Work Text:
"Neito, did you check up on Eri-chan today?" Shinsou asked when he opened the door to Monoma's room. The blond was sitting at his coffee table, as usual, with multiple sheets up paper-- all colorfully highlighted-- all cluttered about. He smiled rather sweetly, but the mischevious light in his pale blue eyes didn't slip from Shinsou's attention. "Yes, Soushi, she's doing fine. Come here, I want to show you something!"
Shinsou narrowed his eyes-- and attempt to look rather indifferent-- but in all reality he was glad he was welcome by at least somebody, and Monoma had a lot of interesting ideas (to say the least), easily excited when Shinsou approved of something he did. They had gotten close ever since the notorious Class 1A versus Class 1B showdown, and since Shinsou chose class 1B to be his official new class. Shinsou remembered his goal, to not get close to anyone and to simply maintain hardcore focus on improving his skills as a hero. But of course, a blond had to fuck it up. Monoma should have been annoying with his persistence, but strangely Shinsou tolerated it then and he was tolerating it now. Monoma had always been, in his strange little way, endearing.
Monoma gestured vaguely at the paper he was holding. "Look," he said, "I got feedback about my costume upgrade request."
"The thing about receiving quirks quicker, right?" Shinsou studied the rough design of something that resembled a pocket knife, that apparently opened. Beside was an object that looked like some odd clip.
Monoma nodded. "So, basically if click that small button right there on the side, this near-invisible line shoots out and hits my opponent with that clip so gently they don't feel it. The clip, still connected to the string, transfers the quirk to me. It sounds off since you know me for having to actually physically touch someone myself, right? Well, somehow there's this foreign material that does that. Supposedly. I don't know the details, it's just a suggestion." Monoma sighed dreamily, briefly closing his eyes and leaning forward. "How cool that would be. I need at least one tool so I don't have to do as much work."
"Hmm, lazy," Shinsou teased half-heartedly, a gentle smile forming at his lips.
"Ah, rude!" Monoma swiped at Shinsou's wrist and grabbed the paper. "I sometimes think you're just jealous because I have a cool outfit and you're still stuck wearing some uniform. How plain. I guess it's fitting, though."
"God, you must be really trying to amuse yourself."
Monoma stuck out his tongue childishly. "What's that supposed to mean, Soushi?"
Shinsou grinned. "I mean, because of your quirk you have to quick on your feet, and if our plan works out-- and you're doing spy work-- how the hell are you supposed to move in that suit, those jeans? You're gonna have your own balls stuck up your ass."
Monoma groaned. "Why'd ya have to word it that way? Besides, they're not jeans that's just the style! I did pretty damned well during the 1A battle!"
"Yeah, but as your partner I have to warn you that literally any villain could run up behind you if you're not careful and just yank the tail of your suit. You'll fall backwards and then I'd have to rescue you."
"Oh, Hitoshi," Monoma cooed, touching Shinsou's shoulder. "I'll be careful."
Shinsou rolled his eyes. "Sure thing, princess."
"Hmm. I mean, it's not like you've worn my suit. I find it decently comfortable. Besides, how would I change it now? That just ruins my excitement!"
"Ah, of course you'd think more of the aesthetic than practicality."
Monoma actually looked flustered now. "So, that's kind of true..."
Shinsou managed to laugh. Teasingly, he sat his hand on Monoma's head and yanked at the flat, silky blond hair underneath. "You know I'm right."
"Maybe just this once, but have I ever been wrong?"
"I mean, geez, who's counting?"
Monoma slowly smiled and relax a little under Shinsou's grasp. After months of being friends with Monoma, Shinsou somehow warmed up to simple touches like that. Which is ironic, because beforehand he was always skittish when people made any attempt to touch him, and he sure as hell didn't want anyone in his personal space like that either. But here he was, with a friend who accepted him, touching and being okay with being touched. If they were going to be partners it was inevitable anyway-- Monoma could use Shinsou's quirk as a secret weapon and, of course, Monoma wouldn't waste the damned new tool in progress on Shinsou. That was unnecessary, and they were partners anyway, they needed trust. He'd simply squeeze Shinsou's hand, and boom, he had the brainwashing quirk. Shinsou trusted that he'd use it wisely, same as how Monoma could trust Shinsou simply talking to him without fearing being controlled. No, Monoma never even considered that. Maybe as a joke Shinsou did it a few times without permission, but he was careful about it. He didn't want Monoma to feel invaded, he didn't want their relationship to be fake. And it wasn't.
