Chapter Text
“Ladies and gents!” Kaminari whooped, hands cupped around his mouth as he jumped up and down next to Sero, who grinned widely. “We’re gathered here today—”
“It’s not a funeral,” Jirou interrupted. She rolled her eyes, but even Kirishima, who barely knew her, could tell she was holding back a smile.
He had met her and Sero the day before, in the early hours of the morning. If Kirishima hadn't remembered to lock the door, they would have come barging in on him and Bakugou practically curled around each other with their limbs entangled. Kirishima barely restrained Bakugou from exploding, but he couldn't say he was disappointed to see a pretty flush on the hunter’s face when he realized the position they were in.
A dragon could dream.
Apparently, Jirou and Sero had wanted to meet the guy who had Bakugou so “enamored”, in Ashido’s words, as much as they both tried to deny it. Kirishima clicked with all of Bakugou’s friends immediately, something that hadn't happened since he had met Tetsutetsu a couple years back, and before that, Tomo. Even though Kirishima was practically a different person now, he had only really come out of his shell when the rest of the kids in the village were all grown up. He was too late, and at this point, he didn't have anyone other than his moms to go back to.
That’s why he needed to win this fight. Bakugou was different; he was strong, and smart, and yeah, an asshole, but not really. He was a good guy. A good person to stick with.
“—asshole!”
Kirishima jumped, whirling around to find Bakugou glaring at him. “Yeah?”
“You ignoring me, huh?”
“No! I was just spacing, what’s up?”
“We’re about to be fighting!” Bakugou roared. “Get your head out of your ass and take me seriously!”
“Dude, chill!” Kirishima yelped, hurrying forward until he was right in front of the seething hunter. “Look, I just want to say that no matter who wins, no matter what happens after, I'm really glad I met you. You're my friend, Bakugou, even if you don't want to be.”
“Copying my words,” Bakugou mumbled, side eyeing him. “And who said I didn't want to be, eh? Enough of that! Fight me!”
“Okay, okay,” Kirishima laughed. He knew a topic change when he saw one.
With the others watching from the treeline, Kirishima and Bakugou crossed to opposite sides of the clearing, facing each other. The new clothes Sero had gifted him—a maroon vest, some trousers, and bright red scarf—were tossed to the side, save for the pants; Kirishima didn't want his hardening to tear them.
Kirishima’s eyes darted over every inch of Bakugou, watching for when he would strike (because he knew he would strike first).
When it happened, he barely had time to move out of the way before Bakugou jumped at him. If it wasn't for his reflexes, he would've been done right then and there. Bakugou moved fast, and didn't have a tell that Kirishima could see. It didn't make sense. Everyone had a tell, but the only warning Kirishima was given before he was attacked was the attack itself.
It was fine. He just had to keep watching.
“Not gonna fight back, Shitty Hair?” Bakugou taunted. He had to have known that his words wouldn't rile Kirishima up.
“Not yet,” Kirishima huffed. He rolled out of the way as the hunter lunged for him again, only this time, attempted to hit back, despite what he had just said. His arm glanced off of Bakugou’s shoulder as he jumped away, but now Kirishima knew how fast he could dodge.
“What a lame punch,” Bakugou scoffed, parrying Kirishima’s next attempt with his forearm and sending him a feral grin.
They jumped apart, and Kirishima noticed with a slight twitch of his lip that Bakugou was more out of breath than he was. It might not have meant much, but if he could just get an opening, his hardened fist could seriously injure the other.
But…what if he hit Bakugou too hard? Kirishima remembered what his mother had said when he showed them his new power. ‘ You're going to be a great fighter, Ei, but you need to know when to stop. With this, you'll be able to defeat nearly anyone. If you're not careful, you could kill them. ’
His mom had reprimanded her for being so morbid, but her words had stuck with Kirishima. If he hit Bakugou’s skull, he could crush it. Punching his throat, face, or even his chest could cause irreparable damage. Bakugou didn't have to slow down. Even if his power wasn't as brutal as explosions, he knew himself so much better than Kirishima did. He was more skilled, talented, and precise.
He didn't have to hold back.
Do I? Kirishima wondered, leaping out of the way as Bakugou launched himself into the air and careened down, blasting Kirishima with two explosions right off the bat. Belatedly, the shifter realized that Bakugou was testing the strength of his hardening, the same way Kirishima had tested Bakugou’s reflexes.
“You might have tough skin,” Bakugou panted. “But everyone has a limit. I'm going to find yours so fast you'll be dead by the time I'm done.”
