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Katsuki had a problem.
Said problem was blond with captivating eyes and a smile that could blind somebody. Everything he saw that reminded him of Denki, he wanted to buy. He wanted to pamper the tiny idiot in the prettiest of clothes, buy him the most expensive merch of his favourite video games, and give him everything his grandparents weren’t able to provide.
The thing was, Katsuki didn’t know why he felt that way.
Denki wasn’t necessarily poor. He had money to survive and sometimes he could afford a small luxury like going to the movies with his friends. But the fact that Denki couldn’t afford every luxury pissed him off.
He tried to narrow it down to Denki being his friend. But the flaw in that logic was that Hanta had a similar financial status - if not, it was worse. Uraraka too, who had it way worse. And while, sure, Katsuki would pay for a meal for them here and there, he wouldn’t just…buy them a Raichu plush because it reminded him of them.
Which, yes, Katsuki just did.
25 dollars, dropped just like that because Denki’s name popped into his head in flashing lights as soon as he saw the derpy-ass toy. Denki would love it , that was the problem.
He was always so thankful. Tears always sprung to his eyes and despite the personal bubble, he always gave a tight hug. Those were the things Katsuki craves.
But why?
Mina’s hugs didn’t feel the same way. Eijirou didn't, either. Hell, he didn’t even crave being a Pro Hero as much as he craved a single hug from his friend.
That was scary.
From a person who vowed to never allow a romantic relationship stand between him and being Number One, Denki taking over his brain was…dammit, it sucked! But on the plus side, it was easy to take his frustrations out during training.
“What’cha got in the bag?” Mina was snooping as soon as Katsuki toed his shoes off at the door. She was always overly curious and way too hovering. Embarrassing part is though, that she always knew… “Is it another gift for Kami?”
That.
Somehow.
“None of your fuckin’ business.”
“Yes it is! Kami is my best friend - well, one of them. Everything involved with him is my business so…let me see! Please !”
“No. Fuck off.”
“Bakugou! Come on! I’ll tell you if he’ll like it or not.”
He will.
Katsuki knew his friends more than he’d like to admit, but he spent so long analyzing Denki’s reactions to know what gifts he would like and what gifts he would love.
This stupid, round Raichu he would love. It was soft and Pokémon and an Electric Type. He would tear up. Hug Katsuki for a long time.
Still…girls knew how to judge gifts better, right? What if Denki decided overnight he hated Pokémon? What if there was a controversy online that he missed?
“ Fine .”
He swears he was once a stronger man than this.
Mina squealed and snatched the bag from Katsuki before he could even react. She skipped towards the lounge where, thankfully, nobody sat. It was the weekend, meaning a bunch of people went home to visit family members. Katsuki didn’t want to. Mina’s lived too far. A few other classmates couldn’t be bothered or were in the same boat as Mina.
The girl plopped down on the sofa, opening the bag and tearing out the Raichu plush so fast Katsuki would’ve missed it if he blinked.
She stared down at it.
Katsuki felt unfamiliar anxiousness crawl into his chest. “What the fuck are you staring at?”
Her eyes raised to meet Katsuki’s. “This…” She began, “Is so fucking cute.”
Thank God.
“Yeah, I fucking know. That’s why I picked it out, dipshit.”
“He’s going to love it!” Mina gushed, hugging the plush close to her chest with a scrunched nose and a wide smile. “I want one! Bakugou! Buy me one!”
“Fuck no.”
“Boo, I can’t believe you choose favourites like that.” Mina pressed a kiss to the top of the plushie before placing it back into the shopping bag. “Why didn’t you fall in love with me instead, huh?”
Wait…
What?
LOVE!?
“What the fuck are you talking about!?”
“You fell in love with Denki instead of me!” Mina whined. She kicked her feet up. “It’s not fair!”
“I’m not in love with fucking Dunce Face!”
“Yeah, okay!” The pink haired girl cackled, “And that’s why you spoil him so much, right? I’m not stupid, man. I may be single but I know love when I see it.”
“Just because I buy him shit sometimes doesn’t mean-,”
“Sometimes? He has a whole new wardrobe! He keeps wearing clothes I’ve never seen on his body once before.” She handed the bag back to Katsuki. “It’s not a bad thing to be in love, Baku...but you should tell him instead of trying to sugar him.”
“I’m not...sugaring him!”
“You’re a total sugar daddy!” Mina raised her hand, “Don’t lie to my face, man. You definitely get some sort of sexual gratification from this.”
He didn’t.
Well, sure, maybe seeing Denki’s face light up made him feel...good...but it wasn’t sexually. He didn’t expect Denki to fall to his knees and suck his dick because Katsuki bought him a 1,600yen t-shirt. He didn’t want anything from the blond. All he wanted was for him to have an easy life. Nice things.
