Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Kirishima was already unbelievably tired from packing his all his stuff into the moving van from his old apartment.
He wanted rest! His shit was heavy!

But, unfortunately, he now has to drive almost 20 miles to his new city, new apartment, new life.
It was definitely nerve wracking, but he was tough. He wasn't gonna let this one bump in the road stop him from moving on in his life.

So, he pulled himself up into the huge van and buckled himself in.

The journey begins.

~0~

Road trips weren't exactly action packed. He realized that after about 30 minutes of driving on the interstate, which was very cramped with other busy people.
Even if he was surrounded by many other people, he felt rather lonely.

His music pumped through his speakers and he tapped his fingers against the wheel along to the beat.
He craved human presence.

He was someone who was fueled by being social. Yeah, it got tiring after a while, but it was nice to communicate with others.
He sighed longingly but continued to drive and drive. He was about 10 minutes away from his new home, finally off the interstate, when his phone began ringing.

He swiped answer eagerly.

"Wassup, bro? All packed up?"

One of his best friends, Tetsutetsu. They had shared the apartment for a while after graduating high school, but about a year later he moved in with his girlfriend Kendo, which he'd been dating since their second year of high school.
Kirishima was happy for them, but it was harder to pay rent with how little his job had paid him.

And now here he was in a moving van.

"Bro," Kirishima began. "I've been packed for about two hours now. I'm almost there already!"

"Oh, damn. Has the drive been cool? Seen some extraordinary sights?" Tetsutetsu asked.

Kirishima sighed and frowned. "Oh yeah, totally. The interstate is lovely this time of year."

Tetsutetsu chuckled. "That sucks, man. But hey, at least you're almost there."

"Yeah! Then I gotta unpack all this crap! I'm so excited!"

"Hey, dont give me that sass bro."

Kirishima sighed even louder. "I'll just take out my bed and one of every dish. I'll get the rest later."

Tetsutetsu's voice got firm. "You better, man. It'll be a bad new beginning if you don't."

Kirishima waved him off, even if his bro couldn't see. "Yeah yeah. Don't worry I can take care of myself."

"Alright bro," Tetsu said with a voice of finality. "I'll talk to you later man. See ya."

"Yeah, see ya."

Tetsu hung up, and Kirishima couldn't help the feeling of loneliness that sank back in. Oh well, it wouldn't matter.
He was here now.

He pulled up into the small driveway of the apartment complex and finally parked. After taking a deep breath, he hopped out and slid open the back door of the van. He pulled himself up to walk into it, and looked around.

The sun was already setting against the horizon, the last Ray's of light of the day were hitting the apartment building directly. It give it a nice, warm, and welcoming look. The nip of cold air was already prickling at his exposed arms.
He sighed and peered back into the van.

Where would he even start?

Suddenly a voice spoke up behind him.
"Hey, man. You need help?"

A man with straight black hair and narrow eyes was looking up at him with a kind smile. Beside him was another man, but with blond hair and a streak of black, like a lightning bolt. They both looked overly happy about Kirishima's presence.

Kirishima turned and smiled, rubbing the back of his neck nervously as he looked back at his stuff. "Uh, I think I got it. Dont worry-"

The man with the lightning bolt in his hair pulled himself up into the van as he laughed. "Dude, dont be so humble! This is a shitload of stuff. You are gonna need help if you want to get this done tonight."

"I wasnt planning on getting it done tonight." Kirishima whispered. He was glad these guys were offering, but he'd feel bad about asking random people to help him unload his stuff.

The man with the straight black hair pulled himself up next. "Okay, to ease the tension a little, I'll say me and my friend here both live in those apartments. We're also a little too enthusiastic when it comes to making new friends."

The man with the blond hair nodded his head quickly with a wide smile on his face. "And," the blond took up. "We should introduce ourselves. I'm Kaminari Denki. This here is my bro, Sero Hanta."
They both offered their hands. Kirishima took them kindly, giving them both a firm squeeze and small shake.
Sero smiled and looked at Kirishima curiously. "Wow, dude. Quite the handshake." He said rubbing his hand.

Kaminari placed his hands on his hips. "I have a good feeling about you, man! Now then, let's get you moved in. Let's go, Sero!" Kaminari shouted while pumping a fist into the air.

Sero looked embarrassed at Kaminari's behavior, but they headed further into the van and began grabbing boxes.
Kirishima was shocked. These guys just came out of nowhere and offered to help him, he wasnt used to this. Besides from Tetsu, no one in his other town really offered help to people in obvious need.

"Hey, what's your apartment number dude? Oh, and we never asked your name." Kaminari said as he hefted up a huge box.

Kirishima stepped further in with them and smiled at them thankfully. "I'm apartment 214. And I'm Kirishima Eijirou. It's nice to meet some cool guys like you. You caught me off guard."

Kirishima was picking up his box of kitchen supplies when a subtle shoulder bump distracted him. "Dude! You're right down the hall from me! When we're done we can have a few beers at my place, maybe?"

Kirishima smiled a genuine smile. "Yeah, that sounds awesome."

Kaminari's smile was electrifying and contagious. He was a guy with a lot of personality, definitely. Sero seemed more dialed down, chill. But still super fun. Some guys Kirishima could definitely get used to.
They all grabbed a box and hefted it out of the van and Kirishima followed Sero and Kaminari through the side door. They're were sadly a few flights of stairs to go up until they got to their floor. Kirishima was thankful for the good condition the apartment complex seemed to be in, he didnt really look into it online when he booked his new home.

He just wanted to get a new job and home as quickly as possible. You can only go without money for so long. Maybe Kaminari or Sero know of any jobs? He'll make a mental note to ask later.
Kaminari walked them up to a white door with gold plated numbers, 214, on the door. "You know," Kaminari started as he placed his box down. His eyes gleamed with mischief. "The last person that lived here, she was killed in this very apartment~" Kaminari wiggled his fingers as to put emphasis on the spookiness. Kirishima raised a brow, curious. "Is he being serious?" He asked Sero, who was standing beside him looking unimpressed.
"No. The crime rates here are actually incredibly low. It's a really nice place. Hence, why we approached you without hesitation."

Kaminari opened the door and shrugged. "Hey, it was worth a try. I shoot my shot when the opportunity appears."

Kirishima eyes widened at how the door had just /opened/. "Woah, don't you need a key?"

"Your key should be sitting on your counter for future use. Like I said, crime rates are low. Who would break into an apartment with nothing in it?" Sero answered him.

They all stepped inside and Kirishima appreciated how nice it looked. It was mostly white, not unusual for apartments. His hardwood floor was a dark brown and his carpet was a fluffy off-white. In the kitchen, his cupboards were a light brown wood and his counters were gray marble. It was more than he could ask for.

Kaminari and Sero smiled at Kirishima's reaction. "Nice, right? Anyways, were do we put this stuff?" Kaminari said moving his box in his arms around for emphasis. Kirishima placed his box on the kitchen counter and began directing Kaminari and Sero around as he examined the apartment. There was an off bedroom. Master bedroom, he guessed.

His bathroom was rather small, but well decorated, and he had two different light switches. One for just the tub and the other above the mirror.
His apartment was still rather empty, of course lacking furniture and decorative materials. A couch would be necessary in the future, he thought as he looked at the spacious living room.

After about another hour or two, Kaminari, Sero, and Kirishima had unloaded the entire van and had things placed where they would be unpacked. Sero had helped Kirishima put together his king sized bed while Kaminari unpacked a few plates and cups, etcetera.

Kirishima was proud of all they had gotten done, and very thankful to his new friends. They all walked down the hall to Kaminari's place, which was quite the jumble of a lot of different things, from comic books to animal print curtains. Kaminari waved them into his kitchen, which was about the same makeup of Kirishima's kitchen, just fuller. Dishes piled up in the sink and the counter had a couple pizza boxes stacked up together.
Sero sighed. "Man, I told you to clean up in here. Now you have company and it looks terrible."

Kaminari rustled through his fridge. "Nah it's all good! I'm showing my true colors. Not gonna pull fake crap in front of a new friend." Kaminari shrugged and pulled out three beer bottles. He handed one to both of them and they popped them open. "I guess I can see the logic in that?" Kirishima questioned as he took a sip of his beer. Sero drooped his shoulders. "Dont support him."

"Well, Kirishima? Why did you decide to move to our lovely town?" Kaminari asked as he leaned against his messy counter.
Kirishima sighed. "I couldn't afford payment with my other apartment. My job didnt pay enough. So, I'm here for new beginnings."

"Ah," Sero joined in. "Looking for a job?"

Kirishima nodded and Sero sipped his beer in thought. "Well, maybe Ashido can help you? She helped me get my job as a waiter in this nice restaurant downtown."

"Ashido?" Kirishima looked at them both curiously.

Kaminari nodded. "Yeah! She's one of our bestest friends. You'll love her, trust me."

Sero smiled widely. "I can totally invite her over tomorrow if that's cool. I'm sure she'll be happy to help you, man."

Kirishima nods and takes another sip. "That would be great. You guys are helping me so much. I really appreciate it."

Sero held out a fist for a fist bump. "Anything for a friend, man."

Kirishima smiled widely and bumped fists with him.

~0~

The next morning a knock on his door woke him from his lovely sleep. He rubbed at his eyes, thinking maybe the bumps were just a part of his dream.
The next round of knocks sadly convinced him it was real. He looked over at his digital clock with tired eyes. After blinking the sleep away, he saw the clock read 12:21PM. He rolled off of his warm and comfy bed and began dressing himself.
"Hold on! I'm coming!"

After making himself look a little presentable, he trudged over to his door and opened it.
Kaminari and Sero waved at him from the other side. A girl with fluffy pink hair stood beside them, wearing a brightly colored animal printed crop top and leggings. Black boots tied the look together apparently, and her bright yellow eyes shined as she smiled kindly.
"Good morning, sleeping beauty! How'd you rest?" Kaminari asked taking it upon himself to walk into Kirishima's apartment.
Sero apologized as Kirishima let the rest of them in.

"Could've been better. What're you doing here?"

Sero smiled slyly. "Well, it is 12 in the afternoon. And, we said we would introduce you to Ashido, right?" He said as he motioned to the girl beside him.
The girl stuck out a perfectly manicured hand. "Ashido Mina! It's nice to meet you."

Kirishima took the hand, offering a kind smile. "Kirishima Eijirou. It's nice to meet you too."

"I heard you were looking for a job, Kirishima? I've been looking around ever since these little birdies told me last night." Ashido said pulling out her phone and bumping Sero on the shoulder.
Kirishima smiled and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I'm sorry, I hope it wasn't too much pressure on you."

Ashido waved him off. "Oh, never! I love doing this, dear.
Makes me feel good. Sadly I couldn't find a lot of options. I didn't want you working at a sad fast food restaurant or something terrible like that. So, I talked with my friend that runs this club downtown-"

Kaminari jumped in. "Are you talking about Stardom? That Midnight runs?"

Ashido nodded excitedly. "Yeah! And she said they're looking for bartenders! Are you good at mixing drinks, Kirishima?"

Kirishima had mixed drinks for him and Tetsu for a long time, ever since Kirishima learned how in high school cause he was bored. Tetsu says he's the 'God of Caribou Lou'.
"I guess you could say that." Kirishima said with confidence.

Ashido hopped in place. "Yes! Okay, Midnight said that if you were interested that I bring you there tonight so she can see what you got. Sound like a plan?"

Kirishima smiled confidently and pumped his fist. "Yes. I'm ready to show Midnight that I got what it takes!"

Kaminari, Sero, and Ashido all cheered and wished him luck, then they all exchanged numbers so they could meet up at Stardom at 9PM. Kirishima was ready for his new beginning.

~0~

He rode with Kaminari to Stardom, which already had a good line in front. At the doors was a burly looking man with kind eyes. Ashido was standing beside the bouncer with Sero, both dressed nicely for partying. He followed behind Kaminari up to the doors, the people in the line not all that happy about random people getting to bypass the line.
Ashido ignored them and gestured to the bouncer. "This is Koda! He's the bouncer here at Stardom." She then leaned in close and covered her mouth so no one beside them could see. "He's actually a really nice a shy guy." She whispered.

Kirishima nodded and offered and kind smile to Koda, and hand stuck out for a handshake. "I'm Kirishima Eijirou! It's nice to meet you!" He shouted over the sudden bass that was coming from inside.
Koda took his hand gently and gave a small shake and nod, then he stepped to the side to let them in.

Ashido thanked him as she stepped in, Kaminari, Sero and himself in tow.
The inside of Stardom was pretty dark, but lit with strips of neon along the walls and lights on the ceiling that fell down and gave off the effects of stars. The bass shook the floor and beat inside his chest. It felt good, it made him want to dance, but he continued to follow his friends further into the club. As he looked around his eyes fell onto a stage towards his left. A silver pole sparkled against the lights.

It made his heartbeat speed up.

Eventually they had pushed their way through the crowd to the bar. There, stood a lady in a suit, long dark and spiky hair flowed down hair back and over her shoulders. Her bright red glasses stood out against her other dark colors. Her expression changed immediately when she spotted their group, a wide and confident smile forming along her dark red lips. "Ah, Ashido Mina! And friends!" She shouted over the music booming through the building. Ashido grabbed his hand and pulled him forward hard, making him stumble, but he quickly straightened himself and looked up at the taller woman.

"You must be Kirishima! Nice to meet you, dear!" Midnight greeted.

"And you must be Midnight! You're club is amazing, ma'am!"

Midnight pinched his cheek. "Oh, look at you! You're so cute! Handsome!" She then released her grip on his cheek and gently grabbed his chin. "But can you get my customers fucked up?"

Kirishima taken aback by her boldness didn't answer for a second. Midnight laughed and shoved him playfully. "Let's see what you're made of, Red! Your uniform is in this room behind me!"

Kirishima nodded, got a thumbs up from his friends, then walked into the back room to get changed. The uniform was simply a suit without the coat, and a bowtie instead of a tie. He slipped out of his clothes and into the new ones, a little surprised by how well they fit, then stepped out. Midnight and his friends smiled in satisfaction at his look, then Midnight motioned him over to the bar.

A man was already there, whipping up drinks like crazy. He was quite big and had spiked back brown hair.
Midnight walked behind the bar with him. "That is Satou Rikido. He'll be your bar friend and assistant. Any further questions will be answered by him."
Satou waved then prepared another drink and took the money from the man he handed the drink to. "Its cool to have some help around here! Nice to have you on the team, Kirishima!"

Midnight patted his shoulder. "Alright, Kirishima. I'll be standing by and watching how you serve our customers. Do well and your hired. Do bad and...well, you know."

He nodded and put on a determined face. He can do this! He was going to do this!
Customers began practically throwing money at him, asking for strong stuff. He mixed and and served on the rocks and without. It was very quick paced.

Just then, hardcore rock began booming through the speakers. Lights pointed towards the stage with the pole, and the curtains opened to a stripper with spiky blond hair wearing a black mask over their face, a crop top with an orange X going across it. Black booty shorts hugged their hips and ass, and a belt hung off their hips with fake grenades on it. Black boots came up to their calves, and their body was toned with lean muscle.
As they strutted down the walkway to the pole, they were feeling their gloved hands up and down their body.

Fuck! He was supposed to fixing drinks.
Kirishima quickly caught up and began mixing again, but that damn blond snatched his gaze away again.

They were upside down on the pole now, only their powerful thighs and calves holding them up as their own hands roamed their body and teased again. Then they pulled themselves up and dropped down gracefully to a squat, where that ass was pushed out-
Ruby eyes suddenly locked with his. A dangerous smirk formed on their face, and they then stood back up and began moving their hips to the rock.

The crowd was throwing dollars towards the stripper, but Kirishima couldn't help but feel that this sinful dancing was not for them.
Cause those eyes had not left his own gaze yet.

Then the music completed its outro, and the stripper grabbed their money and retreated back behind the curtains.

A hand was placed on his shoulder and he was shaken out of his stupor. Midnight stood beside him, a curious look on her face. "You okay, Kirishima? You seem distracted there for a second."

Kirishima looked longingly at the stage for just a few more seconds. The he finally spoke. "Midnight, I need this job."

~0~

Chapter Text

He had gotten the job.

Barely.

Midnight was a little wary about how his attention was drawn elsewhere easily, (for a reason he'll never tell), but was impressed by his drinks and satisfied customers.
His tips were decent, and Midnight told him his paycheck at the end of the week would be hefty.

At least compared to what he was used to.

But honestly, he would've taken the job even if the pay was garbage. He had to see that dancer again.

Now, he has of course come to terms that it might be a bad idea to be so head over heels for a stripper. But he had a feeling in his soul that this person was not like that, not that kind to be disloyal but also not easy to win.

And even if he didnt win the fair prize, he'd still get to look at them practically every night as they shook they're hips and squated low in heels and tight shorts.

He shivered at the thought as he brewed his morning coffee, having woken up late since he ran the bar into the early hours of the morning.
Coffee was only for late nights, and he supposed he'd be having the dark brew more often.

Nothing was on his schedule for today besides unpacking boxes then getting ready for work around 8:30. He guessed he could hang out with Sero and Kaminari a bit after unpacking, and he'd have plenty of time for a nice shower and to style his hair.

He sipped at his warm coffee, shivering at the warmth that burned down his throat and brought up his body heat in his very cold apartment. He liked it cold, he slept best that way. But it wasnt the best to walk against cold tiled floor while also comfortably shirtless. He'd probably regret it after looking at the bill later, but he slept like a rock so it was good enough for him.

Suddenly his phone buzzed against the counter, catching his attention. He picked it up and swiped it open, seeing a text from Sero.
Kirishima still found it mind boggling that he had met such great people so quickly.

He read the message quickly.

11:45AM today

Sero: hey man! hopefully you're awake, and you'll like to have lunch with us? kaminari knows this awesome cafe

11:46AM today

Me: morning! yeah dude id love to gimme 5 minutes

He sent the message off, then hurried to his bedroom with his coffee in hand to prepare for the day.

~0~

He walked out of his apartment a little later than he had promised, but he was proud of the outfit he had chosen.
He was wearing a worn out red t-shirt of his favorite band, Crimson Riot, with sun bleached well worn skinny jeans with sneakers. His hair was spiked up into his usual red spikes, hair spray and gel keeping them in place. He tugged a navy blue zip up over his shoulders and made his way to Kaminari's apartment, figuring Sero would already be there waiting for him.

When he approached Kaminari's door, he saw they were outside waiting on him. Kaminari, more impatient than Sero was.
"Hey guys," he called out to them with a wave. "Sorry I took a little longer than I said."

Kaminari pushed off the wall he was leaning against and sighed. "Dude, a have a major hangover and this cafe gives me my healing waffles. Dont keep me away from my healing waffles."

Sero shook his head at his friend. "Seriously man, that amount of syrup you put each time isnt healthy," he said with a laugh, then poked his friends aching head. "And it's not good for headaches."

Kaminari slapped his hand away, an offended pout on his face. "Shuddup Sero! You dont know what's good for me!"

Sero smiled then pushed his friend along. "Let's go get your stupid healing waffles, crybaby."

Kirishima watched in amusement and followed closely behind as they all trailed out of the building together. Kaminari led them along down the street, a couple blocks away. It was quite the walk, but not something terrible for Kirishima.
The cafe they stopped outside of looked retro; white and off green with neon lights and everything. Kirishima saw Kaminari's excitement build as he walked up the small steps and pushed open the door. A little bell chimed, and the scent of bacon and toast hit his nose. He smelt coffee and syrup, but also fresh fruits and baked goods. It felt homey, even if the retro look was a little much for him.

Kaminari and Sero didn't look around, just walked straight to their destination. A booth with plush, red cushions and gray table in the middle. Kaminari and Sero slid in beside each other, so Kirishima slipped into the other booth and followed Sero in picking up a menu. Kaminari crossed his arms on the table and smiled warmly.
"Ahhhh~ This place always relaxes me. I feel the hangover drifing away already."

Sero snorted. "That's not how that works."

Kirishima laughed then leaned forward. "What would you guys recommend? All of this looks awesome."

Kaminari hopped up immediately, and clutched at his head in regret. "Oof. Dude, healing waffles."

Kirishima scanned the menu and saw no such thing. Kaminari grabbed his menu and slowly pushed it down. "No no no. They're not there. They're /my/ healing waffles. Beautiful fluffy waffles with whipped cream and blueberry, and I get a syrup bottle to myself for any amount of syrup to fit my needs." He boasted, looking pleased with himself.
It did sound nice.

Kirishima nodded. "Yeah, I think I-"

Doors from the kitchen opened and cut him off, and out walked a waiter with sharp red eyes, spiky blond hair and long blond lashes. His black jeans hugged his waist and his white button up was tucked neatly into the pants, a few buttons undone at the top.

"What are you losers doing here? And you brought a new loser with you. Just what I needed." The man said with a smooth, but deep and gravelly voice.

It was /hot/.

Kaminari sat up straight and spread his arms out wide, almost wacking Kirishima right in the face. "Bakugou! My man!"

The man, Bakugou, scowled and turned to look at Kirishima. The eye contact felt intense. And familiar somehow...

"Ooookay?" Sero bumped in and broke the moment. "We'll have 3 orders of healing waffles, they way Kaminari likes them."

Bakugou grunted then turned back towards the kitchen door, then Kirishima suddenly remembered something important.
"Uh, wait!"

Bakugou turned, looking surprised but mostly aggravated.

Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Um, can one of those have strawberries instead of blueberries?"

Bakugou's frown grew, then he turned and pushed open the doors to the kitchen. Kirishima sighed and slowly lowered his head until it knocked against the table.
Sero patted his shoulder. "Not the best with first impressions, man."

Kirishima bumped his head against the table again and groaned.

Kaminari laughed a little and Kirishima could hear his shrug. "I mean, you win some you lose some. But hey, maybe he doesnt totally hate you?"

Kirishima sighed loudly then looked up longingly at his friends who were giving him sympathetic smiles. "Ugh. He probably thinks I'm a huge douche."

Kaminari waves him off. "Nahh, I mean. Bakugou is a pretty big douche himself."
Sero nods along. "But he's cool. Hangs out with us and Mina sometimes. Not very often."

"And," Kaminari adds in, "He makes the best damn waffles ever."

"He's making the waffles?" Kirishima asks, sitting up then slouching in his seat.

Sero crosses his arms across his chest and sits back too. "The guy's pretty good at cooking. He's whipped up some amazing stuff."

Kirishima looks at them curiously. "Then, why is he working here?"

Kaminari and Sero both freeze then look at each other, mulling it over. Eventually, their answer is, "I dunno."

Soon, Bakugou comes out with two plates balanced on one arm and one in his other hand. He lays them out for them, but takes his time giving Kirishima his. "With strawberries," he says menacingly.
Kirishima stares at him wide eyed, then quickly corrects himself.
"I-i..I didnt mean to shout at you like that. I just, I forgot to tell you and I needed to make sure cause I'm allergic to blueberries."

Kaminari gapes at him. "You're allergic to blueberries?!"

Bakugou face doesnt change for a while, their gazes hold. Like Bakugou was studying him. Kirishima nervous, and Bakugou terrifying.
Finally, Bakugou shrugs. "Whatever. If I kill you, it'd be money I dont have. Just tell me quicker next time and dont yell across the damn restaurant."

Kirishima smiles nervously. "Y-yeah. I'm Kirishima Eijirou, by the way." He holds out his hand in silent offering.
Bakugou looks at it, then turns and pushes through the doors to the kitchen again.

They all stare at the creaking doors where Bakugou once was, then Kaminari breaks the silence again.
"Well, okay. Healing waffles here I come."

They all dig in.

~0~

He returns to his apartment about an hour later, very full and very exhausted. He felt like he's had his fill of social interaction for the day, meeting Bakugou drained him, but he knew he had work later that night and he had a few good hours to kill.

He decided to start unpacking his boxes, starting in his kitchen then trailing to his living room, slowly putting up decorations along the way. As he set up his punching bag, he couldn't help how his mind drifted to a certain blond.

Bakugou looked well built, Kirishima could still tell even if he was mostly covered in clothing. He had a sharp jaw line, and forearms that were covered in lean muscle.
He fit into his waiter clothes well, the fabrics hugging him in all the right places. Bakugou was built as if he worked his body daily. Maybe Bakugou was an athlete?

He shook his head and frowned at his red punching bag.

No, he shouldn't be thinking about a potential friend like that. Even if Bakugou was super hot- No.
He distracted himself with setting up his glass coffee table, the instructions straight forward enough to keep him well occupied for a while.
He had set up his table, his couch, and a pair of chairs before his mind started wandering again. To a different blond this time.

He thought of how Cherry Bomb squatted down close to the floor as they grinded up against the metal pole, people slipping dollor bills into their black booty shorts. Their stilettos made their ass perk up and their back bend beautifully-
He needed a cold shower.

It was almost time for him to get ready for work anyways, so why not get there early on his first day?

He ran to his shower, setting it to cold, and shivered as he stepped into the cold stream. He began to wash.

~0~

Kaminari had happily dropped him off at work early, and gave him a salute as he drove off. Kaminari had said that he never got drunk two nights in a row, so he wouldn't be there tonight. Sero said he'd have to wait tables late tonight and Mina was busy with her own friends, so Kirishima was on his own.

He was kinda excited. An opportunity to meet more amazing people, hopefully like his friends.
And...he'd get to stare at Cherry Bomb without worry of his friends finding out and embarrassing him about it. Kouda let Kirishima inside with a small smile and friendly nod, and Kirishima had to take in how odd it was for Stardom to look this empty. A few people were here, just a couple girls talking with Midnight over by the stage and Sato who was cleaning glasses at the bar.

He waved at Sato as he approached, a kind smile on his face. "Hey, man."

Sato set the glass he was cleaning down and smiled back. "Kirishima, you got the job. Congrats!"

"Thank you! Cant wait to get started."

Sato started cleaning another glass, and Kirishima promptly followed his example, pulling out a rag and wiping the dirty glasses. "I'm sure you'll love it here. Mrs. Midnight can be intimidating, but she's real kind." Sato nodded over at said women, who was now laughing boldly at something the girl in front of her said. The girl had many piercings along her ears, and a dark purple t-shirt that had sleeves that dipped down low so you could see her black bra strap wrapping around her pale body. She made it look fashionable, paired with her torn, black skinny jeans and commando boots.
"That's Jirou," Sato started. "She runs the music, takes care of the speakers, all that stuff. Cool gal."