The next time he started forward, Kirishima was there to meet him. He knew he was a good fighter, even in his human form, but as Bakugou managed to avoid nearly all of his punches, he realized that this fight might not end the way he wanted it to. Kirishima bared his teeth in a snarl, using the moment that Bakugou’s eyes widened in surprise to his advantage, and managed to get his first combo in. A fist to the hunter’s gut, and one at his head. The gut punch landed, but Kirishima’s hand just barely grazed Bakugou’s face.
“Kirishima has made Bakugou bleed!” Inasa shouted.
When Kirishima had landed a hit to Bakugou’s stomach, he had flown across the field, which meant that he hadn't taken the full force of the impact. Kirishima didn't have to worry about hurting him, so long as he didn't hit as hard as he could around Bakugou’s head.
“Get ready to die, Shitty Hair,” Bakugou threatened, stumbling forward. He wiped the cut on his cheek on his shoulder and immediately started bombarding Kirishima with explosions.
He was good. All Kirishima could do was plant his feet and cross his arms to guard against the attack, but he could feel himself getting weaker. Any plan he had had to attack back was thrown out the window with the force of these explosions. Couldn't he do anything? Was it really going to be so easy for Bakugou to win? Two hits—no, one and a half hits—and Kirishima was done. That was it.
“Yield!” Bakugou roared, coming closer and closer.
“No,” Kirishima choked. Blindly, he threw an arm forward, surprise and satisfaction coursing through him when it connected. For just a moment, Bakugou stopped, and when the smoke cleared, Kirishima gaped at the sight of a huge red welt swelling under his eye. “Oh shit,” he gasped. “Sorry!”
“ Sorry? You’re apologizing after hitting me? The fuck is wrong with you?”
Before Kirishima could answer (not that he knew what he would say) Bakugou kicked out, knocking Kirishima’s legs out from under him. In an instant, a steadily heating palm appeared above Kirishima’s face, and Bakugou placed his full weight on his legs to keep him down. He felt hypnotized, watching the glow.
“Yield,” Bakugou repeated. Quieter, this time. Meant just for Kirishima.
“I can't,” Kirishima said. Didn't Bakugou get it? If he yielded, it would mean he had to go back home. It would mean he wasn't worthy to travel with Bakugou.
It would mean he was nothing.
“ Yield. ”
Kirishima struggled against Bakugou’s hold, but even when he hardened, the hunter refused to budge. He let himself be cut up on the jagged spikes of Kirishima’s skin, palm growing dangerously hot and inching dangerously close to the shifter’s face. What else was there to do? Kirishima had seen what Bakugou could do to metal. He wasn't stronger than that. If it were a real fight, he would be dead three times over.
It was over.
“I yield,” Kirishima whispered.
-
Kirishima didn't stick around after he lost. Maybe he was being a sore loser, but after all of his hopes came crashing down around him, he figured acting so unmanly just once was okay. Of course he congratulated Bakugou, but after that, made a feeble excuse to head back to their room, waving off Ashido’s concerns about his wounds.
Honestly, he didn't have much, not compared to Bakugou. In Kirishima’s eyes, that was the most pathetic part of it all. Knowing that it was just his own weakness that made him lose, not excessive injuries or anything excusable.
Bakugou didn't try to come after him. Part of Kirishima was happy that he wasn't going to be bothered or pitied, but the other part of him wanted the hunter to say ‘ wait, I changed my mind, you can come with me! ’
As if.
Dragging his feet the whole way, Kirishima finally made his way up to their room, and collapsed onto the bed, exhausted. Bakugou had really done a number on him, even if it didn't show.
“I need to contact them,” Kirishima muttered to himself. His moms. God, how awful of a son was he? He had been so distracted by the city, and then by getting lost, and then by the anticipation of the fight, that he had completely forgotten about the spell Bakugou had mentioned. He supposed there was more to say, at least, because now, he was going home.
Even then, Kirishima would probably leave soon after. There was nothing left for him back home other than his parents, and what self-respecting dragon still lived with their parents? He would have to leave eventually, only instead of traveling with someone he liked and knew he could trust, Kirishima would have to start all over again. Meet new people, go to new places, try not to get caught and die a horrible death…
Yeah. He really wasn't looking forward to it.
It was his own fault for losing. There was no reason why Bakugou should want to partner with someone as weak as him. It was probably best for them both that they went their separate ways.
