Archive of Our Own ^beta

Eijiro really knows he should be paying attention in class right now. But, honestly, it's really hard for him to do when his best friend is sitting directly in his view. Instead of paying attention to the debriefing Aizawa was doing about their training for the day, he sat and watched Bakugo’s every move. 

Bakugo is just so nice to watch, in at least his very non-biased opinion. He doesn’t understand how the whole class wasn’t just looking at him, just being him. 

The way he writes notes in his notebook about absolutely everything, though he would never admit it. It's what made him a good tutor in the first place. Well, that and other things. 

The way he would sigh out of boredom and if Eijiro was really lucky, he would turn back to look at him too. When their eyes would meet for that brief second, Eijiro would do absolutely anything to keep his attention. He would smile, whisper a “Hi”, or simply just stare back. 

But the most enamoring thing he would do was rest his hand on his chin. He would be staring at absolutely nothing, playing the part of the attentive student. Eijiro knew he would be lost in his thoughts, the way his face would relax for just a beautiful moment. He would purse his lips, and bite at them until he noticed. All Eijiro would want to do then? Well, that was easy to guess.

He thought it was funny, the way Bakugo was the smartest in the class, well according to him. He was lucky for that at least, because the minutes he didn’t pay attention in class because of Bakugo would be filled afterward with his super efficient tutoring. He’s always done better with one on one anyways. 

“Hello, earth to Kiri!” Kaminari bent his head back on his desk, his bright yellow hair inches from his face. 

“Huh, what?” 

“Can you stop having a crush on Blasty McSplode for a second and pass these papers back?” 

“Dude, could you shut up?” He grabbed the small stack of papers from Denki’s hand, sending them backward. 

“I don’t even understand how you like all that. I’d be more terrified than anything.” 

“That’s because you only like giving him a hard time.”

“Isn’t that the truth!” Kaminari laughed, turning his attention back to the front. 

“Alright, go and grab your hero costumes and meet at the training area.” Aizawa was already falling in on himself, sitting down on his desk. 

“What are we doing today?” He tapped Kaminari on the shoulder and he didn’t even bother turning. 

“I’m not telling you! That's why you should pay attention, lovesick dummy.” 

“I'm not—” 

“Hurry up and grab your damn costume. I’m not waiting around for you.” 

He felt a push on his back and absolute tingles on his neck. 

“Hey, sure thing man!” He turned around to greet him, fully expecting to see Bakugo’s signature scowl. Instead, he was met with the case that stored his hero costume being pushed in his face. 

“Woah, thanks!” He beamed, giving him a large smile that he hoped would only say “You’re a good friend” and not “I am so in love with you”. 

“Told you I’m not waiting for shit.” Bakugo’s eyes narrowed, and all Eijiro could do was stare at the breathtaking action. 

“Hey, it's not nice to call your best friend shit, Bakugo.” Kaminari came behind them, placing an arm on Bakugo’s shoulder. He winced, a sneer forming on his face at the contact. 

“Get your fucking arm off me.” Kaminari didn’t have a chance to perform the action himself, as Bakugo shoved him off immediately. 

“Aw, I forgot! That’s a best friend privilege! Or should I say a—” 

“Okay! Let’s get going Bakugo!” Eijiro took hold of his arm, leading him away from Kaminari before he could say anything incriminating. 

They made their way to the training arena after changing, filled with people he’d never seen before. The room was loud and crowded, people wearing their school uniforms so he knew they were students, at least. 

“Hey, why are they here today?” 

“Don’t you pay attention to shit in class?” 

“Ah, not today, really. Kinda tired.” He felt himself blush, knowing that being tired was an absolute lie. 

“Fucking whatever, these extras are here to help us deal with different quirks.” 

“Oh, cool! That's super—”

“Get over here and start hardening. I want to test out some new moves I’ve been working on.”

“Someone is impatient today!” He teased, going up to him to pinch a cheek. Bakugo's face reddened at his touch, and he was ready for a literal explosion. 

“We’re gonna be doing this till lunch, I just want to get as much as I can in,” Bakugo said calmly, his forehead crinkling in contemplation. 

He let his hand fall, deterred from his teasing by the look on Bakugo’s face. He was always intrigued by that gaze he got when he was determined. His eyes would blaze, a cool flame to his heated expression. 

Without a word, Bakugo nudged his head to the left and led him to a more secluded area of the training arena. They were always working together in places where flying debris would be at a minimum.

When training, if no one else would come and ask to join them, it was like they were separated from the world. The room would fade away, and the only thing Eijiro would see is the sparks and smoke coming from his best friend’s hands.

They almost always lost themselves in this routine, Bakugo throwing him explosion after explosion, Eijiro taking every blow as his body grew harder and harder. 

The way Eijiro is able to take every punch, every kick, every blast, was almost like second nature. There seemed to be a string tied to them both, the ends of their threads coming together as they moved in sync. Bakugo would hit here and there and a smile would form on his face as Eijiro would dodge in perfect time. 

Eijiro would run and sneak to get his own hit in, and Bakugo would jump or throw up an explosion in defense. 

However, things came together more when they worked with each other. Their training did double the work, Eijiro being able to work on keeping his unbreakable form longer and Bakugo being able to test his new moves out without faltering.

He noticed some of the other students watching them, intrigued by the work they were doing. Bakugo had a smug look on his face and he knew he noticed too. 

When Bakugo noticed Eijiro looking away from him, he threw a stronger blast than normal, trying to get the upper hand. But, unfortunately for his best friend, he was always hyperaware of his every move.

As the explosion happened, he grabbed Bakugo by the wrists, hardening his arms and his chest to take whatever he was giving him. Bakugo grinned wild and wide, a frenzied look on his face as he tried to move from his grip. Determined and adamant, he let out another explosion to hardened shoulders. 

“Trying to get one over me, Blasty?”

“Think you can take your eyes off me for a second, Shitty Hair?” The phrase absolutely floored him, the raspy tone of Bakugo’s voice scratching at his ears. His breath left as Bakugo looked him directly in the eye. A smoldering flame swirled out of his eyes, and he was led to the inviting heat. The explosions coming out of Bakugo’s hands started to lessen, the pops turning into fizzles.