Kirishima nods, just listening along, then the curtains from the stage push open.
Out steps Cherry Bomb themselves, decked out in a new outfit. Red leather gloves ran up their arms, their black booty shorts were still present but from underneath, red stockings connected to whatever sinful underwear lay beneath. A tight, bright red, crop top that stretched up to their neck hugged their chest.
And to top it all off, the signature black mask was pressed against their pale skin.

They stomped their foot, their words strong but not loud enough for Kirishima to hear them.
Sato nudged him playfully. "Ohoho? Cherry Bomb your type, maybe?"
Kirishima blushed widely and began to frantically shake his hands, his glass already being safely put down. "W-what? No no no, it's just...well! Look at them!"

Sato looked over at Cherry Bomb, who had now apparently settled their issue and was turning back to the curtains. He shrugged. "Eh, they're not for me. But I will admit, they are something else."

Kirishima turned to watch as the curtains closed behind Cherry Bomb, their exit having already been made.
"Yeah...something else."

~0~

Chapter Text

The night roared on, music rumbled the walls and floor, and the patrons were drunk as all hell.

Kirishima was proud of himself.

Everyone was having a good time, and he had done a good job of getting them wasted and happy. He could only thank the gods above that Cherry Bomb hadn't come onto the stage, or none of this would be possible.
Especially with that new skin tight red outfit-

He quickly shook himself out of his thoughts and prepared another glass for another very drunk customer. Sometimes he wondered if any of the people in Stardom had enough sense left in them to get themselves and their friends home alright.

Satou had told him that one time, when his shift ended, he saw a group laying fast asleep on top of each other in the alleyway.

At least they had enough sense not to drive.

Midnight usually made sure everyone got home okay, as the kind women she was.
She'd call taxis or assemble friends that were sober to take any friends that had ascended to another plane of existence safely back home.
It made Kirishima happy that he'd gotten this job.

Like, how lucky was he?
A new friend, an amazing boss, and a show to watch and gush over almost every night.

He'd have to thank Ashido again later.

He began to wash out an empty glass for the next lucky drunk, when Satou suddenly nudged him with a playful smile on his face. He pointed to the stage where Cherry Bomb had just stepped out and was strutting down the short walkway, their steps coordinated to the beat.
They began feeling themselves, their hands roaming their body.

Kirishima quickly looked away, trying to stay focused on his job. Get the glasses clean, put them away, serve-

Satou nudged him again. "Bro, I think they're looking at you."

Kirishima squeezes his eyes shut and sighs as he cleans another glass. "Satouu..playing with me like that isnt funny."
Satou huffs, then grabs his face, forcing him to look up at the stage.

There, Cherry Bomb grinds and spins around the pole gracefully. And the best part?
Those sharp red eyes were gazing right into his very soul.

Kirishima gulped as Satou slapped his back and laughed.
Cherry Bomb looked at him as if there were no one else in the room, no one throwing money at him for shaking his hips and spinning his body around.
It was just them, Cherry Bomb looking at him as if they were inspecting him but also intrigued.

Kirishima probably looked like a lovestruck idiot.

Cherry Bomb then pulled themselves up to wrap their powerful thighs around the sleek pole. They bent their body in intricate, but beautiful and alluring ways, twisting slowly around and around.

Their eye contact didnt break the entire time.

Sadly, Cherry Bomb's song began to close. They hopped off the pole as the music stopped then collected their money. They walked back down the walkway towards the curtains, and just before they disappeared behind the cloth, Cherry Bomb looked back at him one last time.
The curtains flew shut as Cherry Bomb left, and the crowd was more than happy with the performance.

Kirishima understood, he was too.

~0~

Some time passed with playful teasing from Satou and a few more drinks were passed out and paid for. Kirishima felt mostly focused again.
Cherry Bomb's show had messed him up, thrown him off his game. But now he was serving drinks and washing glasses when he needed to, taking people's money and sliding them into the cashier while sliding tips into his pocket.

He was sliding a few glasses away in the cabinet behind him when he heard the chime of the little bell on the counter.
He turned around with a big smile. "What can I get for-"

He choked on his own spit when he saw a certain stripper standing there with an unamused look on their face. Their mask still covered most of their features, and Kirishima couldn't help but think it was for safety reasons.
He also realized he was staring.
Cherry Bomb had a small smirk on their pink lips.

Satou thankfully stepped in to save him. "Cherry Bomb! The usual?"

Cherry Bomb only glanced at Satou, then nodded. Satou went off to prepare the drink while Cherry Bomb's eyes studied him.
He watched as the red irises looked him up and down.

His face felt hot.

"Uh-I," Kirishima stammered. He cleared his throat. "Hi. I'm Kirishima Eijirou. I'm new here?"

Cherry Bomb simply continued to study him as they leaned against the counter. Kirishima felt as though he was being judged.
"Uhhhh, is it hot in here to you? I feel hot." Kirishima said as he rushed over to grab a cold rag and press it over his face.
Cherry Bomb now had a wide smile across their face and laughter made their shoulders shake, but they kept themselves quiet. Probably to spare Kirishima's dignity.

Kirishima wiped his face once more then returned to his place in front of Cherry Bomb. He still felt hot.
"Um, you dance good." Kirishima froze. "Why the fuck did I say that." He said with a nervous smile on his face.

Cherry Bomb covered their smiling face and Satou dove in for the rescue once more. He handed Cherry Bomb a small glass of whiskey, which would've definitely not taken that long to pour, then patted Kirishima's shoulder.
"Excuse the newbie, Cherry Bomb. He gets easily flustered."

"Satou!" He hissed.

Cherry Bomb slapped the money down on the counter then strutted off into the crowd, as if nothing had happened.
Kirishima groaned and covered his red face. "I said, 'you dance good.' How fucking stupid is that?"

Satou smiled and shook his head. "Pretty stupid."

"I know!" Kirishima shouted as he threw his hands up in the air.

Kirishima pressed his head against the counter then looked back off into the crowd to try and spot Cherry Bomb again.
"I didnt make that much of a fool of myself, right?"

Satou shrugged. "I dont know, I thought I saw a little bit of drool hanging off your chin."

Kirishima quickly wiped, and of course felt nothing, as Satou laughed. "Dude, you got it bad."

Kirishima sighed in defeat. "Yeah, I think I do."

~0~

The next morning, Kirishima woke up to a text from Kaminari.

12AM today

Kami: hey bro! Let's go eat at the diner again. You got 10 minutes

Kirishima read the text twice before he jumped up and started getting ready. With such little time, he just decided to go for one of his red t-shirts and jeans with a pair of well worn sneakers.
He rushed out his apartment and down the hall to Kaminari's place, where he saw Sero and Ashido standing with him.

He quickly ran up to his friends. "We getting 'healing waffles' again?"

Kaminari frowned and crossed his arms. "No! It's just my favorite diner and Bakugou's food makes it worth while."

Bakugou. That waiter from before that had served them and Kirishima had ultimately failed on his first impression.

Ashido smiled and placed her hands on her hips. "I'm just going cause Sero is paying and I havent seen Baku in a while."

All of them began to walk together towards the retro diner. Kirishima walked beside Ashido and leaned in to make conversation. "You guys know Bakugou well?"

Ashido nodded. "Yeah, I've known him since high school. Great guy, just never was in the right place at the right time. You know?"

Kirishima looked ahead curiously. "I guess."

"Well," Ashido shrugged. "Its not my story to tell anyways. You should talk to him."

Kirishima deflated. "You heard what happened last time didnt you."

Ashido placed a comforting hand on his arm. "Honey, that's just Bakugou. You did come off a little strong," Kirishima cringed. "But you just gotta learn how he works. I'm sure you guys will become the best of friends."

Kirishima wanted to hope. Hope that there was a future where he and Bakugou could be in the same room without that tense atmosphere and Bakugou giving him a death glare. He doubted it, but he wasnt a quitter. He would at least try.

When they all stepped into the diner and the bell signaled their arrival, Kirishima felt the air change. At least for him.

He was tense, but at the ready for anything.

Bakugou was already outside of the kitchen when they walked in. He was wiping off the counters with a scowl on his face, a cloth in one hand and a spray bottle gripped tightly in the other. He looked up angrily, then seemed to notice who he was snarling at. His face changed to cold unamusement. "You asshats are back again. And you brought Pink Freak this time."

Bakugou was right, Ashido did wear unnecessary amounts of pink, but it fit her. Her personality was, well, pink.
Ashido went straight behind the counter with her arms open wide. "Bakuuu! It's been so long!"

"Don't you dare fucking touch me!"

Despite Bakugou's protest, Ashido wrapped him up tightly in a hug.

Bakugou growled as he pried Ashido's arms off of him and pushed her away. "Pull that shit again and I'll replace your water with vinegar."
Ashido waved him off. "Oh, you wouldn't do that." She paused and looked at him skeptically. "Would you?"

Bakugou grinned evily then motioned towards a booth. "Have a seat."

Everyone slid into the booth, Kaminari and Ashido on the inside on each side and Kirishima and Sero on the outside.
Kirishima had to admit, Bakugou didnt seem half bad when he wasn't looking at you as if you were one wrong move away from him ending your life. It made him feel a little bit better that Bakugou seemed to brush off the other day like it never happened as he took their order for drinks.

After Bakugou headed to the back, Kirishima looked around the table and saw Sero and Ashido squinted suspiciously at Bakugou's retreating form.

He furrowed his brows. "What's up?"

Ashido placed her chin in her hands. "Its a little weird...dont you think so?"

Kirishima guessed that her question wasnt aimed at him when Sero nodded slowly in thought.
Kaminari and Kirishima looked at each other, Kirishima hoping to be filled in but Kaminari looked just as confused as he was.
Kaminari leaned forward. "Um, guys? Mind explaining your cryptic comments?"

Sero threaded his fingers together then leaned in closer as he whispered. "You know how Bakugou always looks everyone in the eyes? In that real scary way?"

Kirishima shook his head as Kaminari nodded. Kirishima was dismissed once again as Sero continued. "Well, me and Ashido were watching him as he took everyone's order, and we saw that he didnt look at Kirishima when he ordered."

"He looked at everyone else?" Kaminari asked.

"Yeah!" Ashido jumped back in. "He even wrote on the little notepad without looking at it! Until Kirishima."

Kirishima sat back and crossed his arms. "You're making it sound like I should be offended."

"No no, it's not like that. Its just-"

Ashido quickly stopped herself when Bakugou walked out with four glasses of their drinks.
He put them all down accordingly, and slid Ashido's glass of water to her slowly with that grin on his face again. "Water for Pinky."

Ashido broke out in a nervous sweat. "Its actually water, right?"

Bakugou crossed his arms. "Why dont you taste to find out?"

Ashido stared at the glass nervously, the silence an anticipation of the table becoming too much. Kirishima finally reached forward and grasped the glass, then took a gulp.

He sat it back down in front of Ashido, then smiled. "Its water."

Ashido looked like she was about to cry, her smile wobbly and her hand was placed over her heart. "K-kirishima! You were gonna take a shot of vinegar for me?"

Kirishima shrugged sheepishly. "Everything was so quiet. And I didnt want you to just, not drink anything."

Bakugou growled. "Idiot."

"Huh?"

"What if I did put vinegar in there? Your throat would be tore the fuck up right now." Bakugou said, and was looking him right in the eyes. His scarlet eyes burned into Kirishima's own.

Kirishima smiled. "I had a feeling you wouldn't actually do that."

Disbelief flashed through those red eyes, then anger, then indifference. "Whatever. What do you losers want to eat."

They all ordered, Kirishima ordered an american style bacon and cheddar grilled cheese with french fries and they all ate. He didnt pay much attention to what everyone else ordered, he was too focused on trying to explain to all his friends why he practically almost took a bullet for Ashido.
She was crying about it, saying that he was a top tier friend now and he was never going to get away from them now.

Kirishima had said he was completely okay with that, but his mind lingered on those cardinal colored eyes.
That burning gaze felt familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. It frustrated him.

Eventually the conversation switched over to how Ashido was in the mood to hang out at a bar and talk, no extravagant clubs with loud blasting music.
Sero and Kaminari agreed easily, but Kirishima was iffy.

He might make monstrous drinks and work at a club, and he does have tonight off, but he's not a drinker nor does he know how to handle drunk people.

When Bakugou came back with the bill, Ashido gasped, making Bakugou jump.
"Fucking- dont do that!"

"You should come drinking with us! We're going to that bar downtown, and Kirishima wont come. If you go, Kirishima will only be obligated to go."

Kirishima stared at her incredulously. "What-"

"Fine."

Everyone stared at Bakugou for a second, then they all began bursting with cheers. "Yes!" Kaminari jumped up. "Finally. You agree to hang out for once! You need to get out more."

Sero nodded along. "Yeah, this'll be good for you, man."

Bakugou huffed. "It's only cause I have tonight off and you're paying for my drinks." He said motioning towards Ashido.

She sighed in defeat. "Fiiiine. Just meet us at Kaminari's place at 7! This is gonna be awesome!"

~0~

Chapter Text

He was freaking out a little.

Okay, maybe more than a little.

Its just... he now had a chance to make a better impression with Bakugou and he really didnt want to screw it up in any way.
He had to be perfect! Down to the smallest detail.

He had kept track of what he knew Bakugou didnt like so far:
No yelling at him.
No touching.
No challenging looks.

Seemed easy enough. Kirishima could totally pull this off.

He glanced at his clock. 6:30PM. He still had another two hours before he needed to be at the bar to meet everyone.
He sighed and sank further into his bed, then glanced at the clock again.
6:31PM.
He couldn't do this for two hours, he'd go insane.

Maybe he could hang out with Kaminari until time passed? He could also ask for some advice. He's known Bakugou longer than he has, so he's got to know how to get along well with the angry blond.
He pulled himself out of bed, and went to his bathroom to freshen up. He brushed his teeth, then splashed cold water onto his face and dried it with a hand towel.
As he looked at himself in the mirror, he wondered, how did Bakugou get him so messed up?

He let his mind wander as he began to go through his routine of spiking up his hair.
He was probably so hung up about it cause he usually makes friends pretty quickly, and he just wants Bakugou to like him.
Or maybe cause he's curious about the blond. Why's he so angry anyway?
If he cooks so well, why work in a little retro diner?
Why does he not hang out with his friends often?

Kirishima looked at himself in the mirror again.

Why does Bakugou look at him like that?
With that burning gaze, like he's trying to unravel him. Like he's trying to say something, but it's not exactly getting through to Kirishima. Like he's studying him, as if he's never seen anything quite like him.

Well, he'd figure it out tonight. He'll befriend Bakugou, and ask these questions.
At least, he'll try to.

~0~

He knocked on Kaminari's door after he had finished preparing for the night. Kaminari opened the door, his hair pushed out of his eyes by a hair band and a toothbrush was sticking out of his mouth.
"Oh," he mumbled out past the brush and the paste in his mouth. "What's up, man?"

Kirishima smiled nervously. "Hey, you've known Bakugou for a while, right? So you know him pretty well."

Kaminari chuckled and open his door wider to let Kirishima in, then motioned for him to follow him to the bathroom so he could finish brushing his teeth.
Kaminari's bathroom was like the rest of his apartment; flashy.
He had zebra print bathtub curtains and a fluffy white foot carpet outside of the tub. His mirror was big, and three bulbs lit it up well.
His sink was covered in skincare and teeth products, along with a few bottles of expensive looking cologne.

Kaminari spit the paste into the sink then took a cup of water to gargle in his mouth before spitting that out too. He cleaned his sink out as he reached for a yellow brush.
"So, you're asking me for advice on Bakugou?"

Kirishima nodded, trying not to look desperate.

Kaminari laughed as he took off his hair band. "Dude, I didnt think you'd come to terms so quick. Let alone ask for help. You seem like you could get him falling into your open arms in no time."

Kirishima looked at him curiously. "What are you talking about exactly?"

Kaminari looked at him from the mirror. "You're trying to seduce Bakugou, right?"

Kirishima felt his face turn red and he could see it in the mirror, which made it worse. "W-what? No! I-"

Kaminari turned around and pointed his yellow brush at him like it was a weapon he wasnt afraid to use. "Dont play games with me, man. I saw you looking at his ass the first day we went to the diner. Me and Sero know you've been hardcore crushing on him this entire time."

Kirishima didnt know how to defend himself. What do you say in response to being caught looking at a friends ass? So he huffed, and stayed quiet.
Kaminari smiled in victory and turned back to his mirror as he started styling his hair.

"Okay, so Bakugou is a hard nut to crack. But I've seen the way he's been looking you, dude."

Kirishima stuffed his hands in his pockets and started fiddling with the loose strings in there. "I-i dont know what you're talking about."

Kaminari sighed loudly. "Kiri! He looks at you as if you're a full course meal and he hasn't eaten in weeks. And you think he's the full package too. And the best part?"

Kirishima looked up at his friend curiously.

Kaminari smirks. "Bakugou is gonna get hammered tonight. He's going to be so drunk that he'll spill anything you wanna know."

Kirishima frowned. "Isn't that taking advantage?"

Kaminari turned with a smile and patted his shoulder. "Kirishima, you poor, poor oblivious boy. Do you know why he's gonna get smashed?"

Kirishima shook his head.

"To get courage around you, dumb-dumb! He wont be so closed off if he's too drunk to care."

Kirishima almost couldn't believe it. All of it.
Bakugou liked him? Like that?
"Are you sure? Like, that Bakugou is doing this because of me?"

Kaminari began styling again, then put down his brush to spritz himself with unique smelling cologne. "Dude, why do you think he agreed so fast after we said you'd come only if he did?"

Kirishima covered his face in embarrassment. "Maybe he just wanted to see you guys or something. I mean," he frowned and motioned to himself. "Look at me. I dont think I'm Bakugou's type."

Kaminari turned around and tapped his chin in thought. "Yeah, look at you. 180 pounds of pure muscle, sharp jawline, beautiful eyes, and a charming smile. Kirishima, you're anybody's type. Especially Bakugou's." He said with a sly smile. He then poked at Kirishima's chest. "But going out in that? Your t-shirt is too loose, so are your jeans." He frowned. "And how old are those sneakers?"

"Uhhhh.." Kirishima trailed on, trying to explain himself.

Kaminari shook his head and clicked his tongue. "Tsk tsk. Looks like I need to step in. Kirishima, I'm going to make you look like a star!"

~0~

Kirishima walked out in a well-fitting red and black t-shirt, blue jeans that hugged his hips and thighs, and a pair of clean white and red sneakers that Kaminari let him have. Kirishima again thanked the gods above for such great friends, and thanked his friend for helping him look his best.

Kaminari waved him off. "Its cool, bro. You seem like you'll be good for Bakugou, so I'll be your wingman."

Kaminari got himself dressed next. He put on a white t-shirt and black skinny jeans with white sneakers that had a yellow lightning bolt going across the sides. He threw a black jack over his shoulders and began walking to the door. Kirishima grabbed his navy blue jacket that Kaminari let him keep, and ran out the door with his friend.

Kaminari and Kirishima pulled up in Kaminari's car at the meeting time, and Kirishima had gone into flight mode.
He wanted to turn around and hightail it back to his apartment, in the safety of his warm comforter.

Kaminari patted his shoulder and smiled kindly. "Its okay, dude. Bakugou is gonna think you look awesome, and you get to hang out with all of us tonight."

Kirishima returned the smile, though it was a nervous one. After taking a deep breath and silencing his loud thoughts, he opened his car door and stepped out onto the sidewalk in front of the bar.

A glowing blue neon sign read, 'The Stool' and Kirishima couldn't help but wonder if this was a sports bar or a regular bar.
Kaminari led him inside, and at a round booth in the far corner was Sero, Ashido, and Bakugou.

Sero and Ashido seemed to be in an intense conversation about something, while Bakugou rolled his eyes and slouched into the cushioned seat. As he and Kaminari approached, Bakugou was the first to spot them. But instead of announcing their arrival, he picked up a glass and began to drink.

Kaminari waved and then slid into the booth beside Sero, leaving no room for Kirishima on that side.
Thankfully, Bakugou moved over without hesitation and Kirishima quickly took the seat without mentioning it.

Ashido smacked the table as she looked at Kirishima furiously. "Kirishima, tell Sero that tomatoes are a vegetable!"

"Uhhh, Sero, tomatoes are a vegetable?" He said as a question, not quite sure where it came from. He guessed that's what their conversation was about before.

Sero shook his head and crossed his arms. "They're not. They're a fruit."

Ashido gripped her pink, fluffy hair in frustration. "No!"

Kaminari smiled then took a sip of Sero's drink. "Wait, does that mean that tomato juice is actually a smoothie?"

Kirishima laughed and stood up. "I'm going to get drinks. What do you guys want?"

Ashido and Sero ignored him, still in deep conversation, but Kaminari answered quickly. "Whatever will get me fucked up the quickest."

Kirishima nodded and laughed, then he heard Bakugou mumble, "I'm coming with you."
Kirishima was shocked that Bakugou wanted to be alone with him, but be guessed he shouldn't be because of the information Kaminari had supplied him with.
Bakugou followed him up to the bar, both of them quiet as smooth rock played over the speakers. They both slipped into a stool and waited for their turn to be served.

"Is there something you'd like?" Kirishima asked.

Bakugou leaned his elbow on the counter and placed his chin in the palm of his hand. "Another whiskey. Put it on Pinky's tab."

"Ah, no it's cool. I'll pay." he offered.

Bakugou looked at him curiously, his sharp red eyes studying him. "Why?"

"Oh," he smiled. "Well, it's just a nice thing to do."

Bakugou huffed and looked away. "Too nice." he mumbled.

"Hm?"

"I said you're too nice. It's weird."

"Is..that a bad thing?" he asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

Bakugou tensed. "Fucking- no. Not bad. Its actually way too good."

Bakugou stared at the counter, as if he was desperately trying his best to not make any eye contact. A light pink color dusted his cheeks.
"Oh, thank you." He said lamely. He mentally face palmed at his lack of moves towards Bakugou, then he ordered the drinks. The bartender served them, and they walked back to the table, while Bakugou nursed a whiskey in one hand.

The night trailed on, his friends getting drunk pretty quickly. He figured out what type of drunk each of them were. Ashido was the singing drunk; she would spit out random lyrics every few minutes and then giggle when she messed up.
Sero was the knockout drunk; he just flat-out fell asleep a couple times, and Kaminari or Ashido would shake him awake every once in a while.
Kaminari was the laughing drunk; he just thought everything was hilarious, no matter how lame the joke. Even if he was making the joke he would laugh.

And finally Bakugou. It took a while to figure out what type he was. Kirishima thought that he didnt change much when he was drunk, or maybe he wasnt drunk at all yet.

Then Bakugou leaned his head on Kirishima's shoulder.

"Kirishima," Bakugou whispered.

Kirishima looked over at him. Bakugou had his cheek squished against Kirishima, and his eyes were droopy.
"Yeah, Bakugou?" He whispered back. He didn't want to speak too loud incase Bakugou wanted to be private.

Bakugou looked up at him through his pale lashes, his carmine irises shining in the light of the bar. "Your hair is red...why?"

The question caught him off guard. "Oh! Um, well my hair used to be black. I..didnt like it. I thought it looked plain. So I dyed it the color of my favorite band, Crimson Riot."

Suddenly he felt lithe fingers playing with the scarlet threads. "It looks good on you. I like it." Bakugou said lowly.

He felt his cheeks heat up. "T-thank you." Ugh, stuttering? Not very manly.
The fingers ran through his spikes now, more daring than before. It felt nice, soothing. He knew that Bakugou's face was getting closer to his, that his friends were paying no mind so he wouldn't have to worry about being teased, but Bakugou did not press his lips on his own.

Instead, he whispered a few words in Kirishima's ear. "Take me home, Kirishima."

~0~

Chapter Text

Bakugou's fingers were lightly scraping against his scalp in the best way. It was sending the most delicious shivers down his spine.

Bakugou's breath was also fanning against his face, close to his lips. Kirishima couldn't help his gaze flickering to the pale, perfect, skin. He seemed to shine under the luminescence of the lightbulb in the lamp above them.
His lips were plump, and light pink.
His eyes were the most beautiful shade of red, and his pupils were blown from the..

From the alcohol.

No.

No, this wasnt right.

Did Bakugou just ask for him to take him back home? That could only mean one thing.
He couldn't do that, not while Bakugou wasn't in the right state of mind.

But he couldn't just say no. He might've only known Bakugou for a few days, but he knew if he turned down Bakugou's offer here that he would be so embarrassed, and probably throw a fit, which would lead to his friends asking questions and more embarrassment. Bakugou would kill him.
So he did the only logical thing.

"Y-yeah. Yeah, let's go."

Bakugou nodded, a different look in his eye; was that nervousness? Kirishima scooted out of the booth and stood, then scrounged up a quick excuse.
"Hey, Bakugou told me that he's not feeling too well so I'll be taking him home, assuming I'm the most sober out of you all."

All of his friends turned to look, Mina being the first to wave the excuse off. "Yes yes, of course babes. Have a good night! Drinks lot'sa water and get'chu some bread." she slurred happily.

Bakugou scowled at her, already walking away.

Sero smiled and raised his glass, like a toast. "Good luck, mate. Here's hopin' he doesnt kill ya and I'll have to deal with your body."
Kaminari pushed his shoulder. "Shuddup! Can't you see our baby boy is going to go get lai-"

Kirishima covered Kaminari's mouth quickly and shot him a pointed glare. "Kaminari, you're too drunk, man. Start on the waters."

Kaminari huffed but stayed silent as Kirishima moved away, and bid his friends farewell. After pushing his way out of the bar, he made it outside to meet up with Bakugou, who was leaning against the wall and tapping his foot impatiently.
When Bakugou noticed his presence, he dug into his pocket and threw keys in his direction. Kirishima fumbled with the catch, then looked at the kingly metal questionably.

Bakugou's keys had a keychain with a tiny metal skull hanging off, and another was a rose. Kirishima had to really restrain himself from looking up and calling Bakugou adorable in front of a bar.

"My car," he pointed towards a small, stylish red car parked across the road. He then pointed at Kirishima. "Your apartment. 's closer."

"Uhh, how do you know that?"

Bakugou rolled his eyes in frustration then walked (read: stumbled) over to lean against him. "Y'think Dunce Face ever stops talkin'? Let's jus' hurry up already." Bakugou's arm looped around his own and he waited patiently for Kirishima to cross the street.

Kirishima swallowed the urge to call him cute again, and began to warily walk them across the street. He opened Bakugou's passenger side for him, thinking nothing of it, when Bakugou suddenly looked up at him with a surprised face that morphed into a smirk.
Bakugou moved over to get inside, but ran his knuckles gently across his cheek then left a kiss there. "Mm..what a gentleman." He smiled at him, almost deviously, then sat in his seat.

