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Chapter Text

Kirishima was the happiest kid. His moms would always tell him how he would sing and dance all the time, help snails cross the road, help the elderly cross the road, help kids cross the roads. Apparently baby Kirishima thought roads were very dangerous. He was his moms sunshine and they made sure to tell him everyday. He loved his moms.

He just wished he could love himself as much as they did. Or just a third, or even a fifth or just one fucking percent of how much they did, would be enough. They didn’t know this, of course. He knew it would break their hearts if they found out. So he would pretend around them. Pretend that everything was fine, that he was the happy kid they knew. Sometimes a stupid thought would crawl into his mind, when he thought about them. If they loved him as much as they said, shouldn’t they be able to see through the mask?

Kirishima wasn’t sure when exactly his life began going downwards. It couldn’t just have been the bullying, no way he was that weak. There must have been something else, but no matter how hard he thought about it, there wasn’t really anything else. Sure, he had a weak quirk, boring black hair and stupid shark teeth, but that had just given the bullies more to mock him about. At least he had a fucking quirk! He heard what they did to the quirkless kids. Kirishima had no right to feel like this.

Kirishima used to lay awake at night, hoping one of his moms would turn to be abusive against him, or that they would throw him out, or even that someone kidnapped him. Anything so he could feel like he was justified in feeling like this. But no. His moms loved him, they would never throw him out, and strangers were scared of him! No one ever approached him because of his stupid, stupid teeth.

He hated himself and the worst thing anyone had ever done to him was be a bit mean. Kirishima was no man. He was a waste of air. He shouldn’t exist. He was worth nothing more than a pebble on the side of the road.

Kirishima didn’t have a manly or heroic reason for applying to UA. He told everyone that he wanted to help others in need. That he wanted to be just like his idol Crimson Riot, the manliest man around. Kirishima did really look up to him, that was no lie. But he could never be like him. Not with the true reason of why he was here. 

The robots hadn’t been a challenge. Kirishima just hardened his hands, and finally let out some of his anger. The written tests, however, hadn’t been as easy. They probably would have been, if Kirishima had listened in school. Once again Kirishima was no better than a rock. They were the first weapon after all.

Kirishima truly didn’t think he would be accepted into UA. Like why would he? He was useless. But nothing he could say about himself, would change the fact than in his hand, was the acceptance letter. His moms had been ecstatic when he showed them. They even took him out for hot pot! They had been so proud of him, that for a moment, he believed that they truly did love him. 

Kirishima looked at himself and all he could feel was regret. He looked so stupid. If he had hoped not to get bullied before, there was no way he wouldn’t be bullied now. At least his black hair was something a lot of people had, but now? Surely none was stupid enough to dye their hair bright red . 

He had tried to imitate Crimson Riot, but of course Kirishima couldn’t pull it off. Why the hell did he think that? He just hoped he didn’t know anyone in his class, maybe he could even make some friends! 

Who was he kidding, of course he couldn’t. He didn’t talk to anyone when he arrived in the classroom. He quickly realized that there was one in particular he should avoid at all costs. He didn’t know his name, but he had a puff of blond hair and red, angry eyes. Kirishima knew a thing or two about bullies, so he knew. He could tell. Though the blond didn’t even seem to hide it! He picked a fight with another classmate because he didn’t want to put his feet down from the table. During the quirk test, he had even attacked someone! Or he would have if their teacher didn’t stop him. Kirishima knew that guy would be trouble.

Kirishima was proven right the next day. The first part of school was just the same boring stuff, like in middle school. Then the second part of the day, however, was hero stuff! Kirishima had been so excited to see his hero costume. Of course until he had put it on.

Why the fuck did I make it shirtless?!

He was thankful he had gotten baggy pants and big boots, but that was about the only good things he could say about it. 

You look so stupid.

He had giant gears on his shoulder and a stupid looking mask. What the hell had he been thinking? He could tell his classmates sent him looks, but he couldn’t get himself to look at them.

Their class had battle training, where half of the class was villains and the rest were heroes. Kirishima got teamed up with another black haired boy. Not that he would know, since Kirishima was a fake. What would he think of him if he found out? The guy was named Sero, Kirishima found out. Kirishima put on his social mask and tried his best to befriend him. 

The first pair that was up was a green haired boy, a brown haired girl, a blue haired boy and the bully. Kirishima could barely watch the match. That boy was going to kill the others! He tried so hard to make All Might stop the fight, but he just wouldn’t! Not that Kirishima was surprised, teachers never helped. None ever did. None ever listened. 

Kirishima knew he should keep as far as possible away from the blond. No matter what.

Kirishima was a liar. 

It had only been two days after the battle training, and here he was, complimenting Bakugou in a bus. They had been talking about quirks, and Kirishima had even let out some of his own insecurities. He was so stupid. Midoriya had told him his quirk would be good for a pro hero, though!

He’s looking down on you.

“Well, if you’re talking about flashy and strong, it’s gotta be Todoroki and Bakugou, though, huh?” Kirishima had said. Bakugou had even looked at him, with his angry, angry eyes.

He doesn’t want weaklings like you to look at him.

Worst part was that Kirishima had just smiled back at him! What the hell was he thinking? Kirishima was drawn to Bakugou. He despised him, but he couldn’t look away. He knew Bakugou was a horrible person, but Kirishima was nothing if not self-destructive. 

Why were there villains here?! It was supposed to be rescue training! But most of all, why in the world had Kirishima attacked a villain?! He was a coward, but here he was, jumping into battle, Bakugou right behind him. 

Kirishima had yelled something at the villain, trying to act manly. Maybe if Bakugou thought he was a man, then he wouldn’t bully him! But their shared attack hadn’t done anything.

Because you’re weak.

The villain had then scattered them over the training facility. He had been warped into some broken down building. With Bakugou. Only Bakugou. And worst of all! They fought together perfectly . They had taken down all the villains with ease!

But something even worse happened. Kirishima found out Bakugou wasn’t only a bully. He was manly. Kirishima had said that he wanted to help their classmates, but really he would just do anything to get away from the guy. But Bakugou had proven to be both calm and rational. Bakugou said he was going after the villain with the warp quirk, so the villains couldn’t escape. Bakugou believed in their classmates. Bakugou had a plan. Bakugou was a way better hero than Kirishima. 

He’s way more of a man than you’ll ever be.

The UA sports festival was here. Kirishima didn’t really care to win. He knew he couldn’t. But he couldn’t just give up, then everyone would know how much of a weakling he was. The funny thing is, at the very first challenge he almost died. That’s how weak he is. It hadn’t surprised Kirishima when his quirk activated on its own, when the robot landed on him. His quirk did that sometimes. Saved his life. Again and again. No matter what Kirishima tried, it always saved him. 

Another dude had been crushed too. It was the steel dude from class 1-B. His quirk was a lot like Kirishima’s but he thought it was way cooler. Kirishima’s quirk had only really changed his teeth, but Tetsutetsu’s had changed both teeth and his eyes. Tetsutetsu’s quirk was also flashy! When he used it, his body turned to steel. Kirishima wondered if he shared his curse, or if Tetsutetsu just had really good reflexes. But it wasn’t like Kirishima could just ask. If he didn’t share the curse, then he would know the truth. He would know what Kirishima did.

Kirishima had somehow managed to come in 9th out of 42. He was really proud of himself. But that also meant he went through to the second stage. It was a cavalry battle. That meant he had to team up with someone. But who? He would only bring his teammates down. Who would even want to team up with him?

He looked around, and everyone was teaming up. He had panicked and somehow managed to convince Bakugou to team up with him. Sero and Ashido had joined their team too.

Ashido. Mina Ashido. She was dangerous . Even more than Bakugou. 100 times more than Bakugou. Ashido and Kirishima had gone to the same middle school. She knows. She knows he was bullied. She could tell everyone. They weren’t friends back then, they had barely even talked. But she knew who he was. She had even talked to him on the first day. She had recognised him.  

She knows how weak you are.

Their team had managed to get second. Their team worked super well together. Bakugou had even called Kirishima by his name! But now… 

Now they had to fight in a tournament. Kirishima had to fight Tetsutetsu. Their fight had probably been super boring. They had ended up knocking each other out, and had to rematch. This time it had been arm wrestling. Could it be more boring? But Kirishima won. Somehow. So now? He had to fight Bakugou.

Kirishima hadn’t been scared. He never was. He hadn’t seen Bakugou and Uraraka’s match, but he had heard about it. Apparently Bakugou had been merciless. He had blasted her, over and over, until she was unable to move. Kirishima wasn’t going to win. He knew that. But he wasn’t going to make it easy for Bakugou. For some reason Kirishima felt the need to have Bakugou think he was manly. He was sure it was just so Bakugou wouldn’t bully him, but there was something more.

Kirishima kept attacking Bakugou. He even managed to put a scratch on him. He couldn’t feel the explosions. Bakugou did nothing against him. No one ever did. Until…

Slowly, but surely Bakugou chipped away at his hardening. The more the explosions hit, the more his hardening was weakening. Until, finally, he felt pain. Kirishima felt pain. The explosions got hotter and the blasts hit harder. It hurt so much. 

“You’ve been straining to keep your whole body rock-hard this whole time, right? If I attack quickly in that state, sooner or later, it’ll start coming apart! ” That had been Bakugou's only warning, before he started blasting him repeatedly, with no breaks. Kirishima couldn’t do anything, but feel his hardening disappear and pain overtaking his body.

“NOW DIEEE!!!” He distantly heard Bakugou yell, but he could only focus on one thing.

He wasn’t invincible. Bakugou could kill him.

Chapter Text

Bakugou could kill Kirishima. It was the only thing Kirishima could think about. For the first time in many years, Kirishima had hope. Now Kirishima just had to come up with a plan. Bakugou was an angry guy, but angry enough to kill? Kirishima doubted it, but he didn’t know Bakugou.

So step one of his plan was to befriend Bakugou.

It was harder than he imagined. Bakugou didn’t want to let him in. Usually Kirishima would respect people’s wishes, but he needed Bakugou. He needed to keep pushing. Bakugou would be his friend. No matter what.

Slowly but surely, Bakugou gave in. He let Kirishima drape his arm over him for longer and longer. He let Kirishima walk closer and closer to him. He let Kirishima call him stupid nicknames. And now. He let Kirishima into his house.

Well his mom did, but Bakugou had given him his address.

“Hello young man.” Bakugou’s mother had said when she opened the door.

“Hello ma’am! I’m here for Bakugou.” Kirishima gave Bakugou’s mother a big smile. The woman raised her eyebrows at him. “Our class is hanging out at the school pool today.” He suddenly felt the need to clarify.

“Katsuki is hanging out with his class, just because?” She said suspiciously. “And why are you here?”

She doesn’t like you. You’re not worthy to be in the presence of her son.

“We were gonna walk there together.” Kirishima told her. His smile began to fade.

“Really now? Just you two?” When Kirishima nodded, she continued. “You’re friends with my son?” Kirishima’s smile had completely disappeared.

She sees how weak you are. You should have stayed in bed.

“YOU FUCKING HAG! STOP INTERROGATING HIM!” Bakugou had appeared in the doorway. He shoved past his mother, and grabbed Kirishima’s wrist.

“Why didn’t you tell me you had made friends!” His mother shouted at him. “Where are you taking him? Your father and I want to meet him!”

“Shut up! We’re going to my room and then we’re leaving!” Bakugou pulled Kirishima up a set of stairs and into a room. Bakugou let go of Kirishima and sat down to put some stuff in a bag. “Sorry about the hag. I didn’t hear the bell.”

“Don’t worry ‘bout it, man! She was nice.” Kirishima lied.

“Don’t lie to me, shitty-hair. I saw your face.” Bakugou had his back turned to him. Kirishima couldn’t think of a response, so he stayed quiet. Bakugou had finished packing and stood up. “Come on. Let’s get this over with.”

When they returned downstairs, Bakugou’s mom rushed over to them. “I’m sorry, young man. I was just so surprised. Katsuki hasn’t had friends over in years. You seem very nice.” She smiled at him.

She’s lying.

Kirishima smiled back and put his hand out. “No worries, ma’am! I’m Eijirou Kirishima.” Bakugou’s mom shook his hand.

“I’m Mitsuki and the man over there is Masuru. We’re Katsuki’s parents. We’re so happy that he made a friend.”

“Leave him alone! We’re leaving!” Bakugou yelled, and grabbed Kirishima once again and went outside. “God, she’s so annoying!”

“I thought she was nice! I see where you get your intensity from.” Kirishima bumped their shoulders together. Bakugou just growled at him, so he changed the subject and started talking about whatever was on his mind.

Kirishima started spending a lot of evenings at Bakugou’s house. Bakugou had started tutoring him, since they had exams coming up. At their first study session, they had studied at a library, but they had been so loud that they had to leave. Then they went to a family cafe, and Kirishima even met some of Bakugou’s middle school friends! They had confirmed that Bakugou was a bully, and apparently they used to be really mean to Midoriya. Bakugou had exploded at the whole cafe, after they brought up Midoriya, so they had been thrown out. Now they just study at Bakugou’s house.

Kirishima learned a lot about Bakugou. He learned that Bakugou like spicy food and mountain climbing. He learned that Bakugou was incredibly smart, and that he liked math. He learned that Bakugou’s hands started hurting when he used his quirk too much. He learned how soft and warm Bakugou’s hands are, that time he gave him a hand massage.

Kirishima learned how patient Bakugou was with him. Even if Bakugou started yelling or calling him names, he didn’t get mad. He didn’t hit him or explode him. He never laid his hands on Kirishima. One session Kirishima wanted to figure out what would make him mad, but nothing he did made Bakugou mad. He tried so hard. He tried insulting his knowledge, his tutoring methods, even his family! But Bakugou didn’t get mad. Something much worse happened. Bakugou had gotten worried . He stopped the session and tried to ask Kirishima what was wrong. When Kirishima couldn’t answer, Bakugou had just put a film on his laptop, and pulled them into his bed. Bakugou had even made him stay the night! He had blamed it on the light rain outside and Kirishima had stayed.

Why wasn’t Bakugou angry with him? Why wouldn't he get angry with him? Midoriya only had to look in Bakugou’s direction, and Bakugou would be fuming.

You aren’t worth his energy.

Kirishima kept trying. He kept searching for something he could do to get a reaction. He would even try to copy things Midoriya said, but nothing happened. Nothing he would do, did anything.

Kirishima had to come up with another plan. But what?

Class 1-A had to go to a summer camp. A training camp. Kirishima didn’t care too much about it. He didn’t plan to be around long enough to become a pro hero.

You won’t be, if you could just figure out a new plan.

His friendship with Bakugou had only gotten stronger. Kirishima didn’t want this. Bakugou shouldn’t like him. He needs to hate him. But Kirishima couldn’t stay away from him.

On the first night of camp, Kirishima found himself sitting with Sero, Kaminari, Bakugou and Ashido. They sat outside, relaxing under the stars. They had been talking about the extra classes they, minus Bakugou, had been taking. Until Kaminari decided to change the topic.

“Hey Kiri? I’ve been wondering, can you, like, chew through rocks?” Kaminari looked at him, blatantly staring at his teeth. Kirishima felt Ashido tense up beside him.

“What the hell, man?” Kirishima laughed at him.

“I’m serious! Your teeth just look so sharp!” Kaminari’s eyes sparkled with interest.

Your teeth look revolting.

“They are.” Kirishima laughed. “But yeah, I can.”

“Really?! That’s so cool! Can they eat other stuff?”

“Ehm, I’m not so sure. I don’t just go around trying to eat stuff.” Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck. “But I can chew through metal bars, depending on the thickness of course, that also involves knives and stuff. Chains too. And glass, I guess.”

“How.. How do you know that?” Kaminari said quietly. Fuck. All Kaminari’s excitement had disappeared. Fear and concern had taken over. Sero and Bakugou also stared at him, confused and worried. Ashido didn’t look at him, but her hands had turned into fists, clenched so hard, her knuckles turned light pink. Kirishima couldn’t see her expression. He didn’t want to. He knew she knew.

She knows what they did to you.

“I was a weird kid, what can I say?” Kirishima lied. They didn’t believe him. Sero and Kaminari shared concerned looks between them. Bakugou didn’t look away from him. Ashido still hadn’t moved.

She knew what they did, and she did nothing.

They were going to abandon him. They were going to figure out how weak he was. Kirishima felt sick. He had just managed to make friends. Now he was going to lose them. Because of how stupid he was. Ahsido finally moved.

“Haha, yeah I remember that day.” She had a fake smile. “It was so funny! In our middle school, we would sometimes have days where we could try out our quirks. One time they had a bunch of metal we could test out, and Kirishima decided to try and eat it! The teachers freaked out!” Lair.

“What?? You’re so stupid, shitty hair.” Bakugou bumped their shoulders together, but he put his hand on Kirishima’s lower back, where the others couldn’t see.

“Did you go to the hospital? Wait, what about the glass?” Sero asked.

“Yeah, the teacher’s lost their shit! But I was fine, so there was really no need for that.” The last wasn’t completely a lie. “The next quirk day had involved glass, so I guess my child mind thought that if I could eat metal then I could also eat glass.” Kirishima fake laughed.

“That’s sick, man.” Sero said. “How come you were fine? I have never heard about that before.”

“My quirk, bro. It’ll harden my insides if I eat stuff like that.” That was the truth. “Nothing I eat can seriously hurt me.”

“Your quirk can activate on its own?” Bakugou asked him.

“Yeah, man.” Kirishima answered. He didn’t continue.

“Why are you just glancing over the fact that Kirishima and Ashido went to the same middle school?” Kaminari seemed bewildered. “I’m so jealous, I wanna see baby Kiri!”

“Mannn, I’m tired. Let’s go to bed, we have a lot of classes tomorrow too.” Ashido had stood up and now stretched. Kirishima quickly stood, grateful for the chance to escape this conversation. The others agreed and they began to walk inside. Kirishima felt Bakugou link their pinkies together.

They took Bakugou.

Bakugou was gone.

Villains had attacked the camp. They had targeted Bakugou. They had taken Bakugou. Worst of all, Kirishima hadn’t done anything. He had heard that they were going after Bakugou, but he’d been stuck in the extra classes. The teachers hadn’t let them leave. No matter how hard Kirishima begged them to let him help, they hadn’t budged. Kirishima’s best friend only hope had been taken. He needed to get him back. He needed Bakugou.

Kirishima was going to get him back. No matter what.

“COME ON!” Kirishima had shouted.

A moment later he felt a hand in his.

“You idiots!” Kirishima had heard Bakugou say.

Bakugou was in Kirishima’s hand. Kirishima didn’t want to let go ever again.

Because of the kidnapping, UA had decided to move the kids into dorms. Kirishima hated that idea. At home he could take his mask off inside the safety of his room, but Kirishima had given himself the reputation of being very social. No doubt his classmates would be suspicious if he rotted away in his room everyday. He was not excited.

Kirishima’s room was on the fourth floor, between Shoji and… Bakugou. Kirishima somehow found himself in Bakugou’s room, helping him unpack. He had even managed to get Bakugou to help him unpack after. Though he suspected that Bakugou didn’t really mind, especially when Bakugou didn’t return to his own room for the night.

With the dorms, the class also had permission to use the school gyms. Bakugou had insisted that they start sparing together. He kept saying how beneficial it would be for both of them. Bakugou didn’t have to hold back and Kirishima could strengthen his hardening. Kirishima wanted to, but he just couldn’t find the energy.

He had to fake being happy from the moment he went out of his door in the morning, till when he finally could go to sleep in the night. He mostly hung out with Sero and Kaminari, but they both went to sleep incredibly late. Bakugou went to his room at 8 every night, which was way too early for it to be normal for Kirishima. Sometimes he would wake up in the middle of the night, to the sounds of explosions. Bakugou had started getting bad nightmares ever since the kidnapping. Kirishima always went into Bakugou’s room, when that happened. He made sure to listen when Bakugou shared his nightmares with him.

Maybe you could use it against him some day.

“OPEN YOUR SHITTY DOOR, SHITTY HAIR!” Bakugou banged on Kirishima’s door. Kirishima had finally managed to get some relaxation time, but now, there was an angry pomeranian on the other side of his door. “I KNOW YOU’RE IN THERE! DON’T THINK I WON’T BREAK DOWN YOUR DOOR!” Kirishima knew he was serious so he got up and opened the door. Before he could even say ‘hi’, Bakugou had thrown Kirishima over his shoulder, like he was a sack of potatoes. Or a sack of rocks.

“Bakugou?! Put me down, bro!” Kirishima writhed in Bakugou’s grasp trying to get out.

“Calm down, idiot. I’m going to drop you, if you keep going.” Bakugou laughed at him, but made no move to put him down. Bakugou stopped and waited for the elevator.

“Where are you taking me, dude?”

“The gym.”

“What? No, man, I’m super tired.”

“Better knock me out quick then.” Kirishima could basically hear the smirk he knew was plastered on Bakugou’s face. 

“Bakugou? What are you doing?” Kirishima could hear Uraraka ask. They had arrived in the common room, and Bakugou still hadn’t put down Kirishima.

“I’m going to train, get out of my way.” Bakugou pushed past her, and revealed her to Kirishima.

“Hey Uraraka!” Kirishima grinned at her. She looked so confused, and she just waved at him. When Bakugou turned towards the doors, Kirishima could see the rest of the room. It was filled with people. Everyone was staring at him.

They’re all judging you.

Kirishima could feel his cheeks heat up, but he just blamed it on having his head downwards for too long.

“Bro, you can put me down now. I will go to the gym with you, I promise.” Kirishima tried.

“Shut up.” Bakugou shot him down. Kirishima first touched the ground again, when they arrived in the sparring gym. His legs had fallen asleep, so he stumbled and his ass hit the ground. Bakugou stood before him, leaned down and grabbed his face, making him look up at him. “Remember that the next time you try to get out of training.” Bakugou smirked at him.

The two had a long sparring session, but Bakugou had held back. Kirishima hadn’t felt pain once.

He knows you’re weak. He’s looking down on you.

“C’mon, bro, you have barley put a scratch on me. I thought you wanted to train?” Kirishima mocked him. “I thought you took this shit seriously.”

“Remember, you asked for it.” Bakugou took the bait. Then it was like Bakugou had detonated a bomb right in Kirishima’s face. He was blown to the other side of the room. If it wasn’t for his quirk, Kirishima would surely have at least 3th degree burns, and probably a concussion. But Kirishima was fine. There wasn’t even a scratch on him. He heard Bakugou’s heavy boots approach him rapidly. “What the hell, shitty hair? You damaged?”

“Not at all, bro!” Kirishima gave him a big smile. Bakugou crouched down and searched him all over, and he didn’t find a single scratch.

“How?” Bakugou furrowed his eyebrows at him. “How is your reaction time so fast?”

“It’s my quirk, dude. I’ve told you before, it just activates on its own.” Kirishima shrugged.

“But how? Why?” Bakugou seemed very confused.

“I don’t know, man. If it knows I’ll get hurt, then it’ll activate. Even if I don’t want it to.” Kirishima laughed. Bakugou only got more confused. Worry flickering in his eyes.

“What do you mean by that?” Bakugou put his hand on Kirishima’s shoulder. Ah, fuck.

There you go again. Making him worried about you. You’re not worthy of him.

“Here, look.” Luckily Kirishima could explain that, without it seeming bad. Kirishima put a little more than his finger tip, in his mouth against one of his teeth. Then he pressed down and slowly pulled his finger out again. Instead of cutting his finger up, his finger had hardened. Bakugou took Kirishima’s hand and thoroughly searched it. He found nothing.

“Are your teeth even sharp enough to do any damage?” Bakugou asked.

“Don’t believe me? Wanna find out?” Kirishima challenged him. He had expected Bakugou to call him names and get back to sparring, but instead he leaned forward and put his hand on Kirishima’s cheek. Bakugou put his thumb against Kirishima’s bottom lip, and pressed down slightly, making Kirishima open his mouth. Kirishima then felt a light weight against one of his teeth, and heard Bakugou suck in a breath. Must have hurt him. Bakugou pulled his hand back, and on his thumb was a small bleeding line.

“What the hell.” Bakugou breathed out. Kirishima noticed that Bakugou’s cheek had slightly reddened, but he just blamed it on their training. Bakugou shot up and turned his back to Kirishima. “Let’s go eat.”

Kirishima quickly caught up to him, and started chatting away. When they arrived in the kitchen, Bakugou had forced Kirishima up on the counter, and set him death glares if he tried getting down. Bakugou made rice and chicken, and put two plates on the table. “Get over here, shitty hair.”

Kirishima jumped down from the counter and sat down in front of Bakugou. Bakugou pushed a plate towards him.

“You made me food?” Kirishima asked him. Bakugou glared at him.

“I’m not that much of an asshole.” He grumbled. “Plus you weigh jack shit. I can’t beat your ass, if you’re skinny as shit.”

He’s lying.

Kirishima looked down at the food. He previously thought it looked really good, but now… He felt like he was going to throw up.

He’s just like the others.

Kirishima hadn’t watched Bakugou cook. He didn’t think it would be for him too. But… Bakugou wouldn’t do that, right?

He would.

Bakugou stopped eating, and Kirishima felt his eyes heavy on him. Then Bakugou reached over and switched their plates, and started eating again. Kirishima looked down at his new plate. Bakugou hadn’t eaten much, but he had eaten. Kirishima slowly lifted his fork to his mouth.

The food tasted amazing. Kirishima didn’t notice any hard or sharp chunks, so he kept eating. He finished the whole plate, somehow. After staring at his empty plate for far too long, he quickly put on a smile and looked at Bakugou. “Thank you for the food, Bakugou!”

Bakugou looked him up and down, before standing up and taking their plates to the kitchen.

They started training together regularly after that. Bakugou would always make them food after, and he always ate a bit of Kirishima’s. Bakugou never asked about it, and Kirishima had no idea how he knew. But everytime they sat down to eat, Bakugou would reach over and take a bit of his. Kirishima was grateful, even if a bit embarrassed. He just hoped Bakugou didn’t know the full truth.

“Why do you always do that?” Kaminari asked Bakugou one day.

“Do what?” Bakugou asked back.

“Take a bite of Kiri’s food. You do that everytime, you eat together.” Oh no. Kirishima feared this day. He knew they weren’t subtle and he had picked up on the looks his classmates sent him. Bakugou is going to tell everyone.

“Just making sure I didn’t give him the spicy plate” Bakugou pushed Kaminari out of his face. “I did it once, and he started crying.” Liar.

“Yeah, I’m not good with spicy food at all!” Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck. Why was Bakugou lying for him?

He doesn’t want people to know, he hangs out with weaklings.

“That’s so nice of you!” Kaminari told Bakugou.

“Yeah, Bakugou is real manly.” Kirishima smiled softly at him.

You don’t deserve to be by his side.

“Hey guys!” Ashido came over to their table. “We should go out to eat today!” Nononono. Kirishima looked to Bakugou for help, but he was looking at Ashido.

“Oh yeah! Great idea!” Sero finally decided to contribute to the conversation. Though not in the way Kirishima wanted him too.

“There’s just opened a new restaurant close by. We should try that one.” Ashido said.

“Like I want to hang out with you losers.” Bakugou grumbled.

“I’ll pay.” Ashido stared down at him, hands on her hips.

“For everyone?” Kaminari said.

“Nope, only Bakugou.” Ashido said, but Bakugou raised his eyebrows at her. Ashido let out a sigh. “And Kirishima.” Bakugou smiled victoriously, so Kirishima knew he wasn’t gonna be able to back out. What’s the worst that can happen?

It was a nice restaurant, Kirishima thought. Sad that he hated eating food others made for him.

“Can you guys order for me? I have to go to the bathroom.” Ashido said.

“Sure, what do you want?” Sero asked. Ashido gave her order and left the table. A bit after a waiter appeared at their table. Kirishima couldn’t look anywhere else other than his menu.

Don’t eat the food.

Sero and Kaminari gave theirs and Ashido’s order. Bakugou gave Kirishima a nudge, but Kirishima stayed still.

“I’ll have the chicken katsu, and he’ll have the chicken teriyaki.” He heard Bakugou say. The waiter said something, and left. Kirishima couldn’t hear anything .

He felt a hand on his lower thigh, and someone leaning in.

“You don’t have to eat it. I’ll help you, don’t worry.” He heard Bakugou whisper to him.

“Soooo, you two.” Kirishima heard Kaminari say. He looked up. “Anything you wanna tell us?”

“Only that you should shut the fuck up.” Bakugou told him, but he still removed his hand.

“AH!” Kirishima yelped, when his chair suddenly got pulled towards Bakugou. When he was close enough, for Bakugou’s liking, Bakugou slipped his hand from Kirishima’s chair, back on his thigh. Kaminari gave them a look. Bakugou glared back. Kaminari dropped it.

