Chapter Text
Bakugo’s internal clock had him up before the sun rose above the trees. He stepped out of the inn and into the chilly morning air. He stretched his legs out, squatting and twisting his back before picking up his pace to a light jog. He didn’t know his way through town, so he decided to stick along the pier. He followed the ocean with heavy footsteps.
He ran down along the the edge of the water. Feet pounding hard against creaking wood. He passed by boats of all shapes and sizes, birds screaming loudly in the early morning silence. There were no children running around to bother him. Only sailors tending to the early catch caught his eye.
Being alone in the early mornings was something Bakugo cherished. He liked being able to relish in the peace and quiet for once. It gave him a chance to breathe and let go of anything. Although, today he was having trouble letting himself slip into the silence.
The night before was confusing to him. He felt confused by the smiling and cheerful red headed singer. The way he’d been drawn to the singer, the way he couldn’t turn from. How easy it was to communicate with him. It made his frown deepen.
He couldn’t get Kirishima’s bright eyes off of his mind. His ears were ringing with the sound of Kirishima’s loud laughter. The melodies he sang all night were stuck on replay. Songs never got stuck in his head, but he caught himself singing along as he ran.
He stopped once he reached the end of the dock. Bakugo doubled over panting heavily to catch his breath. Every time he started thinking about Kirishima, he started singing along, Bakugo pushed himself to run faster, run harder. It wasn’t long until he was in a harsh sprint and was going as fast as he could make himself.
“Why, why, why!” He growled, smacking his cheeks along with each why he exclaimed. With a big puff Bakugo dropped himself to the ground in a heap, his legs extended loosely in front of him. He flopped himself forward, stretching out and touching his toes easily. The tight pull felt good in his sore legs.
The sun was just starting to poke its head above the coastline. Bakugo watched it fondly, letting the fresh rays touching his skin. The warm shades were chasing away the dark night sky, replacing it with vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow. Ocean winds brushed through his hair gently, wrapping him tightly in a safe embrace.
He soon found himself comparing the rising suns vibrance to the one he was enamored with. The red glow was fire and burned bright, eating at the darkness and swallowing it whole. It was giddy and full of excitement, life and warmth.
Bakugo had only met the boy the night before, but he was already becoming consumed with his vibrance.
__________
Side by side Bakugo and Sero followed the same path from the night before in silence. The boys took turns kicking stones and littered cans between them like a miniature soccer game. Bakugo kept kicking them harder and farther, earning eye rolls from Sero.
The closer they got to the bar, the less Sero joined in. The taller boy kept ignoring the cans kicked at his feet, and the wider Sero's grin grew. Sero was giddy with excitement, a bounce present in his step.
“You’re never excited to see a girl twice.” Bakugo blurted.
“And you’re never excited to see people, but here we are, heading back to see our people.” Sero responded, his smirk wide on his face. He wiggled his eyebrows, poking Bakugo in the shoulder repeatedly.
Bakugo shoved Sero back, causing the boy to lose his footing and stumble.
“Geeze Louise man! It was a J-o-k-e,” Sero huffed, brushing his pant legs off and fixing his still too fancy shirt.
It wasn't long until the shadows deep in the alley were filled with the electric pink glow. The neon sign above them flashed brightly, each light flickering on like a wave crashing against the shore.
A shrill cheer broke out over the chatter of the crowd waiting outside. Startled people jumped and moved out of the way as a bouncing head of pink hair was barreling its way towards the two.
“You came, you came!” Mina cheered, waving her dainty manicured hands excitedly and vigorously. She reached them both with open arms, but clung specifically to Sero. “I'm so happy you came! A lot of people don't come back, ya know!”
Mina was smiling from ear to ear. Her wild eyes were wide, lined with the same black makeup as yesterday. She let go of Sero, springing up to plant an eager kiss on his reddened cheek. Energy was radiating off of her.
“Why wouldn't they come back?” Bakugo interrupted their disgusting display quickly.