When Kirishima shook himself out of his stupor, he shut the door and got in on the driver's side.
The ride was pretty short to his apartment, the only eventful thing happening was Bakugou's lithe hand snaking it's way onto his thigh and showing no signs of moving.

When they pulled up to the apartment complex and Kirishima helped him along their way to the apartment, he began to have doubts.
He could just...give in- No! He cant! He has made a pledge to himself that he wants their first time to be honest and loving, not stumbling around in a rush to touch.
Even though that does sound hot-

Kirishima shook the images from his head as he dug into his pocket for his keys then pushed open his door. Bakugou followed him in quietly, walking past him as he shut and locked the door behind them, then suddenly he was being pressed against the door.

Bakugou left no space in between their bodies as he moved his thigh in between Kirishima's to gently and almost unnoticeably grind against Kirishima's dick through his pants.
He had to shut this down now.

He place his hand on Bakugou's hips and tried to push him away, so Bakugou's hips would stop grinding against him. Bakugou didnt pay attention to Kirishima's firm grip, only took it as a sign to continue as he leaned up to kiss along Kirishima's neck. "B-bakugou, listen I-"

Bakugou silenced him with a kiss and more grinding, which Kirishima embarrassingly let out a tiny sound for.
He pushed against Bakugou's shoulders next, more force, and Bakugou nibbled his lip in response.
"A-ah, Bakugou..please listen."

Bakugou moved away, aggravated. "Fucking- what? Am I doing somethin' wrong? Goin' too fast?"

Kirishima caught his breath and shook his head. "N-no that's not it. I-"

Bakugou pushed against his chest forcefully so his back hit the door again. "Then shut up," he said, then got on his knees in front of him. "And let me suck your dick."
Bakugou started fiddling with his button, then his zipper, and his mind finally kicked back into motion again. He grabbed Bakugou's hands. "Bakugou, listen!"

Bakugou froze, and stared up at him. He looked confused, and dejected. Kirishima sighed and crouched down to be at eye level with him. "Bakugou..I like you. I really, really like you."
Bakugou's hands squeezed his own.
"But, I dont want our first time to be under the influence of alcohol, okay? I brought you here to save you the embarrassment and to get to know you in private, no prying eyes. Just me."

Bakugou wasn't looking at him anymore, just looking down at the floor, his ashy blond hair covering his face. Kirishima began to worry. "Bakugou? I'm sorry, its probably really stupid-"

"Shut up."

Kirishima watched Bakugou, waiting for any signs that everything was okay. Eventually the blond sighed and started trying to stand up. Kirishima quickly got to his feet and helped Bakugou up, their hands still in each others. Kirishima led Bakugou to his kitchen and let him lean against the counter.
"I can fix you some water and a sandwich, can soak up all the alcohol?"

Bakugou nodded, then looked down and pointed at his crotch. Once Kirishima looked, he realized his fly was still undone. He blushed and quickly fixed it. "There we go. What's your favorite type of sandwich?" he asked as he went over to his fridge.

"Is this you trying to get to know me?"

Kirishima shrugged. "Good place to start. Now, favorite type of sandwich."

He heard a huff of laughter. "Turkey, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, mustard and bacon."

Kirishima frowned at the contents in his fridge. "So I can do, like, four of those things. Do you like BLT's?"

Another laugh. "Yeah. I like BLT's."

Kirishima pulled the items out of the fridge and got a glass to fill with water. He handed Bakugou the full glass then asked, "Favorite color?"

Bakugou sipped his water. "Orange. But I'm beginning to like red a lot better.." he said with a small smile.
Kirishima smiled dumbly as he touched his hair, then shook his head as he grabbed a pan to fry the bacon in. "Mine is yellow."

"Not red?"

He smiled. "Red is a close second, but yellow is so bright and cheerful. 'Makes me happy looking at it."

Bakugou nodded, and sipped his water again. "Favorite activity?"

Kirishima flexed his arm with a smile while the other worked on turning on the stove. "Working out, man. Awesome way to release stress and it makes me feel powerful."

Bakugou nodded. "Yeah, I agree."

Kirishima placed a few pieces of bacon on the pan. "You work out?"

Bakugou glanced away. "Mhm. My favorite activity is cooking."

Kirishima went over to his pantry to retrieve the bread. "That makes sense. Kaminari always talks about how you're such an awesome cook." He praised, then looked over to Bakugou in question. "Why do you work at the diner if you're so great at cooking anyways?"

Bakugou looked away and sipped his water quietly.

Kirishima's eyes widened an he waved it off. "Oh, it's cool. I was just wondering, is all. What do you do in your free time?"

"Read."

"Ah, you're a bookworm, huh? I read a bit myself, but if there's not enough action I get too bored." He said as he laid out all the stuff for their sandwiches on the counter.
Bakugou carefully took the knife and kindly began cutting the tomato. "Well, the book I'm reading right now is about a war. The main character is the colonel."

Kirishima went over to the bacon and flipped them. "Sounds like a good read. Hey, maybe we can read it together? You know, like one of those old lady book groups."

Bakugou laughed. "Yeah, whatever. You're lucky I have two copies."

~0~

Bakugou stayed over that night, Kirishima offering to take the couch while Bakugou occupied the bed.
The blond wasnt too happy about the arrangement, but grumbled his way into his room.

Kirishima pulled out an extra pillow and blanket from his hallway closet, shed his jeans Kaminari lent him, then took his place on the couch. As he laid there, he couldn't help but think about the events from that night. They had laughed with BLT's in their hands, getting to know one another.
Kirishima liked thinking about the way he and Bakugou got along now, even though it was after Bakugou had tried to suck his dick.

That reminds him..

Bakugou had taken their first kiss as he pressed Kirishima up against his apartment door. He hadn't really thought about it until now, but that kiss was too quick to memorize properly. He mourned the memory of his first kiss, as he drifted off to sleep.

The morning came too quickly in his opinion.

His roommate for the night was already up and at 'em, in his kitchen at his coffee brewer with Kirishima's entire comforter wrapped around him.
Kirishima groaned as he sat up, stretching to pop and sooth his back. "Good morning, Bakugou."

Bakugou glared over at him. "Why is it so fuckin' cold?! What is wrong with you, you animal?"

Kirishima got up from the couch, and stretched again. "I think its nice."
He got no response so he peaked open his eyes from his stretch and saw Bakugou looking at him with his jaw dropped. "What?" He asked curiously.

Bakugou threw Kirishima's comforter over his head. "Just- put some fucking pants on!"

Oh yeah, he had taken his jeans off last night to sleep. "Sorry! I'll go change now."
He made his way into his bedroom and saw that during the night, Bakugou had thrown some of his clothes over the vents to keep the cold out. He picked up a pair of his pajama pants and slid them on, then changed into a comfy black t-shirt.

When he walked back into his kitchen, he saw Bakugou making eggs with a scowl on his face.
"Not a morning person?" He asked as he went to his fridge to pour some orange juice.

Bakugou huffed and pulled the comforter closer around him.

He smiled as he retrieved his phone from the counter, and as his screen lit up his smile went away.

11:38 PM yesterday
Kami: dude you gettin laid rn

11:56 PM yesterday
Kami: I guess that's a yes

He cringed and went to his other missed messages.

11:43 PM yesterday
Sero: bro kami said you're finally gettin it. Nice dude

He face palmed and groaned.

11:45 PM yesterday
Ashido: omg are you and baku actually hooking up right now? tell him I'm proud of him!!! better yet, ill text him <3 xoxo

"What are you moping around for?" Bakugou huffed.

He looked over, terror written all over his face. "Please dont check your phone."

Bakugou squinted and walked over to the counter, picked up his phone, and pure anger erupted on his face.
Kirishima quickly took the phone away and turned it off, then cradled his face in his palms. "Its cool, everything is fine. We'll just tell them nothing happened."

Bakugou's expression seemed to soften the longer Kirishima looked at him and held his face. Suddenly his arms were wrapping around his torso and his head was buried in his chest. He smelt sweet, like vanilla or caramel. His skin was soft, but his hands were rough as he held on tightly to him. Bakugou released a long breath, his body losing tension the longer they stayed in each others arms.

So they stayed.

~0~

Chapter Text

Bakugou left shortly after he finished his coffee, saying he had work later that night and he also had a shift to cover at the diner before then.
It made him wonder, Bakugou had two jobs?

Was this a known fact to everyone and he was just now being let in on it?

He didnt dwell on it too much, just sipped his coffee with Bakugou and offered a goodbye when he left his apartment.
It was a weird goodbye, neither really seemed to know what to do.
They weren't together so a kiss or something was out of the question. Wait, were they dating? They were getting to know each other so shouldn't it count?

The uncertainty in the air didnt only belong to him as Bakugou nodded his head without looking him in the eyes, and shutting Kirishima's door behind him.

The exchange made Kirishima feel odd, like it was out of place and wrong. Like Bakugou suddenly flipped a switch and now it'd be harder to get the Bakugou that sat and ate BLT's with him back. He didn't like thinking about it too much, he was mostly just passing it off as him over-thinking things again, but a sad look passed over Bakugou's carmine irises with that goodbye and he just couldn't get it out of his head.

He was just finishing his coffee when his phone began ringing from the counter.

He swiped up. "Hello?"

"Hey, dude!" Tetsutetsu exclaimed from the other end of the line.

Kirishima couldn't help the smile that formed on his lips. "Hey, man. What's up?"

"Well, I was in town from visiting my parents," he said as an engine started in the background. "And I just thought, 'How about I visit my closest bro, Kirishima?' So I'm asking permission before I just show up at your door."

Kirishima laughed. "Yeah, dude! You should totally come! I've met these awesome people that live here and they've helped me out so much."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah! One of them helped me get a new job!"

"Ha! Nice, dude!" Tetsutetsu said while the sound of wind blew into the speaker. "But save all the details for later. I'll be there in, like, 15 minutes."

Kirishima smiled wider. "Awesome, man. See ya."

"See ya."

He hung up the phone and began rushing around, sprucing up anything that needed cleaning. He did the dishes he messed up last night, picked up and threw the clothes Bakugou had put over the vents back into the dirty clothes, then folded and put away the cover and pillow he used last night to sleep on the couch.

Yeah, maybe he was a little excited for his friend to see his new home. He wanted it to look its nicest for when he gave the tour.

Then maybe afterwards, he could introduce Tetsutetsu to his new friends. What an experience that will be.

Surely enough, a knock sounded on his door 15 minutes later. He rushed to it and swung it open happily to see Tetsutetsu standing with a smile just as wide as his.
Tetsutetsu enveloped him in a man-hug, patting his pat roughly, which he returned with equal enthusiasm.

When they parted, Kirishima waved him in. "Come on, dude! I want you to see!"

Tetsutetsu laughed and took his time walking through the door. "Okay okay. Let's see what you got here."

Kirishima shut his door and stood proudly in front Tetsutetsu as his friend took in the appearance.
He nodded as his gaze wandered around. "Smaller than the old one."

Kirishima huffed. "Well the old one was supposed to room two people."

"Touché. So what's been up, my dude?" Tetsutetsu said as he wandered around the living room then sat on the couch. Kirishima sat as well. "So much, man. The first day I pulled up in the moving truck, two guys just offered to help me. Just walked up."

"Woah, weird."

"I know right. And they let me drink with them after, and introduced me to their friend who helped me get a job as a bartender."

Tetsutetsu laughed and slapped his back. "Finally you put your talent to good use!"

He laughed along with him, then continued. "And my boss is great. She helps drunk people get home safe, and the club is always so awesome."

"Any hot strippers?" Tetsutetsu raised a brow playfully.

Kirishima couldn't help his mind mind wandering to a certain lithe, ashy blond strip-god with the black mask covering their face. "Uhh, yeah yeah. There are."

Tetsutetsu suddenly froze. "Oh no, bro."

"What?"

An astonished smile popped up on his friend's face. "You got the hots for a stripper!"

Kirishima shoved him, his face aflame. "No I dont! Besides, there's someone else!"

Tetsutetsu propped his elbow up on his knee and let his chin sit in his palm. "Oh?"

Kirishima frowned, his face felt hot and telling all of this to Tetsutetsu was pretty embarrassing, but it wasn't like he friend didn't already know that he was gay. "There's...this person that my new friends introduced me to. He works at the diner a few blocks away, and he's a great cook. He's quite the fireball, but once I got to know him it seem like we just clicked, you know?"

Tetsutetsu had a dreamy look on his face. "Aww, my best bro is a prince, ready to sweep this delicate rose of his feet."

Kirishima shoved at him again, then sighed. "He's kinda confusing. One minute it seems like he'll tell me anything, the next he shuts down."

"Seems like the guy has some walls up."

Kirishima's mind wandered. "Yeah...but last night when he was laughing with me and eating BLT's, and it was just us, it was..."

Tetsutetsu poked him playfully, a mischievous smile on his face. "Last night, huh?"

"Oh, shut up!"

His phone vibrated in his pocket and he quickly withdrew it to check.

1:13AM today
Kami: hey dude im mega hungry. wanna go to the diner with me to see your loooove~?

He huffed when he read the message, causing Tetsutetsu to read over his shoulder. "Ohh, you said that they worked at a diner. Yeah, let me get an impression on the dude you laid and your new friends."

"We didn't have sex!"

~0~

Nervous didnt even begin to describe the feeling he felt as he and Tetsutetsu walked towards the diner to meet Kaminari there.
Kirishima was so on edge, his friend had reached over to pat his back reassuringly multiple times and offered him a few kind smiles.

Though he appreciated his friend's attempt at comforting him, his mind was still stuck on the thought of Bakugou's face when Kirishima showed up at the diner after Bakugou had just left his house rather awkwardly this morning.

Would he be upset?

Embarrassed?

Kirishima even got the terrible image of Bakugou shoving him out the diner doors and banning him for life.

Was he overthinking this?

He had no more time to think when Kaminari waved at them from the retro diner doors. Kirishima waved back, but Kaminari must've sensed his nervousness. "Ah, a little uptight, are we?" he said elbowing him in the ribs playfully.

Kirishima laughed it off, and quickly changed the subject. "This is my friend Tetsutetsu. He was my roommate before I moved here." he motioned to his friend beside him, in which Tetsutetsu smiled enthusiastically. He stuck his hand out towards Kaminari. "Hey, man. I've heard a bunch about you. All good things."

Kaminari looked Tetsutetsu up and down, then crossed his arms and frowned. "So. You're the guy that forced my buddy to move here."

Kirishima's eyes widened and he was about to step in when Tetsutetsu suddenly let out a loud laugh. He clapped Kaminari on the shoulder. "Well, I definitely know that you'll be a good friend to Kirishima." He said confidently, then he let his smile drop a little as he looked off to the side. "Yeah, I moved out with my girlfriend and Kirishima couldn't keep up with rent by himself so he had no choice. I have admitted that it was my fault," he mumbled, then looked up, determined, at Kaminari. "So I'm going to make sure I'm there for Kirishima until he's back on his feet again."

Kaminari stared at Tetsutetsu for a while, unsure, then a wide smile covered his face. "Well! You seem good in my book!" He finally grabbed at Tetsutetsu's hand to shake it. "Kaminari Denki, at your service!"

Kirishima let out a breath he didnt know that he had been holding.

Tetsutetsu and Kaminari seemed to hit it off, smiling and laughing with each other outside of the diner while Kirishima just let them go at it.
Kaminari finally offered to go inside and began up the steps. Tetsutetsu trailed behind him excitedly, but Kirishima lingered for a bit to take a deep breath.

Eventually, he walked up the steps and went inside to follow his friends.
The diner was empty, as per usual, but Bakugou was nowhere in sight either. He took a seat in the booth beside Tetsutetsu, across from Kaminari and queued in on their conversation. "Healing waffles, huh?" Tetsutetsu questioned with a smile. "Sounds pretty promising. I'll try it out!"

Kirishima smiled at his friend then turned to Kaminari. "You got a hangover?"

Kaminari waved him off. "Nah, just in the mood for waffles." He smirked, then looked around curiously. "Where's Bakugou at...? Usually I'm loud enough that he'll hear me coming from down the street."

Kirishima frowned nervously and looked around as well. "Maybe he's on break?"

Kaminari shook his head. "Bakugou doesn't take breaks." He slipped out of the booth and walked up to the front counter, then rang a tiny bell for service.
There was no sound for a good minute, until Kaminari rang it again and suddenly a huge crash came from the back, making them all jump. From the swing out doors, out ran a small but muscular man with fluffy green hair and panicked green eyes.

"Sorry Kacchan, I-" he paused as he observed the people around him, then smiled nervously. "Ah, you're not Kacchan."

Kaminari waved, confused, and offered a smile in return. "Uh, hey? Where's Bakugou?"

The man stood up a little straighter. "I- actually I'm not exactly sure? He said he'd be right back. I was just watching the diner until he returned." He explained, then scratched at the back of his neck nervously. "But I guess it makes sense you're not Kacchan, he'd never ring the bell like that, he'd just come back there and yell at me."

Kirishima then pieced together that 'Kacchan' and Bakugou were the same person. Wasn't that nickname a really personal thing? Did Bakugou ever bring up this green haired man before?

He didn't think so.

While he was in his own head, Kaminari continued. "Dude! I texted him I was on my way with Kirishima. Why'd he ditch-" Kaminari suddenly froze and cringed as he looked over at Kirishima apologetically.

Bakugou had left to avoid Kirishima.

He tried to not let it hurt, so he smiled and slid out of the booth. "Sorry, we had no idea Bakugou had plans. We didn't mean to bother you." He apologized to the green haired man.
Said man waved his hands back and forth frantically, eyes wide. "No no! Dont apologize! I'm sure Kacchan will be back soon, I could talk to him-"

Kirishima stopped him. "Its okay, I understand. We'll just be going now." he said looking at his friends with begging eyes to leave. Tetsutetsu seemed to be infuriated, but got up from the booth to rub his friends shoulder comfortingly. Kaminari frowned at the ground, then looked at the green haired man again. "Tell Bakugou we need to talk."

Then they left.

~0~

When he returned to his apartment, Tetsutetsu had been so angry at Bakugou that he threatened to beat him to a pulp when he met him.
Kaminari was silent when he got mad, it was a little scary.

Kirishima wasn't mad. He wasn't sad either, but he wasn't necessarily happy.
He just tried not to think about it, maybe it wasn't what it sounded like. He told himself so.

Tetsutetsu offered to spend the night with him, which Kirishima immediately agreed too. More time to spend with his best friend, but some part of him also didn't want to be alone.
Kaminari retreated to his own apartment, complaining about work he needed to do.

Right. Work.

He reluctantly got ready, sliding on his dress shirt and black capris. He slipped on his dress shoes at the door, then bid Tetsutetsu goodbye, saying he'd return later tonight.

Kaminari had taken him to work, but it was unusually quiet. His friend wished him a good night, and Kirishima approached Stardom as he usually did. Koda smiled and nodded silently at him, then let him inside.
The club was already kind of packed, the crowd thick enough to make it difficult to make it to the bar on the other side.

Satou waved hello with a bright smile to him, but it quickly fell when he saw Kirishima's expression.
"Dude, are you okay? Did something happen?" He asked as Kirishima slipped his apron around his waist and tied it behind him.

Kirishima gave him a weak smile. "Yeah, man. I'm cool. Now, let's make these drinks." he said turning his attention to the patrons who were lining up at the bar.

Satou didn't question him any further, just made drinks with him, both in sync as they grabbed things to mix and washed glasses.
It was quite the rush. So many people to serve, not all of them very patient.
And tips were bigger if they were served fast, so he had to be careful but quick.

He enjoyed the hum of music, the bass booming to where he could feel it inside his chest. It vibrated the floors and walls, in a pleasant way.
There were people dancing, others watching a stripper whom Kirishima didn't recognize and throwing money onto the stage.

He worked on cleaning glasses, humming to a popular pop song he knew, when suddenly the music changed to a familiar rock song. He frowned, and stared pointedly at the glass in his hands.
He felt suddenly guilty at the thought of looking at Cherry Bomb. Like he was betraying Bakugou by taking in the elegant glide of the stripper's body spinning around the glowing pole.

His eyes did drift against his will, looking up to the one and only Cherry Bomb, dressed in their black crop top with the orange X going across, but this time it was paired with skinny leather pants that hugged everything just right.
The black mask sat comfortably on their face, their vermilion eyes striking in the strobe lights.

Cherry Bomb twirled around the pole, their thighs holding them as they turned upside down and their chest was revealed and rubbed with their own hands.

Those eyes were looking directly at him again.

He looked away, guilt eating him alive.

What would Bakugou think if he knew that Kirishima oogled at strippers at his job, the original reason he wanted it so bad? He'd probably think that Kirishima was disgusting.

He suddenly heard cheers, his attention dragged away from his glass once again and to the stage where Cherry Bomb was now on the ground, their back arched as their thighs stayed wrapped around the pole, people stuffing bills into their pants.
They suddenly pulled themselves up, hands wrapping around the pole, and began grinding against it, their eyes locking again.

Kirishima wanted this night to be over.

~0~

Chapter Text

The morning was unwelcome and he groaned at the sunlight pouring through his window. He threw his cover over his face and tried to drift off again, but unfortunately he forgot Tetsutetsu stayed the night.

He door was swung open and his friend loudly announced his presence. "Morning, bro! Got you a warm coffee brewing."

Kirishima groaned again as he grabbed his pillow and put it on top of his face, which was also still covered by his comforter. Tetsutetsu promptly snatched the covers off of him, exposing him to the chilly air.

He hugged his exposed, cold, goosebumpy body. "Tetsu, man, I love you. But please let me sleep in and wallow in peace."

Tetsutetsu grabbed him by his shoulder and turned him over, staring him in the eyes with angry determination. "There is no way I'm just going to let my best friend be all sad about some loser who cant even say something to his face." He then pulled Kirishima up into a sitting position, and smiled kindly at him. "Today is going to get your mind off that loser."

"Stop calling him a loser," Kirishima huffed a laugh.

Tetsutetsu smiled wider at Kirishima's change of emotion, then began to walk out of his room. "Hurry up and get some pants on and drink this coffee before I do!"

Kirishima threw his legs over the side of his bed and stood, shivering at his bare feet touching the cold floor. He tugged on a pair of checkered pajama pants, then trudged into the kitchen where Tetsutetsu was sipping at his own coffee and texting on his phone.

A steaming mug sat on the counter, his Crimson Riot mug, just for him. He picked up the warm cup and let the warmth sink into his palms, then he carefully sipped the hot brew. "Talking to Kendo?" Kirishima asked as he looked over at Tetsutetsu smiling down at his phone.

His friend quickly pocketed the device, then sipped his own coffee. "Yeah. Just told her I might be staying over here for another night."

Kirishima raised his brows in surprise. "Really? Why?"

"Can't answer that yet," his friend supplied.

He squinted suspiciously and sipped his coffee loudly, causing Tetsutetsu to look over and laugh. Then his friend suddenly threw on a fake curious face. "Huh, aren't you off work tonight?"

Kirishima furrowed his brows and dug his phone out of his pocket to check his schedule. "No, I should be- what?"
There, on his schedule, it said tonight he had off. But he had a night off recently already. That cant be right.

When he looked back up at his friend, he was wearing a knowing smile. Kirishima shook his head in disbelief. "You didn't do this, did you?"

"Well, you're partially correct." Tetsutetsu punched his shoulder playfully. "And that's not the best part."

Kirishima smiled. "What's the best part?"

"You'll see."

~0~

After coffee, Tetsutetsu made him get dressed and dragged him to Kaminari's apartment.
Kaminari opened the door enthusiastically and welcomed them both in, and Kirishima noticed Sero and Ashido in the living room playing video games.

Ashido could apparently sense his presence, cause she went from her eyes being glued to the screen to pausing the game and bouncing into Kirishima's arms. "Kiri, baby! I heard everything," she spoke lowly leaning back in the hug. "I'll kill him," she whispered.
It made Kirishima laugh. "That's not necessary, Ashido."

Sero stood up next. "The worst thing is that I cant tell if she's serious or not. I was there when she found out and I could see pure bloodlust in her eyes."

"The fires of hell were about to be let loose," Kaminari laughed.

Kirishima smiled nervously. "How did you find out exactly?"

Ashido lazily pointed over to Kaminari. "That guy let me know in the middle of the night. Then invited us all over to hug you, cause who could hurt the sun himself. I'll kill him," she threatened again as she wrapped her arms tightly around him again.

Kirishima smiled down at her, then looked up puzzled. "Wait, you said Kaminari told you in the middle of the night, and Sero said he was with you when you got the message-"

"ANYWAYS-" Sero cut him off. "Kaminari is letting us borrow his apartment to hang out until later. So, if you may," he said holding up a controller which Kirishima took happily.

Tetsutetsu was introduced to Ashido and Sero, which were happy to welcome him into their little group, and they talked and caught up. They all ate too much pizza, watched scary movies (which Kaminari reluctantly agreed to), and played multiplayer video games until the sun began to set, which is when Ashido excused herself to the bathroom saying she had to 'put on her face'.

Kirishima wasnt dumb, he knew that was girl talk for putting on makeup. And makeup meant they were going somewhere.
Kirishima squinted at his friends suspiciously again. "What are you all up to?"

Kaminari looked away innocently, Tetsutetsu copied obviously, while Sero simply smiled while he continued his video game.
Kirishima frowned. "Guysssssss."

Kaminari's facade started to crack first. He started to desperately look at his friends for support, but both were still trying to avoid Kirishima's puppy eyes. "Oh, come on! It's not like he wont find out when Ashido comes out in her outfit!" He voiced, as if Kirishima wasn't there.

So, Kirishima got up and went to Kaminari's bathroom, no one really moving to stop him. He knocked, and Ashido opened the door and he saw the tight zebra printed dress that stopped at her thighs and the black boots that stopped at her knees. Her makeup was on point; her wings were sharp enough to kill. She looked ready to party.

Then it clicked in his head. "We're going clubbing?"

Ashido stomped her heeled foot and puffed out her cheeks. "They already told you? They're no fun." she huffed. "Party poopers!" she shouted, loud enough for everyone in the living room to hear.

"He figured it out on his own!" Sero shouted back.

Ashido huffed again, then went working on her makeup again. "Oh well. We're going to have so much fun, Kiri. Especially you." She winked at him.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He asked, kinda flustered and yet scared at the same time.

"At least let that be a surprise," she said as she dusted her cheeks. "Now," she put down her brush and turned towards him. "Let's get you dolled up, hm?"

