apart… those are my theories for what triggers it,” Todoroki explained as he ate. “But they don’t get too bad, you don’t have to worry.”

Bakugou sliced angrily at his waffle and said, “I do fucking have to worry. It’s bad enough to have you doubling over and grabbing your chest?”

He had him there. “It’s rare they’re that extreme.”

“Anyway, I don’t fucking think we should risk that right now… and I don’t like those tingles either.” His omega didn’t want to be apart from the alpha. “I think maybe separation is too soon or something?”

“That would make sense.” They hadn’t known each other personally for very long and only met face to face a couple times. After the initial meeting, perhaps soulmates needed to be around each other for a certain length of time. Until they felt secure about their connection, their alpha and omega would act up and cause physical symptoms whenever threatened to be apart. “We’ll stay together.”

Bakugou was glad to hear it and nodded once in agreement. He was far more excited than he should’ve been. “We can take it easy for a bit… maybe fuck around and shoot some lines if you want.”

The prospect of practicing had Todoroki brightening, excited to run lines with a professional actor as renowned as the blond. “I’d like that.”

“Not that you could handle it.” Bakugou smirked. 

“I’m sure I can manage,” Todoroki said before finishing off his waffle.

“You think so?” Bakugou shook his head. “I’d eat you alive.”

Todoroki met his confident and teasing gaze head on, taking a sip of milk and then saying, “Or you might get eaten instead.”

Bakugou’s face heated up and he gaped. “As fucking if.” 

“Only one way to find out.”

They continued to taunt and rile each other up during breakfast, Todoroki doing the dishes once they were done. Bakugou went in search of his copy of Twin Flames and located the novel in his study. He had the other actor join him there and they stood close together while discussing which scene they would do, the taller man looking over his shoulder as the blond held the book.

“What about this one?” Todoroki asked and pointed to the section of dialogue that caught his eye. 

“If that’s what you’re feeling, looks good to me.”

It was a flashback of before the villain became the villain and he was living with the hero. It was a bittersweet memory, but a perfect scene to practice the difference in emotions. They looked over it together to mentally plan out how they wanted to portray the switched roles. 

Bakugou slipped into character in an instant, yet again with practiced ease. He startled Todoroki by shoving him in the chest and forcing him to sit on the small sofa there. 

“You’ve been so fucking distant lately. What’s the problem? Got something you’re keeping from me?” His tone was taunting but playful, and he moved to sit next to him, giving Todoroki his undivided attention. 

“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t,” Todoroki mused and rested his arm on the back of the couch. “Are you worried?”

Bakugou scoffed, but he smiled in a way Todoroki hadn’t seen before outside of his acting and shrugged a shoulder. “ Guess I am a bit worried. If I don’t hear from you in a few days, how else am I supposed to feel?”

“Sometimes I need to be alone for a while and settle the darkness that tries to stir,” Todoroki said lightly, but his gaze was heavy and soon fell to the blond’s hand that he took in his own, threading their fingers together. “When I’m with you, I don’t want to be gloomy and dampen the mood. We should enjoy our time together… don’t you agree?”

Bakugou’s smile faded into a look of sadness and he squeezed Todoroki’s hand. “I get that… but you don’t have to pretend with me. If you’re hurting or if you need someone… I want to be your person.”

“You are my person,” he said fiercely as he looked back up into crimson eyes. “But rather than the expression you’re wearing now, I want that beautiful smile to return.”

“Stop it,” Bakugou muttered and even blushed. “I mean it… you’d tell me, right—if something was bothering you?”

Todoroki hummed and raised his other hand to bury it into messy blond strands, playing with his hair. “Still not a smile, but I’m fond of this look too. Very cute.”

Bakugou leaned over into his chest and huffed. “You’re so stupid. Making me worry for three fucking days and then trying that flirty shit.”

“Three whole days of you missing me,” Todoroki chuckled, but it had a darker undertone as he grew mischievous. “I enjoy being the only thing that occupies your thoughts. It’s a fair trade since you’re always in mine, constantly popping up whenever you please. You’ve got some nerve.”

“Whatever,” Bakugou mumbled. “Thinking about you is one thing… but worrying so much hurts.”

They were both silent for a moment before Todoroki stopped playing and gripped his hair instead, forcing his head back a little so he could touch their foreheads together. “I’m hurting you?” he asked quietly, sounding as if the question scared him.

“If you’re hurting then so am I… even more so if there’s nothing I can do about it.” He whispered every word and swallowed hard as his eyes dropped to Todoroki’s lips. 

“Your amount of compassion shouldn’t be allowed… otherwise I’ll never be able to sulk in front of you.” The taller man inched closer, feeling every breath as it was exchanged between them. “You can’t save me from everything, you know, but you’re still my hero.”

“That’s what you think,” Bakugou said, a slight tremble to his voice. “But I’ll always find a way to save you. No matter what.”

“How annoying,” Todoroki replied with an incredible amount of fondness and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips. “You stubborn fool,” he went on to continue before kissing him again, harder and with a little less innocence. “But that’s one of the things I like most about you.”

Bakugou sucked in a sudden breath and shuddered against him. “You fucking bastard,” he hissed, grabbing Todoroki’s face and pulling him back into another kiss. 

Originally, they were only supposed to run the lines together, they never agreed on the physical aspects of how the scene played out in the novel, but somehow it turned out that way and they’d gotten caught up in their parts. It wasn’t just that, though. Todoroki couldn’t resist stealing a kiss when they were so close, when Bakugou seemed so eager. It felt so natural even if the words weren’t their own. Todoroki surged up into the heated kiss, tightening his hold in his hair and lapping at his bottom lip until Bakugou let him inside. 

It wasn’t the first time Bakugou had been kissed, especially when considering his career as an actor, but it was the first time he’d ever completely lost himself in one. A soft whimper sounded in the back of his throat as his lips eagerly parted for Todoroki, their tongues finding one another easily, hungrily. His hands slipped back into his silky red and white locks, and he tilted his head to take more. Todoroki gave him as much as he wanted and then some, wrapping his arm around his waist and pulling the blond onto his lap. 

For once in his life, he wasn’t riddled with thoughts or fighting against something, he was entirely in the moment and focusing on nothing else. Bakugou was experiencing something he never had before; a form of lust that, before now, he’d only ever heard of. He pressed his body against the alpha’s without regret, straddling his lap and rutting closer and closer, even when it was impossible to get closer. With each swipe of Todoroki’s tongue, Bakugou got more heated, held on tighter, lost his breath and felt his stomach coil tight. 

Todoroki thrusted up against him and dropped his hands to the blond’s muscular thighs, pulling him until their crotches were flush together, groaning at how good the friction felt against the tent in his pajama pants. He’d never gotten aroused so quickly in his life or felt so hard that he feared he would come at any moment. Their hips were moving in perfect unison despite their frantic movements, panting into each other’s mouths while they kissed, grinding shamelessly to find their release. 

Eventually, Bakugou tugged at Todoroki’s hair, breaking the kiss to drag his teeth down his throat. He groaned when his lips grazed over the alpha’s scent gland and then slotted his own over it, scenting him aggressively—possessively. The mix of their scents drove Todoroki insane and he jerked underneath the other man before letting go of one of his thighs to capture his hand instead, bringing it up to his lips and teasingly biting at his wrist. 

“Fuck,” Bakugou growled, pushing his wrist against Todoroki’s mouth, silently asking to be bitten there, harder. As Todoroki’s teeth clamped down on his wrist, Bakugou keened and turned his head to bite down on the alpha’s gland. 

The taller man hissed in pleasure and continued to gnaw at the blond’s wrist, his other hand roughly groping his backside and pressing him down, firmly crushing their members together. Bakugou bit him harder, growling out a moan while he struggled to decide whether he wanted to press back and urge Todoroki to grope his behind more, or if he wanted to seek more friction for his cock. In the end, the other man gave him both, humping him aggressively while his hand squeezed his ass. It was frustrating with their clothes in the way, but they felt too good to stop and strip.  

It only took a couple more minutes of their desperate rutting before coming undone, Todoroki’s breath hitching as Bakugou shuddered against him, both men panting and groaning as they lapped at the bite marks they’d given one another. 

Several moments passed by with the two of them just basking in one another's presence—the proximity between them, their heated scents mingling, and the pleasure that they’d achieved together. But as they calmed, the reality of their actions set in, and they were both scrambling to create some distance between them, humiliated, beyond flustered, and yet unable to regret what they’d done. 

Every kiss, every touch, those moments of lust were something special. It wasn’t just the two of them losing control, two beings having gone far too long in separation and now had the unyielding urge to seek the other in all ways. It wasn’t merely their bodies, or arousal. It was their souls yearning for each other, and the harsh reality of their increasing need to be closer was only going to keep slapping them in their faces until they accepted that it wasn’t going to change.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5: Friends

“What don’t you fucking get, Deku? I’m losing my mind here!”

Midoriya sat across from Bakugou at one of the private cafes they frequented, blinking at the blond while sipping on his iced tea. Bakugou had been ranting for half an hour but Midoriya was honestly enjoying every second of it, and for once was keeping quiet so that he didn’t miss anything important, only chiming in when he had to.

“Aren’t you having a good time though?” he asked after setting his glass down and reached for a cookie. “Three whole days before you left his side… and only because he had work…”

“The hell are you trying to say?” Bakugou wasn’t above making a scene in the cafe.

“That you miss him… and it’s barely been two hours since he left you.”

Bakugou’s mouth fell open, snapped closed, and repeated the process until he finally came up with some words. “It’s not my fucking fau—I don’t miss him… What if he’s having chest pains or… or fucking worse?”

“You could text him,” Midoriya proposed, which earned him a pointed glare. Bakugou had already stated that he was not calling, texting, or even thinking about Todoroki until he saw him again. He’d already failed one of those majorly. 

“Not fucking doing that. He’s just fine without me and I’m just fine without him.” 

Only he wasn’t. It wasn’t even just the omega within him that yearned for the alpha, Bakugou had gotten so used to him being a constant at his side, even during sleep, for the past three days that now that he was gone… everything just felt out of order.

“Are you going to open that?” Midoriya asked to change the subject, green eyes locked on the new issue of The Chart that was lying on the table. They’d gone by the bookstore, but this time, Bakugou didn’t peek and purchased the magazine instead. He was usually in such a hurry to open it up and see the results, but this time, he hesitated.

“When I get good and damn ready,” he muttered, swallowing hard as his eyes skimmed over the cover as well. They never featured anyone on the cover, having a unique abstract approach that Bakugou had honestly always been fond of.

“Scared he beat you again?” Midoirya asked, genuinely curious about Bakugou’s hesitation.

“No!” That wasn’t it at all. Strangely enough, Bakugou thought it might even be the opposite. He ignored Midoriya’s prying eyes and picked up a cookie for himself. “Back to the issue here, that bastard is fucking up my whole life.”

“You haven’t been saying that the last few days… only now that he’s not around.”

“Yeah? Because it’s not like I can complain about him when he’s staring at me like some lost puppy!”

Midoriya cocked a brow and said, “That never stopped you before. You just don’t want to admit it. He’s your soulmate, Kacchan, not just some random alpha. You’re beautifully addicted and you just want him here now, holding you and kissing you—aww I’m so happy for you!”

“No. No. Absolutely fucking not. I don’t want that kinda shit.” He shook his head adamantly, but he wasn’t sure who he was actually trying to convince. Midoriya… or himself?

After eating another cookie, Midoriya sipped on his tea and thought over everything they’d discussed since they got together for their day out. “Maybe you don’t want to want it, but that doesn’t change the fact that you sincerely do. And that’s okay, Kacchan. It’s good that you want to be with him. And you get to film together too, portraying fated rivals who are so in love. Gosh, I just finished reading Twin Flames again and I’m honestly so excited. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted a movie so bad before.”

It would undeniably be a film none of them would ever forget. Bakugou was excited too, and blown away by how much natural talent Todoroki possessed. He never let Bakugou’s skill outshine his own, and that was a feat in itself. 

“They’ve confirmed our positions already, but they’re still holding auditions for all the extras. I’ve got nothing but down time until we get started. Kirishima keeps trying to talk me into some fan meets and shit but I just haven’t been in the mood.”

“You’ve only been in the mood for Todoroki.”