“Have you ordered?” Ashido said as she sat back down in her chair, beside Kaminari. Sero confirmed, and the three started talking about how awful their homework was. Kirishima knew he should join their conversation, but he just couldn’t.

They’ll know how broken you are. Try harder.

He didn’t have time to dwell in his own misery, because their waiter had returned with their food. Kirishima still couldn’t look up at them, but he saw Ashido tense up in the corner of his eye.

“Enjoy your food.” The waiter said. Kirishima recognized the voice, but before he could see who it was, Bakugou had reached over and took some of his food.

“Wait!” The waiter reached towards Bakugou’s hand, but stopped themselves. Kirishima was between them, so they probably just didn’t want their arm close to his teeth. Kirishima looked up and promptly slapped Bakugou’s fork out of his hand. Kuno Nobu. Their waiter was Kuno Nobu.

“What the fuck?!” Bakugou said to someone. It was either to Kirishima or Nobu - Kirishima wasn’t sure. Kirishima pushed his food away from him so hard his bowl toppled over. Among the rice were small glimmering shards. Kirishima felt sick.

Bakugou was going to get hurt because of you.

A table near them burst out laughing. Kirishima heard Ashido take a sharp intake. The people from the table came over to them. Still laughing.

“Holy shit, you should have seen yourself, Kirishima.” One of the guys said. Kase Tatsuo. “You looked like you were going to throw up.” He laughed harder.

“Heya Mina. You’re looking fine.” The other guy, Tanji Juro , said. Ashido fumed.

“Do not call me that.” Her hands were curled into fists.

“Who are you guys?” Kaminari nervously said. Tatsuo finally got his laughter under control. He always laughed the hardest.

“We’re just some of Kirishima’s friends from middle school.” Kirishima felt a hand on his shoulder, squeezing tight. “Right, Kirishima ?”

“Get your fucking disgusting hands off of him, or I’ll blow your fucking face off.” Bakugou stood up, explosions in his hands.

“Yeah, they’re right.” Kirishima smiled to his real friends. “Don’t worry Bakugou.” Bakugou didn’t sit down, but he stopped the explosions. He then walked forwards and pushed the guys away from Kirishima.

“Get away from us, we’re not your friends.” Ashido sneered at them. Nobu lifted his eyebrows at her.

“So now you wanna help him? You sure have gotten a god complex, Mina.” He shrugged. “What a shame. Your acid always gave the funniest reactions. Did it taste bad or something, Kirishima?” He started laughing again. Huh? Kirishima raised his gaze to Ashido, who started right back at him. She looked terrified . 

Bakugou let out an explosion near the guys. “Stop bothering us, or I’ll melt your face off.”

“Ohhh! The explosion boy! You must have a lot of fun with little Kiri, right?” Kirishima could hear the smirk, but he couldn’t look away from Ashido. Before Bakugou could say anything, Kaminari stood up.

“We’re leaving now.” Kirishima had never seen Kaminari so serious. Bakugou grabbed Kirishima’s hand and pulled him up. The group walked outside.

“You stay here. I’ll be right back.” Bakugou said, and pushed Kirishima into Kaminari, who pulled him into a hug. Ashido stood a few steps away from them, bouncing nervously on her feet. Sero leaned against the wall with a neutral expression. 

Bakugou returned shortly after, seemingly having calmed down. Kaminari let go of Kirishima, whose hand quickly got taken by Bakugou. They started walking towards UA, in silence. Or Kirishima assumed they did, but he wouldn’t have heard if anyone talked.

He was only able to focus back in when he sat down on his bed. He felt the bed dipped beside him, so he guessed Bakugou still was with him. Then he felt himself being guided so he was laying down, with his head in Bakugou’s lap. He felt Bakugou’s hand on his hair, so he instinctively unhardened his hair.

Kirishima didn’t know how much time had passed, but when he woke up, it was dark out.

“Someone is at the door.” Bakugou informed him. That must be why he woke up then. Kirishima sat up. Bakugou was probably tired of him anyway. Bakugou didn’t move.

“Hi Kirishima.” Ashido said to him, when he opened the door. “Can we talk?” She looked nervous. Kirishima opened the door wider and walked back into the room. Ashido followed. “Hi Bakugou.”

Bakugou just stood up, went over to Kirishima, cupped his cheek and searched his face. When he found whatever he was looking for, he gave Kirishima a smile. He gave Ashido a death glare before leaving the room.

Kirishima sat himself in his desk chair, and Ashido went over to sit on his bed.

“I want to explain myself.” She said fiddling with the hem of her shirt. “I didn’t know they gave it to you.”

She knew. She didn’t care.

“Sure.” Kirishima didn’t know what else to say. He didn’t know if he believed her.

“They threatened me, Kiri.” Her eyes teared up. “They said they would… they would…” She couldn’t find the words. “They would do stuff to me, if I didn’t give them my acid.”

“What?” Kirishima knew the bullies went after a lot of kids. He didn’t know they went after the girls. Especially not Ashido. Everyone liked Ashido.

“I’m so sorry, Kiri. I wanted to help so bad.” She cried now. 

She’s lying.

Kirishima got up and sat down beside her. He put his arm around her.

“And now I’m making this all about me” She cried harder. “I’m so bad at this.”

“It’s alright, Mina. I understand.” He did. “I didn’t help the others either.”

“But they were so mean to you! They treated you even worse than the quirkless kids!”

“What no they didn't?”

“Yes they did, Kiri! By the end of school, they barely picked on anyone else.” Huh?

“Huh?” What? No, they picked on the other kids. Kirishima was sure of it.

“They could get away with anything with you. You never had any marks. We tried so hard to get the teachers involved but they didn’t believe us!” She tried wiping her eyes, but more tears kept falling. She gave up and looked at Kirishima. “I’m not letting anyone hurt you again. I’ll kick anyone's ass, for you Kiri. Even Bakugou’s.”

“Bakugou is not hurting me.” Kirishima let out a small laugh.

“He better not be! I’ll acid up anyone!” She looked full of determination. “I promise you, Kiri. I won’t let you down again.”

“Thank you, Ashido.” He gave her a smile, then he rubbed the back of his neck as he said: “But I’m tired, I had kinda a rough day.” Ashido quickly shot up.

“Oh, yes, sorry!” She smiled. “I’ll let you go sleep. Goodnight Kiri, see you tomorrow!”

The second Kirishima was alone, he suddenly felt very heavy. He laid down on the floor, but it didn’t help. His chest is so heavy, he can’t get air. Kirishima can hear his gasping breaths, but he can’t feel them. He tries to sit up, he needs to get outside but he can’t. He tries to bring his hand to his face but it won’t move. He looks over and sees a hardened claw digging into the floorboards. He wants to scream. He wants Bakugou to come help him.

You really want Bakugou to see you like this?

He wants to stop the voice. He wants to claw at his face, his chest, anywhere , but both his hands are sinking into the floor. He tries to kick, at the wall, at his desk, but his feet won't move. He feels light headed. He feels dizzy.

They recognized you. They’ll find you again. They tried to hurt you again.

He can’t focus on anything. He can’t hear anything. He can’t see anything. The room spun, and darkness encroached on the edges of his vision.

They’ll figure out where you are. They won’t leave you alone.

Kirishima needs to get out. He needs to get away. He wants to run away, never come back. He hears tearing and scratching, but he can’t see what’s making it. He feels hardened claws against his hardened chest. He feels clawing against his hardened ears. He’s desperate to feel something other than fear. He wants it to stop. He needs it to stop. He can’t take it.

It would stop if you died.

He needs to die. He needs Bakugou. He needs Bakugou so it can finally end.

You could trick him. Like you do to everyone else.

But how? Bakugou would never. Bakugou wouldn’t hurt him. It wouldn’t work. Kirishima feels liquid on his face - tears or blood, he can’t tell. He doesn’t care.

Get him comfortable sparring with you. He’ll get overconfident one day.

It wouldn't work. It wouldn't work. It would never work. Kirishima can’t escape. Kirishima will never escape. Kirishima feels his head banging against the floor.

It will.

Chapter Text

Kirishima woke up the next day, confused. His head hurts, his back hurts, everything hurts. He has splitters under his fingernails and something dried his face. It’s not until he sees the claw marks on the floor, that he remembered what happened yesterday. Oh fuck. Kirishima hurriedly put a training mat on the marks, knowing Bakugou would come get him any minute. He went into his bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror. It was blood that had dried on his face. It wasn’t much, but that didn’t matter to Kirishima. But there was something else that shocked him even more. He stared at his chest. It wasn’t because his shirt had been torn to shreds, Kirishima was used to that. That was why his hero costume was shirtless, afterall. No, what surprised Kirishima, was the small, barely there, red, red lines.

Kirishima hurt himself. Kirishima hurt himself. There were a couple of dried blood droplets scattered across his chest. He had somehow won over his own hardening. Not completely, since he was still alive. He knew, if he had done that against anyone else, they would be dead. Maybe except Tetsutetsu, Kirishima laughed to himself. He quickly got out a new uniform, and while he was closing up his pants, his door opened. He turned around and was met with Bakugou staring at him.

“Hey bro. I’m ready in like 5.” Kirishima told him, putting on his shirt.

“Whatever. One second later and I’m leaving without you.” Bakugou leaned against the wall, having closed the door behind him. He pulled out his phone, scrolling on some app. Kirishima went back into his bathroom and quickly styled his hair.

“Alright bro. Come on!” Kirishima grabbed his bag and followed Bakugou downstairs to eat breakfast. Bakugou made them egg fried rice, just as he always did, but something made Kirishima freeze. He had watched Bakugou cook it, he had watched Bakugou take a bite from it, but he just couldn’t move. He couldn’t think, he wasn’t even sure if he was breathing.

Kirishima had to move. Bakugou would get mad at him, he was sure of it. Bakugou hadn’t put anything in, Kirishima knew that. Bakugou always moved slowly, so Kirishima knew exactly what he had put in. But still…

He’s just like the others. Don’t eat that.

Something slid across the table. It was a little square, about 5 x 5 cm. Metal around the edges but glass in the middle. Kirishima picked it up. The glass made everything look gray. What in the world?

Bakugou moved and put something on a paper towel. When he slid it towards Kirishima, he could see that it was little pieces of metal and glass. He sent Bakugou a confused look. Bakugou ignored him, and he poured some rice from the container he had taken with him to the table. Kirishima had been confused about that, but he didn’t mention it. Sometimes, Bakugou was just a bit funky. Bakugou only stopped pouring when all the metal and glass was covered.

“Look at it.” Bakugou told him. What was he on about?

He’s mocking you.

“I am, bro.” Kirishima was staring at it. He was so confused.

“No, though the glass, idiot.” Bakugou told him. Kirishima sent him another look, but he did what he was told. He pointed the glass towards the rice pile. All the metal and glass was highlighted in green. What? Kirishima put his hand between the pile and the glass, but they were still highlighted.

“Bakugou?” Kirishima was so surprised. Why was Bakugou doing this? Where had he even gotten the device from?

“So you can check.” Bakugou said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“Where did you get this from?” Kirishima had never seen anything like this.

“Made Ponytail make it. She doesn’t know why.” Bakugou just shrugged.

Bakugou had gone out of his way to get this made? Why? Why would he bother?

He’s tired of babysitting you.

“When?” Kirishima asked.

“Yesterday when raccoon eyes threw me out.” Bakugou talked like this was any other conversation. “It can detect anything non-food in food.”

“Why?” Kirishima felt like crying for some reason.

“So you don’t have to worry.” Bakugou said it so quietly, that Kirishima almost didn’t hear it.

“Bro…” Kirishima could only smile at him. Then he returned to his food and started digging in. He didn’t even check.

For the first time, their walk was silent. Kirishima was too busy thinking about the fact he actually hurt himself. Maybe he didn’t need Bakugou at all?

You barely put a scratch on yourself.

“Kirishima?” Bakugou looked at him. Kirishima could almost convince himself that he looked worried.

“Yeah, what’s up, man?” Kirishima smiled at him. Bakugou probably thought it was weird how quiet he was being.

“You can harden your fingers right?”

“Yeah, they turn into scary looking claws.”

“Can I see?”

Kirishima held up a hardened claw, Bakugou looked at it with an expression Kirishima couldn’t pinpoint. It was probably suspicion.

“Are they sharp like your teeth?” Bakugou asked. Yep, suspicion.

“Yeah, I’m real good at opening cans!” No can had ever beat Kirishima. It was his second favorite party trick. Bakugou just nodded, so Kirishima changed the subject, making sure not to be quiet this time. Bakugou shouldn’t be worried and he definitely shouldn’t be suspicious.

Today the class had to come up with special moves. Kirishima couldn’t really think of any, he just gets hard. What, he would just become harder? That’s stupid. It’s not like he really needed one anyway. He would never get a chance to use it. He wouldn’t even want to use it. The whole reason he wanted to become a hero was so he could have a heroic death. Maybe that way his moms’ hearts wouldn’t be so broken. He knew it was a selfish action but that way, his moms would be spared from the truth.

But this also meant that he had to wear his hero costume. His shirtless hero costume. The lines he made weren't very visible, but what if anyone noticed? Maybe he should go to recovery girl first, but then he would just have to explain it to her. Whatever, no one got very close to him anyway.

“Yo dude, what are those lines from?” Kaminari had appeared the second he took off his shirt. “Looks like a cat went mad on you.” Goddamnit.

“Huh?” Kirishima looked down, pretending not to have known they were there.

Good. Lie. Just like you do to everyone else.

“Oh, I probably just scratched myself in my sleep.” Kirishima explained himself.

“That’s hilarious.” Kaminari started to trace some of the lines. “Do they hurt?” His hand was slapped away.

“Don’t touch him, idiot.” Bakugou had apparently been watching them, with that reaction time.

“Nah, they don’t.” Kirishima smiled, and continued getting dressed.

“Kiri?! What happened?” Ashido asked him, the second she saw him. Her eyes trained on his chest. Kirishima told her the same thing he had told Kaminari. She didn’t seem to believe him, but she didn’t say anything.

Kirishima stood in front of his Ectoplasm clone. He had no idea what he should do. Ectoplasm tried to give him ideas, but none of them stuck.

“Young Kirishima!” All Might called out to him. “With your hardening, forget the parlor tricks. Focus on smashing through like a bulldozer.” All Might told him when he got close.

“Thank you, All Might!” Kirishima bowed. Be a bulldozer, huh? That’s so boring.

You’ll never be a pro hero with such a boring quirk. Why do you even try?

He was lying in his bed, unable to sleep. He had fucked up again. He had sat in the common room with Sero, Kaminari, Tokoyami and Bakugou. He hadn’t had the energy to fake a smile. He should have just gone to bed. Kirishima hadn’t been sulking. He really hadn’t. It didn’t matter that he would never be popular. He didn’t want to compete with people like Bakugou. It was fine. Everything was fine. Sero had noticed his sulking, and had asked what was wrong. For some stupid reason Kirishima had actually decided to tell him. He told them about his insecurities about his quirk, how he felt unable to keep up with their classmates.

That wasn’t the reason for him being awake. He knew his classmates knew how weak he was. They were just being nice. They were probably happy to hear Kirishima admit it. No, that didn’t really bother him.

The reason he lied awake was because of Bakugou. Kirishima had expected Bakugou to tell him to shut up and stop whining and probably call him names, but… Bakugou hadn’t. He had used Kirishima’s own words against him. He had called Kirishima his ‘unbreakable horse’ and told him that ‘just being able to keep standing through anything makes you crazy strong.’ Kirishima couldn’t get it out of his head.

Kirishima wasn’t strong. The only reason he was still standing was because of his quirk. He had tried so many times to end it, but he never could. Bakugou would be so disappointed in him, if he found out about Kirishima's past. What Kirishima had tried. What Kirishima had done . Maybe he should distance himself from Bakugou.

No. You need him. Only Bakugou can set you free.

Yes! Kirishima finally had another chance to die! They had work studies, and Kirishima had harassed a third year into introducing him to the pro hero he worked with. Amajiki really pulled through! Kirishima would be working with Fat Gum, a super cool pro hero. Kirishima knew it would take forever for Bakugou to fuck up enough to kill him, so getting to work with a pro hero would heighten his chances so much.

He turned out to be right. On their very first patrol there had been a villain attack, and one of the villains attacked Amajiki. A villain shot Amajiki. Why couldn’t he have shot Kirishima?! He wanted to get shot! Why is life so unfair?

*BANG*

*DOINK*

A villain shot Kirishima. Kirishima hadn’t had access to a gun before, but he didn’t know why he thought that would hurt him. It didn’t. The bullet hit him right on his forehead, and it just bounced off. Kirishima was pissed. He ran after the villain. It couldn’t end like this!

He had caught up to the villain and even knocked him down. There had been civilians around, and he couldn’t just let them die too. But then the villain had powered up, and the stupid, stupid civilians had stayed! He couldn’t let the civilians die, he had to die a hero. But how? The blades cut through Kirishima, the blades hurt Kirishima. Kirishima wasn’t strong enough. He would die here, unable to do anything. 

Just being able to keep standing through anything makes you crazy strong.

Bakugou’s words popped up in Kirishima’s head. Kirishima hardened, Kirishima became a tank. He stopped the blades, he saved the civilians and he was a hero. Fat Gum had to help him, but he still did it. He had survived.

What kind of hero will you be when you make Bakugou kill you?

Kirishima got another chance. Uraraka, Asui, Midoriya and himself had to help some pros to save a girl. Kirishima really did want to save her. Plus dying to save a child? That’s definitely an heroic death. He just needed to get some villains alone. None of the hero’s should see how pathetic he was.

He got his chance! A wall had attacked Aizawa but Kirishima had jumped to save him. Even more heroic points! But Fat Gum had jumped too. The wall had pushed them into a room, where there had been villains waiting for them. The villains had been very strong. Kirishima had jumped in front of Fat Gum, when one of the villains attacked him, but Kirishima had gotten blown away immediately. He was even in his unbreakable form. He was too weak. The villain attacked Fat Gum and he just took it. Fat Gum was going to die.

Fat Gum is going to die, and it’s all your fault. You’re too weak.

Kirishima was just like he was in middle school. Nothing had changed. He didn’t deserve to be here.

Sacrifice yourself.

Kirishima got up. He had to help Fat Gum. It didn’t matter that he was in pain. It would all be over soon, anyway. The villain attacked him, again and again. It hurt so bad. He was about to hit back, but then a barrier stopped him. Then Fat Gum saved the day. He defeated the villains, and Kirishima…

Kirishima was still alive.

Kirishima woke up in a hospital. He felt a light weight on his arm. He blinked his eyes open. His entire body hurt, and his whole body was warm. The weight on his arm was Bakugou’s hand. Bakugou wasn’t looking at him, his stare fastened on either Kirishima’s stomach or nothing at all. He had a soft expression that could almost be described as worried, but Kirishima was too exhausted to read him properly. Kirishima’s gaze left Bakugou to look at himself.

He was covered in bandages. Just how hurt did he get?

“Hey bro.” Kirishima forced out, even his throat hurt. Bakugou turned to look at him.

“You look like a mummy.” Bakugou told him, he had a calm expression now.

“Ha, guess I’m not a very good horse, huh?” Kirishima tried to joke.

“Don’t say that about yourself. If anyone else had been in your shoes, they would be dead now.” Bakugou told him. Bakugou pressed a button next to Kirishima. “I talked with Fat Gum. He’s fine now, but if you hadn’t been there, he would have died.” Kirishima knew Bakugou was right, but he couldn’t help but be bitter. Why couldn’t he have died?

Kirishima didn’t know what to respond, but luckily he didn’t have to, because his moms came storming in.

“Our baby!!!” They rushed over to Kirishima, and Bakugou quietly got up and left the room.

Kirishima was way too tired to deal with his moms right now. He could barely understand what they were saying, but they definitely scolded him for getting hurt. They also cried a lot. The doctor came in and made them leave the room. Kirishima could finally sleep.

Hopefully you won’t wake back up.

Kirishima was drunk. Not as much as he’d like but he was getting there. Class 1-A held a party after the school festival. Kaminari and Sero had somehow sneaked in alcohol, and even more somehow had convinced Iida not to tell on them. He had been taking shots with Ashido. He really needed this.

“Hey! Let’s play truth or dare!” Ashido said, apparently bored with the shot-taking. Kirishima didn’t mind, he could drink at that game too. Ashido pulled him towards the couches and he slumped down between Bakugou and the armrest. Ashido quickly got together a small group of people who were willing to play.

“Okay, the rules are as they always are. If you don’t want to do something, you down a drink, no questions asked! I’ll go first!” Ashido said. “Bakugou, truth or dare!” She started out hard, huh?

“Dare.” Bakugou said.

“I dare you to tell Midoriya that he’s cool.” Ashido smirked at him. Bakugou stared at his drink so hard, that Kirishima was worried it would explode. But Bakugou didn’t drink. He stood up and went over to Midoriya, who was basically shaking, and put a hand on his shoulder.

“You’re cool, Deku.” Bakugou said, no emotion in his voice. Midoriya started crying and Bakugou went back to Kirishima. “Dunce face, truth or dare.”

Kaminari looked at Bakugou, suspicion all over his face. “... Truth.”

“You weakling.” Bakugou spat at him. Then he thinked, clearly having planned on Kaminari picking dare. “Is the lightning in your hair dye?”

“Aww, you’re curious about that?” Kaminari smiled at him.

“Shut up! Answer, dumbass!”

“Sorry, sorry. It’s all natural, man! Pretty cool, huh?” Kaminari beamed. “Hmm, who should I pick?” Kaminari looked over the group, his eyes landing on Kirishima. “Kiri! Truth or dare?”

“Dare!” Kirishima said. He couldn’t bear hearing Bakugou call him a weakling. Plus there’s a lot of things he would like to keep secret.

“Show us your favorite party trick!” Kaminari said. Oh no. He couldn’t do that, he would just show them his second.

“Sure, let me go get something.” Kirishima quickly returned with a random can and a bowl. “Okay, here’s a very unopened can, right?” He showed the can to the group. It was indeed still closed. Kirishima hardened a finger and ran it around the can opening. Then he turned the can around, emptying the can down into the bowl.

“What, that’s so unfair!” Kaminari said. Kirishima just smiled and shrugged at him, and sat back down.

“That was so dumb. That’s your favorite one?” Bakugou leaned in and talked in a low tone.

“Nah, it’s my second one, but I don’t know if people are ready for my first one.” Kirishima matched his tone, and put a finger to his lips, so Bakugou wouldn’t tell. Bakugou just gave him a look, and didn’t say anything. “Uraraka, truth or dare?”

The game kept going for about an hour. Kirishima only got to drink once when he was dared to show the group a childhood picture. He didn’t want his friends classmates to see how weak he was. He mostly just got dared to destroy things. Kirishima didn’t mind, he was very good at it. Now, only Sero, Kaminari, Ashido, Bakugou and Kirishima were left. They sat on the floor in a circle, not really playing anymore, more just talking.

“I’m so jealous of you, Kiri! I wish I could do useful day-to-day stuff.” Kaminari whined.

“Bro, you can create electricity, your phone never dies.” Kirishima said. Kaminari had an amazing quirk compared to Kirishima.

He’s pitying you. He remembers your whining.

“I wanna destroy cans.” Kaminari sulked. Kirishima could only fake laugh. Out of the corner of his eye, Kirishima saw Bakugou lean over and whisper something to Sero. Sero gave him a look, but turned his attention to Kirishima.

“Hey Kiri, show us your favorite party trick.” Sero said. Kirishima stared at Bakugou, who just looked away. Coward.

“What? He already did. You know, the can.” Ashido said, and mimicked the can-destroying with her hands. Kirishima looked away from Bakugou, to address the rest of the group.

“I might have lied.” Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck. “The can one is just easier to show and is more light hearted.”

“Well, show us then.” Sero smiled at him.

“Alright.” Kirishima was going to regret this. “Does anyone have any painkillers? Or any medicine really.” The group was probably too drunk to remember this tomorrow, so Kirishima didn’t fight them.

“What? Eh, I can go get some?” Kaminari said, confused. “How many do you need?”

“As many as possible.” Kirishima responded. Kaminari gave him a nod and left the table.

“Kiri?” Ashido said, making Kirishima look at her. She didn’t say anymore, so they just held an intense eye contact.

“I made Yaoyorozu make some!” Kaminari returned with a cup half full of pills.

“Thanks! Okay, you guys ready?” Kirishima smiled at his friends, who only smiled back. Except for Bakugou who only glared. Kirishima held Bakugou’s gaze as he raised the glass to his lips, and swallowed all the pills. His friends’ smiles dropped.

“Kirishima, what the fuck?! Go throw up!” Sero basically yelled, standing up trying to pull Kirishima up with him.

“No no, it’s fine, bro. Nothing will happen!” Kirishima smiled, pulling Sero down instead.

“The fuck do you mean ‘nothing will happen’?!” Bakugou asked him.

“That nothing will happen. It’ll have no effect on me. My stomach will harden around the pills, making them useless.” Kirishima gestured towards his stomach, like it would explain anything at all.

“Kirishima?” Ashido’s voice was so quiet. “How do you know that?” Kirishima looked at her. Her eyes told him she knew. She knew why. How the fuck was Kirishima gonna get out of this one. Would they believe he was that dumb? He had to try.

“When I was like five or something, my mom had left out some pills on the table so I ate them. My moms’ freaked out and took me to the hospital to get me checked out, but the doctors told them what my quirk did.” Kirishima explained. It was somewhat the truth, mostly the age and reason and his moms finding out, being a lie.

Kirishima had been twelve. It had been the first time he was forced to chew through the bars. They would have left him there the whole summer. Kirishima had no other choice. He had been so weak. Left without food and water for three days. No one came looking for him. Nobody cared about him.

When he got home, he was alone. His moms were probably out celebrating, finally free of their brat. Kirishima didn’t care. He just wanted it to end. Everything hurt when he climbed the stairs. He had somehow made it out to his moms’ bathroom. He was finally tall enough to reach the medicine cabinet. Guess that was why the cage had felt so cramped. He found the painkillers.

He took them with him into his room. He swallowed each and every pill. He even ate the fucking bottle so his mom’s wouldn’t find it. Why did he even care about that? They sure wouldn’t. Kirishima had laid in his bed, trying to fall asleep, just waiting for all the pain to end.

He was eventually woken up by his moms finding him. They had been so happy to see him. Kirishima hadn’t focused on that, though. The only thing he could focus on was how he was still alive. It hadn’t worked.

“Then how do you know it still worked?” Sero pushed. Goddammit. Why couldn’t they just drop it?

“Sometimes when I’m at the hospital, they’ll give me lots of medicine, so my quirk will activate, making it useless. It’s pretty annoying, really.” That was true.

“Yeah that must suck!” Ashido said. Bakugou stood up.

“I’m going to sleep.” He said, leaving the group.

“Will you really be okay, Kiri?” Kaminari asked, before Kirishima could say anything.

“Yes, I will. I promise!” Kirishima gave him a reassuring smile and a thumbs up. He stood up. “But I’ll go to bed now. Goodnight guys!” Before he could take a step further, three people suddenly hugged Kirishima.

“We’ll see you tomorrow, right?” Ashido softly asked. Kirishima really brought down the mood, huh. What an idiot.

They are just pretending.

“Yeah guys. Don’t worry.” He told them. It took them a few more seconds to let go. Kirishima could finally go to sleep.

When he got upstairs, he saw Bakugou lean against the wall next to Kirishima’s door. He had clearly gotten ready for bed, so why wasn’t he sleeping?

“Heya bro. What are you up to?” Kirishima asked him, when he had walked over. Bakugou didn’t answer, he just kept his gaze on his phone. He first moved when Kirishima had opened his door. Bakugou pushed himself off the wall and followed Kirishima into his room. “You good?”

“Shut up, just get ready for bed.” Bakugou sat himself on the bed, looking at his phone once again. Kirishima just shrugged and went to his bathroom to get ready for bed.

When he was done, he changed into a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, since it seemed Bakugou would likely sleep in here. He went over to the bed, where Bakugou still sat criss crossed but he was looking at him now.

“You gonna sleep in here?” Kirishima asked him. Bakugou still didn’t respond. “Can you move over at least? I’m really tired.” Bakugou stood up, he was clearly in a bad mood and Kirishima really didn’t want to deal with him.

Kirishima just laid himself on his bed, his back towards where Bakugou was standing. Maybe Bakugou would take the hint and go back to his own room. He didn’t.

Instead, Bakugou straddled Kirishima’s thighs, and put his hands on Kirishima’s hips. He then, very roughly for some reason, turned Kirishima on to his back.

“What the hell, bro?” Kirishima asked. He wasn’t surprised when Bakugou didn’t answer, but he was when Bakugou raised Kirishima’s t-shirt up and started pressing his hand into his abdomen. “DUDE?!”