“Best for us both,” Kirishima whispered, turning over onto his side and curling his legs up. He slipped his hands underneath his head, futilely trying to blink back the tears that dripped across his face, dampening the pillowcase, and took deep breaths. He wanted to be asleep by the time Bakugou got here. In the morning, he could ask for the spell, and be out of the hunter’s hair in less than two hours. There was no need to stick around for a tour of the city anymore. Bakugou wouldn't want anything to do with him.
Despite what he had wished, Kirishima was wide awake when he heard the creaking of the door. He exhaled slowly and shut his eyes, hoping that Bakugou wouldn't be able to tell he was awake.
“Oi, Kirishima,” Bakugou called. He huffed when there was no response, and Kirishima heard him make his way over to the bed, feeling the shadow that hell over his face when Bakugou peered at him. “You awake?”
Silence.
“You were crying?” The hunter asked quietly. Kirishima cringed internally when he realized that the wetness of the pillow under him made it obvious. He barely managed to stifle a gasp when he felt calloused fingers brushing his hair away from his face. Bakugou sighed quietly, sitting on the edge of the bed next to him. He must have been watching Kirishima. Did he suspect that he wasn't really asleep? Why was he just…staring?
“What am I going to do with you, dumb dragon?” Bakugou grumbled. “You and your shitty face. Stupid, idiotic face…I don't want to see you crying, alright? Maybe you'll hear me subconsciously. Don't cry. I know today that it’s me who’s making you so upset, but next time, I'll kill whoever makes you sad.”
Next time? Did that mean there was going to be a next time?
Before Kirishima could even begin to process what he was hearing, Bakugou’s hand disappeared, along with the weight on the bed. Minutes later, the latter came back as Bakugou laid down beside him. He stroked Kirishima’s hair one last time before shuffling around, turning his back on the shifter.
“Didn't even eat dinner, you dumbass. Tomorrow, Camie will stuff you so full of food you won't be able to walk.”
Kirishima stifled a laugh at that, and refrained from turning around until he heard Bakugou’s snoring. He watched the blond’s chest rise and fall with each breath, and leaned over him, just as he had done to Kirishima. Bakugou’s lips were parted, and every so often, he would nuzzle deeper into the bedspread.
Kirishima wasn't so stupid as to think that there was still hope, but he appreciated being talked to so gently, even if Bakugou’s sentences were filled to the brim with insults. Carefully, he laid back down, shuffling just a little bit closer next to Bakugou, and fell asleep. Against all of his expectations, Kirishima didn't go to bed crying that night.
-
For a few blissful seconds after he woke, Kirishima didn't remember what had happened mere hours before. He woke up in the afternoon with an arm slung around Bakugou’s waist. The hunter wasn't awake just yet, so Kirishima carefully retracted himself and quietly moved around the room, getting ready for the day. He didn't have a pack to take home; just the clothes on his back.
“Kir’shima?” Bakugou slurred, head poking out of the tangled bedsheets. “Where are you going?”
“Nowhere, yet,” Kirishima assured him. He forced himself not to giggle at Bakugou’s tousled bed head and droopy eyes. “I woke up really hungry,” he said truthfully. “Know where I can get a bite to eat?”
“Give me a second, we can go down and eat after I get up.”
Kirishima refrained from asking about the spell right away. Instead, he turned around to give Bakugou some privacy and pulled on his boots.
When they descended the stairs, Sero, Camie, Jirou, Ashido, and Kaminari were already there. They tried to congratulate Kirishima on his fight, but after being so cocky, Kirishima couldn't meet their eyes as he thanked them. It was beyond embarrassing, but thankfully, they seemed to understand that he didn't want to talk about it.
“Bakugou tells me that you need a spell to talk to your parents,” Ashido said, heaving up a heavy satchel onto the table. “I've got everything you need right here. How’s after lunch?”
“Perfect,” Kirishima replied, shooting her a genuine smile. He couldn't wait to talk to his moms again.
“Tell us about yourself!” Kaminari cried. “We want to know about the man who stole our dear Katsuki’s heart!”
“He didn't steal shit!” Bakugou roared.
“I really didn't,” Kirishima laughed. The memory of Bakugou's gentle fingers and words flashed through his head, but he shook it away. “Anyway, I’m—Bakugou, I’m going to tell them.”
“Why? They don't deserve to know.”
“They do! Guys—” Kirishima turned to the others, who were looking at him curiously. “I'm not human. I'm a dragon.”
It was quiet for a couple seconds. “Bro,” Sero said eventually, looking at Kirishima with awe in his eyes. “That’s the coolest thing ever. So you're a shifter?”