Bakugo licked his lips and Eijiro was locked on to the overwhelming sight. As if he noticed, he did it again, and time began to go in slow motion. His tongue peeked out of those lovely lips and Eijiro mimicked it. Bakugo’s eyes darted to his mouth, a smirk painting his features. 

Realizing that his hands were still hardened around his wrists, Eijiro let him go, giving him an apologetic look. His apology didn’t have time to settle, as Bakugo now was pushing him back with blasts, leading him to a concrete wall that was behind him. His face was twisted with a wide grin, Eijiro’s arms crossed in front of him for defense as he was being pushed back by the force. As his back met cold stone, the explosions stopped, and both of them were out of breath. He could feel the heat of Bakugo’s breaths tickling his skin. Heated hands then grabbed his arms, bringing them down to his side as he was still shielding his face. 

“Tired yet, Eijiro?” His voice sounded like silk, a smooth ribbon rounding its way around his heart.

Bakugo had his hands around his wrists, shifting them to grab the edges of his hips. 

Eijiro didn’t know what was happening as the room twirled and blurred as he was pressed further against the wall. Bakugo moved a hand to his waist, gloved fingers touching skin.

He could feel his whole body flaming, and he had to wonder if their quirks had switched as a solid hand was hardening on his skin. The tips of his fingers melded into his back, the pressure unbearable.

He looked up into Bakugo’s eyes, and they held a look he’d only seen when they were sitting shoulder to shoulder while studying. A look that was reserved for the night, when they were both half asleep and too tired to go back to their own beds. A look that was given when Bakugo talked about his insecurities and fears and Eijiro was there to listen. A look that he was sure was only on Bakugo’s face when he said something dumb to make him laugh. Never in training, never around other people. The look made his senses fall apart, pieces of him shattering on the floor as they left him.

Bakugo pressed himself forward, noses touching, foreheads burning, breaths joining. Eijiro closed his eyes, not being able to handle him so close. Then, he felt the touch of something warm against his lips. Soft as a cloud, burning like the sun, gentle as the morning sky.

He opened his eyes quickly, Bakugo’s scrunched as he kissed him, like he was embarrassed. He lifted his hand cup his cheek, rubbing the heat of his skin to tell him it was okay. That he wanted this. 

He felt him relax at his touch, pressing their lips together with even more force. 

They stayed like this for a second, magic and granted wishes flooding his heart.

When they parted, the look on Bakugo’s face was mischievous, and Eijiro couldn’t help himself. He reached over, kissing him on the cheek as he smiled.

Suddenly, he was pushed by an explosion, Bakugo’s hand on his chest as he immediately hardened his skin. He let out a laugh, running away from his hold as he tried to push him back.

“Fuck you, come back you shit!“ Bakugo ran after him with a smile. Eijiro could feel every emotion that happiness held coming out of him. He gave himself time to  process what just happened. His best friend, his crush, had just kissed him. Pressed him against a wall, held him, and kissed him.

He kissed him. Bakugo kissed him? He didn’t even know Bakugo liked him back! And he just kissed him?

Eijiro hid behind a wall, catching his breath as he let his thoughts settle. After a small second, he felt himself being pushed.

“Found you.” Bakugo let out another explosion, aimed into the air as he came behind him. The smoke coming out of his hands coated his breath, tangling itself with the sensation that was his beating heart.

“Wow! What cool quirks!” a voice startled them both, a small girl he didn’t recognize was standing beside them, watching. 

“Hey, thanks!” They both looked at her,Eijiro holding a smile and Bakugo an irritated scowl. 

“Wow, and you’re like, really cute too!” She blushed, sending him a shy smile. 

“Huh? That’s the shit you interrupted us for?” Bakugo let out a blast, aimed at the wall beside her. As soon as the force hit the air, something swirled around them. 

He didn’t know if his eyes were playing tricks but his eyes suddenly saw red. 

Bakugo had his hand over his nose and mouth, the color all over the room now. 

“The fuck is that crap? Are you the girl with the—”

“Oh, I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!” She ran away quickly with her hands hiding her face, going towards one of the teachers. 

As soon as he looked back at Bakugo, his heart began to beat ten miles per hour. His palms began to sweat, and his forehead began to get clammy. His stomach churned, his head pounded, and suddenly—

“Bakugo, I don’t…” He felt himself falling to the floor but was swept up quickly by strong arms. He felt a slam, too woozy to harden. 

“Fuck! Eijiro are you…” He didn’t hear the rest of what he had to say, as all he could feel was Bakugo hugging him, the tickle of a whisper in his ear. 

“He’d better be!” 

“Son, please calm down. It was an accident.” All Might?

“The effects will wear off soon. According to the chart, it depends on the person.” Aizawa. 

“The hell is that supposed to mean?” 

“I’m not sure. The effects of her quirk are not as refined as she is in the general studies course. She hasn’t—”

“I don’t give a crap about that shitty extra!” 

“Now, I don’t appreciate your language, young man.” Recovery Girl? “Here, why don’t you calm down and have a nice sweet lollipop?”

He opened his eyes, now knowing he was in the nurse's office. He took the scene in around him. Aizawa and All Might were giving wary looks to a pissed-off Bakugo. 

“Everyone that was around her has been fine. You should really let yourself get checked, do you know what—“

“If everyone was fine, then why the hell hasn’t he—Eijiro?” Bakugo’s eyes darted to him and he was by his side in a flash.

“Fuck, Eij. How are you feeling?” His brain was pounding and he couldn’t comprehend the fact that Bakugo had been calling him Eijiro and not Kirishima or an iteration of his nicknames for his hair. 

Suddenly, his heart began beating fast again, his forehead beginning to sweat, the monitor beeping a tell-all to his rising heart rate. 

“Dammit. Shit, are you okay?”

“Head hurts.”

“Yeah, you banged your head hard when you fell.”

“What? When did I?”

“You were hit with a quirk. It’s some mood shit that the shit—”

“Yes, one of the students in general studies was caught off guard and set it off when she was near you. A lot of students were hit. But you got hit the hardest since you were right by her.” Aizawa interrupted, his tone indicating that he was fed up with Bakugo’s cursing. 

“Wait, Bakugo are you okay?”

“I’m fucking fine.” He said through gritted teeth, and he knew he’d been saying that a lot.

“Eijiro, do you know what emotion you were feeling when you got hit by the quirk?”