“Shut the hell up!”

Midoriya laughed. “Just saying, Kacchan. Hey, if you’re not going to check The Chart, I will—”

Bakugou snatched up the magazine, determined to be the first to see the results. He opened it even if he was feeling anxious and flipped to the number one spot. His heart fluttered when he spotted Todoroki there yet again instead of himself. He looked beautiful, and sexy as hell—featured in a button down shirt that was undone and showing off his chiseled abdominals. It was the first time Bakugou had seen so much Todoroki skin and he was both outraged and grateful. 

He got so caught up in staring that his position seemed irrelevant. There was really no denying that Todoroki had a right to be topping The Chart.

Todoroki had gone to a photoshoot, his manager already there and waiting for him in his dressing room. He knew he had some explaining to do for what had been going on recently and the fact that he was covered in the sweet scent of caramel. They talked for a bit, the actor trying to do some damage control, but she was pressing for more details on the whole situation.

“You’ve been dancing around me for long enough,” Yaoyorozu told her client and soon to be former friend if he didn’t spill his guts. “It’s time to come clean, you’ve been putting the moves on Bakugou, haven’t you?”

“Putting on the moves?” Todoroki repeated with a raised brow. 

“Oh, don’t play dumb with me,” she huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. “First there was the audition and then there was the callback, I about fainted from the tension between the two of you on the video! It was more than just engaging, it was real . You like him.”

Todoroki didn’t bother to deny it, putting his hands in his pockets as he feigned indifference. “And your point is?”

Yaoyorozu sighed and dropped her arms, shaking her head with a knowing smile. “I understand that you’re shy and don’t want to talk about it, but you’re not that shy when you’re spending the night at his place. Apparently on multiple occasions!”

Ears growing warm, he cleared his throat. “Well, there’s a reason for that.”

“I don’t doubt you have many reasons for that, but you could have warned a girl. My eyes almost popped out of my head when you walked through the door drenched in someone else’s scent. I didn’t know what to think until you told me it was Bakugou’s.”

“I’m telling you everything now, aren’t I?” Todoroki pointed out. “But there are some things and details that I want to keep private. One of which is Bakugou’s second gender. Don’t speak a word of it to anyone, I only told you so you didn’t think I was staying with some random omega.”

“My lips are sealed and I respect your privacy and his,” Yaoyorozu said quickly. “I’m sorry, I was just so excited that you’re interested in someone. I’m so happy for you, really.”

“Thank you.” 

A few minutes later, a makeup artist, hairdresser, and fashion designer came into his dressing room with everything that he would be wearing for the shoot. His makeup was done first, nothing too heavy and shaded carefully. Next was his hair, the stylist parting his bangs in the middle and making them slightly curl towards the center, spraying them in place so they wouldn’t revert back mid-shoot. Then everyone left so he could change into the outfit the designer made especially for this session, having worked and planned with the photographer beforehand.

It wasn’t anything too complicated, his shirt a simple long sleeve button down made of silk, the color a dark shade of blue. His dress pants were black and connected to a matching pair of suspenders he slipped over his shoulders. The shoes and tie he had been given were black as well, but there wasn’t a jacket to accompany the outfit, focusing on displaying everything else instead of covering most of it up. The fashion designer came back in once he was finished getting dressed, holding an intricate silver watch for him to wear as well as a pair of diamond studs. Those were the finishing touches and he was ready to go to the set after putting them on. 

Yaoyorozu was chatting with the photographer as he approached, ignoring the surprised stares and not-so-hushed whispers regarding the scent clinging to his body. The scent blockers only worked for his own scent, the product specialized and customized from person to person, but they did nothing to mask the omega’s smell and he was proud to be wearing it. He got into position on the first set, standing where the photographer wanted him to for certain angles. It was made to look like a den with a couch, tv, desk and chair, and bookshelves atop fake carpet. He did a few photos standing in front of the shelves and then some sitting down on the desk.

The second set was a bedroom consisting of a canopy bed and a couple of nightstands with lamps on them. Todoroki’s poses ranged from standing to sitting to lying down, his tie loosened in some photos and completely undone in others. Before the final set, everyone took a break and Yaoyorozu brought him his cell phone, it having gone off in his dressing room while the photoshoot was taking place. There was a missed call from Bakugou and he stood off to the side to call him back. 

“Oi, the hell took you so long?” Bakugou answered, gruff as ever.

“I’m still working, we just went on break,” Todoroki explained and resisted the urge to fuss with his hair. “One more set of photos and then I’ll be finished.”

“How fucking long’s that gonna take?” He let out a frustrated breath and added, “Whatever. Just wanted to give you a head’s up that we’re having company tonight.”

“I see. Do you need me to pick anything up on my way back?” he asked, curious as to who was coming over, but deciding to wait and see when they were introduced.

“Just you, idiot,” Bakugou grumbled. “Were you uh… no chest pains?”

A small smile graced his face as he imagined the blond’s expression and he felt warmed by his sweet words. “No, not at all. I think your scent made all the difference,” Todoroki told him and then said teasingly, “It was a good thing you attacked me before I left.” 

“WHA—I didn’t attack your dumb ass! Why are you even calling me, I thought you were working?! Fuck off.”

Todoroki laughed at his reaction, the sound quiet and just for Bakugou’s ears alone. “I’ll be here for another hour at most, but I’ll try to leave as soon as I can.”

“Don’t act like I’m in a rush or something. Do whatever you’re fucking doing. I’m busy too.”

“No you’re not,” Midoriya said in the background and then some cursing followed along with a lot of ruffled movements.

It seemed the two of them were at it again and Todoroki prayed for Midoriya’s safety. “Text me if you need anything else, alright?” he said as he saw people beginning to gather around the set again, the break truly being just a short one. “I’ve got to go back now. See you soon.”

Bakugou grunted a sound of disappointment before mumbling, “Alright. Yeah. See you.” Then he ended the call.

Todoroki wished he could have talked to him longer, but the faster he finished up the sooner he would be able to see the blond in person. The third setting was just a doorway, giving the illusion that he was returning home from work or about to leave for the day. He was eager for things to be over and didn't want to stay and chat after the shoot. He was still roped into conversation, however, caught between the photographer and the fashion designer. They thanked him for his hard work and gushed over how the magazine the photos would be in would turn out. He gave short and simple replies to speed the discussion along until he was finally heading back to his dressing room.

Yaoyorozu stopped him on his way, mentioning that they said he could keep everything he was currently wearing. It was no doubt for promotional purposes and he used it to his advantage. Todoroki put his folded clothes in a bag and didn’t bother changing at all, carrying the bag leaving the studio. Then he made the drive to Bakugou's penthouse and fussed with his hair in the elevator to get it back to its original state. 

Inside, Bakugou was in the kitchen, which he spent a great deal of his time in anyway. He was yelling at Kirishima, his manager, for spilling something on the counter, while the redhead did his best to placate him with apologies. There was music playing, the volume low but still loud enough for Todoroki to make out the pop tune. The living room was piled with several people he didn’t know, though Midoriya was among them.

“Todoroki!” The greenet jumped up from the couch, a red solo cup in his hand as he sprinted over to greet him. “Welcome back. Did you have a good shoot? Kacchan wouldn’t stop talking about you all day long.”

“It’s nice to see you again, Midoriya. The shoot was fine and I’m satisfied with the results.” Even though he hadn’t stayed to go over all of the photos, he knew they would turn out well and had worked with that photographer before. “What was he saying about me before he tried to murder you?”

“He just missed you so much is all,” Midoriya claimed with a giggle. “So much he wasn’t even mad that you beat him in this month’s issue of The Chart. I’m still surprised, honestly.”

“I did?” Todoroki asked with raised brows. “Well that’s unexpected. Hopefully he didn’t take it too hard.” 

Midoriya laughed and sipped his drink. “That’s the greatest part, he wasn’t upset at all! I mean, he tried to pretend like he was, but when he saw it there were these hearts in his eyes, it was so cute. He even smiled. Well, a Kacchan smile, but still a smile nonetheless.”

“And I missed it, how disappointing.”

“He’s mad now because we all showed up to celebrate his new role—and yours, guess he wanted some ‘alone’ time after you were gone for work. It’s crazy seeing a needy side of Kacchan, but it really is cute. I didn’t tell anyone about you two… but he smells like you so…”

“As he should,” Todoroki said without thinking and then his ears turned red. “I’ll… I’ll go put my bag away and then go greet him.”

“Okay, I’m sure you should hurry…”

The taller man went to the guest room and set his bag inside before making his way to the kitchen, a little nervous to meet all of the blond’s friends, but looking forward to it as well. 

Bakugou was in the middle of smacking Kirishima upside the head even as he vigorously scrubbed the counter to clean after himself when Todoroki walked in. The blond smelled him before he saw him, but the second he saw him was when he forgot about Kirishima entirely. For a moment, he let himself forget everything else, knowing nothing more than the alpha before him. He’d gotten to see him dressed nicely before, but the clothes he wore now were clearly tailored just for him, and the accessories only added to the suspenders and Bakugou couldn’t help it…

He was drooling.

Todoroki came around the counter and lightly nuzzled their temples together, a silent greeting that had quickly become a habit over the last couple of days. “Do you want any help?” he asked and smoothly wiped the drool from the omega’s mouth. 

Swallowing hard, Bakugou placed his hands on his chest and greedily dragged them downward instead of answering until Kirishima cleared his throat. 

“Damn it Kirishima,” Bakugou growled. “Get out of here.”

“You told me to clean the—”

“I SAID GET OUT!”

Kirishima huffed and dropped the rag on the counter on his way out. “Would’ve been better for you to just get a room but fine.”

He left, but Bakugou just glared after him, a crease forming over his nose and between his brows that Todoroki had already become accustomed to.

“You still smell like me,” Todoroki commented with a content sigh. “Although it’s starting to fade…”

“It is?” he asked, his glare morphing into a frown while he pressed himself closer to the alpha. 

“Yes,” the other actor confirmed as he wrapped his arms around his waist. “But not for long.”

Todoroki nuzzled his way into the blond’s neck and began scent marking him, arms cradling his body and lips grazing over his throat. 

“Oi, careful,” Bakugou mumbled, not wanting to get carried away and have anyone notice, yet at the same time, he didn’t pull away. He wanted to be held and scented and reminded that Todoroki belonged to him. In a way.

“I’ll behave,” he promised, just wanting to bask in the scent of sweet caramel while surrounding the other man in mint and smokey pine trees.

Bakugou wasn’t so sure he wanted to behave, his omega had been throwing a fit all day from being taken from the alpha, but they weren’t alone and he wasn’t willing to embarrass himself.

“I told you about my friends, they all live in the condo here. They wanted to celebrate, since we’ll be meeting the full cast soon and getting things started.”

“I’m not good at socializing in situations like this,” Todoroki confessed. “Aside from usual pleasantries, to actually try and build friendships… they might not enjoy my company.”

The blond snorted and nudged Todoroki with his elbow as he separated from him. “They’re fucking obsessed with you already. Don’t fucking ask.” Crimson eyes dropped to Todoroki’s chest and then he grabbed the suspenders and gave them a pull. “Not bad.”

Todoroki started rolling up his sleeves, returning Bakugou’s heated gaze. “You have no idea.”

“By the way, what photo shoot involved the fucking abs? I wasn’t expecting that shit.”

“Abs?” The taller man thought back, recalling a few that required him to show more skin than he normally preferred. “Cologne, most likely.”

“Guess I’ll have to start showing fucking abs if I want my spot back,” he complained but shrugged it off. Todoroki could tell that he wasn’t actually angry by the soft look on his eyes. 

“I heard about that, but I’m sure it was just a fluke,” he said and leaned back against the counter. “Do you want an extra pair of hands or should I stand back and watch you work your magic?”

Bakugou knew it was no fluke but he wasn’t going to argue it. “As if I’d let you stand there and stare. Come, you can help. We’re just making some easy shit for the extras. They’re not picky and besides, the dumbasses are already drinking.”

Todoroki turned around and stepped to the sink to wash his hands, realizing he didn’t have to be that nervous if they were already getting drunk. They might not remember half of the things that occur before the night is over. “Luck is on my side then since easy is pretty much all I can handle. Did they at least start off with something light or did they go straight for the heavy liquor?”

