Chapter Text
Bakugou is pissed, as usual. This time the anger came from the damned news, telling him that his best friend was in the hospital. He noticed that he wasn’t in class today, which is becoming pretty typical as he was granted a work study. Kirishima would tell him that he was sworn to secrecy, that nothing about his stupid work study could leave his lips.
Damn, his lips.
Nah, fuck that. He was mad at the dumbass. He could have helped. He could’ve been there for him like Kirishima was for him, even with his resistance. But his determined, unwavering loyalty to literally everything he cared about kept him from sharing anything with Bakugou. How dare he get hurt! Did the fucker think he was weak again, letting his dumb insecurities take over him, again? Kirishima wasn’t weak, as far as Bakugou knew. The anger flew out of him once more, pissed that his best friend looked down on himself so much that he is now sitting in the hospital. But whatever, what is he going to do about it? Tell him he was strong after the fact? Knowing him, that wouldn't help. He would believe Bakugou was lying to make him feel better instead of speaking the straight truth.
The day went on, and Bakugou stayed stubbornly in his room. He will not go see him. Tape Arms, Sparky, and Raccoon Eyes had the balls to text him, getting his number from a dumb group chat Kirishima created.
SPARKY: Hey, Bakugou. Have you gone and seen Kirishima yet?
He ignored it.
TAPE: You know how Kirishima is doing?
He ignored it.
RACCOON EYES: Don’t know if your phone is off or something.
RACCOON EYES: Kirishima probs wants to see you.
RACCOON EYES: Are you gonna go to the hospital tomorrow?
With a groan, Bakugou turned off his phone.
As the stars reached his dorm, Bakugou couldn't take it anymore. He is going to go see his damn Shitty Hair and yell at him for being a bad best friend. He’s not really supposed to be out of the dorms, since it's past curfew. But, he doesn't see any teachers around and Bakugou could give two shits about where Scarf Head is.
Quietly, he sneaks his way out to the hospital, stubbornly determined to be like “HEY KIRISHIMA WHAT THE FUCK”.
Reaching his destination, he storms into the hospital, and demands to know where Kirishima is from a careless nurse.
“And who are you?” she asks.
Bakugou scoffs. “What's it to you?!” he yells.
She gives him a look that seems to mean she isn’t gonna give up any information unless he identifies himself.
With a sigh he says, “Bakugou, Katsuki”.
Recognition sparks on her face, “Oh, you’re from U.A, too! I know you.” Finally, the dumb nurse gives him Kirishima’s room number.
As he walked the familiar halls, himself ending up here from when he was kidnapped, a memory flooded his senses. Rough lips, kissing his forehead in his groggy state. He fucking hated being sedated and the fact that he didn’t know who did that bothered him on end. However, he had an inkling.
He remembers now how kind Kirishima was after he came back. How he was the one who saved him, even though he would never admit it.
After what felt like endless turns, he found his room. Messily scrawled on a whiteboard near the door was “E. Kirishima”.
Bakugou braced himself, ready to give his best friend a damn lecture. But then he sees him, sleeping soundly. He is fucking beaten up, his skin in cuts and bruises, mostly in bandages.
Fuck.
He could feel something stirring inside him, pushing to spill out. He wanted to cry. He was gonna cry.
As a tear was about to fall, he heard a voice entirely too small for his booming best friend.
“Bakubro?” and the dumbass looks like he wants to cry himself. Stupid nickname.
Bakugou looked into his eyes and felt heat replace impending tears. He always looks at him in that way, and Bakugou couldn't understand it. It was like he had just finished telling him that he solved world hunger. His eyes always had a spark, his gaze so soft it was hard to imagine that he had a quirk that could literally make him hard.
“Hey dumbass, who told you that you could get hurt this bad out there?” His voice quivered just a bit and immediately he tried to evaporate it. If he would show he was sad, Kirishima would be worried about him and not himself.
“Definitely not you.” Kirishima laughed quietly and damn if Bakugou didn't want to reach into him and turn up the volume.