“Uh, I was um—“ he felt his cheeks heat as he looked up at Bakugo. He knew one feeling he had for sure, that he was totally happy, completely in love, and kind of tired. 

“Tired?” He decided to say. Aizawa seemed satisfied with that answer as he nodded and left the room.

“I understand that you two are dorm neighbors?” Recovery Girl came to his side to check his temperature. 

Bakugo shrugged his shoulders with an eye roll. 

“Yes, we are,” Eijiro told her.

“Okay, well, I’ll give you some medicine for your headaches. It doesn’t seem you have a fever. But, you’re going to take two days off from school and training to recover.”

Recovery Girl looked Bakugo straight in the eye, “Bakugo. I’m going to need you to keep an eye on him. If you see anything unusual, you need to bring him back here, okay?”

“Since we don’t know the ins and outs of the young girl’s quirk, we’re unsure of how it fully affected you. Especially since you were so close.” All Might nodded at them both. 

“But what about Bakugo?” 

“I’m fine , Eijiro.” He said this with such force, he decided not to argue. Especially not when the lollipop that he had in his hand was offered to him with an apologetic smile.

Eijiro had considered Bakugo his best friend since day one, much to his quickly dampened protests. It was like a connection like no other, how quickly they had found themselves in inseparable sync. 

Eijiro would find himself significantly giddy walking into school every morning since he started at U.A. First, he thought it was definitely because he was finally on his journey to becoming a hero. However, as that excitement soon faded, he noticed his heart would bounce every time he saw that explosive, handsome as hell, blonde. 

It especially grew worse when Bakugo would actively seek him out for training or tutoring. It immediately worsened when Bakugo would simply slump into his dorm after a long day of class and they would hang out in silence.

Once that barrier was down, them two in a room alone, he was exponentially not prepared for how clingy and touchy Bakugo was. For a guy who seemed completely against touch, it was surprising that he apparently needed to be close to Eijiro every second they were alone together. Sometimes that even translated to outside, where Bakugo would let Eijiro wrap an arm around his shoulder, grab his wrist when they were walking. And apparently, kiss him in the middle of training.

After he was released from the nurse’s office, Bakugo laced their fingers together, bringing him to his dorm without so much of an explanation.

Even in the cloud that lingered over his mind with this softly pounding headache, he really felt like they needed to talk about…well, this!

Bakugo had never been one to initiate contact in front of others, always only behind closed doors. It had taken a couple of visits to each other’s dorms, but one eventual day, it was like something had snapped.

From one stiff day to a softened other, Bakugo had wordlessly laid himself down on Eijiro’s lap as they were watching something on the laptop perched in front of them.  

“You okay, Baku?”

“Tired.” He muttered, closing his eyes with his statement.

Eijiro was not about to protest. Instead, he leaned over to shut off his laptop and place it next to them. He opted to be on his phone, while Bakugo’s breathing had grown slower and slower.

The next time, they were studying. Bakugo had made them recite parts of the plays they were studying for Present Mic’s class out loud. They had to memorize a certain part and recite it for a grade. 

His passage was from this play called “Troilus and Cressida”, about these two “lovestruck”  teens dealing with the Trojan war. He got stuck with a love passage, which he thought was totally manly! Declarations of love and the sharing of feelings were really cool to read about.

“Just read it, you don’t have to memorize it yet. Yours is pretty long.” Bakugo shrugged, resting his arm on his knee, chin laying on his hand. They always did their homework on the floor, as their dorm-provided desks were on the smaller side.

“Ah okay, don’t laugh at me. It's Act 3…scene?”

“2, you moron. I told you to mark it down.”

“Hey! I know how to find it when I see it.” He laughs, flipping through Bakugo’s textbook, which to his surprise, his passage was highlighted.

“Aw, you didn’t have to do that, bro.”

“How the hell else am I gonna remind you where it is?”

He let his eyes roam to the yellowed passage. He had to memorize parts of Cressida’s lines, which Bakugo had said was a confession. 

“Okay, here I go…don’t laugh at me!” He said, shyly.

“Why the hell would I laugh at you? I have to recite part of stupid Romeo’s horny love confession.”

“You’re terrible, man! Poor Romeo!” He laughed, a snicker leaving his nose.

He sighed, looking down at the super-long passage that his best friend had highlighted.

“Hard to seem won: but I was won, my lord, With the first glance that ever, pardon me—If I confess much, you will play the tyrant. I love you now; but not, till now, so much.” Eijiro took in a big dramatic breath, making Bakugo scoff. 

“Ha, my lord. Why is she calling the guy she likes my lord?” 

“Hell if I know, I’m not damn Shakespeare. You’re not done.” 

“Ugh! Baku! I went so long without stopping. Let’s take a break now.”

“How are you gonna memorize this shit if you don’t practice?”

He pouted, looking at Bakugo with eyes that always seemed to get him what he wanted.

“Fucking hell,  Kiri, just finish reading and we’ll take a break.” He groaned, a whisper of a smile on his face.

“Okay, fine! Only because you’re asking me so nicely.” With that, Bakugo gave him a shove, quickly going back to rest on his knee.

He started again, “But I might master it: in faith, I lie; My thoughts were like unbridled children, grown too headstrong for their mother. See, we fools! Why have I blabb'd? Who shall be true to us, When we are so unsecret to ourselves?”

He glanced up at Bakugo, pride falling out of his smile because he had said his passage so effortlessly. He had been too focused to notice Bakugo’s fingers inching towards him. It looked almost absentminded, his body leaning towards him like bated breath. His knee now leaning into his, Bakugo’s fingers finding his own as he grabbed the hand that was resting on the floor. 

He was entranced, looking down at their joined fingers as Bakugo began to play with his hand. Knuckles joined as he lightly squeezed, a lazy thumb grazing his own. He looked up at Bakugo then, and his gaze was lasered on their joined hands, investigating. He squeezed the tips of his fingers lightly, making them bend as he pulled them back. They stayed like that for a minute, the tips of their fingers bending against each other as Eijiro watched Bakugo and Bakugo watched their palms.

After a second, the squeezing stopped, the sensation leaving. Eijiro looked down at their hands, sad and confused. But his disheartened emotions were quickly fixed as Bakugo danced his fingers between his own. Bakugo had parted his joined fingers with a strong force that was so him , he let out a light chuckle. 