“Don’t worry about them, they won’t get out of hand in my house. They know I’ll kick all their asses to hell and back.” He already had bread and various things set out on the counter to prepare finger sandwiches. “I’ll work on these. You want fruit duty?”

“I love fruit duty.”

“I’ve noticed,” Bakugou chuckled. “There’s a bowl over by the fridge for it.”

Once his hands were clean, Todoroki dried them with a few paper towels and then retrieved the bowl. He brought it over to his little fruit cutting station and grabbed a knife before getting to work. 

It was hard to focus on making sandwiches when Todoroki looked like a model pretending to help in the kitchen for a photo shoot. That idea wasn’t entirely wrong and Bakugou couldn’t help that his eyes kept drifting over to him—and every time their gazes met, he blushed annoyingly. 

“The hell are you looking at me for, hah?”

“Because I can,” Todoroki told him, eyes full of amusement. “And I want to.”

“You ass… we gotta have a talk later.”

That had him very curious. “Alright. What about?”

“Those suspenders.”

Judging from his reaction, he figured that they were going to do a lot more than just talk. “You like them that much, hm?”

“Tch. No.”

Todoroki glanced down at his arm, not surprised to see red letters there.

Yes.

“I’ll have to send them a thank you card for letting me keep these.”

Bakugou forced himself to pay attention to his task but he was still annoyed that the stupid soulmate bond was forcing the truth out of him. 

“You don’t fucking own any other suspenders? You’re joking.”

Todoroki chuckled at how offended he sounded, cutting up a mango as he answered, “Not a single pair.”

“Fucking bullshit,” Bakugou cursed under his breath, mentally deciding that he’d have to change that. 

They finished up in the kitchen and got everything plated for their guests, all of the food reminding Todoroki that he hadn’t eaten yet. He didn’t mind waiting until everyone was eating though, going to the refrigerator to make himself a drink instead. After filling one of the red plastic cups with ice, he poured some whisky into it and was about to take a sip when his stomach growled. 

“Fastest way to get your ass kicked—” Bakugou snapped, swiping the cup from his hand and glaring up at him harshly. “—You haven’t eaten since breakfast?”

“I didn’t have time.” He hadn’t picked up anything on his way to the photoshoot and his sad excuse for a break during it wasn’t long enough to order something either. Knowing they would eat dinner together, he just decided to wait. “We’re about to eat with everyone now, aren’t we?”

“These fucking finger foods ain’t good enough if you haven’t had a proper lunch.” He sighed and pointed to the table where all the food was. “Just snack while I make you something more filling.”

Todoroki knew better than to argue with him when it came to food, taking his drink back from the blond and accepting his offer. “Thank you.”

Bakugou left him and Todoroki made his way over to the food just as he was told to. He took a finger sandwich to eat and just as he took a bite, someone popped up next to him.

“So, you’re the number one ‘hottie’ and Bakugou’s soulmate that Midoriya won’t quit talking about?” The woman speaking to him was short with cropped purple hair, having a face he recognized as a musician. Jirou Kyoka. “And he let you help in the kitchen?”

The actor quickly chewed and swallowed before replying, “I’m his soulmate, yes. You’re Jirou, right? I remember seeing you at the music festival last year.”

“That’s me,” she confirmed. “I live here on the first floor.”

“Do you enjoy it here?” He asked the beta.

She smiled and nodded. “Of course. If I’m not touring, you can barely get me away from here. I only just got home yesterday and heard all about you and Bakugou. It’s still hard to believe.”

“You’re telling me,” a black-haired beta said as he came over, picking up a plate of fruit. “Nice to meet you officially, Todoroki, I’m Sero.” He grabbed Todoroki’s hand and shook it with a crooked grin. “I work in advertising, more of a behind the scenes guy, I also live on the first floor. That means I never sleep because of our rockstar here.”

“Hey, the walls are soundproof,” Jirou argued.

“Are they?” Sero asked just before he was knocked aside for a blond to take his place.

“‘Sup, Todoroki, I’m Kaminari Denki, a jack of all trades, if I’m being modest. I have a passion for music just like Jirou, but I dabble in a bit of everything.”

“He’s brainless, is what he is,” Jirou mused.

They were all pretty lively and had no doubt been friends for years. “It’s nice to meet you all,” he said politely and then asked curiously, “Is everyone on the first floor connected to music somehow?”

“No,” Sero laughed. “I’m not connected at all, to be honest. And it’s not bad down there, I was just talking shit.”

Todoroki had assumed Sero did advertising for music, but he was learning that the building must contain people from all kinds of professions and they were somehow all connected by Bakugou. He was very impressed by the blond’s influence and friend circle so far. “How did you all become friends, if you don’t mind me asking? Was it through work?”

“We’ve all worked together at some point, but we’ve actually been friends since primary school,” Jirou explained. “We all just happened to have big dreams and pushed each other to make them come true.”

“Not that it was always easy,” Kaminari chimed in. “We’re glad to have you joining us though, man.”

“Since primary school, that’s amazing.” Todoroki didn’t know anyone who had been friends with someone for that long, much less a whole group of old classmates. It was no wonder that Bakugou trusted and cared about them so much. “I’m glad to be here.”

“Don’t forget about me,” another voice rang, and a girl with pink hair popped in, smiling wide and waving at him. “I live on the second floor, which is shared with the lounge, so I’m the only one there. I’m Ashido Mina, a choreographer.”

Todoroki was familiar with her name as well, plenty of people talking about her work. “Nice to meet you,” he said as he realized that he had suddenly become surrounded by all of the guests. They were all betas and omegas aside from Kirishima who was still in the living room with Midoriya. Everyone seemed kind and genuine, almost like a family as they all tried to make him feel welcomed. “There's certainly a lot of talent under this roof.”

“Especially now that you’re here, Todoroki!” Midoriya laughed from over on the couch where he was seated. 

“Midoriya’s like a Todoroki fanboy. It’s hilarious,” Kaminari chuckled.

“Oh? I didn’t know that,” he said and took a few sips of his whiskey. 

“Are you excited to be filming Twin Flames soon?” Ashido asked while she stole some of Sero’s fruit. 

Jirou hummed and said, “We heard about the role reversal. It’s funny considering Bakugou is such a hero even though he tries his hardest to act like the villain all the time.”

He was sure the movie would turn out well and planned to give it his all, knowing the blond would as well. “Bakugou could shine in either role, but I’ll admit that things are more interesting this way. I honestly can’t wait to start filming and see how the script turned out.”

“Screw filming, I’m ready for the premier!” Ashido laughed and the rest of the group joined in with their agreement.

“The hell’s going on in here?” Bakugou asked as he pushed his way past everyone, not stopping until his eyes landed on Todoroki. “You—come eat.”

“It was fun chatting with you all,” the taller man said as he excused himself and went back into the kitchen. 

Bakugou had prepared soba and had it waiting on the counter for him, along with some green tea, and he once again stole Todoroki’s whiskey without remorse. “Drink all you want after you eat properly.”

He was diligently ensuring that Todoroki was taken care of and had been doing so since that first night he stayed over. It brought a small smile to the alpha’s lips and he stole a kiss before taking a seat at the counter, eager to eat his favorite meal that the omega made just for him. Things had been progressing so quickly and so effortlessly between the two of them, and while neither of them had any way of knowing just how things would go in their future, they were both looking forward to all that would transpire.

Chapter Text

Chapter 6: Connected

By the time all the extras started filing out for the night, two of them had passed out, all of them had gotten on Bakugou’s last nerve, and the blond himself had a nice buzz going as well. He drank more than Todoroki, but still took the time to clean his home once everyone was gone. 

Todoroki was still wearing those damned suspenders and Bakugou had never in his life wanted to actually strip someone before—but that wasn’t the case anymore. It was late, past Bakugou’s bedtime, but he still wanted a bath before bed, and he wanted to have some time with Todoroki by himself since that had been ruined by the sudden uninvited guests taking over.

Todoroki put away the last of the dishes while Bakugou finished scrubbing the sink. He felt hot from the alcohol in his blood and kept brushing back his bangs only for them to fall back over his forehead. 

“I gotta take a bath,” he said to Todoroki once they were both finished, eyes on the alpha’s chest for the thousandth time of the night.

“I’ll shower in the other bathroom so you can take your time.”

“You’re going to take a shower?” He frowned.

“That’s the plan,” he said and came over to stand in front of Bakugou, observing him closely. “Unless you wanted me to join you.”

Bakugou’s already flushed cheeks burned a deeper shade of red and he looked from Todoroki’s face to his torso and back several times before muttering, “You mean… naked?”

“As the day we were born,” he hummed and brought his hand up to cup the blond’s warm cheek. “Then we can have that talk you wanted while we bathe.”

“Damn shameless asshole,” Bakugou said with a scoff, but he grabbed Todoroki by his left suspender and started tugging him down the hallway. “You better not chicken out either.”

He’d been prepared for the blond to tell him he was moving too fast, but now he knew that they were thinking the same thing, both yearning for more and to take another step forward. 

Todoroki had been sleeping with him every night and was wrapped up in his scent more often than not. He was sure he could handle going into his bedroom. “I won’t back out, it’ll be fine.”

“Hmph.” Bakugou didn’t sound as if he believed him but he said nothing more and just kept pulling him along. 

It was the first time Todoroki had actually walked into Bakugou’s bedroom. It was as clean as the rest of the home, even his bed was made neatly though there were several extra blankets and more pillows than necessary on top of it. The scent of the omega was as overwhelming as ever, but Todoroki was more accustomed to him now. Bakugou let go of him to open his bathroom door, and inside the master bathroom was a very spacious and luxurious porcelain tub and a large boxed, all glass shower. There were two sinks, a separate door that led to the toilet, and a rack to provide heated towels. 

Bakugou went straight for the tub and turned on the water but then his attention was back on Todoroki, both hands taking hold of his suspenders this time to bring him closer, to tug him down until their lips were meeting in a long-overdue, proper kiss. The taller man’s hands went to his hips and he sighed in content while their mouths molded together. He was aiming to take his time, but Bakugou wanted the opposite, kissing him fiercely and challenging him at every turn. Todoroki let out a breath in amusement before roughly taking hold of blond hair and forcing his head back, pushing his tongue deeper down Bakugou’s throat and slowly devouring him. 

As if the embers of desire erupted all at once. Bakugou moaned into his mouth and shoved the suspenders back over his shoulders and ripped his shirt open in the next instant. The taller man helped him remove it and then broke the kiss for a second to pull Bakugou’s shirt off and over his head, diving right back in afterwards and dragging his hands down the omega’s back. Teeth sinking into Todoroki’s lower lip, Bakugou wrapped his arms around the alpha’s shoulders and let his hands slip up into his silky hair, growling as their heated bodies pressed together flesh to flesh for the very first time. 

Todoroki’s hands continued to move down and dipped under the blond’s baggy jeans and into his underwear. He didn’t waste any time fondling plump cheeks and pulled him closer still, craving the heat of his body and greedy to explore every inch of it. Soon he was getting rid of the jeans and boxers all together, stripping the shorter man until nothing remained. Bakugou did the same in return, all thumbs as he fumbled with Todoroki’s belt until he finally had it out of his way, and soon had him naked as well.

His breath hitched as their erections met and he gripped Todoroki’s hair tightly, their teeth clashing as they came together, seeking more and more. It wasn’t enough. Bakugou couldn’t get close enough, couldn’t kiss him with enough passion, and he was getting frustrated by how needy he felt. It was a feeling that only continued to grow instead of calming the closer they became. Todoroki reached and turned off the water before the tub overflowed, grunting at how the omega’s scent grew sweeter and sweeter the more turned on he became. He picked up the blond by his thighs and then stepped into the tub, sinking down until he was sitting with Bakugou straddling his lap in the warm water.

“I hope you don’t have somewhere important to be tomorrow,” Todoroki said and briefly mouthed at his neck. “Because you’re going to be covered in marks.”

He lowered his head and captured one of Bakugou’s nipples between his lips, sucking hard and swirling his tongue around the tip. The sudden assault was welcomed but surprising considering Bakugou wasn’t prepared for his body to be so sensitive—so responsive to the alpha. He gasped and groaned, head lolling back and hips gyrating on top of Todoroki’s lap. He’d never felt so wanton, so close to insanity. Bakugou panted and arched his back, pressing his chest closer, wanting any and everything that Todoroki was willing to give him and more.