“Shut up! I’m just checking!” Bakugou yelled at him. Kirishima could feel him pressing against his hardened stomach. “Are you flexing?”

Kirishima just shook his head. He couldn't believe his eyes. Bakugou was making sure he had told the truth. He was making sure Kirishima would be okay. Bakugou felt around a bit more, before laying down beside Kirishima.

“Say anything and you’re dead.” Bakugou grumbled before turning his back to Kirishima. Kirishima almost wanted to say something, but he was too tired.

Kirishima woke up the next day with a heavy weight on him and he was incredibly warm. He looked down and found Bakugou laying on top of him with the side of his head against Kirishima’s chest. Kirishima was sure it was just an accident that Bakugou’s ear was right over his heart. Kirishima wasn’t sure what to do. Bakugou always woke up before him. Kirishima was wide awake, so he couldn’t just go back to sleep. Kirishima decided to just scroll on his phone, until Bakugou woke up. He must have been tired since he was still sleeping.

It took Bakugou an hour to wake up, but when he did he sure as hell woke up. The only warning Kirishima got was Bakugou slightly shifting. Then a second later, Bakugou had pushed himself off of Kirishima and stood by the side of the bed. Kirishima’s hand hung in the air, it had previously been in Bakugou’s hair. Kirishima had no idea how or when it got there.

“Morning bro! Did you sleep well?” Kirishima asked him, but he could tell he hadn’t. Bakugou had bags under his eyes. They hadn’t gone to bed that late, how was Bakugou so tired?

“Fine.” Bakugou answered him, before walking out of the room. Kirishima just shook his head at him, and started to get ready for the day. Kirishima was happy it was Saturday, because his head sure hurt.

Bakugou had been waiting for him, when he walked into the hallway. He was met with a death glare and knew better than to mention it. So he just threw his arm around Bakugou and led them downstairs.

“Kiri!!! Baby!!!” Ashido jumped out of nowhere and pulled Kirishima into a hug.

“Hey Ashido, what’s up?” Kirishima laughed, but hugged her back. Bakugou just continued walking towards the kitchen.

“Oh nothing. Just happy to see you.” Ashido said, and after a few moments she finally let go. Kirishima went into the kitchen, or he would have if he didn’t get tackled into a hug right in the doorway.

“What the hell?” Kirishima grumbled out. Kaminari was on top of him, clinging tightly. “Kami, what?”

“Sorry dude. Just let me, please?” Kaminari said against his chest. Kirishima just sighed and started petting Kaminari’s hair. Kaminari took longer than Ashido to let go, but eventually he did. Kirishima had barely gotten off of the floor, before he was pulled into yet another hug.

“What is going on?!” Kirishima was beginning to be frustrated.

“It’s the last one, don’t worry, man.” Sero told him. Why were all of his friends hugging him?! They saw each other yesterday, what the fuck.

Then Kirishima remembered what he did yesterday. They had all remembered. Why had Kirishima been so stupid. They shouldn’t worry about him. He wasn’t worth their time. Kirishima had to up his plan. He had to go soon. These people started to worry and care about him, he couldn’t have that. He already had to worry about breaking his moms’ hearts, he didn’t want to add three more.

“You want to spar today, bro?” He asked Bakugou. Kirishima wasn’t sure how much Bakugou drank yesterday, but maybe it was enough to cloud his judgment. Bakugou had finished making them breakfast, and he gave Kirishima his plate.

“We’re eating first.” Bakugou responded. Kirishima was fine with that, he was hungry anyways.

They had sparred, but Bakugou was either holding back or just tired.

He knows how weak you are.

When Bakugou made them stop, Kirishima still hadn’t felt pain. Bakugou was pitying him, he knew it. Bakugou never held back.

“Your hardening is getting harder to break.” Bakugou huffed out. He sure hadn’t slept well. Kirishima wanted to yell at him. Bakugou shouldn’t hold back with him.

“You didn’t have to hold back, you know.” Kirishima just smiled at him, and hoped it looked real.

“Like I would ever hold back.” Bakugou said, but Kirishima just wanted to call him a liar. 

Kirishima couldn’t believe his luck. He was so happy. He felt sick because of it, but he was so thankful. He wouldn’t have to get Bakugou to kill him! He would die a heroic death, his moms would be sad but proud, all his friends would remember him as a happy, social guy.

Class 1-A was going to war. There’s no way Kirishima would survive it. He was too weak. It was the perfect scenario. Kirishima would finally be free.

Chapter Text

Kirishima had survived.

Why was the world so unfair? He had been in a fucking war and he had survived. He had taken a direct hit from fucking Gigantomachia and survived!

Everyone in class had survived, Kirishima was happy for them, but who was he kidding, of course everyone survived. They were so strong and they would grow up to be great heroes, and Kirishima… Kirishima wouldn’t.

Bakugou had done so much in the war. He was so strong and amazing, but more than anything else, Bakugou had killed someone. Bakugou killed All For One. So why wouldn’t he be able to kill Kirishima?

Kirishima had made a plan. It was simple, but it was sure to work.

Eijirou's 5 step plan to die:

1. Get Bakugou comfortable sparring
2. Find his weakness
3. Figure out how to piss him off
4. Betray his trust
5. Find him on a bad day

He had thought of a lot of different steps, but he ended with those. His notebook was full of scratched out lines, so he had found a clean page to write them out. He made sure to hide the notebook very well. No one could ever find it.

Step one was unnecessarily hard. Bakugou just kept holding back. He barely ever hurt Kirishima, and the rare times he did, he would stop the sparring immediately. It was pissing Kirishima off. Bakugou was pitying him.

He fought one of the most dangerous villains, of course he knows how weak you are.

Kirishima wasn’t going to give up. He couldn’t give up. He was so close to freedom, Bakugou just needed to stop acting like a little bitch. Maybe Kirishima should start hurting Bakugou. If Bakugou found out how dangerous Kirishima was, then there’s no way he would still be playing around with him.

Kirishima’s mind was made up. He would start fighting back. He would hurt Bakugou.

Kirishima was going to go slow. It wasn’t because he didn’t want to hurt Bakugou, he didn’t care about that. It was just… He just wanted Bakugou to stop pitying him. Yeah…

Kirishima was nervous. He was warming up beside Bakugou. They were out on the training grounds. It was the first time they were sparring since starting school again. Kirishima wasn’t going to hold back anymore, but what should he do? How far should he go?

“You ready, shitty hair?” Bakugou asked him.

“You better not go easy on me this time, Bakugou.” Kirishima felt like he had said this thousands of times.

“I never go easy on you.” Bakugou lied once again. They always did this. Kirishima just sighed, and got ready to fight.

Bakugou started the fight off with a big explosion. Not big enough to hurt Kirishima, so he just continued to walk towards Bakugou. He didn’t have to hurry, Bakugou was too predictable anyway. Just like always, Bakugou blasted himself up into the air. Kirishima barely felt the warmth from the explosions, Bakugou blasted at him from above.

“Get down here and fight me like a man!” Kirishima shouted at him. Bakugou landed a couple of steps behind Kirishima, who had expected it, so before Bakugou could blast him again, Kirishima had punched him in the stomach. Bakugou got pushed back a bit and quickly recovered. Kirishima had clearly hit a nerve, because Bakugou launched a rapid series of explosions against Kirishima. Since Bakugou still held back, Kirishima could just push through the explosions. Bakugou of course can’t see through the explosions, so Kirishima took him by surprise when he suddenly grabbed his arm. Kirishima pulled Bakugou closer, and grabbed his face with his free hand.

“You’re really starting to piss me off, Bakugou.” Kirishima talked in a low tone. “Stop holding back with me.”

Kirishima let Bakugou go, and gifted him with another punch in the stomach. Before Bakugou could let out another explosion, Kirishima grabbed his wrist, turned his back to him, and threw him over his shoulder and into the ground. Kirishima placed his shoe in the middle of Bakugou’s chest, and placed some weight on him.

“Come on, dude. Stop being a little bitch.” Kirishima looked down on him. Bakugou blasted more explosions at Kirishima, but just like always, they didn’t do shit. “Those weak ass explosions don't hurt me, bro.” 

“I’m not holding back!” Bakugou yelled at him.

He’s lying.

Kirishima stepped off of Bakugou and kicked him in the side.

“Then try harder, asshole!” Before Kirishima could kick him again, Bakugou put his hands around the skin just over Kirishima’s ankle, and let out an explosion. Kirishima pulled his leg back in pain. Fucking finally. Bakugou got to his feet and hit Kirishima with a point-blank stun grenade. Kirishima was blinded, but he could hear Bakugou take off into the air again. Kirishima blinked towards the place he thought Bakugou was, but before he could see again, Bakugou hit him with a giant explosion. It wasn’t just any other explosion, it was his Howitzer impact. Kirishima could feel the warmth, and he had to dig his hardened claws into the ground, so he didn’t get blown away.

When the blast was over, Kirishima quickly got up to search for Bakugou. There was still a bunch of smoke, so Kirishima couldn’t see him. Then he felt like his back was getting shot. Bakugou must be using his AP shot against him. It didn’t really hurt, and now Kirishima knew where Bakugou was. Kirishima ran towards it as quietly as he could, the shots still going strong. Kirishima just hoped the smoke covered him enough, so he could reach Bakugou.

The closer Kirishima got the more he could feel the AP shots, so that must mean that Bakugou didn’t move further away. Then, Kirishima could see where the shots came from. He had found Bakugou. Many of the shots hit around Kirishima, so Bakugou must not know precisely where he was.

Kirishima managed to sneak around Bakugou, so he was behind him. Then Kirishima hardened up and tackled Bakugou to the ground. Bakugou fought back of course, but it didn’t matter. Kirishima was physically stronger than Bakugou. After some tumbling around on the ground, Kirishima ended up on top and he had pinned Bakugou’s wrist to the ground. Bakugou finally stopped struggling after a while.

“Don’t give me shit for holding back, when you clearly have.” Bakugou angrily said.

“I just don’t wanna hurt you, bro.” Kirishima smiled down at him. “But if you don’t start giving it your all, then I might just stop holding back completely.”

“Why don’t you believe me?” Bakugou looked up at him with a worried expression. “I swear that I’m not holding back.”

“Yes you are! At the sports festival, your explosions actually hurt me! None of the times we spared have even come close to hurting.” Why was Bakugou so adamant that he wasn’t holding back, when he so clearly was. “There’s no way you aren’t holding back, you can’t be that weak.”

“Why do you want it to hurt?” Even Bakugou’s tone sounded worried now. “And have you ever considered that it’s not me who’s weak, but just you who’s incredibly strong? Of course your quirk has gotten stronger since the sports festival.”

What? Kirishima wasn’t strong. Kirishima was weak. Kirishima was pathetic.

He’s just trying to get rid of you. He doesn’t want to waste his breath on you.

“No bro, I’m not. Why won’t you just admit that you’re holding back?!” Kirishima was getting frustrated. He tightened his grip around Bakugou’s wrists.

“You are strong, Kirishima. You are so very strong, how can you not see it?” Kirishima had never seen anyone look so worried. Kirishima wanted to punch his face in. Huh?

You’re a monster.

“You’re going to regret it, if you hold back again next time.” Kirishima got off of Bakugou and went towards the showers. He felt so gross. Bakugou was quiet the whole way to the showers.

If you scare him away, no one will be able to kill you.

No matter how hard Kirishima scrubbed himself, he didn’t feel clean. He felt disgusting. He felt like there was dirt under his skin. He needed to be clean. He needed to get it out.

“Kiri?” Bakugou had apparently finished showering. He stood in front of Kirishima’s stall, looking worried once more. Kirishima wondered if it had even left his face, but he wouldn't know. Kirishima hadn’t looked at him, after getting off of him. Bakugou’s eyes moved to where Kirishima’s hardened hand had stilled over his, unfortunately, hardened wrist. Kirishima quickly put his hands behind him.

“Sorry bro! I’m finished now.” He wasn’t. He didn’t feel clean. Kirishima pushed past Bakugou and dressed as fast as he could. Bakugou shouldn’t have to look at his weak body. 

It was still awkward between them when they went to eat. Kirishima had been quiet, and Bakugou wasn’t one to start a conversation. It was first when Kirishima sat at the table, that he began to think about what Bakugou had said. Was Kirishima strong?

He was physically strong, sure. The only pain he could inflict on himself was the soreness after a workout, after all. Kirishima trained pretty much every day so, of course, he had put on some muscle. He also ate very healthy ever since Bakugou started cooking for him. For some reason, Bakugou had decided to cook each and every one of Kirishima’s meals. Kirishima used to pack his own lunch, since he just couldn’t get himself to eat Lunch Rush’s food, and back then he didn’t really care about what he ate. But now Bakugou made it. There was always tons of protein, and lots of food. What was Bakugou’s deal? Why did he care so much? Why did he do so much? Why did-

Kirishima’s thoughts were cut short by Bakugou putting a plate in front of him. Bakugou made him food even when he was clearly being an asshole? Why???

You’re a burden on him.

“I’m sorry about today, bro. I don’t really know what got over me.” Kirishima tried to smile and rubbed his neck.

“Don’t worry about it. I would get pissed off too if I thought you were holding back.” Bakugou had his usual natural expression. “I don’t know how I can prove to you that I’m not.”

He’s lying to you.

“Yeah, I’m sorry.” Kirishima didn’t know what to say.

“I’ll try harder next time.” Bakugou sent him a smirk. “I’ll kick your ass so hard, you’ll regret speaking up.”

“I’m counting on it, dude!” Kirishima just smiled back and started eating.

“Kacchan, do you not care about Kiri anymore?” Kaminari spoke up from further down the table.

“HUH?” Bakugou snarled at him.

“You never eat from his plate anymore. What if Kiri gets the spicy one?” Kaminari had somehow remembered their conversation from first year.

“Because I just spice my food at the table, dumbass.” Bakugou gestured to the many spices surrounding him.

“Oh.” Kaminari blinked. Then he looked away and started eating his own food. Then he stopped and looked back at them. “Wait, I actually had something else I wanted to say.”

“What’s up, Kami?” Kirishima just laughed at him.

“I have thought about a fun game, where we could use Shinso’s quirk!” Kaminari said excitedly. “I thought we could get the squad together and play it in one of our rooms! All private and stuff. You know, team building or whatever.”

Kirishima did not want to play any game with Shinso’s quirk involved.

“But you don’t have to, of course.” Kaminari continued. “If you’re too scared, that is.”

Fuck! Goddamnit! Why was Bakugou so easy?! He knew Bakugou wouldn’t back out now, and if Bakugou went, it would be so weird if Kirishima didn’t.

“We’ll be there, Dunce Face.” Bakugou told him. Kirishima wanted to rip his throat out. What?

Later that evening, Kirishima, Bakugou, Ashido, Sero, Kaminari and Shinso sat in Sero’s room.

“Okay my dudes! You’re all probably wondering about the awesome game I came up with!” Kaminari said, when everyone had arrived.

“Well yeah, you were very secretive.” Sero said.

“It can’t be that good if you came up with it.” Bakugou said, but he had a smirk on his face.

“Shut up!” Kaminari told Bakugou. “It’ll be great!”

“It has something to do with my quirk?” Shinso said slowly.

“Yeah! You’re new in the class, so I wanted to think of a fun way for you to get to know us!” Kaminari smiled at Shinso. “It’ll be a trust exercise too!”

“That could be interesting.” Ashido put a finger on her chin. “What is it about?”

“So basically Shinso will use his quirk on us and then ask us questions!” Kaminari explained.

“How is that different from just having a conversation?” Bakugou asked.

“Yeah, and what if we get asked something we don’t want to answer? There’ll be no way for us to say no.” Ashido followed.

“That’s where the trust comes in! Come on guys, it could be fun.” Kaminari said.

Kirishima did under no circumstance want to come under Shinso’s quirk. There was so much he held secret. He just stayed quiet and prayed they would forget he was even here. He sat in the hammock beside Bakugou. Shinso sat on the desk chair and the three others sat on the bed.

“We can try it, sure. I can go first, I don’t really have any secrets.” Sero shrugged.

“Is there anything you don’t want to be asked?” Shinso asked.

“Don’t ask where I keep my weed.” Sero winked at him.

“Alright, you ready?”

“Yep-” Sero’s eyes went blank. He sat completely still on the bed.

“Okay, what should we ask him?” Ashido asked the room.

“Anything you want to know Shinso?” Kaminari asked.

“Hmm.” Shinso thought for a bit. “Were your elbows always like that?”

“No. They changed when I got my quirk.” Sero had no emotion in his voice. Life returned to his eyes. “Huhh?”

“I thought that maybe we should just ask one question and then go to the next one.” Shinso explained. “Just if you remember something you don’t want to be asked.”

“Oh great idea, Shinso!” Kaminari smiled. “Me next! You can ask me anything.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes-” All life left Kaminari’s eyes.

“Is the lightning in your hair natural?”

“Yes.” Kaminari said, and Shinso let him go.

“No way, Bakugou asked him that too.” Ashido said. “My turn!”

“Anything we can’t ask?” Shinso asked.

“Just not anything too personal.” She smiled.

“Okay, are you ready?”

“Hell yeah-” Shinso took control.

“Have you always been so social?” He asked her.

“Yes.” She answered. “Oh! Now it’s Blasty’s turn!”

“You’re not using your quirk on me.” Bakugou said. Thank god . If Bakugou said no, then Kirishima could too.

“Alright, but no lying!” Ashido pointed a finger at him.

“I never lie!” Bakugou pointed a finger right back at her.

“Who’s your best friend?” Shinso asked him. Kirishima turned to look at Bakugou. He actually wondered that too.

“Shitty hair.” Bakugou said. Huh?

He’s lying. He’s just keeping you around so he can use you.

“Yeah, that’s pretty obvious.” Shinso nodded. “Kirishima?”

“I’d like to pass on the quirk too.” Kirishima sheepishly smiled.

“Is red your natural hair color?” Fuck. Sero would hate him if he told the truth, but Ashido would know if he lied. Ashido would understand, right? She wouldn’t tell on him.

“Yeah.” Ashido and Bakugou looked at him far longer than for it to be normal, but neither said anything. Kirishima didn’t know why Bakugou stared at him, but Kirisima didn’t look back at him.

The game continued for a few more rounds. Kirishima had to lie, of course, but it wasn’t too bad. He was very thankful that he wasn’t under the quirk, when Shinso had asked him why he worked out so much.

Now it was Ashido’s turn again, and her lifeless eyes stared into Kirishima. Ashido’s turns always scared Kirishima. She knew so much about him. Luckily Shinso didn’t know that they had gone to the same middle school, so there’s no way he would ask her about Kirishima.

“Wait, ask her what she thought about Kiri in middle school!” Kaminari said.

“What, why?” Sero asked him.

“Maybe she had a crush on him.” Kaminari joked. Yeah, that was a real funny thought. Ashido barely looked his way in middle school.

“No, she said we can’t ask too personal questions.” Sero shook his head.

“I can change it a bit.” Shinso said. “What was Kirishima like in middle school?” Kirishima stood up from the hammock.

“He was su-” Ashido stopped talking. Kirishima heard her scream. Kirishima didn’t look at her, though. He was looking at Shinso, who was on the floor, looking up at him with terrified eyes. Blood rushed from a wound on the side of his head, he had somehow gotten in the last 2 seconds. The blood ran down his face, onto his chest and down on the floor. Kirishima’s outstretched, hardened hand retracted back and he turned around. Then he grabbed the front of Kaminari’s shirt.

“You asshole.” Kirishima spat at him. “She said not to ask too personal questions!”

“I didn’t know that was personal.” Kaminari stuttered out, almost like he was scared of something. “It was just meant to be a joke.”

“Yeah, it’s real fucking funny, isn’t it.” Kirishima tightened his grip. “Well, no one is fucking laughing, Kaminari.” Kirishima let go, and Kaminari’s yellow shirt, where his knuckles had just been, was now red. Somehow.

Before Kirishima could do anything he would regret, he left the room. 

Behind him, he could hear a door open and close. Then he heard footsteps walking his way, but he just continued walking. He took the stairs down to his own floor and walked towards his room. The footsteps continued to follow him, so Kirishima stopped in front of his door.

“What do you want?” Kirishima asked the person.

“Nothing.” Bakugou answered.

“Then go away.” Kirishima talked in a low and controlled tone.

“No.” Bakugou was so fucking stubborn. Kirishima wanted to tear out his lungs.

You should.

“I don’t want to deal with you right now, Bakugou.” Kirishima was so close to snapping.

“I won’t talk.” Bakugou talked quietly. Kirishima turned around to face him, and he stood right behind Kirishima. Kirishima had grown taller than Bakugou over the summer, but somehow had first noticed now. Kirishima took a step towards Bakugou, who in response took two steps back. Kirishima kept walking forwards, until he had Bakugou pressed against the wall. He put his hardened arms on both sides of Bakugou, effectively caging him in.

“Kirishima…” Bakugou quietly said. Kirishima couldn’t read his expression. It was one Kirishima had never seen on the other before, which must only mean one thing. It was fear .

“I don’t trust myself around you right now.” Kirishima could barely get the words out. His whole body hurt. He was sure his whole body was hardened, and he couldn’t figure out how to make it stop.

“Please.” Bakugou grabbed the hem of Kirishima’s shirt. He moved so slowly and Kirishima couldn’t figure out why. “I can handle you, Kiri, please let me help you.” Kirishima let out a sigh. He was so tired. He leaned down and pressed their foreheads together. He was so incredibly tired.

Kirishima knew Bakugou wouldn’t let it go, and Kirishima was scared of what he might do if he got into an argument with Bakugou. So he just turned around and went into his room. He heard the door close behind him. Kirishima just went into his bathroom and got ready for bed.

Bakugou sat on his bed, when he returned. Kirishima could feel his eyes on him, when he started to change into sleepwear. When Kirishima was done and had turned around, Bakugou got up and went into Kirishima’s bathroom. The two had sometime last year gotten toothbrushes in each other's rooms, even though they were neighbors.

Kirishima laid on his back on the bed, just looking at nothing. He heard Bakugou go out of the bathroom, and walk over to his dresser and search for clothes to sleep in. Then he felt Bakugou crawl over him and lay down beside him.

Kirishima turned to his side to look at Bakugou, but he couldn’t read Bakugou’s expression. He watched as Bakugou slowly raised a hand, and put it on Kirishima’s cheek. Bakugou searched Kirishima’s face for something. Kirishima couldn’t tell if he found it, but he started caressing Kirishima’s cheek with his thumb.

“I’m so sorry.” Kirishima whispered. He felt a tear run down his cheek.

“We know.” Bakugou gave him a small smile.

“They’ll never forgive me.”

You deserve to be alone, after what you did.

“They already have.”

It no longer surprised Kirishima, when he woke up cuddling Bakugou. What never failed to surprise him, however, was how cold Bakugou always was. Which was almost certainly the reason for sleeping Bakugou’s clinginess.

They were lying on their sides, Bakugou’s head tucked in under Kirishima’s chin. Kirishima pulled Bakugou even closer and buried his face in the blond hair. Bakugou’s shampoo smelled like apples and caramel. Apparently he used some high tear stuff, because of his mom. When he found out Kirishima used 3-in-1, he had almost murdered him. So now Kirishima also uses the same brand, but his smells really manly. Bakugou pays for it of course, and Kirishima’s hair had never been softer.

You almost killed your friend yesterday, you don’t deserve him.

Kirishima froze. Then he remembered what he did yesterday. What was he going to do? Kaminari was probably scared of him, and no way Shinso would ever look at him again.

“Relax, Red. They’re fine.” Bakugou mumbled against his chest.

“You’re awake?!” Kirishima pulled back to look at his friend.

“Yes, so stop worrying. They took Shinso to Recovery Girl and he’s fine. Kaminari will survive, just apologize and forgive yourself.” Bakugou pushed himself up, crawled over Kirishima and got out of the bed.

“How do you even know that?” Kirishima grumbled and watched Bakugou get dressed.

“They texted in the group chat all night, dumbass.” Bakugou chuckled at him. Kirishima quickly grabbed his phone, and yeah, they totally spammed the group chat. Kirishima didn’t want to read the texts. He couldn’t handle that right now.

Kirishima’s thoughts were interrupted by Bakugou throwing some clothes at him.

“Get dressed, Kiri. Then we’ll go apologize, alright?” Bakugou leaned against the desk. Kirishima knew he wasn’t going to win the argument that he really wanted to start, so he just got dressed in silence. “They’re in the common room, come on.”

Kirishima just followed behind him. He really didn’t want to see his other friends right now, but he definitely didn’t want to make Bakugou mad at him too. Kirishima finally lifted his gaze from the floor, when they reached the common room, but they accidentally drifted straight to Kaminari’s yellow eyes. They stared at each other for a few moments, before they both burst into tears.

“Kami, I’m so sorry!” Kirishima cried.

“Nooo, Kiri, it’s my fault! I should’ve known you didn’t wanna talk about that!” Kaminari cried even harder. The two quickly embraced each other, and cried in each other’s arms.

“I better not be getting that kind of apology.” Shinso said, with a small smile on his lips. His head was lightly bandaged, but he didn’t seem too bothered.

“Shinso I’m so sorry, I don’t know what came over me.” Kirishima kept Kaminari in his arms, still crying.

“It’s alright, I understand. Well not why you did it, but why you would feel the need to. I don’t know if that makes sense.” Shinso told him. “I wasn’t hurt too bad, anyways. I’ll be good again tomorrow.”

“I think it does, thanks man. Let me know what I can do to make it up to you, though!” Kirishima smiled at him. Kirishima was so thankful for his friends, they were the best.

They are lying.

They want you to be happy so you don’t attack them again. 

They are scared of you.

You are a monster.

Kirishima held Kaminari just a bit closer.

It was now three days later, and nothing much had happened. Except the fact that Kirishima and Bakugou hadn’t spared again. Neither of them had mentioned it, and Kirishima tried to not think too hard about it.

They had joint fight training today, so Kirishima just hoped he wouldn’t be up against Bakugou. They were teamed up randomly, and Kirishima was put with Kaminari, Shinso, Komori and Shiozaki. Kirishima was pretty happy with that, and the best part? He didn’t have to fight Bakugou!

Kirishima heard Monoma yell up about something. He was paired up with Midoriya, Todoroki, Kendo and Tetsutetsu. He was probably mad that he had to fight Bakugou.

“Kirishima. Switch with Monoma.” Aizawa told Kirishima. No!

“Why, sir?” Kirishima tried. He really didn’t want to fight Bakugou.

“Because I told you to.” Aizawa put his hand on Kirishima’s shoulder. He was not getting out of this. Kirishima walked over to the other group.

“Hey guys.” Kirishima said. Monoma looked relieved and quickly went over to Kirishima’s old group.

“Oh thank god.” Midoriya said, when he saw Kirishima. “Okay, I have a plan. Kirishima will take care of Kacchan, and then Todoroki will-”

“Wait what? Why do I have to fight Bakugou?” Why did God hate Kirishima?

“What do you mean? Since I can’t really use my quirk, you’re the only one who can win against Kacchan.” Midoriya had said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“No, that’s only because he goes easy on me.” Kirishima shook his head.

“Ah, that’s what he means.” Midoriya said to himself. “I promise you he doesn’t, you’re just really strong, Kirishima.”

Kirishima was about to interrupt again, but Midoriya kept talking.

“Since Kacchan knows Aizawa gave us Kirishima because of him, then he will definitely go straight for Kirishima. Since if he doesn’t, he thinks others will assume he’s scared. While they fight the rest of us will-” Midoriya kept talking, but Kirishima couldn’t focus. Did Aizawa do that? He had to find out.

“Mister Aizawa?” Kirishima approached his teacher, who let out a sigh.

“I switched you, because the team was at a disadvantage because of Midoriya’s weakening quirk and Monoma wouldn’t help them that much.” Aizawa apparently knew what he was thinking.

“But why me?” Kirishima didn’t get it.

“Because you are the only one who wins regularly against Bakugou.” Aizawa told him. “Now go back to your team.”

Kirishima didn’t want to burden Aizawa with his insecurities so he just did what he was told.

By the time it was Kirishima’s team's turn, he still hadn't convinced Midoriya that he couldn’t deal with Bakugou alone. Midoriya just told him to not worry about and believe in himself.

“Alright, Kirishima, if you can’t deal with Kacchan then we’ll come help you. Just keep him busy, okay?” Midoriya’s words still echoed in Kirishima’s head, when he began climbing the tallest building he could find. They were on Ground Beta, so it wasn’t that hard. The roof had a 50 cm tall wall around the edge, which was also about 50 cm wide. Midoriya had been certain that Bakugou would come straight for Kirishima, so he wanted to make it easy for him. Then when Midoriya was proven wrong, there were no excuses he could make.