Force was replaced by gentleness as the tease of their touch sent shivers down his spine. Bakugo slowly placed his soft, silky, fingers between his rough ones and he almost pulled away from his hold. 

But, Bakugo gripped his hand with purpose, the pads of their thumbs meeting as he finally glanced up at him.

His eyes were in a held breath, a slight crinkle in the middle of his brow. He looked at him, straight in the eye, their thumbs rubbing up and down each other’s. It seemed that Bakugo was waiting for something , their hands not meeting fully.

Eijiro gave him a kind smile, and finally, his hold broke. His eyes swam with every color, a slight blush coating his cheeks as Eijiro grabbed his hand entirely. Bakugo’s thumb encircled his, and for a second he seemed completely engulfed in the action. He stared at their hands with a small sense of surprise as if he hadn’t initiated the touch himself.

As this awed expression decorated his face, a slight smirk made his way to his lips. With a harsh squeeze, Bakugo placed their joining hands on his lap, telling Eijiro to read out his passage once more.

The third time, he had definitely thought it was the worst for his heart.

They were watching stuff on his laptop again, the device resting on their joined knees. It seemed like Bakugo had a thing for holding his hand. As soon as they were in each other’s dorms, their hands would fall into each other’s automatically. 

There they were, hands joined and knees pressed together as they watched a movie that he was too tired to pay attention to fully.

Bakugo always had complained that his dorm was too cold, so they were under a blanket, but he knew the heat that radiated between them had nothing to do with his camo sheets.

He let his head fall on Bakugo’s shoulder, which earned a small sound of surprise from him. 

“Tired?”

“Yeah, training kicked my ass today.”

“Well then stop watching this boring ass movie and take a nap.”

“Nah, that’s okay. I want to hang out with my best bro.”

“I’ll nap with you, dummy.”

“Really?” He beamed, rising off his shoulder to look at Bakugo.

Bakugo didn’t say a word in response, but instead grabbed the laptop off their knees and reached to place it in Eijiro’s backpack. 

The lights were already off, as Eijiro had a deep belief that the dark made watching movies that much better. Even if it was on a computer screen. So now, his room was completely dark, only the afternoon light peeking through the covered balcony door. Without the babble of the movie, he could hear his heart pounding, his breaths leaving, his thoughts sounding.

As Bakugo moved back to his place, he let go of his hand, moving to lay down on the open space on the bed. His head was practically in his lap again, the way he was scrunched.

“Thought you were gonna lay down.”

“Oh, yeah!” He quickly moved from where he was sitting, laying down carefully on his pillow in the space that was left.

As soon as Eijiro moved behind Bakugo, he scooted up, head now next to Eijiro’s despite there being two pillows.

Eijiro could see his heavy breaths moving pale blonde hair slightly, so he turned his back to him in a panic. Like it was an instinct, Bakugo pressed his back against his. This didn’t seem to satisfy Bakugo, however, as he clicked his teeth, tossing and turning in a frenzy.

Finally, he settled with his chest pressed against his back. He could feel every breath leave him, and he was sure Bakugo could feel his.

Suddenly, an arm was swimming around his chest, searching. Eijiro took the hopeful hint and found Bakugo’s hand. With a satisfied sigh, he felt Bakugo relax.

“Night, Baku!” He grinned.

“Night, Kiri.”

The fourth time, well, the fourth time? Bakugo had kissed him. Completely unprompted and completely in public.

However, nothing felt more surprising than the hand that never left him as they walked. Even more surprising as he didn’t let go as they stepped into the common room, the elevator, and finally Bakugo’s dorm.

They sat quietly, the question in the room hindering any conversation. That, and the headache that didn’t seem to want to let up.

“Sit,” Bakugo demanded, pointing to his bed. He did as he was told, sitting cross-legged on Bakugo’s mattress.

“How do you feel?” He asked, a look of concern heavy on his face.

“Head hurts.” He admitted.

“Dammit. I’m sorry, Eij.”

“For what?”

“It was my fault you hit your head. I wasn’t fast enough.”

“It was an accident! It’s fine.” His exclamation just made him wince, Bakugo’s concern furthering, his arms crossing as he looked at him. 

“So, you felt tired when that quirk hit you? Think that’s why your head hurts?”

“I honestly just told that to Aizawa so he wouldn’t ask me questions.” He confessed.

“Fuck, that’s my fault too.”

“Bakugo, how is it even your fault that I'm tired?”

“Dumbass, we were training together.” He clicked his teeth, arms uncrossing as he sat next to him on the bed.

After a silent minute, Bakugo moved to sit in front of him, mimicking his position as he crossed his legs. Their knees were touching and Eijiro began to feel breathless. Bakugo placed their foreheads together, and he could now see the soft care in his eyes. If he blinked, their eyelashes would tickle together, from how close he felt. 

His heart began to beat a mile a minute as Bakugo just looked at him, never moving from his gaze. With a glimpse of determination, Bakugo pressed his lips against his own. He could feel his palms sweat, his breath leaving, his heart pounding out of his chest. 

He grabbed the back of Bakugo’s neck, pulling him that much closer. He could feel the silk of his lips blanketing his own, moving slowly between them as Bakugo grabbed his free hand. Their lips moved in sync, their heavy breaths mingling with each other. He heard a breath sound out of Bakugo, soft and beautiful. Bakugo pressed against his lips and as soon as he felt the warmth of his tongue, his head swirled. He pulled away quickly, feeling the sensation he had when he had passed out.

“Shit, I’m sorry. That was too much, wasn’t it?” 

“It’s not your fault, silly. Stop apologizing.” He kissed him on his nose, right on a small cluster of freckles he had spotted, hoping to take away the pained expression that Bakugo now held.

“It wasn’t as bad as the first time, I think the quirk is probably coming out of my system.”

“That’s good.” 

“Yeah…” he muttered, feeling a pound come at his words. “Hey, I’m gonna head back to my dorm. I’m getting sleepy.” 

“No way. You’re not going back to your dorm.”

“Why not?”

“Old lady says I have to take care of you, so I’m gonna take care of you.”

“Aw man, you don’t have to do that. I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not. 

“Bak—Katsuki. You don’t have to do that, honestly.”

“It was my fault you got hit with this dumb quirk.”

“How was it your fault?” He was getting slightly annoyed at Katsuki blaming himself. 

“Because I’m the one who caught her off guard or whatever.”

