Archive of Our Own

Even though it's been a whole semester and summer since Kirishima broke up with his boyfriend, it doesn’t hurt any less when he sees him walking hand in hand to practice with one of his best friends. 

“Todoroki! Since when do you gotta thing for my Hanta over here?” another of his best friends, Denki Kaminari, rises from the benches in the locker room to slap Todoroki on the shoulder.

“A thing?” Shoto Todoroki, Kirishima’s still admittedly gorgeous ex-boyfriend, has his eyebrows in a puzzle. He remembers the emotion, cute confusion. He would love to place his lips between the furrow, and Todoroki would always scrunch his nose at the contact. 

“A crush! A like like! A—” 

“He gets it, Denki.” Kirishima stops him before he could get vulgar, for both their sakes. 

“Oh, hello. Um—Kirishima.” Todoroki gives him one of his soft smiles, his eyes slightly apologetic.

He smiles back, hopefully implying that it’s fine. He can’t be mad at Todoroki, of course not. They broke up in March and now it's September, way past the “moving on” period. Though, if he’s being honest with himself, seeing him hold hands with Sero just makes him ache. He remembers how Todoroki’s hand’s never could decide on a temperature. He would always love the thrill of being able to warm or cool him with his touch. He misses touch, he misses butterflies. He misses the sensation of being someone’s. Maybe the ache is not for missing Todoroki, really, but for missing having that in general. 

It’s not like he hasn’t had the option to move on. Several guys had approached him after word was on the street that “Star Quarterback Kirishima” was on the market. It was mostly those guys who’d date anything with a pulse to “up” their status.  They would come up to him, say “Hey, you’re that football player right?” And then go on and on about how “sexy” he was and how they...well. It was almost like a game, as he noticed all the dudes that came up to him were a part of the same clique. Those endless conversations were not pleasant. No one had wanted to get the chance to know him or even simply talk about football. 

Even a few girls had approached him and he had to politely remind them that “ No, sorry, I play for the other team ”, pun definitely intended. 

He absolutely hates the connotation that comes with being the “star” quarterback. Everyone either thinks he’s a cocky piece of shit, a piece of ass, or a piece of status. In fact, Kirishima didn’t even care about his “status”. He only cared about his mom, football, and school in that exact order. So, he couldn’t stand that most people were only attracted to the idea of him, and not actually him. Needless to say, he hasn’t dated anyone since Todoroki.

He wondered how many dates Todoroki had gotten asked out on. Kirishima was the quarterback, but Todoroki was literally the prince of the school. He was rich, handsome, and the most genuine guy you’d ever meet. They had been good friends for a while before dating and Kirishima felt like a lucky guy when they finally crossed that line. However, he couldn’t ignore the fact that he never fully fell for Todoroki. He knew that he never felt that rush, that overwhelming sense of just wanting to exist within each other. He wasn’t unhappy, per say, but he was never in love. He also wasn’t completely sure if Todoroki felt for him fully, either. Kirishima was the one to break it off, not wanting to lead him on any longer. Their dating mainly came with expectations anyways, to put it blatantly. Kirishima was the second most popular guy in school and Todoroki was the first. 

At first, people fully expected him to date the head cheerleader, Ochaco Uraraka, but that was before he came out. Besides, she had a very obvious and very cute crush on Izuku Midoriya, another player on the team. 

When the news came out that he and Todoroki were dating, the football team practically exploded with support. However, Sero would always look at him with the saddest of smiles that was masked with a supportive grin. 

So, out of all people, he was glad that Todoroki was now with his best friend Sero. Sero is an awesome guy and so is Todoroki. Awesome deserves awesome, so how can he be upset at love? 

However, despite his support, he can’t help but think; where does that leave me?

Before he could congratulate them on their new relationship like a good friend should, Coach Toshinori, more affectionately known as Coach All Might, blows his whistle. 

“Listen up, young men! Today we have a new member of our team. He’s transferred over to our high school this quarter and is very excited to be here. Please give a warm U.A. welcome to Katsuki Bakugo!” 

Kirishima didn’t know when his heart stopped beating, but he felt it pulse in double time when he saw the blonde being pushed in front of Coach Might. 

“Well, say hello young Bakugo!” 

“To these damn extras? Fuck that.” His voice was all rasp, and Kirishima was now all ears. 

“Now, young man, we are a team here. I’m sure your teammates would appreciate an introduction.”

Bakugo didn’t say anything, the silence was more than awkward.

“Kirishima! Why don’t you come up here and break the ice with our new teammate. Introduce yourself.” Coach gave him a smile that was almost pleading. Kirishima had always tried to be the one the team could lean on for a smile, as well as be a shoulder to cry on. He was deemed the team’s “big brother” and he guesses this is how he landed the spot as quarterback. Honestly, he didn’t think it was his skill that got him there. 

He ran up to the front of the locker room in a jog. Coach and this handsome new kid were standing close to the locker room’s wide open metal door. As soon as he reached the two a chill ran down his spine, obviously caused by the breeze of the cool fall weather. Totally not because this Bakugo guy was super duper handsome. So handsome he could feel every nerve in his body shudder. Nope. Not that at all. 

Up close Bakugo was even more attractive, it was almost unfair. His hair was in spikes, shaping his face in the most attractive way possible, cascading shadows around his eyes that made him look that much more intimidating. His face was sharp and strong, but soft in a way Kirishima didn’t even know how to fully comprehend. Wherever there was a firm flick of bone, there was an equally smooth glow around it. His lips were held in a frown and Kirishima suppressed the urge to reach out and untuck his bottom lip just to see how a smile worked on his face. 

Kirishima now turned to face him fully, eyes floating deeply into his. Bakugo somehow turned even cuter as his cheeks flushed, color reaching from his neck to his ears. His eyes were wide, as if the simple action of making contact was surprising. Was he that shy ? It was adorable, pretty even, how his red cheeks matched his blazing...red eyes? His stomach jumped in excitement, Kirishima’s crimson eyes had finally met their match.

Bakugo held his arms in a cross, and he could make out the clear muscle that was stretching around his limbs. Kirishima almost died, this Bakugo guy was...hella manly. 

He reached out his not as strong hand to Bakugo. “Hey man, names Kirishima. Welcome to the team!” 

“Bakugo was a quarterback at his old high school.” Coach informed him, voice now hushed as he was only talking to the two. 

“You were? Cool, bro! That’s going to make us even bet--”

“Cut the bullcrap, dumb hair. Don’t act like I’m not going to steal the position from your pathetic ass.” Bakugo reached to swat his hand away and the fleeting contact made his stomach churn.  Bakugo’s cheeks faded back to normal, now avoiding his gaze, staring at everything but Kirishima. 

“I’d like to see you try, Blasty.” He tried to mask his disappointment of not being able to touch his hand fully with unexpected, undeniable flirting. 

“Blasty?” he scoffed, eyes now glaring and narrow. 

“You’re the only one that can give nicknames around here?” Kirishima gave him a smug grin, not daring to question where this unexpected confidence came from. Maybe it was the challenge he posed, or just the simple excitement of a crush, but Kirishima knew he was uncharacteristically, non flusteredly, flirting with the guy. Which wasn't particularly cool on his part since he didn’t know if he liked guys in that way. How was he any better than those gross dudes who just wanted to get in his pants? Though, Kirishima knew himself. He didn’t want to just...well, you know. He wanted to ask this guy on a date, immediately. Despite that, Kirishima let himself fall away from this attraction he so deeply felt. 

“Whatever, dipshit.” 

“It would be wise for you to work together! I’m sure Bakugo has a lot of tips to better our team.” Coach All Might’s voice was strained, obviously upset with the amount of cursing coming out of the new kid. However, Coach All Might had never been one to reprimand. He left that to assistant Coach Aizawa when he was around. 

With Coach’s statement, Bakugo closed the gap between them and practically lunged in his face. 

“You bet I do, pretty eyes .” 

“Pretty eyes?” He almost screamed, so close to making a noise that it was caught in his throat. And shit, how was Bakugo even calling his eyes pretty when his own were sparkling with deep red intensity. So chasmic, he could almost swim in those jagged waves. 

“It's a compliment, take it, dumbass.” The tide shifted, swaying in and out as his eyes squinted that much more. 

“Only if you give me those totally awesome football pointers.” he laughed, trying his best to hide the panic that lumped in his throat. 

“You can bet your stupid ass on that.” Bakugo winked. He winked and Kirishima all but fainted. 

As the warm up before practice started, Denki ran up to him with an amused expression. Kirishima knew full well what that face meant. “Damn, you doing the new kid or what?”

“Denks, what the literal hell?” he sighed in annoyance. Talking this way when they were hanging out was one thing, but not in front of the whole team. 

“Dude, what the fuck was going on up there?” 

“Up where?” 

“You guys were like inches from making out with each other.”

“Sure we were.”

“Seriously. I was about to spray you down with a water hose.” 