He was the perfect balance of muscle and curves, strong and beautiful at the same time, but his noises of pleasure were driving Todoroki crazy the most. He worked to pull more sounds from the blond, taking his other nipple between his fingers and teasing it relentlessly. Never before had he wanted someone so badly, to please and satisfy them beyond comparison. Todoroki felt as if it would always be like this between them, a wild and fiery passion that swept them up, colliding over and over and over before combusting. 

Having Todoroki be so attentive to his chest was honestly exhilarating. Every pinch, every lick or nip was making him hotter, leaving his stomach coiling tighter, and Bakugou’s cock was twitching with every rock of his hips. He couldn’t contain his voice, didn’t care to, having no qualms about moaning his pleasure and hunger for more. Something inside of him was hazing his mind, leaving him with a very singular focus. He wanted his alpha.

“Bite me,” he ground out, voice strained and pitched higher than usual. “Mark me like… like you said.”

He was rushing him again, but Todoroki didn’t mind his impatience, knowing it came from his desire for the taller man. Licking his lips, Todoroki made good on his word and began sinking his teeth into his skin, biting Bakugou’s throat, shoulder, chest and any other area he could reach. The alpha within him burned with the need to claim him, leave him with marks that would last for days and decorate his body. He alternated between gentle nips and brutal gnawing, cock throbbing at the blond’s gasps and cries at each one. There wasn’t any warning when Todoroki slipped a finger inside of him, soon adding a second before curling searchingly.

Bakugou never knew he could utter the sounds that were tumbling from his mouth, but with every new thing that Todoroki did, the better he began to feel. His fingers were an experience the blond hadn’t anticipated and wasn’t even sure he was prepared for, but he did know that he wanted them. He wanted more. 

“More,” he breathed out, pressing his ass back on those fingers before grinding against Todoroki’s cock. It was so perfectly big and exactly what he needed.

Todoroki glanced up into crimson eyes, thinking it wasn’t fair for anyone to look that sexy. He spread his fingers to make sure he was loose enough and then added another, thrusting them in and out of his entrance, reaching as deeply as he could and licking his way up his neck to his ear. 

“I’m aching for you, Bakugou.”

“Put it the fuck in or else,” Bakugou growled in response, the tips of his fingers digging into Todoroki’s shoulders.

“Tired of my fingers already?” he mused, finding his prostate and grinding into it. “Don’t they feel good?”

Bakugou cried out at the sudden wave of intense pleasure that momentarily whited his vision. His hips jerked, making the water in the tub slosh around, and he forgot how to breathe for some odd seconds. The way Todoroki spoke was making him hotter, and he almost came from his words combined with the curl of his fingers.

“You… fucking… bastard.”

Todoroki couldn't help teasing him, dragging out his pleasure so that he would come that much harder when he finally fell off the edge. “You’re close, aren’t you?” he asked and nibbled at his earlobe.

He was close. He was too close and yet too far from having what he wanted most. “Not like this,” he panted, wanting to convey how badly he wanted to come on the alpha’s cock instead without actually having to say it.

Truth be told, Todoroki wasn’t confident that he could last long after entering the omega, but he wasn’t going to deny him any longer and sought his own relief. He slowly removed his fingers and then raised the blond’s hips so he could position himself properly. 

“Hold onto me.”

Bakugou curled his arms around Todoroki’s neck, mouth at his ear as he breathed shakily, his hole clenching at the loss of those fingers yet anticipating a greater fill that would be his any second. “Please,” he whined in a way he never had before, hating Todoroki for reducing him to this and yet feeling so good that he really couldn’t care. “Hurry.”

The taller man pressed a soft kiss against the blond’s neck, right on his scent gland to soothe the omega before he started pushing in. Todoroki eased the tip of his cock inside of his hole and then slowly fed the rest inch by inch. He was tight and hot, fluttering around him deliciously as Todoroki helped Bakugou lower his hips back down. They were both left panting as their hips met and Todoroki was fully inside of him. The alpha held him close, feeling weak from the way his member pulsed against Bakugou’s walls and heart swelling with an absurd amount of affection; finally one with his soulmate. 

Despite his whole body trembling and spasming at the feeling of being so utterly full, Bakugou held tighter to Todoroki, gasping and mouthing at his ear. His body was adjusting to the intrusion quickly; it was truly as if the two of them were made to become one. He wanted to move, and yet didn’t have the mind to do so. All Bakugou could do was hold on and clench around the thick cock splitting him open, his own throbbing and leaking into the steadily cooling water. As much as he desired friction, he knew it wouldn’t take much at all for him to come.

“You feel so good,” Todoroki praised as he started moving, thrusting shallowly as he fought the urge to let go right then and there.

“Fuck,” Bakugou cursed, and then cursed again, holding on to Todoroki and licking at the lobe of his ear, flicking his tongue across the diamond stud there. He’d never felt anything like this and could easily see himself becoming addicted. He let Todoroki have complete control over him, moving at his own pace, perfectly content being taken care of by the alpha. 

He didn’t have to wait long for the other actor to give him more, though, Todoroki steadily moving faster and deeper, making the water begin to slosh again. Despite how pliant Bakugou was, he was still riling Todoroki up, purposely clenching around him and teasing his ear. He didn’t have to try hard to make Todoroki desire him more than he already was. “You’re driving me crazy.”

On the contrary, Bakugou was certain that he was the one being driven crazy. “Feels good,” he drawled, insides quaking and clenching tight. He was so close it was dizzying and he kissed his way down to the alpha’s scent gland, lapping at it with his tongue. “Wanna bite…”

A second after the words left his mouth, his teeth were digging into Todoroki’s scent gland and his hips bucked in response. “Bakugou,” he groaned at the sudden attack and then decided to launch one of his own, getting water all over the floor as he started pounding into him.

Bakugou kept his teeth locked on Todoroki’s skin, the taste of his scent too good. It was the best thing he’d ever had, and that added to Todoroki’s smooth and deep voice and his perfect pulsating cock was more than enough to have the omega coming with a wail and a shudder. The alpha wasn’t too far behind him, hands holding his hips with an iron grip while he continued pistoning his cock inside of him until he came as well. Todoroki buried himself in Bakugou’s throbbing heat and hissed when the blond’s teeth broke through his skin and drew blood.

It wasn’t intentional, but Bakugou had been too caught up in the moment, too taken with the waves of euphoria crashing over him that he’d been a bit rougher than intended. As his body shook slightly, he whimpered and lapped apologetically at the wounds he’d left on the alpha.

“It’s alright,” Todoroki told him and began releasing calming pheromones as he ran a hand through the blond’s hair. “You were perfect.”

Pleased and relieved at the reassurance and praise, Bakugou hummed and relaxed, resting against Todoroki with a deep sigh. It had already been late for him, but after such an intense orgasm, all he wanted to do was cuddle close to Todoroki and go to sleep. He was going to fight it, but Todoroki took it upon himself to massage his back, hips, and even his arms. He was vaguely aware of the water being drained and the tub filling all over again, but was sleeping soundly before the alpha ever began cleaning him.

When Bakugou woke, he knew immediately that something was different. For one, he was in his bed instead of the guest room where he’d been sleeping since Todoroki had been staying with him. He was clean and warm and naked, and wrapped in the alpha’s arms who was just as naked as him. His omega preened happily at having Todoroki in his bed—where he clearly belonged. But more than that… he felt a completion that before now had seemed unachievable for him.

For so long, Bakugou scoffed at the idea of soulmates, avoided the mere thought of commitments outside of his friendships, and honestly believed that there was just no one out there for him. He had his squad, yes, and he loved them each in some way that he would never admit, but to have a significant other? He was opening up a lot of uncertainties that he really still had concerns about. 

There was no denying that he was happy. Lying there swaddled in the alpha’s arms, warmth, and scent, Bakugou felt happier than he ever had before. In that moment, he could truly say that he’d felt at least a piece of heaven and he wanted to keep feeling it. With both of them being so well-known, and soon starring together, there would no doubt be issues that fell upon them from being together.

It didn’t matter if they were soulmates or not, there were people who wouldn’t care, and some who would even dare to try and intervene in their relationship and ruin what they had. Not that Bakugou would allow it. Most of his fans knew him well enough to know how serious he was about his boundaries, and most of them respected his boundaries. He still had yet to confirm his secondary gender, and beyond that… he didn’t want what he had with Todoroki to be thought of as something scandalous when that was far from the truth.

The bond between them was strong and irrefutable, even if they hadn’t officially claimed one another with mating marks. People were going to notice—and even if they didn’t some would toss around speculations with the two of them starring in a star-crossed film about two fated soulmates. Bakugou knew he shouldn’t worry so much about what might or might not happen, but he really just didn’t want to risk anything ruining this happiness that he was experiencing. It was new and beautiful and he wanted to cling to it for eternity.

For a long while after he woke up, Bakugou laid still, listening intently to Todoroki’s even breaths as he slept on, and the steady beat of his heart. Then he pressed a gentle kiss to his throat and carefully worked himself free from the alpha’s hold. He managed to make it out without too much trouble, and grunted at the pain in his lower back on his way over to his bathroom. 

After taking care of his morning routine, Bakugou went into the kitchen to get some coffee and breakfast started. He’d learned from a single day alone that Todoroki was unable to function until he had his morning coffee, and he’d confirmed that fact every morning since. So, he always made sure it was the first thing he did, and he always let Todoroki sleep until it was prepared.

While he was washing the rice to prepare it to be steamed, his phone rang. It seemed to be coming from the living room but he wasn’t worried about trying to catch it. Bakugou always became irritated when anyone—including Kirishima—called him first thing in the mornings. He was determined to get his rice in the cooker and continue working on breakfast, but he got no further than starting the rice before Kirishima was letting himself in.

“Morning, Bakugou, I tried to call,” he said as he came over to the counter with a toothy grin, unbothered by the blond’s feral glare. 

“And I didn’t fucking answer.”

“Well, you should’ve,” Kirishima laughed. “I just got off the phone with Twin Flames’ producer. They want the main cast to meet at the location we’ll be filming at for the majority of the filming period. Guess who that includes: you.”

“When?” 

“This weekend coming. Saturday will be reserved for getting to know the main cast, and you’ll get your script and a tentative schedule for filming. Since I know how you are about traveling late hours, I’ll arrange for you to stay the full weekend since you have no prior engagements.”

“What about Todoroki?” Bakugou frowned.

“What about him?” Kirishima asked, blinking at the blond curiously.

“Did you find out his schedule and plan for him to stay the weekend?”

“What the hell, Bakugou? I’m not his mana—”

“Fuck!” Todoroki cursed from the other room, having no doubt run into something or hurt himself in some way due to his drowsiness. A few seconds later he was padding into the kitchen dressed in a t-shirt and a pair of sweatpants, eyes sleepy and a scowl on his face.

Bakugou’s brows furrowed in concern and he quickly prepared Todoroki’s coffee before carrying it over to the table for him. “What did you do?” He tried to sound annoyed, but his tone was too soft and laced heavily with affection.

“...My foot got caught in the blanket and I tripped,” he mumbled and nuzzled his temple against the blond’s before sitting down to have his coffee.

“You shouldn’t rush to get up before you’re properly awake,” Bakugou chided him fondly and brushed his fingers through his hair, trying to tame the bedhead he had going on.

“Mm.”

“Alright, I’m out,” Kirishima grumbled, already on his way out of the kitchen. “Talk to his manager, Bakugou.”

Bakugou sighed as Kirishima left and he walked back around the counter to continue preparing breakfast.

Todoroki picked up his coffee and blew on it a couple of times, wondering out loud, “What’s his problem?”

“Huh?” The blond glanced over at him before looking back to his task. “Nothing, just came to tell me that we have a cast meeting out of town on Saturday. I’ll be away for the weekend.”

Todoroki was sure Yaoyorozu would be contacting him about it soon and had a few sips of coffee to wake up. “I don’t think I have any modeling work scheduled this weekend… do you want me to come with you?” 

“No.”

As the caffeine worked its magic, Todoroki sighed happily and had the hindsight to take a peek at his left arm.

Yes.