~0~

He was wearing a pair of white-washed jeans and and a black tshirt with the sneakers Kaminari lent him before.
Tetsutetsu was now changed as well, along with the rest of his friends.
They all were seemed pretty casual, but in a good way. They all looked nice, attractive.

Ready to go clubbing.

But the last club he expected Kaminari to pull up to was Stardom. Yeah, it was one of the best clubs in the town...and the closest one...

Well, maybe it did make sense. But was he allowed to club at his work place?

His friends apparently saw the worry on his face, and they all smiled at him with kindness. "Dont worry, hun. We talked with Midnight beforehand and she was completely cool with giving you the night off to have fun here."

The thought that his boss gave him a day off just because of a little heartbreak was heartwarming, and convinced him even further that he needed to definitely keep this job. So he shouldn't embarrass himself too much tonight.

His friends dragged him up to the line, which they all waited patiently in. He had half the thought to just walk up to the front like usual and Koda could just nod him and his friends in, but he wasn't going to take advantage of that again after the first time.
They all joked around to pass time, Sero and Kaminari laughing at the way the bass shook the walls a bit and when one of them leaned against it, it would vibrate their voices.

It was stupid, and goofy, and fun. It's just what he needed.

When the line finally pushed them to the front, Koda smiled at seeing their faces. They all properly showed their ID's and let Koda check them, then Koda nodded them all in. Ashido practically bounced inside, Tetsutetsu trailing behind in excitement to be in a new place.

The bass boomed, as usual, shaking the walls and fueling the crowd. It was weird to be on this side now, him being part of the flow of the people as the music pumped through the speakers. Kirishima and his group pushed through to stop at the bar first, Satou smiling widely at seeing his face. "Well, if it isnt loverboy! What can I get you?"

Kirishima smiled shyly at his friend. "Whatever you recommend, man. I'll go for about anything."

Satou winked. "Ahhh, looking to get absolutely wasted, yeah?"

"I guess you could say that."

Satou turned to start preparing drinks, moving fluidly behind the bar.

Kaminari leaned on his shoulder and murmured into his ear. "So this is your bar buddy. Is he cool?"

Kirishima laughed. "You know, you dont have to study every friend I have."

Kaminari gasped, offended. "But I do, Kiri boy! Gotta watch out for my bro!"

Sero leaned on his other shoulder. "Such a big guy working at the bar? Suspicious."

Tetsutetsu folded his arms across Kirishima's back, pushing him down onto the counter. "What if he is stealing your recipes? Your delicacies?"

Kirishima rolled his eyes at their antics, then noticed one body was missing. "Where did Ashido take off to?"

His friends got off of him, finally, and acted nonchalant towards the fact that one of them disappeared into thin air.
"Probably already dancin' it up. You know her," Sero said absently.

Kirishima pouted, hoping to sway them to his favour. "I have a sneaking suspicion you guys are keeping more things from me."

They didn't budge, even though Kaminari cracked a bit. Satou then came back with their drinks and handed them out proudly.

After inspecting the drink for a second, he discovered that Satou had prepared him a beautiful Screwdriver. He sipped an enjoyed the orange tasting burn going down his throat. He didn't have to tell Satou it was good, he got this job for a reason, but he still smiled widely and gave a thumbs up.

Satou gave his silent appreciation as the rest of them got their drinks handed to them.
"I hope the night hasnt been too hard to handle. I didnt know I'd have the night off until noon."

Satou waved him off. "Oh, nah man. This is a slow night, I can more than handle it on my own." He said confidently, then smiled sympathetically at him. "You seem like you've had it kinda rough. A day off is probably what you needed."

Kirishima nodded, enjoying the taste of his drink. "Yeah. It's been fun hanging out with my friends. Its definitely taken my mind off of it."
Kaminari, Sero, and Tetsutetsu and smiled at him and they all made a cheers with their drinks.

Satou smiled approvingly then took out a pen and started jotting down numbers and an address on a napkin. "You know," he started then handed Kirishima the napkin. "I'm throwing a party this weekend at my place. You look like you need it, man. And we could hang out outside of work. You're all free to join." he said with a smile.
Kirishima took the napkin happily and folded it up to place in his pocket. "Thanks, man. I'll think about it."

Just then, Ashido rejoined them looking very smug.
"What have you been up to?" Kirishima questioned.

Ashido had a mischievous look in her eye as she smiled and sat down at the bar next to Sero. "Oh, you know," she waved her hand dramatically. "Dancing, seeing people, talking."

Sero tapped his chin in thought. "You know, Ashido? I've heard of some great workers here. Very talkative and great people. The strippers too.The strippers are supposed to be some of the best," he said loud enough for all of them to hear, especially Kirishima.
He chose to stay quiet.

"Huh," Kaminari bumped in. "I've also heard that they're starting to give private dances in the back."

Tetsutetsu leaned on Kirishima's back again, squishing him into the bar. "You know what I also heard? There's a pretty popular stripper here named Cherry Bomb, and they do private dances now."

Then, when he looked up and saw everyone's mischievous eyes, even Satou's, he realized the whole big scheme. He jumped up, pushing Tetsutetsu off him, and look at them all in disbelief.
"You...you didn't-"

Ashido smiled wickedly. "Oh we did. Dont worry about paying for it, we all split the payment. You'll go back there after their performance."

He shook his head. This couldn't be happening. Did they know he'd been staring holes into Cherry Bomb for weeks?
And Cherry Bomb accepted him back there. Dide they know it was him? The guy at the bar that constantly drooled over him?
And Bakugou...

He was doing all of this to get over Bakugou. Was using Cherry Bomb right? Yeah, they were a stripper. They probably didn't care. But it made Kirishima feel terrible.

Then, hardcore rock came on.

Ashido smiled widely up at the stage then stuffed a chunk of bills into Kirishima's hand. "Go crazy, hun!" She shouted, then they all pushed him towards the stage, to the front row. His heart was beating widely in his chest. His friends disappeared, probably to let him embarrass himself in peace.
He felt so hot, and Cherry Bomb didn't even come out from behind the curtains yet.

Just on cue, a pale leg, pure lithe muscle, stuck out from the curtains. Red heels tied up to their calf, almost gracefully. As they stepped out from behind the maroon curtains, Kirishima trailed his eyes up to the dark red booty shorts, to the red silk ribbons that twisted around their waist, and up to the tight crop top that hugged all the muscles in their chest just right. The ribbon twisted around and eventually tied around their neck, then flowed out behind them. And, as usual, a black mask sat atop their cheekbones and accented their lustful carmine irises.

They had no right to look that beautiful. Not tonight.

They confidently strutted down the walkway, their hips swinging to the bass as they drug their hands up their body slowly. Kirishima then realized he was stationed front row in front of the pole, which meant he'd be closest to Cherry Bomb's sinfully beautiful body twisting around the metal.

Cherry Bomb's eyes searched the crowd in front of them for a second, before locking onto him. Kirishima felt the bills crumple in his sweaty palms, and he quickly noticed that others were already throwing money onto the stage.
Should he..?
No, he wanted Cherry Bomb closer. None of this money needed to be wasted.

Cherry Bomb's hand brushed against the pole, they took their time as they walked circles around it, almost close enough that Kirishima could reach out and touch them.
They then wrapped their powerful legs around the pole and spun around, turning upside down, holding themselves out and away from the pole with only their arms keeping them up.
As they spun and bent in intricate patterns, their eyes had remained on Kirishima, as always.

When they gracefully dropped into a squat, their thighs spread outwards and their ass facing directly towards Kirishima. Dark red eyes look at him over their shoulder, daring him to make a move. So he did.
He pulled out a fifty dollar bill, and slipped it into the hem of Cherry Bomb's shorts.

Cherry Bomb's eyes sparkled with something familiar, a dangerous smile spreading across their face as they stood back up, making sure to push their ass out as they did.
Kirishima made sure every time Cherry Bomb got close that he slipped a bill into those tight shorts, and Cherry Bomb gave him plenty of opportunities to do so.

And just like that, the song began to end.

Cherry Bomb collected their money, then disappeared behind the curtains again. Just like that.

And he almost forgot that that wasn't the last he'd see of the blond tonight.

His friends were grabbing at his shoulders, smiling and laughing. Ashido pointed at his hand. "Oh my gosh, half of its gone!"
He looked down at his bundle of money and found that, yes, it wasnt exactly a bundle anymore. He'd really given Cherry Bomb quite the paycheck.

Sero nudged him and wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "You ready to go back there, loverboy?"

Kaminari nudged him on his other side, copying Sero's expression. "Cause it sure looks like Cherry Bomb has got the hots for you, my man."

Kirishima stared down at the ground, eyes lingering on the lights that danced across the floor as the music amped up again. It fell on deaf ears.
"I...I dont know if I should do this."

Tetsutetsu frowned then grabbed him firmly by his shoulders, giving him a shake. "Kirishima, you need to relax. You're overthinking things and when I saw you up there while Cherry Bomb was dancing, I could tell that they wanted this as much as you do. You just gotta man up and do it."

Man up. Yeah, he could do that.

He nodded, offering his friends a small and nervous smile, which they replied in turn with cheers as they dragged him over to the door that led to the back. Ashido gave him a slap on the back that rivaled Tetsutetsu's. "Alright, hun. Just knock and theyll let you back. Go to the door that has Cherry Bomb's name on it, and you're set." she said then they all started to walk off. Kaminari flashed him finger guns while Tetsutetsu and Sero both gave him thumbs up. "Good luck, love!" Ashido shouted and waved, then his friends disappeared into the crowd.

He sighed, then turned hesitantly to the door. He raised his fist slowly and knocked, and the door revealed his boss, Midnight.

His eyes widened.

"Mrs. Midnight! I-i.." he started, trying to explain, but was cut off by Midnight's laughter.

"Oh, Red. You worry too much. Come, I'll lead you to Cherry's room." she spoke with humor in his smooth voice. She moved aside so Kirishima could walk in, then shut and locked the door behind him. After that she began down the hallway. Kirishima walked in step beside her.
"So, Red," she began. "You've finally decided to take action with your attraction with Cherry? I'm like a proud mother." she sniffled and wiped a fake tear away.

Kirishima shook his head and smiled. "I-uh...I mean, of course I find Cherry Bomb attractive. Most people do." he tried to find an excuse.

She waved him off. "Oh, but not like you do, kid. You dont look at them the same way other people do when they come into this club. You're not just staring at their body."

Kirishima blushed profusely. "Y-you've noticed?"

Midnight laughed again and patted his shoulder. "Oh, Red. I'm your boss. It's my job to watch you, of course I've noticed."
Midnight walked only a little farther until she turned to stop at a door. Bronze plating read 'Cherry Bomb' across the dark wood.
Midnight turned to him, playfulness seeming to fade. "Alright, just knock whenever you're ready. And one thing: Cherry isnt a fan of talking. Like, at all. They more than likely wont speak a word to you, so dont be hurt if they dont. Also, let them lead. This is a request from Cherry."

Kirishima blushed profusely at Midnight's words, but nodded nonetheless. She smiled, then started walking off.
She disappeared down the hallway, and Kirishima was left alone again.

The shining letters were distracting, almost scary as they bared down on him.

Knock, he thought. Just knock. That's all.

He lifted his fist, ignoring how it was slightly shaking. If he thought about it he'd probably back out. He couldn't do that to Cherry Bomb.
He inhaled deeply, held it, then let his knuckles rapt against the wood quickly.

He heard slight movement from inside, the shadows shifted from underneath the doorway. Footsteps grew nearer, and suddenly the doorknob was shifting.

Was he breathing? He felt he couldn't breathe.

Then, finally, the door swung open and their Cherry Bomb was. They had maroon silk robes draped over their body, the ribbon tied loosely around their waist. Their hair looked more messy than usual, like it had been messed with just before they had opened the door. And that black mask sat on their cheeks, covering their face enough to keep Kirishima wondering what angel was underneath.

Cherry Bomb didn't say anything, of course, just moved out of the doorway a little so Kirishima could step inside. He didn't realize he had actually held his breath until now when he had finally released it.
Cherry Bomb shut and locked the door behind him, then led him over to a red, pillowy couch that was placed against the wall of the room. The room itself was bathed in low lights, reds and blacks mostly decorated the room. A vanity sat against the wall to the left of the couch, while a closet was straight across from it.

The room was comfortable, and Kirishima couldn't help but smile at how Cherry wanted their dressing room to be that way even if it was just for work.
Cherry Bomb noticed his smile and frowned, which Kirishima laughed a little at. "Ah, no dont get the wrong idea. I really like your dressing room, Cherry Bomb. It's very relaxing." he said as he sat on the plush couch.

Cherry Bomb huffed, then looked back at Kirishima, their eyes baring into him. Kirishima gulped as he stared back, eyes wide. He wasnt exactly sure what he was expecting when he came back here. A casual lapdance maybe with music to drown out his thoughts, but as Cherry Bomb approached him slowly he caught sight of dark red, lace underwear underneath the silk robes.

He blushed as his eyes shot back up to Cherry Bomb, who seemed to know very well what he had gotten a peek of.

This was not going to be a casual lapdance.

There was something in Cherry Bomb's eyes, something like relief but also nervousness, covered up with a glaze of lust. Kirishima didn't know what Cherry had going on in their own personal life, but they seemed to be pouring out stress through this job.
It was just an assumption, but as Cherry Bomb sat on his lap, those pale and soft thighs straddling him and the crimson robes falling away a bit to reveal a tiny waist, he couldn't help but pour his own problems into this as well. Maybe he could find closure.

He kept his eyes glued to Cherry's lower half that was grinding against his growing hard on, knowing that if he looked up into Cherry Bomb's eyes he'd feel unbearable guilt.
Cherry's wandered hands felt up Kirishima's chest and felt behind his neck, grabbing tightly at the red hair there.

Kirishima hissed at the sudden pain, but closed his eyes and sank into it all.

It was a blur, the feeling of Cherry's lips against his neck-no, he could imagine Bakugou. Bakugou's tongue running up his neck, Bakugou biting softly into his skin and rutting faster against him.
He could see it in his head, almost perfectly. Vividly.

Hands were grabbing his now and placing them on slim hips, with delicate lace running just below his fingertips.
Bakugou unzipped his jeans, pulling his cock out and grabbing firmly then stroked him up and down, his thumb brushing across the head every now and then, making Kirishima shiver.

He reached back to grab at Bakugou's firm and lace-covered ass, and squeezed as it seemed to spur Bakugou on, now pumping faster.
Bakugou nibbled at his earlobe and kissed over to his jaw, sucking briefly before a breath blew softly over his lips. Kirishima peeked open his eyes enough to see when Cherry Bomb leaned in and kissed him deeply, a tongue now running out across his bottom lip.

He didn't remember feeling his climax approaching, it just suddenly peaked and he was coming all over Cherry Bomb's hand.

Right, Cherry Bomb.

He watched as Cherry reached over to the side table and pulled out a couple tissues to clean them up, then Cherry was removing themselves and covering themselves with the robe again.
Kirishima followed suit, putting his privates away and standing to follow Cherry Bomb to the door, where he was let out and the door shut and locked behind him.

That...

Was terrible.

~0~

Chapter Text

Kirishima didn't quite remember anything from the night after he left Cherry Bomb's room.
He only remembered up to walking down that hallway and back out to the dancing crowd with booming bass still shaking the walls in a pleasant way.

He remembered Ashido, Kaminari, Sero, and Tetsutetsu walk up to him, all sly smiles and suggestive smirks, but it quickly slipped away. His expression must've been obvious.

Ashido got in close, a concerned look on her face as she placed a soft hand on his cheek. "What's wrong, hun?"

Kirishima glanced up at her worried eyes then locked eyes with the floor again. He shook his head. "I..need a drink."

His friends all looked at each other, silent words exchanged between them then they guided him over to the bar where Satou apparently got the message as well. He handed out drinks, and that's about where Kirishima's memory cuts out.

He woke up in his bed, sprawled out and his head felt crusty from the gel left in it from the previous night. He was still wearing his club clothes as well.
He sat up slowly, and a terrible headache struck him making him groan and lay back down.

A hangover.

That was great.

He sighed and got up again and pushed himself up and out of bed to search for pain pills. He trudged to his bathroom and looked in the mirror at his appearance.
He looked like shit. Eye bags and oddly pale skin. Ah, he knew why he was pale.

He quickly turned towards the toilet and puked his guts out, his sounds of agony only making it more pathetic. He gripped the sides of the toilet tightly, then slumped over to sit beside it. He closed his eyes and sighed, his mind wandering.

He remembered something else, Cherry Bomb. Cherry Bomb touching him, grinding against him, and he imagined Bakugou in their place then came all over Cherry Bomb's hand.
Then he was kicked out. No exchange, nothing. In and out, like it was a chore for Cherry.

He opened his eyes to stare at his pale bathroom ceiling.

Right, pain pills.

He struggled to stand, using the toilet as support and then flushed his bile down. Now in front of the sink, he opened his cabinet to pull out the pills, popped them in his mouth, then turned on the faucet to swallow down some water. He stared at himself in the mirror again, and decided to brush his teeth.
Barf didn't taste fantastic.

Then he'd take a shower.

He scrubbed at his sharp whites, flossing as well to make sure to get everything and gagged when he brushed his tongue.

He peeled off his clothes and scowled at the cum that hardened in his underwear. Cherry Bomb didn't clean him off very well, he guessed.
He doesn't blame them, he'd want to get himself out of there as soon as possible too if he were in Cherry Bomb's place.

After stripping off the rest of his clothes he turned on his shower and stepped into the warm stream. He sighed and ducked his head, letting the water hit his hair and wet the hardened gel.

After sitting in the stream for a while, he reached for his shampoo, the kind that would protect his dyed red hair. He lathered the shampoo in and massaged his aching head. The sound of the water hitting the floor of his shower and his body was like a lullaby, he slowly relaxed into it.

He rinsed his shampoo out, then got his wash rag and body soap. He began to scrub, taking care to get all of the evidence from he and Cherry Bomb's few moments alone off and down the drain.

Maybe if he scrubbed hard enough the whole thing would disappear completely.

Weird logic, but he was desperate. He didn't want that to happen, he didn't expect it to go that far. He must've misinterpreted Cherry, he thought-

Well, he wasn't quite sure what he thought that was.

Maybe he thought Cherry Bomb liked him, found him as attractive as he did them. Maybe he thought that Cherry Bomb was a way out of his downward spiral with Bakugou.

Maybe he thought there was something.

But he was wrong.

He leaned against the cold tile and stared at the water going down the drain.

He was alone. Again.

He'd never taken being alone this hard. He had really liked Bakugou, and thought there was something. Maybe he had liked Cherry Bomb and thought there could be something.
But both of those options were crushed in the span of two days.

His tears joined the water flowing down the drain.

~0~

He eventually crawled out of the shower and got dressed in fresh, clean clothes. He dragged himself to the kitchen to find his phone on the counter with a sticky note on it.

It read:

Hey, bro! Had to head back home with Kendo, but we found your phone in Kaminari's car. Text us when you can, man.
~Tetsu

He turned on his phone and messages started popping in.
Three from Ashido, one from Kaminari, and two from Sero. He checked Ashido's first.

Today 11:45 AM
Ashido: hey, kiribaby. last night was rough. talk to me when you can? <3

Today 12 PM
Ashido: I know you're probably still knocked out but text me when you wake up xoxo

Today 12:20 PM
Ashido: okay so if you choked on your own vomit or something imma be so mad

Kirishima laughed and quickly texted her back.

Today 12:34 PM
Kirishima: im not dead but feel like im halfway there

Ashido texted back almost immediately.

Today 12:35 PM
Ashido: well duh you drank almost half the bar away

Today 12:35 PM
Ashido: hun, what happened?

Kirishima bit his lip as he stared at the screen. No, there was no way he was going to tell his friend that while Cherry Bomb was giving him a handjob that he thought of Bakugou then came immediately, then was kicked out twice as fast.

It sounded stupider when put like that.

Today 12:37 PM
Kirishima: just had a little too much fun is all. we should all hang out again soon!

Today 12:38 PM
Ashido: okay, kiri. sounds good to me :)

He sighed in relief and went to Kaminari's text.

Today 11:32 AM
Kami: hey, man. I know you got a massive hangover so how about some healing waffles at the diner?

Kirishima stared at the message and read it over twice.

He'd rather have 10 hangovers all at the same time than go to the diner.

Today 12:39 PM
Kirishima: honestly, dude? no thanks

Today 12:40 PM
Kami: come on, man. I promise you won't regret it

Kirishima really highly doubted that, but he sighed in defeat.

Today 12:41 PM
Kirishima: okay but seriously I'm only going for those waffles

Today 12:41 PM
Kami: :))))))

He then moved on to Sero's texts, just asking if he was okay and not dead. Kirishima had assured him he was okay, then moved on to get dressed to go with Kaminari to literally hell itself. Bakugou had to be there, he was the only that made the stupid healing waffles. There was no avoiding it.

He opted for just a pair of grey joggers, a black t-shirt, and his converse. Not the most slick option, but he looked and felt like hell. He wasn't going to try hard.
He left his hair down and tugged on his navy jacket, then headed out his door towards Kaminari's apartment.

Luckily his pain pills were kicking in by now so his headache wasn't as bad as it could be, but he still looked like shit. The shower helped, but there was no hiding those eye bags.
Kaminari's eyes widened just a fraction when he spotted Kirishima approaching, but he quickly covered it up with a smile.

Kaminari slapped him on the back joyfully. "Hey, man! Ready for a miracle?"

Kirishima knew he meant the waffles, but he really hoped an actual miracle would pull him out of this shitty state. Maybe he'd get hit by a car on the way to the diner and lose his memory.

Oh, that'd be swell.

Kirishima just gave his friend a smile, and they headed towards the dreadful diner. Somewhere in his mind he hoped Bakugou wouldn't notice him.

But seriously.

He had bright red hair, and even if it wasn't spiked up it was pretty obvious. The walk mostly consisted of Kaminari rambling about Tetsutetsu and how he passed an approval as Kirishima's best friend, which Kirishima smiled widely at. He kept his sweaty hands tucked into his pockets, and just focused on the his bubbly friend.

He could tell Kaminari was doing his best to ease tension and get Kirishima in a better mood, and he was doing an okay job until they stopped in front of the retro diner. He looked up at it dreadfully, but Kaminari gave him a playful punch to the chest to shift his attention.

Kaminari smiled. "Come on, man. Let's heal you up."

Kirishima couldn't help but think there was more meaning behind that besides the waffles, but reluctantly followed Kaminari inside.
The little bell above the door rang, and Kirishima felt his heart rate pick up.

The diner was empty, as per usual, but that just made it worse. Nothing else to distract Bakugou meant he was going to notice him. Maybe not talk, but just seeing him would be too much.

Kaminari led him to their usual booth, they both sat across from each other. Kaminari propped his head up on his palm. "You must have one hell of a hangover, my friend. Last night was crazy."

Kirishima gave a small smile. "Yeah, it was pretty bad. After I took some pain pills though I felt a little better."
Kirishima tried to avoid the subject of last night. He'd rather not remember all that stuff.

Kaminari nodded and sat back. "Never thought you'd be a crazy alcohol type though." Kaminari said. Kirishima couldn't have this one thing, could he? "Satou was getting the most business out of you, man. Lucky for you, we all split the price of your drinks between us four."
Kaminari laughed to himself. "It was crazy, dude. Fun. We should do that again, maybe with a little less drinking though."

Kirishima bowed his head in embarrassment. "Yeah. I liked hanging out with you guys-"

Just then the door to the kitchen swung open and there was the devil himself in his waiter outfit. He walked over like it was nothing, held his chin high and kept eye contact with them both boldly. He stopped in front of their table and crossed his arms, and his eyes locked onto Kirishima.

He was having a heart attack, he could feel it.

"You look like shit," Bakugou huffed.

Well, maybe no heart attack scheduled for today.

He slumped into his seat as Kaminari shot a look at Bakugou he couldn't decipher. Bakugou sighed, then poked his shoulder. "Healing waffles with whipped cream and strawberries, right?" he asked, his sharp crimson eyes looking rather soft.

That look reminded him of BLT's and actual laughs, of words being exchanged to get to know one another, of a lingering look of confusion before leaving them both alone.

Kirishima stared, then nodded dumbly. "Uh..yes. Yeah."

Guilt made him break their trance with one another to look away in shame. Kirishima had betrayed Bakugou, used a stripper to fulfill a fantasy. A stripper he might've liked.

He sank further into his seat.

Bakugou left as quick as he had come, and Kirishima couldn't help but be thankful that Bakugou cut it short. He didn't want a confrontation about Bakugou avoiding him the other day, just wanted his stupid waffles so he could wallow in shame and sweets.

Kaminari cleared his throat, causing Kirishima to finally look back up. "So, Satou invited us all to a party tomorrow. Sadly we're all working then, but I think you'll be able to go, right?"

Ah, yeah. He'd forgotten about the party. He was in fact off tomorrow, Mrs. Midnight declaring on there schedules that she had to go visit family so everyone was off. He had thought about it, but only for a little while before getting wasted.

He nodded and smiled. "Yeah, I think I might."

Kaminari smiled. "Awesome, man. Tell me how it goes. If it's great then I'm totally at the next one."

Kirishima nodded and sent a smile towards his friend, then crossed his arms and laid his head on them. Kaminari's smile faded a little, then he leaned forward, his fingers interlaced on the table. "Hey, Kirishima?" Kaminari poked warily. "I'm getting obvious signals that you dont want to talk about it, but I gotta know. What do you remember of last night?"

Kirishima hid his face in his arms and closed his eyes. He could feel another headache coming on. "I dunno, man. Drinking, mostly." he said to try and move on to another conversation.
But alas, Kaminari was nosy. "So...you dont remember when Cherry Bomb handed you that slip of paper?"

Kirishima shot up then and looked at his friend curiously. "Slip of paper..?" He asked while raking his mind to remember a slip of paper.

Kaminari nodded. "Yeah, I mean, I guess it makes sense you dont remember. You were pretty drunk by then." He joked, and Kirishima sighed loudly. "He walked up to the bar and tapped your shoulder to hand you a paper, then whispered something to you and left."

Kirishima blushed widely and desperately tried to remember the whispered words, but to no avail. He groaned and slumped over the table, hitting his head against it as he whined. "Fuck...I dont remember any of that."

"Dude," Kaminari chuckled. "That sucks."