If Denki decided he never wanted to work a day in his life, Katsuki would house him. Simple as that. He’d provide for him without a second thought. He’d make the boy’s life have no worries. Not one.
…
Why didn’t he feel that way about anyone else?
Mina?
Eijirou?
Hanta?
Why not?
Shit…
“I’m not a sugar daddy. He doesn’t suck my cock.”
Mina winced at the vulgar word before scoffing. “But you like buying him things! Whenever he wears stuff you bought him you can’t stop looking at him. It’s cute. Don’t be embarrassed about it, seriously. You deserve love.”
Katsuki pursed his lips.
He doesn't love Denki.
...Right?
+++
Katsuki pounded on Denki’s door. If he cared, he probably would’ve been embarrassed about how heavy the knock was, but he didn’t care - so he wasn’t.
From inside of the room Katsuki heard a faint ‘Jesus Christ!’ followed by a bang and some footsteps.
Then the door was pulled open.
Denki stood, legs bare, in a t-shirt Katsuki bought for him and a pair of shorts. He wore fluffy socks, pale blue with white polka dots. He looked cute. He always looked cute.
Katsuki hardened his face. It’s normal to find friends cute. Katsuki finds Hanta’s laugh cute, and he enjoys Eijirou’s smile, so it’s whatever. It’s normal.
You don’t pamper them in items though.
Shut the fuck up.
“Kacchan!” Denki’s face brightened prettily. Anybody else besides Denki and Izuku calling him ‘ Kacchan ’ would make Katsuki explode anyone nearby. Why was it so okay when Denki said it? “Hi! Do you wanna come in? I was just about to play Mario Kart.”
“By yourself?”
“Yeah, duh!”
Katsuki and Denki never really hung out alone. They rarely got the chance to do so and when they did, it was usually short. So…
“Whatever.”
“Hell yeah!” Denki chirped, ushering Katsuki inside. The man still held the plastic bag tightly in his hand, piquing Denki’s interest. “What’s that?”
Katsuki stared down at the bag before shoving it into Denki’s arms. “For you, Idiot.”
“Oh.” Denki flushed red. “Why? You didn’t have to—,”
He said that every single time.
“Don’t give a fuck. Not a big deal.”
“Still—,”
“Either keep it or I’ll give it to fucking Shitty Hair.”
He wouldn’t. He’d probably return it and wallow in self pity for a few days.
“No, no, don’t!” Denki pulled the plush from the bag. Tears welled in his eyes in record time. “Baku…”
“Don’t fuckin’ cry, Idiot.” Katsuki scoffed. His heart swelled and clenched at the same time. The tears were happy and thankful, yet he was crying. He didn’t want Denki to cry. Ever.
“This is so cute!” Denki hugged it close to his chest. He looked at Katsuki through wet eyelashes. “Thank you.”
“Again, whatever.”
“I’m going to hug you.”
It wasn’t a request, more so a demand. Katsuki braced himself as Denki threw the plushie on the bed and then enveloped himself into Katsuki’s arms.
It always shocked the explosive blond how tiny Denki was. Height wise and body mass wise. Whilst everybody in class bulked, including the girls, Denki didn’t. Sure, he had definition and definitely had muscles, yet he was so cute and scrawny.
“Thank you.” Denki’s voice was muffled in Katsuki’s chest. “I love it.”
“Course you do. You’re a fuckin’ loser.”
Denki giggled. “And you’re a softie.”
Katsuki growled and pushed Denki away despite his brain screaming to pull him closer. “I’m anything but a goddamn softie.”
“Sure!” Denki chirped. He pinched Katsuki’s cheek - why did Katsuki let him get away with that? “Shall we play Mario Kart now?”
“I guess.”
+++
Katsuki loved Denki.
Dammit, he really was a stubborn man, but he couldn’t deny it anymore. Not whilst watching Momo and Jirou from afar.
Momo doted on her girlfriend the same exact way Katsuki did with Denki. Gifts, even if they were small, that reminded her of Jirou. Hugs. Buying and making her food.
The only major difference was that Momo kissed her girlfriend - obviously. Katsuki wasn’t a PDA type person, never was, but he could see himself doing the same things with Denki in private.
Oh God.
Mina was right - the most terrifying part. How was she so good at knowing? What’s Katsuki supposed to do now?
He can’t say he likes Denki. Firstly, he had a reputation to uphold. Secondly, they were graduating in a year he couldn’t have somebody bogging him down. Thirdly…what if Denki didn’t reciprocate his feelings?
Jesus Christ, Katsuki wasn’t a sappy guy. If somebody didn’t like him, oh well. But… Denki . Why’d he feel this way?
He was just a scrawny, loud kid with too much energy. He did his best to make everybody happy and he was so unapologetically himself. Friends with everybody in the class, not the strongest but still tried his hardest.
Perfect.
Beautiful.
“You’re staring.”