“I’m sure I can book a room wherever you’re going to stay, Momo never disappoints,” he said and then added, “but we could also just share a room instead.”

“So you want to stay without me?” Bakugou turned on him, offended that he would even consider it.

“Do you want to stay without me and leave me behind?” Todoroki countered with a raised brow, not bothering to hide his amusement.

“Don’t ignore me!” Bakugou raised his right hand, holding up a threatening fist.

Todoroki chuckled and shook his head. “No, I don’t want to stay without you. I’m not sure if I can, to be honest.”

Bakugou huffed as he sliced the sausages. “Better fucking not if you know what’s good for your ass.”

“I think you’re what’s good for me.”

“Damn right I am, Half n’ Half. Don’t you fucking forget it.”

Todoroki thought he was so cute when he was angry and embarrassed, tossing things around as he made breakfast. “I’ll need to go to my place and pick up some more clothes too,” he said and drank some more of his coffee.

“We can go after breakfast,” Bakugou said while peeking at the rice cooker and then looked at Todoroki. “And you need to call your manager.”

“I’ll talk to her today,” he assured. “Saturday… I’m itching to get my hands on that script.”

“Oh?” Bakugou smiled to himself as he worked. “Just so I can put you in your place?”

Todoroki watched him from across the room, gaze trailing over him as he sipped some more coffee. “I think I did pretty well during our test run with the original novel. I’ll do even better with the script.”

“Please. I’ll eat you alive.” 

“Like you did last night?”

The insinuation had Bakugou’s knees buckling and he almost ended up a heap on the floor. “You bastard, I’ll kill you.”

Todoroki smiled at him and even went as far as winking at the omega. It made Bakugou more flustered than he already was but instead of responding, he focused on finishing up breakfast so they could eat together. He was excited about going back to Todoroki’s place and honestly looking forward to the weekend ahead. Meanwhile, the alpha was planning his next move and resolved himself to courting the blond properly. He wanted to date him and get more serious, call their relationship a relationship, but he didn’t want to scare him away by moving too fast. Todoroki had never been so relaxed with someone and found something truly special with Bakugou. Of course they were soulmates, but it was because Bakugou was Bakugou that Todoroki wanted him.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7: The Script

Arriving at the hotel on Friday was a relief. Bakugou dreaded flying, had always hated it and found it exhausting. Their destination was the tropics, where it was much hotter and sunnier. A couple of bellboys had taken up their things, and Todoroki and Bakugou were soon alone in their shared room. 

“Ugh,” Bakugou groaned as he flopped on the bed, sighing at the soft and cool feel of the duvet. 

Todoroki pulled back the curtains over two glass doors that led to a balcony, taking in the beach and sea. “It’s beautiful here.”

“Ugh,” Bakugou grunted again but turned his face to peer at Todoroki, crimson eyes settling on his ass. “Not too bad.”

“Not too bad? Are you more of a snowy cabin type of guy?” he asked.

“Mm. Whatever.” Bakugou still stared at his ass, not even registering the question directed at him.

Todoroki liked both, able to relish in the heat and the cold, but he had to make sure to cover his pale skin in sunscreen. “Or maybe the rain is more your style. I certainly enjoy seeing you dripping wet.”

“Haaaah?” Bakugou’s eyes went up to Todoroki’s face, finding him still staring out of the doors. “Who’s dripping wet?”

Judging from the accusatory tone that seeped into the blond’s voice, he hadn’t been listening to him. “I was talking about you,” the taller man said and left the view to walk over to the bed instead, crouching down in front of it so he was eye level with the other actor. “The plane ride really took it out of you, didn’t it? Are you feeling jet lagged?”

“I’m feeling pissed off!” he lied. “You talking about me dripping wet. The fuck do I look like?” His whole face was beet red and his brows were twitching, eyes wanting to avert desperately. His pride wouldn’t allow it though.

“Well you are after a shower or a bath,” Todoroki told him and then added with a knowing smile, “What did you think I meant?”

Bakugou gawked at the other man, finding his audacity baffling. Then he started yanking down the covers to bury himself beneath them. “I’m going to sleep.”

Todoroki chuckled silently before standing up straight and stretching. “You’ll regret it later if you sleep all day. Why don’t we explore the hotel after we unpack? I heard there's a gym, an arcade, and even a waterpark.” 

“Is that what you wanna do?” He rolled onto his side and peeked from under the covers. “I really don’t care what we do.”

“Moving around will help keep us awake until tonight,” Todoroki reasoned and went to unzip his suitcase, flipping the top open.

Bakugou shoved the covers off of himself and got up with a huff. “Where the hell’s this energy coming from, Half n’ Half? Damn.”

“Who knows. Perhaps it’s just my excitement from going on a trip with you even though it’s for work.”

“Work is technically tomorrow only,” the blond pointed out and got up to begin unpacking his things as well. “You better not be clingy.”

“I’m sure we’ll both get swarmed by the other cast members.” While Todoroki wasn’t thrilled about social gatherings of any sort, he was used to them and could small talk his way around a room. Bakugou’s friends had been different, he actually wanted them to like him and cared about what they thought, but this would be for work and in a professional setting. “I’m a little curious to see who else will be starring with us, but the only thing I’m really interested in is the script.”

He had been talking about the script a lot and Bakugou knew he was looking forward to it, and going over lines together—so was he. “You’ll have it tomorrow, and we can rehearse as much as you want.”

Todoroki knew he was being over eager and sometimes focused on work too much, but he couldn’t contain his enthusiasm when it was still the very beginning of his acting career and his second movie. “You spoil me.”

They put their clothes away and then all of their other necessities, toothbrushes, scent blockers, and other personal items before leaving the room. It was a large hotel that had a good reputation, all of the activities and extra features located on the bottom floors. The two actors took the elevator down to the lobby and went from there. Signs pointed to the bar, arcade, waterpark and a gambling hall that were all spread out. They decided to go to the arcade first and ended up staying longer than intended. 

Todoroki learned just how competitive Bakugou could be, the stubborn blond determined to crush him in every game they played. There always had to be a tie breaker and he demanded a rematch whenever he lost. He was having fun though and that’s all that Todoroki cared about. It was late in the afternoon when they finally emerged, moving on to the bar next for dinner. It took a few minutes for them to get a table and they ordered a couple drinks, Bakugou getting some spicy wings while Todoroki went with steak.

The drinks arrived first, both in tall and familiarly patterned glasses. “Is it just me, or do these remind you of the glasses in Twin Flames? From the bar scene in chapter twenty.”

They really were similar by description and Bakugou hummed, easily recalling the scene Todoroki spoke of. “Things were so tense between them then… but somehow still the same? The villain still trying his damnedest to play the bad guy and the hero not believing him for shit.” He laughed and shook his head fondly. “I hope they don’t try and cut that scene.”

“It would be such a waste if they do. Despite being on different sides, the interrogation turned into a seduction,” Todoroki summarized. The villain had said what they had was over, but the night ended with them having their fill of one another in the same bed, the hero waking up alone the next morning. “It shows that the villain hasn’t moved on completely or let go of his feelings.”

“But he keeps fucking trying to make the hero let go of him. It sucks…” The hero was admirable for never giving up no matter how bad things got, but Bakugou supposed that was just what a true soulmate would do.

“The first time I read the novel, I wasn’t sure if the villain was going to close off his heart or not. In the end, he couldn't, no matter how hard he tried.” It really drove home the fact that when you love someone that much, you wouldn’t ever stop loving them. Their food arrived and Todoroki thanked the waitress before they both dug in.

“The hero would never allow it,” Bakugou scoffed and licked some sauce off the tip of his finger before grabbing his drink. “It does piss me off though… from the hero’s point of view, having his soulmate try to turn against him like that…” It was something Bakugou hoped he’d never have to experience.

“The villain lost faith in himself and didn’t want to take the hero down with him, he didn’t think he could be saved anymore. He didn’t think he deserved to be.” Things would have been different if he relied on the hero more, but by trying to protect him from his darkness, he ended up hurting them both. It was a mistake Todoroki never wanted to make.

“He couldn’t see that he was doing exactly what he didn’t want to do at the time,” Bakugou mumbled, feeling the need to try and defend the villain. “He never intended to hurt the hero.”

Todoroki cut up his steak as he hummed in agreement. “It’s a very relatable story. Well, aside from all the superpowers and monsters.”

“Epic shit,” Bakugou grinned. He couldn’t wait to see how it would play out. 

The taller man chuckled and couldn’t deny his words. “Epic indeed, the fight scenes are going to be amazing and cost a fortune no doubt.”

“The more explosions, the better,” Bakugou said with a smirk.

“Aren’t you supposed to prevent explosions, Mr. Hero?” Todoroki teased after eating a piece of his steak. 

“Fuck that,” he tsked. “That’s way too boring for me.” He sipped on his drink while looking around. “I will get my explosions one way or another.”

Todoroki didn’t think for a second that he wouldn’t. “What a chaos bringer,” he mused, making a reference to another movie the blond starred in a few years back.

“Chaos is my middle name.” Bakugou leaned back in his seat and turned his head when someone called his name.

“Well if it isn’t the one and only Bakugou Katsuki.”

The approaching man was a fellow actor that Bakugou had worked with before. “Shinsou,” he said in a cool greeting. “The hell are you doing here?”

“Can’t say, though I’m sure you’ll find out soon.”

Bakugou’s eyes narrowed on him, not liking the attitude. 

“And who’s this?” Shinsou asked as he looked to Todoroki. “Familiar face…”

“Todoroki Shouto,” he said, recognizing the other alpha. Shinsou Hitoshi was a well known actor and another deemed heart throb placed on The Chart, but he wasn’t nearly as famous as someone at Bakugou’s level. “I’m fairly certain I saw you at the auditions. You’ve made the cast too, I take it?”

“Oh, you don’t cut corners?” Shinsou grinned slyly and shrugged his left shoulder. “I did. I didn’t think anyone else would be staying here honestly, but since I’m here maybe I’ll join you two.”

“I’ll kill you,” Bakugou muttered, glaring at him threateningly.

Todoroki was surprised by the purple haired man’s forwardness, wondering if he was always this rude. “Do you often invite yourself without reading the room first?”

Shinsou appeared stunned by the question, and for a moment, so was Bakugou. But then he doubled over, laughing his ass off. “Damn, Half n’ Half.”

“It was a genuine question,” Todoroki said before taking a sip of his drink.

“Am I supposed to be put off by Bakugou’s mouth?” Shinsou asked in response. “If everyone ran off every time he started spouting threats, nobody would like him.”

“It has nothing to do with Bakugou,” Todoroki assured. “I just assumed it was common manners to ask instead of announcing that you’re joining a table.” He wouldn’t mind if a friend of his or Bakugou’s saw them and asked to join their meal, but he was a stranger and he wasn’t so sure the blond considered him a friend anyway.

Shinsou frowned, jaw tensing as he looked displeased. “Well, you’ll have to forgive me for that.” He turned on his heel and walked away.

“Bastard.”

Todoroki went back to his food, not letting the disturbance ruin their dinner. “Not everyone is self aware and well versed in common decency. Are you enjoying your wings?” 

“I’m full,” Bakugou said, though he’d eaten all except two of his wings. “They were good. I’m a little in shock right now, since you jumped down his throat like that. Usually you’re so calm.”

Todoroki had merely pointed out his rude behavior, he wasn’t angry or even irritated. “Did it come off as that aggressive? Maybe it’s the jet lag, but I honestly wasn’t mad at him. He was being overly forward and I let him know it wasn’t appreciated. It’s as simple as that.”

“Simple as that,” Bakugou agreed with an amused hum, resting his cheek in his hand as he watched Todoroki eat. “Might have to put you on a leash if you’re gonna get so testy.”

The alpha raised a brow at his words. “I don’t know if I should be more concerned that you think that was me being testy or that you think you could put a leash on me.”

“Hah?” Bakugou’s light expression twisting into one of irritation. “You think I fucking can’t?”

“I’d like to see you try,” Todoroki mused, riling the omega up. “I’m not as docile as I seem.”

Perhaps he wasn’t, but Bakugou liked that about him.

The following morning, after waking and ordering coffee, Bakugou and Todoroki made their way to the hotel’s gym for a bit of exercise. They went before breakfast, before showers, but they spoke of what they might like for breakfast while stretching. The gym was spacious and sectioned off nicely, so there was a nice amount of privacy in each area.