Kirishima stood up on the ledge, just waiting for the match to begin. This is going to be so boring, Kirishima thought to himself. Then Kirishima heard a loud buzz in the distance, and right after the sound of an explosion. Then several explosions. Kirishima watched as Bakugou flew over his head and landed behind him. Kirishima had turned around, but stayed right by the edge of the building. He had his hands in his pockets and looked down on Bakugou.

“What are you doing here, bro?” Kirishima asked him, while acting bored. Maybe he was.

“I’m here to kick your ass.” Bakugou answered, explosions in his hands.

“Why not go after Midoriya?”

“Why should I fight the nerd, when you’re here?” Bakugou smirked at him

“Then fight me.” Kirishima challenged him.

“I will once you get down from that ledge, idiot.”

“You scared?”

“Like hell I am, it would just be annoying to clean the pavement if you fall off.”

“A little fall won’t kill me, Bakugou.” Kirishima chuckled but got down anyway. The moment he did, he got an explosion right in the face. Kirishima just hardened up and went towards Bakugou, who kept sending explosions his way. The two went around in circles for a bit. Just Kirishima chasing Bakugou, and Bakugou trying to keep Kirishima away with explosions.

“Fight me like a man, Bakugou! If you’re that scared, you should have fought Midoriya!” Kirishima yelled at him. Then Bakugou punched him in the face, sending him a few steps backwards.

“Shut the fuck up!” Bakugou yelled back. It seemed like Bakugou finally picked up on the fact that his explosions doesn’t do anything to Kirishima, because he just kept on hitting him. Kirishima focused on not activating his quirk, since he didn’t want Bakugou to break his hands. Kirishima felt a small wall against his calves.

“Bakugou chill out!” Kirishima tried. Bakugou just responded by setting off an explosion right in his face. Since Kirishima hadn’t been hardening, the explosion was extremely warm and hurt Kirishima, which made him disorientated. His instincts told him to get the fuck away from the explosion, causing him to try and walk backwards. Since there was a wall in the way, he just ended up falling backwards instead. Then he kept falling.

“KIRISHIMA!” Bakugou yelled somewhere above Kirishima, but he was still falling through the air.

Kirishima finally accepted that pills couldn’t kill him after ten attempts. His moms had started questioning where all their pills went, and he didn’t want them to figure it out. Why they couldn’t, did confuse Kirishima. Maybe they should have been a bit more worried about the ten bottles of painkillers that just disappeared, but they just weren’t. Apparently he was really good at faking being happy. That’s good at least.

Kirishima stood on top of his school. The roof didn’t have a fence. Not yet at least. It would have the next week, but Kirishima couldn’t have known that back then. That fence would haunt Kirishima for the rest of his middle school years. It was late. Kirishima should have been home hours ago, but his parents never noticed. They were never home anyway.

That day had been the first time Kirishima ate glass shards. Tatsuo had discovered that ingesting glass didn’t kill Kirishima. It hurt Kirishima, though. It hurt him so bad. He had been throwing up blood the whole day. The entire insides of his stomach had been torn apart. His hardening had only protected the rest of his body, so the cuts didn’t go anywhere. The shards cut Kirishima every time he moved, and his throat would get cut up everytime he threw up. He couldn’t go to the nurse, because then they would tell his parents. They shouldn't be burdened with the knowledge that their ‘perfect little sunshine boy’ was being mercilessly bullied.

Kirishima wanted the pain to stop. He wanted it to end. He couldn’t take it anymore. So there he was. On top of his school. He didn’t take his shoes off. He wanted it to seem like an accident. His moms couldn’t know how pathetic he was. Kirishima looked down at the ground. He wasn’t scared. He didn’t feel anything at all in that moment. So Kirishima leaned forward, and kept leaning forward until he started falling. Kirishima could finally be free.

Kirishima didn’t think much about death, but he expected it to be different than this. He found himself on the very ground he had just looked at. Now, the pavement was broken, and Kirishima laid in the middle of a small crater.

Kirishima had survived once again.

It was a big crater this time. Probably one meter deep and the pavement was broken all around him for about ten meters. Kirishima was actually pretty impressed. He sure had grown, since he was 13.

An explosion was heard in front of him, and he saw Bakugou running towards him.

“Kirishima please be okay.” Bakugou said, probably mostly to himself.

“Down here Bakubro.” Kirishima raised a hand, and gave Bakugou a smile.

“What the fuck, that fall should have killed you!” Bakugou jumped into the crater and held a hand out to Kirishima.

“Nah, no need to worry, bro. Because,” Kirishima took Bakugou’s hand, but instead of letting himself be pulled up, he pulled Bakugou down. Kirishima put his other hand on the back of Bakugou’s neck and shoved him into the pavement. Then Kirishima quickly straddled him and pinned both his hands on his lower back, with one hand. Kirishima leaned forward, and put the hand that had been on Bakugou’s nape, on the ground beside Bakugou’s head. Kirishima continued to lean forward until his mouth was beside Bakugou’s ear. “Only your hands can do that.”

Kirishima wasn’t sure if Bakugou heard him, because the buzzer buzzed right when he said it. Kirishima released his hold on his friend and sat back on the back of Bakugou’s thighs, confused.

“Is the match already over?” Kirishima asked. They had for sure only been going for like five minutes. Then he heard the sirens of the Mini Transport Robots, and the sound of someone running. Kirishima quickly got off of Bakugou, and stood up.

“Kirishima! Bakugou!” Kirishima heard Aizawa yell.

“We’re over here, mister Aizawa.” Kirishima yelled back. Bakugou stood up beside him, with an expression Kirishima couldn’t read. Aizawa spotted them, and quickly jumped down to them. Then he put his hands on Kirishima’s shoulder and looked at him all over. Then he turned Kirishima around and did it again.

“Are you alright?” Aizawa asked him.

“Didn’t get a scratch, sir!” Kirishima smiled at him.

“How?!” Aizawa looked so stressed.

“My quirk activated before I hit the ground. I’m totally fine.” Kirishima explained. Aizawa looked him over once again.

“Go to Recovery Girl anyway. I’ll believe you when she confirms it.” Aizawa dismissed the robots. “Bakugou, you go with him.”

“Wait, what about the match?” Kirishima asked.

“We stopped it when we saw you fall.” Aizawa told him.

“Why? I’m fine.” Kirishima said. 

You are a burden.

“A fall like that should have killed you, Kirishima. We just wanted to make sure you were okay. Even though Ashido told us you would be fine.” Aizawa put his hand on Kirishima’s shoulder. Kirishima was sure Aizawa gave him a fatherly look, but he wouldn’t know anything about that. “Now go.”

She would know all about that. She never looked at you the same way again.

“Alright, but you can start the match again! I won over Bakugou anyways.” Kirishima gave his teacher a thumbs up and threw an arm around Bakugou’s shoulders.

“Just like you always do.” Aizawa gave him a small smile. Kirishima felt Bakugou put an arm around his waist and started pushing on him.

“Come on, Shitty Hair. Let’s go.” Bakugou told him.

“Yeah, sorry, sorry.” Kirishima laughed, and the two started walking.

“Kirishima?” Bakugou said quietly. “What did you say when the buzz came?”

Thank god. Bakugou hadn’t heard. Kirishima had no idea why he had said that. That was so stupid of him.

“Oh, I don’t remember. Probably something really cool and manly!” Kirishima smiled.

Chapter Text

Kirishima had no appetite. He had been staring at his dinner for 5 minutes now, without moving. Bakugou had even made one of his favorites. It wasn’t because he was scared to eat, no he trusted Bakugou’s food. He never even checked it.

Kirishima was scared, however. He was drowning in regret. What if Bakugou had heard what he said, but just decided to lie to calm Kirishima down? What if Bakugou never wanted to spar with him again? What if-

“Hey Kiri?” Kaminari spoke up, in front of him. Kirishima looked up. “That crater you made today reminded me of something that happened back in middle school.”

“What’s up?” Kirishima asked, glad to have a distraction from his food. Plus there’s no way Kaminari would be talking about that.

“There was some crazy story going around about a kid who fell from the roof of a school somewhere in mustafa. I think it was a private one too.” Kaminari told him. Goddamnit.

“Oh yeah, I remember that story. My school made such a big deal about it. We had to go to a bunch of suicide prevention meetings and our roof even got a fence.” Sero said, from beside Kaminari. “Which is so weird, since no kid actually died.”

“What are you talking about?” Bakugou asked, Kirishima could tell he was confused, but others would just think he was mad.

“You haven’t heard?” Kaminari asked, unbothered by Bakugou’s angriness. “Some people had reported sightings of a small boy falling from the roof, and where he would have landed, was a small crater. Like the one Kiri made today, just wayyy smaller. I heard the school put up a fence, but they couldn’t fix the pavement.”

Kaminari went back to eating, seemingly satisfied with the conversation. Kirishima didn’t want to think about that day so he forced himself to eat.

“Oh that reminds me.” Kaminari spoke up again. “What middle school did you two go to? I don’t think I ever asked.” Don’t tell them. Don’t tell them. Don’t tell them. Don’t te-

“That one.” Kirishima bit out.

Why did you tell them? Do you want them to know? What, you want pity? Attention?

You are disgusting.

“Yeah, I remember the day it happened.” Ashido said from Kaminari’s other side.

Of course she remembers that day.

You traumatized her.

Just for her to not end up caring.

Is that what you wanted? People to care about you?

You're pathetic. 

Who would ever care about you?

“The worst part is, our school didn’t even do anything about it, other than putting up that stupid fence. Our school didn’t care at all.” Ashido continued. “We begged them to do anything. Our school had so many bullies, but they didn’t listen. They didn’t care about us.”

It was only when Bakugou put his hand on Kirishima’s thigh, that Kirishima realized his whole body was tense. He quickly tried to relax, so the others wouldn’t notice. Bakugou started to run his fingers along Kirishima’s inner thigh.

He thinks you will attack them again.

The continuous motion helped ground Kirishima. He wanted to get away from the conversation but that would surely be suspicious. Kirishima just tried his best to go back to eating his now cold food. The others kept talking, but Kirishima couldn’t hear what they said. He just hoped they changed the subject.

It took Kirishima about an hour more to finally finish eating. He didn’t think he had ever moved so slow. Only Bakugou waited on him, the three others had to go study, or whatever stupid excuse they gave.

“I’m sorry for making you wait, bro.” Kirishima gave Bakugou a smile, he hoped reached his eyes. “You didn’t have to, you know.”

“I don’t do shit I don’t want to do, Red.” Bakugou took their plates and stood up. Kirishima joined him in the kitchen. He watched as Bakugou put away their plates, and then followed him to their floor. Bakugou stopped in front of Kirishima’s door, so Kirishima quickly opened his door, letting them inside. Kirishima had barely closed the door behind them before Bakugou spoke up.

“So, Kirishima, do you have a history with falling off roofs?” Kirishima turned around to look at him.

“Excuse me?” Kirishima frowned at him. He must have heard wrong.

“You heard me.” Bakugou looked back at him, with his hands in his pockets. He looked so casual, and not like he had just asked Kirishima an insane question.

“If you want to ask me something, then do it, Bakugou.” Kirishima crossed his arms.

“Just curious.” Bakugou just casually shrugged. “You didn’t seem to be that bothered today when you fell.” Kirishima walked in front of him and sat on the bed. He didn’t know what to say so he was grateful when Bakugou continued.

“You know, I once told Izuku to take a swan dive off the roof of our school.”

Kirishima was suddenly very happy he had sat down. What? He looked up at Bakugou, trying to see if he was joking. Hoping he was joking.

“Don’t look at me like that, Red. You know I was an asshole.” Bakugou walked towards Kirishima, until he was in between his knees. “I hit Izuku, I kicked him, I exploded him, I threatened him.” Bakugou listed off, on his fingers. “I bullied him, Kirishima.”

Bakugou started down at Kirishima, who could only look back, with shock on his face. Why was Bakugou telling him this?

“What?” Kirishima leaned back to get away from the other.

“Don’t act like you didn’t know. You were so scared of me when we first met.” Bakugou put his hands on Kirishima’s shoulders, and put his knee on the bed between Kirishima’s thighs. “You knew what I was like, from the moment you first saw me. You hated yourself for being around me, I could see it in your eyes.”

Bakugou was correct of course. Kirishima had always known, but hearing him admit it? Kirishima didn’t know what to do.

“Go away.” Kirishima tried to push Bakugou away, but he wouldn’t budge.

“I pushed him away, so I could feel superior. I bullied him so he would stay away.” Bakugou began pushing back, until Kirishima’s back hit the mattress.

“I know, I was there!” Kirishima remembered Bakugou apologizing to Midoriya so clearly.

“You don’t know how bad it was. How many years it went on.” Bakugou told him, but Kirishima didn’t want to know. He didn’t want to listen. He just shook his head from side to side.

“Shut up! Get off of me!” Kirishima started pushing on Bakugou’s chest, but Bakugou just grabbed his hands and pinned them beside his head.

“I want you to know!”

“Why?!”

“Because you deserve to know the truth! I should have told you long ago.”

“I don’t want to!”

“I need you to!”

“Why?!”

“Because you’re my first real friend, Kirishima. I don’t want our friendship to be built on lies.” Bakugou said so softly. “I need you to know the truth, so you can back out.”

Kirishima let out a sigh. “Alright dude, but get off of me.”

Bakugou let Kirishima go, and sat himself on the bed, facing Kirishima, legs crossed. Kirishima sat the same way in front of him. They sat close to each other, only about a centimeter between their knees. Bakugou started talking, and kept talking. Kirishima didn’t think he had ever heard Bakugou talk so much in one setting.

Bakugou told Kirishima all about his and Midoriya’s friendship. How it started when they were very young. How it changed when Bakugou got his quirk, and then when Midoriya didn’t. How Bakugou bullied him during all of elementary school and middle school, and lastly how they became friends in high school.

Kirishima listened to everything he said, never interrupting him. Bakugou had done some pretty bad stuff, but Kirishima already knew that. He had always known he was a bully, just not to what extent.

“I’ll let you think about it.” Bakugou gave him a small smile and got up to leave the room. “Goodnight, Kirishima.”

“Goodnight, Bakugou.” Kirishima said. When the door closed, Kirishima laid down on the bed, staring at the ceiling. He wasn’t sure what to think.

You can’t lose Bakugou. You need him.

As someone who was also bullied, Kirishima should stand up for Midoriya, right?

You never did before, why would you start now?

Kirishima should probably go talk with Midoriya.

You always knew. Do you just feel guilty now that he told you?

Was Midoriya even awake now? It was only around 21:00, he should be, right?

The bullying wasn’t even that bad. Do not push Bakugou away.

Yeah. Midoriya forgave him. He always stayed around Bakugou. But… It wouldn’t hurt to talk with him.

If it was that bad, then Midoriya would have killed himself.

…

He is still alive.

Even if you talk to him and he tells you it was bad, then he’s clearly just lying.

You need Bakugou.

It won't matter if Midoriya hates you, when you die.

Kirishima stayed in bed, eventually falling asleep.

Bakugou waited for Kirishima the next morning, as always. He looked about as nervous as it was possible for Bakugou to do.

“Morning bro!” Kirishima gave him a big smile and threw his arm over his shoulders. He felt Bakugou relax, and the two went downstairs. Kirishima tried his best to ignore the guilt he felt when he saw a certain green haired boy sitting there, eating breakfast.

The two were eating breakfast with the rest of their squad, when Kirishima’s phone started ringing. It was his mom. He couldn’t remember the last time they called him.

“Morning, mom.” Kirishima said when he picked up the phone. Ashido turned all her attention to Kirishima, for some reason.

“Hello Eijirou, how are you?” His mom asked, but before Kirishima could answer she continued. “Good? That’s good. Well I was just calling to let you know to be home this weekend, your middle school friends are coming over! Isn’t that exciting?”

Oh no. “Wait, mom-”

“And don’t worry, we already talked with Aizawa so he knows you’ll be coming home.”

“But mom-”

“We’re so excited to see you! Love you honey!”

“MO-” His mom hung up. Kirishima stared at his phone. Fuck. Kirishima could feel Ashido staring him down. He didn’t want to meet her gaze, so he just continued eating. After a few very long minutes, Ashido finally looked away.

“So Bakugou, do you have any plans this weekend?” Ashido asked him sweetly.

“Not if Kirishima has.” Bakugou answered in between bites.

“Oh, how nice.” Kirishima didn’t like the smile she had. “Do you know where Kiri lives?”

“Nope.” Bakugou didn’t seem too interested in their conversation. He hadn’t looked at her even once.

“Interesting.” Kirishima liked it even less when she went back to staring at him. She didn’t say anything more. Kirishima knew he had to avoid her at all costs. He knew what she wanted anyways.

The last place he expected to be cornered by Ashido, was in the mens toilet, but here they were. Ashido was leaning against the sink right in front of the stall Kirishima was hiding in. How in the world was he going to get out of this one? Could he sneak past her? No way. Whatever. He didn’t want her to get in trouble.

The second Kirishima opened the door, Ashido walked over and pushed Kirishima backwards, and then closed the door behind them. She crossed her arms and was about to talk, but Kirishima interrupted her.

“I’m not going to invite him.”

“Why not?!”

“I don’t want to bother him. It’s going to be fine, anyways.”

“He would love to go, Kiri! We both know it’s not going to be fine!”

“C’mon Ashido, Bakugou can’t be asked to do silly stuff like that.”

“Fine. If you're so sure he'll say no, then ask him.” Ashido stared him dead in the eyes, completely serious. Kirishima could only stare back.

“Raccoon Eyes, get the hell out of here.” Bakugou’s voice rang out, ending their staredown.

“Ask. Him.” Ashido poked his chest with each word. Then she turned around and got out of the stall. “Sorry Bakubabe!” She quickly left the bathroom. Bakugou turned back to Kirishima, starting another staredown.

“We never talk in a stall.” Bakugou crossed his arms, looking somehow even more serious than Ashido did. Kirishima shook his head and started to walk out of the room.

“Shut up, man.” Kirishima laughed, and hit their shoulders together on his way out. He heard Bakugou chuckle behind him, following Kirishima back to their class.

Kirishima was, once again, panicking. It was the night before he had to go home. He had been barricading himself in his room all day. When his classmates came to check on him, he would just tell them he was sick. Kaminari had been a pain, not wanting to leave Kirishima alone, but after an hour of arguing, Kaminari finally gave up on getting Kirishima to watch a movie with him. Luckily Bakugou hadn’t come around, he was somehow even more stubborn than Kaminari, so getting him to stay away would basically be impossible. Kirishima tried his best to ignore the weird feeling he got, when he thought about the fact that he hadn’t heard from Bakugou all day.

However, Kirishima wasn’t being a baby, because he had to spend time with his bullies tomorrow. He wasn’t too worried about that, since they knew better than to do anything, with their parents around. No, what was wrong was the fact that he had been so busy worrying for no reason, that he completely forgot to re-dye his hair. His black roots were showing, and he didn’t want his classmates to find out that he was a fraud and a fake. Now he could ask Ashido for help, but if he did that, she would bring up the fact that he should invite Bakugou with him tomorrow. Kirishima wasn’t going to do that, because he knew Bakugou would say no. He didn’t have time for silly stuff like that.

Kirishima laid on his bed, feeling hopeless. He looked like an idiot. He was just giving his bullies even more reason to be mean to him. Goddamnit. Why did he forget to buy more?!

Suddenly someone began violently banging on Kirishima’s door. Kirishima’s heart skipped a beat. Guess he got startled. Kirishima slowly got up and went towards the door. He hyped himself up to start an argument he wasn’t going to win.

“Sorry, Bakubro, I’m sick! I don’t want to infect you!” Kirishima yelled through the door. The knocking stopped.

“Open up, Kirishima!” Bakugou yelled right back.

“No, man. Aizawa would kill me if I got his favorite student sick!”

“We both know you aren’t going to win! Let me in already!”

“I can’t, bro!”

“I’m going to break down your door then!”

“Then I’ll just sleep in your room! I kick a lot when I’m sick!”

“Fucking fine!”

Kirishima heard loud footsteps walk away from Kirishima’s door. Huh? No way. Did Kirishima just win? What the hell. Kirishima knew he should be excited, but he couldn’t help but feel disappointed. For some reason. Kirishima didn’t really know why.

Kirishima heard noises coming from his balcony. Kirishima hadn’t moved from his door, so there was no way he could reach his balcony door in time. Then he felt cold air hit his face, and heard heavy footsteps stomping into his room.

Bakugou looked so smug. He had a plastic bag in one hand and a stool in the other.

“What do you have there, bro?” Kirishima asked him.

“Shit you have been too stupid to buy.” Bakugou told him, and put the stool under the arm that had the bag. Then he grabbed Kirishima’s wrist, and began to pull him out to his bathroom.

“What?” Kirishima said, but Bakugou ignored him. Bakugou put down the stool in front of the mirror and forced Kirishima to sit down on it. Then he reached down and grabbed the hem of Kirishima’s t-shirt, and ever so gently, very roughly, forced it off of Kirishima. After, Bakugou opened the bag and pulled out bleach and… red hair dye? “... Bro?”

“Shut up, Shitty Hair.” Bakugou told him.

“Bro…” Kirishima leaned his head back and smiled up at him. “Wait, do you even know how to do it?”

“I know how to do everything!” Bakugou yelled at him and shoved his head forward. Kirishima just laughed at him. Bakugou reached over Kirishima’s shoulder and grabbed the brush that was laying on the sink. Kirishima watched Bakugou brush his hair in the mirror. Damn, his roots were really showing. Wait .

“Wait, bro?! How do you even know?!” Kirishima suddenly realized that Bakugou wasn’t supposed to know his hair was fake.

“I’m not stupid, Kiri.” Bakugou didn’t look up from Kirishima’s hair, clearly concentrating on brushing it thoroughly. “But your parents might have shown me childhood pictures of you.”

“What??” Kirishima watched helplessly as his face started to match his hair. “God, that's so embarrassing. I was such a loser back then.”

You still are.

“You were adorable.” Bakugou said softly. Kirishima felt his heart speed up, and his face completely matched his hair now. Kirishima had no idea what to say, so he just stayed quiet.

Kirishima was sitting on his parents couch waiting for his “childhood friends” to arrive. He tried his best not to think about it, scared it would cause another panic attack. His moms ran around the house, getting it ready for the guest.

Then… Then the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it!” Kirishima’s mom yelled out. Kirishima then heard all the greetings she shared between the guests. Then Kirishima’s mama came over too, and even more greetings ensued.

Kirishima hoped his ‘happy mask’ was in place, ready to also greet the guests. It seems they all came at the same time, because first in the living room were the mothers of his bullies. Why they still brought their kids to hang out, Kirishima didn’t know.

Then he saw Juro, looking as nervous as ever. Then Tatsuo, looking as smug as ever. Lastly he saw Nobu, looking as burnt as ever.

…

What?

Nobu had a burn mark on his neck. That wasn’t there the last time he saw him, which wasn’t too long ago. The mark was undeniably in the shape of a handprint, but it looked so weird. It looked like someone had grabbed his neck and then burnt him, but around it was a bunch of smaller burns, looking like sparkles. The best way Kirishima could describe it, was how his skin looked when Bakugou exploded him a bit too close.

Nobu looked around the room, searching for something. He must have found it because then he looked relieved.

“Heya, Kirishima. How have you been?” Tatsuo asked him, a smirk plastered on his face. Kirishima wanted to throw up, but he couldn’t let his mothers know the truth.

“Fine.” Kirishima faked a smile.

The three boys sat on the couch in front of the one Kirishima was sitting on. Their parents were sitting at the kitchen island, not too long from them. Kirishima didn’t have to worry about them doing anything, since they knew to behave around their parents.

Then the doorbell rang again. They hadn’t expected more guests, and Kirishima saw his parents share confused looks. Then one of them went and opened the door. Kirishima couldn’t hear what was said, but then his mom returned to the room. Then Bakugou followed after her. What?

He heard a small shriek from the couch in front of him, and all three of them had paled. Nobu looked like he was about to pass out.

Bakugou quickly located Kirishima, and walked over. He looked at the three boys and put on a smile.

“Hello, I don’t think we properly met.” Bakugou held out his hand to Juro. “I’m Bakugou.” He shook their hands, but when he reached Nobu he added a tiny explosion to the handshake, which made Nobu shriek again, just louder this time. He also pulled his hand hack like he had been burned. Kirishima knew he hadn’t, so Nobu must have just had gotten startled. Though Kirishima didn’t think that reaction was necessary.

Bakugou sat beside Kirishima, and threw his arm around the back of the couch behind Kirishima. They sat so close their thighs touched, and Bakugou took up a lot of room, clearly very relaxed.

None of the five guys said anything else.

“Boys! Come over and eat!” Kirishima’s mama yelled out. Kirishima quickly got up, Bakugou following close behind him. When they sat down, ms. Tatsuo spoke up.

“Oh Eijirou, your hair looks so nice!” She gave Kirishima a smile. Kirishima’s moms turned to look at him.

“Oh, yeah it does, honey. When did you dye it?” His mama asked. Kirishima felt Bakugou stop moving beside him.

“Oh, like a week before I started high school.” Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck, with a small smile.

“So about a month ago?” Ms. Tatsuo asked him.

“More like a year ago.” Kirishima laughed. Beside him, he could feel Bakugou turn towards Kirishima’s parents, but before he could say anything, Kirishima put a hand on his thigh. Bakugou took the hint and kept quiet. They could talk about that later.

“Well enough about Eijirou’s hair, what happened to little Nobu?!” Kirishima’s mom asked. Nobu stopped eating, and Bakugou started again.

“Oh, yes, that’s a horrible story!” Ms. Nobu said. “My little Kuno got attacked at his old job!”

“What happened?” Ms. Tatsuo asked.

“Well you all know about my baby’s glass quirk, and how it sometimes just activates. So he used to work at this restaurant that had just opened, and he must have been very nervous, because he accidentally put a small glass shard in a customer's food!”

“Oh, that’s horrible! Aw poor Kuno!” Ms. Juro said.

“He didn’t mean to, of course, but the customer got so mad! He attacked him with his quirk and burned my poor sweet angel!” Nobu’s stare hadn’t left his food. He looked terrified, for some reason.

“Was it caught on camera?” Ms. Tatsuo asked.

“No, the guy dragged my baby out into a bathroom and attacked him there.” Ms. Nobu said.

“Did you press charges?” Kirishima’s mom asked. Nobu's gaze quickly shifted towards Bakugou. Kirishima would have missed it, if he wasn’t looking at him.

“I begged Kuno to, but if we did, he said that the customer had said that if we did it, then he would too! It would be near impossible for Nobu to ever find work again, if he got charged with putting glass shards in someone's food.” Ms. Nobu looked sadly at his son, who still stared at his food.

“What did the guy look like?” Kirishima’s mama asked. Nobu looked up at Bakugou again, and only dropped it back down, when Bakugou returned his gaze with a smirk.

“Kuno doesn’t like to talk about it, so the only thing I could get out of him was that he was blond and around his age.” Ms. Nobu told them. Kirishima’s gaze shifted to the blond around their age, who was sitting right beside him, as confident as ever. There’s no way… Bakugou just smiled innocently back at him. He wouldn’t.

“Talking about blonds, who are you, young man?” Ms. Juno asked Bakugou. Oh yeah, Kirishima had forgotten to introduce him.

“Oh, that is Bakugou! He’s Eijirou’s friend from his high school.” Kirishima’s mama told them. “He’s a real sweetheart, let me tell you. One time, Eijirou was in the hospital, and the doctor told us that Bakugou had been sitting by his side for literal hours, waiting for Eijirou to wake up.”

Kirishima looked at Bakugou, who had returned to eating his food.

“Which was a real lifesaver, since we are so busy.” Kirishima’s mom said, looking at her wife. It was true. His parents were so busy. They never had time for him.

If they loved you, they would make time for you.

But he hadn’t expected them to sit and wait around for him to wake up. That was silly, no one would do that.

If they cared about your life, they would never have left your side.

“Excuse me.” Kirishima smiled to the table and stood up. He felt sick for some reason, so he went to go to the bathroom. Though when he heard footsteps following him, he changed his distonation to the bigger bathroom upstairs. Kirishima probably should have been worried when he heard someone following him, considering who was sitting around the dinner table, but Kirishima knew those footsteps anywhere.

He wasn’t sure if the person would follow him into the bathroom, but he can’t say he was surprised when the person did.

“Sup bro?” Kirishima laughed at Bakugou.

“Shut up. You didn’t have a problem with pissing in front of Raccoon Eyes.” Bakugou crossed his arms.

“Dude, you know that’s not what happened.” Kirishima shook his head at Bakugou, but went towards the toilet, anyway.

However, when Bakugou kept looking at him, Kirishima decided to speak up again, not finished teasing the blond. “What, you’re gonna help me too?”

Kirishima definitely hadn’t expected Bakugou to push off the door he was leaning against, and begin to walk towards him. “Wait, no I was joking.” Kirishima hurriedly said.