Eijirou’s voice made Katsuki jump and then glare at his friend hard. Maybe he was staring at Denki. Maybe Mina was right.
The blond was wearing a shirt Katsuki gave him. It was a bit too big since the store only had Mediums, but it still fit well. Katsuki bought him that. His money. He provided it.
Was he a Simp?
No…
“I’m not fucking staring. Mind your own business, Jesus Christ.” Katsuki sneered. He removed his eyes from Denki despite not wanting to.
“You were!” Eijirou smiled wide. Honestly, it would be easier if Katsuki liked him instead. It would be predictable, right? Easier. Way easier. “Oh my God, Mina was right.”
“HAH!?” Katsuki exclaimed. Nobody in their class even flinched. “WHAT THE FUCK DID THAT PINK FREAK TELL YOU!?”
Eijirou raised his hands and released a loud laugh, “Bro, chill out! Nothing! She thought you might’ve had a crush on our little Pikachu!”
She didn’t mention the spoiling problem.
Good. Good.
“Well I fucking don’t.” Katsuki lowered his voice.
“Don’t what?”
Katsuki whipped his head around, staring down at Denki who tilted his head to the side.
“I heard you yelling - wanted to come see what was wrong. Oh! Kiri ~~ did’ya piss off Kacchan again?”
“No.” “Yes.”
Denki giggled. He giggled. Katsuki’s heart pounded uncomfortably against his chest. “He’s a Tsundere, Kiri. You know that. Approach him kindly.”
“Noted!” Eijirou chirped. After a few moments, he excused himself to speak to Tsuyu, leaving Katsuki and Denki alone.
“So,” Denki placed a hand on his hip, “Why were you mad?”
“None of your business.”
“Well, no , but I’m curious.” Denki followed Katsuki’s movements as the fellow blond turned around. “Tell me! Please!”
“He’s annoying.”
“Psh! I can’t remember the last time you yelled at Kiri for being annoying. You tolerate him more than anybody.”
Technically, Katsuki tolerated Denki more than anybody. He can’t remember the last time he snapped at Denki with genuine anger. Maybe the first few times they met if even. That, and Katsuki let him call him Kacchan.
Katsuki didn’t speak though. He simply ignored the smaller one as he sighed dramatically.
“ Fine !” Denki stomped his foot cutely and Katsuki looked down, taking notice of the ugly, worn out sneakers. Hm. “But this will put a dent in our friendship, good sir!”
Katsuki raised an eyebrow, “Like fuck it will.”
The blond pouted once more. Katsuki found himself wanting to kiss it away so he removed his eyes. Jesus Christ.
+++
A new pair of shoes.
A new shirt.
A new case for Denki’s Switch.
Katsuki didn’t enjoy spending money on himself so it was okay. The allowance his parents gave him was outrageous, he had everything he wanted/needed, so fuck it, right?
He even threw a Clefairy plush at Mina to dampen the suspicion (that, and maybe he felt a little bad.)
It didn’t work.
Because as Katsuki threw another bag at Denki, the small blond’s eyes hardened in a way Katsuki never saw before.
“Okay, what the fuck, Baku?”
Katsuki blinked. Sure, Denki swore sometimes, but never with malice. “What?”
“Why do you keep…” Denki motioned vaguely around his room, visible frustration on his face. “Giving me things!? And nobody else? I-I mean, it doesn’t make sense, right? Do you think I’m a charity case?”
No.
Yes.
Well… no .
“If I wanted a goddamn charity case I’d go to Uraraka.”
“Bakugou. Dude.” Denki took the merchandise out of the bag. It was from a video game Katsuki never heard of before Denki. “Why? You know Sero likes this game too, right? Why do you give it to me ?”
He could tell him. Because I like you a lot , because I love you, because you deserve every good thing in the world . But the words got caught in his throat. So far inside.
“It’s a fucking gift. Who gives a fuck?”
“Because…because I don’t get it!? Because there’s…Kirishima who you’re closer to or Ashido whose materialistic as all hell or Uraraka who needs it —,”
“Let it go. I want to buy you stuff.”
“ Why!? ”
Katsuki paused.
Tell him. Tell him. Tell him.
“Fine. I’ll stop.”
Something flashed across Denki’s face as if hope was crushed. Still, the boy nodded slowly. “Okay.”
“Okay.”
+++
“I don’t get it.” Denki flopped on the bed next to Mina a whole week after he had snapped at Katsuki. He felt bad about it ever since, but he couldn’t exactly take it back. “You said…you said he was doing this because he liked me. But he just…stopped so easily!”
“Maybe I was wrong?” Mina scratched the back of her neck. She sighed, glancing over at Hanta for help, who simply sat on his phone uncaring. “But I don’t get it. I was so sure!”
“You can be wrong sometimes, Ash.” Hanta glanced up momentarily.