Bakugou was admittedly becoming distracted by Todoroki stretching, with him wearing something tight and revealing—even his shorts—it wasn’t even fair.

“I’m surprised this will be our first time working out together,” the taller man commented. They both had a routine and made sure to stay fit, but they had gone to the gym separately and at different times.

“Wouldn’t wanna distract you… you could get hurt.” Bakugou smirked at him and raised his middle finger. 

Todoroki let his eyes trail over the omega’s body, not bothering to be subtle about it. “Point taken.”

“Damn thirsty ass.” He rolled his eyes and continued stretching. “You get your script today, don’t pretend that’s not all you’re thinking about. Even went straight to sleep last night.”

Given it was the blond who actually went to bed first, Todoroki wasn’t sure if he was just teasing him or if he was hinting that he wanted more attention. It was probably both. “I’m patient enough to wait for it when I have you distracting me in the meantime.”

Bakugou’s jaw tensed and he turned his nose up at the alpha. If only he had that kind of patience. “Whatever.”

Finished with his stretching, Todoroki decided to start with some pull ups and went over to the nearby bar, jumping up a little to grab onto it. “Make sure you put on a show,” he teased and then started pulling himself up.

His shamelessness had the bond gawking but he said nothing, unable to find any words. He was much more interested in the show Todoroki was putting on, but then again, he wanted to make the alpha lust after him. Bakugou could flex as well as any alpha—maybe even better.

By the time they made their way back to their room, both of them were sweaty and hot and couldn’t stop looking at one another. They ordered room service for breakfast and slipped into the shower together. It was risky, but the knowledge of their breakfast's impending arrival had them behaving themselves.

“Shit, I’m lazy now,” Bakugou mumbled as he sat at the table. Right on time after their shower, the food had arrived. He was still in only his robe and had a towel wrapped around his shoulders. 

Todoroki brought their food over and started transferring it from the cart to the table. “I feel refreshed and energized after working out, though I get really hungry as well. We’re traveling to the film site first and meeting the cast before getting the script,” he said as he mentally went over their schedule. “Then we have a little bit of free time before the party tonight.”

“I know all your ass can think about is the damn script,” Bakugou mused. “You’ll have it before you know it.”

“I’m eager to get to work, what can I say?” Todoroki smiled as he sat down, also wearing just his robe. “Did you feel the same way when you first started? Anxious and excited to learn your lines and immerse in your role?”

“No. Why would I?”

“Really?” He wasn’t expecting that answer, but he could picture the blond going in with the same confidence he always possessed. “I suppose I should have expected that from a natural.”

“You’re so fucking stupid.” Bakugou huffed and looked over the food, wasting no time in digging in.

Todoroki knew the shorter shied away from embarrassing compliments by throwing insults, but never ones that fed into his ego. It made him a little suspicious. “What? Are you saying you weren’t telling the truth?”

“Haaaaah? No.”

That reaction had Todoroki rolling up the sleeve of his robe, figuring he might as well check if the blond was going to be dishonest. 

Yes.

“You lie about the strangest things.”

“I’m not lying, you bastard,” he huffed and stuffed another bite into his mouth. “My first time was badass, I was a natural, it was just any other day for me. I’m a natural badass.”

Todoroki shook his head and rolled his sleeve back down, beginning to eat his breakfast and letting the blond stay in denial. 

After eating, the two dressed for the day ahead and Bakugou answered for Kirishima when he called and said he’d be picking them up to head out to the location. The rental car was nice, and Bakugou and Todoroki sat in the back together comfortably. Though a part of the blond wished he was sitting in the middle, closer to the alpha, he kept his legs stretched out and his arms crossed over his chest, staring out the window on their way.

“So, did you two have a good night settling in? Bet you went to sleep before eight, didn’t ya, Bakugou?”

They knew each other so well, reminding Todoroki of how he was with his own manager, but Yaoyorozu wasn’t able to accompany him this time. “It went well, the hotel is very nice.”

“I made sure to book the best room,” Kirishima grinned. “It’s a great hotel honestly. There are a handful of cast members staying there.”

It made sense since it was in a prime location. “I thought as much.”

“Oh? Did you run into some already?” Kirishima asked while Bakugou slumped against the door, sulking.

“Shinsou Hitoshi.”

“Ahh… that must’ve been fun,” the redhead said with a chuckle. “I actually have a cast listing. Shinsou will be playing one of the hero’s colleagues.”

“WHO?” Bakugou yelled.

That would be interesting depending on which colleague he was playing, but Todoroki hoped their little interaction last night wouldn’t affect what showed up on screen.

“His partner from the agency.”

It wasn’t a major role, but it meant that Bakugou would have to work closely with him at times and the blond didn’t like it one bit. “He better not fuck with me or else.”

“I doubt he will unless he wants you to pound him into next week,” Todoroki mused and then held his chin in thought, another possibility occurring to him. “Or maybe that’s exactly what he wants? He could be a masochist.”

Bakugou clicked his tongue at Todoroki’s musing and glared out the window. “I’m more curious who’ll be playing the villain’s informant.”

Frowning at the reminder, Todoroki couldn’t hide the displeasure in his expression. “The informant… not a likable character in my opinion.” 

“You bet your ass he’s not likable at all. I’m already itching to fight his ass.”

“No fighting anyone,” Kirishima chuckled. 

A small smile appeared on the alpha’s lips, easily picturing the blond destroying the sets as well as the cast members. “There will be plenty of fighting scenes and chances to smash things.”

“I’m going to be the one to kill his ass,” Bakugou muttered.

“Don’t you mean the one to arrest him?” Todoroki asked with a raised brow.

Bakugou cut his glare from the window to Todoroki, narrowing his crimson eyes even further while shamelessly saying, “No.”

“The hostility is out of this world, I mean, come on… you got me shaking here,” Kirishima teased as he continued to drive. 

They didn’t arrive at the location soon enough. Without being told ahead of time, as soon as they began driving through the mountains, Bakugou knew where they were headed. One of the most important places in Twin Flames was Twin Peak, where a beautiful waterfall sat between two jagged cliffs. It was the place where, after the villain became lost, he and the hero still met one another from time to time. The place they gave themselves to each other for the first time, the place where the hero got caught with the villain, the same place where they shared many fights, including their last. There was a beautiful lodge there, which they soon learned was owned by an elderly couple who was more than willing to allow it to be used for filming.

“It feels just like the place in the book,” Bakugou mumbled to himself as he walked up the stairs next to Todoroki, the two of them trailing a way behind Kirishima on their way inside. 

“It’s magnificent,” the other actor said in awe of seeing the world of Twin Flames brought to life. “I can’t believe they found somewhere this perfect, I thought for sure they’d have to build a set for it.” 

“Honestly, me too,” the blond admitted, eyes flitting round to take in everything. The sound of the waterfall was close and powerful. “This is when shit gets real. You ready?”

Todoroki looked over at his co-star, taking a deep breath as he put his hands in his pockets. “Let’s do this.”

Bakugou led the way inside the home, crew members as well as fellow actors already there checking things out. There were faces he did and didn’t recognize. Shinsou, unexpectedly, was among them.

“Come,” he said as he grabbed Todoroki’s arm and pulled him towards a couple of chairs set out with their names on them. “Everyone hasn’t arrived yet,” he explained while they took their seats which were just next to one another. “Ready for your script? Since you’ve been fucking drooling for it.”

“The anticipation is killing me, yes,” he admitted as he glanced around in hopes of spotting someone passing it out to the cast members. “Are you as excited as I am?”

“Count me a close second,” Bakugou snorted, rolling his eyes. 

Kirishima had vanished but came bounding over after just a few minutes, two manila envelopes held in his hands. “Guess what I have,” he grinned, flashing his teeth as he turned the envelopes to show the labels on them.

Hero.

Villain.

“Excellent.” Todoroki couldn’t wait to begin, holding out his hand for the envelope which Kirishima handed him without hesitation, and then gave Bakugou his. 

“Damn don’t bust a nut,” Bakugou muttered, watching as Todoroki opened the envelope to peek inside. “It’s not fucking going anywhere.”

Rather than his usual teasing, it sounded as if something was bothering the omega, making him poke at Todoroki about his eagerness. “You’re talking as if you have something against the script, Bakugou…” He shifted his attention away from the script for a moment to carefully observe the blond while he tried to figure out the reason behind his behavior. “Are you jealous?”

“Jealous of what?!” he snapped. “No. Are you stupid?”

Unable to resist, Todoroki rolled up his sleeve to glance at his arm.

Yes, isn’t it obvious?

“Oi, what the hell!” Bakugou jumped to his feet and grabbed Todoroki’s sleeve, yanking it back down. “You’re just pissing me off now!”

“Such a handy little mechanic,” he chuckled and couldn’t say that he didn’t enjoy having a lie detector attached to his body. “Don’t worry, you’ll have me all to yourself tonight.”

“As if I’d fucking want you, stupid alpha.” 

“What’s this, filming hasn’t even begun and you’re already making enemies?”

Bakugou turned on his heel, coming nose to nose with one Neito Monoma, an actor he’d never worked with but recognized easily enough. He had a reputation for playing notorious villains, including quite the handful of major roles. 

“Did your balls just drop or are you just fucking stupid?” Bakugou had his own reputation and he might’ve had an attitude that not everyone could handle, but he didn’t go around making enemies either.

“I’m just excited to see you lashing out in person instead of through a screen,” the other blond smirked, eyes dull and calculating. “Though I’m more interested in Todoroki, seeing how I’ll be working more closely with him.”

“Like hell,” Bakugou grabbed Monoma’s shirt and fisted it, tugging him closer. “Careful or you won’t have a face to act with.”

“Such a bad boy. Go on then, hit me.”

Todoroki knew the blond would do just that without hesitation and quickly intervened, getting to his feet and pushing them apart. “How about we don’t rearrange faces on our first day working together?”

“Finally, a man who knows how to act,” Monoma laughed, offering his hand to Todoroki.

“Fuck off,” Bakugou hissed, slapping the other omega’s hand away. 

Monoma blinked at his hand before laughing again. “I think you’re going to make things very interesting around here. By the way, I’ll be playing the role of the informant. Looking forward to working with you, Todoroki.” 

Though he turned and began walking away, Bakugou fully intended to pounce, only to be stopped by Todoroki wrapping an arm around his middle. “Let me go, I’ll kill him now.”

“Again, it’s the very first day and we’re not even filming yet. Let’s not get too hasty.” Todoroki made sure no one was looking before he pressed a soft kiss to his soulmate’s neck.

If Bakugou’s knees wobbled, he’d never admit it. “He started it, the fucker,” he grumbled though the tension had faded from his limbs already. 

“Yes he did and I won’t be saving him from your wrath a second time,” he said and gave the other actor’s hip a reassuring squeeze before letting him go. 

With a frustrated huff, Bakugou sat back down and opened his own envelope. “Let’s see what we’re working with.”

They both pulled out the long awaited script, diving into it right away and reading over the lines. Todoroki was hooked from the first opening setup and glanced over at Bakugou every now and again, finding that the blond was just as enraptured. It went above and beyond their expectations and they were lost in the story all over again. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough time for them to read through all of it and they had to reluctantly put the script aside. The rest of the cast had finally gathered and everyone was split into different groups, passenger vans waiting outside to transport the cast around. 

Further away from the waterfall and cliffs was a historical valley town. People still lived there and it was functioning well, however, it was mainly a tourist sight with the bulk of the population living back in the city. While it wasn’t nearly as perfect as the waterfall sight itself, the location was pretty damn close to the Hero and Villain’s hometown in the book. The forest that surrounded the valley town was a good find as well for a number of scenes in Twin Flames. Of course there wasn’t anywhere suited for explosions and the like, the place being too old and risky even if they took safety precautions. 

There were large buildings in the city where those sets would be created and filmed. Todoroki and Bakugou spent most of the time exploring the town first rather than listening to their tour guides going into details about the history of the place. The fact that they had gotten permission to close down the valley and shoot when filming began showed just how many people were eager to watch Twin Flames on the big screen. It was late into the afternoon when they were finished and everyone was brought back to the cliffs just as the sun was setting, Aizawa, Yamada and Kayama thanking them for coming out and looking forward to seeing everyone at dinner in a few hours, dismissing the cast for the time being.