“I’m sure your gutter mind was the only one who thought that.” Kirishima blushed, despite his slight disgust. Did that mean that Bakugo was flirting too? And his teammates, well Denki, noticed? 

“Nope! There was definitely something going on up there. ” Sero came from behind them, eyes going downward as he registered the view of Kirishima.

“Hey, so you and Shoto? That’s great, dude!” Kirishima said, honestly.

“I’m sorry, I was kind of scared to tell you.” Sero was looking down at his feet, rocking on his tiptoes as his arms swung slightly. 

“For what? I’m happy for you, man. You, of all people, should know that I think Todoroki is a great guy. You deserve a great guy, Hanta.” Kirishima kicked one of his feet playfully to grab his attention, his best friend’s anxious habit coming to a halt. 

“Thanks Kirishima. Really.” He smiled at him with that signature big Sero smile. Kirishima nodded, reaching up to punch him lightly on the shoulder.

After a minute of stretching, Todoroki snuck behind Sero and squeezed him on the arm in greeting.

Sero gazed at him with a dazed expression, smiling softly up at his boyfriend. Kirishima couldn’t help but smile at the sight.

“Coach All Might wants to see you, Kirishima.” Todoroki informs him. 

“Thanks, man!” Out of the corner of his eye, as he is jogging to the locker room, he sees Todoroki give Sero a kiss on the cheek. He almost laughs at the way Sero’s face goes up in flames. He was sure he’d never reacted to Todoroki that way, and it was nice to see that he found a good guy who did. 

“You wanted to see me, Coach?” He says as he enters Coach All Might’s office. 

“Ah, yes. Thank you for your hurry. I wanted to try out a practice or two with Bakugo as quarterback. I know it's your senior year, so I want to make sure you are okay with that.” 

“Of course, Coach! Whatever you think is best for the team.” Truthfully, as the year was coming to the start, Kirishima was counting his luck as quarterback. He fully did not know how he happened to get this far and if Coach Might thought switching him out was for the better of the team, he wasn’t going to argue. 

“Are you sure, Kirishima? You’ve worked really hard to earn this spot, both in skill and community.”

“I’m fine with it, Coach Might. Thank you for asking.”

“Okay, thank you for being so considerate of your team. It shows a lot of character. You are growing up to be a very respectable man.” 

“Jeez, thanks coach.” He blushed, running his hand through his hair. 

He felt gel, and almost groaned as he realized it was spiked up at the moment. He forgot to wash through it before practice. He sighed, annoyed at the fact that he couldn’t tie his hair up. But, it would go down with sweat anyway. He made the mental reminder to take out his headband before heading back out to practice. 

“You’re welcome. Could you go and get Bakugo for me and lead him to my office, please?”

“Yes, sir!” He ran out immediately, more than excited to walk Bakugo to the locker room. 

He found Bakugo sitting on a bench outside, practically growling as he spoke to Midoriya. Midoriya could be pretty excitable, so he sort of understands his annoyance. 

“—Excited that we go to the same school again, Kacchan! We haven’t talked since you moved away! I’m so happy to see you! We can becom—”

“Shut up, you stupid nerd!”

“Making pals on your first day, Bakugo?”

“Fuck off, hair for brains.”

“Alright, then I’ll tell Coach Might you don’t want to switch off with me as quarterback for a couple practices.”

“Don’t do me any damn favors, idiot.”

“It wasn't my idea, idiot . It was Coach Might’s.”

“Really?” The tiniest spark of excitement that looked so nice in his eyes poked a jolt in his heart. 

“Yes, really. Come on then!” Bakugo smiled at him, wide, almost soft. 

‘Wow! That’s so exciting Kacchan! First day and you’re already back to being a quarterback!”

His smile immediately faded. 

“Let's go, Shitty Hair, before damn Deku hyperventilates.” 

Kirishima gave Midoriya an apologetic smile, but his face just held a warm smile as he glanced up at Bakugo. 

“Deku was my friend as a kid.” He confessed as they walked. 

“Really? That’s cool, man!”

“It was only because our moms forced us together so damn much.”

“Is that why you transferred to this school?”

“Uh—fuck if I know. Parents just wanted to move back all of a sudden.” Bakugo looked down solemnly, flinching at his question. Maybe he had some friends he left behind, or missed his old school. He could only imagine how weird it felt to move to a new school your last year of high school. So, he decided to try to make him feel as welcome as possible. 

“Oh, well. I’m glad you’re here either way! Welcome to the football team!” He gave him a large slap on the back. 

“Whatever.” He mumbled, twitching slightly from his touch. 

He broke a bit of silence to say, “You have a pretty good team here. Great stats. You wanna play in college?”

“I haven’t thought about it.”

“You should, Shitty Hair. You’re pretty good.” 

“Wow, thanks man!” Kirishima hadn’t realized it before. Coach hadn’t even mentioned that Kirishima was quarterback, but Bakugo had fully challenged his position. 

“Whatever.” 

“Is that your favorite word?” He laughed, making Bakugo’s teeth clench, his eyes darting away from him.

“Wha--fuck off Shitty Hair!” He shouted, a blush sneaking its way on his cheeks. 

“You know, for the amount of times you’ve ragged on my hair, I might think you actually like it.”

“Shut the hell up!” Bakugo’s cheeks flamed even further, light pink now a deep scarlet. 

“I’m playing with you, dude!” He laughs, feeling himself grow super duper smitten for this blushing boy. “Oh and by the way, I like your eyes too.” He said, before shoving him in Coach’s office.

Smiling to himself, he walks to his locker where his duffel bag is. He takes a swig of water from the bottle that he keeps in his locker, and reaches in his bag to take out his headband. Before he could turn to the mirror that faces the lockers to fix it, he is greeted by a pair of red eyes peering into him. 

“Hey man, how’d it go with Coach—“

He didn’t have a chance to finish before his back was slammed into his locker. Bakugo had his arm folded across Kirishima’s chest, pinning him in place. He could feel the cool metal chilling his back. But it was nothing compared to the chills that trickled down his spine when Bakugo spoke. 

“Why are you so willing to give up your spot?” He growled, voice low and irritated. 

“Huh?”

“Don’t play dumb. Why would a star quarterback be so willing to give up the top spot?”

“Um…I—“ Kirishima was unable to form an answer with the way Bakugo’s eyes were prying into his. It was like he was trying to suck up his very soul. 

“Don’t tell me you’re doing it because you feel sorry for me.” He scoffed. “I don’t need any of your damn sympathy. I don’t need to be a quarterback just because I was one at my old shitty school.” 

“I told you it wasn’t my idea, man.” He gritted through his teeth, getting slightly annoyed that he wasn’t able to move. 

“My old team sucked. Of course I was fucking quarterback. It’s not a special privilege I earned.” His hold loosened and Kirishima was able to breathe. 

“Look, man. If Coach thinks switching up the positions for a couple practices is going to make us a better team, then I’m all for it. I don’t mind if you’re the quarterback even for a game. It’s no biggie.” 

“Bullshit. What? Are you afraid if you don’t switch with me that I’ll steal the spot from under you?” Bakugo moved his face closer to his, their noses almost touching.

“No.” He breathed, unable to form any other coherent words. Bakugo’s gaze was so close, he couldn’t stand to look in his eyes anymore.

Bakugo seemed to be annoyed at his darting as he was slammed back again.

“What? You got a problem with me, hair for brains? Because frankly I think you’re kinda cute.” Bakugo gave him a cat-like smirk, only before it was hastily replaced with a look of shock. 

Kirishima’s brain short circuits. He couldn’t form words, thoughts, or breaths.

“Y-You got a problem with that ? What? You gonna tell your little lackeys to come shit on me? Say the word now and I’ll fuck off forever.” Bakugo says confidently, but Kirishima could tell he was recoling in humiliation, maybe even fear. 

Kirishima smirks, reaching to close the small gap between them as an answer. 

He closes his eyes, but immediately opens them in alarm as a kiss is slammed into his lips before he could get the chance to kiss Bakugo himself. 

Before Kirishima is able to soften his lips away from surprise, a whistle blows in the far side of the gym.

“Clear the locker room, young men. I need to lock up before practice and I can’t have any stragglers!” Coach Might bellows. It seems he was talking in general, not directly at the two. But that didn’t stop them both from falling away from each other. 

Before they fully pull apart, he notices Bakugo is carrying a look of shame. Bakugo began to walk away and in a panic, Kirishima screamed for him to wait. 

Bakugo looks back at him with an equal gaze of panic, a hint of terror in his eyes. Kirishima could hear his breath leaving in shallow shakes. 

Kirishima walks up to Bakugo, grabbing his trembling wrist. He takes his free hand to pull Bakugo closer. He wanted to make sure he knew the kiss was okay, especially now that Bakugo looked mortified.

He closes his eyes slowly, moving his hand to where it was placed on Bakugo’s wrist to cup his cheek, pulling his face closer. He could feel heat radiating underneath his touch, his eye twitching at the contact. Kirishima couldn’t kiss him back right now, no matter how much he wanted to. 