Thank goodness.
"Okay," Shinsou said, voice in a raspy whisper, "I admit, usually you are right."
"Of course." Monoma gently wrapped his fingers around Shinsou's wrist, somehow casually. He paused to get approval-- also like how Shinsou asked before using his own quirk-- and seeing no doubt on Shinsou's face, Monoma nuzzled Shinsou's shoulder like one of Aizawa's stupid cats Shinsou adored so much. But he definitely adored this more. God, how lame.
"I mean, I'm the mastermind of the group."
"Ha ha, mastermind..."
"Ugh, I hate your jokes." Monoma's arms went to Shinsou's back. "I mean I'm the smart one."
"I suppose, but because you tutor me I get smarter. One day I'll surpass you."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, because you often major in Dumbass."
"Rude," Monoma whispered, taking back his left arm from Shinsou's back so his hands could fiddle with the collar of Shinsou's uniform. Shinsou didn't like the lack of heat, but he thought Monoma's nimble hands near his throat probably wasn't too bad, just intimidating. Maybe embarrassing. But, oh well. Shinsou embraced Monoma nervously, pressing their foreheads together. Monoma hummed underneath him before mumbling something about how clingy Shinsou was these days. There was no malice to his words, for they both knew very well how Monoma was the clingy one both in private and public. Annoying, most people assumed. Endearing, Shinsou retorted back.
"I think you need a new costume," Monoma abruptly said, breath hitting Shinsou's cheek in a way that made his own pink.
"Hmm? And why's that?" Shinsou removed his forehead from Monoma's and titled his head at the blond, who looked quite thoughtful.
"Yes. Objectively and subjectively speaking, wouldn't it be better if you show off your muscles?"
Goddamn that casual, silky and slanted voice. "Uh-- what."
"Oh, don't pretend you don't know." Monoma poked Shinsou's neck harshly. "We all noticed how much you've grown since the Sports Festival. I mean, you were so scrawny that Midoriya kid folded you!" Shinsou glared but Monoma continued: "But, ah, look at you now! You've got form."
Shinsou scoffed. "Thanks," he said, rather glumly.
"Don't be a grouch." Monoma added softly: "You should be proud."
Shinsou almost gasped when Monoma's right hand squeezed his bicep admiringly. His expression was still thoughtful, not teasing like before. His palms rubbed downward and then squeezed again, the other hand idly on the opposite shoulder. Now, if he used that hand too, Shinsou was in trouble-- Damn. Both of Monoma's hands massaged Shinsou's shoulders, and though Shinsou's body relaxed, his heart sped up.
"...I mean," Shinsou found his voice again, "I still consider myself kinda scrawny."
"Pfft, I'm the scrawny one. Someone legit told me I couldn't use their quirk because it required fat muscles I didn't even have." He chuckled sweetly.
"Hmm. Well, regardless, I'm not yet that strong. I have a lot of room for improvement."
"Ah, but you're still stronger than me."
"Perhaps, but..."
"But?"
Shinsou shrugged-- which was kind of uncomfortable since Monoma was still fondling Shinsou's arms like he was some bodybuilder. Monoma could be disgustingly sweet sometimes. Dangerously sweet. Not fair. Shinsou didn't ask for that, didn't even deserve that.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but you don't seem to like your body that much."
"It's whatever," Shinsou said simply.
Monoma's hands paused. "But, you feel good."
You feel good.
"...Ew," Shinsou muttered jokingly.
Monoma laughed. "But I am serious. If you had a costume that showed off your arms more I bet you'd be scary to other opponents."
"Is that all?" Skeptically, Shinsou frowned.
"Alright, you caught me. You'd look good." It was odd to have Monoma easily surrender.
Shinsou cringed. "I doubt it."
"Oh, but I don't."
This time Shinsou did let out a noise when Monoma's hands went underneath Shinsou's shirt and touched the soft skin of his stomach. It was a quick stroke of Monoma's fingerpads, nothing special. But when Shinsou's breath hitched Monoma almost smiled, though he looked embarrassed. "I didn't mean to scare you, I should have asked," he apologized genuinely and started to pulls his hand back before Shinsou protested.