“Well, if ya haven't noticed already, everyone here's a bit of an oddball!” She frowned but it was long forgotten by the sounds of drums echoing inside. “Kiri's bands setting up! Let’s get a spot up front, ya?”
Mina ushered them inside quickly before Bakugo could question her further. She grabbed both of them by the wrists with an insanely tight vice grip. He scowled when her grip wouldn’t let up. No matter how much he tried to tug his arm away, her grip only seemed to tighten. She was like a damn chinese finger trap.
She dragged the boys to a round table off the the side of the stage. When she let go of his wrist, he shook his hand out, flexing his fingers. “Fuck, what are you a man? Who even has a grip like that?!” He snapped, glowering over at Mina who shrugged.
“Nahh, ya just gotta be a tough cookie round here to get skids out when they start fights ‘n stuff!” Mina flexed her muscles, imitating the movements of a bodybuilder. “ Well,
‘s just my sisters ‘n, so we have to be strong.”
“I think it’s awesome you girls are so strong,” Sero cooed. He shrugged his long arm over her shoulders and pulled her in tight. She squealed excitedly and cuddled into his side easily.
“Tch,” Bakugo hissed, his arms folding across his chest and turning his gaze away. “Gross.”
“Hey negative nelly, just watch the show. Kiri and the band’s prepared something super fun for tonight!” Mina clapped, bouncing in her seat once again. This woman never stopped moving.
Bakugo had to admit, he had a much better view from here, and was thankful for it. The other two losers were finishing the sound check with Kirishima nowhere to be found. He let his eyes drift throughout the bar, scanning over the other people inside.
A growing group of people were standing on the dancefloor, chatting loudly. A pair ladies were sitting snug at the bar so close together that their shoulders bumped occasionally. There was a group of rowdy boys laughing at the other end. A few people sat at the tables scattered around them, some playing at the pool tables.
Down the hall around the far end of the bar near the bathrooms, a boy had his lover pinned beneath him, kissing them passionately. Bakugo’s eyes scanned to see the frog-like bartender rushing over to shoo the lovers away. He had to do a double take when he saw the boy hand in hand with another, taller, broader gentleman. They were both laughing as she only shook her head.
His attention was thrust away from the two lovers when a beer was shoved into his hands. He looked up to see Sero with his own drink in hand. He leaned his bottle down and clinked the lid against Bakugo’s.
“Look who’s finally showed up,” Sero’s head tilted in the direction of the stage.
Kirishima was climbing up the stairs hurriedly. He stumbled up, tripping on the top step. He was blabbering quickly, eyes scrunched together tightly. He clapped his hands together and bowed his head in apology.
Jirou shook her head and rolled her eyes. Bakugo could tell she made a snarky response from the smirk on her lips and the wink she shot at a flustered Kirishma. She shook her head, and took her place to his left.
On the other hand, Kaminari slapped Kirishima’s shoulder twice. His smile was sincere. Kaminari brought the mic to his lips slowly, “Looks like someone finally decided to show up.”
The microphone was tossed to Kirishima who caught it effortlessly. The blonde took his spot at his drums and began tapping out a slow beat.
Kirishima ran a hand through his spiked hair. It fell to the back of his neck and he rubbed at it sheepishly. Kirishima looked out into the crowd, his teeth gnawing at his bottom lip.
Kirishima’s attention perked up. The boy stood up straighter, his hand fell from his neck and he grabbed the microphone tightly. Bakugo could see Kirishima's sparkling eyes as they clearly locked on with his. The redhead smiled, waving bashfully at the blonde.
“Gooooooooooood evening! We are Red Yellow and Blue, and we're here to play for you.” Kirishima pointed to each one of his band members as he said their corresponding colours.
The view was definitely much better closer. Kirishima's voice could actually be heard, and it wasn't just the projections from the speakers around them. It was Kirishima's raspy voice crystal clear.
Kirishima looked out to the crowd dramatically, whistling for affect. “Looks like we have some real beautiful ladies-”, he paused, making direct eye contact with Bakugo, a smirk playing on his lips.