“That doesn’t matter.”

“Yes, it does.”

“Katsuki…” he chided.

Katsuki winced, though he tried to hide it.  “Aren’t you tired? Let’s just go to sleep. It’s been a crap ass day.”

“Okay, do you want me to…?” His eyes darted to the ground. 

“How am I supposed to check on you if you’re gonna sleep on the floor? I’m not getting my ass up all night to peer over at you.”

“I’m telling you, man. I can go back to my dorm.”

“Say that crap again and I’ll get damn tape arms over here to stick you to this fucking mattress.”

“Okay, sheesh!” He laughed, feeling his head throb a bit at the action.

Katsuki luckily didn’t notice, as he rose to turn off the light in his bedroom. He walked to turn on a small bedside lamp that he always flicked on when they fell asleep in his room. 

When he came back, the silence fell around them comfortably. Their breaths slowly became in sync as they lay next to each other. 

Eijiro turned to his side as carefully as he could, as he found himself slightly sore.

As soon as his back was turned towards Katsuki, he felt him shift. His heart began to beat at top speed as Katsuki’s chest pressed into his shaking back, palms pooling with sweat.

“G’night Ei.” A confident hand pulled his face to the side, lips coming to meet his.

His hair was brushed behind his ear as a kiss was placed on his cheek, his temple, the crook of his jaw.

He couldn’t let the thought keep from buzzing in his brain. What did his kisses mean? He really had to know. 

“Katsuki? Can we talk about—“

“Just let me take care of you. We can talk when you feel better.” 

After a couple of minutes of trying to get his heart to calm, Bakugo looked at him quietly. 

“Lay here?” Bakugo ghosted a hand on his chest, and Eijiro felt himself being pulled to his back.

In one motion, Eijiro was now resting his head on his chest, a hand grazing his fallen locks as Bakugo ran his fingers through red.

“Hair looks nice this way.” His statement was accented by a kiss on his scalp. He could feel it was down in the way that came from sweat, not fully watered down as he knew there were still the remains of gel. 

As soon as the realization hit him, he felt really really gross and sweaty. 

“Kats, can I at least go to my dorm to take a shower?”

“No.”

“Really, bro?” He laughed, defeated.

“What if you get fucking dizzy again and fall in the shower?”

“I promise I won’t.” He glanced up at him with a pout.

“Dammit, Eij.” He groaned. “Take one here, in case anything happens.”

He nodded, grateful for the compromise.

“Okay, can I at least walk to my dorm to get clothes?”

“Don’t worry about that crap, I have clothes here.”

“Are you sure, man?”

“What part of me taking care of you can’t you freaking grasp, idiot?”

“Okay, thanks Katsuki.” He smiled up at him, which was a smart move as he leaned over to place a kiss on his forehead. 

“Wait here.” Katsuki slowly pulled him off his chest, going to his closet. 

Eijiro sat back up, letting his legs hang off the mattress. After a second, Katsuki came back with one of his many skull shirts and a pair of shorts.

“Thanks, man.” He felt his lips twitch, his want for a kiss tugging at him. As if Katsuki read his mind, he grabbed his chin lightly as he placed the clothes on his legs, bringing their lips together carefully.

He got up, making his way to Katsuki’s bathroom as he followed him in to give him a towel, and Katsuki told him to borrow whatever.

He stood in the tub for a bit before turning on the water, just trying to process everything.

He’s had not one, but so many kisses from Katsuki that he’d lost count at this point. He’s lending him clothes and refusing to let him leave his sight, well, except for taking a shower.

Turning on the water to the hottest temperature he could manage, he washes his body as fast as he can, wanting to get this out of the way to wash his gross hair.

He looks around for Katsuki’s shampoo and squirts just a little on his palm to not waste it. As soon as his fingers meet the back of his scalp, he winces so much that his fingers harden on instinct.

He let out a whisper of an “Ow” to not alarm the very concerned Katsuki that was right outside.

Eijiro goes about it more carefully, trying his best to be gentle on his scalp. It seemed to be working up until the point where he reached a more tender part of his scalp, probably the place where he had hit his head. And, unlucky for him, his hardened fingers scratched at his head, making him let out a pained whine.

The opening of the door was automatic, almost like Katsuki was waiting for something to happen so he could say “I told you so.”

“Eij?” 

“It’s okay! I’m fine!”

“No, you’re not. Don’t lie.”

“I can’t…shit. I can’t wash my hair without my stupid head hurting.” He whined once more.

“I told you so, Eij.” He could practically hear him shaking his head. 

A beat of silence passed and he thought Katsuki must be gone. Deciding that maybe a rinse would be enough, he placed his head under the shower head to get rid of the soap. He turned off the water in defeat, thinking that at least his body was fully clean. 

“Did you get to wash your hair at all?” Katsuki’s voice startled him. 

“Uh—yeah!”

“You’re a terrible liar.”

“Come on dude, give me a break. I tried.” He pleaded.

“Let me help you,” Katsuki said, without even a quiver in his voice.

“Help me?” Eijiro practically squeaked. “No no! That’s okay dude! My hair is plenty clean!”

The sound of the shower curtain moving made him cover himself up in a panic, “ Katsuki !” He shouted, his head pounding once again.

Eijiro was able to keep his modesty as Katsuki’s eyes were covered by his arm, shorts being offered to him in his outstretched hand. 

He chuckled, “Thanks, man.”

As soon as he told him he was dressed, Katsuki grabbed a second towel.

He placed it on the floor, pointing to it. Eijiro tossed him a look of confusion.

“Sit.”

“For what?”

“I said I’d help, didn’t I?”

He mentally shrugged, sitting on the towel that was placed near the tub. He leaned his back against the cold surface, feeling Katsuki step behind him as he got in the tub himself.

The position was awkward, and Eijiro couldn’t help but think that maybe it should be the other way around?

But, he wasn’t about to voice his opinion as he didn’t have the energy to deal with a stubborn Katsuki. He closed his eyes, letting his head be guided to bend behind him. He hears the click of a bottle, then feels the cold spurt of shampoo.

So light and careful, Katsuki’s fingers scratch at his scalp. His hands run through his strands and he doesn’t know how he’s able to avoid the tender spot every time. 