“You okay, Bakugo?” He asked, opening his eyes once more. 

Bakugo nodded, but he looked so terrified, he wanted him to say it.

“Tell me. Don’t just nod, okay?” He said softly, rubbing his thumb lightly down his cheek. 

Bakugo glanced up at him, eyes softer than before. He took a deep, uneven breath before saying, “Fuck off, I’m fine.” 

Bakugo pulled them apart, face turning harshly from his touch, red cheeks matching red eyes, ears dipped in pink. 

“ Shit , I’m sorry.” Bakugo whispered.

“For what?” 

“I’m- um. I kissed you and I didn’t—“

“Dude. I wanted to kiss you as soon as you got here.” 

“For a whole thirty minutes?”

“Maybe.” He laughed.

“Well—I I’m—I sort of had a thing for you since I saw you play.” His confession is almost whispered, in the smallest voice Kirishima’s heard from him so far. 

Kirishima was in disbelief, “You’ve seen me play?” This wasn’t the thing Kirishima really wanted to focus on, but his brain wasn’t ready to grasp that someone as handsome as Bakugo has had a “thing” for him.  

“Parents dragged me to a stupid game last season to see Deku.”

“Wow that’s—“

“Couldn’t believe you were the quarterback since you were a freaking sophomore.” 

“Well um—“ Bakugo didn’t let him finish any of his sentences, like his confession was pouring out of him before he had a chance to stop it. 

“But then I saw how much of a bad ass you were. I wasn’t lying when I said you’re good.”

“Thanks, man. I mean—“

“So, I’ve kind of been following your games ever since. But don’t flatter yourself, it was for Izuku, too.” Bakugo’s eyes narrowed then, “Tell Deku and I’ll kick your ass.” Kirishima waited, fully expecting to be cut off again, but Bakugo’s eyes just widened at his lack of response. 

“You’re secret’s safe with me, Bakugo. That’s really cool. I honestly am really flattered.” 

The tension that was held in Bakugo’s shoulders was released as he gave him a hint of a smile. It was the prettiest thing Kirishima had ever seen. His face was away from all the previous rage he held. 

“Hey, are you okay, really? You kinda—“

“Told you I’m fine. Sorry you had to see all that weak shit.” And he looked extremely apologetic, like somehow his emotions were offensive.

“Don’t say sorry. It’s alright, man. Now that you’re on this team, I’ll always be there for you, alright? You’re all good.” Kirishima gave him the kindest smile he could muster. 

Before they could walk out of the locker room, one foot out the door, Kirishima turned to kiss Bakugo on the cheek, turning him into a complete mess. 

“What um-you! The team is right there! What the hell?!” He spit out. 

It was kind of endearing, how Bakugo came onto him like a literal explosion, but now he was this adorable stuttering mess. 

“Sorry, Blasty. I couldn’t help myself.” He smirked before running to the field to meet his teammates.

“Dude! I can’t believe I’m a test away from failing stupid algebra!” Kirishima groaned in the locker room, thrusting himself down on a bench. 

“Same here, my good man. Same here.” Denki groaned in return. “Hey! Why don’t you get Momo to tutor you? She’s gonna tutor a bunch of us this weekend!” He offered.

“Momo’s teaching styles and I don’t…mesh well.” Momo Yaoyorozu was a really nice girl, but her tutoring style was a little too fast for him. Plus, he was always intimidated going to her big, rich, fancy house.

He needed something slower, more direct. He didn’t know how learning in a group was any different than learning in class. 

“Oh! Kacchan is pretty good at math. Maybe he could tutor you!” Midoriya was coming from his locker, pulling on a shirt in the process.

“Kacchan?” Denki inquired.

“Hey, stupid Deku, why they hell are you offering my tutoring services?” Bakugo was walking towards them, already dressed in his clothes for practice. 

Kirishima blushed, “Oh, it’s alright man. I guess I could just go harder on studying!” 

Bakugo’s eyes darted towards him. “I didn’t say no, Shitty Hair.” 

“What about me, Kacchan ?” Denki drawled, raising his eyebrows in that silly way he always did when he attempted to “flirt''. Kirishima didn’t know how he managed to get dates at all. 

“Only one dumbass per tutor, Dunce Face.” 

Denki pouted, dramatically jutting his chin forward and crossing his arms. “Fine, guess tutoring from the cute new guy is only for cute quarterbacks.”

“Don’t call me cute, fucking dammit!”

Kirishima laughed as they got into a yelling match, bickering like old friends. Bakugo was fitting right in. 

After a particularly grueling practice, Kirishima and his teammates were cooling down on the field before taking off to the locker room. Coach All Might had worked them a little harder today since they had their first game next week. 

Kirishima was resting on his palms, sitting cross legged on the artificial turf, waiting for his heart rate to go back to normal. Coach always made them run laps for the last 15 minutes of practice and today was like hell.

In his tired state, Kirishima found himself shamelessly staring at Bakugo. He was refilling his water bottle with one of the spouts from the huge jug the team used for water. For a flash of a second, Bakugo caught his gaze, both of them now blushing at the fact that they caught each other looking.

Kirishima turned his head quickly, staring at literally anything else for a couple seconds until his gaze automatically lasers back to Bakugo. 

His cheeks were still flushed as he screwed open the cap to his bottle. He could tell Bakugo was panting, but clearly not as much as the others. A small smirk danced on his lips before he lifted the open bottle to his mouth. Kirishima presumed he was gonna take a big gulp but oh god. He was totally wrong. Bakugo lifted the bottle even further, pouring the whole thing over his head. Water dripped down his wild hair, coating his face like it was just that much more sweaty. The liquid quickly seeped to his shirt, making his dark blue t-shirt even darker. In the stadium lights, Bakugo was literally sparkling, like all the stars had decided to fall and follow his every move. 

Suddenly, his eyes zeroed back on Kirishima. He gave him a mischievous cat-like grin that Kirishima knew was going to be the end of him.

He refilled his bottle again, his figure moving closer as he was now walking towards Kirishima.

“You thirsty?” He tossed a wink in his direction before offering his bottle. Kirishima took it without hesitation, relishing in the indirect kiss he was about to have. After he took a sip, he handed it back to Bakugo with a small thanks.

Kirishima decided to take a plunge. He wanted to know that that quick kiss in the locker room wasn’t a deep emotional fluke.

“Hey um, Bakugo. I heard you’re super smart. If you were serious about it before, do you maybe wanna study together?” He was doing a very bad job at hiding his pathetic attempt at asking him on a date. “ And maybe I can help with your football in return?” 

“Fuck no, I don’t need help with football.” Kirishima felt his heart break into what felt like a million pieces. He couldn’t help a frown from breaking out on his face.

“Oh alright, that’s okay, man!” He tried to sound cheerful, but he knew he was failing.

Bakugo sighed, looking personally offended at the fact that he was frowning. “Just take me out on a date and we’ll call it even.” 

“Okay deal, Bakubro!” 

Bakugo’s face switched from offended to amused. “Alright, it’s a date Dumb Hair.” he says, eyes darting around as if he was taking in his surroundings. 

Kirishima looked around too. Everyone had either gone off to the locker room or home at this point, so the field was empty. Bakugo takes a second to glance around once more, reaches over quickly, and places a small kiss on Kirishima’s cheek.

He got up in a huff, running to the locker room before Kirishima had a chance to say anything.

He sat there for what felt like hours, taking in what exactly just happened. He had not one, but two dates with Bakugo all in one fell swoop. Kirishima’s thoughts were unable to comprehend that he started Monday single and now? He had a date with the hottest guy on the planet just four days later. 

The stadium lights began to turn off and Kirishima took that as his cue to leave, standing up in a flustered haze. 

As he reached the locker room, he presumed everyone had gone home since it was quiet and empty. Which means Kirishima had to use his “special key” that no one knew about to lock up before he left. Coach All Might had given him one last year, noticing that Kirishima was always one to leave late. Matter of fact, Coach All Might always ran off mid-practice, making Coach Aizawa take over. 

He walked to his locker, taking out his bag and sighing as he felt his water bottle was empty. He was either always forgetting to fill it or bring it out to practice, and this time it was both. He slammed his locker shut, taking out his phone from his pocket to text his mom he was on his way home soon.

Walking to the water fountain, he bent down to take a sip of the coldest relief he ever felt. After quenching what felt like an insatiable thirst, he turned to finally make his way out of the dark locker room.

“Hey, Shitty Hair.” Bakugo’s voice prickled the back of his neck, startling him in what he assumed was an empty locker room.

“Damn bro, you scared me!” He laughed, pressing his hand over his heart for the simple action of it. 

“I waited for you, idiot. How the hell are we gonna study together if I don’t have your damn number?”

“Oh! Yeah, okay!” Kirishima quickly walks up to where he was standing by the door, placing his phone in Bakugo’s waiting hand. Bakugo gave him his own in return. Numbers now exchanged, Kirishima took a second to look at the boy in front of him. Bakugo’s back was resting against the wall by the open locker room door that led to the parking lot, arms crossed in front of him.