The kitchen doors swung open again and out walked Bakugou with a plate balanced on each hand, and his hips swaying. Kirishima quickly looked away and focused on the fluffy stack of waffles that were in Bakugou's hands, topped with whipped cream and two strawberries. Bakugou placed their plates in front of them, then in an unexpected turn of events, Bakugou moved to sit in the booth beside him.

"What are you losers talking about?" Bakugou asked simply but gruffly as he leaned back comfortably in the seat. Kirishima was hyper aware of how Bakugou's thigh was touching his and Bakugou's foot was placed right beside his own. Kaminari saved him the embarrassment of talking.

"Just reminding Kirishima of how drunk he got last night and how hard we partied." Kaminari answered simply.

Bakugou raised a brow in interest. "Why the fuck were you partying on a weekday?"

Kirishima shot a pleading look to Kaminari, who thankfully caught it and stopped himself from speaking to think up an excuse. "Uhh...cause...Kirishima's friend Tetsutetsu was in town and he wanted to introduce him to us."

Phew. Nice save.

Bakugou nodded, but had a faraway look in his eye. "Hm."

Kirishima took the silence as a good time to cut into his waffles, so he drizzled syrup onto the stack elegantly and cut his first slice. The fluffiness and sweetness of the waffles would never get old.

Bakugou spoke up again and broke the silence. "What place did you ruin with your over the top drinking?"

Kaminari answered while his mouth was full. "Y'know that club, Stardom? Yeah, Kirishima works there as a bartender."

Kirishima didn't know how to feel about his information being released by his friend to his heart break while he was right there. It was unsettling in a weird way.

Bakugou glanced over at him. "Stardom, huh."

Why did this feel like an interrogation? It was too tense.
"You know what," he bursted out suddenly, making Bakugou and Kaminari jump. "I'm not really all that hungry. I still feel kinda barfy? Yeah, I feel sick." he said laying down his utensils and looking at Bakugou to let him out of the booth. Bakugou looked at him, studied him, before slowly moving out and letting Kirishima free.

He quickly headed to the exit and waved. "See ya later, Kaminari!"

Kaminari and Bakugou both looked at the place Kirishima took off from in silence, before Bakugou broke it again, looking to Kaminari now.

"That'll be $14.45."

~0~

Kirishima rushed home and shut the door behind him loudly as he leaned against it, as if he was keeping a monster out. After locking his door, he ran to his bathroom and picked up his clothes from last night that he left on the bathroom floor.
He lifted his jeans and dug into the pockets and...there, a small slip of paper.

He tugged it out and looked at it. It had a number scribbled onto it, and Cherry Bomb's name.

Kirishima tugged his phone out of his pocket and brought up his contacts. He entered the new numbers, then labeled the contact as 'Cherry Bomb' with a little bomb emoji.

Then he went to his texting app.

He started typing without thinking.

Today 1:20 PM
Kirishima: Cherry Bomb?

He stared at the screen, holding his breath. Then a new message came in.

Today 1:22 PM
Cherry Bomb: This must be Kirishima

Today 1:22 PM
Cherry Bomb: Better fuckin be

Kirishima blushed wildly, the red stretching all the way down his neck. Cherry Bomb had texted back. Was waiting for him.

Today 1:23 PM
Kirishima: ah, it is!

Today 1:23 PM
Cherry Bomb: Good. You horny at 1 in the afternoon?

Kirishima didn't think he could get any redder and more confused.

Today 1:24 PM
Kirishima: n-no!

Today 1:24 PM
Cherry Bomb: The hell you texting me for then

Was that what this was? Just a relief? A way to get off? He couldn't help but feel a little sad at that.

Today 1:25 PM
Cherry Bomb: That's what I said to text me for last night, or were you too drunk to hear?

Kirishima slumped onto the bathroom floor, his blush not leaving.

Today 1:25 PM
Kirishima: the second thing you said

Today 1:26 PM
Cherry Bomb: Tch. I got work to do. Text if you're horny, dumbass

Kirishima covered his face.

Today 1:27 PM
Kirishima: o-okay

~0~

Chapter Text

Kirishima avoided his phone like a disease after Cherry's text. It was all so painfully tempting that he couldn't hold his device without finding himself hovering over Cherry Bomb's chat.

He eventually retreated to his living room, dressed in basketball shorts and compression pants along with a muscle shirt, ready to finally use his punching bag for the first time since he moved in. He had to admit, he was slacking on keeping his physique in peak condition lately.

All the damn waffles and coffee.

Plus, punching his punching bag was his miracle way of getting rid of stress and he's been so distracted that he hasn't used that stress release at all. It felt like meeting up with an old friend as he walked up to the bag and fastened the elastic, cloth band on his head that kept his hair pushed back and out of his face.
He got into position, raising his fists and furrowing his brows, then started landing blows to the poor bag.

It felt good, the pressure in his hands every time it made contact with the bag, and the rythm that came without him thinking about it. He breathed accordingly, embracing the burning of muscles that havent been properly used in a good while.

With every punch, he felt all the stress drain from him. It didn't make him tired, no, it only fired him up more. The excitement of getting back in the swing of things was a relief that pumped adrenaline through his veins to keep his workout going.

He remembered in that moment; didn't Bakugou mention that he worked out as well?
He did, when they were getting to know each other that night. Kirishima had to admit, he was impressed with whatever workout technique Bakugou was using cause it was sculpting everything.

His arms were toned, and his thighs were lean, thick muscle. Bakugou's chest was developed well too, a sign of many long hours of hard work. Granted, Kirishima had only felt all of this between quick presses of their bodies or lingering glances. He didn't really know what Bakugou looked like without all the clothes in the way.

Kirishima's form slipped a bit and he hit the bag incorrectly, slightly hurting his hand. He hissed in pain and shook his hand out, then got back into position and continued.

He hadn't really thought of Bakugou naked! Well...maybe once or twice.
Not including Cherry Bomb's lap dance.

He bet that he looked beautiful. Like a living Adonis with the creamiest pale skin-

He huffed, sweat running down his forehead and he gripped the sides of the punching bag in frustration. He touched his forehead against the leather. "Fuck, I'm just a gay disaster aren't I?" he sighed.

At that moment, he heard his phone's notification go off in his bedroom. He decided that that was enough stress release for today and went back to his room and prayed that the notification wasn't something that would raise his stress levels all over again.
Luckily, it was just Kaminari asking why he ditched the diner.

Today 2:20 PM
Kami: bro you left me with Bakugou. ALONE. pure betrayal

Kirishima smiled at the thought of Kaminari awkwardly trying to make conversation and ultimately being ignored in the end.

Today 2:21 PM
Kirishima: sorry, man. it just got so intense I couldn't take it

Today 2:21 PM
Kami: >:((

Today 2:22 PM
Kirishima: but hey, I found that paper from Cherry Bomb

Today 2:23 PM
Kami: :0 dude what did it say?

Kirishima paused. Would telling Kaminari really be that good of a idea? It might lead to endless teasing and prying, he didn't want that. Or really need it either.
But then again...it was Kaminari. He was Kirishima's friend and had really been helping him out.

He owed him this much.

Today 2:25 PM
Kirishima: Cherry gave me their number

Today 2:25 PM
Kami: holy shit dude! did you text it?

Kirishima bit his lip.

Today 2:26 PM
Kirishima: ....yeah

Today 2:26 PM
Kami: :o did Cherry respond?

Good, Kaminari wasn't prying too much. He honestly didn't want to reveal that Cherry Bomb gave him a sexting line.

Today 2:27 PM
Kirishima: yeah, it was weird. hey, you said that all of you were too busy to go to Satou's tonight right?

Today 2:28 PM
Kami: yeah, man. all of us are working. you going?

Kirishima had thought about it, but how could it be fun without all of his friends there with him? Granted, Satou would be there, bit that's the only person he'd know there. He didn't want to be the guy that just hung out in the corner alone the entire party.

Today 2:29 PM
Kirishima: nah, bro. I'll just take the night off I think

Today 2:30 PM
Kami: sounds like a good idea bro

Kirishima sat down on his bed and huffed a sigh as he tossed his phone a little ways away from him, deciding to leave the conversation at that. It was a good idea to stay away from alcohol for a bit, he had quite the hangover and he needed some time.
A part of his mind chided him for thinking that the drinking was completely his fault. He wasn't an alcoholic, just enjoyed it every now and then. Usually he didn't push himself over the edge like that. It had been caused by stress from recent events, that's all.

He fell back onto his bed and frowned at the ceiling. That reminds him, Bakugou seems oddly cool with him all the sudden. It kinda aggravated him, how Bakugou casually sat in the booth beside him like he hadn't flat out avoided Kirishima previously.
It seems like no matter what he did to release this stress, it just wormed it's way back into his thoughts.

He needed a better stress relief. Something to take his mind off of Bakugou for a bit. Something that wasn't alcohol.
His turned his head and his eyes fell on his phone. Maybe...

Fuck it.

He grabbed his phone and pulled up his chats, then clicked on Cherry Bomb's chat. After taking a deep breath, he typed.

Today 2:36 PM
Kirishima: Cherry?

Today 2:37 PM
Cherry Bomb: This better be good, I'm on break.

Kirishima bit his lip nervously and stared at the words for a good couple of minutes before finally racking his brain for a reply.

Today 2:39 PM
Kirishima: it is. I'm uh..horny

Today 2:40 PM
Cherry Bomb: That doesn't sound like you're horny, but whatever.

Kirishima didn't exactly know what move to make next. He thought that Cherry Bomb was start this off, it was what he was hoping for since he had no plan. Luckily he didn't have to think for long cause the next message led his thoughts to a screeching halt.

[Image recieved]

A picture of Cherry's body, completely barren of the usual glamour they usually wear. The picture cropped out their face, but Kirishima didn't focus on that. He focused on the lower cropped out part. Cherry's hand was clearly trailing into their pants, but what exactly they were wearing he couldn't tell.
It seemed as if they were in their works bathroom, but it didn't look like Stardom's. A private bathroom, maybe?
Whatever, it didn't matter right now.

Today 2:43 PM
Kirishima: fuck not what I expected

Today 2:44 PM
Cherry Bomb: You expect me to be bent over for you or something?

Kirishima squeezed his eyes shut to try and resist the urge to start touching himself already. He wasn't going to succumb so easily.

Today 2:45 PM
Kirishima: is that that terrible of an idea?

[Image recieved]

FUCK.

A new picture had Cherry Bomb pressed against the grey wall of the bathroom, the camera angled back to see their beautifully arched back and- shit- two pale fingers fingering their flushed hole. How could Cherry even bend like that? And be so photogenic at the same time?

Today 2:47 PM
Cherry Bomb: No, not THAT bad of an idea.

Damnit, fine. He succumbs.

He quickly shoves his hands under the band of his shorts and underwear to take himself in his hand and stroke slowly. He almost sighed in relief at the feeling.

Today 2:48 PM
Cherry Bomb: C'mon, fuckin' send something back. I cant get off on just a wall

Fuck, shit, fuck. Okay.
He hesitantly selected the camera option and angled it to his dick. Damnit, how was he supposed to make his dick look as tempting as THAT? He stroked himself again and a pearly bead of precum leaked from the head, and he snapped a picture thinking that might be the best he can do. After looking over it a couple of times, he sent it.

The response was almost immediate.

Today 2:50 PM
Cherry Bomb: Fuck, I didn't get a good look at it before. Really should've. You're fuckin huge

His face erupted in flames and he palmed at his erection faster, feeling his climax was close already.

[Image recieved]

Oh, he was gonna die.

The phone seemed to be propped up on something this time and now he was angled at the side, so he could see Cherry's fingers deep inside themselves and their hand wrapped around their cock with with their evidence of having finished themselves dripping down their hands and onto the floor.

It's what did him in, shamefully.

He was now covered in his own cum, sticky and gross but satisfied.

Today 2:54 PM
Cherry Bomb: Gotta go back to work now. You know when to text me again.

What the hell just happened?

It seemed no matter what he did, he ended up like this. Covered in cum, full of guilt and shame. It was a terrible sensation, he desperately wanted to get rid of it. He wanted to get rid if a lot of feelings.
Once again, his eyes drifted back to his phone.

Fuck it.

He scurried to the bathroom to clean himself up and wash his hands, while hoping his drunken self had taken care of something. He dug through his pants pockets from the previous night after wiping his hands dry on his hand towel.
Thankfully he found the number that Satou had given him and he entered it into his phone.

Today 3:00 PM
Kirishima: hey, Satou. Its Kirishima. I decided I'll be going to your party tomorrow night

Today 3:01 PM
Satou: Got it, man. Cant wait to see you there!

~0~

The music flooded outside where he walked up the steps as he looked out to the night sky. As he got closer to Satou's apartment he noticed more and more solo cups scattered about, along with confetti and party streamers.
He started to regret his decision as he started to pass people, most of who were grinding against each other or making out.

Too late now, though. He already told Satou he'd be here.

At the top floor of the apartment complex, he found the source of the sparkles laying about and drunk people. The music poured out through the wide open door, and dancing bodies filled the room inside. The obvious stench of alcohol was strong, and it also reeked of something else he couldn't put his finger on. He slowly inched his way inside, awkwardly excusing himself around people. His eyes wandered the room in search for his friend, and unfortunately had no luck.

How many people could fit in this apartment? Everyone was so packed together it was getting him a little claustrophobic.

Luckily he had shoved his way to the kitchen, where the plethora of alcohol lay. The drinks held a scent he didn't recognize from one specific drink. Someone must've mixed it up.

That was always a good sign.

He reluctantly grabbed a solo cup and poured his first cup. He frowned at the frothy liquid, then slowly brought it to his lips. He cringed at the power that the drink held behind it and coughed. No wonder everyone seemed so loose and absolutely gone. This shit was otherworldly.
He wanted to sit down for this, so he made his way back to the crowd in search for the couch. Hopefully it would be available.

As he moved his way through again, he had to avoid quite a few grabby hands. From women to men, everyone seemed to be staring at him.
Or maybe it was just his paranoia.

He spotted a leather couch against the the wall and it was thankfully unoccupied. He pushed over to it and sat down with a huff, then took another sip of his 'drink'.

The music pounded into his ears, the bass shaking his feet on the floor and keeping the crowd moving. He sipped absentmindedly as he looked out to the dancing people. He was incredibly bored since none of his friends were here. Maybe he shouldn't have come.

He took a gulp of his dark liquid.

Yeah, he could feel the effects already. He felt like he was swaying, but he was still mostly in control. He didn't want that. But at the same time, isn't that what he came here for?
Another gulp.
His eyes scanned over the room again and he spotted a group gathered in the opposite corner with a bong in their hands while blowing smoke rings in the air. Oh, weed was the smell he couldn't pinpoint before.
Another gulp.

Fuck, was he out already? Eh, probably for the best. He felt pretty wavy. He sat back against the leather and closed his eyes, then he felt someone tap his knee.
He blinked his eyes open and he almost choked on his own spit. That blond hair...no it wasn't Bakugou. This person's hair wasn't as spiky. And blue eyes were looking at him playfully, not red. Another red solo cup was being held out to him.
He squinted at them and took it carefully then sat back again. He thinks that he maybe said thank you, but the music was too loud and it felt slurred.

The hell was the drink made of? He had only one drink! He wasn't a lightweight!

The blond in front of him didn't leave after the offered drink, just stood and stared at him. He frowned and stared at them back.
"You're pretty cute. What are you doing at a party like this?" the stranger said taking a seat close beside him.
Kirishima looked down at where there thighs were pressed closely together then back up at the stranger. "Friend of th' host..." he tried then took another sip. This drink tasted different. He frowned at the red liquid in question.

"Hm," their hand rubbed his thigh sensually. "You come to these parties often?"

He shook his head slowly as he looked down at the offending tan-ish hand. The person didn't seem to mind how he was staring daggers at it. "That makes sense. I havent seen you around before." they replied.

He felt too tired to hold a conversation, and he had no interest in whoever this was. This small talk was kinda stupid, he knew what they were here for. "Look," he started as he picked up their hand like a piece of garbage. "I got enough problems. Polite pass."

They looked at him, disgusted, and stood up abruptly. "What a dick." They mumbled, then laid a hard slap across his face and walked off into the crowd.

He held his stinging cheek and stared blankly ahead as he slumped back against the leather again and took another gulp.

Time passed quickly and vaguely as he finished off drink after drink.

His vision was wacky, and he felt woozy. He was constantly in the state between wanting more drinks and wanting to pass out. He remembered slumping over the kitchen counter, reaching for another solo cup. When did he get here?
Ah, didnt matter. Another drink.

Suddenly a hand clapped on his shoulder. He slowly turned around, stumbling while he did, and his off vision took in the familiar face. "Sat..ou?"

Satou cringed at Kirishima's state and lifted him up from his slump over the counter. He hoisted Kirishima's arm around his shoulder, and began walking away from the drinks. "Dude, you look terrible. And you threw up all over my counter."

He did that? When did he do that? Oh, he wanted to barf...

Satou led him out the door and let Kirishima sit on the ground. "You should call someone to pick you up, man. I dont want even want you to walk, let alone drive, in this position."

Kirishima huffed and dug his phone out of his pocket and squinted at his screen. He clicked what he thinks is his contacts, the selects a number. It looked like Kaminari? Was it?
Ugh, whatever.
He held the phone up to his ear and groaned at the feeling of vomit coming up again. When he heard the call pick up, he started talking to cut to the chase and get out of here. He wanted to go home and curl up in a ball in his bed. "I 'ent to Satou's party an' I'm-" he cut himself off and leaned over quickly to empty his stomach of more alcohol. "Ugh. Please come get me..."

There was no noise on the other end of the line. Maybe it was cause Kaminari was mad at him. Kaminari got really quiet when he was mad. But he knew his friend would come for him. "Please get 'ere quick, man.." he mumbled the hung up the phone.
He looked up at Satou with the best friendly smile he could manage. "He'll be here in a bit, dont worry 'bout me."

Satou gently pat his head. "Okay, man. Be safe."

Kirishima just gave him a thumbs up as he closed his eyes and drifted off. The cool night air was nice on his heated skin. Good thing he didn't bring a jacket, he guessed.
His t-shirt and Jean's didnt do anything for keeping him warm as he settled down though, and he shivered at the breeze that wafted through. Footsteps coming up the steps to the apartment shook him out of his daze. He looked up and saw blond hair.
But, not Kaminari's blond hair.

He must be hallucinating, yeah that makes sense. Then he closed his eyes again, and passed out.

~0~

Chapter Text

Being carried felt odd. He usually was the one carrying people, not the other way around. So when he was hefted up over a shoulder he slouched and looked at the ground questionably.

He remembered being brung to a red car and sat delicately into the seat, while the other started the car.

Kirishima didn't speak, he didn't think he could. And if he tried he might throw up in this nice car. The other made no effort to speak either, so they sat in silence with only the rumble of the engine to drown it out.
Kirishima took this as an opportunity to close his eyes and rest. He'd be home soon.

~0~

He woke up in his bed, laying on his side with a trashcan below him that stunk of...who knows what. His eyes darted around as he blinked himself awake.

When did he get home?

Did he walk himself back or something?

He pushed himself up slowly and the pounding of his head made him scrunch his eyes shut. He reached up to massage his poor, aching head then spotted two pills on his nightstand with a glass of water. A sticky note read:

Take this and drink the water

So he sat up and grabbed the pills desperately, and popped them into his mouth. After taking one gulp of water to get the pills down, he started to chug the whole glass.
Ugh, he felt like shit. Going to Satou's party was not one of his best ideas.

After emptying the glass, he noticed that he was in a pair of his pajama pants. Did he actually change before he got into bed last night? And leave a sticky note for himself...?

Ah, no..he faintly remembers calling Kaminari to pick him up. So Kaminari must've left the sticky note and changed him. Man, he was lucky to have such good friends.
He stood up with a groan, and pushed himself to walk into his bathroom to asses his damage. His breath stunk and tasted awful. Not like normal morning breath.

Ah, the trashcan beside the bed...

He quickly grabbed his toothbrush and toothpaste and began to scrub at his teeth and tongue, and used mouth wash and floss cause he was feeling responsible. He sighed and leaned over the counter to look at himself in the mirror.

And he looked like shit.

Like, even worse than he has the past few days.

He was pale and dark circles hung under his eyes. His hair was half spiked up, half pressed down from his sleeping position. He looked weak and felt the part as well. Maybe a shower would do him some good. So he stripped himself of his clothes, turned the shower to warm, and stepped into the warmth of the spray. It did feel nice, he felt rejuvenated already.

As he scrubbed at his body and washed the crunchy gel out of his hair, the memory of last night seemed to go down the drain with the rest of the dirt and sweat he collected.

Then he smelt bacon.

Odd, he thought. Kaminari isnt really the cooking type and he'd usually bring Kirishima to the diner for waffles after one of them got into a situation like this. So...who was in his house?

His heart started to beat faster, nervously. It couldn't be an intruder. They wouldn't just, make bacon in his apartment while he was still obviously here. So this person must've been okay alerting Kirishima to their presence.
He quickly switched off the shower and dryed himself off, then put on a new clean pair of boxers and pajama pants.

He tiptoed over to his door, which was shut, and grabbed the knob softly. He turned it slowly, then peeked out into his own home. He could hear the sound of bacon frying and popping better now, along with being able to smell other smells. He cracked his door open just a bit more to look in the direction of the kitchen, and saw a head of spiky blond hair.

He stepped out of his room in awe. "...Bakugou?"

Bakugou jumped, then looked over his shoulder. "G'morning."

Kirishima's brows pinched together. "W-what are you doing here?"

Bakugou turned back to the food. He seemed to be making more than just bacon, like Kirishima assumed. "Making you breakfast. Or lunch since you slept in."

Kirishima stepped closer, cautiously. He felt that he needed to be careful right now. "Ah, um. Thank you?"
Bakugou just hummed and nodded, still not looking at him.
So Kirishima stepped into the kitchen, pure bewilderment written all over his face. "But, uh, how did you get in? To my home? You need a key."

Bakugou moved over to the other end of the kitchen counter to a waffle maker and opened it up, while still not looking at Kirishima. "Lunch will be ready in 10 minutes. Put a fuckin' shirt on."

Kirishima felt anger start to rise up, replacing his confusion. "Why are you ignoring me?" He snapped, his fist clutching into frustrated balls.
Bakugou said nothing, but Kirishima could see the irritation on his face.

He shouldn't be the one that's upset. Kirishima should be.

He stepped closer to Bakugou and tried to look him in the eye, but Bakugou avoided his gaze. It only made him more confused and angry. "Bakugou," Kirishima growled. But Bakugou didn't even flinch. Just kept flipping the bacon and mixing the eggs. When Bakugou tried to go back over to the waffle maker to check on it, Kirishima stepped in front of him. "What are you doing here?" Kirishima whispered, leaning closer so Bakugou couldn't look away this time.

Bakugou's lips pressed into a tight line and he narrowed his eyes at Kirishima, as if daring him to make him talk. Kirishima searched his red eyes for something, anything. "I just want to know what's going on." Kirishima said lowly, his fight draining away.
Bakugou scowled and moved around him to check on the waffle. "Lunch will be ready in 10 minutes. Put. A fuckin'. Shirt on." Bakugou ground out.

Kirishima stared at Bakugou's back for what felt like forever, before he sighed in defeat and moved to his bedroom and pulled a shirt out of his drawer. He spotted his phone sitting on top of it, and decided to dig for answers on his own.

Today 12:03 PM
Kirishima: hey, Kami?

Today 12:04 PM
Kami: yeah man?

Today 12:04 PM
Kirishima: did you pick me up from Satou's party last night?

Today 12:05 PM
Kami: no? I thought that you were gonna stay home?

Kirishima frowned at Kaminari's response and placed his phone back on the dresser. Bakugou wasn't here because of Kaminari, so why and how is he here?
Not that he doesn't appreciate the presence, but the whole situation was off. It felt like there was more to it than just a friend showing up after you got blackout drunk at a party no one knew you went to.

Kirishima reluctantly walked back out of his room to sit on the stool at the island counter, and just silently watched as Bakugou moved throughout his kitchen. Bakugou's movements were fluid, even though he was in a kitchen he wasnt familiar with. He seemed comfortable, but when Kirishima caught a look at his face he saw a frown.

It wasnt Bakugou's usual scowl, it seemed more thoughtful and apprehensive. Kirishima could only wonder why. So he silently folded his arms on the counter and laid his head on them, and waited until Bakugou was done.

It didn't take long for Bakugou to finish. He was almost done when Kirishima came out of the shower to investigate. A plate with two stacked waffles, with fluffy eggs and crispy bacon on the side was pushed towards him along with a fork and knife.
"How did you know where all my stuff was to prepare all of this?" Kirishima questioned as he picked up his fork.
Bakugou shrugged as he prepared his own plate, his back to Kirishima. "Just went through your stuff until I found what I needed. I guessed you had enough sense to put things in normal places, so it wasnt that hard." Bakugou replied, then took a seat beside Kirishima on the other stool.

The first bite of waffle sent him reeling. So fluffy and it tasted of maple even without the syrup..! And a single strawberry sat on top.
"Hey," he started, staring down at his waffles. "The other day at the diner...that guy that was there, he said you left after Kaminari said we were on our way." He turned to look at Bakugou sadly. "Why did you leave? Did I do something wrong?"

Bakugou glared at his plate and was gripping his fork tightly. Kirishima was almost afraid he'd use it as a weapon. But at the same time, would he really mind dying by Bakugou's hand?

"And that guy didn't seem to work there. He was visiting you, right?" Kirishima added, and looked pointedly back down at his brunch again. Bakugou was now looking at him curiously.

"He must be a close friend, huh?" Kirishima said, smiling sadly. "Or maybe he's more than that, and that's why you couldn't be around me-"

Bakugou hit his fist against the counter. "Fuckin' Deku isn't my boyfriend! He's nothing even close to that!"

Kirishima furrowed his brows and glared back to match Bakugou's ferocity. "Then why did you leave?" He said, his voice booming.
Bakugou stood up suddenly, anger radiating of off him in waves. "That's none of your damn business!"

Kirishima stood up as well. "It is, though! Everything you tell me is so cryptic! I want answers for once!"

Bakugou suddenly faltered then, and seemed to shrink and wither. Kirishima felt guilt pool up and fill him. He reached out to touch Bakugou's shoulder apologetically, but Bakugou's hand shot up to stop him. His head was lowered now, his hair covering the view of his striking red eyes. "No...you're right."

"I am?"

Bakugou nodded. "Yes. I haven't been honest with you. But I want you to promise me something."

"Anything, Bakugou."

Bakugou looked up at him desperately. His eyes looked glassy with unshed tears that he was struggling to hold back. "Dont...dont hate me."