He feels water on his head after a while, the perfect amount of warm and cold. With another click, the shampoo is spread on his head again. He had to admit, the cool of it felt nice against his pounding head. What felt even nicer, however, was Katsuki giving his head a light massage.

It felt like heaven and something pooled inside of him that he couldn’t contain. The clouds had parted in his heart and the sun shone through, lighting his realization. With the fingers that were gently grazing his scalp, it was like Katsuki himself had made the sky clear. He felt like he was shaking, and he hoped he could blame it on the shiver of being wet. 

Without even noticing, probably because of the water that slowly dripped down his forehead, a tear fell slowly down to his chin.

He doesn’t think he just has a crush on Katsuki anymore. Sure, he’d joke around in his head that he was in love with him because that’s what you do with a crush. Though, he isn’t joking anymore. No humor, no exaggeration, no doubt. He’s deeply in love with his best friend.

It took him taking such soft care of the biggest indication of his insecurities that stirred the overwhelming feeling in his heart.

He loved him so much. And god, he needed to know if he felt the same. He’d settle for Katsuki at least liking him back right now, but he had to know.

He felt the warm water rinse off his scalp again, the whoosh of it finally leaving. With its absence, it was hard not to listen to his shouting thoughts. The thoughts that were screaming at him to say he loved Katsuki with all his fragile heart.

“Alright, I’m done. Hope I didn’t hurt you or whatever.” Katsuki’s voice was right in his ear, as he had now bent down to drape a towel on his shoulders. 

“No, that was really nice of you, thanks man.” He said, which made Katsuki let out one of his signature scoffs.

“You’re welcome. If you want to wash your hair tomorrow, tell me alright?” The words “you’re welcome ” startled him more than the prospect of Katsuki doing this again. He was sure he wouldn’t be able to handle it, but he said okay anyways.

With his response, a silent kiss was placed on his head, lips meeting the middle of his scalp.

“Alright, sleep. Now.” Katsuki stepped out of the tub, turning to face him with an outstretched hand.

He took it wordlessly, in awe of well just…everything.

Katsuki’s face scrunched in concern once again, and with a click of his teeth, he took the towel from his shoulders.

“Sorry, didn't notice I got water on your face.” Katsuki wiped at the water, which, honestly, was probably tears. He felt embarrassed, but let Katsuki wipe at his face anyway. 

When he was decidedly done, he led Eijiro back to his bedroom with a quiet, “Come on, then.” 

As soon as they were settled on the bed, Katsuki pulled him onto his chest once more. His fingers were playing with his hair and he realized that he was putting small twists in his red locks.

He smiled, nuzzling his nose in Katsuki’s beating heart.

After a while of just that, Eijiro slowly drifting off and Katsuki playing with his hair, he felt his fingers comb through his scalp.

“You have a lot of hair, Eij. Don’t know how you manage to spike it up in that dumb way all the time.”

“My hair's not dumb.” He immediately retorted, a jerk response to Katsuki’s most common tease.

“ Shhh , go to sleep, dummy.” Katsuki chuckled, filled with such warmth.

The prick of them needing to talk picked at his brain. He decided that now would be a good time and he hoped he wouldn’t ruin anything.

He rose from his chest, a grunt of surprise sounding out of his best friend as his hands were yanked from his scalp.

“What’s up?” A worried look painted his features, and Eijiro wanted to wipe it away.

“I’m okay,” he assured. “I just want to, you know, talk.”

Katsuki blanched, color leaving his face as the words left him. 

“I told you we can talk later. Tomorrow. You need to rest right now.” 

“I’m not sleepy.”

“I don’t care.”

“ Katsuki… ” he pleaded.

“Fuck—fine Eijiro. We’ll talk.” 

Eijiro smiled slightly, and Katsuki narrowed his eyes at his expression.

“Wipe that smug ass look off your face, I humor you too damn much.” He grunted.

An awkward silence fell over the room for a bit, Eijiro not knowing where to start. Well, maybe he could start where the kissing started?

“So, at training today?”

“What about it?” 

Why did you kiss me? Why are you kissing me so much now? Is it because you just want affection, like us holding hands and cuddling? Is it just a way for you to blow off steam or something? I mean, I don’t mind at all, but I just want to know what it—what I mean to you. I don’t want to get hurt in all this, and I don’t want to lose you if I think this is something more than it is. 

He wanted to say that, he wanted to say that so much. But, his brain was beginning to cloud again, his headache pounding once again. He could feel the linger of what he presumed was the quirk he was hit with as part of his head swirled.

Shit, Katsuki was right. He should’ve waited for tomorrow.

“Uh, why do you keep saying it was your fault?” He decided to say instead.

“Because of the reasons I already told you.”

“No, I think if it was just because of that, you—“

“ I got fucking…” he sighed. “I got jealous.”

“Jealous? For what?”

“That extra that called you cute, or fuck I don’t know. It just pissed me off.” He clenched his teeth, his jaw tightening. “It was stupid because you don’t—I don’t have any say over who likes you. And that got you hurt because I’m pathetic and selfish and I let my fee—“ Katsuki pursed his lips, eyes wide.

“Your what?” 

“Nothing, just drop it. Shit, I’m sorry. You’re like this because of me.”

“Katsuki, please stop apologizing. Please tell me what.”

“Fuck. No.”

“Katsuki, please?” He had to know, and he knew he sounded dumb, begging Katsuki to talk.

He sighed, big and dramatic, which was the norm for Katsuki. He winced, scrunching his face together as he let a hand rise to pinch his nose.

“I—I like you Eijiro.” His confession was practically whispered.

Selfishly, he wanted to hear it again, louder and clearer.

“Huh?”

“Shit, dammit.” He spoke up a little more, “I like you, Eijiro. Like, a lot.”

The force of what he now knew was the quirk hit him again, his forehead clammy, his hands hot and sweaty, his stomach pulling to his feet, his heart beating.

Not wanting to ruin the moment, he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, his eyes closed.

He took several deep breaths, feeling something akin to panic leave his system. 

“God, I’m such an idiot. You don’t have to say anything back. Shit I’m such a piece of crap. I’m sorry, just ignore me. Hell, I’m sorry. I just—I shouldn’t have kissed you today. Shit, I just like you so much I can’t stop. But I’ll stop. I’ll stop and you can go back to your dumb dorm now. I’m sorry, I should’ve let you leave but I just can’t stand—“

“Katsuki,” He said with force, getting his attention.