He didn’t like seeing him so quiet. Where is the dude he had to tell to shut up 24/7? If he wasn’t so scared, so terrified to show that he cared, he would sit on his hospital bed with him. Rub circles on his back and tell him everything would be okay soon, that he fought so hard. That he was the manliest man he’d ever met. A comment like that would get a big smile out of him. If he was even less scared, he’d do what he thought Kirishima did that night in the hospital and kiss that bandaged forehead of his. But no, he can’t show he had feelings for him. What if he didn't feel the same and he would lose this literal ray of sunshine he somehow managed to attract? The dude who risked getting expelled just to save him from some piece of shit thugs?
“Hey, don’t worry. The nurses said I’ll be back to the dorms in no time. I’ll be home to bother you soon enough.” Kirishima interrupted his thoughts, looking at him with intense concern. Shit, good job.
He met his furrowed eyebrows and sharp smile with one of his own. Desperate for a change in subject, Bakugou remembered that he had brought a surprise with him. If anything would cheer him up, this for sure would.
Bakugou remembered the day perfectly, their first hangout etched into his brain like it was a core memory.
They were walking at the mall, hell if he knew how Kirishima managed to get him out into the loud public. The day was pretty good, either way. They mostly window shopped, as nothing really caught their eye. It could’ve easily been a boring day, but Kirishima always kept him on his toes with some random conversation about who knows what. All he knew was that he couldn't stop staring at damn Dumb Hair all day. The way his eyes lit up at almost everything, but especially if he managed to make Bakugou laugh.
When they were close enough, he could smell strawberries and he had to chuckle. This red head smelling like strawberries, how fitting. Kirishima had this habit of licking his lips, constantly pressing them together, and he couldn't help but wonder why he didn't just buy some chapstick. Their arms would fumble together sometimes, as a result of how close they had to be from the packed Saturday crowd. He couldn't ignore how any small contact made his stomach flutter.
At the thought of that, Kirishima made his heart soar as he grabbed Bakugou in excitement.
“Look Bakubro!” he beamed. They were standing in front of a toy shop, filled with figures and stuffed animals.
“You wanna go in there?” he teased.
“Hell yeah!” Kirishima grabbed his arm and led him inside. Bakugou wanted to fucking kill him as he felt the blood rush to his cheeks.
Kirishima ran them both to the stuffed animal section. Bakugou thought for sure he wanted to go in there and look for yet another Crimson Riot figure, but nope. Here they were, in front of frogs and ducks, bears, and other stuffed animals.
The stuffed animals were only in his view for a second before his gaze went back to Kirishima, watching him touch everything like an excited kid. A gasp escaped his lips and Bakugou felt a weight leave his side. Of course their arms were still intertwined.
In Kirishima’s arms now was a big shark plush, adorned with a huge toothy smile. Accompanying that was a grinning Kirishima.
“You look like twins,” Bakugou teased. At that, Kirishima searched for a price tag and his grin evaporated.
“Ugh. It's too much. My mom would kill me if I bought this with my allowance.” Slowly, he placed the stuffed shark back on the shelf where it was. Bakugou couldn’t stand it, seeing a frown on his always smiling friend.
“Hey, Shitty Hair, give it here. Lemme see.” Kirishima grabbed the shark again, placing it softly in his hands. It wasn’t too much and fuck what his mom cared. He could give less shits about what his mom thought about what he got with his allowance.
Without a word, Bakugou ran up to the cash register and bought the damn thing, determined to put a smile back on Kirishima’s face.
Once they were out of the store, Kirishima did the stupidest thing he could. He hugged him. Bakugou could feel the warmth radiating off his body. The softness of his hoodie. The smell of his damn strawberry hair. At least his smile was back. He was at a loss when Kirishima finally let go.
“Thanks so much my dude!” Kirishima looked like he had just won the lottery. My dude, he repeated in his head about five hundred times. Again he could feel the blush rushing back to his cheeks as if it wasn’t there literally five seconds ago.
“Don’t worry about it. For helping me win the sports festival,” he shrugged.
“Well this is possibly my favorite thing in the world now.” And hell if that didn't make his heart swim to his throat.
So thats why, in his backpack, the stupid shark itself was stuffed. He found it in Kirishima's unlocked dorm of course, tucked into his blanket. Every time he would wake Kirishima from a nap or for the day, he would see him cuddled up to the thing. So, he would need it here.