“Hey. I’m really looking forward to our date.”

“Are you now?” Bakugo smirked.

“Of course, man.” He grinned.

They both just stood there for a second, smiling up at each other. Kirishima finally had the chance to stare into Bakugo’s eyes. He really did like his eyes, filled to the brim with millions of shades of red, browns, and even the smallest fleck of deep yellow. 

Kirishima decided to take yet another plunge and walked that much closer.

He slowly reached his arm out, placing his palm on Bakugo’s shoulder. Bakugo immediately uncrossed his arms and Kirishima took this as an invitation to run his hand down and grab Bakugo’s own. 

Bakugo looked up at him with a blush, shades of pink swirling on his cheeks.

“Bakugo, can I?” 

Bakugo looked taken back by his want for permission. His lips curled up to a smile, letting out a mumble of yes.

With his words, Kirishima closed the space between them. 

As their lips met one another, a galaxy sprouted from his chest. Everywhere he looked, Kirishima could see stars. The room around him twirled like a kaleidoscope of reds, pinks, orange, and yellows. It was like the setting sun was meeting the night sky in a long awaited encounter. Kirishima melted as he could feel Bakugo’s lips finally move across his. It was like he had waited his whole life to feel what he did right now. His heart was beating in the same way it did when a game was nearing its last seconds. With these lips against his, he knew he had won something and here’s to hoping it would be Bakugo’s heart.

“Eijiro! Someone is at the door!” His mom shouted from the kitchen. He bounded down the hallway quickly, knowing that that someone was Bakugo. 

When he reached the kitchen, he could smell the sweet burn of chocolate, sugar, and cinnamon. 

“Hey mom! Making your cookies?” He reached to give her a kiss on the cheek, flour filled and chocolate stained. His mom was always chaotic in the kitchen, but with chaos came delicious. 

“Of course! For you and your new friend! Boyfriend?” She teased, a loving grin adorning her face. 

“Mom!” He blushed burnt red, running to the door before she could say anything else that would find its way out the door. 

“Bakugo! H-hey man!” He stopped himself from gasping. Wow oh, wow did Bakugo look good! Away from his usual workout attire and school clothes, Bakugo was now wearing a black and orange hoodie, sleeves pushed to his elbows. His hair was nice as always, but somehow had this sense of relaxation that he could only presume was bedhead. And if that couldn’t get any worse, he was wearing a pair of baggy warmups that somehow made him—okay he really needed to get his thoughts in check. Especially in front of his mom, she’d never let him hear the end of it if he was a flustered mess in front of her. 

“What’s with you damn football players at this school and last names? Just call me Katsuki.” 

“Honestly, I don’t know, dude! I think it’s manly. But okay! You should call me Eijiro, then.” 

“Don’t tell me what I should do...Eijiro .” 

Damn, so much for not being a flustered mess. Here he was now, face beet red and unable to speak because his name coming out of Baku—Katsuki’s mouth sounded wonderful. 

“Eijiro, close the door or the bugs will get all over these freshly baked cookies!” His mom sing-songed from the kitchen. 

“You’re in for a treat, man. My mom’s cookies are the best!”

“Doesn’t every doting son say that?” 

“Maybe?” He laughed in agreement. 

Before Katsuki could step in from the front door, he pushed him back outside, lighty. 

Katsuki tensed, just a little, but then began to smirk when Kirishima pulled him from the sight of his open door. 

“You really can’t help yourself?” 

“Not when you look that good.” It was weird, how unbelievably confident he was with him...well 50 percent of the time. However, Kirishima was always one to go after what he wanted with certainty. And Katsuki was all he wanted, maybe even more.

In his front yard, home to many memories, Kirishima began to build a new one. 

He placed a timid hand on Katsuki’s waist, bringing him that much closer. He felt his stomach do jumping jacks as Katsuki’s handsome grin bordered on lethal. Using his free hand, Kirishima gripped Katsuki’s chin gently, bringing their lips together with the softest of touches. It was a quick kiss, but one that Kirishima knew would replay in his mind for years to come. 

“Sure! I can carry your backpack, no worries my man!” He shouted.  

Katsuki let out the most guttural of laughs. “Yeah, like your mom is gonna believe that bullshit.” 

Kirishima grabbed his backpack off his shoulders anyway, to continue his thinly veiled charade. 

“Ah, you must be the famous Bakugo! My son can’t stop talking about you!” His mother said as soon as they reached the kitchen. 

Before he could scream in retaliation, Katsuki was pulling him to a halt by his backpack straps. His imminent confusion was quickly remedied when he saw Katsuki pulling out a tupperware. 

“I brought these for you.” Katsuki offered the tupperware to his mom and she was all smiles. 

“Wow, what a nice young man!” When Katsuki was looking away, his mom gave him a look of approval. 

“Ooo, what’d you bring?”  

“Cheesecake brownies, you’d better like them.” He was looking at Kirishima now, his smile saying that he knew he would. 

After grabbing both a handful of cookies and a square of brownie, they both walked to Kirishima’s room.

As he sat, Kirishima took a generous bite of what Katsuki had brought. His eyes immediately widened, tart and sweet mingling through his taste buds.

“My dude ! Wow, where’d you get these from?” He shoved the rest in his mouth immediately while waiting for an answer.

“I made them, dumbass.”

“No freaking way! Bro, I could eat a whole pan of these! The hell?”

Katsuki looked tickled by his openly excited praise, and his gaze made his stomach flutter.

“Alright, enough gushing. Tell me what you need help with.” Katsuki reached into his backpack then, pulling out a notebook and the textbook for their algebra class.

“Everything, man. I don’t know what it is about stupid algebra.”

“It’s just math?”

“I don’t know man, I don’t know.“

“I get you. It’s fine. I’m here to help right?”

“Yeah. Thanks, Katsuki.” He smiled at him and Katsuki responded with a puff of air.

Kirishima definitely got the one on one he was looking for, Katsuki literally drilling equations into his brain. 

“No! Ugh. Lemme see. You just…” he erased Kirishima’s mistake, putting the correct answer in place.

Kirishima looked up at him with a pout. He felt guilty, Katsuki had been working him so hard and he still didn’t get it.

“Hey, I’m sorry man. I’m really trying, I promise.”

“Ugh, don’t apologize. It’s fine.” He rolled his eyes, groaning in the process. “Look, maybe we should take a break?”  He thought that sounded amazing, they’ve been at it for hours.

“A brownie break?” He grinned, raising his eyebrows.

“Sure, dummy.” Katsuki gave him a light punch on the shoulder before using it as leverage to get up from the floor. 

He took a second to follow him, admiring the view.

As he reached the kitchen, Katsuki was in the process of grabbing a glass of water from his mom.

“Working hard?” His mom gave him a soft glance. 

“Yeah! Katsuki’s a good teacher!” He automatically went to the tupperware with brownies, grabbing two.

“Don’t stuff yourself! I’m gonna order some pizza. Is that okay with you?” She glanced at Katsuki then, expecting an answer. He really hoped he would say something. His mom hated rudeness more than anything.

“Yes. Thank you.” His voice sounded careful, and his heart clenched with Katsuki’s effort.

“Great! Alright boys, go back to studying. I’ll call you when it’s here.”

They walked back to Kirishima’s room then, but the last thing on his mind was more studying.

A nervous air lingered between them as they sat back down on the floor. Kirishima wanted to kiss him again. But with the added tension of being so near his mom and a crush in general, he felt his heart racing. 

Katsuki glanced at him, waiting for Kirishima to say or do anything.

“I kinda still wanna take a break, man. Maybe for like ten more minutes?”

“That’s fine.” Katsuki threw himself back on the floor, hand placed over his eyes. 

He inched up to him then, curious and strung.

Slowly, he reached for Katsuki’s arm, earning a grunt as the action happened. As soon as Katsuki saw his face so close, his eyes began to shimmer, colors animating his usual sneer.

He closed the space between them, feeling the warmth of his open breath.

It was Katsuki, then, who took over. He reached up his arms, fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him closer. His lips were so soft and warm, a blanket inviting him in from the cold.

His grip tightened as Kirishima caged him with his arms, pressing them together that much more. Katsuki reeled him in, pulling and smoothing out a wound up string, begging for a sensation. 

He felt Katsuki’s warm tongue press against his trembling lips, and his mouth parted as if it was instinct.

Katsuki’s hand’s moved from his hair then, opting instead to run comforting hands down his spine. 

Kirishima moved his arms then, too, wrapping his around Katsuki’s lifted back. He held him that much closer, mouths moving in clumsy sync. 

Fully aware that his mom could walk any minute to his open door, he pressed their lips together with a gentle force. His hands moved to Katsuki’s waist, then chest, pushing himself off lightly with a peck to his forehead.

“You’re a really good kisser, man. I could kiss you all the time if I could.” His awkward attempt at flirting was met with a small laugh.