"No, no, you're fine. I-- liked that."
A small pause. "Oh," is all Monoma said.
"Mm, do it again?"
Monoma nodded with a playful smirk. As his right hand squeezed Shinsou's bicep once again, his left hand traced Shinsou's stomach and sides. It wasn't too soft-- that would've been teasing, even borderline seduction-- but it wasn't firm or aggressive, and Shinsou really appreciated that. It was an average touch-- perfect for Shinsou. Monoma nuzzled Shinsou's neck again. "You're gonna have to tell me if and when it's too much."
"I know, I will." Shinsou tugged at Monoma's hair again.
"Good. So, you'll consider my idea?"
"Mm, if you consider remodeling your whole outfit."
Monoma pouted. "Damn you," he said, but his touches didn't cease. It was quite peaceful, both in silence and when some random conversation started again. They were there like that for maybe ten minutes, Monoma's hands wandering to Shinsou's back too. Even Shinsou rubbed circles into Monoma's waist, hoping he was doing as well as Monoma. Not that the blonde complained.
"Hmm, Soushi?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you think--" Monoma paused. "Could I give you a massage? Like, a real one?"
Shinsou blushed. "You mean like, take off my shirt and massage?"
"I mean, yeah, that'd be easier. I know that's a whole other territory-- and I respect your boundaries. Just, ah, could you think about it?"
"I get you," Shinsou reassured. "I don't see why you'd want to, though."
"It'll feel nice! I mean, I hope. It should. Besides," Monoma drew out a sigh. "I thought I made it clear that you're attractive?"
Shinsou nearly choked. "You-- never said that."
"But I implied it!"
"Not hard enough."
"You're dense. Also, that's what--"
"Don't you dare." Monoma laughed loudly, and Shinsou grinned. "Maybe... next time."
Monoma nodded. "Alright. Continue, or...?"
"...Shit, I think I have homework to do."
"Tsk-tsk. I thought you'd be decent with keeping up with work. Oh well, I need to text Tetsutetsu about homework anyway." Monoma had stopped touching Shinsou at that point and stood up, offering a hand. "C'mon, Hitoshi."
The rest of the time spent should've been easy, but as Shinsou stared at the sheets in front of him after Monoma cleaned off the table, all he could imagine was the blonde's soothing touches. His skin crawled and he found himself constantly sitting up straight and then hunching back over like he had an itch. But Shinsou dared not touch his own skin, he simply planned to wait it out.
...But then he was still restless, twenty minutes later, and sighed. Usually it was easy to focus in Monoma's presence-- assuming Shinsou wasn't staring-- but today had twisted his stomach inside out and then back again, and now his organs felt all out of order and his skin twitched just thinking about Monoma's massage.
Imagine how nice it would be to have that all over my back. And then Shinsou snapped out of it, briefly, and was irritated with himself. Accepting he liked stupid things like that was hard, coming from a background without parents or friends that casually touched him like that. So now he craved it, as any new and fun experience did when you finally found it.
I'm so, so weak.
Shinsou almost considered asking Monoma to copy his quirk so the blond can demand him to focus on his work, but Monoma would just ask questions and even give in to Shinsou's want. But that only made Shinsou feel guilty.
"I can feel you thinking from here," Monoma said from across the room, and Shinsou's eyes immediately landed on Monoma's. "What's wrong?"
Shinsou bit the inside of his cheek. "Nothing."
"Oh, shush." Monoma walked towards Shinsou, almost as if he was about to challenge him. "Is the homework hard? If I can help Tetsu-- and he's mostly a helpless case-- I can help you."
Figuring this was an easy way to start the conversation again, Shinsou lied and asked questions about the homework that he already knew. Monoma answered them with no problem, even demonstrating a little. "Is that all?" he asked when he seemed satisfied with Shinsou's fake progress.
Having relaxed a little, Shinsou sighed. "Actually, there is something."
"Yeah?"
"That massage..." He rubbed his neck nervously. "I think I'm ready for that."
"Hmm. You sure? I don't want to rush you."
"Honestly, I can't stop thinking about it, so."