“And some real, real handsome gents out here too. So, let's kick the night off with a blast. This is Come On Let’s Go by Ritchie Valenssssss.” Kirishima purred, dragging out the s long and snake like.
Bakugo released a breath he didn't know he was holding. His eyes had widened, his face paled but was soon replaced by a deep red blush. The sound that escaped his lips was foreign to him.
“Did he just?” Sero asked, a cocky smile was directed at Bakugo, who hid his face in his hands and groaned.
“Mmmmmmhhhhmmmmm” Mina responded. She nodded her head vigorously which caused her fluffy hair to bounce. “Kiri isn't afraid to say things on his mind ya know. Plus, he's got good taste in m-e-n.” she had leaned herself across the table and whispered the last bit in his ear.
He pushed Mina away by her shoulder, sending the two in a fit of laughter. He quickly glared at the two before directing his attention back to Kirishima shining brightly on stage.
The redhead was dressed sharply much like the night before. He wore dark jeans similar to Bakugo’s with the cuffs rolled high to show off vibrant red converse sneakers. He had a white dress shirt tucked into that sleek pair of denim that hugged his legs and hips tightly. A thin black tie was tied loosely around his neck, and a baby blue jacket were wrapped around his shoulders to bring it all together.
The combination of colours and clothing was different. It was odd and unique, but so very much Kirishima. Vibrant, flashy, different. It was eye catching. His look stood out, no, Kirishima stood out.
Kirishima was singing loudly and confidently much like the night before, though his set seemed to be more focused on songs that he could easily dance to.
He slid across the stage with his hips popped fluidly. His strong square shoulders rolled along with the beat, long legs bent at the knees wiggling almost rubber like. His dancing was all over the place, wild and fun.
But, what had Bakugo googling the most was the look. One song in the middle of his set slowed the pace down to a steady jazz song. It was more seductive and haunting.
It drew a shiver down Bakugo’s back. Kirishima’s chin would tilt downwards slightly, staring out at the crowd with a mischievous glint in his eye. Anytime he’d bring his eyes to meet Bakugo’s, Kirishima’s lips would curl, much like a smirk, but so, so much more alluringly.
Once the song slowed to an end, Kirishima took a long sip of water and wiped his lips with the back of his hand. He reached a hand up to pull the sleek tie looser.
“Alright, alright, alright,” Kirishima pointed out among the crowd with both fingers. “For this next hit, I want you all to grab yourself a partner. Why?” He asked the crowd, bringing a hand to cup around his ear.
“A Whole lot of Shaking!” The crowd cheered excitedly.
“Thaaaaaaaaat’s right-o!” He gleamed.
Mina squealed, grabbing Sero by the wrists with her death grip and dragged him away from their table straight to the crowded dance floor. The brunet glanced back at Bakugo and shrugged, following the bouncy lady deeper into the sea of bodies.
The rhythm of the song started up, the beat of the music, but Kirishima didn’t start singing. When Bakugo’s attention was drawn back up to the redhead, Kirishima was wiggling his brows playfully.
“It seems to me, I can’t get this song started without a dance partner of my own,” he faked looking out and around, hand perched above his brow. He was exaggerating his actions playfully, though he always managed to linger on Bakugo.
“Eenie, meenie, minie- you!” Kirishima took the opportunity to remove the microphone from it’s stand and launching himself off the stage.
Suddenly the Kirishima was right in front of Bakugo, his large hand reaching out for the blonde with wiggling fingers. Kirishima’s red eyes were big and hopeful, happy and dancing to the beat of the music.
It was then Bakugo noticed all eyes on him. The entire population seemed to be staring right at him, peering into his soul. His back stiffened, and his palms clenched. “I don’t dance…” He muttered under his breath, tearing his eyes away from Kirishima’s.
Kirishima cocked his head, lips pursed. “Everyone in this g-r-ooooovy joint dances, baby. Doesn’t matter if you’ve got two left feet or not!”
Bakugo rolled his eyes at Kirshima who only laughed. Bakugo extended his hand and placed it into the redheads palm. He grumbled curses as he was pried from the safety of his seat.