Katsuki looked wonderful, still not having moved from underneath him. His cheeks were flushed, lips red from kissing, eyes shimmering.

He couldn’t help himself then, placing another kiss on his cheek.

As the first game was out of town, this meant that the team had to leave halfway through the school day. 

Kirishima was more than glad, not even for leaving school, but the simplicity of going on a trip with his teammates. Since he was quarterback, there’s been this dumb unwritten rule that Kirishima was granted a solo seat on the bus. He hated that sense of hierarchy, but all his friends paired up before he had a chance to ask for a seat partner. 

However, things seemed to be changing as Katsuki sat down next to him without a word. He offered a Gatorade to him, red like his hair. 

“Thanks, dude!” He resisted the urge to kiss him, because he wasn’t sure if Katsuki was okay with that. And he really wasn't his boyfriend, if he was telling himself the truth. 

“Don’t want you fucking dehydrating. Do you have beef with water, dumbass?” 

“Nah, man. I’m just forgetful.” He admitted.

At that moment, Sero walked in with Todoroki, an arm wrapped around his waist as they looked for a seat.

Katsuki watched them in awe, piquing Kirishima’s curiosity as he followed their every action. Todoroki and Sero are good looking? He couldn’t blame him for staring. Katsuki let out a shout, a sound just quiet enough for Kirishima to hear as Todoroki placed a kiss on Sero’s head. 

“I’m going to the locker room real quick, did you leave anything?” Todoroki asked. 

“No, thanks, baby boy.” Sero then reached to place a kiss on his nose. Dammit, they were cute. 

Kirishima let out a small chuckle, and Katsuki was wide eyed.

“They…just. Do that? In front of the?” Katsuki sounded breathless, disbelief apparent in his tone.

“Yeah, they’re cute right?” He beamed.

“Yeah. But no one…?” Katsuki’s confusion deepened, glaring at Sero then pointing his gaze to Kirishima.

“No one what? Has a problem with it? There’s a couple people who do, but come on, we’re the damn football team.” He had to admit, his “status” really helped on that front. “This school is pretty accepting, especially the guys on the team.” He explained.

Katsuki’s mouth gaped like a fish, opening and closing without a sound. 

“You okay, Kats?” 

“Yeah. That’s just. Yeah. Different. Cool, or whatever.”

Katsuki was silent then, offering an earbud to Kirishima after a couple minutes. The bus ride started not too long after, after everyone piled on.

Despite the loudness of the team, hype radiating off their bodies, it felt like he was in his own little word with Katsuki. He felt him sigh next to him, and he glanced at him then. He had his eyes closed, head bumping on the seat as he had it resting on the chair that was more tears than cushion. 

“Hey.” he said, getting his attention. “Here.” he reached to grab his head lightly, pushing it onto his shoulder. 

“Wait, here.” He picked up his letterman that was resting atop his duffle bag. He squished it together as best as he could, making a makeshift pillow. Katsuki took a second before resting his head back on his shoulder, letting out a small laugh as he did. 

“Such a dummy.” he muttered before closing his eyes for the rest of the trip. 

The game came and went in a blur, like it always did with the adrenaline he felt every time he played. As the clock reached his end, the ball was tossed to him. He felt he had too many guys locked in on him to successfully run the ball past them. He spotted Midoriya from the corner of his eye and he screamed his name, green eyes now locked on his. He tossed the ball in his direction, and he caught it in a jump. Suddenly, like he developed super speed, he ran across the field in a bright green blur. He darted past all the other players, dodging every tackle, every attempt to bring him down. Finally, the clock buzzed, the score changing on the board, indicating that their team won. His teammates exploded as they realized Midoriya had made a game winning touchdown. 

Everyone ran towards him, Coach All Might screaming “Alright, young Midoriya!”. But, Midoriya was only focused on one thing. He ran to the sidelines, picking up a jumping Ochako in his arms. He tore off his helmet, spun her around, and gave her a big kiss. She almost looked like she was floating, how her hair flew around her as she spun, cheeks pink as they could be. Kirishima smiled widely at the sight before screaming, “Way to go, man!” 

The night had grown significantly colder as the marching band played their fight song to indicate the end of the game. He could feel the chills of the night now that the adrenaline of playing had left him. 

The other team came to congratulate them with a handshake, and Kirishima blushed at the praise from the other coach for his gameplay. 

“Coach All Might has really worked you hard! Wish I had you on my team, Kirishima!” And Coach Tamaki was quite the coach, head of a top ranked football team straight out of college. He was a beast in college football, but decided to become a coach instead of a pro. 

“Now now, Hawks, you might be young to the game, but don’t be stealing my players out from under me!” 

“I don’t think I could if I tried, right kid?” and Kirishima was completely speechless, unable to form any sentences in response to praise from a top coach. 

“Uh, thanks Coach!” was all he could manage before he heard a scoff behind him. 

“Told you you’re good.” Katsuki was standing behind him, offering him his bottle of water.

“Thanks!” He beamed, taking a large sip before handing it back to Katsuki. 

“Alright boys, great game! Let's head to the locker room and load the buses in 20!” Coach bellowed across the field. 

After they gathered their things, changed, and began the process of walking to the buses, he heard Sero groan, “Damn! When did it get 20 degrees out?” The whole team was donning their lettermans as they packed up their things to leave. 

As he walked out of the locker room himself, having to be one of the first on the bus since he had to double check no teammate was left behind, he noticed Katsuki walking with his arms crossed in front of him, nose tipped in red. 

He sped his gait to walk next to him. “Cold, Kats?” 

“Whatever. We’re almost on the bus.” He shrugged with a shiver. 

Kirishima smiled, stopping in his tracks to pull off his letterman to offer. “Here, since you haven’t gotten yours yet.” 

Katsuki turned even more red, quickly grabbing his jacket without protest. He balled his hands in the sleeves quickly, bringing them up to his face.

“Man, you were really cold, Blasty!” 

“No shit.” He hissed, muffled through his hands. “Aren’t you cold now?” He asked as they resumed walking.

“No, we’re almost on the bus, anyways.” He smirked.

And grateful he was for the truth of his words, as he finally stepped onto the warmth of the bus. 

He quickly sat down, moving to give more space to Katsuki as he sat next to him. But space didn’t seem to matter as he practically balled up to his side. He could feel the coldness of him seeping into his skin and heard a sigh of relief as Kirishima quietly grabbed his hand underneath his sleeve. He couldn’t believe how freezing he was, but then again, they had just finished sweating for hours and were automatically hit with the cold.

The bus was mostly empty, as his teammates took their time piling in, other people mostly in the back away from their sight. So, Kirishima had the privilege of holding Katsuki’s hand for a couple minutes. With his questions earlier, he assumed he wasn’t that used to PDA. And also, he wasn’t his boyfriend, so he didn’t want to do anything Katsuki wasn’t comfortable with. 

He heard the loud voice of Kaminari coming through the doors, “But do you think he’d give me his number if he wasn’t interested, Sero?”

“I don’t know, Denks, you’re pretty stubborn when it comes to asking someone out.”

“Hey, I haven't asked Shinso out yet, but I’m hoping maybe by the end of next week.” He laughed, voice growing closer with the sound of feet on the metal steps of the bus.

“You’re terrible.” And he could practically hear Sero rolling his eyes, the action confirmed as he was now walking down the aisle of the bus. 

“Not everyone is charming like you, love.” Todoroki was holding on to the back of Sero’s jacket, seemingly unfazed by the cold as he was just wearing a thin sweater and not his letterman like everyone else. 

Must be one of his warm days , he thought with a smile. 

“ Roki !” Sero whined, a deep blush spilling across his neck. 

“What? Did I say something wrong?” He sounded panicked. 

“No, little Shoto, I think the only person you insulted was me.” Denki assured him. 

And then suddenly, all three came to his seat. He felt Katsuki stiffen, his hand pulling back immediately.

“Hey, Bakugo! How’d you like your first game, dude?” Sero gave him a smile before sitting down on the seat in front of them, Todoroki following suit. 

“It was fine.” 

“Hey, Bakugo, right? I’m Todoroki.” 

He only grunted in response, hands back to burying his face.

“Cold, Kacchan ? Maybe I can go in there and warm you up?” Denki smirked, sitting in the seat behind them. 

“Shut the hell up before I fucking smack you.” He mutters, full of irritation.

“Ah, right. That seems to be Kiri’s job.” 

“Denki. Please.” Kirishima begged.

“Alright, I’ll behave. Good game today Eij.” He reached over to ruffle his hair before settling fully in his seat.

After a couple of minutes, Katsuki completely rigid next to him, Coach Aizawa stepped on the bus.

“Everyone here?” He asked, looking half asleep already.  Kirishima internally groaned. They were in for a super quiet bus ride.

“Yes, Coach!” He piped up, having already counted everyone mentally as they stepped on.

“Alright, we’re good to go then.”

With that, the doors closed and the bus started, the air silent and stiff.