Kirishima drove Todoroki and Bakugou back to the hotel where they changed into their dinner attire. Both men were in suits, the alpha in dark blue while the omega wore black. The blond was hoping they would only have to show their faces for an hour or so and then dip out without anyone noticing. He’d been sharing Todoroki all damn day and frankly he was tired of it, wanting all of his attention to himself, not that he would ever say such a thing out loud. It didn’t help that he kept gushing about the script even when they were alone in their hotel room.

Bakugou couldn’t be too mad about it, though, willingly joining in the conversation and sharing his own thoughts about what he was able to read. Twin Flames was really shaping up to be the best movie of the decade, maybe even his career. It was impossible to showcase and transition every detail in the book into the movie, but it touched a lot of the important things, faithfully keeping the Hero and Villain’s world intact. The only thing that could ruin it now was if the other cast members didn’t play their characters right, but Bakugou wasn’t too worried about them since he and Todoroki were the ones that mattered the most. 

Once again Kirishima ended up being their chauffeur and went on about how fancy the food at the party was going to be. After arriving at the high class restaurant the staff had bought out for the evening, Todoroki found himself offering his arm on instinct, the atmosphere bringing out his well-bread manners. It was customary that he would give his arm to his date and escort the blond inside. 

“The hell? Put that shit away,” Bakugou scoffed, smacking his arm away with a deep blush.

While Todoroki understood that he had to be careful as to not reveal their relationship, his chest swelled with pride at the heat in the other actor’s cheeks and he took it a step further since they were still hidden from prying eyes. “No? What about this,” he asked and placed his hand on Bakugou’s hip, pulling him against his side. “Cozy.”

“Want me to bite your ass?” Bakugou growled, face bright red. He didn’t pull away though, instead leaning into Todoroki and breathing him in. “Don’t get all clingy and shit.”

The taller man nuzzled their temples together and let out a soft sigh. “Hopefully this dinner party won’t drag out for too long and I can be as clingy as I want in our hotel room.”

“Haah?” Shuddering, Bakugou gently rubbed his temple against Shouto’s in return, voice much softer. “Not then either,” he lied.

“Yes then,” Todoroki told him with a small smile. “I promised you, remember? Once we get back tonight, all of my attention will be on you. Better prepare yourself.”

“Tch. You piss me off.” He pulled back, rubbing his cheek across Todoroki’s on his way to bring their lips together. 

The alpha kissed him back without hesitation, but this time their kiss was different, softer and slower although just as passionate. The pair were lost in each other for a few minutes before separating and making their way inside, Kirishima having long gone ahead of them. It turned out exactly how Todoroki thought it would. The event was full of fake pleasantries and small talk, precisely like the type of social gatherings he frequented back when he was trying to be the perfect son. 

Dinner itself was nice and Bakugou even gave his approval for the food. It was quite the expensive menu and they offered plenty of alcohol to accompany it, but the blond didn’t drink much and mainly had water while Todoroki only had a few glasses of wine. A lot of people were keen on having a chat with them all evening and were skillfully avoided when Bakugou pulled the other man away. They left right after they finished dessert, Kirishima driving them back at Bakugou’s order despite wanting to stay a little longer and have seconds. 

Todoroki didn’t wait until they were in the hotel room like he had originally said he would. Once the elevator doors closed, the alpha pushed the omega against the wall, both hands cupping his backside while his mouth latched onto his throat.

Bakugou gasped at the sudden attack, but he reveled in it, tilting his head to accommodate Todoroki while his hands grasped at Todoroki’s shirt. 

“It’s about fucking time.”

“Sorry I kept you waiting.”

Todoroki was going to eat his lover up tonight, determined to satisfy him and mark his skin just the way he adored it. He finally had someone in his life to treasure and spend the rest of his life with. It was a chance in a lifetime that he met Bakugou and was falling for him more each passing day. He wished they'd always be together.

Chapter Text

Chapter 8: Official

“Whoa, Kacchan! What’s up with the movers? Got some new furniture?” Midoriya asked as he padded inside, green eyes observing the men carrying in boxes and stacking them up in the living room under Bakugou’s supervision. 

“Do I look like I need new furniture, Deku?” Bakugou asked with a scowl. “It’s Todoroki’s shit. I got tired of the back and forth, so I had some things packed up for him.”

“Oh, that’s smart,” Midoriya said. “He asked you to take care of it while he’s working?”

“No.” Bakugou shrugged. “He didn’t ask.” 

“Wha…”

“You think he’ll have a problem with it?”

Bakugou might have jumped the gun a bit, but it felt like the right thing to do. It wasn’t for his own benefit, it was for Todoroki’s. He needed his things and they were always staying at Bakugou’s place. It only made sense to have the majority of his things at Bakugou’s place for easy access. 

“No way! You’re soulmates, there’s no way your alpha doesn’t want to live with you. It’s really cute, how you two are, honestly.”

“Yeah… whatever.” Bakugou knew that too, which is why he felt comfortable enough to make the decision to move some of Todoroki’s things to begin with. 

He knew it was right. 

“I think it’s good for both of you,” Midoriya went on, smiling as he opened one of the boxes for Bakugou. 

“Me too.”

Todoroki had gotten up early to meet with his manager, both of them going over what his schedule would be moving forward. Yaoyorozu was on top of things as usual and her organization was one of the qualities he respected most about her. Now was the time for any last minute changes or concerns in regards to the script and the movie’s production. After reading through the entire thing with Bakugou once they returned from their trip, they both gave their seal of approval and commended Aizawa for a beautifully written adaptation for Twin Flames. It was going to be everything they hoped, perhaps even better when filming began.

It wasn’t until near the end of their meeting that Yaoyorozu shocked him with one final item on his agenda, one that had been set into motion without his knowledge. 

“I beg your pardon?” Todoroki asked, thinking he must have heard her wrong.

“Now, now, I’m not saying to fully go public and make an official announcement….but…” She trailed and proposed her suggestion again. “Kirishima and I agreed that you and Bakugou should come out into the open. No more hiding, no blatantly shoving your relationship in the face of the public, but a natural progression.”

“Since when are you and Kirishima on speed dial and holding secret meetings?” Todoroki questioned with a raised brow and crossed his arms over his chest. It felt as if they were trying to make decisions for the actors and despite knowing that most likely wasn’t their intention, he didn’t appreciate it. “I understand that from a manger standpoint you both need to be kept in the loop and consulted with, but our opinions are what matter most. Who said we were ready to or even desired to have our relationship revealed? Both of you should have presented the idea to us first and not each other.” 

Deciding it on their own was crossing a line, giving the illusion that he didn’t have a say in the matter. Of all people, his best friend shouldn’t have gone behind his back like that.

Yaoyorozu frowned, realizing she had really offended him. It wasn’t like booking photo shoots or auditions. This was personal and couldn’t be handled in a business type manner, but she needed him to heat her out. 

“I’m sorry. Of course it’s up to you and Bakugou, I know that. We both know that, it’s just…we’re trying to protect you. No matter how hard or how long you try to hide, love finds a way to shine through. People will notice and speculate. Revealing yourselves now will cause less damage in the long run. Most will think it’s promotional dating for the movie at first, but you two will be able to act normal throughout the whole process. It offers a blanket of protection as the public goes back and forth about whether it’s fake or not.”

He might have disagreed with the way they went about it, but Todoroki could understand their line of reasoning behind such a decision. There wouldn’t be an uncontrollable large number of prying eyes when they thought it was all fake, purely for show and to promote Twin Flames. Of course there would be those that took their relationship at face value and wished them all the happiness in the world, but the media in particular loved to prey on any possible flaws that would crack a celebrity’s image. Bad PR always made for better news material, people enjoyed the drama and the chance to criticize someone else’s decisions. There was going to be a field day of speculation, but it wouldn’t cause nearly as much of an uproar as it would if they were exposed. 

Trying to hide something, especially over the course of a few years, wouldn’t no doubt create a huge commotion once someone exposed it. Damage control would be much harder and false scandals would be created left and right. It wasn’t good enough to claim that you wanted to hide something simply because it wasn’t anyone’s business, there was always going to be someone that wanted to dig deeper and create some kind of problem that caused all the secrecy. Surely someone would point out the mystery of Bakugou’s secondary gender, leaving people with an ever stronger desire to know what it was, racing to be the first to expose it with hard evidence. 

Being in the public eye meant that others thought they had the right to know everything about you. Todoroki hadn’t been an actor for a long time, but he was no stranger to publicity and the lifestyle that came with it. He was raised into the concept of public image and was used to having a camera pointed at him. That might have been part of the reason he adapted to modeling and acting so quickly, being behind a lens was normal for him. Bakugou had his fair share of experience as well, given his acting career and the way he handled his fanbase. However, there was still a valid cause for concern when that same fanbase could change and turn in on itself.

Fans would be divided in their opinions either way, but the manner in which the truth was twisted or completely altered by the media gave way to disaster. People were going to pick apart their relationship regardless of when word got out, but how it would get out could sway the positivity versus the negativity. Todoroki wasn’t sure what the best course of action was and had been content to hide it for the time being. They couldn’t hide it forever, though, and having a plan was better than being taken off guard by what awaited in the future. The bottom line was at the very least, Todoroki didn’t want anything to happen to Bakugou.

It was common knowledge that Todoroki was an alpha and once their relationship was known, Bakugou was going to be under scrutiny. He would be pressured to state whether he was an alpha, beta or omega. People could start to treat him a certain way because they assumed what his secondary gender was. There were just too many possibilities of what ifs and while he saw the value of their manager's solution, he didn’t know if it was the best course of action to take. Todoroki tended to think things through a lot, often overthinking, and thought that Bakugou was much better at making decisions than he was.

“I’m not making any promises or agreements,” he told her with a long sigh. “Bakugou and I will need to talk it over…I don’t want to cause trouble for him.” That was the reason Todoroki was willing to keep their relationship a secret in the first place. It would be wonderful if he could be with him normally like any other couple, but his boyfriend's safety and comfortability came first. “Is Kirishima going to speak with him today about this?”

“Yes,” she nodded. “I’m not sure when exactly, but it will be before the day is over. I’m assuming you’ve seen our line of logic since I’m not getting chewed out anymore?” The raven asked hopefully, expression sheepish as she twiddled her fingers. 

“You’re off the hook for now…as long as you promise not to pull something like this again.”

“I promise!”

Todoroki left her office feeling a lot more stressed than when he first arrived. To help lift his mood, he made a few stops along the way back to Bakugou’s apartment. One of which was to collect the items the blond had asked him to pick up for dinner. The other two were in search of a present for the omega, something that would make him smile and start Todoroki’s courting process. Despite everything else that was going on, he was going to still make time and pamper his lover. It was noisy when he entered the apartment and spotted a few boxes scattered around, Bakugou’s voice echoing as he barked orders. Most of the boxes were empty and stacked neatly in a pile. 

It looked as if he’d gone on a shopping spree or was redecorating a section of the apartment, but it was odd for him to do something like that out of nowhere. Todoroki carried his bags into the kitchen and put away the groceries his boyfriend had requested, smiling to himself as he heard Bakugou curse in the other room followed by Midoriya’s voice laughing. Whatever they were up to, at least they were enjoying themselves. Things were never dull or boring around here. Once he was finished putting everything where it belonged, he called out to let the other actor know he was home, but he knew his scent had long given him away.

“I’m back! What project are you two working on?” He asked as he hid the other bags with the gifts he bought into one of the lower cabinets. 

“Todoroki!” Midoriya cheered from the bedroom. “Project move you in, I guess you could call it.” 

“Damn it, Deku!” Bakugou hissed, a thud sounding after he spoke, followed by a pained groan from Midoriya. 

“Move me in?” The alpha repeated to himself before leaving the kitchen to investigate. He walked down the hallway and found them in Bakugou’s room along with a number of things that were familiar to him. “Are those my ties?”

Bakugou frowned and stuffed them in a nearby box. “No.”

“Yes,” Midoriya chimed in with a smile. 

Upon closer inspection, Todoroki recognized a lot of items that were from his apartment, most of which hadn’t made their way over to Bakugou’s yet. “And my shoes…my books and bookshelf…even my nightstand lamp.”