The beat of the music picked up even quicker, and Kirishima finally allowed himself to join in with his band members. If it was even possible, his voice was louder than before. His smile was brighter, and the way he moved was bouncier.
Bakugo was like a fish in open water. He was being circled dangerously by a predator in his natural habitat. Kirishima swayed his body along to the rhythm. He was circling Bakugo with those deadly hips rocking and rolling his way.
This time, Bakugo’s legs were jelly as Kirishima pushed forward. He inched himself closer and closer into Bakugo’s personal space making the blonde take cautious steps backwards. Back further, and further, up and up until Kirishima pushed him right into his zone at center stage.
The redhead reached out and grabbed for Bakugo’s hand and took ahold of it easily. His grip was strong, and the way Kirishima’s hand fit snug in his own had the tension seeping out from him.
Kirishima swung Bakugo around the stage with such little effort, it was shocking. Bakugo didn’t dance, everyone knew he didn’t- no he couldn’t dance. He had no rhythm in his body and though he claimed to be the best at everything he did, dancing was something he knew he couldn’t do.
Kirishima smiled as he sang, he looked deep into Bakugo’s eyes, and it drew a small grin upon his own face. He gripped back tightly, allowing himself to laugh just this once. He allowed himself to be swung along to the music. To be spun, to jump around, to slide along across the stage.
The song ended, but the two didn’t stop dancing as they rolled right into the next, and the next, and then the final song when Kirishima’s quick and erratic steps began to show signs of fatigue. His steps were nimble, but they started to falter and stumble.
In a tired state, it hadn’t occurred to Bakugo to watch for the long chord of the microphone. For someone who did this every weekend, he would have thought Kirishima would have remembered not to get tangled up in the mess of wire he was dragging along.
Though, he was definitely wrong. Kirishima’s foot snagged clumsily in a knot the wire made. His tired feet didn’t have quick enough reflexes to catch himself, and forward he flew. His chest landing smack against Bakugo’s, sending both boys to the ground in a heap.
The two boys were chest to chest, staring wide eyed at each other. The red glow on Kirishima’s cheeks definitely wasn’t from blue spot light shining down on them. He giggled; Kirishima actually giggled as he brought the microphone out from in between them.
“I’m all shook up,” He finished the song with a shaky breath, and with a huff he let his body weight drop completely onto Bakugo. His head landing easily against his shoulder.
The sound of footsteps and dance moves stopped, the crowd began to laugh and cheer and it was then Bakugo realized that they were still being watched. All eyes were on them. Strangers were staring at them, watching them in this strange embrace.
Bakugo began to struggle, wiggling his way out from underneath Kirishima’s heavy weight. He was confused. The people were cheering them on, calling out Kirishima’s name and cat calling the two up on stage. They weren’t booing or hissing. They weren’t beginning to throw things or riot like he’d seen people do before when two men acted in such behaviour in his old town.
“What the fuck is this?!” He exclaimed, shaking his head in confusion. Bakugo’s eyebrows clenched together tightly, he eyes were wild as he looked around.
Once free from underneath Kirishima, Bakugo pushed himself up and raced off the stage. He shouldered his way through the crowd of people, past Mina and Sero and Kirishima who all called out for him to stop. He shoved his way past the dark haired hag at the door and out into the chilly air of the night.
The cool air felt good against his hot skin. His laboured breathing began to soothe, and the ache and burn in his through eased up. Bakugo leaned against the wall, dropping himself into a squat. His hands came up to rub at his sweaty face. He squeezed his eyes closed tight.
“What the actual fuck is going on?” He groaned out loud to himself. He thought he was done with all of this. He thought running away and leaving his feelings behind would solve everything. But it didn’t.
He didn’t get it. Why weren’t the people inside upset at the display the two had shown? Back at home, if he had danced the way he was with Kirishima, the backlash would have been devastating.
A large pair of hands pulled his own away from his face, but didn’t let them go. He peeked one eye open. Lo and behold, Kirishima was squatting on the ground in front of him. The smile and shine in his eyes were gone, they were full of worry and concern.