Even though Kirishima was the one who asked Katsuki out on a date, he insisted that he pick Kirishima up so they “ didn’t have to deal with the old hag ”. 

It was going to be a simple date, movies, dinner, and maybe dessert if Katsuki was up to it. 

He quickly realized had no idea how to dress for a date. With Todoroki, they were friends first, so the shift just happened naturally. His mom had told him to dress “casually nice” and that was all just words to him. He decided to put on his nicest t-shirt and a good pair of jeans, pulling his letterman over his shoulders so maybe he could let Katsuki wear it. 

He paced around his bedroom, anxious energy seeping in as he just waited. Technically, even though he’s had a boyfriend, this was his first date. 

Finally, a few minutes later, he hears his mom yell for him from the living room. Katsuki was here. 

He jogs to the door, excitement bouncing in his limbs, and his heart wasn’t ready for the sight before him. 

Katsuki looked absolutely wonderful, in a button up shirt that was folded up to his elbows. He had his hands behind his back, wearing an expression that was a cross between his normal scowl and a hint of nervousness. 

“Hey. Uh, these are for you.” He moved his arms from behind his back and in his left hand was a small bouquet of roses. Kirishima almost felt like crying, he’d never gotten flowers before! 

“Woah! What? Thanks bro.” Kirishima glanced around to make sure his mom wasn’t in sight of the door. As he grabbed the flowers from Katsuki, he placed a kiss on his cheek. 

“Whatever,” Katsuki said with reddened cheeks, “For making me so...I guess, welcome on my first days.” 

“Of course man, that’s what pals are for!” He smiled. 

“You kiss all your pals , Eijiro?” Katsuki smiled at him with his dangerously handsome grin, smug and mischievous. 

“Only the really cute ones.” He smirked back. It seemed like all the tension from Friday night’s bus ride home was gone now that they were alone again. 

“Ready to go?” Katsuki’s voice then dropped to a whisper, “You look really nice by the way.” 

Kirishima could feel his face heat at his compliment, his thoughts becoming a stuttering mess. 

Katsuki smiled at his reaction, failing to hide the grin that had spilled across his face. 

“Um. Uh, yeah! But hold on, let me put these in a...well I don’t think we have a vase but…”

Katsuki started laughing, the softest laugh he’s heard from him so far, “You’re too damn adorable, Shitty Hair.” 

“Dude, stop. I’m gonna die.” He begged, his plea making him laugh even more. 

He escaped to the kitchen in a flash, looking around for the biggest cup they had. He heard his mom come from her bedroom, like she was waiting to get him alone. Which, knowing his mom, she 100 percent was. 

“Those are really pretty.” 

“Yeah!” He said, a large smile on his face. 

His mom gave him a grin that he could only classify as motherly. 

After saying his goodbye to his mom, assuring her that they would be safe, they found their way to the movie theater.

He had picked an action movie for them to watch, telling Katsuki to get whatever he wanted from the concessions. He only got a soda, and Kirishima made sure to tell the cashier that he wanted a large. Despite Katsuki’s protests, he got them a large popcorn to share. 

The movie had been out for a while, so it wasn’t surprising that the theater was mostly empty when they found seats. Katsuki was very serious about where they sat, in the middle, not too close, but not too far back.

And oh, did Kirishima resist every urge in his body to kiss that stupidly handsome face of his from how adorable he found that. 

They settled in their seats and Kirishima put up the arm rest that was between them to balance the popcorn in the middle. Despite his wants for “only a soda, Eijiro”, Katsuki took a big handful of popcorn as they watched the previews.

He let out a small chuckle, and Katsuki glared at him, daring him to speak upon it.

He wanted to kiss him and that smirk so fucking bad. 

Kirishima placed his hand in the popcorn himself, giddily hoping that it’ll be like all the movies and they’d brush fingers. But, his life isn’t a movie, and Katsuki was taking a sip of his soda. 

He basically shoveled in half the popcorn as the previews went on. He decided he needed to stop eating, mainly because he was chewing on something out of nervousness and not hunger.

He stared at Katsuki instead and he didn’t ever think he’d ever stop being wowed by his absolute beauty. 

His eyes were held in an intense gaze, focused on the screen. He took a sip of his soda and he couldn’t help but stare as his lips gripped around his straw. And god, was time in slow motion? It felt like it was when Katsuki put his drink down, glancing at him as he had probably felt his stare. 

Katsuki looked deep into his eyes, colors flickering across his gaze as the previews were at its end. As the lights dimmed that much more, Katsuki’s eyes illuminated the space between them. He blinked, slowly, making sure he wasn’t dreaming as Katsuki darted his eyes across the theater. With a swift motion, he moved the popcorn that was balanced on their legs. As he glanced up from the floor, Katsuki had closed the gap between them. He let him take charge, knowing that this was something different to him. But, Katsuki looked at him expectantly, almost fearfully, his lips stuttering as his eyes moved to look at Kirishima’s.

“Can you—will you kiss me Eijiro?” His whisper was dripping with softness, like he had invited the pillow of the clouds above in his tone.

Kirishima gulped, nodding as he gripped his chin to pull him closer. Katsuki stiffened just a bit, but then relaxed as he began rubbing his thumb on his cheek. He felt a heat pool underneath his touch as he kissed him. He kissed him so gently, so softly, the movements of their lips slow as they blended into each other’s. 

Katsuki pulled away, hesitating before pressing their lips together with such a deep force. He let him, hoping that this was helping him somehow. 

Katsuki kept that pressure, only pulling back to lick against his lips. Kirishima laughed, his happiness tickling out of him. He tasted salty and sweet, and he almost lost himself in the flavor. But, he held back, glad that Katsuki was taking control. 

The movie had already started, but they both didn’t care. Katsuki grabbed his shirt, pulling him that much closer. Seeming startled by his own action, the pressure around his lips and chest let go. 

Katsuki glanced around and even in the dimmed light, he could see the hint of tears in his eyes.

“You okay?” 

“Shit, sorry. I got carried away.”

“Dude, you don’t have to apologize for that.”

“I know but—“

Kirishima knew he shouldn’t kiss him right now, so he instead gave him a squeeze on the hand that had fallen between them.

“It’s okay. You sure you’re okay, baby—“ He mentally slapped himself, feeling mortified as the nickname fell so naturally out of his mouth. “Uh sorry. Um sorry! I mean Katsuki.” He felt his cheeks flame, nerves jumping in shock.

“Sorry.” He whispered once more.

He mumbled something he couldn’t hear, as some superheroes were now blasting each other on the screen.

The rest of the movie was silent, as it was actually pretty interesting, both of them entranced.

As the credits rolled, Kirishima grabbed the bucket of popcorn off the floor that he had forgotten about. They walked to the exit, tossing their trash in the bin. 

Kirishima wanted to grab his hand so badly as they left the movie theater.

“Hey.” Katsuki said as they walked. Kirishima had planned for them to eat dinner at a small diner that was super close to the theater. 

“Hey!” He said cheerfully.

Katsuki shook his head with a smile. He then stopped them both, his hand reaching to halt them.

“I don’t want this to be a one time thing with you.” He confessed, grabbing one of his wrists. “Do you?”

Kirishima was taken back by his words, not really knowing what he meant, but was sure of his agreement when he said “No, I really don’t.” He gave him a smile, immediately biting his lip to resist that urge.

“Fuck you.” He scoffed.

“Huh? Wait, what?” He let out an awkward laugh.

“How are you so damn gorgeous?”

“Oh uh, I don’t know du—“

“God, shut up. ” He shook his head again, grabbing his other hand to place a kiss on his cheek. “Can’t believe my boyfriend is that stupidly handsome.” 

“Your…your what?!” He basically squeaked, feeling his eyes widen.

Katsuki broke out into a large laugh, his whole body shaking. 

“Are you…are we boyfriends now?” His brain was unable to catch up,  his thoughts screaming and jumping up and down in an alternating pattern of “KATSUKI? BOYFRIEND?” 

“Do you not want to be, dummy?” His voice was with its usual roughness, but he could sense a hesitation with his question.

“Of course! Yeah! Dude! Of course I do!” He grinned, tears brimming his eyes as he could feel his happiness spilling out of his heart.

“Thought so.” He kissed his cheek again and Kirishima’s insides went to mush. 

While they both ate their burgers, because what else would you get at a diner, Katsuki began to attack him with that dangerous smirk of his.

“I liked it, by the way. Not sure if you heard me.” He said with a numbingly flirting tone.

“Liked what?” Kirishima cocked his head to the side, genuinely confused.

“You calling me baby.” He slowed the end of his sentence, words like honey. 

Kirishima let out a sputter of words, “You can’t just keep dropping stuff at me like that! You’re terrible!” Kirishima was actually going to die, his heart racing in his chest.

“What, do you not want to call me baby, pretty eyes?”

“Du-ude ! Stop it!” He hid his blush behind his hands, looking away in flustered embarrassment.

Katsuki just cackled, reaching to pull his hand away.