“Yeah. Ashido, you probably don't remember, but my mothers are Sudevi and Nonaka Kirishima. I think my mom—Nonaka—used to do your hair? You and some of the other little girls in the village.”
“ Stop, ” Ashido gasped. The slam of her hands on the table startled them all as she jumped to her feet. “You're joking. I loved those women! You're their son? Kirishima—oh, I'm so stupid, they always told me to call them their first names and I never made the connection between you and them! Oh, you look just like Sudevi, that’s absolutely insane!”
“You remember them?” Kirishima asked excitedly. “Dude, you totally have to say hi!”
The two of them started shoveling food into their mouth, eager to make the call. Bakugou tried to explain that his moms might not answer, but neither of them cared, and eventually, their enthusiasm spread to the others. By the end of breakfast, everyone wanted to meet Kirishima’s fabled mothers.
Well, everyone except Bakugou. Kirishima tried not to feel too bad about that, but it turned out, it wasn't for the reason he thought.
“You gonna brag about saving their son, Baku?” Jirou teased. Bakugou slumped down in his seat, scowling at the table.
“Shut the fuck up. I'm not going to talk to them.”
“What?” Ashido yelped. “And why the hell not? They'll be really grateful to you, you know.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Bakugou snapped. “But it doesn't matter. Moms don't like me,” he mumbled. “And like hell am I going to act all stuffy and polite to two random people, even if you all are going to be fumbling over yourselves to be kiss-ups.”
“They're not random people!” Kirishima protested. “And what do you mean moms don't like you?” he asked, the mild hurt he had felt giving way to confusion.
“Oh, don't tell me you're still stuck on my ma,” Camie sighed. “This guy, I swear. She heard him yelling at me and started lecturing me about choosing my men better. As if I would ever choose Kat in the first place. I mean come on, I have standards! Don't punch me, meanie! Anyway, Bakugou told her to fuck off and left.”
“When he met my mom he told her that her haircut was shit,” Kaminari giggled. “To be fair, it really was.”
“Blasty was actually pretty good to my ma,” Jirou said. “But he said that she was stupid for getting fooled out of her money by a bunch of ‘dumb thugs.’ She agreed with you, man, she doesn't hate you.”
“I don't care!” Bakugou barked. “I don't mesh well with old ladies.”
At this, Kirishima couldn't help the wail of laughter that erupted from him, making Bakugou jump and glare at him, harsh as ever. “They'll love you, man! Dude, I thought you had something against my moms, but you just don't want to disappoint them, right? I promise you'll be fine. ‘ I don't mesh well with old ladies!’ That’s such a you thing to say, man! Please talk to them, they'll love you!” He said again, clasping his hands together and grinning widely at his friend. Kirishima felt like a swarm of butterflies had settled in his stomach. Bakugou was just—Kirishima liked him so much. Here he was, acting all tough, but in reality, he didn't want Kirishima’s mothers to get a bad impression of him!
He’s so cute, Kirishima thought.
“Go to hell!” Bakugou shouted, as if reading his mind. He scoffed and shoved himself to his feet, storming out of the dining area with pinked cheeks. Kirishima smiled dumbly after him.
“…dude,” Sero said.
“Hm?”
“You're like, totally into him, aren't you?”
“ What? ” Kirishima yelped. “No, no, no, you're wrong! Are you a seer? Just cause I thought he was cute doesn't mean I like him!”
“ Dude. I didn't even know you thought that,” Sero laughed. “Wait, you think he’s cute? Something is seriously wrong with you,” he decided. “Are all dragons this weird?”
“Don't get in the way of love!” Ashido shrieked, smacking his arm. “It’s okay, Kiri, you don't have to do anything about it yet.”
“But—but I don't like him!” Kirishima denied weakly. He shrunk in his seat when every single other occupant of the table gave him the same disbelieving look. “Okay, maybe a little, but I can't even do anything about it. It’s not a big deal, guys. I'm gonna—I’m gonna go,” he mumbled, scooching his chair back. He figured that they had forgotten about the terms of his and Bakugou’s deal, but judging by the looks on Jirou and Kaminari’s faces, they were quickly remembering.
“Wait,” he said. “Ashido, can I have the stuff?”
“Sure thing,” she said sadly, pulling a smaller bag out the satchel and handing it to him. Kirishima didn't even stay to consider how relieved he was that he didn't need the whole bag. He thanked her and stepped outside, smiling when he spotted Bakugou leaned against the side of the building, scowling at nothing.