“Hey. I-I’m sorry if I read things wrong from you…” Kirishima stuttered, pulling his eyes away from Bakugo’s to look at the ground between them.
“What is this place?” Bakugo asked quietly, trying to hold the bubbling fear back.
“Pinky’s? It’s a bar… For -” Kirishima swallowed thickly, drawing his eyes back up, “for different people. No,” he paused, taking a breath and squaring his shoulders a bit more confidently, “For- for gay people.”
Kirishima’s loud, confident voice was quiet. It was weak and came out choked. His grip on Bakugo’s hands had loosened.
“Oh,” Was all Bakugo could choke out.
“I’m sorry Bakugo, I, I thought I was reading all the signs right. I-I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. You, you’re just so cool! And so manly and I couldn’t help myself! I just, I wanted to get to know you better. To have some fun with you, but I, I read them all wrong! I’m so, so sorry!”
Kirishima began to slid his hands off of Bakugo’s, but the blonde was the one who gripped tightly, keeping them in place. It took him a moment to form something, anything in his head. He closed his eyes tight once again. His lips tightened into a scowl, and he took three deep breaths. In and out, in and out, in and out.
“Kirishima,” He began, not daring to look at the redhead in front of him. It had been a long, long time since had admitted this out loud, let alone to himself.
“Look, I don’t know what I am. But I know I’m not normal…” Bakugo offered, slowly, cautiously.
“I left home to leave these stupid feelings behind. To oppress them. But they just keep on following me wherever the hell I go. It’s so fucking frustrating!” His paced picked up, his voice rose an octave, and he ended it with a growl.
The air around them was cold. It felt heavy with Bakugo’s confession. The night was so quiet, yet it was loud with everything around them. The muffled chatter and music from the bar behind them. The sound of cars passing by busier streets around them. The night time bugs chirping to their own beat.
Kirishima’s sigh had Bakugo peeling his eyes open slowly. There was a smile back on his face. It held sadness and pain inside of it.
“I understand,” Kirishima was quiet for a little while. His soft thumbs grazed the backs of Bakugo’s rough and calloused hands carefully.
Kirishima twitched his pursed lips. “It’s - It’s hard being, well being like me in this time. Not a lot of people know this about me. Mina’s the only one from home that does. I get it, people are hard to accept it, I’m a closet case. But I want to be me! It’s 1959 for crying out loud!”
“I guess we’re both closet cases then…” Bakugo muttered, voice low.
Kirishima perked up, his eyes brightened instantly and the sad smile on his face grew hopeful.
“Well then, Mr Closet Case. Since no one here knows who you are, or what your story is, let’s have a groovy time while you’re here!” Kirishima stood up quickly, extending his hand out to Bakugo much like earlier. “Put ‘er there, buddy!”
Bakugo liked this side of Kirishima a lot. It felt a lot more genuine. He gripped Kirishima’s hand tightly, allowing the redhead to pull him up from his spot on the paved ground.
“Then you better fucking show me a good time this week, shitty hair!”
“You’re so vulgar, Bakugo! People don’t swear like you do!”
“It’s 1959, shitty hair. People are changing.”
__________
Bakugo found himself leaving with Sero late that night. Sero, being as perceptive as he was had supposedly long figured out Bakugo’s little “secret”. The brunet claimed he could tell by the way Bakugo never faltered under a lady’s praise, but was thrown into a blubbering mess if any handsome gentleman said similar.
Luck was definitely on Bakugo’s side. Someone like Sero was definitely hard to come by. Not a lot of people were open to different types of love.
Their walk back to the inn wasn’t quite as quiet this time around. It was slow, tired and once again a little bit tipsy. Bakugo kicked stones through the empty streets whenever he came across one.
“You know, Bakugo, you remind me a lot of my older brother, Tomaki.”
Bakugo stopped in the street. Like he had never, Sero had never once brought up his family. Knowing it was a touchy subject, Bakugo gave Sero the silence he needed to continue.