“Fine. Just happy to have you, Eijiro.” He admitted while smiling so warmly.

And as his boyfriend placed his lips quickly on his fingers, he said “Me too, Katsuki.”

They found their way back to his house as the day was still young. He treated Katsuki to frozen yogurt, despite his want to pay. “Such a damn gentleman.” He had grunted. 

He texted his mom to see if she wanted anything, mostly so she could be distracted as they hung out in Kirishima’s room.

Katsuki had gotten a vanilla yogurt with lots of fruit, which was such a him thing get. Kirishima got a strawberry yogurt with chocolate chips and cookies on top. 

Katsuki had raised an eyebrow at his choices before placing a single strawberry in Kirishima’s cup with a smile.

As they were finishing their cups, Katsuki had scooted into him closer and closer. He scarfed down the rest of his yogurt, tossing his cup in the trash can that he had by his bed. Katsuki did the same soon after.

Kirishima opened his arms as he settled back down on his bed. “Wanna snuggle, babe?”

“You’re lucky I have a huge-ass crush on you.” He said as he made himself comfortable in his arms. Kirishima was not ready for the sensation, the weight of Katsuki so overwhelming and calming. 

A call vibrated his phone, and he groaned. “Sorry.” 

It was his mom.

“Eijiro, I’m going to step out for a bit to eat with a friend.”

“Okay!”

“Don’t sound too excited.”

“Sorry.” He laughed.

“You better be good. You break any of my trust and no friends coming over for a month.”

“ Mom .” He laughed, knowing that his mom knew she could trust him.

“I’m not joking, Eijiro.”

“Sorry, okay mom. I’ll be good, I promise.” 

“Good. I’ll bring you food for later, okay?”

“Okay, thanks mom.”

“Love you. I’m leaving now. Make sure the door is locked, alright?” His mom hung up and he heard the front door close.

He would get up and check if the door was locked but he had a really cute boy in his arms.

“Your mom left?”

“Yeah.” 

“Okay.” Katsuki said this so softly, reaching up to kiss his chin before laying his head on his chest. Kirishima was completely enamored, with the way their breathing became synced, how Katsuki had his fingers lightly tangled in his shirt, how he moved his legs to fit in between his.

“I’m so lucky you want to be mine.” He admitted. He kissed the top of Katsuki’s head, lingering in the sensation.

He began to run his hand up and down his arm, occasionally placing kisses everywhere he could reach. The bliss they shared was so close to making him drift off to sleep and he decided that taking a nap with his boyfriend would be the absolute best thing to do.

“You sleepy?” He asked, but was met with silence.

He smiled, placing a kiss on his head before closing his eyes.

While his thoughts were falling into slumber, he heard a small “Eijiro?” Come from below him.

“Yeah?”

“I need to talk to you about something.” And the sound of his voice was so nervous, he couldn’t help but jolt his head up. 

“What’s up?”

“Uh, so. I’m—“ his voice sounded so shaky. 

“Katsuki, what’s up?” 

He sighed, “I’m not gonna be okay with kissing and stuff in public.” 

“Oh, dude, that's totally okay. Don’t worry about that. I mean, I kind of guessed you weren’t cause of Todoroki and Hanta, but—“

“No , it’s because...” Katsuki gets up from his chest then, sitting up to face him.  And he looks like he’s about to cry, like he can’t will himself to say what he wants. 

“Don’t worry man, you can tell me. You’re safe with me. You can tell me anything.” He grabs one of his hands, beginning to rub circles with his thumb. 

“I had a boyfriend at my old high school.” He sighed, looking up at him with smoldering anger in his eyes. 

“The guys on the team caught us kissing, and the fucking quarterback pulled all his damn puppy dogs on me. My piece of crap excuse for a boyfriend didn’t even defend me. He just let those meatheads punch the shit out of me.” Kirishima squeezed his hand, unable to comprehend the emotion that was swelling in him. 

He smirked then, “Don’t get me wrong, those fuckers were black and blue by the time I was done with them.” 

“But then the quarterback got suspended and the stupid coach made me quarterback. And the whole damn team turned on me. Even that flaming shit I called an ex boyfriend.”

“That’s—that’s…I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. It’s over now. That’s why my fucking parents moved our asses back.” 

“I’m glad they did.” He smiled at him, but Katsuki winced, clenching his eyes shut. 

“I don't even think that piece of shit even liked me. I think he just took advantage of the fact that I liked him. He would just kiss me without even asking, but not in…” His eyes watered just a tad. “I wouldn’t be the least bit fucking surprised if he’s the one who told the team about us.” 

“Katsuki . I’m so sorry. That really…” he didn’t even know what to say. He didn’t want to say the wrong thing. 

“So I’m not gonna be okay with PDA. I'm sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, babe!“ He reached out his free hand to touch his cheek. “And hey, if it means anything. The guys on this team are not gonna judge you. Everyone’s really great. I promise. But if you’re not okay with PDA I don’t mind one bit. Whatever you need to be happy and comfortable, I’ll do that for you, okay?” 

“You’re amazing.” 

Suddenly he wasn’t upright anymore, Katsuki’s hands pressing down on his chest, lightly pushing him back on the pillows. He moved on top of him, his legs bent around his hips. 

They met each other’s smiles and Katsuki placed his lips on his. It was like lightning entered his nerves, the way his mouth shocked every fiber inside him.

Their kiss became heated, pants and hot breaths leaving chills on his skin. Katsuki pressed his tongue against his and it was like he lost his mind. All he could feel was his legs pressed against his hips, the weight of him, the shudder of his tongue.

His neck was getting uncomfortable, the way it was craned down to kiss him, so he shifted slightly.

Hands were exploring skin in their new position, Katsuki trailing his fingers down his back. 

“Can I?” Katsuki pulled on the back of shirt. He nodded his confirmation, and his shirt was pulled off gently. 

With the sight of him, Katsuki became a man on a mission. He began peppering kisses up and down his neck, his collarbone and Kirishima felt overwhelmed, all his thoughts focusing on the feeling of Katsuki kissing him with such affection. 

He felt Katsuki smile against him, the action bringing teeth to his skin. And it felt so good he so wanted more. 

“Do that again?”

Katsuki just laughed, mouthing at him before grazing his teeth on his collarbone once more. He pulled off his own shirt then, and Kirishima was speechless at the sight.

“Wow.” The word spilled out of his lips, breathlessly. Katsuki was about to bend down to kiss him again but he stopped him. “Wait, stop. Let me see you.” Katsuki’s eyes watered at the request, a slight tremble in his lips.

“You’re so wonderful, baby. So beautiful.” He reached over to kiss his shoulder.

He pushed Katsuki down this time, wanting to show him how special he was and how cherished he deserved to be.

His kisses were featherlight, lips brushing against his skin like a tickle. He let his mouth explore skin and he immediately lost himself. He mouthed at the crook of Katsuki’s neck, letting his lips linger there. His teeth scratched at his skin, and he let his lips kiss the bend of his neck.

“You're amazing.” Katsuki whispered again, seeming lost himself.

He moved his lips to circle the expanse of his collarbone. As his mouth and teeth played with his skin, Katsuki let out a breath. Kirishima felt a jolt of heat, letting out one of his own. 

He rose from his place, leaving wet kisses on his shoulders and jaw, then placed  their lips together in finality. The only sounds heard was their jagged breathing and the sweet sound of their lips coming together. 

When they were finally down from their high, breaths catching and hearts calming, they both pulled their shirts back on.

All he wanted to do was cuddle his boyfriend, so he did just that, letting Katsuki circle his arms around his waist. He let the peace lull him to sleep, and that’s how they stayed, pressed against each other in a lovely bliss.

Katsuki let himself linger by the front door as the night ended, his dad coming to pick him up.

He led him out of the door, kissing his lips with such adoration.

Katsuki pulled away, giving him a small grin. He felt like he could do this for the rest of his life, so he said “One more.”  

They kissed again, again, and again.

“Hey there, good-looking .” He whispered, coming behind Katsuki in the locker room to poke his back.

“Hey there, Shitty Hair .” 

“Aw come on, I call you good-looking and I get shitty hair? What else do I have to call you to get a compliment, huh? Maybe an absolute stud? A hunk?”

“Absolutely fucking not. Call me shit like that and I’ll break up with you, right now.”

“Aw man, guess I have to call my boyfriend a grumpy meany then.”

“Hold on, boyfriend?” He heard Kaminari shout, Kirishima not noticing that he had walked in behind them.

“Got a fucking problem with it, Dunce Face?” Katsuki said in a challenge, and Kirishima was left wondering why the hell that made him want to kiss the crap out of his boyfriend. 

“No! I’m just happy for my bro! And my new bro! Good for you two!” Kaminari came between them to give Kirishima a big hug.

“Hey! I want in, why are we hugging?” Sero walked in now, much to Kirishima’s mortification. 

“Uh—“ he hesitated, as the information was passed to Denki by accident. 