“Hey, look who I brought” He had every intention of tossing the thing at him nonchalantly. But with the way he looked, he didn't want anything to hurt him further. Slowly he placed the shark on Kirishima’s chest.
Kirishima literally screeched at the sight of it. “It’s Sharkyboi!” the dumb ass would have a name for it. He gave it a big hug and Bakugou wished that he was that stuffed toy.
As if Kirishima heard his thoughts, he placed “Sharkyboi” to the side and opened his arms.
It was like a magnetic force led him there, why else would he lean into his arms without hesitation?
“Thanks. I was having a hard time sleeping without it.” His voice was now back down, low and tickling Bakugou’s cheek. He could stay there forever if he could, pressed against his hurting best friend.
It felt like an hour before he let go when he heard a sniff coming from Kirishima. Damn, how long had he been crying?
“Aye, why are you crying? Am I gonna have to take the damn shark away?” he teased, but he could feel his own throat closing up.
“I was so scared. I could’ve died. I just couldn’t fight anymore”. Kirishima’s voice was strangled with tears. “I had a hard time being strong, strong like you would’ve been.” Kirishima took a big sniff after he was finished, lowering his head in shame.
“The fuck you mean, dumbass? You’re here, right? Obviously you had some fight in you.” Bakugou said while shaking his head. “You’re the strongest one in the whole damn school.” Bakugou softly grabbed his shoulder and looked at him with what he hoped were kind eyes.
A small second later, Kirishima looked at him with those eyes again. “If it wasn’t for you, I don’t think I would be as okay as I am right now.” Kirishima admitted. Bakugou let his hand fall.
“For me?” Bakugou questioned, entranced by the beauty that was peering out of Kirishima’s gaze. It was like a constellation made its home in those red eyes.
The silence lingered between them for a while, tears still falling down Kirishima’s face. If only he could punch tear ducts.
All control left Bakugou’s senses. It was like he couldn't function with his sunshine best friend being sad. He came forward and placed a tender hand on Kirishima's cheek, careful not to mess with any of the bandages. Though, if he was being honest, Kirishima was ruining them himself with all that crying. At his touch Kirishima’s tears came to a halt and Bakugou took this opportunity to wipe the remaining ones with his fingers. Even with sadness invading his face, Kirishima’s eyes looked like starlight, his wet eyelashes soaked with falling stars. Up close, he could see Kirishima’s lips, cut from a fight. Heat met his hand as Kirishima’s cheeks flooded with a deep blush. Bakugou found himself thumbing at his lips, feeling the roughness that gave him all the confirmation he needed. It was him that day at the hospital. The realization made butterflies reach his insides. Without a thought, without any sense, without any hesitation, Bakugou softly placed his lips on Kirishima’s. It was as if everything was right, like nothing else mattered but their joining mouths. Any surprise that he had felt on Kirishima’s lips melted away as he softened into the kiss. Bakugou’s hand stroked his cheek, moving his thumb back and forth atop Kirishima’s cheekbones to his jaw . His lips didn't even need any damn chapstick. They were perfect the way they were, scratching against his own. The only sound heard was the beating of hearts and their lips moving apart and together. The heart monitor started to beep rapidly as the kiss moved along and Bakugou pulled himself back, startled and embarrassed.
Kirishima’s eyes saddened as his heart monitor slowed. This prompted Bakugou to say, “Don’t want those nurses in here thinking you’re dying or some shit.”
Kirishima laughed, looking relieved. “Can you stay with me for a little while? Until I fall asleep maybe?” How could he say no? Damn if he got in trouble.
“Of course.” Kirishima stopped him as he made his way to get a chair that was placed by a window.
“Aren’t you gonna lay here with me? This bed is uh- pretty big!” It wasn’t. Bakugou couldnt help but smile as Kirishima made space for him, placing the stupid shark on the small table beside him.
As he laid down next to Kirishima, he tested the waters by kissing him on the cheek. Kirishima gave him a shy grin. Even after all this, he still smelled like strawberries. And blood. And the hospital. Once again he felt tears threatening to spill from his cheeks. Of course, Kirishima probably noticed more things about him than Bakugou did himself, which is why it wasn’t surprising when he placed a kiss on his own cheek.
“Goodnight, Bakugou.” Kirishima yawned, turning to his side the best he could while he grabbed his shark from the small table.