“I’m never wrong!” Mina crossed her arms and tapped her foot rapidly. “Everybody I assumed to be romantic turned out romantic. I can’t be wrong.”
“Maybe you are.” Denki nibbled his lip. “Somebody like Bakugou could never like… me. Maybe he just didn’t want the people he associated with to look ugly and seem poor.”
“Jesus, Kami. I know he’s an asshole but he isn’t that bad.”
The blond slumped his shoulders. “ God. I know. I know. You’re right. I just…don’t get it.”
“Nobody gets Bakugou Katsuki.” Hanta finally put his phone down. “But you should talk to him. In a civilized fashion - don’t look at me like that.”
“Bakugou isn’t civilized!” Denki squeaked.
“Bakugou isn’t civilized.” Mina nodded solemnly.
“He can be, I’m sure.”
“Ah.” The blond tapped his foot. “Yeah. I don’t know. I’ll speak to him, maybe.”
+++
Denki couldn’t afford much.
But he still went out of his way to buy Katsuki dinner, because he could, even if it was from a cheap Ramen shop from down the street. It was spicy, and Denki had it once before. Hopefully he appreciated it at least a little bit.
The blond knocked on Katsuki’s door. This was an apology, that’s all. An ‘are we all good?’ He didn’t expect anything to come out of it. If Katsuki didn’t like him romantically, that’s that.
Katsuki pulled the door open and scowled down at Denki. That was his resting face though. He tried not to let it discourage him.
“Uh,” Denki began. He shoved the food into Katsuki’s hand and then bowed deeply. “For you! As a peace offering!”
Katsuki stayed silent.
Denki peeked up anxiously to see the boy scowling down at the Ramen. He hates it. Of course he hates it.
“Why the fuck did you get me this?”
“A peace offering I said!” Denki pouted deeply as he fixed his posture. “And I want to repay you back little by little. I know it isn’t much—,”
“I don’t want to be paid back for shit. ” Katsuki grunted. He laid the ramen on his dresser, “I bought you shit because I wanted to. I liked…buying you shit.”
“But…why?” Denki frowned. “I know I asked already, but—,”
“I don’t know! I like seeing you in it. And using it.” Katsuki crossed his arms. A blush spread over his ears. Cute. “I don’t like buying shit for myself. So I buy shit for you. Not a big deal.”
Denki’s eyes studied Katsuki’s face and, without a second thought, he spoke. “Do you like me?”
Katsuki’s eyes widened. “Excuse me!?”
“Mina said you did! And, like, that’s why I questioned you the other day - cause I was hoping you’d say you did. If not, it’s okay - I get it - we can pretend none of this happened at all, but—,”
“Stop talking.”
Denki did just that.
“What if I did?”
“Huh?”
“Fuckin…like you…or whatever.”
“Well, I like you! I have since year one. You’re really cool, and brash, but secretly soft.”
“I’m not soft—,”
“And you care so deeply for others. I thought the gifts were your weird way of courting until last week. Sorry if I got this wrong. You can still have the Ramen.”
Katsuki walked inside of his room and with a nod of his head invited Denki inside too. The smaller blond slipped inside and stared up at his crush. “What?”
Silently, Katsuki grabbed his wallet. He pulled out 50 dollars (who keeps 50 dollars in their wallet casually!?) and handed it to Denki. “For the Ramen.”
“Oh. I did not spend that much—,”
“Keep it.”
“…okay.”
Silence enveloped them. Soon, Katsuki spoke. “I’m still going to buy you shit even if we’re dating.”
“Wait,” Denki flushed. “We’re dating?”
“Uh, yeah?”
“Oh!” Denki giggled. A smile spread across his face so broad it hurt. “Really?”
“No shit.”
“So you’re, what, my sugar daddy?”
Katsuki scrunched his nose. “Fuck no. I’m not asking for anything in return, dipshit.”
“Really? Can I kiss you as payment?”
Katsuki looked shocked, as if romantic relationships didn’t require kissing. As if he wasn’t expecting it. As if he forgot. “Uh, yeah.”
Speechless.
So cute.
Denki giddily pressed his lips to Katsuki’s. He knew how to kiss although Denki wasn’t surprised. The blond knew of the few middle school girlfriends Katsuki had, along with one night stands. Denki was more clumsy.
It was still so good though.
“Is that payment good?” Denki breathed deeply once they pulled apart.
Katsuki, still speechless, nodded slowly. He ran a thumb over Denki’s cheekbone. “Yeah.”
“Yeah?” Denki nuzzled into his boyfriend’s hand. “Good. Thank you for spoiling me. Now eat the Ramen I gave you.”
“Fine. It’ll probably taste like ass though.”
“You’re too bougie!”
Katsuki snorted, dropping his hand. “I appreciate it anyways. C’mere, we can watch Netflix.”
So they did.