I like this one, Kirishima decided. Even if he never saw him again after today.
“Hey man!” He called. “Want to help me set this up?”
Bakugou grunted and gestured for him to follow. He led Kirishima around the back of the building, all the way to the clearing they had fought in, either ignoring or not noticing Kirishima’s apprehension. “Come on,” he said. “Set the mint leaves like this—no, like this. ”
Kirishima arranged the leaves in a semi-circle, and when he was done, watched Bakugou sprinkle dandelion fluff in the center. “Dude. It looks like your hair.”
“What?” Bakugou shouted, rounding on him. “Shut up.”
“No, look. It totally does, man!”
Kirishima cackled, not bothering to fight back when Bakugou tackled him to the ground. “I'm not a dandelion!”
“I didn't say you were!” Kirishima gasped. At this, Bakugou paused, eyes narrowing in warning as Kirishima’s mouth curled. “But…you know, if the shoe fits…”
“Idiot!”
They rolled over each other on the grass, and for a moment, Kirishima feared that Bakugou was actually upset, until he saw the smirk the hunter was trying and failing to hide. “Just help me out, man! I'll be out of your dandelion hair soon!”
Bakugou stopped pummeling Kirishima and frowned, seemingly unaware of the fact that he was straddling the shifter. “What?”
“What do you mean, what?”
“You'll get out of my hair?”
“Uh…yeah? I figured I'll leave after the others meet my parents.”
“What about the tour?” Bakugou mumbled. Kirishima gaped at him, hands hovering in the air as he resisted the urge to place them on Bakugou’s hips, and swallowed nervously.
“Well, I'll stay for that if you want me to,” he said quietly. “But I thought my moms would want me to come home soon.”
“Then go,” Bakugou snapped, shoving off of him. He looked genuinely upset, though Kirishima couldn't imagine why. “I don't give a shit.”
“Baku—”
“Let’s just finish this spell,” he muttered. “All that’s left is a drop of your blood. Let it hit the dandelion clump and speak the name of the one you want to contact, and then say your own name to tell them who you are.”
“Will you stay?” Kirishima asked, hushed and hurried. Bakugou faltered in his stomping around and glanced back at him. “Please?”
“Whatever,” the blond huffed. “I'm not talking to them though.”
Kirishima hardened his left hand and pricked the pad of his finger, letting the blood bead until it fell onto the dandelion fluff. It was around noon here, which meant it would be about seven at night back home. They should both be home, but if they weren't, his mom Nonaka would be at the salon, and wouldn't be able to talk.
“To Sudevi Kirishima,” he said finally. “From Eijirou Kirishima.” The space above the mint leaves, mere inches from his face, rippled. It looked like someone had thrown a stone into a lake, only instead of water, it was air. “That’s cool,” Kirishima whispered.
“ Ei? ” A warbly voice asked. Mom.
“Mom!” Kirishima cried, leaning in closer to try and see her. Sudevi Kirishima blinked into life a moment later, and laughed.
“ Step back, sweetheart. You're too close to the connection .” As Kirishima moved back, her expression turned stony, and he knew he was in for a lecture. “ Where have you been? Do you have any idea how worried your mother and I were? Baby! Ei called! ”
Kirishima waited until his mother was in frame to explain. “Sorry! I'm really sorry, guys. It’s a long story, I got teleported far away and then attacked by hunters and then saved and now I'm in Auxidian.”
“ That’s so far away! ” Nonaka exclaimed. “ Well, are you coming back now? ”
“ Wait, Eiji, who saved you? ”
Kirishima spun around, making grabby hands at Bakugou, who scowled and shook his head. “Give me one second!” He called over his shoulder, before running out of frame and up to his friend. “Please?”
“No way!” Bakugou barked.
“ Please. I swear they'll like you. I like you, don't I?”
“Kirishima…”
“They really want to meet the guy who saved me! Come on!”
Before Bakugou could refuse again, Kirishima dragged him into frame, slinging an arm around his shoulders to prevent his escape. Bakugou snarled and gnashed his teeth, glaring at Kirishima, and then the ground, and then Kirishima again. Anything to avoid meeting his moms.
“ Hi! ” Nonaka said. “ Thank you for saving our son, kid. What’s your name? ”
“Bakugou Katsuki,” he ground out. “And I would say it’s my pleasure, but this idiot’s been a pain in my ass.”
Damn, Bakugou really didn't pull any punches. Kirishima knew that his parents wouldn't mind Bakugou’s roughness, but the hunter looked mildly surprised when Sudevi let out a bark of laughter, hand clasped around Nonaka’s shoulder to keep her balance.