The sleep found his own eyes as he turned to hug Kirishima carefully, before mumbling a “Goodnight, baby.”
Bakugou awoke with a sniff, feeling the hospital come to place as he realized he was stupid enough to fall asleep when he was out past curfew. Kirishima was snoring his life away and Bakugou couldn’t help but think, poor exhausted baby. He noticed a blanket was placed on both of them, probably by a dumbass nurse that didn't bother to wake him up. The clock on the wall beside him read “6:32 AM”. He had about 30 minutes to be back at the dorms to get ready for school.
He rose from the bed quietly and kissed Kirishima softly on the lips in goodbye. He recovered him with the blanket, making sure to cover his shark too because he knew he would get a giggle out of that. With that, he tiptoed out of the room only to be met with glaring eyes.
“You're here way past curfew, Bakugou.” It was Scarf Head, looking at him with disapproval.
“I, um, wanted to see Kirishima.” The bliss from last night escaped him and he felt tears well in his eyes as he realized why he was here.
“It’s good that you did. He needed his best friend here. But you could have-” Mr. Aizawa stopped when he noticed Bakugou was crying. He felt a timid arm wrap around his neck, his teacher letting him sob into his shirt.
“Hey, he’s okay right?” he said kindly, but awkwardly. Bakugou was sure the only emotion he’d ever seen from him was anger.
“You’re not in trouble, kid. Maybe just ask next time. I was worried” he sighed. “Why don’t you stay with him today? Ask someone to bring you a change of clothes?”
“That’s okay. I can go back to class.” he said roughly, embarrassed for letting himself show so much emotion. He moved from his teacher’s embrace, tears ceasing.
“I think it’ll be good for him for you to stay here today. He seemed relaxed with you.” Scarf Head gave him a polite smile before walking off to presumably check on other students.
Bakugou realized that his damn teacher had seen him cuddled up to his best friend. But fuck what he thought. All he cared about is that he was seemingly not in trouble. And of course Kirishima.
With that thought, he walked quietly back into the room, letting the door close with a small click.
It didn’t matter how quiet he was anyway, as Kirishima was already stirring awake. Eyes closed, Kirishima let out a small pained groan. Bakugou walked towards the bed, standing at the edge by Kirishima’s feet.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Bakugou found himself asking quicker than the thought left his mind.
“Bakugou! Hey man!” Kirishima said before giving Bakugou one of his signature heart stopping smiles. He couldn’t help his stomach flutter at the simple sound of his voice.
“Answer my question.” He demanded, hopefully not too harshly. Bakugou was trying to get the edge off of him when it came to Kirishima. Either way, even with his gruff outbursts or rude responses, Kirishima’s friendship never falters.
“Ah, nothing. Just sore I guess. Nothing to worry about.” The dummy replied as if he wasn’t literally sitting bandaged up in a hospital.
“Dumbass.” Bakugou shook his head, always putting others before his damn precious self.
“Don’t call me a dumbass, you dork.” Kirishima retorted. If anyone is going to give Bakugou heart problems it’s this pointy red head. He sounded normal, teasing back, almost too loud, and normal.
Bakugou walked further up the space between them, close enough for him to reach out and touch Kirishima’s cheek.
Kirishima then looked up at him expectantly, but softly, quietly asking for what they both wanted.
Bakugou leaned over slowly, combining the air that lingered around them. It was like it was the first time again, but this time Bakugou’s thoughts were pounding in his chest.
He looked so beautiful, Kirishima’s eyes gleaming up at him like Bakugou was a galaxy. Every light and color within Kirishima’s eyes sparkling. Suddenly, he realized what those glances definitely meant before. Longing.
The realization made him almost flip, his heart moving to his lips as he felt Kirishima’s breath tingle. Kirishima grabbed his hand from where it rested near Bakugou’s side, his cold hand turning warm from the mere thought of being so close to each other.
If the world would end right now, he wouldn’t give a damn. He was here, staring into his best friend’s eyes, so close to pressing their lips together.
As if they could get any closer, their noses were now tip to tip. Kirishima licked his lips, making the air leave Bakugous throat. He was surprised he was even still breathing as he could see every curve of Kirishima’s face. His small scar above his eye was peeking out at him. Bakugou couldn’t believe this beautiful fucker could ever be insecure. He was practically perfect. Gorgeous, kind, patient, caring, hilarious, and strong as hell.