“Sure you were.” Bakugou said, but still went back to the door.

“I don’t want your death machines anywhere near my dick, man.” Kirishima laughed. Bakugou pulled out his phone and started scrolling on it, giving Kirishima some privacy.

“Yeah yeah, keep telling yourself that, Red.” Bakugou mumbled, but even so Kirishima heard him. Kirishima’s face then quickly came to match the nickname Bakugou had called him. What the hell was Bakugou even talking about? Kirishima wasn’t in denial of anything. Bakugou had just fucked with him. Yeah…

Nothing much happened the rest of the night. The boys left Kirishima alone, and Bakugou never left his side. The few times Tatsuo tried something, Bakugou just raised his eyebrows, and Tatsuo dropped it immediately. Kirishima had no idea why.

When the clock hit 20:30 Bakugou stood up.

“We have to leave now.” Bakugou took Kirishima’s hand and pulled him up. “We have curfew soon.”

“Oh, I have excused Eijirou until tomorrow, so he can stay.” Kirishima’s mom told Bakugou.

“No, it’s okay, we’ll leave now.” Bakugou smiled at her. He began pulling Kirishima towards the door.

“Bye!” Kirishima quickly yelled out, when Bakugou began to pull him out of the door, the second he had his shoes on.

“How did you find my house, by the way?” Kirishima asked Bakugou when they got outside.

“Raccoon eyes.” Bakugou said. Goddamnit.

“I’m sorry about her, dude.” Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck.

“Yeah, it was really stupid.” Bakugou said. Kirishima’s stomach dropped for some reason. “Of course I was gonna go, I don’t need that bitch to tell me to.”

Kirishima felt warm, and he could only smile at Bakugou. Then Kirishima remembered something that was said earlier. He wasn’t completely sure about it, but he decided to give it a shot.

“You know, you never fight me in the bathroom.” Kirishima smirked at him.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Bakugou winked back, and pushed their shoulders together.

Kirishima just laughed, and he felt all warm again when Bakugou grabbed his hand.

Chapter Text

Kirishima hadn’t forgotten about his plan. He had just decided to give up on step one for the time being. Bakugou was adamant that Kirishima was stronger than his explosions, and Kirishima was adamant that Bakugou was holding back. They did kept sparing however, so it probably came naturally one day.

So Kirishima decided to skip over to step two; figuring out Bakugou’s weakness. It wasn’t what would make him weak, Kirishima already knew those. Like winter or when he’s exhausted. No, Kirishima needed him to be strong, so it was what would make Bakugou angry. Something he could take away from Bakugou. He just needed to figure out what.

Bakugou didn’t have a lot of stuff in his room, and Kirishima had been to his house, so he knew there wasn’t an object that was important to the blond. Bakugou also didn’t have a lot of friends. He only hangs out one on one with Kirishima, and very rarely with Midoriya. Kirishima knew the two were working on their frayed relationship, and he knew that Midoriya was very important to Bakugou, but it wasn’t enough.

Bakugou wouldn’t kill Kirishima, if Kirishima was to kill Midoriya. Sure, Bakugou would kill others, if they were to kill Midoriya, but not Kirishima. Bakugou also loved his parents, even if their relationship confused Kirishima, but it was still the same thing. It wouldn’t be enough. Kirishima was certain about that, but there must be something or someone that would. Kirishima just had to figure it out.

There must be someone that Bakugou treated differently than everyone else, but who?

“You're gonna be cold, if you go like that, Bakubro.” Kirishima told him. “It's not summer yet.”

“Like hell I am.” Bakugou said back.

“Bro, please. I won't tell anyone.” Kirishima pleaded. The only thing worse than an angry Bakugou was a miserable Bakugou, and a cold Bakugou was a miserable Bakugou. 

“I'm not a baby, Red, I know how to dress myself.” Bakugou threw the jacket that Kirishima had been trying to hand him, to the other side of the room.

“You're impossible.” Kirishima said, mostly to himself and shook his head. “I'll be right back.” 

Kirishima went into his own room and put on a long sleeved shirt under his beloved red Crimson Riot hoodie. He was going to be very warm for a bit, but it was fine. He wouldn't be for long anyway.

Bakugou was waiting for him outside of his room, still only in a t-shirt and jeans. Kirishima shook his head again and started to walk downstairs. Kaminari, Sero, Shinso and Ashido were waiting for them at the entrance.

“Aren't you gonna be cold like that, babe?” Ashido asked Bakugou. Kirishima was amazed she could call Bakugou that, but he blamed it on the fact that Bakugou most likely just didn't listen.

“I'm not weak like you bunch of babies.” Bakugou crossed his arms. Now there was no way Bakugou would bring a jacket. He was so fucking stubborn.

“I tried to tell him that too, but here we are.” Kirishima smiled at his friends.

“Damn, he never says no to you.” Sero said. Kirishima was about to ask what he meant, but he continued. “What's up your ass, Blasty?”

Before Bakugou could attack Sero, Kirishima quickly grabbed Bakugou’s hand.

“Relax dude.” Kirishima laughed at him. They walked outside to the cold late spring afternoon, but with Kirishima's extra layers, he didn't feel it. He would soon, though.

They walked towards the train station, and Bakugou's hand gradually became colder and colder, and Bakugou walked closer and closer to Kirishima. At the train station, Kirishima had put his arm around Bakugou to give him a bit of warmth. The train had been warm as always so Bakugou gave him a bit of space, only their hands connecting them.

When they got out of the train, Bakugou was right back to clinging to Kirishima's side, so Kirishima just shook his head and bent down to tie his tied shoes, so they would fall to the back of the group. When Kirishima stood up again, he pulled off his hoodie and gave it to Bakugou. Kirishima could tell Bakugou wanted to start a fight, so he just raised his eyebrows at him in challenge. If Bakugou started acting like a bitch, he just wouldn't get the hoodie. Both of them knew that, so Bakugou just had to choose either his comfort or his pride. Kirishima let out a sigh of relief when Bakugou roughly took the hoodie out of his hand.

Luckily no one in the group mentioned the change of clothes when they arrived at the movie theater. Kirishima could finally properly see Bakugou in the light, and his hoodie looked massive on Bakugou. It was so clear it wasn't his, and for some reason, that made Kirishima really happy.

Kirishima ordered the two of them a popcorn and a soda to share, but when he went to pay, Bakugou slapped his card away and paid with his own.

“You didn’t have to do that, bro.” Kirishima smiled at him.

“Shut the hell up.” Bakugou grumbled and took their order. 

In the movie theater, Bakugou sat on the seat at the very end of their reserved line, and Kirishima sat beside him with Kaminari on his other side. Then Shinso, Ashido and lastly Sero.

The movie was good in Kirishima’s opinion. Nothing groundbreaking or anything, but not bad either. It was like any other superhero movie, but Kirishima was glad he went.

Bakugou kept the hoodie on for the whole movie, the walk home and when they said goodnight to each other.

Kirishima wondered when he was getting it back.

Kirishima wasn't going to get the hoodie back. It had been two weeks now, since he last saw it. Bakugou probably just wanted to be manly and wash it before giving it back, but that couldn't possibly take that long, right?

Kirishima got his answer though. One night, like many others, Kirishima was awoken by explosions in the room next door. When Kirishima went to comfort his friend, he found his hoodie. On said friend, no less. Bakugou was always very disoriented after a nightmare, so there was no way he had just put it on.

Kirishima decided that he didn't need the hoodie back. He had many others, after all.

Bakugou apparently also decided to stop caring because the next day, when Kirishima was relaxing on a common room couch, he came walking over in the hoodie. He plopped down on Kirishima’s couch and put his back against the arm rest, and his feet in Kirishima’s lap.

Kaminari, who hadn't stopped staring at Bakugou since he entered the room, must have decided that had a death wish, because then he spoke up. “Nice hoodie there, Kacchan.” 

Bakugou didn't even raise his eyes from his phone and just shot a middle finger in Kaminari’s general direction.

It must have been a very hard test they had in English that day, because Sero decided to speak up too. “Never thought I'd see Bakugou all wifed up.”

Bakugou must have done very well in the test, though, because he just answered with another middle finger. Kirishima couldn't get a read on how Ashido had done, when she spoke up too. “Don't be silly, Sero. Kirishima wifed up Bakugou a long time ago. Bakugou has been cooking all his meals for like half a year now.”

Bakugou shot her one too, just cause.

“I don't know how Kirishima did it.” Midoriya spoke up from the opposite couch of Kirishima, where he had been sitting and studying with Uraraka. “I've known Kacchan all my life and he has never once willingly made anyone food before.” 

Bakugou actually didn't do anything this time. Kirishima blamed it on the fact, the two were trying to become friends again.

“The blatant favoritism is sickening. I'm so jealous.” Ashido cried. Kirishima could only laugh and started running his fingers up and down Bakugou’s shin, just in case he started thinking about attacking anyone.

Luckily, his friends decided they wanted to live after all, and they changed the subject.

Kirishima had almost felt sad when he found his hoodie on his bed, washed and folded, a few days after that. He didn't know why though. Kirishima had put the hoodie on, and realized it now smelled of Bakugou. He didn’t know why that erased the sadness he was feeling.

Kirishima then walked downstairs to hang out with his friends, in his newly returned hoodie. Though what Kirishima found there shocked him even more than the hoodie did. On the couch he usually sat on was Bakugou. That wasn't surprising, Bakugou sometimes arrived downstairs earlier than Kirishima, so that wasn't anything new. What was new was what Bakugou was wearing. He was in another Crimson Riot hoodie, this time a black one with the Crimson logo sketched in red on the back, and a smaller one on the front right over the heart. Or it was over the heart when Kirishima was wearing it, but it sat a little lower on Bakugou. Kirishima, of course, couldn’t see the back since it was up against the couch, but he knew his Crimson Riot merch.

Bakugou had somehow for whatever reason stolen another hoodie. Kirishima was sure it was his, since that hoodie was very rare, but he still walked over and sat beside him.

“That's mine, right?” Bakugou just sent him a look that said are you fucking stupid? “Right, sorry, sorry, just checking,” Kirishima smiled at him. Bakugou just rolled his eyes and turned around and leaned his back against the side of Kirishima's chest. Kirishima just draped his arm over Bakugou's shoulder, the one furthest away from him. Kirishima leaned his head forward and talked in Bakugou’s ear. “That one is very rare, so you better be careful with it.”

Bakugou just shoved an elbow into Kirishima’s stomach. “I will be, idiot.”

“You two make me sick.” Kaminari told them. “I want to drown my sorrows in cheap vodka.”

“Oh, that’s a great idea, Kami!” Ashido jumped up from the couch she was sitting on. “We should throw a party tonight!” It was Saturday, so there wasn’t really a good excuse not to. There also wasn’t a good excuse to do it, except why not?

Ashido pulled out her phone, and started texting furiously. Kirishima really didn’t have the energy to party or even drink, so he leaned forward again.

“You wanna take a nap?” He asked Bakugou. He was going anyway, but he wanted to invite the blond just in case.

“Yeah.” Bakugou answered and stood up.

“We’re gonna go relax then.” Kirishima told the rest of the group.

“You better be down here for the party, babes!” Ashido yelled after them.

The two went into Kirishima’s room, and Kirishima instinctually walked towards the dresser, but then he stopped.

“Wait, do we wanna change if we’re just taking a nap?” He asked Bakugou.

“Nah, just take off your jeans, then you should be fine.” Bakugou responded, taking his own off.

“Damn, bro, you could’ve at least bought me a drink.” Kirishima joked, but still took off his pants.

“Shut the fuck up, I’ve made your food for the last half a year.” Bakugou climbed under the covers. Kirishima also took off his hoodie, since he ran hot, and then he laid down beside Bakugou.

The two were rudely awoken by Kaminari barging into the room.

“Kiri!!!! Bakugou is gone!” Kaminari stumbled over to the side of the bed, staring at Kirishima, clearly intoxicated.

“Shut the fuck up, I’m right here!” Bakugou threw the pillow in Kaminari’s face.

“What the fuck.” Kaminari mumbled. While Kaminari was stunned, Kirishima turned around and looked at his clock. They had been sleeping for about two hours. Kirishima sat up and reached down for his pants. Kaminari sat himself on the desk chair. “You know you can tell us, right?”

“Tell you what?” Kirishima asked him, as he was pulling up his pants.

“We can tell you to shut the fuck up.” Bakugou grumbled, being mad he got woken up.

“Just if there’s anything you want to tell us, Kiri.” Kaminari tried again. Kirishima couldn’t tell what he was fishing for. “Like about the two of you.”

“Are you mad I didn’t invite you to nap too?” Kirishima didn’t take Kaminari for the jealous type.

“No, I survive on energy drinks.” Kaminari told him.

“Oh, should I have told you that we sleep together?” Kirishima asked, Kaminari burst out laughing.

“I don’t need to know that, man!” Kaminari forced out, between laughs.

“Not like that, Dunce Face.” Bakugou still hadn’t moved from his blanket cocoon. Kirishima suddenly felt his face heat up.

“NONONO, we, like, literally sleep, like, next to each other, like, you know?” Kirishima struggled to find the words.

“Sure, Kiri, I’m just fucking with you.” Kaminari had finally calmed down from his laughter. “Bet you wished Bakugou was though.” The laughter started up again, and Kirishima felt his face heat up once again.

“WHAT, NO?!?!?!!” Kirishima panicked.

“Get out of here, Sparky. Leave him alone.” Bakuogu pushed himself up on his hand, so he could look down at Kaminari, who was laughing on the floor.

“Oh, I love you, Kiri, you’re the best, never change.” Kaminari wiped the tears from his eyes, and left the room.

“Guess they started pre-gaming.” Kirishima laughed. Bakugou just shook his head, and got up and started getting dressed. “I wonder if they remembered to eat before this time.” Kirishima had avoided that bathroom for weeks after the last party.

“Probably not.” Bakugou went towards the door. “Come on, Red, I have to go babysit some idiots.” Kirishima hurried after him, and threw his arm over Bakugou’s shoulders when he caught up to him.

When they got downstairs, Bakugou walked over to Sero. “Did you idiots eat before drinking?” Bakugou asked while shaking him back and fourth.

“Nah, man, that’s for rich people.” Sero slurred. Bakugou let him go. Kirishima heard him mutter out a ‘god damnit’ when he passed Kirishima. Kirishima went over to where Kaminari and Ashido were sitting on the couch.

“Why didn’t you guys eat? Bakugou is gonna be mad all night now.” Kirishima asked them. A bunch of their classmates were sitting around them, so he spoke loudly. Bakugou hated babysitting drunk people, especially his drunk people.

“That’s beta shit.” Kaminari said.

“How much did you guys drink?” They weren’t usually this drunk already.

“We shared a vodka.” Ashido smiled.

“You idiots.” Kirishima laughed at them.

“Don’t worry babe, we saved some for you two.” Ashido leaned forward and promptly fell off the couch. She sat up and reached for the mostly empty vodka bottle on the table, then she gave it to Kirishima. There was about a shot left.

“There’s like less than a shot in here, how are me and Bakugou gonna share it?” Kirishima asked them, but he didn’t mind. He didn’t really want to get drunk anyways.

“Guess you just have to make out and share the alcohol that way.” Kaminari told him. Kirishima gave him a shove, that was meant to be just a light playful shove, but it made Kaminari join Ashido on the floor.

“Don’t be gross, dude.” Kirishima rolled his eyes, but that just made Kaminari burst out laughing.

“Kirishima, have you seen-” Bakugou had walked over, but stopped talking when he saw the two idiots on the floor.

“Seen who, bro?” Kirishima leaned back so he could look at Bakugou, who stood behind the couch.

“Two idiots who forgot to eat before drinking.” Bakugou sighed, clearly not in the mood to babysit. “Get those two to the table, while I go get Sero.” Kirishima watched Bakugou leave for a bit, before standing up. He had to get two very intoxicated dumbasses into the kitchen, but how?

Kirishima grabbed Kaminari’s wrist, pulling him up, then he threw the blond over his shoulder. Kirishima then squatted down to grab Ashido’s wrist and pulled her up too. Then he put his arm around her waist, and lifted her up, carrying her under his arm. Kirishima, being satisfied with his problem solving skills, went into the kitchen. Bakugou raised his eyebrows at him, and Sero let out a laugh.

“Was that really necessary, Kiri?” Sero asked him. Kirishima put down his friends, who joined Sero around the table.

“Sero, that’s literally the hottest thing that ever happened to me, do not ruin the chances of it happening again!” Ashido pointed a threatening finger in his face.

“Second that!” Kaminari agreed.

“Well of course it was hot, it was Kirishima.” Sero just shook his head. Kirishima walked over to Bakugou’s side and whispered to him.

“Guess they’re really drunk, huh?” Kirishima smiled. Bakugou just rolled his eyes, grabbed Kirishima’s hand and pulled him towards the door. Bakugou sure had good timing, because the moment they reached the door, someone knocked on it. Bakugou opened it and shoved three pizza boxes into Kirishima’s chest, who took them. Kirishima could only stare at the boxes, so he barely even felt Bakugou hook a finger in one of Kirishima’s belt loops and pull him towards the kitchen. Bakugou took the boxes from Kirishima’s hands and threw them on the table. Kirishima didn’t move.

“Kacchan!!! God, you’re so hot, you’re the best.” Kaminari cried of happiness.

“Shut the fuck up!” Bakugou yelled at him, explosions in his hands.

“Kacchan ordered pizza?!” Midoriya popped into the kitchen. A gang of hungry drunk teenagers followed behind him.

“Go away nerd, this is for my idiots!” Bakugou pushed Midoriya away. “If you want something, go to Half-and-Half. He’s got the money for it.” The hungry troop went away.

“Your idiots?!” Ashido squealed.

“I will explode those fucking pizza’s if you three don’t shut up.” Bakugou threatened. Sero looked incredibly offended, not having said anything. The two others fell silent immediately, knowing Bakugou’s threat was serious. Bakugou finally returned his attention to Kirishima, who felt like he was only moments away from falling apart. “Relax Kiri, we’re not eating that shit.”

Bakugou grabbed his hand again and pulled him over to the counters. Kirishima watched as Bakugou pulled out pots and pans, and started making some stir fry noodles. As he watched, Kirishima could feel air returning to his lungs, and his heartbeat slowing down again. When Kirishima felt like he could function again, he went to help Bakugou, in the only way he was allowed. So he walked behind Bakugou, put one of his hands on Bakugou’s hip, so he wouldn’t suddenly move, leaned forwards and opened the cupboard to the side of the one over the stove. Some idiot decided that that was where they kept their crockery, so Kirishima pulled down two bowls and placed them on the counter.

Instead of removing himself from Bakugou, now that he didn’t have an excuse to, he just slid his hands around Bakugou’s stomach, hugging him from behind. Since Bakugou didn’t react, he also buried his face between Bakugou’s shoulder and neck, just holding him as close as possible. Kirishima wasn’t sure why though, he only knew it felt right.

Kirishima only let him go, when he felt Bakugou pushing against him slightly, signaling the food was done. Bakugou plated their food, and carried it to the table. Kirishima sat beside Bakugou and started eating. Bakugou’s food was the best, he could eat it for the rest of his life.

“Life is so unfair, I want my own Bakugou.” Ashido cried, after seeing their food.

“Yeah, Bakubro is the best.” Kirishima smiled.

“Bakugou is like the most attractive dude in class, right?” Kaminari put his finger on his chin and seemingly started thinking. Kirishima didn’t know why his friends got so flirty when they were drunk, but it was kinda funny.

“Shut up.” Bakugou grumbled.

“Well, he is an amazing cook and he is extremely hot, but he’s so aggressive.” Ashido started thinking too. “But if we’re just talking face it’s definitely Bakugou.” She chewed for a bit, before continuing. “Or Todoroki I guess.”

“I’m not aggressive and don’t compare me to that bastard.” Bakugou defended himself.

“Yeah, you’re a total sucker for Kiribaby, you’re so soft with him.” Kaminari agreed. What? Bakugou was angry with him sometimes! Kirishima couldn’t really think of an example right now, but he was put on the spot, okay? That’s not fair!

“Buuut.” Ashido said. “If we’re talking body, then it’s Kirishima, no competition.” Sero and Kaminari both nodded.

“You guys give me a headache.” Bakugou had finished eating and left the table.

“You don’t have to lie, guys.” Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck. He knew he was ugly, so his friends didn’t have to pretend for his sake. His friends snapped to look at him, eyebrows furrowed.

“Bro, what? Are you serious?” Sero asked him. Kirishima didn’t understand his confusion.

“Yeah, man. Have you seen me?” Kirishima laughed.

“Hell yeah I have. You’re fucking ripped dude.” Sero told him. “Why would you think you’re ugly?”

“Well you know, besides my eyes, I guess the fact that no one ever flirts with me, solidifies it pretty well.” Kirishima thought.

“Well yeah man, of course they don’t.” Kaminari said, like it was obvious. Before Kirishima could ask what he meant, he continued. “You spend every day with another incredibly attractive person, who just happens to be extremely territorial and who sends death glares to anyone who looks your way. People either think you two are together, or are too scared of Bakugou to do anything.”

“I’ve heard he fully threatened people, who talked about having an interest in you, babe.” Ashido laughed.

“What? Why would Bakugou be cockblocking me? That doesn’t make any sense.” Kirishima laughed as well. His friends really were drunk.

“Yeah, I wonder what would possibly make Bakugou act like that.” Sero shook his head. Kirishima thought he sounded sarcastic but he didn’t know why he would be.

“We could just show you.” Kaminari challenged.

“Alright.” Kirishima accepted. He would be right anyway.

“Okay, go sit near Kacchan, and I’ll come do something.” Kaminari winked at him. “Just act like you would naturally.” Kirishima just nodded and left the table, after cleaning up after himself and Bakugou of course.

Bakuogu sat in an armchair, in the common room, scrolling on his phone. Kirishima sat on the couch closest to him, with his back against the armrest so he could watch Bakugou. Kirishima didn’t know what to expect, and he didn’t have time to figure something out, because Kaminari plopped down beside him.

“Kiribaby, I was thinking, right? And you’re like the total package, you know?” Kaminari leaned towards him and draped his arm over the back of the couch. Kirishima noticed Bakugou stopped scrolling, but he probably just found something he had to read.

“What do you mean, bro?” Kirishima asked, having to act naturally.

“Obviously your body is hot as fuck. Like, what I wouldn’t do to get it on top of me, you know?” Kaminari said, and Kirishima sent him a look, but still noticed how Bakugou still hadn’t scrolled and how his eyes were completely still.

“Yeah?” Kirishima laughed, kinda curious what Kaminari would say.

“And like your teeth, man.” Kirishima's eyes snapped to Kaminari’s. “God, I wanna know what they would feel like in my neck-”

Kaminari was on the floor. Bakugou had grabbed the back of his shirt and pulled him away. Bakugou put a hand in his face, and filled his face with smoke.

“How about you start with knowing how to shut the fuck up.” Bakugou spat at him.

Bakugou took Kaminari’s place and pulled out his phone again. Kirishima looked back down at Kaminari, who sent him a quick wink before walking away.

“You good, man?” Kirishima laughed at Bakugou.

Bakugou sent him a glare, grabbed his shin and pulled, making Kirishima’s back hit the couch. Bakuogu then crawled on top of him and laid his head on Kirishima’s chest.

“Go to hell.” Bakugou grumbled and started scrolling on his phone again. Kirishima just laughed and put one hand in Bakugou’s hair, and the other behind his own head.

Bakugou didn’t treat anyone differently. He didn’t let anyone get close to him or touch him. He never did anything nice for anyone. He never waited around for anyone. He never walked side by side with anyone. Bakugou hated being around everyone.

Except for one person.

Kirishima knew a lot about Bakugou, and most importantly, he knew Bakugou’s nightmares. Ever since they moved into the dorms, Kirishima had been awoken at night by explosions coming from the room next to him. It wasn’t every night, of course. They were bad in the beginning but they are becoming rarer and rarer. Kirishima still remembers the first night it happened. It was the second day of sleeping in the dorms, and Kirishima had been sleeping peacefully until he was suddenly woken up.

Kirishima stumbled out of bed, confused and panicking. Were they getting attacked? What was happening? Then he heard more explosions. Was Bakugou in danger?! Kirishima stumbled towards the door, still not used to his new surroundings. He got out into the hall, and opened up Bakugou’s door, which was luckily unlocked.

“Bakugou?!” Kirishima yelled into the room, and turned on the lights. “What’s going on?!”

Bakugou sat on his bed, his legs tangled in the duvet, his head in his hands. Kirishima rushed over to him, sat on the bed in front of him and put a hand on his shoulder, shaking him gently.

“Bakugou?” Kirishima tried again, gently this time. Bakugou didn’t react. Kirishima could hear his panicked breathing. Kirishima’s heart hurt. “Katsuki?”

Bakugou looked up at Kirishima, tears in his eyes. Bakugou then looked around the room for a while. Then he looked back at Kirishima.

“You good, man?” Kirishima smiled as gently as he could. Bakugou put his hand in Kirishima’s face, and let out some smoke.

“What are you even doing here, idiot.” Bakugou chuckled at him.

“I thought you were in danger, bro.” Kirishima shifted so he sat beside Bakugou

“I’m fine, so fuck off.” Bakugou said, but untangled himself from the duvet, threw it over the both of them and laid down.

“Nah, I don’t think I will.” Kirishima smiled, and laid down on his side beside his friend. “Do you wanna talk about it?”

“It was stupid. Just that the league came back for me, shit like that.” Bakugou said, and Kirishima took the hand that laid between them.

“I’ll never let them take you again.” Kirishima promised him, and Bakugou squeezed his hand.

“Whatever, idiot.” Bakugou smiled at him.

Most of the nights went somewhat like that. Bakugou didn’t talk much about the nightmares but Kirishima knew the gist of it. Well he thought he did. Until one day, when the nightmares changed. It was the night after Kirishima returned from the hospital, back when he had fought Rappa, but Kirishima was sure that was just a coincidence.

Kirishima had never been awoken by so loud explosions. They were usually barely there, and Kirishima often wondered if he had just imagined it. But this time, there was no doubt. Kirishima had never gotten to Bakugou’s room so fast, thinking he was getting attacked for real this time. It was also the first time Bakugou had been out of bed. He was standing in the middle of the room, and Kirishima had never seen him so panicked. Then Bakugou saw Kirishima.

Kirishima had just closed the door behind him, when his back suddenly hit the door. Bakugou had wrapped his arms around Kirishima, with so much force that Kirishima had been pushed backwards. Kirishima didn’t think the two had ever hugged before. Kirishima quickly hugged him back, as protectively as he could. Bakugou had buried his face in Kirishima's neck, and Kirishima could feel him shaking. Kirishima held him tight and only let go when he felt Bakugou pulling back. He didn't let go completely though, instead, he let his hands slide from Bakugou's back, down his arms and grabbed his hands. Bakugou didn't look at him, he just kept his head down and looked at the floor. Kirishima just led them towards the bed, and pulled Bakugou with him down under the covers. Only when he had Bakugou tucked safely under his chin, did he speak up.

“What happened?” Bakugou had never reacted like that before. What in the world could have caused that reaction?

“They brought you too.” Bakugou quietly said, and held Kirishima tighter. 

“What?” Kirishima was confused. 

“They said they would kill you if I didn’t join them.” Bakugou forced out. “Then when I agreed, they…”

Kirishima didn’t talk. He was waiting for Bakugou to continue.

“Then they killed you, anyways.” Bakugou began to cry again, making Kirishima’s shirt as damp as his neck. Kirishima buried his head in Bakugou’s hair, and held him impossibly closer.

Kirishima didn’t understand why that would cause such a reaction from Bakugou, but he was going to comfort him, anyway. 

The nightmares continued like that for a while, with Kirishima being killed in all different sorts of ways. He could tell it was never the same way twice, even if Bakugou didn't like to talk about it. 

Kirishima didn’t know why Bakugou always reacted so much to those nightmares. Sure, the old ones caused a reaction too, but never to this extent. Kirishima wouldn't figure it out either, because one day in their second year, Bakugou stopped having nightmares.

Kirishima remembered the last nightmare so vividly. It had haunted him for a while, and it ruined his plan. Kirishima didn’t know how to get out of this one.

It was a night a few days after the party. Kirishima had been woken up by explosions and, for the first time, the fire alarm. It was the one in the hall, since Bakugou threw out the one in his room. When Kirishima stepped out into the hall, it was full of smoke. Shoji quickly ran out of his room too, but Kirishima couldn't see him.

“Kirishima, I will go get Aizawa! Get Bakugou out of here!” Shoji yelled before running down the stairs. When Kirishima opened Bakugou's door, even more smoke came rushing out. Kirishima started coughing, but went in anyway. He needed to get Bakugou out.