“ That’s Ei for you, ” she laughed, ignoring her son’s indignant spluttering. “ So what do you do? ”
“I'm a hunter.”
Instantly, the pair of them sobered, and exchanged looks. “Not like that!” Kirishima said hurriedly. “Not that kind. He’s just a regular bounty hunter.”
“ Ah, that makes me feel better. Like Nonaka said, we’ll be forever thankful for you saving out Eiji’s life. ”
“He saved mine too,” Bakugou mumbled. “We’re even.”
“ Oh? ” Nonaka gasped. “ You didn't tell us you saved a life, Ei! ”
“It was nothing,” he said bashfully. “We were stuck in the cold and I just kept him warm.”
Another look. “ Kept him warm, eh? ” Sudevi teased.
“Not like that!” Kirishima and Bakugou shouted in unison, turning away from each other with matching blushes. The two women laughed heartily, whispering things in each other’s ears and smirking.
“ Whatever you say, baby, ” Sudevi snickered. “ Are you going to come home? You finished your journey, didn't you? ”
“Yeah,” Kirishima sighed. He fidgeted with the end of his tail, rubbing a thumb over the scales. “I finished. And, I think I'm going to—”
“Kirishima will be coming with me,” Bakugou interjected, stubbornly refusing to look at Kirishima. “If that’s okay.”
“ Oh! It’s more than okay! ” Nonaka assured him. Kirishima watched, mouth agape, as Bakugou hammered out the details with his mothers, coming up with plans that Kirishima hadn't even known existed. Was he…was he being serious? Even after losing the fight, did he want Kirishima to come with him? Was it just because he had seen what Kirishima could do as a dragon?
“ Ei? ” One of his moms asked.
“Hm? Sorry, I wasn't paying attention. Hey, can I call you guys back? I promise I will. Same time tomorrow, okay? See you guys!” Kirishima called. The last thing he saw were his mothers confused faces before the air went clear. He turned to Bakugou, frowning. “The hell was that?” He demanded. Bakugou raised his eyebrows.
“What, do you not want to come with me anymore?”
“Of course I do? But I lost, man!”
“I changed my mind,” Bakugou grunted. “Not a big deal.”
“Yes it is! Is this—” Kirishima cut himself off, not wanting to speak it into existence. Still, if he didn't ask now, it would haunt him. “Is this pity?” He whispered. “You don't have to let me come with you because you feel bad, man. It’s fine, I can just go home. You'll probably find a better dragon anyways,” he mumbled, unable to meet Bakugou’s eyes.
“The fuck are you talking about?” The hunter yelled. “I don't want another dragon, I want you to come with me! You think I’d let you stay if I couldn't at least tolerate your human side?”
“What?” Kirishima asked, eyes wide. “You…you like me how I am now? Even when I'm not a dragon?”
“Of course! Are you an idiot? And even if you lost, you still fought hard against me. You almost won. That’s fucking good enough for me. I can't expect anyone to beat me, I'm amazing!”
“Dude!” Kirishima laughed, nearly jumping up and down from excitement and settling for launching himself at Bakugou, wrapping his arms around him. “I'm so happy right now! Thank you, Bakugou! I'll pull my weight, I swear! You won't regret this.”
“I know I won't,” Bakugou muttered. He was stiff in Kirishima’s arms, but patted his back awkwardly. “You're strong, and you're not always a dumbass.”
“I thought you only liked me because I'm part dragon,” Kirishima admitted quietly. “This makes me—I’m just really happy I was wrong.”
“Whatever. Stop being sappy, you stupid lizard.”
Bakugou pushed him away, giving Kirishima one last appraising look before shaking his head slightly and turning away. “The dragon part isn't even half of what’s cool about you,” he mumbled.
“Bakugou!” Kirishima yelled. Furiously, he wiped his teary eyes, giving Bakugou the widest, most wobbly smile. “You can't just say things like that!”
“I didn't say anything! Stop crying, idiot!”
For the first time in what felt like years, Kirishima didn't worry. He had friends. He had a future.
He had a crush.
Kirishima glanced at Bakugou out of the corner of his eye, eyeing the way he walked, the way he blew his bangs out of his face, the way his hand swung enticingly between them. Tentatively, Kirishima reached forward, intertwining their fingers. He felt Bakugou’s eyes on him, but kept his gaze resolutely forward, and after a second, felt a light, barely there squeeze.
It was the best beginning Kirishima could have asked for.