Kirishima furrowedhis brows questionably, then nodded. "Yeah."
He then led Bakugou to the couch and they both sat in silence for a few seconds, Kirishima waiting for Bakugou to start and Bakugou just trying to work the words out of his mouth. He crossed his arms and finally spoke. "Last night you called me saying you wanting me to pick you up from Big Lip's party. And you barfed on the phone, it was fuckin' disgusting. You were completely wasted and out of comission, so I figured I'd take care of your stupid ass. Make sure you dont choke on your own vomit in the middle of the night or something." He mumbled out.

Kirishima cringed. "Ugh, I threw up on the phone? That's embarrassing." He laughed and ran his hand through his hair nervously, then his brows furrowed questionably. "I thought I called Kaminari...how did I call you? I dont have your-"

"Yes you do." Bakugou interrupted, and seemed to ball up further.

Kirishima shook his head. "I dont, I would've remembered if I had gotten your number, man."

Bakugou looked away, a pinkish tint on his cheeks. "We talked yesterday before you went to that stupid party."

"Huh-?"

Bakugou spread his arms out, exasperated, and his face was now inflamed. "Do I gotta point it out for you, idiot?! I'm Cherry Bomb!"

Kirishima froze. Everything seemed to freeze. His heart, his blood, his brain. He just stared blankly at Bakugou as the dots connected. He felt his face heat up.

Holy shit.

He had stared at BAKUGOU as he danced on the metal pole. He had stuffed big tips into BAKUGOU'S booty shorts as he shook his ass in Kirishima's face.

BAKUGOU gave him a lapdance that made him come all over his hands.

He ran his hands through his hair as he stared widely at the floor. "Fuck-"

"Just- dont fucking say anything! Dont say a damn thing right now! Just shut up!" Bakugou shouted as he balled up into a corner of the couch. He tugged the hood of the jacket he was wearing over his face and folded his arms over him.
Kirishima looked over, and for the first time in a long time, he actually smiled. And widely at that.

"I crushed over Cherry Bomb and you at the same time," Kirishima laughed and scooted towards Bakugou. "That's so damn embarrassing."
Bakugou didnt say anything, there was just a small movement from up underneath the hood. So Kirishima continued. "I felt guilty over liking both Cherry Bomb and you at the same time, and...and...like, I feel like I'm in some sick movie plot."

Bakugou flipped back his hood and glared at him. "What the hell are you ranting about?"

Kirishima leaned in closer and shook his head at his own pure stupidity. "I liked you, so so much, that I felt terrible after Cherry Bomb gave me a lapdance and handjob!"

Bakugou shoved him and Kirishima leaned in more, now almost fully on top of him. Their noses were almost touching, and Kirishima could now look closely at those beautiful scarlet eyes. "You confuse the fuck outta me."

Bakugou's eyes scanned his face, then finally looked Kirishima in the eyes. "Just...just fucking kiss me already."

Kirishima dived in to capture Bakugou's lips with his own faster than his own brain could process. They were soft and Bakugou didnt move at first, seeming to nervous to do so, but Kirishima slowly coaxed him into slowly moving their lips against each other.

Bakugou's arms wrapped around his neck and pulled him in closer so Kirishima could lay comfortably in between Bakugou's muscular thighs and press their bodies together.

When they both separated, Kirishima smiled even wider. "You kissed me."

Bakugou huffed and looked away again. "Is it that hard to believe?"

Kirishima laughed and nuzzled into the side of Bakugou's neck. "Yeah, actually. I've only dreamed of being with you like this." he said, then pressed a kiss to Bakugou's neck.

Bakugou bit his lip. "You're an idiot."

Kirishima laughed, on a high of happiness he didn't know existed, then settled on the plush softness of Bakugou's chest. "Mmm, comfy." he hummed as he nuzzled now into the new warmth. He could hear Bakugou's heart beating rapidly, and he felt proud that he was the cause of that. "You know," Kirishima started again, but didn't move from his spot. "You never told me why you left the diner."

His head went up with Bakugou's chest as Bakugou took a large inhale, and back down after he let it out. "I...was nervous." Bakugou said quietly, almost too soft for Kirishima to pick up. But he caught the words and smiled at them, then hugged Bakugou close. "Would've saved me a whole lot of problems if you would've just told me."

"Fucking- shut up."

Kirishima rubbed Bakugou's side affectionately. "It's okay. I was nervous too. And I forgive you."

A hand found itself in Kirishima's hair, and started to pet him softly. "The food is gonna get cold." Bakugou said, his chest vibrating pleasantly as he spoke. Kirishima shrugged. "It's fine. Let's just stay like this for a while. And I got more questions to ask you."

Bakugou sighed. "Fine. Shoot."

~0~

"So you're telling me, that Kaminari threatened you? To be nice to me?" Kirishima said incredulously as he took another bite of waffle.
Bakugou nodded. "Yeah. After the whole diner thing he blew up my phone, saying I was a dick and I better be a good friend and make it up to you."

Kirishima finished off his last piece of bacon, clearing his plate, which Bakugou scooped up and walked to the sink with. "We have good friends." Kirishima said cheerfully.
Bakugou rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I guess. If you say so."

Kirishima hummed around his crunchy piece of bacon. "And I guess you did make it up to me. Just, not in the direct way." Kirishima said reliving that night at the club where he watched Cherry Bomb-no, Bakugou. Where he watched Bakugou dance gracefully and kept his eyes trained on Kirishima the whole time. It was just them in those moments, where Bakugou would be twirling around and hanging upside down and Kirishima would be dumbfounded and in a trance.

Bakugou dryed his hands off on a hand towel and clicked his teeth. "You got that stupid look on your face again." he said, walking back to sit on the stool beside Kirishima.

"I just keep thinking about," Kirishima paused to look at Bakugou, his face angelic even if a scowl was on it most of the time. Now that he looked closer, he could see indents left on Bakugou's skin from wearing his mask so often. "I was just thinking about how you dance. And...you'd always look at me." He whispered, to caught up in how the light from the window hit Bakugou's hair and made it seem as if it was glowing.

Bakugou looked away, embarrassed. A habit that Kirishima was getting used to and found quite cute. "I looked for you cause you looked stupid while watching me. I think I saw you drooling one time." Bakugou smirked.

Kirishima gasped. "Aw, man. Really? Damnit."

Bakugou laughed, and in that moment Kirishima decided he wanted to hear that laugh more. Over and over again on repeat...for the rest of his life. He stared widely at Bakugou as the realization hit him full force.

He was in love with Bakugou.

His face heated up and he turned to look away from Bakugou's questioning look. They had kissed a few times, and Bakugou had told him some secrets, but did that really mean anything? Were they something? Or nothing?
Was he making a big deal out of a kiss and a few exchanged words?

Knowing Bakugou, if he told him that he loved him, Bakugou would lock up again. Hide away like before.
Kirishima didn't want that. He couldn't take that again.

So, he remained quiet and changed the subject as they chattered on about whatever came to their minds.

~0~

Chapter Text

Bakugou had told Kirishima it was time for his shift at the diner and Kirishima happily got dressed, ready to follow like a love-stricken puppy.

Bakugou had given him a small smile at how enthusiastically Kirishima hopped up and got ready while Bakugou collected his own things and they left out Kirishima's apartment together, walking side by side, shoulders lightly bumping against each other.

The morning brought a chill, which made Bakugou huddle into his hoodie, but Kirishima felt like he was a campfire. He felt like he was radiating warmth.
He wanted to wrap Bakugou up in his warmth, take away his poor chills.

Bakugou looked over at him, brow raised in question and lower lip poked out. "What're you lookin' at?"
Kirishima sighed happily. "You." Then he corrected himself, a blush covering his embarrassment. "You look cold."
Bakugou rubbed his hands together to warm them up. "Cold weather sucks. I hate it."

"Its not even that cold." he chuckled in amusement.
Bakugou glared then looked ahead again, and Kirishima took pity on the poor man by lacing his own warm fingers with Bakugou's frozen ones.

Bakugou tensed a little, looking down at their intertwined hands, then huffed as if ignoring the action as they continued on down the street towards the retro diner.

When they arrived, they stepped up the concrete steps and Bakugou pushed the door open and made the little bell jingle. The diner was empty, as per usual. It made him kinda sad to look at each time he came here. Bakugou was such a good cook, people should be lining up to eat his food.
Bakugou started heading towards the swinging door that led towards the back, so Kirishima stood to wait for him by their regular booth beside the door.
Then, Bakugou peeked over his shoulder from the door. "You coming?"

Kirishima's eyes widened, but he took the offer to follow gladly. The back of the diner would look like what you'd imagine. The kitchen was well kept, but was still a diner kitchen. A little messy and the smell of grease lingered as they passed by. Cooking equipment was hung up on hooks above the large, flat stove and the island table in the center of the room had a sink with a couple of dishes sitting in the water.

Bakugou led him to a small break room with pale yellow walls and to a row of faded blue lockers. He swung one open and pulled out his waiter outfit and tossed it neatly over his arm. He sent a look at Kirishima, one that sent shivers down Kirishima's spine. "Wait here." he smirked.

Kirishima gulped and nodded as his eyes followed Bakugou to the bathroom. He caught a familiar glimpse of grey walls before Bakugou closed the door, and memories started filtering in.
That bathroom-
Bakugou sent nude photos from that bathroom. Him fingering himself open thinking of Kirishima's cock. He took a deep inhale and let his eyes close.

He needed to get a hold of himself. This wasn't the place nor time.

It wasn't even a minute later that the bathroom door swung open, Bakugou now dressed in his waiter outfit, the same one that Kirishima let his eyes linger on multiple occasions, and his apron clenched in his hand. He sauntered over to Kirishima, a knowing look on his face as he held out his apron to Kirishima. "I couldn't quite tie it right. Would you mind?"

Kirishima unconsciously took the black apron from Bakugou's hand and Bakugou turned around, a large smirk on his face.

Kirishima took another deep breath, then unfurled the apron in front of Bakugou's small waist. His eyes drifted to how his black slacks hugged his thin hips and thick ass perfectly, as it always did. Bakugou's white button up dress shirt hugged his muscles well too, and Kirishima admired the strong and lithe arms that the sleeves were rolled up on. He quickly refocused and pulled the strings behind Bakugou and began to tie the strings into a bow, then he noticed too late that Bakugou had moved backwards to press his ass against him lightly. Bakugou's hands reached up and caressed his neck, playing slightly with his red hair he didn't bother spiking up.

The position made Bakugou's back arch slightly, and he couldn't help but let his hands rest on Bakugou's hips. Bakugou's hands tugged him forward so he was pushed into the crook of the blonde's neck. Kirishima gladly began to mouth at the spot where he could feel Bakugou's pulse with his lips.
Bakugou sighed and shivered, his hands letting Kirishima's neck go to hold his hands that were gently massaging Bakugou's sides.

Bakugou grabbed Kirishima's hand to trail it across his waist and slowly down, until he could feel Bakugou's own excitement building up.
Kirishima was the same way, his own excitement pressed firmly to Bakugou's ass which he pulled closer to him.

He needed more.

He spun Bakugou around to face him which surprised the other, but Kirishima didn't leave room for thought as he dove in for a rough kiss. Bakugou grunted at the force but wrapped his arms around Kirishima's neck to pull him closer anyways.
Kirishima let his hands wander down to the back of Bakugou's thighs, which Bakugou gladly took as a sign to hop up and wrap his legs around Kirishima's waist. Kirishima locked his hands underneath Bakugou's ass for extra support, and the two began their surprise make-out session again.

Kirishima smiled into their kiss, and took a few steps back until his heel hit the wall then turned around to press Bakugou against it. He caged him in, his hands now able to wander with the wall's help of supporting Bakugou's weight.
Kirishima dove in to kiss at Bakugou's neck again. "We really shouldn't be doing this.." Kirishima murmured then licked up Bakugou's pulse.

Bakugou took a shivery breath, then laughed breathlessly. "Doesn't feel like you care all that much." he whispered with a firm grind against Kirishima's erection.
Kirishima chuckled as well. "You're a little devil, aren't you?"

Bakugou smirked evily. "I can be-"

"WHERE ARE YOU TWO? I SAW YOU GUYS, YOU CANT HIDE!" Kaminari's voice rang out, along with the bell from the front counter.

The pair looked at each other with wide eyes, then Bakugou scowled and shimmied to get down. Kirishima let him down and Bakugou fixed his apron and shirt then looked him up and down. "Make yourself look presentable."

After making themselves look they totally weren't grinding against each other desperately, they walked out the swinging door to see Kaminari and Sero sitting at the counter accusingly.
"Explain why I saw you both outside my window walking together while HOLDING HANDS?" he asked dramatically.
Sero patted his friend's shoulder to calm him down.

Bakugou crossed his arms, so Kirishima took the lead. "Uh, so you know...I went to Satou's party last night."
Both of his friends looked at him, exasperated. "No, we did not know that." Sero mumbled.

Kaminari frowned. "Is this explaining your weird texts this morning?"

Kirishima nodded and tried to ignore Bakugou's curious look. "I'm getting there. So, I thought I called Kami to pick me up from the party but I accidentally called Bakugou instead. He picked me up, took care of me, we cleared things up and now...we..uh-"

"We're dating." Bakugou concluded, making everyone look at him with wide eyes.

Sero had a thoughtful look on his face. "Huh. That's a lot less complicated than I thought it'd be."

"Wait wait wait," Kaminari interrupted. "That means you guys got together on your own." He looked horrified. "I owe Ashido so much money."

Sero patted his friend's shoulder again for comfort.

Kaminari then shot up. "We gotta tell Ashido."

A panicked look crossed Bakugou's face. "Dont tell Pinky now! She'll fuckin' come down here-"

Sero was already dialing and holding his phone to his ear. "Mina! Guess what? You're getting you're money."
A loud screech could be heard from the phone, it made Sero recoil with a smile. "Yeah...wait, now? I guess we expected that...oh yeah, see you soon....love you too, bye."
Sero hung up with a wide smile. "She's on her way."

Bakugou groaned and slumped a little. "Uggghhhhhh you assholessss."

~0~

Everyone was just sitting around, waiting for Ashido to arrive, except Bakugou who had to take Kaminari's and Sero's orders of waffles. He huffed and walked to the back to prepare their meals and at that same moment a bright pink car screeched to a stop out front.
Sero shook his head while Kaminari laughed at the irresponsible driving. Soon, the pink haired girl hopped inside with a wide smile on her face. "Where are my beautiful boyssss?" She shouted. Kirishima waved and a shout came back in response from the kitchen. "We're not your fucking kids!"

Ashido ignored Bakugou's shout and approached Kirishima with her arms wide open. Kirishima just laughed and accepted her hug, which was warm and very tight. "Awwww I cant believe you're growing up so fast! Who asked who?" Ashido began asking with her face smothered in Kirishima's chest, then she backed out of her hug to place her hands on her hips. "Where's the happy pouty boy?"

"Leave me alone!" Bakugou shouted.

Ashido broke out in a wicked smile and walked straight back into the kitchen. "Hugsssss, baby!"

There were a few strangled noises from the kitchen then a crash and shouting from Bakugou, then they finally emerged from the kitchen with Ashido holding Bakugou in a headlock. She tugged Kirishima toward her with her other arm and gave them both tight hugs while also probably choking out Bakugou.
She suddenly released them to walk over to Kaminari with a bright smile on her face and her palm open.

Kaminari groaned and fished out his wallet to pay up.

Bakugou glared at Ashido's back as he recovered from being strangled. "Its not a big fuckin' deal, why is everyone acting like we just achieved world peace?"
Kirishima smiled and shrugged, just taking a moment to admire his boyfriend when suddenly a bad smell passed into the diner.
Kaminari looked over. "Hey...weren't you making waffles?"

Bakugou's eyes widened and he quickly retreated back to kitchen, cursing about the burnt waffles and that Ashido was going to pay for them.

~0~

Kirishima stayed with Bakugou throughout his entire workday, smiling as he took orders and handed them off to the cook after he arrived.

Surprisingly, Bakugou's attitude was pretty good as he interacted with the customers and cook, it was odd to watch. He even smiled at an old couple when they entered and he helped seat them. They must've been regulars.
After lunch rush was over, Bakugou took his own lunch break,surprisingly, a made himself a sandwich in the kitchen then sat in front of Kirishima to munch on it.

"I gotta work tonight." Kirishima groaned. "I mean, I like the job a lot but staying up that late is really annoying."

Bakugou took another bite. "Me too."

"Hm?"

"Gotta work. Tonight." Bakugou said quietly as he continued eating. Kirishima's eyes widened and he nodded frantically. "Yeah! Yeah..okay. Well I cant wait to see you. You know, tonight."

Bakugou smiled but didn't look up at him, just continued eating silently. So Kirishima enjoyed the silence with him.

~0~

Chapter Text

Had Kirishima ever been this excited for work?
No, not to this degree.

He had been extremely eager plenty of other times. Just the simple guessing game of what he could witness that night got his adrenaline pumping.
And it was always so much more than what he expected.

But no, it had nothing on this.

This time, the situation was a tad different. But that changes everything.

Before, Kirishima was convinced he was a stranger to Cherry Bomb, a coworker who only dreamed of being within a five-foot radius of that beautiful dancer, then it morphed into a scandalous fling he was still baffled about.
But now he no longer had to gaze up at that stage in wonder and curiosity, because that same man was already right there in front of him the whole time as Bakugou Katsuki, who is now officially his boyfriend and a saving grace for Kirishima, in his opinion.

Life without Bakugou would be duller. His move to his new apartment would've been less rewarding. He probably wouldn't have gotten his job if he didn't see Cherry Bomb spinning around so gracefully on that pole and if their eyes didn't land on each other by chance.

So now, as he buttons up his work shirt and slips on his shoes he finds himself very...

Apprehensive.

It only now just clicked that he's going to work and he will see his boyfriend also doing his job as a stripper.

And Kirishima is somehow expected to focus.

He sighed and rested his forehead against his wall. Maybe he could slip himself a drink or two to loosen up, and then he might just make it out with his job still intact.

He pulled out his phone to check for the time just as it vibrated from a text.

Today 8:30 PM
Kami: yo dude! I'm out front when you're ready. got the squad with me :]

Kirishima smiled and sent a quick text saying he was on his way down, then collected his things to head out the door. As he approached Kaminari's car after leaving the apartment complex he was a little sad to see Bakugou not cramped in the small car, but also kinda relieved.

He wasn't mentally prepared yet.

But Ashido and Sero were both in the back together cuddling and rejoiced when he walked up. Kaminari rolled down the window of the passenger side and shouted, "Get in, loser! We're going clubbing!"

Kirishima simply smiled and shook his head at his friends antics but joined in their rambunctious behavior when he slid into the car and they took off.
They blasted music, laughed and talked, and sang together. Everyone's vibe was relaxing, and it eased his thoughts about the night.
He wasnt worried about it, just overly anticipating it. But a good dose of your friends playing a dangerous poking game with the driver can cure any worries, he guessed.

They pulled into Stardom's parking lot and Kaminari got a spot relatively close, then Mina hopped out and whooped into the night, her fur coat blowing in the wind. Sero encouraged her loud shouts by joining in and they ran towards the entrance. Kaminari shut off the car and slipped out while laughing at his friends. "Man, they're perfect for each other. Both little kids."

Kirishima laughed along. "Yeah, they're quite the duo."

Kaminari and Kirishima walked up to the front together, where Koda smiled and moved to the side to let them both in then booming music surrounded them and different complimenting colors circled around.
Kaminari followed Kirishima up to the bar, where Kirishima fist-bumped Sato as a hello and he immediately got to work because Sato was falling behind a bit, a small crowd surrounding the bar.

Another stripper was already dancing up on the stage, one he's seen a couple of times before and she seems to be pretty nice. A pretty blond who's colors tonight were blue. He wondered if Bakugou was friends with all the other strippers, and maybe if he is, should Kirishima get to know them or would that be really suspicious?

"Hey, man." Kaminari said to snap him out of his thoughts. "You good? You seem kinda distracted tonight."

Kirishima smiled, knowing he was guilty. "Ah, it was that obvious, huh?" He said as he prepared a coke and rum that was one of the orders Sato took, but he was too behind to prepare it in time.

"Yeah, sorry about Bakugou not wanting to come. Is that what you're sad about?" Kaminari asked with his arms crossed across the bar.
Kirishima was about to correct him that Bakugou was in fact here but quickly remembered that none of them knew Bakugou was Cherry Bomb yet. They'd probably never know, honestly.
So Kirishima scrounged up an excuse. "Nah, man. I'm not sad, just kinda miss him, yunno?" Not a lie, so good enough.

Kaminari nodded in understanding then sighed wistfully. "Ahh~ What would it be like to be in a relationship? I might never know." he pouted and placed his chin in his palm while poking his lower lip out.

Kirishima pat his shoulder. "Some day, my friend, you'll find the most beautiful or handsome person." Kirishima spoke dramatically. "And then you'll be stuck." He laughed.
Kaminari waved him off then looked around. "Kiri, bro, whenever I come here everyone is too drunk to talk or they're in a relationship! What utter nonsense is that?!" Kaminari threw his hands up in the air dramatically. "Maybe I should just give up-"

Kaminari suddenly froze and stared enchanted out into the crowd. Kirishima followed his gaze to part of the sound system beside the stage, where a familiar looking girl was working on it tentatively.

Kaminari roughly grabbed Kirishima by the arm and pointed at her. "Who. Is that?"

Kirishima smiled. "Ah, that's...um, Jirou, right?" He asked himself. "I met her a while ago, but I haven't really-"
Kaminari was already leaving before he could finish his sentence, so he just shouted a good luck to his friend and continued on with his work with a happy smile on his face.

With a lot of rushed hard work, he helped Sato catch up with the drinks and they eventually dispersed the crowd, sending everyone along happy and with a drink in their hands.

Sato seemed unbelievably tired already, he only ever took a seat on their tiny stool behind the bar if he needed a time out. Kirishima pat his shoulder and said he'd take care of orders until Sato was all rested up, as a good friend would. Luckily not a lot of people came up to the bar after that, seeming to be pretty satisfied with their drinks or too wasted to get more.

Kirishima was definitely okay with that. Of course there was a person here and there, but no more crowds and everyone was having a good time.

Then over the speakers, a gentle rock song played and Kirishima's eyes snapped to the stage.
The lights were low and gave a warm feeling to the stage. Kirishima tried to rack his brain for this song, what dance was this? This sounded new for Bakugou's lineup.
Oh shit, it was new.

All of Kirishima's attention was directed towards the blond who sashayed out from behind the curtains and, with a feral smile, approached the pole. Cherry Bomb had a different mask on this time, it looked as if it was spray painted on and drips were frozen on his face. Nestled in his wild, spiky blond hair was a pair of devil horns and that wasn't even the least of it.

A loose dark tank top hung off of his muscular body and it read, "Daddy's Little Monster" in red letters.

Kirishima felt like he might pop a boner right now. That did things to him.

Sato peeked up from his seat on his stool and when he spotted the product of Kirishima's torture he shook his head and pat his friend's shoulder as he promptly stood to take care of anyone who needed drinks cause Kirishima sure as hell wasn't going to be doing anything right now.

He had on tight leather shorts that had his ass practically hanging out the bottom with a little devils tail hanging off and fishnet tights underneath and to top that all off, red stilettos.

"Fuuuuuuck," he groaned and leaned against the countertop.

As always, Cherry Bomb's eyes looked for his in the crowd and when they locked he smiled widely then playfully stuck his tongue out. He spun around the pole then climbed up a bit then locked his legs, the pole secure between his strong thighs, then turned upside down towards the crowd. The tank top worked with gravity and fell down his chest to reveal the most muscular abdomen and chest muscles had ever seen while also looking soft and plump.

He expected Bakugou to be shredded, but he was showing no mercy. It was almost mean.

He spun pulled himself back up then spun gracefully back to the ground then all the way to where he could lay. His legs were tucked underneath him, and it was amazing how easily he moved to move his legs like a wave out from underneath with a sensual body roll then used that to hook onto the pole beside him.
As he slowly spun around he dragged a hand from his thigh to to his ass then trailed it to his side where he redirected the trail to slowly glide across his front.

After connecting back with the ground he held onto the pole and used the momentum he had to let it spin him around and pose at the bottom with his pelvis sticking outwards, which the closest people took as a wonderful opportunity to stuff money into his tight shorts.

The music began to climb to its peak, so he climbed back up the pole and wrapped one of his legs tightly around it to suspend himself in the air for a while, then grabbed on with both hands and spun himself down like a dial to land with his knees on the ground and his back facing the crowd when the song closed out.

Everyone cheered and clapped and threw their money, but Kirishima was still captive to Cherry Bomb's heavily breathing form. His sweat glistened in the spotlight, and his hair seemed to glow an unearthly glow.

The theme was a seductive demon, but Bakugou couldn't look more like an angel right now.

~0~

The night was pretty slow after that. He made some drinks, saw a fight almost happen which was quickly shut down by Midnight, and he saw Ashido and Sero a couple of times for either of them to get drinks and ask how he was doing, or he spotted them dancing against each other on the dancefloor.

Kaminari had so far been nowhere in sight, so he only hoped that meant that his advancements on Jirou worked out.

Kirishima and Sato washed glasses and talked, sometimes just enjoyed the hot new hits playing and hummed along.
He wasn't expecting for Mrs. Midnight to tap him on the shoulder and smile with a knowing look. Her manicured hands held out keys and she leaned in so he could hear her over the booming music. "These are for you, Red. Cherry Bomb would like to see you in the back."

He took the keys with wide eyes and nodded before telling Sato, who gave him a sly look and said he could handle it.
So with that, Kirishima made his way through the crowd to the backstage door and quickly unlocked it.

The hallway was as intimidating as ever and Kirishima couldn't help but feel as if this was the first time all over again.
But he walked forward with a new confidence that he was going to see his really hot boyfriend who requested to see him and he was going to do it without being a mess.

He passed by doors with bronze plates on them and this time he paid a little bit of attention to the names.
Cam Cam, Bubble Pop...these sounded pretty female. Was Bakugou the only male stripper? He never noticed. He'd only really focused solely on Bakugou.

Finally the plaque with 'Cherry Bomb' inscribed on it appeared and he took a deep breath, then knocked.
The sounds of a lot of glass products bumping and falling frightened him, but he waited patiently. Footsteps quickly ran around, then finally approached the door.

It opened to pretty much the same sight as before; Cherry Bomb in a red silk robe with the mask on their face- but no, this time it was different. It was Bakugou, and the mask was the makeup from the previous dance and it seems like he was trying to remove it since lines were scrubbed off.