“BAKUGOU?” Kirishima yelled into the smoke. Bakugou’s bed, desk and surrounding area was on fire. Bakugou was standing in the middle of the room as he always did, but this time he was staring at his hands and he looked terrified. Kirishima didn't have time to comfort him, so he quickly picked Bakugou up, one hand under his knees and one behind his back, and hurried out of the room and down the stairs. Bakugou didn’t react at all. 

Kirishima quickly wrapped Bakugou in a blanket from the couch, before going outside, where the rest of their class was. Kirishima put Bakugou down but kept him in a hug. Bakugou just stood still. The fire took some time to put out, and Bakugou's room had to undergo renovations. Luckily Kirishima’s room hadn't been affected so they could sleep in there. It was only when Kirishima had gotten the two into bed, that life returned to Bakugou’s eyes. Bakugou wrapped his arms around Kirishima and buried his face in Kirishima's chest.

“I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.” Bakugou quietly cried out.

“What happened, Bakugou?” Kirishima knew the answer. But maybe he was wrong. Maybe Bakugou wouldn’t ruin everything with his answer.

“They forced me, Kirishima, I didn't want to, I didn't mean it, I couldn't do anything!” Bakugou rambled.

“I believe you, Kat. What did you do?” He could barely recognize his own voice. The voice that left him was cold, devoid of anything at all. Maybe Bakugou would know not to continue, maybe he would say something else, despite them both knowing what he was going to say.

But Bakugou wasn’t like Kirishima.

Bakugou wasn’t a liar.

“I killed you.” 

Kirishima held Bakugou tighter so he couldn't see Kirishima's world fall apart. In that moment he finally realized something. He didn’t know how he hadn’t seen it before. His friends had told him so many times, but he always shrugged them off. But now there was no way around it.

No matter how deep in denial Kirishima wanted to be, he knew Bakugou’s only weakness.

And that very weakness was Kirishima himself.

Chapter Text

The reason that Bakugou’s nightmares stopped was simply because he stopped sleeping alone. His room took about two weeks to fix, but even then he never returned completely. All of Bakugou’s clothes got burned up, so Kirishima’s wardrobe became their wardrobe. Kirishima pretended not to notice that Bakuogu only bought pants when they were out shopping. Bakugou did start spending time in his room, when it was done though, so they didn’t spend every moment together. But when the clock hit 20:00 Bakugou would walk into Kirishima’s room, ready to sleep. Kirishima would often stay up later, hanging out with his other friends, so he made sure to always be quiet when he walked into his room.

Kirishima really didn’t mind this new existence he found himself in. He really liked hanging out with Bakugou. He finally felt at peace. He loved having someone to cuddle to sleep and wake up to. Kirishima was happy. Kirishima couldn’t remember the last time he could honestly say that he was, but here he was. 

Kirishima didn’t want anything to change.

Kirishima loved waking up beside Bakugou. He was so incredibly beautiful in the mornings. He looked so calm, Kirishima could stare at him for hours. It wasn’t often that Kirishima woke up before Bakugou, but when he did, he made sure to engrave Bakugou’s beauty in his mind.

Bakugou’s eyes fluttered open. He had stopped being so intense when he woke up, and Kirishima was so grateful for that. Unless they had class of course, then he would be out of the bed one millisecond after their alarm rang. But on Sundays, Bakugou stayed in bed, just a little longer.

“Hey, bro.” Kirishima smiled at him, and tugged a stray hair behind Bakugou’s ear.

“Morning, Red.” Bakugou smiled back. He was so gentle in the morning. Kirishima started caressing the cut on Bakugou’s cheek. It was almost gone, and Recovery Girl said that it would barely scar. “What are you thinking about?”

“Not much. I’m just happy to be able to wake up to you, I guess.” Kirishima told him. Bakugou let out a chuckle.

“Me too, Kiri.” Bakugou took Kirishima’s hand and held it. Bakugou’s hands were always so warm. “I’ve been thinking about something for a while now.”

“Yeah?”

“What if we move in together?”

“Like after UA?”

“Yeah, just the two of us.”

“Really?”

“If you want to. We can try to get an apartment close to the other idiots.”

“Bakugou… I would love to.” Kirishima felt tears in his eyes. “Wait, can I call you Katsuki, then?”

“Sure, Ei. Of course you can.” Bakugou pressed Kirishima’s hand to his lips. Kirishima could feel Bakugou’s smile against his skin. Kirishima was so incredibly happy.

Kirishima loved Sero’s hammock. It was so comfy. Kirishima felt like a butterfly, getting ready to leave its cocoon. He also loved hanging out with Sero too, of course. He was so chill, and Kirishima felt like he could just be himself.

“You’re amazing, bro.” Kirishima smiled, when Sero handed him a brownie. “Wait, is there weed in it? Bakugou will kill me.”

“Nah, don’t worry, man. I’m just practicing the brownie part. I’m not stupid enough to bring weed here.” Sero laughed.

“Do you even do weed?” Kirishima took a bite of the brownie. It was amazing.

“I have a couple of times, but not really.” Sero shrugged, eating his own. The two always had such comfortable silence. Kirishima never felt like he had to force being social with him. It was amazing. “Have you?”

“Nah, I wasn’t popular enough to get invited to parties.” Kirishima laughed.

“Oh, I wasn’t popular. I was bullied actually.” Sero chuckled. Kirishima, very ungracefully, sat up so he could look at Sero. No way.

“Bro, what? No way, I don’t believe that!” Kirishima said, but he was only met with laughter.

“I was! I swear!” Kirishima must have sent him some sort of look because Sero continued. “My elbows, man. I know they look kinda weird, but they never really bothered me. I was lucky that I had a couple of close friends, though.”

“I was bullied too.” Kirishima was amazed. How did someone as great and nice as Sero get bullied? Sero smiled so softly at him, that he almost didn’t realize what he said. “About my teeth.” He quickly added. Not a lie, just not the full truth. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Sero, he just wasn’t ready to open that can of worms yet.

“That’s stupid, your teeth are cool as hell!” Sero shook his head. “Just ask Bakugou, that fucker can talk about them for hours , it’s driving me insane.”

“Bro, what?” Kirishima started laughing again. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“I’m just kidding, it’s pretty endearing, actually. Never did I think he could feel so much.” Sero laughed too. Kirishima still didn’t understand what he meant, but he didn’t care. Kirishima really loved his friends. Kirishima was so happy.

“So… You’re probably wondering why I have brought you all here today.” Kirishima addressed the group that was sitting on the bed in front him. He was so nervous.

“Yeah, tell us, babe!” Ashido was excited.

“Go on, Kiribaby!” Kaminari hyped him up.

“I need to tell you something. It’s something that is really hard for me to say, and I really hope it won’t change anything between us or how you view me.” Kirishima was so incredibly nervous. Why had he decided to do this? “Especially you, Sero.”

“I can promise you it won’t change a thing, man.” Sero laughed.

“Don’t worry, Kirishima. You can trust us.” Shinso gave him a smile.

“Some of you already know this.” Kirishima looked at Bakugou, who was watching him with a small smile. “And to some it might come as a shock.” He looked at Sero, who just laughed again.

“It’s alright, cutie, you can tell us.” Ashido winked at him. Kirishima let out a deep breath, here goes nothing.

“I’m…” Kirishima couldn’t get it out. “I..” Come on, you can tell them!

“I have black hair.” Holy shit, he said it. “I dye my hair red. I’m a fake. I lied.”

The group looked so surprised. They really hadn’t expected that. But then why were Ashido and Bakugou shocked too? They knew that already, maybe they were expecting something else?

“Wow, Kiri, I really didn’t expect that.” Kaminari said. “I’m so happy you trusted us enough to tell us.”

“Yeah, I can see how that might be scary.” Sero agreed. Ashido and Shinso nodded.

“If you want, I can share something too? Just so you don’t feel alone.” Kaminari suggested.

“I would love that, actually.” Kirishima smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck. Kaminari stood up, and Kirishima quickly sat down beside Bakugou against the headboard. Bakugou put his hand on Kirishima’s thigh.

“I’m bi.” Kaminari said. Kirishima didn’t know that, but somehow he wasn’t too surprised.

“Hell yeah, man!” Kirishima cheered him on. Then he stopped, remembering something. “Wait…”

“Okay, I know what you’re thinking, and no, sorry Kiri. Don’t get me wrong, you’re hot as fuck and I love you, but I don’t want you to fuck me.” Kaminari explained, then he put on a smirk. “I know who would though.”

Kirishima watched as Bakugou shot a middle finger in Kaminari’s direction.

“I didn’t say your name, Blasty.” Kaminari looked so smug.

“You’re staring me down, Sparky.” Bakugou shot back. Kirishima just laughed. His friends were so silly.

“I’m a lesbian!” Ashido jumped up. Kirishima nodded. That made sense.

“You got something to add, Bakugou?” Sero asked him.

“I guess I’m gay.” Bakugou shrugged. What?

“That’s sick, bro! Nothing manlier than loving a man.” Kirishima bumped their shoulders together. “What do you mean you guess, though?”

“Just that I’ve only ever had a crush on a guy.” Bakugou shrugged again.

“You have a crush on someone?” Kirishima asked him. Why did the thought bother Kirishima so much?

“Yeah, but he’s a total dumbass so he doesn’t know.” Bakugou looked at Kirishima, with a smile.

“I thought I was your favorite dumbass.” Kirishima crossed his arms and pouted. “You like someone more than me? I feel so betrayed.”

“You are, and I don’t.” Bakugou laughed. Kirishima didn’t understand what was so funny.

“You like me more than your crush?” Kirishima lit up again. “Hell yeah!”

Bakugou just shook his head, but moved closer to Kirishima, anyway.

“Gross, get a room guys!” Ashido stuck out her tongue at them.

“But we’re in my room though?” Kirishima laughed. He was so happy his friends had accepted him. Kirishima truly felt at home with them.

“I’m so hungryyyy!” Ashido cried. Their group had been so busy studying, that they missed dinner.

“Blasty, feed us!” Kaminari whined.

“I can’t because someone forgot it was their turn to shop!” Bakugou sneered back.

“It’s not my fault! I’m just a girl.” Kaminari defended himself.

“No you’re not! You’re a dumbass, is what you are!” Bakugou shot down his defense.

“Can’t we cook Kirishima?” Sero whispered to the others, but Kirishima heard him clear as day.

“Shut up, man.” Kirishima laughed.

“Why don’t we just order something to eat?” Shinso asked. They all got quiet. Of course Shinso didn’t know. He couldn’t have known. No one looked at Kirishima, but all he could feel was their eyes.

“Yeah good idea, Shinso. It’s been too long since I’ve had pizza.” Kirishima needed to do this. He could do this. “ Someone doesn’t want me to eat greasy food.”

“Well sorry for making sure you stay ripped.” Bakugou rolled his eyes, but still put a hand on Kirishima’s thigh under the table. Kirishima felt Bakugou give him a squeeze.

“One pizza once in a while won’t fuck that up, bro. With how much we exercise, I can have one, once in a while.” Kirishima stood up. Alright, he was going to do this.

“Too much info, babes.” Ashido shook her head and stood too.

“What? You know how much we train.” Kirishima was confused. “I mean, Bakugou barely gets sore anymore, with how much we do it.”

“We really don’t need to know that, man.” Kaminari laughed. Kirishima was about to explain himself, but Bakugou squeezed his thigh again.

“They’re just messing with you, Red.” Bakugou said, but then he leaned in to whisper in his ear. “Do you need the metal thing?”

“I don’t remember where I put it.” Kirishima whispered back. Since Bakugou always made his food, he hadn’t actually used it. Bakugou gave him a nod.

“I’ll be right back.” Bakugou told the group.

“I’ll pay, babe!” Ashido yelled after him, but he ignored her. She shook her head and pulled out her phone. “Okay, which pizzas do you guys want?”

“Ham and pineapple!” Kaminari said, when Kirishima shot him a look, he continued. “Bakugou will literally kill me, it’s so funny.”

Kirishima didn’t hear Sero or Shinso’s orders, he was too busy reading the menu card. He couldn’t remember the last time he ordered a pizza. Or just ordered out, really. Kirishima could hear his friends go quiet and felt their eyes on him. Kirishima quickly decided.

“I’ll just have the meat lovers, I guess.” If he was going to eat unhealthy, he might as well get the one with the most protein.

“Of course you’d get that one.” Kaminari snickered.

“What’s wrong with liking meat, bro?” Kirishima accused.

“Nothing, man.” Kaminari put a hand up to cover his mouth, but he was so clearly trying to hold in a laugh.

“Stop teasing him, Sparky.” Bakugou returned and slapped Kaminari over the head, like Kirishima had seen his mom do to him. Bakugou turned to Ashido and asked, “Did you order?”

“Yep! Got you your chicky nuggies.” Ashido smiled at him.

“Don’t call them that.” Bakugou grumbled.

“We can eat up in my room. Just don’t make a mess.” Sero offered. Kirishima was so grateful. He wasn’t sure how well eating the pizza would go, so not having the others eyes on him would definitely help. When they got upstairs, Bakugou moved the hammock, so it was at the end of the bed instead of up at the headboard. Then he sat at the side closest to the bed, leaving room for Kirishima to sit beside him, which Kirishima quickly did. Shinso pulled the chair to the bed's headrest and sat there, and the three left sat on the bed.

“There’s room enough for you on the bed, Shinso, you know.” Kaminari told him, but Shinso just shrugged.

“What movie should we watch?” Sero turned on the tv and opened up netflix. They had all chipped in with money so they could buy a tv. Don’t get them wrong, they liked watching movies in the common rooms, but sometimes they preferred to just be their little group. They had decided to put the tv in Sero’s room, since he had the most sitting places, was the cleanest one - after Bakugou, of course - and had the only other room that didn’t give Bakugou a headache.

By the time Ashido’s phone started ringing, they had finally decided on what to watch. It was just some feel-good movie, but Kirishima didn’t think he was going to be able to pay attention. His heart sank, when Ashido stood up.

“I need about 3 strong men to help me carry the food.” She battered her eyes at the group.

“Like hell you do.” Bakugou accused.

“I’m just a frail, frail girl. I can’t possibly carry them all.” She put the back of her hand on her forehead, super dramatically. “Alright you three help me.” She pointed at Sero, Kaminari and Shinso. They all got up and followed her out the room, but Shinso did look a bit confused.

Bakugou put his arm around Kirishima, and with his free hand, handed him the little metal-glass square.

“You found it?” Kirishima took it and leaned into Bakugou. He needed the comfort.

“Nah, I made Ponytail make a new one.” Bakugou smiled and placed his now free hand on Kirishima’s thigh.

“Thank you.” The weight on Kirishima’s chest felt just a little lighter.

“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.” Bakugou started moving his fingers around on Kirishima’s thigh. Before Kirishima could fully register what he had just been told, the door sprung open.

“Better have your pants on!” Kaminari yelled into the room. After him, Ashido walked with five pizza boxes in her hands.

“Food’s here!” She yelled as well. “Don’t worry, Sero is holding your box, Bakubabe.”

“He better be.” Bakugou grumbled and Sero handed him his box. Ashido began handing out the pizzas.

“Here you go, Kiri.” Ashido handed him a box. Kirishima wasn’t sure what he had expected, but his pizza was basically just a bunch of different meats thrown on top of some dough. Maybe he should’ve just gotten a cheese one. He quickly closed it again, wanting to wait till his friends were distracted.

The others settled down eventually, and started the movie. Kirishima was basically completely shielded from them because of Bakugou. That definitely made this much easier. Kirishima sneakily took out the metal device and searched the pizza. There wasn’t anything that was highlighted. Kirishima let out a breath, he didn’t know he was holding.

Bakugou moved gently beside him. He was eating but Kirishima could tell all his attention was on Kirishima. Even so, Bakuogu kept his eyes on the screen. Kirishima slowly raised a slice to his mouth, and took a small bite. Just like the device had told him, he didn’t feel any hard or sharp chunks. He took another bite. Again, there was nothing. Kirishima kept eating.

It was only when the box was empty, that Kirishima realized he had eaten it all. He was definitely the last one to finish, but that didn’t matter. Kirishima had finished the pizza. He was so happy. He was so proud of himself. He leaned back in the hammock and manhandled Bakugou so he was laying with his head on Kirishima’s chest. Bakugou seemingly decided he wasn’t comfortable enough, because he pushed himself even further up, so his head was against Kirishima’s neck. Kirishima wrapped his arms tighter around him.

“I’m so proud of you, Ei.” Bakugou angled his face up at Kirishima and smiled at him. Kirishima felt his heart squeeze. He leaned down and pressed his lips against Bakugou’s forehead

“Kirishima!” Kaminari stood before him, squared up. Kirishima quickly matched his stand, not one to back down from a manliness challenge.

“Yeah, bro?!” Kirishima flexed his arms across his chest.

“I need your man power!” Kaminari tried to flex too, but he didn’t have as much muscle.

“With what, dude?!”

“I want to start training more seriously, and you are the manliest around!”

“Alright, man, let’s hit the gym then!”

“Hell yeah, let’s go!” Kaminari and Kirishima dapped each other up.

“Can’t you just ask like a normal person?” Ashido asked them, clearly amused.

“Nah, that’s no fun.” Kirishima gave her a grin. “Lemme go get my stuff, I’ll be ready in like five.” Kirishima ran towards his room. He quickly gathered his training bag, now he just needed one more thing, but where was he? Kirishima checked the room next door, and found what he was looking for lying on the bed.

“Heya, bro. Time to train!” That was the only warning Bakugou got, before he was manhandled and thrown over Kirishima’s shoulder.

“Put me down, idiot! I can walk on my own.” Despite Bakugou’s words, he didn’t struggle at all.

“Nah, I’m training with Kami today, so I won’t be training to my full manly potential! I don’t want him to be intimidated by my incredible strength.” Kirishima half joked.

“Whatever.” Bakugou sighed, and Kirishima felt his elbows against his back. Bakugou must have started scrolling on his phone.

“Okay, is that really necessary?” Ashido asked, when Kirishima arrived downstairs.

“Hell yeah!” Kirishima told her, then turned to Kaminari. “Don’t worry, Kami, Bakubro will do his own thing, he would just kill me if I went to the gym without him!”

“Don’t worry, man! I love hanging out with Blasty!” Kaminari smiled.

“Go to hell, Sparky.” Bakugou grumbled.

Kaminari just laughed and held the door open for them. They started walking towards the gym, and Kirishima remembered something.

“You remember the time you did this to me, Bakubro?” Kirishima spoke loudly so Bakugou could hear.

“Yeah, you were skinny as hell.” Bakugou responded.

“Bros what?” Kaminari asked.

“In our first year, I didn’t really want to train, so one day Bakugou kidnapped me from my room, and only put me down when we were at the gym.” Kirishima laughed. “Now he can’t lift me at all.”

“He can’t?” Kaminari laughed too.

“Nah, he’s been feeding me too well. I’m like pure muscle now.” Kirishima flexed the arm that wasn’t supporting Bakugou.

“Must be nice.” Kaminari sighed. Kirishima walked closer to him.

“If we behave, Bakubro will make us food!” Kirishima whispered to him.

“Hell yeah!” Kaminari whispered back. 

The two started talking about what Kaminari would like to train, so Kirishima could make a plan. They only got a few weird stares, but Kirishima just ignored them. By the time they arrived, Kirishima knew just what Kaminari needed. Kirishima put down Bakugou, when they reached the door to the changing rooms.

“Wait, Kiribaby. You only brought one bag.” Kaminari said, when Kirishima threw his bag on the bench.

“Yeah, since we always train together, we just share a bag!” Kirishima smiled. Bakugou opened the bag and took out his training clothes.

“Oh, smart.” Kaminari nodded. They all got dressed and then they started stretching. Afterwards, Bakugou gave them a grunt, to mark him leaving. Kirishima led Kaminari from machine to dumbbells, from squat racks to the bench press, ending back at the stretching area. Kirishima had planned a full body train, just so Kaminari could get a feel for it.

As Kirishima stretched, he watched Bakugou at the squat rack. He had to make sure his bro had proper form, you know?

“Dude, stop staring at Blasty’s ass.” Kaminari shook his head at him.

“I’m not, dude! Bakugou just pushes himself too far sometimes, so I’m just looking out for him.” Kirishima explained himself.

“BLASTY! KIRISHIMA IS STARING AT YOUR ASS!!!” Kaminari yelled. Bakugou had just re-racked the bar, so he turned around, and Kirishima quickly shifted his eyes upwards.

“I know, he always is.” Bakugou responded, knowing there was no need for yelling. Kirishima felt his face heat up.

“I’m just looking out for you, bro!” Kirishima defended himself.

“Whatever you say, Red.” Bakugou rolled his eyes and started putting the weights from the bar back. Kirishima watched as Kaminari put his thumb and index finger on his jaw, blatantly staring at Bakugou’s ass. “ Kirishima can. Not you, Sparky.”

“Not my fault you got a great ass.” Kaminari shrugged, but looked away anyway. Kirishima was amazed with how much Kaminari could get away with. Bakugou sure had calmed down. Kirishima was sure Kaminari was just trying to push each and everyone of Bakugou’s buttons, trying to get a reaction, but Bakugou always shrugged him off.

“Let’s see how chirpy you are tomorrow, when you can’t move.” Bakugou said when he walked over, and joined in stretching. 

Kaminari and Bakugou kept on bickering. Kirishima smiled, just happy to exist. Even in the showers, the two shouted insults at each other. Kirishima tried his best to dry Bakugou’s hair, but he kept moving, trying to throw Kirishima’s things at Kaminari.

“Sit still, bro.” Kirishima tried, but Bakugou didn’t listen. Kaminari also didn’t help, he kept aggravating Bakugou. Kirishima had to put his hands on Bakugou’s bare shoulders and hold him down so he wouldn’t attack their friend. Kirishima finally snapped when his shirt was thrown and landed in some water.

“Denki, sit your ass down and shut up. Katsuki, stop fucking moving.” Kirishima commanded. Kaminari quickly sat, having been ready for a while now. Bakugou kept still. Kirishima finished drying his hair and put the towel, and his stuff that was scattered around the room, in their bag. He gave Bakugou his shirt and hoodie, so he could finish getting dressed. He threw the bag over his bare shoulder and walked towards the door. He heard Bakugou and Kaminari stand up and follow him.

Kirishima walked in the front and could hear the two start bickering again. Kirishima decided to ignore them. Kirishima got a lot of stares, but he made sure to acknowledge them. Kirishima had nothing to be ashamed of, he knew he looked good. Plus, he thought it was funny when girls erupted in giggles when he winked back at them. He also knew it bothered Bakugou, for some reason, but it was Bakugou’s fault that he was shirtless right now.

Despite their bickering, Bakugou still made all three of them dinner. It was just some simple rice and chicken, but Kirishima and Kaminari were very grateful. Kirishima made them some protein smoothies. He could finally get some peace when they started eating and drinking.

The two started back up immediately after they finished eating, and only stopped when Bakugou went to his room, not wanting to be in Kaminari’s. Out of all the rooms, Kaminari gave him the biggest headache.

Kaminari flopped down on his bed and pulled out his switch. Kirishima sat down beside him, and took the controller that Kaminari handed him. Kaminari booted up Lego Harry Potter. The two had gotten to the 5th year. Neither of them really cared for Harry Potter, but the game had been free, and they had played most of their other multiplayer games.

Kirishima truly hadn’t realized how many hours had passed, but when the switch died, he looked at the clock. It was 23:48. Woops.

“Oh wow it’s late. Bakugou will kill me.” Kirishima laughed.

“Oh yeah, it is! Time really flies with you, dude.” Kaminari stood up and stretched.

“You too, bro. I had a blast!” Kirishima joined him in stretching. Kaminari was going to kill him tomorrow, but Kirishima could enjoy the peace a little longer. Maybe Kirishima should have gone easy on him. “Goodnight, Kami! I hope you’re not too sore tomorrow.”

Kirishima tried his best to be quiet when he entered his room. He sneaked into the bathroom and got ready for bed. He didn’t bother changing into pajamas, since he didn’t want to be noisy. So he just took off his clothes, only keeping his underwear on, and crawled into bed. Bakugou curled up into him, stealing his warmth. Kirishima lightly chuckled and pulled Bakugou closer to him.

Kaminari could barely move the next day. Kirishima had never seen him so grumpy before. Needless to say, Kaminari never trained with Kirishima again.

“Did you know that the only place Bakugou doesn’t follow you is in the bathroom?” Ashido had once again cornered him in the bathroom, this time in the common room’s. She must have slid in when Kirishima closed the door.

“Huh, yeah I guess he doesn’t.” Kirishima thought. “Expect that one time.”

Kirishima still didn’t understand why Bakugou hadn’t just waited outside the door. Not that he minded that he didn’t, of course.

“Wait, why are you in here?” Kirishima asked her. He’s pretty sure he hadn’t been avoiding her. His parents hadn’t called either.

“I just wanted to talk with you.” Ashido shrugged casually.

“In here?!” Why the hell would she want to talk in a bathroom?!

“It’s the only place you’re alone!” Ashido explained. “I know Bakugou means a lot to you, but I don’t know how much he knows, so I wanted to get you alone.”

Alright, that made sense, but what could she want to talk about? Hopefully not that .

“You have just seemed so happy lately, so I thought that maybe this would be a good time to talk.” Ashido continued.

“I have been super happy.” Kirishima smiled. He really has been. Kirishima started fiddling with the hem of his shirt. “What would you like to talk about?”

“I thought that maybe we should talk about what happened in middle school?” Ashido gently asked. Oh no .

Kirishima’s first thought was to say no. He didn’t want to talk about it. He couldn’t talk about it. But… but maybe it would be nice? To get it all out? Ashido knew most of it already, so it wasn’t as scary. And apparently the bullies had also gone after her?

“Actually… that does sound nice.” Kirishima gave her a small smile. Her smile widened.

“Oh, yay! Thank you, Kiri!” Ashido put her hands on his shoulders and jumped up and down. “I was thinking we could do it tomorrow, since it’ll be saturday. Then we can stay up all night and eat ice cream!”

“That’s a great idea.” Kirishima’s smile matched hers now.

“We can go shopping for snacks after school tomorrow!” Ashido started listing out a bunch of different types of chips, candy and ice creams.

It was going to be scary, Kirishima knew that, but he needed this. He wanted to get it off his chest. Kirishima could do this.

“Should I start being jealous?” Bakugou asked him when the two walked out of the bathroom.

“Shut up, bro.” Kirishima laughed at him.

Chapter Text

The next day started out with joint training. This time it was class 2-A vs class 2-B. Once again they were put in teams “randomly”. Kirishima doubted it really was that random since he was put with both Bakugou and Midoriya. Suurreeee Aizawa, it’s so random that the strongest one in class was put in the same group as the one who’s quirk was disappearing. Ashido and Sero were also in their group. Kaminari had thrown a fit when he heard that, hating being excluded. Aizawa had even more randomly done so Shinso got randomly switched to Kaminari’s team. Their teacher really had gotten soft.

Kirishima’s team had to fight Tsuburaba, Kendo, Monoma, Shiozaki and Kodai. Monoma had also thrown a fit, but sadly for him, Aizawa wasn’t his teacher. Kirishima felt good about their chances. There wasn’t really anyone on the opposite team that Kirishima feared.

“I think our chances are pretty good, but I’ve made a plan anyway.” Midoriya started telling them the plan, and they all listened carefully. “Kacchan and Kirishima are definitely our powerhouses for this match, so the other team will most likely go for them first. We should make sure that we support them as best as we can.”

Kirishima just bumped his and Bakugou’s shoulders together and smiled at him. Kirishima loved fighting by Bakugou’s side, so he didn’t even bother to correct Midoriya.

The buzzer soon buzzed and the match had begun. Their team had split up, so Sero, Bakugou and Midoriya were together, and Kirishima and Ashido were together. Midoriya was soon proven somewhat correct, because then he and Ashido were attacked, five on two. Kirishima tried his best to protect Ashido, but they were quickly overpowered. Or Kirishima was. Because suddenly Kirishima was stuck in a small square but he could move a bit.

“I GOT HIM!” Kirishima heard someone yell. Kirishima felt around him, and he found small holes in the invisible wall around him. He saw Ashido get tackled to the ground and being held down. Kirishima had to help her, but he was stuck. What was he even stuck in?

It had taken him embarrassingly long, but now he remembered. He must be stuck in Tsuburaba’s Air Prison. Kirishima got ready to hit the wall in his unbreakable form, but then the square shrunk.

“Oh no, you don’t!” He heard Tsuburaba yell at him. Tsuburaba walked over to Kirishima. “I put holes in it so you can hear us, isn’t that nice?”

“Let me out and fight me like a man!” Kirishima yelled back. Tsuburaba just laughed.