Monoma laughed. "How lovely! Only about thirty minutes have passed and you've given up on letting the idea go." When Shinsou looked a little down Monoma quickly added: "But! I can assure you I find that sweet, and I'm ready if you are. How fun! My mom told me when I was young that I have the best massages. At the very least I have that experience."
Shinsou couldn't care less about that, but he realized Monoma was rambling so it wasn't awkward, so Shinsou would lighten up. So he played along. "Oh? I can imagine you being so stupidly proud of yourself. Mama's boy."
Monoma cheekily grinned before crawling on the futon. Then he hesitated. "Hmm, well, I'm not taking off your shirt. Unless you want me to, but I doubt that."
"Yeah, no, I got that covered." Shinsou didn't care about what his body looked like, and yet he felt suddenly insecure. Or, nervous. Like a fluttery nervous, the feeling of sharing a childish secret, like the time Monoma first held Shinsou's hand and complimented him on some dumb training thing.
Monoma kept his eyes politely on the ceiling, aware of Shinsou's awkwardness.
After the shirt was slipped off, Shinsou breathed a little easy. In a way, the hard part was over. He met Monoma's gaze, and Monoma was grinning happily. "Pfft, what?" Shinsou asked with a halfway teasing, halfway defensive tone.
"Hitoshi--" Monoma began almost breathlessly, in excitement. "You look good!"
Rolling his eyes and crossing his arms, Shinsou sat down on the futon, not facing Monoma. "Whatever."
"I mean it! Woah." Monoma stared, forgetting his previous polite mannerism.
"Please don't say stuff like that, geez, you're making me feel weird."
"Hitoshi," he repeated, "you're strong."
Snorting, Shinsou said "Well, someone has to be when protecting your scrawny ass."
"Ah! A friend to protect me! I'm honored." Monoma walked to Shinsou and sat down beside him. He faced Shinsou, beginning the ordeal with a hand lightly on the nape. "Ready?"
It was almost like the first time Monoma received Shinsou's quirk. "Yeah, ready, stupid." This time, Shinsou's voice was teasing and light. The nervousness was leaving, and it did as soon as Monoma gripped Shinsou's back because holy shit that's warm and smooth, like Monoma's voice, and this time it wasn't a light touch-- it was an actual massage, palms firmly kneading into all the knots Shinsou didn't even realize he had. Any doubt Shinsou had was replaced with a strong sense of security and comfort, and now he berated himself for thinking anything was going to fall apart in the first place.
Monoma started with his back and went up to the nape and sides of the neck, brushing a thumb across Shinsou's collardbone. That sent a shiver through his body, and he wondered if Monoma could feel it. Then Monoma moved to the biceps-- like the first time-- and squeezed indulgently. Shinsou closed his eyes, feeling warm all over, mouth slightly opening when Monoma hit some specific spot that was tight.
It was fun.
Apparently the blonde thought so too, for he hummed and even sighed himself at times. "Hitoshi..."
"Hmm?" came the lazy response.
"You... I was right, again."
Shinsou awaited an explanation.
"I told you it would feel good, I told you that there was nothing to be ashamed of. You're strong, and warm, and even though your back is extremely uptight and bruised, you're... it feels good, looks good. I promise." The last part was rushed, and Shinsou knew Monoma was flustered. That's okay, he thought, I've been that all day.
"Mm, come closer." He didn't use his quirk, but Monoma obeyed and embraced Shinsou from behind. He traced his hands to Shinsou's abdomen and chest, in a trance himself. He was smiling into Shinsou's neck.
"You're doing so, so well."
"So're you, thank you, Neito."
"Duh, partner in crime." Monoma said, pecking Shinsou's cheek, his embrace tightening.
Shinsou leaned his head to the side, exposing his neck to Monoma, who simply laid his chin there. "Mm, I never thought I'd ever be okay with this."
"With affection."
"Exactly."
"Right? Ew, emotions." Monoma smirked.
Shinsou chuckled. "Maybe I'll return the favor one of these days."
"Oh? My interest is peaked."
Shinsou held Monoma's hand fondly. "I promise."
Monoma hummed. "I know. I believe in you. Hitoshi? More like Hotoshi."
Shinsou hit the blond with a pillow playfully. But he actually made up for it in the end, so it was okay.