“He was a lot like you. Stubborn, angry, he was a real hot head. He was also, well, like you know.” Sero swallowed thickly, gesturing to all of Bakugo. “But he wasn’t afraid to be open about it.”
Sero brought his head up, and looked out into the empty street. He cracked his knuckles and turned to Bakugo, ushering for them to continue walking.
“One day, he brought his boyfriend home. And my parents, they actually accepted him and it, and it was all great.” He smiled, but it dropped from his face quickly.
“Though, people in town didn’t. A few weeks after their outing, the police arrived on our front door. My brother and his boyfriend had been dragged into an alley, and were beat up pretty bad. Tomaki stood up for Asahi, yelling for him to get get help. By the time he was able to get the police, the perps were gone and Tomaki...”
It was odd to see something other than a cheesy grin or smirk plastered onto Sero’s face. Sero was frowning, deep and long. It was pained and full of remorse. His brows pinched together, and he blinked a few times rapidly.
Baugo’s palms clenched and unclenched awkwardly. He never knew what to do in times like this, he reached his hand up to pat Sero’s shoulder, but the taller boy stopped him with a shake of his head.
“I told you, you remind me so much of him. He was crap with interactions too, ya know.” Sero chuckled. “I’m glad I was able to meet you Bakugo. ‘Nd I know this is kinda awkward for you, but I’m gonna support ya no matter what you do. I wanna support you in the ways I never gotta support my brother. ‘Cuz you’re my buddy.”
Anyone could see how awkward it was between them in that moment. They were both stiff as they walked. Backs as straight as they could make their posture go. Sero sniffling every once and while, bringing the back of his hand up to rub his nose.
Bakugo’s palms were sweaty. So, so sweaty. Bakugo opened his mouth a few times, swishing words around in his mouth, but never spitting them out. Nothing felt right, but he needed to say something.
“Hey Sero,” He grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest. “Thanks. For everything.”
Sero looked over his shoulder to Bakugo. His smile still hadn’t returned. Bakugo felt his chest ache. He typically would never admit to anyone he had feelings, that he cared about his so called friends, but he did.
And he didn’t like seeing his people struggle.
“I mean it. You didn’t have to tell me all that junk, but you did. I appreciate it lots. Even though it fucking sucks, people fucking suck. You’re not really a shitty guy, I guess.” His voice was flat, he felt like he was choking on what he was trying to say.
A long, gangly arm was tossed over his shoulder, and the awkward air around them dissipated.
“Awwwwww Bakugo! You’re such a suck!” Sero cooed. The big, cheesy smile was finally back, even if Bakugo knew it still held a little bit of pain behind it.
To play along, Bakugo growled deep and full of fake rage, “Put a sock in it, fucking soy sauce!”
“That’s the Bakugo I know!” Sero cooed, for effect, he pinched Bakugo’s cheek playfully.
And just this once, Bakugo let his friend get away with it.
The taller boy hummed, leaning his body weight into Bakugo as they continued their trek through the Inn’s foyer. They made their way up the stairs in a peaceful quiet. They changed, brushed their teeth, and got into their retrospective beds much like on the ship.
Bakugo sighed deeply once his head hit the pillow. He pulled the blanket up to his chin and closed his eyes tightly. He hadn’t realized how tired he was, and he was ready to welcome sleep at any moment.
The bedside light from across the room was clicked on suddenly. The bright light in the dark bedroom, had Bakugo peeling his eyes open. He saw the devious grin on Sero’s face and groaned.
“What the hell do you want now? Can’t a man get some fucking z’s around here?!” Bakugo was starting to get snappy, he desperately needed some sleep.
“It just occurred to me,” Sero beamed, the arrogant smile growing wider and wider, and wider.
“Are you going to spit it out or not?”
“You have a date tomorrow with a certain red haired hot rod!” Sero was purring, his eyebrows wiggling.
“Fuck you.”
“I guess you don’t need my fashion advice then.”
“Urggghhh!” Bakguo growled, flopping himself back on the bed. “Get bent you fucking germ!”