“I like you too, you dummy.” He chuckled, finding one of Katsuki’s hands to intertwine their fingers.

He woke with a groan, his head pounding, and he stupidly realized he had forgotten to take his pain medicines before he fell asleep like he had been told to.

“Hey, you okay?”

He was still laying on Katsuki’s chest, a video playing on his phone. He glanced up at him, and he looked practically dead. Katsuki was always a stickler for his sleep schedule and, judging by the droop in his eyes, he hadn’t slept.

“Bro, what time is it? Have you slept at all?”

“Around 3.”

“Have you slept at all?”

“Fuck does that matter?”

Eijiro shook his head, rising from the bed to grab his pain meds from his backpack.

Katsuki automatically rose with him and he groaned,

“Kats, I can go drink some pills by myself. I’m not a baby. Go to sleep.”

He should’ve known better, because as stubborn as he was, Katsuki followed him down to the common room.

Once there, he grabbed a glass of water and felt arms wrap around his waist, a head resting heavily on his back.

He chuckled, “Hi sleepy head.”

“Not tired.” Katsuki slurred, placing a light kiss on his back that made his spine flutter. 

He stayed still for a bit, the pain leaving almost automatically with the medicine he took. They must have some Recovery Girl magic.

Even though he had only been standing there for about a minute, he felt Katsuki’s breath slowing. He almost laughed, he really was in love with the most stubborn guy on the planet.

He turned, wrapping his arms around Katsuki, placing a kiss on the head that fell heavy on his chest.

“Baby, you need to go to sleep.”

“Not a baby.” 

“Promise when we get back, you’ll go to sleep with me?“ 

“Hmph.” He grunted, which Eijiro knew was a yes.

He held his hand all the way back to his dorm, and finally, he saw Katsuki settle.

He laid down himself, wrapping his arms around him, noses tip to tip.

“Goodnight, Kats.”

“Night.” He yawned, his hot breath fanning over his face. 

He waited until he was asleep to drift off himself, placing light kisses everywhere he could reach. Finally, when Katsuki’s face was completely relaxed, breaths slow and heavy, he whispered, “I love you, Katsuki.” 

“Hey, wake up. I’m going to class.” Eijiro felt a slight push on his arm, soft eyes looking directly into his with a kiss to his nose.

“Hey, morning Kats.”

“Morning, uh. Do you wanna stay here or go back to your dorm?”

He contemplated for a bit, then decided he should get out of Katsuki’s hair for at least the day.

“I’ll go back to my dorm.” He grinned, rising from the bed.

Before he could get up, however, he pulled Katsuki towards him, bringing him down for a kiss.

“How many minutes till school starts?”

“Ten.” He answered automatically.

“Ah, we got five minutes then.” He smirked.

He pulled Katsuki on top of him, placing the tips of his fingers on his neck to bring him closer. Katsuki laughed into his mouth, tangling their legs together before pulling away entirely.

He pulled out his phone and began typing before he came close again.

“Whatcha doing?” He asked.

“Putting a damn timer. Not gonna be late for school, idiot.”

Eijiro just laughed, and with Katsuki distracted, he rolled them over and switched their positions.

Katsuki let out a sound of surprise, but then a warm smile replaced any confusion his face held.

Eijiro waited for the swirl, the sweat, the strong beating of his heart, but nothing came. The stupid quirk was finally out of his system.

With that information in mind, he began peppering kisses all over Katsuki’s face. A quiet laugh left his lips, and the beautiful sound went directly to his ears and stayed there. As he began moving his lips down to his strong jaw, his wonderful chin, his pretty neck, Katsuki pulled them apart once again.

“I don’t wanna date you, Eij.”

He felt his heart stop at that, confusion probably apparent on his face. 

“Wait, no. That came out wrong, sorry. Shit. I mean, I don’t wanna date you and wait around and all that crap. I want you to be my boyfriend.” 

Eijiro let out a warm chuckle, continuing to kiss him. He nipped at his neck, Katsuki making a beautiful sound.

“Is that a yes, dummy?” Katsuki sounded breathless.

He just smirked, continuing to leave small kisses up and down his skin.

“Answer me.”

He moved his fingers to the middle of his chest, grazing the buttons of his shirt. Eijiro went slow, taking his time to open every button. When he reached the middle, the sound of Katsuki’s alarm blared in his ears. 

“Fucking dammit.” Katsuki laughed, reaching up to place a kiss on his forehead. “Tell me your answer, asshole.” 

“Of course I wanna be your boyfriend.” 

Eijiro pushed himself off lightly, offering a hand to Katsuki to lift him up. 

Once Katsuki was done fixing his shirt, he placed them in a hug. “To be continued?” He smirked, smug and mischievous. 

He left without another word, leaving Eijiro to victory dance in peace.

After he took his stuff from Katsuki’s dorm, pulling on the shirt he was lent that he completely forgot about last night, he threw himself on his bed. 

His head pounded just a bit, so he went to his sink to swish some water in his mouth with his pills.

He felt significantly better than yesterday, the fog in his brain gone, the pain in his head to a minimum.

Despite that, he let himself drift off, deciding he would wake up around lunchtime.

A knock woke him from his sleep, and he heard his phone buzz from his pillow. Checking it, he had several texts from Kaminari, telling him he was gonna come over for lunch.

DENKI: Hey bro, heard about you getting your head all messed up. Hope you feel okay :)

DENKI: Hey! I’m coming over for lunch. Want anything to eat?

DENKI: Haha, your Blasty looks funny today. Don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile so much.

DENKI: Lol Momo asked him how you were doing and he like shit his pants.

DENKI: Okay gtg Aizawa is coming :/ see you soon Eij!! :D 

DENKI: I’m outside, my poor injured bro.

“Eij! Wakey wakey!” He heard Kaminari’s voice from the door.

“It’s open.” He shouted.

He heard the turn of the knob, “Oh! It is.” 

“Hey, Denks.”

“How you feeling?” Denki made his way to his bed, plopping himself down.

“Pretty okay, the quirk already left, I think. Now it’s just my head.”

“Good! School’s boring without you dude.”

“It’s only been half a day.” He laughed.

“Yeah! But who do I tease about looking at his crush all day?”

He smiled, pushing Denki away from him. “Whatever.”