Kirishima smiled widely. "You wanted to see me?"

Bakugou didnt say anything, just stepped aside so Kirishima could come in and Kirishima did. He once again took in the comfy, homey feeling room then watched as Bakugou shut the door behind them and made his way back to the vanity where different bottles of makeup were knocked over or scattered on the floor and began cleaning up.
Kirishima quickly walked over and helped, placing any bottle he found on the floor back onto the stand.

After a few moments of silence, just straightening scattered bottles, Kirishima started up conversation. "I liked your performance. Your mask looked super cool."

Bakugou looked at him, then sat on the stool in front of the vanity and picked up a sponge, then began to scrub at his face makeup again.
Kirishima stood awkwardly, kicking at the floor every now and then, then poked Bakugou's cheek.

Bakugou snapped to look over, and his eyes flickered down to Kirishima's outstretched hand. "Let me?"

After a few beats of silence again, Bakugou placed the sponge in Kirishima's hand and Kirishima got down on his knees to get a better angle. He began to wipe the black smudges off, then ultimately started talking again. "Silent treatment, huh?"

Bakugou flinched, then looked down at Kirishima apologetically. "Habit." he whispered.

Kirishima nodded as he wiped more black from around Bakugou's eye. "Its alright. That was an awesome new routine you did." Kirishima smiled as he gently scrubbed at a particularity difficult mark across his nose.

Bakugou smirked. "Pretty badass, right?"

"Totally badass."

Bakugou huffed. "Better be. Worked forever on it."

Kirishima swiped at a big patch of makeup and was proud that it was almost all gone. "I bet. That was some impressive stuff. And so is this makeup."

Bakugou leaned a little bit closer so Kirishima wouldn't have to reach as far then clicked his teeth. "Camie had better done a good job. She didnt even let me look in the mirror, just pushed me out there."

"Camie?" Kirishima questioned, the name sounding kinda familiar.

"Cam Cam, the stripper? Went out a little before me."

Kirishima's eyes widened in realization. "Ohhhh, okay that makes sense."
Kirishima swiped the last of the makeup off of Bakugou's brow then backed up a little just to double check. He gently held Bakugou's face and turned it a little, and he spotted a blush cover his cheeks.

"Huh, that's funny. I could've sworn I got it all off but I just saw some red pop up. Weird."

Bakugou growled then pushed him playfully which knocked Kirishima off balance and onto the floor.

Kirishima laughed and sat back up, but when he noticed that Bakugou was draping himself over Kirishima's lap, robe flowing out beautifully, his mouth clicked shut and he stared at him.

Bakugou had a playful smile on his face. "I can feel you staring at me each time I go up there. Your eyes are always on me, like you're obsessed."

Kirishima swallowed and leaned back as Bakugou leaned in closer to him. "You liked how I looked tonight, didn't you? How I was dressed up for you?" Bakugou said getting closer, his face only centimeters apart from Kirishima's own.
Then he leaned over to Kirishima's ear and whispered, "Daddy?"

Kirishima's eyes squeezed shut as arousal suddenly was sent through him in waves. Well, that's something new.

But he didn't mind it, no not at all.

His hands, on autopilot, went straight to Bakugou's hips and and squeezed tightly. Bakugou sat back up and looked at him, a cocky looking smile on his lips. "Oh, you liked that? Interesting."
He said as his hands traveled up Kirishima's chest. "Hey, guess what I'm wearing." Bakugou pulled back his robe just enough to reveal a lacy garter around his thigh and it connected upwards, probably to matching lace underwear, but was cut off by the robe.

Kirishima played with the lace on Bakugou's thigh, his fingers lightly trailing across his pale skin. "Lingerie a favorite for after shows, or is this just for me?"

Bakugou leaned back down, their chests pressing together and Bakugou's lips teasingly close to his own. "Just for you, Daddy."

Kirishima quickly pulled Bakugou forward from the back of his head to crash their lips together in a desperate kiss. Kirishima had to shut him up or he would've finished in his pants like a high schooler.
Bakugou happily deepened the kiss by gently nibbling on Kirishima's lower lip then swiping his tongue against it. Kirishima let him in, and their tongues danced together as Kirishima's hands gripped tightly onto Bakugou's ass, the damn robe blocking him from feeling the soft plush skin.

Bakugou suddenly separated from the kiss and his hands shot to the knot that was holding his robe shut, and Kirishima couldn't take his eyes away as it was undone and the silk fell fluidly off of Bakugou's body. Underneath, Bakugou wore a black two piece lingerie set, and it hugged every curve and muscle he had so well, like it was made for him.

"Shit, Bakugou." Kirishima whispered and thumbed at the lace that wrapped around his hips. He began to sit up into a more comfortable position, Bakugou's legs now wrapped around his waist to steady him. Kirishima reached up to brush his hand across Bakugou's cheekbone, and suddenly Bakugou's demeanor changed.

He blushed and looked away, then mumbled, "Katsuki."

Kirishima's eyes widened and he was about to ask just to make sure that he heard what he thinks he heard, when some of Bakugou's confidence returned and he looked back at Kirishima. "Call me Katsuki if you're going to be touching my ass like you've been doing."

The hand on Bakugou's ass tightened at the mention of it, then Kirishima smiled. "Then if you're going to be seducing me like this, you can call me Eijirou."

A small smile graced Bakugou's lips. "Eijirou."

His name sounded heavenly coming from Bakugou like that, as if Kirishima had given him some gift.

They both slowly leaned back in to connect their lips once again, when a knock interrupted them. A scowl replaced Bakugou's relaxed face from before as he stood to wrap his robe back around himself then stomp over to the door. He cracked it open and Kirishima could hear his boss say, "Kirishima's friends are looking for him. His shift is up and the girl with the pink hair threw up in front of the stage."

Kirishima jolted up and headed to the door where Bakugou just nodded and sent her away, then shut the door quietly. He turned back to Kirishima, a sad look in his eyes.
Kirishima smiled, but he also knew that he had to go. So he stepped forward, arms open and inviting, and after a second Bakugou stepped into his embrace. "Hey," Kirishima started. "Maybe you can come over tonight? You know, after we make sure Ashido gets home okay."

Bakugou was quiet, seeming to be contemplating his answer, before he nodded.
Kirishima smiled widely then kissed his head. "Okay. I'll text you."

Bakugou nodded again and Kirishima walked to the door, where Bakugou opened it for him. Kirishima paused before leaving to turn back and place one final kiss on Bakugou's lips, which surprised the blond, but he let it happen.
Then Kirishima took off with a happy wave to find his very wasted friends.

~0~

Chapter Text

Kirishima ran back out to the main area of the club just in time to get the sight of Sero holding Ashido's hair out of her face as she puked into a tiny trashcan, Kaminari patting her back comfortingly and Mrs. Midnight waiting nearby.
She probably provided the trashcan.

A clean-up crew was already almost finished with cleaning up the remains of his friend's bile and the smell of the cleaning product filled the air. Kirishima cringed but jogged over and crouched beside his friend. "Let's get you home, okay Mina?"

Ashido looked up at him with an utterly miserable look, and slowly nodded. She began to stand up, but Sero and Kirishima quickly rushed to assist when she stumbled a little.
Kirishima turned to say a quick thank you and goodnight to his boss, then steadily made their way outside and to Kaminari's car.

Sero assisted Ashido into the back as Kaminari slipped into the driver's seat and cranked the car up. Kirishima slid in beside him then handed a plastic bag back to Sero. "Not the best but I'm sure Kami doesn't want puke in his floorboards."

"You're right, I'd prefer that not happening."

Sero took the bag and handed it to Ashido who held it under her mouth loosely, and Kaminari backed out.
"So," Kirishima started. "How'd it go with Jirou? You looked like a spell was put on you." He laughed and poked at Kaminari's shoulder.

Kaminari smiled. "Dude, you wouldn't believe it. She was so cool. She gave me goth vibes at first? But she turned out to like all types of things and music."

"Woah, sounds like you two totally hit it off."

"Well, I asked for her phone number, like to hit on her yunno, but she said she'd like to be friends before a relationship was even an option."

"Hey, that's not bad." Sero chimed in. "She didn't flat out deny you so that's something."

Kaminari shrugged. "Yeah, I'm cool with it. She seems like a cool person. Where were you all night though? We couldn't find you when Mina started throwing up."

Kirishima tensed and looked away, laughing awkwardly. "Uhhhh I had to go backstage to give one of the dancers a drink they ordered. Wrong place, wrong time."
Kaminari glanced at him suspiciously then looked in the rearview mirror to lock eyes with eyes with a skeptical looking Sero, but both said nothing on the matter.

Ashido groaned and leaned her head on Sero's shoulder. "Oh God, I'm gonna throw up."

Sero rushed for the plastic bag but Ashido waved it away. "No no, it's like, an expression for how terrible I feel."

Sero shook his head and pat her fluffy head. "Just sleep, drunkie."

~0~

Kaminari, Sero, and Kirishima all parted ways to leave for their apartments, feeling dreadfully tired after heaving a sleeping Ashido into her house and finally into bed.
Kirishima was undoing his bowtie in the comforts of his own home when his phone vibrated in his pocket.

Who would be texting him at this hour-?

Today 1:14 AM
Cherry Bomb: You home yet?

Ah, he should probably change that name. But for now...

Today 1:14 AM
Me: yeah, just got back.

Today 1:15 AM
Cherry Bomb: Good. I'm outside. I'll be up in a second.

Kirishima's eyes widened as Bakugou's response popped up and he placed his hand on his chest to sooth his rapidly beating heart. He didn't expect Bakugou so soon, in fact he actually forgot for a while because of his miserable and whiny, drunk friend.

And as his mind wandered from Bakugou, to the events at the club, it was pretty clear what was going to happen tonight.

Oh, shit it was going to happen tonight.

He looked up at his apartment in a panic, his eyes spotting his coffee mugs sitting forgotten on the counter that have been collecting for a bit, then he remembered his clothes strewn about in his bedroom and bathroom.

He immediately got to work, sprinting about and snatching up dishes and clothes and adjusting the pillows on his couch then making his bed right before a knock sounded on his front door.
He was on his way to happily answer it when he caught a whiff of himself.

He smelt of musk and alcohol, the mix from work and the sudden cleaning spree. He frowned and prayed Bakugou either wouldn't notice or wouldn't mind, then opened his door to a most welcome sight.

Bakugou wore dark blue jeans and a black v-neck shirt with a grey overcoat, which gave him a formal yet casual look. His bright carmine eyes peeked up at him through long, blond lashes. "You going to let me in or what?"

Kirishima snapped out of his daze and moved to the side to let Bakugou inside. "Hey, the rest of work okay?"

Bakugou nodded while toeing off his black sneakers. "It was fine. Boring as hell."

Kirishima kindly reached over Bakugou's shoulders to grab the edge of the coat and pull it down and off. "It was boring cause I wasnt there, right?" He smiled cheekily.
Bakugou glanced at him then gave a short, curt nod that threw Kirishima off. He didn't expect Bakugou to agree, but he wasn't complaining.

Bakugou easily walked further in and crossed his arms and rubbed at the exposed skin. "Cold as ever. Seriously what the fuck is wrong with you?" He complained, goosebumps rising on his skin from the loss of his warm coat.

Kirishima followed with a smile, and Bakugou's coat thrown over his arm. "Its nice, crisp. You know?"

Bakugou huffed and tucked his chin, letting his own warmth sooth him. "No, I fucking don't. Damn, its like I'm still outside."

Kirishima smiled, sat Bakugou's coat on the barstool, then stepped forward to wrap his arms around his boyfriend from behind. "Jeez you are freezing. I thought you were just being a drama queen about it."

Bakugou elbowed him in the side, not hard enough to seriously hurt but enough to get the point. Kirishima hugged him closely, his chin laying atop Bakugou's shoulder. "Sorry sorry. You can sit on the couch, I'll grab a cover and we can watch a movie or something."

Although Bakugou seemed to deflate at Kirishima's suggestion, he still strode over to the couch and plopped on top of it, then pulled his legs up to his chest to gather more warmth.
Kirishima quickly went to his closet to pull out a extra blanket then returned to the living room to see Bakugou with the remote in hand, scrolling through different movies that were on.

He eventually selected a movie with a lot of explosions that Kirishima didn't recognize. He took a seat beside Bakugou and threw the cover over them. "What'd you pick?"

Bakugou pulled the blanket up to his chin. "Its an action/romance."

"Woah-ho-ho. Didn't think you were the romance type." Kirishima teased. Bakugou just rolled his eyes. "Well, maybe you should pay more attention." He spoke with no bite in his words, but Kirishima couldn't help but feel like there was some meaning behind it. But, once again, Kirishima didn't say a word. Just leaned back on his couch and settled in beside his boyfriend and watched as the movie started.

~0~

Godamnit, he was so fucking horny.

And Kirishima was just sitting there like they totally weren't close to having Kirishima's dick up his ass just a few hours prior.

What a fucking idiot.

But Bakugou wasn't one to push on these matters, it didn't feel right. Maybe he hoped that Kirishima would realize or make a move on his own. But as the agonizing minutes ticked by, Bakugou was starting to lose faith.
And it was really pissing him off.
Was he not attractive enough cause he wasn't in his stripper outfit? No lingerie, just himself and the ordinary clothes on his back?

Or maybe Kirishima was upset about something? Maybe he was nervous.
Bakugou knew for a fact that HE sure was. His sweaty palms proved it. And everytime he'd reach for Kirishima's hand from underneath the cover, he'd just be reminded that, yes, his sweaty palm would be obvious if he were to hold that big, tan hand right now.

Damnit, it was hopeless. He might as well just get some rest in, since sleep was pulling at his eyelids. He shuffled to get more comfortable, then after one last look at his distracted boyfriend, slowly shut his eyes.
The sounds of the movie and Kirishima's breathing became distant as he slipped further into sleep, that was, until Kirishima gently called his name.

Bakugou decided a little payback was in order.
'See what it feels like to be ignored, fucker.' he snickered in his head and kept his eyes firmly shut.

Then he felt Kirishima's hand slither to his own that was resting on his thigh.

'What is he playing at?'
Bakugou swallowed a lump in his throat as inconspicuously as he could and decided to wait to see where this would go. Kirishima seemed to be pretty content with where he was now, but then again, Bakugou's eyes weren't open.
Next, a warm finger brushed against his cheek, almost making him jump.

Bakugou desperately wanted to peek, just a little bit. But he held himself back and waited with baited breath.

Kirishima sighed, his warm breath fanning across Bakugou's face. "Man," he mumbled as he gently nuzzled his nose against Bakugou's neck. "How'd I get so lucky? Such a beautiful guy here on my couch, asleep in my arms." Kirishima snuggled up to him as he wrapped his arms around him, his warmth making Bakugou all the more sleepy.

Kirishima got quiet, tucked up beside Bakugou, so he assumed that he was done talking. But Kirishima wasn't even close to done.
"Katsuki...I know you came here to do...yunno." he paused and took a deep breath. "I want to do that with you. But I cant help but feel that, well, you feel weird about it don't you?"

Bakugou felt himself tense. This wasn't what he wanted.

"Katsu, I know that you're hesitant about romantic things. I can see it on your face." Kirishima whispered and squeezed him a little. "So it really surprised me when you were so open to everyone about our relationship. So..if you're truly ready...tell me. And if not, I'll wait for you."

Bakugou felt Kirishima shift, then a forehead pressed against his own. "Come on, I know you're awake Kats. Don't leave me hangin'."

Bakugou tensed again, but hesitantly opened his eyes. Kirishima was looking at him in the most loving way, and that terrified him a little.
He hated that he was.

He wanted that love, he wanted whatever Kirishima would offer him. He knew he did, he could feel he did whenever he looked at that idiot's face. At that stupid, goofy smile. He wanted that.

He wanted everything.

So he took a deep breath.

"I...think I love you."

He had closed his eyes again, tightly, since he was afraid of Kirishima's reaction. His brain started screaming at him to take it back as soon as he said it, to make some excuse that he didn't mean it, but his heart almost shot out of his chest when Kirishima suddenly smothered him in a tight hug.

Bakugou's eyes were wide, and he silently and slowly wrapped his arms around his boyfriend. "H-hey, are you shaking?" he asked, his brows furrowed.

Kirishima nuzzled into Bakugou's neck again and gave a wet laugh. "Sorry, sorry. I-I didnt mean to just start crying like that."

"The fuck?! You're crying?!"

"Ah, dont make fun of me."

Bakugou quickly hugged him closer. "The hell...why would I make fun of you, you idiot."

Kirishima laughed and sniffled, then gently pulled out of the embrace to look down at Bakugou with tear stains running down his blushing cheeks. The tears still collecting in his eyes made the red in them shimmer. "I love you too, Katsuki."

It was Bakugou's turn to be speechless. He didn't think this outcome was possible when he decided to say it. He thought the least he'd get was Kirishima saying he wasn't ready for that yet. But here he was, confessing his love for him. He must be dreaming.

Kirishima simply giggled and cupped Bakugou's cheek with his palm, then leaned down to give a wet kiss.
It tasted salty from the tears, probably from his own too, he wouldn't be surprised if he was crying. But it was soft, sweet, and tender. He was definitely crying now.
Kirishima wiped his tears away as he pecked his lips, then started to get more intense.
His tongue gently prodded at Bakugou's own lips, asking permission. Bakugou immediately granted it, his heart swelling at the need to be closer to his boyfriend.

Bakugou's arms found a comfortable rest wrapped around Kirishima's neck, and Kirishima's own hands squeezed his hips and pulled him as close as he could be.
Kirishima slowly pulled away, but Bakugou tried to follow him.

He didn't want this moment to end.

Kirishima laughed. "Babe, maybe we can go somewhere more suited for this?"

'Ah,' Bakugou thought. 'He means...the bed.'
Bakugou looked away as a burning blush spread across his cheeks, but nodded nonetheless.

Kirishima nodded. "Okay. Hold onto me."

Just as Bakugou was about to ask what he meant, he was suddenly being lifted into the air. He tightly wrapped his legs around Kirishima's waist and pulled himself close with his arms, fearful of falling. Soon he realized he was pretty stable, the two hands tucked under his butt keeping him easily in place.
He sent a glare Kirishima's way, but his boyfriend only laughed at it. "You look good like this. In my arms, I mean." Kirishima smugly smiled.

Bakugou huffed and rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Let's get on with this already."

"Oh, excited are we?"

"Fucking- shut up!"

Kirishima laughed loudly as he walked to the bedroom, then over to the bed. He gently got onto the bed, then laid Bakugou down. "Comfy?"

Bakugou looked away from Kirishima's bright eyes. "Yeah..whatever."

Kirishima placed a kiss on his forehead, then his nose. "Good, I want you to be comfortable most of all."
Kirishima began to place kisses all over his face, then began to venture close to his neck. "W-wait."

Kirishima quickly stopped. "Yeah?"

Bakugou looked away again. "Can..can you turn off the lights?"

Kirishima smiled warmly at him. "Nervous?"

He huffed. "Whatever, I dont need-"

"No no, I'll get it." Kirishima pressed a kiss to his cheek then hopped up to flick off his room light. Once the light disappeared, a little bit of tension left him and he let out a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding. He felt covered now, like the blanket of the dark didn't leave him so exposed.
The window cast in shreds of moonlight that gave just enough light to make out Kirishima's form coming back over and crawling back onto the bed. "Better?" He asked as he brushed a stray hair out of Bakugou's eyes.

He nodded. "Yeah, better."

Kirishima smiled. "Good."
He pressed another kiss to his nose then to his cheek then finally, they're lips connected again. The taste of the tears had been licked away, now all that he tasted was the slight mintiness from Kirishima's toothpaste and remnants of alcohol from earlier that night. It tasted sweet.

Their hands were wandering now, Bakugou's resting on Kirishima's chest and Kirishima's were running through his hair.
A rush of boldness filled him and he opened his eyes, then pulled away from the kiss. He tugged at Kirishima's button up and his boyfriend seemed to get the picture.
He sat back and removed his bowtie and tossed it, then started undoing the buttons.

It was mesmerizing to watch, the slow and teasing movements with only a few streaks of moonlight shining across his body.
Bakugou hoped his face was hidden by the dark, because he'd bet he looked like he was utterly entranced right now.

Soon the shirt was discarded, and Bakugou had a full view of Kirishima's chest and abdomen. He looked solid, strong.
He hadn't realized his hand had reached out to trail across Kirishima's stomach, and Kirishima leaned down into the touch.
He smiled. "Sorry I'm not in peak condition right now. I've been slacking on my workouts."

Bakugou pulled him close by his belt loop. "You're fucking perfect. Now...touch me."

Kirishima's eyes dilated at his words, his hands making quick work of removing Bakugou's black t-shirt. As soon as the piece of clothing was gone, Kirishima was giving appreciative kisses along his collar bone. "Fuck, you're so beautiful. I'm so happy I get to hold you like this."
Kirishima's lips began to trail down, the kisses littering his pecs now. Kirishima gave them a slight squeeze then sighed. "Damn. I love you so much. So much, Katsuki."

The words sent a shiver down Bakugou's spine and he had to bite his lip to prevent from giving some whiny, pathetic response. Kirishima's breath fanned over his nipple, and he gasped at the sudden temperature change. Then a searing hot tongue licked a stripe along it.

He knows he moaned, he's also aware that his back arched at the small touch and he was shaking. But it all felt so far away cause he wanted more. So much more. He had one hand covering his mouth, while the other moved to Kirishima's shoulder and squeezed tightly, as if telling him he was doing just the right thing.
Now he was swirling his tongue around it, then sucking-
Fuck he doesn't think he can take this much longer, it was like a type of really good torture.

Kirishima's hand ghosted against his side then wrapped around his other pec, and Bakugou had to open his eyes to look at the scene before him. Kirishima was sucking on him so desperately, almost like a baby. The only thing that made it far less innocent was how Kirishima's other hand began to tease his other nipple, swirling it and pinching it.

"Fuck- ah. Eiji, just..ha. Move on already." Bakugou finally managed the words, and Kirishima peeked up at him from his work. After one last lick and pinch, he smiled up at him. "You liked that a lot, huh?"

Bakugou looked straight at him and said, "If you dont get our pants off right now I swear-"

"Okay okay! I'm on it."

Kirishima began to undo Bakugou's button and the pressure already felt a little bit less than before. It was honestly starting to hurt from how tight it was. Kirishima began pulling the jeans off, and Bakugou assisted him by lifting his hips, then just like that he was only in his black boxers. He didn't expect Kirishima to ignore his own pants and probably throbbing pain as he went for the hem of the boxers, but Bakugou really couldn't find the voice to stop him.

Kirishima leaned in closely. "Is this okay?" He whispered.

Bakugou nodded frantically, the need to get rid of this pain, to touch Kirishima, to be touched by Kirishima, it was all overwhelming.
Kirishima kissed his lips, and as their lips collided he slowly started to remove the last piece of clothing. The last thing keeping Kirishima from seeing all of him. The last wall he had up.

He shivered at the cold air on his exposed skin. Kirishima was warm as he crowded in closer, chasing away the chill just a bit.
He was still kissing him too, so he hadn't looked yet. Instead of dragging it along and having to wait for Kirishima's response, Bakugou pulled away for Kirishima to look finally at him. His eyes were glued to his face as Kirishima sat back and his own red eyes raked down Bakugou's body until finally coming to his throbbing erection.

Kirishima's eyes lingered there for a while, and Bakugou began to get self conscious. "The fuck are you staring for, idiot? It's just a dick."

Kirishima looked back up at him with a smile. "I just thought you looked so pretty-"

"Excuse me."

"-and there's no hair anywhere. You're like porcelain."

Bakugou blushed and looked away. "I cant have hair. Makes me slip on the pole. So I shave everywhere."

Kirishima covered his mouth and bit down on one of his fingers. "Damn."

Bakugou shifted uncomfortably under his gaze then sat up to pull at Kirishima's jeans. "Come on, get rid of these already."

Kirishima gently pushed his hand away. "Wait, I wanted to take care of you first." He said and with one hand he started to pushed Bakugou back onto the bed. Bakugou didn't think he could blush any harder, he felt like sparks were flying across his cheeks, he felt so hot.
"I-i already...prepared myself."

Kirishima looked up at him in awe, then kissed his stomach. "But that was a while ago, right? So I can do it for you?"

Bakugou covered his face, trying to cool it down with his hands but they were clammy and warm as well. "F-fine. Yeah."

Kirishima smiled warmly at him and held his hips, his thumbs rubbing comforting circles into his skin. "Okay. Relax, okay? I got you."

Bakugou hesitantly nodded, and watched closely as Kirishima placed a kiss on his hip, then at the section where his leg connected, then his thigh. Kirishima lifted his right leg and kissed to his inner thigh, then nibbled gently on the muscle there. It felt nice, put him at ease almost.

But he was also really fucking hard.

"Eiji.." he growled, shifting uncomfortably.

Kirishima smiled smugly up at him while placing another loving kiss to his leg. "What is it, babe?"
Bakugou wasnt even sure if he was mad at Kirishima's little game. Kirishima's kisses were accurately placed, his boyfriend watching his reactions to see what places earned something and what didn't. So the little tingling kisses that sent small shots of pleasure through him, he didn't entirely hate it.

Apparently Kirishima could tell, since his next kiss to his skin was more passionate. He sucked and bit, making Bakugou suck in a breath.
After one last kiss was placed, as if in an apology for the any pain it could've caused, Bakugou spotted a dark spot embedded in his skin. "Fuck..." he breathed out. He liked that a lot.

Kirishima continued his wonderful assault on Bakugou's skin and, noticing Bakugou's internal and physical struggle, snaked his hand around Bakugou's erection and began to slowly stroke it.

Bakugou let out a small moan but quickly snapped his mouth shut when he noticed the pitiful sound that escaped. That's when Kirishima abruptly stopped everything he was doing.
"H-hey, why the fuck did you-"

Kirishima stroked his thigh with his other hand tenderly. "You cant let your voice out, yunno. I want to hear you."

Bakugou froze. Was that a heart palpitation? Fuck, his face is warm. His heart's never done that before. He kinda liked that feeling.
He nodded to Kirishima, just wanting him to continue, but he internally told himself to try his best to ease up.

Kirishima slowly started his kisses again and the stroking, making Bakugou shiver. He grasped at the covers, not quite sure what to do with his hands. Then Kirishima shifted below him, his warm breath ghosting across Bakugou's dick now.
Kirishima gently took one of Bakugou's hands that were clenching the blankets and brought it to his spikey, red hair.