“I don’t pick fights I can’t win, so that’s why I have to keep you in there. I would encourage you to sit down, by the way.” Tsuburaba smirks at him. Kirishima just kept standing and hit the air with as much force as he could, with his limited space. Then Kirishima felt something against the top of his hair, but when he looked up he saw nothing. Then he felt something against his forehead, but he still couldn’t see anything. Then it hit him. The box was shrinking again, and this time it kept shrinking. Kirishima was forced to sit down with his knees against his chest. Something about this was really familiar but Kirishima couldn’t place why.

“LET HIM OUT!” He heard Ashido yell. She sounded so panicked but Kirishima didn’t know why. Kirishima wasn’t in any danger, he was just in an air jail.

“PLEASE! WE’LL SURENDER! LET HIM OUT RIGHT NOW!!” Ashido kept yelling. Kirishima’s heart hurt. She sounded so worried, but he was completely fine in his ca-

Cage.

Kirishima was in a cage.

Kirishima was stuck. Kirishima was in a cage. Kirishima couldn’t get out. Kirishima was back. Nothing had changed.

I’m in a cage.

I’m fine.

I’m stuck.

I’m at UA.

No one will come for me.

Everyone can see me, I’m not being left behind.

No one is going to notice I’m gone.

The match is over soon.

I can’t move. I can’t move. I can’t move. I can’t-

I’m fine!

I need help. Where is mom? Where is mama? Why aren’t they looking for me? Where is the police? Why is no one coming for me? Did no one notice that I’m gone? I need my mom, I need my mama. I need them, where are they?! Why are they never there?! Why am I always alone? I need them. I need them! WHY AREN’T THEY HERE?! WHERE ARE THEY?!

Kirishima felt a sharp pain in his left arm. Kirishima felt lightheaded. He could still hear Ashido’s voice yell out, but he couldn’t hear what she said. He heard explosions, and then more yelling, but he still couldn’t make out even a single word. His left arm hurt so bad. Something warm ran down it.

I’m in pain. I’m scared. Where is mama? I need mama. Please, mama, I’m sorry. Don’t leave me here. Don’t go away again. Can’t I come with you? Why do you always leave me? Please, mama, please, please, please, ple-

The wall to Kirishima’s left was visible now. It had somehow been painted red. Kirishima feels pain around his right thigh. Kirishima heard explosions all around him, and the room turned black.

Nonononono, turn the lights back on! Don’t leave me in the darkness. Please come back, I’ll play along! I’ll do as you say, just please come back for me. Don’t leave me alone. I don’t want to be alone. I can’t be alone. Please come back, come back, come ba-

The light returned, and got replaced by banging and yelling. The people around him sounded so panicked, but Kirishima couldn’t tell why.

Mom? Why do I have to stay at home? Why do you always go away? Why didn’t you notice that I was gone? You’re meant to love me, how can you not notice the pain I’m in? Why are you never there? Why do you always leave me alone? Why do you never help me? Why are you never there for me? Why, why, why-

The explosions started up again, but they sounded further away this time.

Tatsuo? Why are we here? We should be going home. Our parents are going to be mad. What? No! Put the metal back! We can’t steal that! What? What do you mean it’s not going to leave the room? I can’t eat that, Tatsuo. No! I don’t know how sharp they are! I don’t want to find out! Leave me alone! Go away!! Tatsuo! Stop!! STOP!! STO-

The wall disappeared.

Hm? No, I don’t think so. What? I said no, Tatsuo. I don’t fit in there. I don’t want to try. Please, Tatsuo. You know I don’t like small spaces. They love me! It’s my own fault for misbehaving. Stop it! You’re hurting me. Let go! Let me out. Please, let me out, Tatsuo.

Kirishima felt hands on him. Someone was trying to lift him up. Kirishima tried to push them away, but Kirishima felt so weak. Kirishima heard sirens, but he didn’t know what direction it came from. Kirishima felt even more hands on him, and he felt himself being lifted.

No! Leave me alone!

Kirishima struggled in their grasp, making them drop him. Kirishima stumbled to his feet, wanting to get away. They kept grabbing him. They pressed something to his left arm and right thigh. It hurt. Why did that hurt so much? Kirishima pushed them away, but they kept coming back. Why wouldn’t they just leave him alone? Couldn’t they see he was in pain?

Fine. Kirishima was going to make them stay away then. He felt himself harden up, before he took a swing in the people's general direction. He couldn’t see anything, everything was a blur. Kirishima kept attacking. He felt something wrap around his arms, trapping them to his sides. It wasn’t very strong, almost tape-like. Kirishima easily got out of it, but then he was wrapped in something else. His entire body was trapped. It was like he was cocooned by something.

He was trapped again. Nonononono ! Kirishima wasn’t weak anymore. He wasn’t going to just take it anymore. He hardened up even more, making his entire body sharp. He struggled against whatever was trapping it. He got his arms free and started attacking whatever was holding him- was it vines? Maybe, Kirishima couldn’t tell, but when he got himself fully free, he saw that it was green.

Kirishima saw a group of people. He went towards them. Why couldn’t they just leave?! He wanted them to go away. He heard someone yell. He couldn’t tell what they said, but it made the group run away. Kirishima turned around to find the sound source. A smaller group was behind him, like three or four people? He couldn’t tell. He just knew he wanted them to go away.

“KIRISHIMA, ARE YOU OKAY?” Someone yelled. It sounded so much like someone close to him, but… There was something off. Kirishima hears the real voice everyday. He hears it every morning when he wakes up and every night when he goes to bed. He spends all day listening to it, so there was no way that was the real one. Someone was impersonating his best friend. Who would do that? Who could do that? Kirishima didn’t care. The person had to pay.

Something in him tells him that he can not respond. At least not yet. He hears the impersonator keep talking, so Kirishima walks towards them. They can not get away with this. The person just keeps jumping away. He feels something wrap around him again, much stronger than the tape. Cloth? Maybe. Kirishima couldn’t tear it apart, though. He just kept struggling against it, trying to get out. He was hurting himself. He felt like he was going to rip his arms off, with how hard he was struggling.

He felt something hit his chest. When he looked down, there was a round red object there. Kirishima vaguely recognized it as Kaminari’s sharpshooting equipment, but Kaminari wasn’t here. Right? Kirishima felt the cloth that was holding him, retract leaving Kirishima to stand on his own. Kaminari must be here, however, because then Kirishima was getting electrocuted. What? Why was Kaminari here? Why was he attacking him? Weren’t they friends? Why wasn’t Kaminari helping him? He was getting attacked! The betrayal almost hurt more than the electricity that was running through him.

Kirishima felt his knees hit the ground. He felt a scream forcing its way out of his throat. It hurt so bad. The pain finally stopped. Then his hands came down to support him, as he caught his breath again. 

“Denki…” Kirishima forced out. His throat hurt so bad. “Why? Why did you attack me? What did I do?”

“I’m so sorry, Kiri.” Kirishima heard Kaminari say. He sounded like he was crying.

“I thought we were friends. Why aren’t you helping me?” Kirishima felt like he was going to cry too.

“I’m trying to help you, Kiri. I’m so sorry.” Kaminari cried. Kirishima couldn’t see him. Then he felt a warm hand against his shoulder. It felt familiar but Kirishima couldn’t place it.

“Ei? You’re okay, you’re at UA. We don’t want to hurt you, please calm down.” It sounded so real, but Kirishima couldn’t trust it. It must be the imposter, but nothing in Kirishima told him he couldn't respond, so he did.

“You’re not my Katsuki!” Kirishima pushed the person away. It wasn’t Bakugou. Bakugou wasn’t here. It can’t be him.

“Yes I am, Ei! Please, I don’t want to hurt you!” It just filled Kirishima with even more rage. How dare someone use Bakugou against him. Kirishima got up on his feet again. He needed the person to stop. He needed to stop the person. Kirishima needed to kill the person. They can’t get away with this.

His right leg hurt every time he put weight on it. Something warm was gushing down it. He felt another warm hand on his shoulder. Kirishima could vaguely see a person in front of him, but he couldn’t make out who it was. Kirishima heard the person start yelling at him but he didn’t want to hear anything else. Kirishima swiped a claw at them to make them stop talking. He felt resistance in his fingers so he must have hit the person, but the person kept yelling.

Kirishima got engulfed in warmth and smoke. He felt himself hardening, and kept walking. The warmth and smoke kept coming. It got warmer and the smoke got darker. Kirishima ignored it and kept just hardening more. The person didn’t touch him anymore, but Kirishima still heard yelling. Kirishima kept trying to hit the person, but they kept jumping away. The explosions started to hurt. Kirishima was sure he was in his unbreakable form, so how? Kirishima got angry. He needed the person to disappear.

Kirishima charged at the person, but was met with even more blasts. Kirishima felt like his throat was being pulled apart, so he must have been screaming. He couldn’t hear anything at all, though. Kirishima felt himself getting more tired and weaker. The blasts hurt so bad. Kirishima felt dizzy. Kirishima felt like he was getting burned alive. His body couldn’t keep up. He felt like he was going to die. Kirishima took a step forward but when he stepped on his right leg, he just collapsed instead. The blasts kept coming, and Kirishima could feel his hardening being chipped away. It was so warm. Why did it feel so familiar?

Kirishima couldn’t move. The explosions finally stopped. All the sounds stopped. No one was yelling anymore. It was like they all held their breath. Or maybe they had all left him. Just like they always did. Kirishima felt his eyes close, exhaustion finally taking over him.

Everything hurt. His whole body hurt so much. His arm hurt so much, his leg hurt so much, his throat hurt so much. Kirishima forced his eyes open and blinked towards the lights. He was in the nurse's office, so he must not have been hurt too bad. Then why was he in so much pain?

Kirishima wasn’t surprised when he found Bakugou looking back at him. He was surprised, however, when he noticed how red Bakugou’s eyes were. Had he been crying? Bakugou quickly looked away, like Kirishima had burned him. He also didn’t have a shirt on, his chest was covered in bandages.

“What happened to you, bro?” Kirishima croaked. Damn, his throat was really fucked up.

“Don’t worry about me, Ei.” Bakugou quietly said. He looked so sad.

Kirishima looked down at himself. He had lots of bandages on his arm and leg, but not really anywhere else. He had some burn marks too, but they were very small. Had he fought Todoroki? Wait, what had happened? Why was he here? Who had attacked him?

“What happened?” Kirishima asked.

“You don’t remember?” Bakugou asked right back. Kirishima thought hard. They had had joint training, that much he remembered, but not much else.

“We had training. Did we win?” Maybe Bakugou would answer that.

“Our match got stopped.” Bakugou said, clearly not wanting to elaborate.

“What, why?” Kirishima couldn’t remember anything at all. It was so rare that they’re matches got stopped, so something really bad must have happened.

“Ei, please…” Bakugou pleaded. Why didn’t he want to talk about this? What happened?!

Kirishima searched his face for anything that would make him remember, but nothing came up. Bakugou just looked incredibly sad.

Then he looked relieved, but he wasn’t looking at Kirishima anymore. Kirishima followed his gaze and found Aizawa at the door.

“He’s awake, now go back to your room, Bakugou.” Aizawa dismissed him. Kirishima must have done something to Bakugou, because then he left. Aizawa took Bakugou’s place and sat on the chair beside Kirishima’s bed. “Do you remember what happened?”

“No, not at all.” Kirishima shook his head. Aizawa nodded.

“We aren’t completely sure what happened, but Ashido told us you had a panic attack.” Aizawa said. Why would Kirishima have gotten one? What in the world could have triggered it? Kirishima must have looked confused because then Aizawa explained it. “When you got trapped in Tsuburaba’s Air Prison.”

The cage.

Then Kirishima remembered. He remembers being so incredibly scared. He remembers the blur, the panic. He remembers attacking everyone around him, he remembers getting attacked himself. He remembered the electrocution and the warm blasts.

“What happened?” Aizawa must have noticed the change in Kirishima’s voice. He was no longer confused, he was scared.

You attacked your friends.

You wanted to kill your friends.

“You began attacking the others on the battlefield. They tried to stop you but it didn’t work. I brought Shinso with me and he tried to brainwash you, but that just made you even more enraged. Then I tried to stop you with my binding cloth and erasure, but you struggled so much, I was scared you were going to hurt yourself. I ordered Kaminari to shock you.”

It was Kaminari. Kirishima remembers the pain and betrayal clearly now.

“He didn’t want to, I had to beg him.” Aizawa must have seen the look on Kirishima’s face.

“Sure.” Kirishima couldn’t help but be bitter. He would have never attacked Kaminari.

“I told him that if he didn't, Bakugou would have to stop you.” Aizawa told him. Kirishima snapped up to look at him. “It didn’t fully work, but it did weaken you.”

Kirishima remembered how much pain he was in after. It sure as hell weakened him.

You were always weak.

“So I made Bakugou attack you.” Oh. That must have been where the blasts came from. Why hadn’t Kirishima recognized them?

You didn’t think he would ever attack you.

You trusted him.

“It pained him to, Kirishima. He begged me to find another solution. I really tried, but I couldn’t. Not with how little time I had. I’m truly sorry.” Why was Aizawa explaining this? Why was he apologizing? Kirishima could only nod, not trusting his voice right now.

“Get some rest, Kirishima.” Aizawa told him and got up.

“Aizawa?” Kirishima called after him, before he could think. Aizawa stopped in the doorway and looked at Kirishima. “I’m sorry.” Kirishima felt like he was going to cry.

“No, I’m sorry for not noticing how much pain you’re in.” Aizawa gave him a small smile, and left.

Kirishima began crying.

He must have fallen asleep, because then he was woken up. It wasn’t because the people in the room were loud. It was because of how incredibly quiet they were. The silence was suffocating Kirishima. Why weren’t they talking?

They’re scared of you.

You are a monster.

Kaminari looked like Bakugou had, clearly he had been crying. He also absolutely did not look at Kirishima. His eyes fastened on the floor. Sero looked at him, with a small smile. Shinso looked natural, but Kirishima could see the hint of guilt in his eyes. Ashido was staring him down, determination in her eyes. Kirishima couldn’t help but notice how Bakugou wasn’t here.

Ashido walked over to the bed. “We are still talking tonight.” She told him, no room for argument. Kirishima was too tired to even try, anyway. He just gave her a stiff nod.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t help.” Shinso said after he had walked over.

“It wasn’t your fault.” Kirishima couldn’t even fake a smile, but he hoped he didn’t sound bitter.

Kaminari burst out crying and left the room. Kirishima wanted to cry too.

“He feels so bad, Kirishima. He hasn’t stopped crying, he was sent to the dorms from class. He’s so sorry.” Sero walked over and gently took Kirishima’s hand in his. Just like Bakugou always did. Kirishima couldn’t help but notice how cold Sero’s hand were. Kirishima squeezed his hand.

“I’m sorry too.” Kirishima whispered.

There was still something no one had explained.

“What happened to my arm and leg?” Kirishima didn’t know who could have hurt him so badly. It couldn’t have been Kaminari or Bakugou. Their quirks wouldn’t do that.

“You did that.” Ashido spoke up.

“What?” Kirishima didn’t believe it. He couldn’t hurt himself. He knew he couldn’t hurt himself. He had tried so many times.

“In the box.” Kirishima was grateful she hadn’t used another word. He wasn’t sure he could handle that. She didn’t say anything more.

Or maybe she did. Kirishima didn’t listen. Out of all the pain he had felt, nothing had compared to the pain in his arm and leg. He had hurt himself. He had badly injured himself.

They will never forget what you did.

They will never forgive themselves.

Kaminari can’t look at you.

“Bakugou will be okay. You didn’t hit anything too bad, I promise.” Sero said, as if it was reassuring, but Kirishima had no idea what he was talking about.

“I attacked Bakugou?” Kirishima knew his voice was trembling. Suddenly everyone was holding their breath.

“You tore a claw across his chest.” Sero explained to him. Oh no. Bakugou was still healing. His chest was still healing.

“Where is he?” Kirishima whispered.

“In the room next door.” Sero told him. “He will be okay.”

Kirishima felt tears running down his cheeks. Not many fell. He had cried too much today.

You almost killed Bakugou.

You are a monster.

You should kill yourself.

Kirishima felt Sero’s hand squeeze his. He must be talking to him, but Kirishima couldn’t hear anything. The voice in his head was deafening. Kirishima couldn’t help but agree with it.

For the first time in years Kirishima thought to himself, maybe I finally can kill myself.

Kirishima got dismissed not long after. He felt like he was in a daze. The only thing he could think about was what had changed? Why could he suddenly hurt himself?

He had hurt himself badly too. He had dug a claw into his arm. He had shredded his thigh. Recovery Girl had told him it would scar. Kirishima couldn’t bring himself to care, though. He had a new plan. He just needed to figure out what could make it happen.

Kirishima had an idea, but there was no way it was that simple. The difference was, of course, the cage. Was it because of his panic attack? Kirishima wondered if he could get himself into another one and then tried to kill himself, would that work? Was it that simple?

But how would he end it? He hadn’t been thinking clearly at all. There was no way he would remember to do the last part. So it needed to be something he didn’t need to do himself. He couldn’t ask anyone to help him though, but he didn’t need to. He knew what he had to do. It had failed him countless times before, but now there was hope. Kirishima hadn’t tried it this way before.

He had to try. Besides, the worst thing that could happen was that he survived.

Kirishima gathered what he needed. It wasn’t a lot, so he could have it in his pockets. Luckily, Bakugou was still at the hospital. Kirishima wasn’t sure if he could go through with it, if he saw him.

Kirishima found himself in front of Yaoyorozu’s door. She was the key to the success of his plan. Kirishima just hoped she would be able to forgive herself. He hadn’t wanted to go to her. He just couldn’t wait. Bakugou could get released any second, Kirishima couldn’t risk waiting. He knocked on the door.

“Hello Kirishima.” She smiled at him. She opened the door further, letting Kirishima inside.

“Heya Yaoyorozu.” He smiled back. He was a master at fake smiling, might as well use it one last time.

“Are you alright again?” She sat on her bed and patted a spot beside her. Kirishima quickly sat down.

“Yeah, I’m alright.” Kirishima easily lied. “But that is why I’m here.” Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck.

“Oh, you want my help with something?” Yaoyorozu beamed.

“Yeah! I don’t know how much you know or saw, but I kinda had a reaction to being put in the box.” Kirishima might as well be as honest about his reasoning as possible. Yaoyorozu needed to believe him. He couldn’t do this without her.

“We didn’t see much. They turned off the cameras pretty quickly.” She told him. Kirishima was so happy about that. “I’d love to help you anyway I can. What do you need?”

“I was wondering if you could make me a metal crate?” Kirishima couldn’t get himself to use the other word. Yaoyorozu kept smiling.

“Oh sure!” She clapped her hands together and went over to her bookcase. She quickly found what she was looking for, and pulled out a book. “Can I ask why?”

“I want to do, like, exposure therapy. You know, just in case something like that happened on the real battlefield.” Kirishima explained. 

“Oh, what a great idea! I’d love to help with that!” Great. “What should it look like?”

Kirishima described the crate as best as he could. It needed to look as much like the real one as possible. When he saw Yaoyorozu start concentrating, he quickly spoke up.

“Wait!” She looked at him. “Can you cover it up somehow? I’d like to get somewhere private, before I see it. You know, just in case.” Kirishima said sheepishly. Yaoyorozu nodded and smiled. Kirishima almost felt bad.

Kirishima turned around to give her some privacy. He heard a hard thud and then some rumbling.

“Here you go!” Yaoyorozu looked so happy. Kirishima tried his best to match her energy. She held out the crate wrapped in a blanket, so he couldn’t see the metal.

“Amazing! Thank you so much, Yaoyorozu.” Kirishima took the crate in one hand. It sure was small.

“You’re very welcome. I love to help! Where will you go?” She asked. Kirishima quickly thought of a lie.

“Ground Beta. I’ll get Aizawa to go with me, don’t worry!” Kirishima smiled at her. She seemed satisfied. She walked over to him and pulled him into a hug. Kirishima put his free arm around her.

“If you ever need anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask.” She squeezed him a bit tighter.

“Please don’t blame yourself if anything goes wrong.” Kirishima squeezed her back. “I would have found a crate anyway.”

Kirishima managed to sneak into the basement without being seen. It was definitely cleaner than what he was used to, but the dorms were only about a year old. It would probably be fine. Kirishima put down the crate in the corner. A wall was hiding him from the entrance, meaning someone had to be looking for him to find him. No one would be. Bakugou wouldn’t question his absence, and his other friends would just assume he went to bed. Kirishima couldn’t help but feel like he had forgotten something, but he couldn’t figure out what.

Your friends will miss you.

They’ll get over it.

Kirishima felt nervous. He had never felt like this before. He had always been calm at his other attempts, so why was he feeling this way? Kirishima saw it as a good sign.

Yaoyorozu will blame herself. She will never forgive herself.

She’ll survive.

Kirishima pulled out the bottle of painkillers he kept in his bathroom cabinet. It was a higher than normal dose. He had gotten it because of his quirk's resistance to let him eat medicine, so that he only needed to eat one. Bakugou also used them frequently. Kirishima didn’t mind. He never got questioned when he asked for more.

What if Bakugou finds you?

Bakugou is at the hospital.

Kirishima swallowed all the pills. He felt his stomach harden. It didn’t matter. Hopefully it would fail soon. His gut feeling told him it would.

Kaminari never got the chance to apologize to you.

That’s just too bad.

Kirishima went over to the crate. There was no way he would fit in it. Kirishima hoped just seeing it would be enough. He removed the blanket.

What if Ashido finds you?

It would be nothing she hadn’t seen before.

He hadn’t seen the cage in years. Kirishima had destroyed it. The one in front of him looked so much like the real thing. Kirishima felt his breathing picking up.

Kirishima and Tatsuo had stayed after school. Tatsuo had told him that he needed to show him something. Kirishima hadn’t called his parents. They wouldn’t be home to notice his absence anyway. Kirishima followed Tatsuo down to the school basement. It was damp and dirty. There were puddles of some kind of liquid on the floor. Electricity dripped down from the roof, from frayed wires. Kirishima held Tatsuo’s arm close to him.

“Tatsuo?” Kirishima whispered out in the darkness. “Why are we here?”

“I need to show you something.” Tatsuo said, not feeling the same need to whisper.

“We should be going home. Our parents are going to be mad.” Kirishima said, fully knowing that his wouldn’t be. He just wanted an excuse to get out of there. Tatsuo led him over to a corner. Kirishima was sure they were at the furthest point away from the exit. There was a pile of scrap metal.

“Tada!” Tatsuo showed him the pile.

“What?” Kirishima didn’t see the greatness in this.

“It’s metal.” Duh , Kirishima knew that. He sent Tatsuo a look. “We can make stuff out of it.” Tatsuo started digging through the pile.

“No!” Kirishima knew they couldn’t take anything. “Put the metal back.”

Tatsuo kept putting metal in a little pile toward a wall.

“Shut up, Kirishima, don’t be a baby.” Tatsuo kept digging and putting metal in the pile.

“We can’t steal that!” Kirishima tried. He didn’t want to go to jail.

“We aren’t gonna steal it, idiot. It’s not going to leave the room.” Tatsuo told him over his shoulder. “If I knew you would be such a wimp, I would have brought Nobu.”

“What?” Tatsuo would rather have brought another? Did Tatsuo not like him? Kirishima didn’t want to dwell on that. “What do you mean it’s not going to leave the room?”

“I thought we would have some fun.” Tatsuo jumped down from the pile and walked over to Kirishima. He put his finger under Kirishima’s jaw, making him look up at him. “You know just the two of us.”

Kirishima felt himself blush.

Kirishima felt like he was going to throw up. Just the thought of Tatsuo made him uneasy, so the thought of him touching him was way worse. Kirishima tried not to think of the fact that Kirishima had wanted that. Kirishima slid down the wall. Feeling dizzy.

“Hey, eat this.” Tatsuo held up a small, thin pipe. It was rusty.

“I can’t eat that, Tatsuo.” Kirishima laughed. Surely Tatsuo was joking.

Tatsuo walked over and held the pipe close to Kirishima’s mouth.

“Come on, Kirishima. Aren’t your teeth super sharp? I’m sure they can cut through this weak shit.” Tatsuo moved it closer, making Kirishima step backwards.

“No!” Kirishima pushed the pipe away. “I don’t know how sharp they are!”

Tatsuo stepped closer, making Kirishima back up against the wall.

“Come on, Kirishima. Let’s find out.” Tatsuo put his free hand beside Kirishima’s head.

“I don’t want to find out!” Kirishima tried pushing Tatsuo away, but he just stepped in closer. He moved his hand to Kirishima’s hair, forcing him to look up.

“Shut up, Kirishima.” Tatsuo put his other hand on Kirishima’s jaw, the pipe now floating between them.

“Leave me alone!” Kirishima tried to push Tatsuo away, but it didn’t do anything. Tatsuo was stronger. Kirishima tried to grab the pipe, but Tatsuo made it float just out of his reach. Taunting him.

Kirishima crawled away from the wall. He couldn’t bear the reminder. He felt weak. He couldn’t stand. He only found himself closer to the cage.

“I’ll leave you alone, when you bite the pipe.” Tatsuo spoke calmly, but it only panicked Kirishima more.

“Go away!!” Kirishima started hitting the chest in front of him. It did nothing.

Tatsuo pulled harder on Kirishima’s hair. Kirishima winced in pain.

“Just do it, Kirishima.” Tatsuo grabbed his jaw harder.

“Tatsuo!” Kirishima gasped out. Tatsuo had kneed him in the stomach. “Stop!!”

“God, you’re so annoying.” Tatsuo threw Kirishima to the side. Kirishima, who wasn’t ready for that, fell on the ground. Before he could get up, Tatsuo had placed his shoe in the middle of Kirishima’s chest.

“STOP!!” Kirishima wanted him to stop hurting him. Tatsuo ignored him and sat down on Kirishima’s stomach. Tatsuo grabbed Kirishima’s hair again. He had the pipe in the other.

“STO-” Something hard was shoved down Kirishima’s throat. He gagged, and instinctively closed his mouth, biting down on the object. It broke. Tatsuo got off of him.

“Was it really that hard?” Tatsuo stood, glaring down at him, with his hands on his hip. Kirishima turned to the side and spit out the pipe.

Kirishima felt himself gag. He couldn’t throw up. This was going to work. It would all be over soon.

“Try this one.” Tatsuo shoved him a broken chain. They had been here a couple of times now. Kirishima couldn’t tell you why he kept going. He knew what would happen.

That didn’t stop him from refusing, however.

“No.” Kirishima tried. Maybe one day Tatsuo would listen to him.

He didn’t.

Kirishima was pulled closer, seemingly by nothing, but Kirishima knew better. Tatsuo had forced him to swallow some metal. Kirishima’s body could break it down, it just took a long time. Tatsuo had been pleased when he figured that out.

Tatsuo pushed him against the wall, a hand on Kirishima’s throat. Tatsuo stared down at him. His hand cold, his eyes even colder. Kirishima felt his will to fight slip away.

“Open.” Tatsuo commanded. Kirishima did as he asked.

Kirishima wanted to get away. He didn’t want this anymore. He didn’t want to remember. He wanted Bakugou. He wanted to hold Bakugou.

Kirishima couldn’t move. He didn’t know how much time had passed.

“Kirishima!” Tatsuo yelled from the pile.

“Hm?” Kirishima didn’t want to know what he found.

“Look what I found!” Tatsuo walked towards Kirishima. In his hands was a… cage? “You fit in this right?”

Kirishima was a small boy. Smaller than most ten year olds. The doctors said it was because he didn’t eat enough vegetables. Kirishima didn’t want to tell him that he didn’t eat at all. No one had taught him how to make food, so how could he?

“ I don’t think so.” Kirishima quietly said.

“Get over here.” Kirishima walked over to him. “Yeah you totally fit.”

Kirishima looked down on the cage. He would fit. He knew that.

“What?” Maybe if he played stupid, Tatsuo would let it go. “I said no, Tatsuo. I don’t fit in there.”

“Come on, you baby.” Tatsuo grabbed Kirishima’s wrist. “If you’re so sure, then get in.”

“I don’t want to try.” Kirishima said. Tatsuo ignored him. Tatsuo used his quirk to remove the top of the cage. “You can probably even sit up.”

“You know I don’t like small spaces.” Kirishima said quietly.

“Aww, because your mommies put you in the closet?” Tatsuo mocked. “God, you’re such a loser, no wonder they hate you.”

“They love me!” Kirishima clenched his hands into fists.

“My parents have never left me in a small room for a day.” Tatsuo raised his eyebrows at him, like he made a good point.

“It’s my own fault for misbehaving.” Kirishima explained his parents' behavior.

“Yeah, yeah, lie to yourself.” Tatsuo grabbed Kirishima’s shoulders and pushed down. “Now get in the cage.”

“Stop it.” Kirishima tried to push him away, but Tatsuo was stronger.