“Cause Dunce Face over here can’t believe Eij has a boyfriend.” He could hear Katsuki’s smirk. 

“What! Really? Who?!” Sero beamed, putting the three in a group hug. He was kind of embarrassed, was it really that much of a miracle? 

“Oh yeah, like you couldn’t guess who.” Denki teased, poking Sero on his side to jerk his head in Katsuki’s direction. 

“No way! Didn’t know you had a thing for bad boys, Eij.”

“I’m right fucking here, dumbass. And I’m not a fucking bad boy.”

“Your potty mouth says otherwise!” Denki said, which caused him to get a slap on the head from Katsuki. “Hey! Hanta’s the one that said it first! I just said I was happy for you!” 

Kirishima laughed, grateful that Katsuki was seeing just how accepting his friends were. 

They left them alone then, getting ready for the home game they had today. The team usually hung out way before they were required, just to take their time getting pumped and ready. 

Kirishima realized that he hadn’t given himself the  chance to admire Katsuki in his uniform, so he decided that he was going to absolutely take the opportunity to gush at his boyfriend. 

And wow, was he drooling? 

“Wow, what eye candy you are! Damn, I’m gonna have to take you out sometime, you single? ” He blabbed with a large grin, knowing it would annoy his boyfriend just enough. 

“Shut up, you shit!” His cheeks went red, and he immediately tried to hide it with his arm. 

“Don’t cover your handsome face, babe.”

“Stop being a flirty little shit!” He shouted, his face somehow going redder. 

“Can't help myself when you look that good.” He wiggled his eyebrows in a tease. 

“Bullshit. I always look good.” He grinned, letting his tongue reach the top of his mouth, and dammit, he knew that would make him want to kiss him. 

“Sheesh, no fair! I’ll stop.”

“Thought so.” 

Katsuki then glanced around in the way he does, eyes darting around the locker room as he takes in the empty space. With a quick motion, he’s pulled by the collar of his jersey. His lips press against his boyfriend’s for a second before he’s pushed away. He smiles, knowing that brief kiss was enough to power him through the whole entire game. 

“You look hot as hell, by the way. Thought I should tell you that.” Katsuki whispers, his dangerous smirk sending daggers of affection to his heart. 

Kirishima’s eyes go wide, heat rising to his neck.

“What? Can’t take it but you can dish it out, loser?”

His embarrassment switches to confidence with Katsuki’s gaze, mischievous and absolutely, for a lack of better words, hot . Shit, his boyfriend was so damn hot. How did he get so lucky to be able to call someone so gorgeous his boyfriend? 

“You’d be surprised with how much I can take, baby.” He teases right back.

“Alright, I take it back, you guys are gross.”  Denki, Sero, and Todoroki are standing by the lockers once again. Sero has his eyes wide, trying to stifle a laugh. Denki has his eyebrows raised, ready to pounce with another comment. Todoroki has his hand on Sero’s back, fingers holding to his jersey just like on the bus. The cuteness of that sways his embarrassment for just a moment. 

He looks over at Katsuki, trying to read his expression and ready to do anything if he takes this in the wrong way. 

“Shut the hell up, Dunce Face. Like you’re any fucking better with all the bullshit you say.” He rolls his eyes, seemingly unfazed. 

Denki takes this at bait, amusement making his eyes spark. Kirishima gives him a glare, begging him to stop before he starts. 

His look of defeat is apparent, but the warmth they have for each other overtakes it.

Denki just smiles at him, attention going elsewhere as he hears his phone ping. His eyes light up as he glances at his screen, a dorky smile crossing his face. 

“Hell yeah! Gonna be a great game tonight!” 

Sero looked over his shoulder then, laughing as he read what Denki was grinning about with such excitement. “Can’t believe you actually pulled it off!”

“What?” Todoroki asked, inching closer to them.

“Who’s got a date with the cutest guy in the school? That’d be me!”  Denki points to himself, contagious energy falling off of him. 

His celebration didn’t last long, as Coach All Might began blowing his whistle. 

“Alright young men, let’s hear some great advice from our assistant coach!”

Coach Aizawa looked at him with contempt, coming from a corner to glare at the team. 

“Do your best, or we’ll have practice on the weekend. And trust me, it’ll be hell.” He turned back to his office after that, leaving the team in determined silence.

As the band came down from the stands to take over the field, he felt Denki drag him by the arm. 

“Aizawa is gonna give us shit if we don’t rest for halftime, Denks.”

“Come on! It’ll only take a second!” He was leading him to the stands, eyes focused in one direction.

As they came to a stop in front of a cluster of people Denki let go of his arm with an eager squeeze and climbed the short fence that bordered the bottom of the stands.

“Hey there, hot stuff! Didn’t know you’d be at the game?” Kirishima looked to where he was staring, and he chuckled. He recognized the poor kid automatically, Hitoshi Shinso. 

“I told you I was coming.” His voice sounded strained, but his quiet smile said otherwise.

“Aw, but I didn’t expect you to look so gorgeous being here.” Shinso looked away from them then, burying his face in his jacket. 

Denki smiled, reaching over to place a kiss on his nose. “Cheer for me!” He shouted before hopping off the fence, grabbing Kirishima’s arm again.

They made their way to the locker room,  and as expected, were met with a glare.

“What were you two doing?” Coach Aizawa was standing at the doorway, hands in his pockets.

“Recruiting, Coach! Shinso wants to be on the team!”

“Does he now?” He chuckled, empty and sarcastic.

“Yup! Kirishima was over there talking him up! What a good team leader, huh?”

“Just get inside and rest, you two. You’re not off the hook for weekend practice yet.”

As they were a little distance away, Denki avoiding eye contact like a puppy that was caught misbehaving, Kirishima smiled. “You used me? Wow, Denks.”

“Sorry!” He winked, a satisfied smile on his face as he sat on the bench nearby.

He felt a hip bump into his as he turned to open his locker.

A towel was thrust in his face, along with a quick kiss to his head.

“You’re kicking ass out there.” Katsuki said against his sweaty hair.

And for the first time, he believed it just a little. 

The rest of the game came in a blur, their team leading by a field goal. One more touchdown from the other team, and they’d lose their second game of the season. A touchdown from them, however, would make their season start on a high. So, it was either running out the clock or scoring a game-securing touchdown.

He glanced at the minute left on the clock, the team snapping out of formation as the scoreboard started moving. 

In an instant the ball was tossed towards him, and like the world faded away, he saw his opening. He ran across the field, his body moving against the walls of force that were trying to stop him. Coach All Might was screaming at him, the crowd’s shouts echoing in his ear.

He felt like a bulldozer, sneaking past and breaking away from the groups of players that tried to stop him from running. 

And suddenly, he reached his goal, throwing the ball down in success seconds before the buzzer. As he watched the score change on the board, he felt arms squeeze around his waist. “Fuck yeah Kiri!” Sero shouted in his ear, above all the screams in the stands.

“Dude that was bad-fucking-ass! Our star quarterback! Did you even feel how many people you pushed past?” Denki squeezed that much harder before the two let go.

He didn’t know what to say to such happy praise from his two best friends, so he smiled at them the best he could, spitting his mouthguard out from between his teeth.

He felt a burst of energy poke his back, and he turned around immediately.

Katsuki had his helmet off, looking at him in complete awe. The stars of the night twinkled in his eyes, the glow around him illuminated by the stadium lights. A smile was trembling across his face, warm and excited.

“Fuck, you’re even better up close, Eij. Can’t believe I’m on a damn team with you now.” He sounded so breathless, wonderful and lovely and breathless.

He took off his helmet to smile at him, hair spilling across his shoulders as his hair tie had popped during the third quarter.

“Can’t wait to see how awesome you’ll be in the next game, Blasty.”

With his statement, the world blurred around him once more, adrenaline sprouting in his veins as Katsuki pulled him forward. 

Here under the stars, the chilling air coating their skin with shivers, Katsuki pressed his lips to his. The kiss was timid at first, his lips holding a slight shake as it happened. But as Kirishima laced his fingers in his, he felt him relax. An insecure heart pressed against a healing one, the pieces of each other fitting together as they lost themselves in the swirl.

It was like they were alone together, the field empty, the crowd silent, the moon a spotlight on their promised devotion. 

Kirishima led his hand to Katsuki’s hair, tangling his fingers in blonde, sweaty strands as he pulled them apart. Despite playing a whole game, this is what left him breathless. This is what made his heart race. 

Katsuki smiled at him, pressing their lips together again and again like he couldn’t get enough. 

He grinned back at him, turning so they could finally walk back to the locker room. He itched to hold his hand, but he knew the step Katsuki just took was huge.

Kirishima was honored by the fact that he wanted to take these steps with him.

They walked back into the locker room, Kirishima automatically offering his jacket to Katsuki once they got dressed. He couldn’t keep his heart from spinning with absolute joy and excitement.

Even though he had just helped his team win the game, he knew the piece of Katsuki he held in his heart was a victory worth more than anything in the world.