Kirishima broke the silence with a quiet remark,“Whatcha starin' at, bro?” He smirked.
Bakugou pulled his head back, “You ruined the damn moment, Shitty Hair.” he feigned annoyance but then a spark of irritation flamed in. “Don’t call me bro when I’m about to kiss the crap out of you.” he groaned.
“What do you want me to call you then?” Kirishima asked with a small smile.
“Anything but bro, you call everyone and their dog bro.”
“What about ‘Mine’?” Bakugou’s ears flared up in response. Kirishima gave out a small chuckle, loosening the grip he still had on Bakugou’s hand. He began moving his thumb across Bakugou’s fingers, exploring.
“Call me whatever you want, Eij. “ Bakugou relented, enchanted by his touch.
And then the pretty idiot hit him with, “Okay, my love.” before pulling him forward for a long awaited kiss.
It was as if the sunrise resided on his lips. It felt as though Bakugou was standing directly in a cloudless sky. With his starlight eyes, fiery hot touch, and sunshine lips, Bakugou didn’t know how he was going to survive. Tears threatened to leave his eyes and he didn’t know what it was about this hospital that brought his emotions to the forefront.
Kirishima parted his lips slightly, taking a small breath before pushing their lips together harshly. His harsh kiss made Bakugou feel as though the sunrise was finally clouding over. The rest of the sky, drawn to the taste of his lips.
Mouth against mouth, Bakugou was addicted to the feeling and it was only their second kiss. The sound was muffled around him and he didn’t care if the monitor was beeping this time around. Kirishima gave out a small sigh, lips stretching as he smiled into the kiss. The longing of their mouths reaching for each other was enough to make his knees buckle. He took his free hand that wasn’t intertwined with Kirishima’s and placed it carefully on Kirishima’s chest. He rubbed his hand up and down, comfortingly. Kirishima’s breath faltered a smidge and damn if it wasn’t the most beautiful sound he’s ever heard. Kirishima’s own free hand reached to cup his chin, willing their lips to move even closer. They stayed like that for a while, lips and hands intertwined. Kirishima let out a breath and the coldness of it tingled. Bakugou’s heart was pounding at his lips again as his senses escaped for the better of himself. He pulled them apart slightly.
“I love you.” He confessed without a thought. He had the restraint to stop himself from gasping. Two damn kisses from him and he was practically asking Kirishima to marry him.
A small knock made them pull apart in surprise. Bakugou immediately felt the loss, licking his lips to not lose the taste of him. His chest sank. He wanted whoever had the audacity to knock right now as he was falling further in love with his damn Shitty Hair to just go away.
“Kirishima?” A voice came through a small crack in the door. It was part of the damn idiot brigade, Sparky and Tape Arms.
“Oh hey, Kacchan.” Denki teased as he registered the sight of him. “You’re here early.” he dared to wink at him as he wouldn’t blast his dunce face off. The hell they think they are? He would’ve been less pissed if it was a doctor or nurse. But no, those annoying extras that didn’t get the damn hint.
“Hey, you two.” Sero gave them a wide smile. “How ya’ feeling Kirishima? Nurse said we could only see you for a bit. They’re gonna come check on you in like a minute.”
“I’m all good. Feeling better than ever.” There was a tinge of irritation dancing in Kirishima’s voice. But the others didn’t notice as he was quick to mask it with his usual upbeat tone. He met the both of them with a smile and Kaminari didn’t wipe that knowing smirk off his face.
“I’ll see you later, Kirishima.” Bakugou left in a huff, taking his backpack that he forgot the first time he left the room. Being greeted with the shark again as he glanced at in passing while taking one last look at Kirishima, he let the tears fall out as he slammed the door behind him.
“Hey! Kid, don’t slam doors around here!” A female nurse scolded him from her place at the desk that sat in front of several of the rooms.
“Tell it to someone who fucking cares.” He spat back before practically running out of that hospital.
How could he be so stupid? Telling Kirishima he loved him. He didn’t even say it back. Bakugou was such an idiot. He ruined the whole thing before it even started.