“You know I’ll win, just give up and save yourself the embarrassment.” Tatsuo made a pipe push against the back of Kirishima’s knees. Tatsuo’s fingers roughly dug into Kirishima.

“Stop it! You’re hurting me.” Kirishima was forced down into the cage.

“Sit down.” Tatsuo commanded. Kirishima’s knees gave out and hit the floor of the cage.

“Let go!” Kirishima tried to claw at the hands that were holding him down. His hardening barely did anything.

“Just give in already.” Tatsuo gave him a shove. Before Kirishima could get up again, Tatsuo had placed the top back on the cage.

“Let me out!” Kirishima cried.

“I told you, you’d fit.” Tatsuo crouched down, so he almost was on eye level with Kirishima.

“Please, let me out, Tatsuo.” Kirishima felt his heartbeat picking up. He had to get out of this small space.

“Come on, you must be used to it by now.” Tatsuo rolled his eyes. He might have said more, but Kirishima couldn’t hear. Kirishima couldn’t breathe.

Kirishima didn’t know how much time had passed before Tatsuo finally let him out. Kirishima couldn’t tell how much longer it took for him to stop laughing.

Kirishima didn’t have any more tears to spill. He just looked up at the ceiling.

“Bark.” Tatsuo commanded.

“No.” Kirishima pleaded.

“I won’t let you out, if you don’t.” Tatsuo told him. Kirishima knew he was serious.

“Please…” Kirishima didn’t know why he was even trying. It didn’t matter. It never mattered.

“Alright. Don’t then.” Tatsuo got up and left.

“Tatsuo! Come back, I’m sorry!” Kirishima yelled after him. “I’ll play along!”

Tatsuo walked back over to the cage, and crouched down in front of him.

“Then do it.” Tatsuo’s eyes were stone cold.

“...Bark.” Kirishima said quietly. Tatsuo burst out laughing.

“Wait, wait, do it again.” Tatsuo had pulled out his phone and pointed the camera at Kirishima.

“Tatsuo, please…” Kirishima wanted to cry. Tatsuo just raised an eyebrow, a silent warning. “Bark.”

Tatsuo laughed even more, the sound echoing in the empty basement, bouncing around on the dark, murky walls.

“Holy shit, you’re so pathetic.” Tatsuo wiped a tear from his eye and walked away.

“Let me out! Tatsuo, come back!” Kirishima kept yelling.

After a few minutes, the lights turned off.

“Tatsuo, please! Come back! TATSUO! DON’T LEAVE ME HERE!”

Tatsuo didn’t return.

Kirishima’s head spun. Everything hurt. Kirishima was lying in darkness. He couldn’t see anything.

“Swallow it, Kirishima.” Tatsuo had gotten a piece of metal in Kirishima’s mouth. Kirishima’s body had finally broken the last one down. He didn’t want a new one.

Kirishima shook his head as best as he could.

“Fine.” Tatsuo said. Kirishima felt his throat being torn. Tatsuo had forced the piece down. Kirishima’s quirk protected him, but not enough. Kirishima pushed Tatsuo away and threw up. He knew the piece wouldn’t be there. He wouldn’t have been able to see it anyway. It would be hidden in the blood.

Kirishima's eyes were heavy. He felt them close.

Kirishima had been left in the cage again. Tatsuo had tried getting him to bite some electrical cables that were on the wall. Tatsuo had said it was the light to the school, and if it got broken, they wouldn’t have school. Kirishima didn’t believe him. There was no way he could have known that. Plus, they had summer break now. Tatsuo had just wanted to see if Kirishima would survive the electricity.

Kirishima was sure he wouldn’t have. Kirishima had regretted that he hadn't just done as he said. Then all of this mess wouldn’t have happened.

Kirishima would be left here. Kirishima would die here. Something in him told him he had to leave. Kirishima didn’t know how. Tatsuo always fixed the cage. There was no door in it.

Kirishima put his teeth against one of the bars.

Kirishima hears sounds somewhere. He wasn’t sure where it was coming from. It was probably from upstairs. Who would go into the basement?

The lights turned on.

Kirishima hadn’t felt the same feeling when he swallowed the pills. Maybe he should have taken that as a sign that it wouldn’t work, but Kirishima had no way of knowing that.

Someone was in the basement.

Kirishima was done. He wasn’t going to take it anymore. The frustration from all of his failed attempts was catching up to him. He didn’t want to be here anymore. He was so angry. Tatsuo had been so used to ignoring Kirishima, that he hadn’t noticed. Tatsuo had been chatting away, searching for new things to give Kirishima. Kirishima forced off the stupid metal muzzle Tatsuo had made him. Tatsuo hadn’t been happy when he found his beloved cage missing some bars.

Tatsuo had somehow noticed, but Kirishima had been ready. When Tatsuo pulled Kirishima towards him, Kirishima swung a hardened arm at him.

Someone was calling Kirishima’s name.

He felt his hands and arms harden. His quirk was weak, but hopefully it would be wrong enough for this. Kirishima could barely fit in the cage. He wasn’t going to get in it ever again.

Kirishima unleashed his rage on to the cage. Tatsuo couldn’t stop him. Tatsuo couldn’t use his quirk when he was unconscious.

Kirishima never went down to the basement again.

Tatsuo was never alone with Kirishima again.

Someone was by Kirishima’s side. Kirishima couldn’t open his eyes. He was so tired.

“Ei?” Kirishima was shook gently.” Ei, please be alive.”

Kirishima felt a weight against his chest. Kirishima heard a sigh of relief.

“Are you awake, Ei?” Kirishima loved that voice. He would do anything to see him one last time.

Kirishima forced his eyes open.

“Hey Kat.” Kirishima cupped Bakugou’s scarred cheek with a weak, weak hand, and did his best to smile up at him. Bakugou had tears in his eyes. Kirishima loves those eyes. Kirishima could see the gold flakes in them. “I’m sorry.”

“Shut up, Ei, what did you do?” Bakugou sounded panicked.

“It’s okay, Kat. It’s better this way.” Kirishima smiled at him. He wasn’t sure he was talking loud enough for Bakugou to hear him.

“Did you take the pills?” Bakugou pushed his hand into Kirishima’s stomach. “Why haven’t you hardened?”

“Katsuki. It will work this time. Please don’t ruin it.” Kirishima took Bakugou’s hand in his.

“It won’t work, I won’t let you.” A few tears ran down his cheeks. His voice was shaking.

“You will be okay. You shouldn’t waste your time on someone like me.”

“Stop, Ei, don’t say that. You won’t die.”

“Please let me, Kat. I can’t live with this pain. I don’t want to be here anymore. I haven’t for a long time.”

“Eijirou, please. I won’t let you. You promised we’d move in together. I want to spend the rest of my life with you” More tears fell.

“I’m sorry, Kat. I just can’t stay. I’m not strong enough.” Kirishima felt his hand slip. He was so tired. Bakugou’s hand came up to support his. His hands were so warm. His eyes were so warm. Everything about Bakugou was so warm.

“Kat?” Kirishima could barely get the word out. Bakugou moved closer.

“Yeah, Ei?”

“Have I ever told you how beautiful you truly are?”

Bakugou’s eyes widened. Bakugou started crying. Even then, he was the most beautiful person Kirishima had ever seen. Kirishima felt a familiar feeling. He had felt it so many times, that he had learned to ignore it. But now he was dying. There was no reason to ignore it. Kirishima moved his hand to the back of Bakugou’s neck. Kirishima pulled him down.

Kirishima was so weak. He couldn’t have used much force. Bakugou had let him. Kirishima let himself believe that Bakugou wanted it too, that Bakugou felt the feeling too.

Bakugou’s lips were so warm and so soft against Kirishima’s. It was so, so gentle, but to Kirishima, it was perfect. Kirishima smiled against him, before letting himself drop down on the floor again. All of his memories disappeared, only the thought of Bakugou was left in his mind.

Kirishima’s eyes closed once again.

Chapter Text

Kirishima regretted opening his eyes the second he did it. He immediately got attacked by intense cold lights, blinding him. He felt like his eyes had been closed forever.

Kirishima sat up and rubbed his eyes. When he could finally see again, he noticed that he wasn’t in his own bed. He was in a hospital bed. A real hospital. What?

Kirishima didn’t seem hurt. He didn’t have any bandages or bruises or anything. There were a couple of wires stuck in him, connecting him to a couple of monitors. He was also dressed in a hospital gown. What had happened?

Kirishima couldn’t remember anything. Nothing that would explain why he was here. Why wasn’t he with Recovery Girl?

But more importantly, where was Bakugou? Kirishima couldn’t remember a time when he woke up in a hospital bed, where Bakugou hadn’t been sitting right beside him. Where was he?

“Ah, you’re finally awake.” A doctor walked into the room. “Goodmorning, mister Kirishima. How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine.” Kirishima said. His throat felt weird. Almost like he hadn't spoken for a long time.

“That’s great. Some nurses will come and check you. I will contact your teacher.” The doctor gave him a nod and left. A few minutes later, a couple of nurses came in.

Kirishima just let them do their thing, not really understanding what was happening. They said a bunch of stuff, but Kirishima didn’t understand anything. They left again shortly after, and they seemed calm, so Kirishima was probably fine.

Aizawa arrived shortly after. Kirishima must be in a hospital close to UA then. Aizawa had rushed to Kirishima’s side, pulling him into an awkward hug, since Kirishima was still sitting on the bed. Kirishima did his best to hug his teacher back, even if he was immensely confused. Aizawa pulled back, only after a couple of seconds.

“Kirishima.” Aizawa put his hands on Kirishima’s shoulder, and shook him lightly. “Why did you do that?”

“I’m sorry, mister Aizawa, but what did I do? Why am I here?” Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck.

“You overdosed on painkillers.” Aizawa told him, his serious demeanor was back.

“Oh…” Kirishima remembered now. “Woops?” Kirishima tried to joke.

“I should expel you.”

“I know.”

“Why, Kirishima? What pushed you to do that?” The gentle look in Aizawa’s eyes almost made Kirishima want to tell the truth. Only almost.

“I guess I was still in a panic after the fight.” Kirishima thought of the most reasonable explanation.

“I figured.” Damn, Kirishima was a good liar. “So that’s why I’m not going to expel you.”

“Really?” Kirishima smiled up at his teacher.

“You are one of the strongest in your class. You will make a great hero one day.” Aizawa gave him a fatherly smile. Kirishima didn’t want to correct him.

“Thank you.” Kirishima said shyly. “Are my parents coming?”

“They don’t know you’re here.” Aizawa simply told him.

“Oh.” Kirishima wasn’t surprised, they wouldn’t have been here anyway.

“Miss Ashido was very adamant that it would only cause you further pain and danger if we were to tell them.” Aizawa searched his face. “Is that true?”

Kirishima could only shrug. He didn’t want to talk about his parents.

“I’m sorry for disrupting your Sunday, sir.” Kirishima apologized.

“You didn’t. It’s Thursday.” What? Kirishima could swear it had been a Saturday.

“What?” Kirishima paled.

“You have been in a coma for almost three weeks.”

“What?”

“The pills gave you severe liver damage and swelled up your brain. Your body couldn’t handle it, so you were placed under a coma, to help you heal properly.”

“It worked?” Kirishima whispered. It had worked. Kirishima had been hurt by the pills. Why was he still alive?

“You would have been successful, yes.” Aizawa had unfortunately heard him.

“Why wasn’t I?”

“Bakugou found you.” Aizawa didn’t explain further. He didn’t need to, Kirishima didn’t care about that.

Kirishima was fuming. Bakugou ruined his death. Bakugou, the only person who could kill Kirishima, the same person who under no circumstances would kill Kirishima, had ruined his perfect chance to die.

“He saved your life, Kirishima.”

“He ruined my death.” Kirishima quietly snarled.

“You will be placed in therapy, when you return.” Kirishima snapped up to look at him. “You will go for one hour each week. This isn’t negotiable.”

“I’m fine, mister Aizawa.” Kirishima huffed. He didn’t want to talk to some stranger.

“You either go to therapy or you get expelled. We can’t have you on the battlefield if we have to fear you doing something stupid.” Aizawa was completely serious.

“I survived the war, didn’t I?” Kirishima grumbled. He should really stop talking.

“You did, and you did a great job in it. This is just how it’s going to be. It’s for your own good.”

“Yes sir.” Kirishima wasn’t happy.

“You have been failed by the adults in your life, Kirishima, I can tell. I am not going to fail you again.” Aizawa squeezed Kirishima’s shoulder.

Kirishima suddenly felt like crying.

“I’m really happy you woke up.” Aizawa smiled. Then he had a glint in his eye. “We almost ran out of blankets for Bakugou.”

Kirishima let out a chuckle.

“Sorry about that.” Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck again.

“He almost attacked the staff when they told him he couldn’t sleep here with you.” Aizawa looked up in thought, a smile on his lips. “Then he almost attacked me when I told him, he had to go back to school, and that he couldn’t sit here all day.”

So Bakugou had been here. Kirishima was still angry with him, but the thought did calm his heart.

“He’s very strong willed.” Kirishima laughed. Kirishima knew he shouldn’t ask but he couldn’t help himself. “Has anyone else been here?”

“No.” Kirishima felt his heart sink. “Only Bakugou and miss Ashido knows you’re here.”

Kirishima understood why Ashido didn’t want to see him unconscious in a hospital bed. He had already traumatized her enough.

“We told the rest that you needed a break and went home.”

“Why did you keep it a secret?” Kirishima had to ask.

“Ashido insisted. She begged and begged, so I complied.” Aizawa turned serious again. “This time.

Kirishima looked down and responded with a stiff nod.

“If you try this again, you will be placed in a psychiatric hospital, we will tell your parents and your classmates and you will be expelled.”

Kirishima gave another stiff nod.

“There will also be consequences this time, Kirishima.”

Kirishima looked up at his teacher.

“All the basement doors have been locked and if something were to happen to them, there are alarms. You can’t leave the dorms. You can’t go home to your parents, and you’re no longer allowed to keep medicine in your room.” Aizawa listed off. “Bakugou and Ashido have been told to keep an eye on you, and report to me if something is off.”

Kirishima sighed.

“I’m not doing this to punish you, Kirishima. I’m doing it because I care about you.” Aizawa squeezed his shoulder. “I’ll let you get some rest. I’ll let Bakugou know that you’re awake.”

“I’m really sorry, Aizawa.” Kirishima said.

“I’m sorry too.” Aizawa walked towards the door.

“Wait, Aizawa!” Kirishima called after him. Aizawa turned around. “Did Yaoyorozu ask anything?”

“She hasn’t come to me, no.” Aizawa walked back to the bed.

“Can we make a deal?” Kirishima fiddled with his blanket.

“What is the deal?” Aizawa asked.

“If I promise not to attempt again, will you lie to her for me?” Kirishima tried. He was going to attempt again, of course, but if it worked then it wouldn’t matter.

“What do you want me to say?”

“If she asks what happened that Saturday, can you tell her that we went to ground beta and I had a bad reaction to seeing the crate, and that's why I went home?”

“Alright, Kirishima. I can promise you that.” Aizawa gave him a smile.

“Thank you, mister Aizawa.” Kirishima smiled back.

Kirishima was furious. He knew that Bakugou would be here any minute, but for the first time in a very long time, Kirishima did not want to see Bakugou. He wished he had told Aizawa to not tell Bakugou. He wasn’t sure how he would react. The best possible scenario was that he just acted a bit cold towards Bakugou, and the worst scenario was that Kirishima killed him. Before Kirishima knew it, around 15 minutes had passed and the door sprung open.

“YOU MOTHERFUCKER!!!” Bakugou yelled at him. He stomped over to the bed and pulled Kirishima forward by the front of the gown. Kirishima couldn’t help but notice the bags under his eyes. “What the hell were you thinking?!”

“Hey, bro.” Kirishima sheepishly smiled.

“Don’t ‘bro’ me, you fucking asshole!” Bakugou pushed Kirishima away. “I’m so fucking pissed at you, I don’t want to fucking see you!” Bakugou turned and started stomping around the room.

“You came here, man.” Kirishima laughed.

“You’re such a fucking dick, Kirishima. When you get your stupid ass out of here, I’m going to fucking beat you to a fucking pulp.” Bakugou marched back and forth. Kirishima leaned back against the headboard.

“Uh-huh.” Kirishima smiled.

“I’ll expolde your fucking shitty hair off and destroy all your stupid fucking hair products.” Bakugou rampled.

“The stuff you pay for?” Kirishima smirked.

“I’ll feed you the spiciest fucking shit in the world for all fucking meals, and I’ll hide all the fucking milk. I’ll fucking force feed you if I have to.” Bakugou was fuming.

“Will you now?”

“You bet your stupid fucking ass that I will.” Bakugou pointed a finger at Kirishima. “I’ll steal all your fucking blankets too! You’ll freeze your fucking ass off!”

“Mhm.” Kirishima gently smiled at him. Bakugou was almost out of steam.

“I’ll hide all your disgusting protein shit, and I’ll fucking destroy that ugly ass muscle clock.” Bakugou huffed.

“Get over here, Kat.” Kirishima lifted the blanket up and within seconds, Bakugou was clinging to his chest. Kirishima wrapped his arms around him, and held him as tightly as he could.

“I was so scared, Ei.” Bakugou was crying.

“I’m sorry.” He was.

“You weren’t there when I returned. The pills were gone. I couldn’t find you. No one had seen you. You were gone.” Bakugou’s voice quivered.

“You would have stopped me.” Kirishima reasoned.

“You were so cold, Ei.” Bakugou squeezed him tighter.

“I know.” Kirishima buried his face in Bakugou’s hair.

“I had to give you CPR.”

“I’m sorry.”

“The doctor wouldn’t let me stay.”

“I know.”

“I had to sleep in my room. I didn’t want to destroy yours.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too.”

“You were going to leave me.”

“I was.”

“You didn’t even say goodbye.”

“I couldn’t have gone through with it, if I did.”

It was only when the doctors had to force Bakugou out of the room, so they could get Kirishima checked out, that Kirishima realized that he had completely forgotten that he was mad at Bakugou. When he realized that, the anger returned. Kirishima was so occupied by his rage, that he didn’t hear a word his doctors said to him.

Kirishima was so relieved when it was Aizawa who picked him up, and even more so when he didn’t bring Bakugou. Aizawa spent a couple of minutes talking with the doctors, so Kirishima just sat on a chair, waiting for him to finish. He had changed into the t-shirt and jeans that Aizawa had brought him.

Kirishima hadn’t given up on dying. The closet at Kirishima’s home would most likely have the same effect as a basement would. No one would find him at his house. At least not until it was too late. But there was just the teeny tiny problem that Kirishima wasn’t allowed to go home.

Kirishima would have to wait. Aizawa couldn’t keep him on the UA grounds forever. So in the meantime, he might as well think of something else. He couldn’t make another attempt. He knew Bakugou wouldn’t leave him alone the second he steps foot in the dorms. Ashido would watch him like a hawk, and Sero and Kaminari would try to hang out with him and cheer him up.

There still was one solution though. Kirishima still had his plan. If it was successful no one could say that it was suicide. His parents would never know, Aizawa wouldn’t be disappointed or feel regret, and his friends would still remember him with love.

Expect one.

Bakugou was still able to kill Kirishima, and now Kirishima knew how to get him to stop holding back. Kirishima just had to try to kill him or the people around him. Kirishima just needed to figure out how to make Bakugou finish the job. Bakugou was really good at knocking Kirishima out, so what would make him keep going?

Kirishima didn’t have time to figure it out, because Aizawa came over and put a hand on Kirishima’s shoulder. Aizawa led Kirishima to his car, and only took off his hand, when Kirishima got inside. The ride was mostly a blur. Neither of them talked and the only noise in the car was the soft sound of whatever music the radio was playing.

Before Kirishima knew it, they had arrived at the dorms. Kirishima didn’t know what to feel when he was Bakugou waiting for him. He decided that he was going to be happy. He had to trick everyone into thinking he was fine. Might as well start with Bakugou. Kirishima tried not to notice that Bakugou was wearing one of his own t-shirts.

“Hey again, bro.” Kirishima went over to Bakugou, who shoved a hoodie into Kirishima’s chest. “It’s summer, dude, I don’t need this.”

“You don’t have any hats.” Bakugou said, like it would explain anything.

“Okay?” Kirishima was confused.

“Your roots are showing.” Bakugou finally explained. Kirishima quickly put the hoodie on.

“Thanks, Bakubro!” Kirishima threw his arm over Bakugou's shoulders. “See you tomorrow, mister Aizawa! Thanks for picking me up.”

“We’ll talk further tomorrow, Kirishima.” Aizawa said, and Kirishima nodded. “Make sure he eats something.” Aizawa said to Bakugou.

“I was going to do that!” Bakugou yelled back.

Aizawa nodded and got back in his car and drove away.

“Let’s go.” Bakugou put his arm around Kirishima’s waist and pushed him towards the building. “Don’t worry, pretty much everyone is still at school.”

Kirishima let out a sigh. “Sorry that you aren’t.”

“Like that would keep me away from you.” Bakugou let them upstairs instead of towards the kitchen.

“What?” Bakugou often said things that confused Kirishima.

“We’ll fix your shitty hair and then eat.” Bakugou answered a question Kirishima hadn’t asked, and ignored the one he did. Kirishima decided to let it go. They went into Kirishima’s bathroom, and Bakugou took out bleach and hair dye from Kirishima’s stash. Ever since the incident where Kirishima ran out, Bakugou bought him months worth of stuff.

Kirishima hadn’t moved, he was too busy admiring Bakugou. He knew exactly where everything was in Kirishima’s room. Bakugou placed the chair in front of the mirror, and turned to face Kirishima.

“Are you gonna strip or what?” Bakugou looked him up and down.

“Dude?!?! What the hell, don’t say it like that.” Kirishima laughed.

“Well, are you or do I have to do everything?” Bakugou challenged him.

“Don’t act like you don’t want to, Bakugou.” Kirishima chuckled and pulled the hoodie over his head. He had no idea why he said that or where that came from, but it sure as hell stunned Bakugou. For some reason. Kirishima stilled before he could take his t-shirt off.

“Wait, why did you give me the hoodie if everyone is at school?” Kirishima asked him.

“I said mostly everyone.” Bakugou stepped closer to Kirishima and curled his fingers around the hem of Kirishima’s shirt. “Todoroki and Kaminari are here.”

Kirishima felt Bakugou’s fingers run up the sides of his body when Bakugou began lifting his t-shirt. Kirishima was pretty sure that his t-shirt was big enough for that to not be necessary, but Kirishima didn’t mind. He loved feeling the warmth from Bakugou’s hands.

“Why are they here?” Kirishima asked, when Bakugou finished pulling his shirt off of him. Bakugou threw it somewhere behind him.

“Icyhot is sick.” Bakugou walked over to the sink and started getting the bleach ready. Kirishima walked over and sat on the stool. Only when it was blatantly obvious that Bakugou wasn’t going to continue, Kirishima spoke up.

“And Kaminari?” Kirishima was worried about the answer for some reason.

“He’s not doing too well.” Bakugou walked behind Kirishima and started brushing his hair.

“What’s wrong?” Kirishima didn’t think Bakugou was going to explain, but he might as well try.

“It’s not my place to say.” Kirishima knew Bakugou so well.

When Bakugou was satisfied with Kirishima’s hair, the two went downstairs. Since Ashido were at school, they couldn’t blow dry Kirishima’s hair, so Kirishima had just thrown a towel around his shoulders and walked around bare chested. Bakugou’s blow dryer had apparently broken down while Kirishima was at the hospital.

Bakugou started cooking, and Kirishima sat on the counter and watched him. Kirishima wasn’t sure if his and Bakugou’s relationship had changed. It hadn’t really seemed like it had. Bakugou was comfortable with him, but still. He didn’t really remember Bakugou finding him, it was all a big blur, but Bakugou had. Kirishima didn’t know if he was allowed to hug Bakugou like he used to do, or just touch him randomly. He didn’t want to make Bakugou uncomfortable.

Kirishima heard a quiet gasp from the entrance of the kitchen. He looked over and was met with yellow shocked eyes.

“Kiri?” Kaminari said so quietly that Kirishima almost didn’t hear him.

“Hi Kaminari.” Kirishima gave him a small smile. Kirishima couldn’t read Kaminari at all. Was he mad at him? Was he scared of him? Was he happy to see him?

“I…” Kaminari was far away, but Kirishima could still see the tears that were pooling in his eyes. “Blasty…”

“Sparky.” Bakugou just responded, not looking up from the food he was making. Kaminari walked over to Bakugou. Kaminari stood very close to Bakugou, but… Bakugou didn’t seem to mind? Bakugou put his hand in Kaminari’s hair. What?

Kirishima’s stomach sank, but he didn't know why. Kirishima should be happy that his best bro finally started being comfortable with others, but he couldn’t find any positive feelings inside himself right now. It didn’t help that Kaminari’s eyes fluttered between Kirishima and Bakugou, making it blatantly obvious that they were talking about him. Kirishima couldn’t hear a thing though.

Kirishima finally tore his eyes away from them, when Bakugou hugged Kaminari. He had to fight his want to tear Kaminari away, and rip the arms from his body. Kirishima forced himself to leave the kitchen.

Bakugou had no problem with replacing you at all.

Kirishima didn’t know where to go now. He was supposed to eat something like Aizawa had told them, but Kirishima didn’t want to enter the kitchen again. He might as well check on Todoroki.

“Hey Todobroki!” Kirishima smiled when Todoroki opened the door.

“Hello Kirishima. Did you just return?” Todoroki opened his door further and walked back into his room.

“Yeah, about an hour ago.” Kirishima followed him into the room. “I would have said ‘hi’ sooner but I had to dy- to do something first.”

“I see. Did you have a nice break?” Todoroki asked him. Kirishima luckily remembered what Aizawa had told him.

“Yeah, I really needed that.” Kirishima grinned. Kirishima then realized it must be kind of weird for him to visit Todoroki randomly. “I was about to go eat, do you want me to bring you something?”

“No, I’m alright, but thank you.” Todoroki calmly said.

“Alright, but do text me if you need anything!” Kirishima sent him a thumbs up before leaving the room again.

Now where was he going to go? He was scared of returning to the kitchen, so he couldn’t go there. He was hungry, though. Kirishima went to his own room, in search of his stash of protein bars, but when he entered he heard that his charging phone was ringing.

“Hello?” Kirishima quickly picked up, not knowing how long it had been ringing.

“Where the fuck are you?!” Bakugou spoke from the other line.

“Hey bro!” Kirishima said.

“Where are you?” Bakugou asked again.

“In my room.”

“Why?”

“I was going to get a protein bar.”

“Don’t eat that gross shit, get down here.” Bakugou hung up. Kirishima sighed. He really didn’t want to go down there, but he didn’t want to cause trouble on his first day back.

Bakugou and Kaminari were already sitting at the table, when Kirishima returned downstairs. The two sat beside each other, with a filled plate on the opposite side in front of Bakugou. Kirishima sat down, and pretended not to notice how close the two were sitting to each other. Kirishima was just happy when he saw both of Bakugou’s hands on the table.

It was silent the whole time they ate.

Kirishima couldn’t decide if he was happy that Bakugou didn’t follow him to his room or if he should be mad that he stayed with Kaminari.

Kirishima didn’t understand why Bakugou and Kaminari’s friendship bothered him so much. So what if it only took Bakugou a couple of days to find a new best friend? That didn’t matter. Maybe Bakugou would be able to kill him, if he wasn’t Bakugou’s favorite.

Kirishima really liked to be Bakugou’s favorite but whatever. Kaminari had more in common with Bakugou anyway. They both liked music, they both played music, they both had blonde hair, they both liked guys. Wait.

Kaminari is a dumbass. He’s even dumber than Kirishima. He’s the dumbest one in class, for crying out loud. Kirishima hadn’t thought about it very much, but now Kirishima couldn’t get Bakugou’s words out of his head.

“Yeah, but he’s a total dumbass so he doesn’t know.”

Bakugou didn’t have a lot of friends, and out of those Kirishima knew, no one was a ‘total dumbass’ more than Kaminari.

Did Bakugou like Kaminari?

Did Kaminari like Bakugou?

Have they confessed to each other?

If Bakugou loves Kaminari, then killing him would make Bakugou very angry.

With the way they acted today, it wouldn’t surprise Kirishima. Bakugou had been so calm with Kaminari. Bakugou had hugged Kaminari. It took Bakugou months of friendship and a tramaticing nightmare for him to hug Kirishima, but probably less than 19 days to hug Kaminari.

Maybe Bakugou is just an attention whore.

You were away, Kaminari was right there.

Kirishima didn’t care. Bakugou could date whoever he wanted. Hell, with how Bakugou looked, he could get anyone he wanted.

Kirishima truly didn’t care.

Kirishima couldn’t figure out why his heart hurt so much, or why there were tears falling down his face.