“Yeah, moving you in, remember?” Midoriya laughed and Bakugou smacked him upside the head. “Ow!”

“I thought it would be easier…” Bakugou trailed off.

“You could have asked first,” the taller man pointed out as he walked over to stand in front of him, arms winding around his waist. “But I like your forwardness and boldness,” he chuckled and nuzzled their temples together.

“The hell? You saying you didn’t want to stay here? You’re not tired of running off to get shit all the time? I can just pack it all back up.” 

He was getting shy and flustered about it, another quality that Todoroki liked about him. “I’m saying I know what this is.” Bringing his lips to the blond’s ear and lowering his voice to a whisper, he added, “You want me all to yourself and I’m of the same opinion. You’ll never be rid of me now.”

“Your place is here,” Bakugou mumbled, eyes closing as he soaked up the alpha’s affections. 

“Aww. So cute,” Midoriya said, loud enough to clearly remind them of his presence. “Oh, look at the time… I should head out.”

“Bye, damn Deku,” Bakugou said, not budging from his spot. 

Todoroki held him closer as he felt his stress melting away, rubbing the omega’s back and tucking his face into his neck. “It’s been a long day…how was yours?”

“Forget about mine. Just been moving you in against your will.” He laughed softly and nuzzled the alpha back. “What happened? Bad news or some shit?”

“Something like that,” Todoroki sighed. “But I want to pretend it doesn’t exist for a little while longer and let your scent comfort me.”

Bakugou hummed and wrapped his arms tightly around Todoroki in return. “How about a bath?”

“That sounds perfect. Should I give you your presents before or after?” He asked, smiling against the curve of his neck.

“Presents?” Bakugou stepped back, staring into his eyes searchingly. 

“Yes, presents. I made a few extra trips on the way home.” Todoroki took his hand and started leading him out of the bedroom. “As a man who spends money wisely but also makes sure to have everything he needs, you’re not the easiest person to shop for. I do enjoy a challenge though and I managed to find a couple things I hope you’ll like.”

“The hell would you do something like that for?” Bakugou asked quietly, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. 

“Because I want to.”

Todoroki brought him into the kitchen, sitting him at the bar before retrieving the bags from the cabinet. He would have preferred to wrap them, but he was too excited to wait. “The first one is technically for me, but I’m giving it to myself only because I know you’ll appreciate it.”

“Oh yeah?” Bakugou smirked at that, interest piqued. “I think it’ll be my favorite then.”

Todoroki handed him the bag and waited in anticipation while Bakugou opened it, pulling out the set of suspenders, brows raising as he did. 

“Well, hell… when am I getting you in these?”

“Just say the word,” the taller man smiled, but put the next bag on the bar before his boyfriend got too sidetracked. “This one I’m proud of myself for coming up with.”

Bakugou accepted the next gift, opening it up to find a large insulated lunch bag. It was black and orange, simple and not expensive, and yet it held more meaning than any gift Bakugou could remember receiving in the longest time. 

“Oi, this your way of asking me to feed you on set?” 

“Oh, you caught on to me fast,” Todoroki laughed. While it was intended to make sure Bakugou was able to take his meals on set, he also knew that the omega would always pack something for him to eat as well. “It has sections as well for water bottles and drinks, but still leaves plenty of room for the main course.”

“It’s perfect. I’ll get a lot of use out of it. Thanks.” 

“You’re welcome,” Todoroki said and leaned across the bar to steal a chaste kiss. Then he gave him the final bag with the last gift inside, this one being the only present he wasn’t confident in. He was either going to love it or hate it, but it was such a lucky and unique find.

Bakugou opened it quickly, pulling out the box within and opening it with a peek at Todoroki. Inside was a black bracelet with two charms, a red and orange flame. 

“Twin flames?” Bakugou asked, looking at Todoroki once more, now with wide eyes. 

“I don’t know if you like jewelry or not, but once I saw it, I had to get it for you.” Todoroki came around to the other side of the bar and stood behind the blond, resting his head on his shoulder and wrapping his arms around his waist. “What do you think? Is it too…?”

“It’s perfect. I love it, thank you.” Bakugou rubbed his thumb over the charms with a smile. “Something sentimental too… you know, if you were a mushy bastard.”

“I prefer smitten and passionate,” Todoroki said and gave a playful nip to his ear.

“Hey now, we’re supposed to be taking a bath… I mean you are.”

Giving him a taste of his own guilt tripping medicine, the alpha asked, “You expect me to take one all alone?”

“I expect you not to try it,” the blond huffed. 

Somehow he managed to turn it back around, making Todoroki snort. “Of course, how silly of me. I’ll be more careful from now on and just demand that you occupy me. Or I could strip you down and carry you into the tub myself.”

“I’m not some blushing bride, you bastard. Fuck with me and I’ll strip your ass and carry you instead.”

“If you want to wrestle and see what I’m made of, be my guest,” Todoroki challenged and even added a teasing growl for good measure.

“Oh, fuck yeah. You think I’d hesitate to hit the mats with your ass? I’ve got some steam to blow.” 

Todoroki let him go and Bakugou followed him into the living room where the alpha started moving the furniture out of the way so they would have ample space to tussle. “Should we make things even more interesting and place some bets?”

“Right here?” Bakugou asked, though he had no complaints. “I got one bet, that I’ll pin your ass in the first thirty seconds.”

“Fine by me. What’s the penalty?”

“You name it.”

Not having anything in particular in mind, he decided to go with something simple. “Whoever loses has to do whatever the winner says for an entire day.”

“Lame,” Bakugou mused. “Whatever, Half ‘n Half. This bet is mine anyway.”

Todoroki smirked at the blond’s confidence, unbuttoning the cuffs of his shirt and rolling up his sleeves. Bakugou certainly wasn’t an easy opponent, but neither was Todoroki. “I’m ready when you are.”

Bakugou held out his arms as he stepped closer, lowering himself into a slight crouch, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Say when.”

Todoroki mirrored his stance, but had his arms a little closer to his body, blue and gray eyes watching his boyfriend like a hawk. “When.”

Their bodies met the very next instant, Bakugou lunging at the alpha without hesitation, arms locking around his upper arms and chest, feet rooted to the floor as he twisted in an attempt to slam Todoroki down. Todoroki was able to keep himself on his feet, however, his own arms grappled at the blond who twisted the other way and swooped out to try and get the alpha off his feet. 

They were both caught in a stalemate for a few seconds, both of them receiving a number of close calls. Bakugou was finally able to gain the upper hand when the other man tried to reposition his feet. Pulling the taller man down, the omega was sure he had won until he caught the glint in Todoroki’s eyes. Instead of fighting against it, he was actually leaning in more and spun them around before making contact with the floor, pinning the crimson-eyed man. 

“Fuck—you bastard,” Bakugou hissed, struggling against Todoroki’s hold. 

“I fought hard for this victory, you can’t get mad at me for it,” he told him with a cheeky grin and didn't let him up quite yet. 

“I’m fucking pissed, you cheated,” the blond snapped. “Damn you.”

“I did no such thing.”

Bakugou growled and snatched his arms free, rolling over to lie on his back and glare up at Todoroki. “Then I guess you got fucking lucky.”

“I certainly did,” Todoroki mused as his gaze trailed down his lover’s chest. 

“Bastard,” Bakugou grumbled, hands reaching up to grab Todoroki’s face and pull him down into a kiss. 

The alpha went willingly, opening his mouth and seeking out the other actor’s tongue. It turned heated very quickly, both of them panting against one another while they refused to separate, making out for a few minutes before a knock at the door interrupted them.

“The hell is that?” Bakugou growled as he tore his lips from Todoroki’s to glare at the door. He wasn’t happy to be interrupted, or at the prospect of having to separate. 

“Someone with terrible timing,” Todoroki said and soon another knock followed. “Should I answer it?”

“Fuck. Yeah.” 

As Todoroki got up, Bakugou followed, still annoyed but knowing he just had to be a little patient. He wasn’t sure who it was, but Kirishima surprised him. 

“What the hell do you want?” Bakugou snapped from where he stood. “Don’t you know how to call?”

“I’ve been calling all day,” Kirishima pointed out, walking in when prompted to by Todoroki. “You should try picking up sometimes.”

“Tch. I was busy today. This better be important.” He crossed his arms over his chest. 

“Busy moving around?” Kirishima asked as he glanced at the furniture pushed to the walls. “Anyway, it is important, and I wanted to talk about it before filming begins. And before next week, when you two have an interview together.”

“What’s this about, Kirishima?” Bakugou sighed and took a seat on the couch. It could be moved back later. 

Todoroki sat beside him quietly, crossing his arms as he waited for the redhead to break the news to the blond. The time for pretending things didn’t exist was over.

Kirishima took a seat in one of the armchairs and kicked back. “I’ve been thinking a lot about your role in Twin Flames—both of you—and your relationship. I know how much you want to keep your private life private, but it’s pretty obvious that you and Todoroki have something going on.”

“So what?” Bakugou pressed. 

“So, because you two are going to be starring together in Twin Flames, people are going to speculate that there may be something going on outside of your acting between you. You’d have to be blind not to see it honestly.”

Bakugou rolled his eyes but couldn’t argue it. “Okay. So what do you want me to do about it? Pretend to hate him? I can do that.”

“What? No!” Kirishima laughed. “Seriously, Bakugou. That would only make things worse. I want you to do the opposite. Yaoyorozu and I are both in agreement and think it best for you to be yourselves. Don’t confirm or deny anything, but don’t stress about trying to hide your relationship. I’m afraid that would put stress on your careers and your bond, and I don’t want that to happen.”

“Mm.” Bakugou unconsciously leaned closer to Todoroki while thinking over Kirishima’s words. 

The alpha uncrossed his arms to rest one across the omega’s shoulders, taking in a deep breath as the stress from earlier returned. “Momo talked to me about this as well during our meeting today. I’m not sure what to do,” he confessed. “But I know doing nothing at all will only hurt us more in the long run.”

“I don’t want any trouble,” Bakugou admitted under his breath. “For him I mean.” He gestured to Todoroki as he looked at Kirishima. “I trust your judgment.”

“Thanks, man. Don’t forget the ‘don’t confirm anything’ part though.”

“I won’t,” Bakugou muttered. 

It seemed that the blond made up his mind and was deciding to go with their manager's plan. “What they say about me doesn’t matter, I just don’t want anything to happen to you. If you’re okay with this then I’ll go along with their suggestion as well.” 

“I’m not worried about me,” Bakugou told him assuringly, giving Todoroki his undivided attention, brows furrowed. “I want what’s best for both of us… and Twin Flames too.”

Even if he wasn’t worried, the alpha definitely would be. “We’ll take it one day at a time.”

“Before it gets too lovey dovey, I just need to know if you want to ride together for the interview?”

“Why wouldn’t we?” Bakugou scowled. 

“Right,” Kirishima laughed. “Of course. Well that’s all I had to say.” He stood up and started making his way to the door. “If you need me, you know how to find me. I trust you’re familiarizing yourself with the script too?”

“I don’t need a babysitter,” Bakugou mumbled. 

“Yeah, yeah. I know.”

Kirishima left and Bakugou turned enough to rest his head on Todoroki’s chest. He sighed and said, “Didn’t know you were dealing with that shit.”

It wasn’t easy, but the whole situation had only been buzzing around in Todoroki’s mind since this afternoon. “I feel a bit better now that we’ve chosen what to do next. Nothing we do will make this easy, that’s the life of a celebrity, but I’ll face any challenge to stay with you.”

“I think everything will be alright… as long as we’re together.”

Todoroki couldn’t agree more and tightened his hold around Bakugou, letting out a long breath in relief. A few seconds later, the alpha’s stomach growled louder than it had in a while, making his ears turn red. “Ahem…so…shall we get dinner started?”

“I should kick your ass for that.” Bakugou shoved him off of him and stood. “Take your bath by yourself then, while I cook. No fucking arguing either.”

Skipping meals was the fastest way to make the omega upset with him, but food always tended to slip Todoroki’s mind when he was working. He knew better than to use that as an excuse, though, and did as he was told without any complaints. There was a large possibility that he would be in trouble for the rest of the night, but he would make it up to his boyfriend by eating every bite and cuddling him close in bed. That would be more than enough to make him happy.