They only looked at each other for a moment before Kirishima licked a hot stripe up Bakugou's dick. "Ah-! F-fuck."
Bakugou's hand was tightly gripping the red strands as Kirishima worked his tongue around, then up and around the head.
Bakugou couldn't tear his eyes away now, he was in a trance. It excited him to follow Kirishima's every movement. His eyes flickered to Kirishima's left hand moving down, underneath him as Kirishima's right hand assisted him in working Bakugou's dick.
Kirishima's mouth suddenly taking him into that wet warmth and down his throat distracted him from the rustling and the sound of the bedside drawer opening.

Kirishima settled back down and removed his mouth, then Bakugou heard a small click, as if a cap were being popped open. He took a deep breath.

"Hey, Katsuki?" Kirishima whispered.

Bakugou looked down, waiting for him to continue.

Kirishima smiled and kissed his hip. "I love you."

Bakugou whole body felt so warm, even though he had heard those words a couple times now. So, with the utmost confidence, he whispered back. "I love you too."

His hips and thighs were littered with more kisses as his legs were gradually spread apart. A warm and slick finger pressed against his opening, gently, then slowly more pressure was added and the finger slipped in.
It felt normal, but different. He was so used to doing it by himself, so it didn't feel like his skinny fingers. He could tell that finger was thicker without even looking at it. It was also calloused, that feeling was familiar.

After working the finger in and out for a while and a few more kisses, another finger was added. There was little resistance since Bakugou had prepped himself before, but it was definitely more than his two fingers. They both started prodding around as Kirishima moved up to him and kissed at his neck.
Suddenly the two fingers brushed against that bundle of nerves that sent electricity up his spine. "Shit-! There, there!"

Kirishima quickly went back to the place and began rubbing it relentlessly and kissed him fervently. Another finger was added, and he was starting to feel full.
He panted as he pulled away from the kiss. "I-im ready already. Come on."

Kirishima smiled, looking pretty pleased with himself. "You're sure? I dont know, I think you need four."

'F-four?' Bakugou's eyes widened. 'He's got to be exaggerating.'

Bakugou knew he was kinda big, he felt him while grinding down on him and held him in his own hands before. But at the same time he wasn't really paying attention that time, he felt too overwhelmed with guilt so he was focused on just getting it over with. He's sure that's why Kirishima acted so surprised when he saw Bakugou.

Kirishima's fingers suddenly pulled away and so did he. He sat back and began to undo the button of his dress pants, then tugged them off along with his boxers.

Now that Bakugou was getting a good look at it, he felt pretty conflicted. He wasn't sure whether to be really turned on or really scared.
He'd never fucked himself with a dildo of that size before. Would it be too much? Shit, he kinda wanted to take that risk.

Kirishima leaned back over him again and kissed his cheek, then his nose, then his lips. "Its okay, love. I'll make sure I dont hurt you."
Bakugou blushed and nodded, then tried to get as comfortable as possible. Kirishima took his right leg and sat it on his shoulder while letting the other settle comfortably around his waist. Maybe it was obvious they were a bit excited for this. Bakugou knew he was, he wanted this as soon as possible. Not just for that sake of getting laid for the first time in forever, but because he wanted this person. This guy, he was everything to him. So, he watched as Kirishima got into position, the head of his erection pressing against the slick opening of Bakugou's hole.

Kirishima smiled. "Ready?"

Bakugou nodded and took a deep breath as Kirishima started to slowly press forward. It wasn't that bad, the pressure was kinda nice and there was only lingering hints of pain.
Turns out he didnt need four, but he might be riding on the edge of needing it. He breathed in deeply as Kirishima brushed his hand through his hair. "Man," Kirishima airily laughed. "Its taking a lot of pure willpower to not just thrust into right now. You're so warm and tight."

Kirishima pressed his forehead against Bakugou's own and sighed. "Tell me whenever you're ready for me to move, okay?"

Bakugou nodded and shifted a bit, causing his boyfriend to suck in a breath. He smirked, then brought his palm up to Kirishima's face. "Okay, move. Slowly."
Kirishima gave Bakugou a tender kiss, then began to steadily pull out, then push back in.

The movements made Bakugou tremble, which Kirishima eagerly watched and soaked in. As Kirishima slowly moved, inch by inch he shifted more of his length into Bakugou, filling him and pushing against sensitive spots Bakugou couldn't reach with his own fingers.
Bakugou took notice how his right leg was still over Kirishima's shoulder and it was practically touching his own shoulder as his boyfriend leaned down to kiss him sloppily. Kirishima seemed to take notice as well as he picked up Bakugou's other leg and tossed it over his other shoulder. "Fuck Katsuki," he panted. "You're folded in half. Does it hurt?"

Bakugou shook his head. He had to flexible for his job, so a simple fold like this was nothing. It wasn't even the least of what he could do.

He felt Kirishima twitch inside him. "Shit, that's hot. C-can I go faster? Please?" he asked with his eyes clenched shut.

"Yes," Bakugou whispered and threw his arms around Kirishima's neck. "Please, faster Daddy."

Kirishima grunted a low, 'fuck', then picked up the pace tenfold. Every thrust almost knocked the breath out of him, and small noises were pushed out along with it. Then Kirishima hit that sweet spot that made him gasp and his fingernails grazed across Kirishima's shoulders.
Kirishima knew what he did, so he stayed there and pounded against Bakugou's prostate over and over, and he could feel the boiling warmth in his lower stomach building rapidly.
"E-Eiji! Cumming-!"

Kirishima leaned in to whisper into his ear. "Come on, baby. Cum on my dick."

It did him in, the sticky white fluid covering both of there abdomens and a small sound escaping his clenched teeth. Kirishima was close behind, his body tensing and he moaned beside Bakugou's ear.
A warmth erupted inside of him, it felt oddly comforting. He felt the most relaxed he had been in months.

He turned his head to make room for Kirishima's that lay tucked into the nook of his neck and spotted the clock on Kirishima's bedside table that read 3:08 AM. He had no control over how he slowly shut his eyes and fell into a peaceful sleep, but not before he heard a quiet whisper.

"I love you so much, Katsuki."

~0~

Chapter Text

"Do you have to work today?" Kirishima whispered.

"Just tonight. Diner is closed today." Bakugou replied sleepily.

They had both woken up just a few minutes prior and were cuddling underneath the warmth of the covers to hide from the chill of Kirishima's apartment.
Kirishima tucked his nose into Bakugou's hair. It smelt of cinnamon. "Good. I'd like to lay with you here all day."

Bakugou hummed in agreement and they sat in a comfortable, warm silence only for a few seconds before Bakugou shifted to sit up. "A shower first though. We reek."

Bakugou shivered as his feet touched the freezing cold hardwood floor, then two warm arms wrapped around his waist. "Dont go yet. Cuddle more." Kirishima pouted against Bakugou's hip.

Bakugou cracked a tiny smile at the sight, but had to refuse him. He stunk. He smelt like sweat and other bodily odors and he couldn't really stand it.
"You are getting in after me." Bakugou said with finality then reached over to grab his phone from his discarded jeans to check the time.

It was only 9:30 in the morning and he already had a few texts.
He opened his phone and discovered he had been added to a group chat with Ashido, Sero, and Kaminari.

Today 9:02 AM
PinkBitch: Bakugou, we've got some bad news.

AbsoluteIdiot: yeah, man. and we're pretty sure we're right.

Today 9:03 AM
TooPlain: We think Kirishima might be cheating on you with a stripper.

PinkBitch: Way to put it out there, Hanta.

Bakugou frowned at the screen then glanced back at Kirishima before texting to the chat.

Today 9:30 AM
KingExplodoMurder: Explain

AbsoluteIdiot: before you guys were dating he was kinda crushing on this stripper

PinkBitch: We think he might still be seeing them. They work at Stardom with him, and they're called Cherry Bomb

At first, Bakugou just stared at the screen.
Then he giggled.
Then he was full on laughing so hard he was gasping for air.

Kirishima had jumped up as soon as he heard Bakugou's giggles, so now he was just confused. "Why are you laughing?"

Bakugou wiped a tear from his eye then turned to show the phone screen to Kirishima. "You wont believe this shit, oh my god."

Kirishima gently took the phone and read the messages that he guessed were from his friends to Bakugou, then looked back up. "They think I'm cheating on you. With Cherry Bomb."

Bakugou let out another laugh. "Yeah!"

Kirishima ran his hands through his hair. "Oh my- that's why they were acting so weird!"

Bakugou fell back onto the bed as he gasped for air and slowly started coming down from his laughing-high.
"Oh shit. That's funny." he sighed.
He looked up at Kirishima who had the most adorable looking goofy smile on his face. "What?"

Kirishima brushed a few fingers through Bakugou's wild hair. "You look really cute when you laugh."

Bakugou blushed and batted him away, then sat back up. He picked up his phone and his thumb hovered over the buttons. "I dont even know how to respond to this."

Kirishima looked down in thought, then back up sheepishly. "Maybe we should tell them? If we don't, who knows what they might start doing."

Bakugou frowned down at his screen, then turned it off and placed it onto the dresser beside the bed. "Maybe later." He said quietly with a thoughtful face, then stood up to head to the bathroom. The covers looked like they flowed off of Bakugou's bare naked body like water and while he was walking away, Kirishima got a beautiful view of his ass.
But he shook himself out of it.

"Um..." Kirishima started, making Bakugou turn to look at him over his shoulder. "May I..join you?"
Bakugou's eyes widened, then he looked away and directed his gaze at the floor. "Whatever."

Kirishima happily jumped out of bed and walked up to his boyfriend, kissed his shoulder, then took his hand to lead him to the warm shower.

~0~

A towel sat snuggly around his waist and another sat on top of his blond, fluffy hair that Kirishima was currently drying. Bakugou wasn't paying that much attention to the scrubbing of his hair, he was paying attention to the small droplets of water that trailed down Kirishima's bare chest in front of him and his wet, red hair that touched his shoulders.

"There," Kirishima announced as he placed the towel on Bakugou's shoulders. "All done."

Bakugou watched another droplet fall, then looked back to his boyfriend who was looking at him with the most loving eyes.
They had said those words a good few times last night, he wondered if Kirishima meant it.
He did, so he hoped that maybe-

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Kirishima jumped at the sudden noise then ran into his room. "Coming!" He shouted as he dried his body off and dug through his drawers for clothes. Bakugou looked into the drawer beside the rushing Kirishima and guessed he'd have to borrow some clothes. He didn't think this far ahead. Well, he did, he just didn't think it'd go the way it did so he didn't bring any extra clothes.

Kirishima ran out of his room, pulling up a pair of blue checkered pajama bottoms and Bakugou took the liberty of digging through the drawers next. He cringed at the overly gaudy clothes, but he found a grey band t-shirt that looked well loved and some red boxers that he was sure Kirishima wouldn't mind him wearing.

He listened to Kirishima open the door and greet whoever's was in the hallway, but didn't invite them in.
Ah, maybe he wanted more alone time with Bakugou.

He smiled at that thought.

As he listened more closely he recognized the sound of Kaminari, Sero, and Ashido's voices.
"Shit," he cursed and quickly pulled on the clothes along with a pair of basketball shorts, then walked out of the room.

The sight he saw would forever be stamped into his memory. Ashido had one manicured finger pressed to Kirishima's chest and she had an angry look on her face. Kaminari and Sero stood behind her, arms crossed and a approving look on their face from Ashido's behavior.
"You cheating dog!" Ashido accused, pushing the polished fingernail into his chest again. "I didn't take you for that kind of person, but we were clearly wrong."

"The hell are you doing." Bakugou scowled, but was doing his best not to smile. These idiots.

His friends turned to him and once they saw his appearance, Ashido got angrier. "You cheat on him then take him back home with you?! You-!"

Bakugou quickly moved between Kirishima and Ashido and held her back. "You fucking idiots! Jeez, I seriously cant stand you."

All of them looked ready to give Kirishima a good beating, but he wouldn't let that happen. "Bakugou! How could you defend him? Do you know what he's done to you?!" Kaminari shouted. Ashido nodded in agreement while Sero seemed to be getting a little uncomfortable, then there was Kirishima. That poor fool was squished between the wall and his frustrated boyfriend defending him, knowing full and well what was going on but not the extent.

Kirishima knew this: Bakugou was a boiling kettle and he was about to blow.

"FOR FUCK'S SAKE, SIT ON THE COUCH YOU IMBESISALES." He shouted with finality, and everyone quieted down and made their way over to the couch. Only Ashido, Kaminari, and Sero could fit on it so Bakugou frustratingly dragged over the barstools for Kirishima and himself to sit on.

Once everyone was quiet and seated, Bakugou sighed. "Kirishima isnt cheating on me." He said with the upmost confidence.
Kaminari balled his fists but kept a level tone of voice. "How do you know?"

Bakugou looked over at Kirishima, a little bit of worry in his eyes, then it disappeared as he turned back to his friends. "Because I'm the stripper Kirishima has been seeing at Stardom. I'm Cherry Bomb."

All of them stared in bewilderment, then they started considering the possibility. Then connecting the pieces. Ashido was the first to speak up. "Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry, Kirishima."

Kaminari nodded frantically, tears building up in his eyes. "I'm sorry too! I knew you'd never-but-"
Sero patted his friend's shoulder for comfort, then looked back to Kirishima. "We're sorry for assuming things."

Kirishima waved it off, still feeling a little awkward from the confrontation. "Its okay, guys! You had a good reason for thinking that. You were just trying to protect your friend."

Ashido jumped up and gave Kirishima a big and tight hug. "You're our friend too! We're so sorry for yelling at you!"
Kaminari jumped up to give Kirishima a hug too, and Sero remained on the couch as he looked over at Bakugo.
He seemed to be balling up, but relieved that everyone forgave their friends.
"Hey, Bakugou," Sero reached out. "You good?"

Bakugou looked up, a frown stuck on his face. "...yeah."

Kirishima got himself out of the group hug and reached over to take Bakugou's hand in his own. Kirishima sent him a smile, a 'you're going to be okay' smile, and Bakugou finally loosened up.

Ashido and Kaminari took their seats again, then Ashido spoke up with a questioning look on her face. "Why do you work at Stardom, Bakugou? You already work at the diner."

Bakugou glared at Ashido, as if he was incredibly irritated that she had pointed out that one specific detail. Kirishima squeezed his boyfriend's hand for comfort, also looking for an answer. He was curious as well.
Bakugou pulled his knee up to his chest and placed his forehead on it. "I..." he looked up and around the room fir a brief moment, then hid his face in his knee once again, his ash blond hair falling over his eyes. "I didn't make enough money at the diner. And I was friends with one of the strippers there, so I knew what to do 'cause she talked too much." He said quietly, without looking back up. "I needed the money."

Kirishima didn't hesitate to stand up from his spot and take Bakugou into his arms. Bakugou didn't move, but didn't push him away.
Just accepted it.

Ashido had stood up, along with Sero and Kaminari at some point and surrounded Bakugou in a warm embrace.
"I wondered why we never hung out at your apartment." Ashido mumbled against Bakugou's back.
Bakugou sighed. "It sucks."

Kaminari laughed and rubbed a comforting and warm hand along his shoulder blades. "Bro, dont worry about it. My apartment probably looks the same, to be honest."

Sero smacked Kaminari on the side of the head, but ruffled Bakugou's already messy hair. "We don't think if you any differently, man. You're still one of our best friends."

Bakugou peeked up at all of them, looked at all of their warm smiles, then buried his face in Kirishima's warm chest and let himself be held.

~0~

Chapter Text

Bakugou was at Stardom again, stripping as usual, but lately it hadn't felt the same.

It almost felt wrong.

Since he had confessed to his friends that he was Cherry Bomb, the stripper Kirishima had been seeing behind the scenes, Stardom felt less like an escape and cash grab and more like an embarrassment.

He still did his job, he still worked it and got paid well, but he yearned for something more.

He had been spending more time with Kirishima, as much as he could, but it only consisted of when they both got off of work at 1 in the morning or at the diner where Kirishima would come eat breakfast with their friends.

And Bakugou was selfish. He wanted more.

But he never said a word to Kirishima about it. Kirishima seemed so happy the way things were.
He knew that if he voiced his thoughts, Kirishima would find some way to make it work out, which would cause unnecessary stress.
It was pointless, really.

So, as the months passed on, he continued in this horrible cycle.
He was content, happy even. The happiest he's been in a long time.

He didn't know why his heart desired more.

It desired more everytime he looked at his rotting apartment, the only thing he could afford.
It desired more everytime he put on the waiter outfit for work at the diner, making wonderful meals but no one there to acknowledge it.
It desired more everytime he saw Kirishima leave without him. He yearned to be beside him always, but the sappy words wouldn't dare leave his mouth.

And he'd keep desiring. At least, that's what he thought, until one fateful day.

"You were amazing out there tonight, love." Kirishima whispered as he kissed Bakugou's head. He had just finished another intense routine and, as per usual, Kirishima came running backstage after his performance was done to shower him in praise and keep him a little company until their night was both over.

Bakugou was still fully decked out in his stripper outfit; leather jeans and a red crop top with red stilettos, and his black mask to finish off the look.
Kirishima slipped off the mask and smiled gently at him. "Beautiful, as always."

Flustered, Bakugou turned away walked over to his vanity, where he began removing the shiny makeup that was layered on his face.
"It wasn't anything special." he mumbled.

A concerned frown formed on Kirishima's face in the reflection of the mirror, and Bakugou watched Kirishima's reflection as it approached.
"Katsuki," Kirishima started. "Are you..doing alright? You've been quiet lately. And you never downplay your own achievements. Is there something wrong?"

Bakugou sighed, and thought for a moment. "...Eijirou."

"Y-yes?"

"I...I want to show you something. After we both get off work. We can take my car."

"Oh!" Kirishima said with surprise. "Alright. It's pretty sudden though, and late. Where are we going exactly?"

Bakugou continued scrubbing off his makeup. "You'll see."

~0~

The ride in Bakugou's car was nice. Bakugou had a super nice car, so it made sense. What didn't make sense was where they were going. As he looked out the window, he noticed the scenery change dramatically.
Everything looked run down and destroyed or extremely antique.
There weren't a lot of people, but when you did spot a person you'd notice their ragged clothes and unkempt nature.

Kirishima looked over at Bakugo curiously, but did not say a word. It didn't look like Bakugou wanted to say anything anyways.

Then an apartment complex came into view. It looked dark and dreary, and trash lay all over. The building was in desperate need of a pressure wash and maybe an exterminator cause from where he was sitting in the car, he could spot cockroaches skittering along the walls and ground.
The lights that were supposed to help give some field of vision at this time of night were so dim that Kirishima had to really squint to see a light source at all.
And Bakugou pulled into the parking lot. Neither of them said a word.

Bakugou parked, then unhooked his seatbelt and stepped out, and began walking towards the complex. Kirishima quickly got out and followed behind as he looked around curiously. As they entered the building, Kirishima took notice of bugs that hid in the carpet, and dark moldish-looking spots on the walls. The ceilings showed signs of a lot of water damage and some parts of the ceiling were just gone completely.

Finally, they approached a cheap looking wooden door with the numbers, '142', painted on it with chipping gold paint.
Bakugou slid a key into the lock and pushed the door open, his face blank, then walked in.

Kirishima trailed behind.

As he looked around, he was speechless. A mattress was pushed into the corner with a singular blanket over it and a pillow. A box TV sat on the floor in front of the mattress, with two little antennas on top. The kitchen was apparently part of the bedroom, or maybe it was the other way around cause there was absolutely nothing separating the two.

The water and mold damage wasnt just exclusive to the lobby apparently, since obvious signs of both lingered everywhere on the walls, ceilings, and floors.
Besides the obvious lack of hygiene, the apartment seemed as well kept as it could be. Dishes were stacked, clean, in a drying rack beside the sink. Kirishima didn't blame Bakugou for not putting them away into the cabinets, he wouldn't want to put them in there either.
Beside the mattress was two laundry baskets; one was piled full of clothes, the other only had a few discarded ones.

Then, Kirishima took his first good look at Bakugou since they had gotten in the car. He was also observing the apartment, but not with the sadness that Kirishima had. He looked around in knowing and flickering anger, but when they both caught each others eyes, he suddenly was drained of any fight he might gave had left in him and it was replaced by guilt and embarrassment. He sighed deeply, and closed his eyes. "I've lived like this for 5 years. Ever since mom and pops cut me off and tossed me out."

"How...how long did you live with your mom and dad?" Kirishima asked warily.

Bakugou scratched the back of his head, his voice quiet. "Up until I was 21. They were rich, and I had no need for a job, so I didn't get one. Then they suddenly kicked me out and next thing I knew, I had nothing." Now, Bakugou was slightly hugging himself, as if protecting himself from the words he was speaking.

Kirishima clenched his fists and glared at the floor. "You've lived here for 5 years?"

Bakugou didn't speak for a second, his voice getting quieter now. "Yes."

Kirishima looked up and saw Bakugou looking away, avoiding his eyes, and biting his lip hard. Before Kirishima could even think about it, he was in front of Bakugou with his arms wrapped around his shoulders. Now he could feel Bakugou was slightly shaking, and the hug was making it worse. He was about to ask if he was alright, then he noticed a wet spot forming on his shoulder.

He stayed silent, letting Bakugou get this out. Eventually Bakugou's arms wrapped around him too and the shaking and sniffling subsided. Finally, Bakugou spoke, his voice nasally from crying. "Its embarrassing. This place, my jobs, how I can barely take care of myself. Its...embarrassing."

Kirishima then took a deep breath. "Grab all your things. You're not coming back here."

~0~

A split second decision? Maybe.
Does he regret it? No, not at all.

The opposite actually.

Since Bakugou moved in with him, it feels like the air around Bakugou has completely shifted. Now, you felt like you could give him a friendly pat on the shoulder without having your hand bitten off. He also was like a naggy mother to Kirishima, constantly on him about cleaning up after himself and doing his chores.
And, with the suggestion from Kirishima, Bakugou quit his two jobs. "I want you at a job where you're happy." Kirishima said firmly. "Until you find that job, you focus on yourself."

Bakugou had flushed red at his words, but was happy to oblige.
"Though," Kirishima began with a playful tone. "I'll miss Cherry Bomb. Guess itll just be something to reminisce about."

Bakugou had given him a funny look, then rolled his eyes. "Idiot. Apparently you dont know how relationships work."

Kirishima's face lit up. "Katsuki! Really?! Do you mean it?!" He said excitedly.

Bakugou had responded with pushing Kirishima away and remaining silent, except for a few laughs as a result from Kirishima's playful antics.

Of course, their friends were thrilled when they heard they had moved in together. Kaminari stated that Bakugou had no excuses about not wanting to hang out now, which Sero dismissed but also supported as to not get on Bakugou's bad side. Unlike Ashido, who summoned a party at Kirishima's immediately.
Kirishima agreed, thinking that since it was a small get together at home that Bakugou wouldn't mind too much.

Turns out Bakugou minded. He complained about how much more cleaning had to be done now, and they had to spend extra on alcohol cause of course their friends will want to drink. Kirishima simply smiled and said the party will be worth it. A night to relax, unwind, and hang out with everyone.

Even though he convinced Bakugou, that didn't mean he showed Kirishima any mercy. He put him on kitchen cleaning duty, while Bakugou did practically everything else.
But the catch was that Kirishima had to clean the kitchen top to bottom.
It took him a couple hours, but soon the kitchen was spotless and so was the apartment. Soon enough, everyone arrived.

Ashido had brung a few drinks, preferring a specific concoction mixed by Kirishima. Sero and Kaminari simply drank beers, and seemed happy enough with that. Kirishima and Bakugou had gotten red wine, not really going for heavy drinking tonight.

They all sat on the couch, all of them locked in a match of Mario Kart that was just nearing its end. Ashido pumped her fist in the air. "Haha, yes! That's another win for me, newbs."

Bakugou huffed as he sat back from his previously hunched over and tense position. "You're cheating somehow."

"Wha-?!"

As Ashido and Bakugou got into it, Kirishima tuned into Kaminari and Sero's conversation.
"Yeah, and then he slammed the spatula down and said we're nothing without him and quit." Sero laughed. Kaminari's eyes were open wide with fascination; he was eating up the drama.
"Wow. And no one tried to stop him?"

"Why would they? He was just a chef in training. We can replace him."

Bakugou suddenly turned his attention over to Sero and Kaminari's conversation too. "A chef in training quit?"

Sero seemed surprised about Bakugou's sudden interest, but nodded. "Yeah. He was kinda a dick. I heard he always made a mess in the kitchen and never carried his own weight."

Ashido was looking between the both of them, her brow quirking at Bakugou changing the subject, then she gasped. "Hanta!"

Sero jumped. "Y-yeah?"

Ashido pointed happily at Bakugou, then at him, then at Bakugou again. "That's perfect!"

Kaminari spoke up with a slightly confused face. "Can someone fill me in on what's happening right now?"

Ashido rolled her eyes, then replicated her pointing, her jingly bracelets clanging together with each movement. "You," she pointed to Sero, then grabbed and shook Bakugou's shoulders. "Will introduce this guy to your boss!"

When the dots connected in Sero's head, he smiled widely. "Yeah! That's a great idea! What do you say, Bakugou? You'll get trained professionally, and the restaurant is pretty popular."

Bakugou seemed stunned that the offer was actually being made, and he eyes went straight to Kirishima's, as if asking what he thought. Kirishima smiled kindly. "If it's what you want to do, love. I support you 100%."

Bakugou nodded, then smiled too. "Yeah, I'd like to apply."

Sero, Kaminari, and Ashido, all began cheering and wishing him luck on getting the position. And Bakugou actually smiled along with them, thanking them for the good wishes and talking with Sero about anything he knows about the restaurant.
The night continued on, and they all drank until drunk. Sero and Ashido went home together, and Kaminari made it back with an escort from Kirishima.

Finally, Bakugou was cuddled up beside him on the couch, a thick cover draped over them and their eyelids fighting to stay open. Eventually, sleep overcame them and they slept soundly.

Months passed and things only got better.

Bakugou got the apprentice job, and even became so good he was trusted enough to be sous chef. He got offers to learn more about cooking in all kinds of places, and Bakugou gladly accepted them.
Kirishima picked up working on mixed martial arts again and enjoyed it a lot. He excelled in muy tai, brazillian jujitsu, and boxing and was offered a trainer spot in a local gym, which he gladly accepted.

Bakugou never saw the conditions he was in before ever again, and even though he left his popular stripping career behind, who said he still didn't practice his moves with a certain redhead?

~0~