“Oh hey, sorry I didn’t bring you food. I was threatened not to.”

“What?” He didn’t even really have to ask, he knew perfectly well where the threat came from.

“Yup! I asked your Blasty if he wanted to come over for lunch with me and he was all I'M BRINGING HIM FOOD, YOU DUMBASS. ” 

Denki laughed, “So, I ate with Hanta in the cafeteria and came here.” 

“Thanks for trying. Where’s Sero?”

“Oh, Todoroki asked if he wanted to read in his dorm and I was old news then.” He rolled his eyes. “Man, all my buddies are simps.”

“Hey, just because you have Shinso doesn’t mean you can hate on us simps.”

“Ah, yeah. Hitoshi. That cutie, my boyfriend.” He grinned, looking starry eyed.

Denki smiled to himself for a bit before asking, “So, how’d you feel last night? You should’ve texted us! Me and Hanta would’ve come to help you out!” 

“Oh, Kats helped me out a lot. It’s okay. 

Denki stared wide eyed at him with a smirk, “Yeah, I can tell.” He moved his eyes up and down, and Eijiro realized.

“Oh yeah, uh. I kinda stayed over in his dorm last night.”

“Oh did you?”

“Yeah.” He smiled.

“Ah, no wonder our resident grump was so smiley today.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Dude, okay. Call me crazy, but I think he likes you back. You should definitely go for it.”

“Yeah, you think so?” He smirked.

Before Denki could answer his question, a knock sounded at his door.

“Eijiro. You awake?”

He rose up with a skip in his step, basically running to open the door. 

“Hey. I would’ve brought this earlier but I fell asleep.”

“Oh no, that’s okay! I’m glad you slept for a little.” 

Katsuki shook his head with a smile, “Missed you in class today.” He placed a kiss on his nose and both of his cheeks, making Eijiro’s face flame.

“Uh, dude.” He laughed, gesturing to his room.

“It’s just damn Dunce Face I don’t give a crap.”

“Oh, okay. Do you wanna come in?”

“I have to get back to class. There’s 2 minutes left for lunch.”

“Aw, dude! You didn’t have to come bring me lunch then.”

“What kind of damn boyfriend would I be if I didn’t bring you lunch?”

“Still a pretty good one.” He smiled, placing a kiss on his wonderful lips.

Katsuki kissed back, placing what he brought in his hands.

“Hey, let’s go, idiot.” He said to Kaminari. 

“You got it, Blasty!” 

When both of them were in the hallway, he heard Denki ask, “So, you finally told Eij, huh?” 

After a day of just lazing around his dorm, playing a video game or two, catching up on social media, and watching some stuff on his computer, his door opened slowly.

He smiled up at the only person it could be, but his face immediately fell when he saw how upset Katsuki looked. Well, more than usual. He had dirt on his face, his forehead in a sweat, and let out a heavy sigh that quickly turned into a frustrated grunt when he came to sit on his bed.

“Hey, what’s up, baby?”

“Fucking nothing.”

“You’re all dirty?”

“Am I? Huh.” He spits sarcastically.

“Hey…” he frowned.

Katsuki clicked his teeth, saying nothing but letting his body fall in his lap, face buried in his stomach.

He felt a text buzz on his phone, and he was quick to pick it up.

DENKI: Fucking hate that Monoma guy!!! 

SERO: Yeah dude, don’t listen to anything that ass has to say

He texted back,

EIJIRO: Context? Lol

DENKI: Sorry, the jerk pissed me off. We trained with his class today and he started talking shit.

SERO: Yeah, some crap about you being weak and all that. 

EIJIRO: He says crap like that all the time? Haha

DENKI: Well then he started saying some bs about you and Bakugo and how you probably got hit on the head because you were too busy trying to get in Blasty’s pants.

SERO: Haha yeah, Bakugo didn’t take that well :’)

DENKI: Then you can probably guess what happened after lol. You should check if your bf is okay :) 

SERO: FINALLY BTW it took you FOREVER. 

DENKI: Oh shush, Shoto simp. 

SERO: Ah, you got me there, sparky man :) 

EIJIRO: Thanks for telling me.

SERO: Of course, Kiri. Hope you’re feeling better. 

He looked down at his boyfriend and found he was staring up at him already.

“Hey, why don’t you get cleaned up? Change out of your school stuff?” He leaned down to kiss his sweaty forehead and could smell the burn of his quirk.

“You’re not fucking weak.” He grunts.

“Dude, who gives a crap about what Monoma said. He’s stupid.”

“The morons tell you?”

“Yup!” 

“Hah, figures.”

“You okay?”

“I’m fucking tired, then the damn extra had to come start spewing shit about how the only reason I was your friend was because I liked you following me around like a stupid puppy.”

“I know that’s not true.” He assured his boyfriend. Despite that, Katsuki rolled his eyes, starting to seethe.

“Then he fucking said that you got hit—which didn’t even fucking happen you just fell—Because you were too busy trying to figure out how to—I’m not gonna repeat it. It’s…fucking stupid.”

“And then he said that I probably just liked having you around to blow up in your face and that you’d just take it because you’re weak. You’re not weak! How can a damn accident make you weak? It was an accident! That stupid copycat jerk doesn’t know shit!”

“Katsuki, you know that’s not all true. Why are you so upset about it?”

“What if that’s what everyone thinks? That I just like having you around 'cause I’m an asshole and I take fucking advantage of you?”

“That’s bull—“

“What if people think I’m just a dick that pushes you around? What shit are they gonna say now that we’re together?”

He sighs, burying his face in his stomach again, wrapping an arm around one of his legs.“You’re too damn good for me Eijiro. I’m just gonna bring you down with me.” He felt lips touch his stomach, a light kiss placed there. 

“Who gives a crap about all that, dude? Monoma just said all that to rile you up.”

Katsuki just grunted, nuzzling further into him.

“The whole class knows now, by the way. Stupid Kaminari said “ That’s what you get for taking shit about his boyfriend.”, after.” 

“After what?”

“After I blew his stupid ass up, what the hell do you think?”

Eijiro let out an exasperated sigh, moving his hand to card his fingers through Katsuki’s sweat-dampened hair.

He felt something swelling in his heart again, drowning out every sense of logic and self-control.

“I love you, Katsuki.”

Another kiss was placed on his stomach, making his insides tingle. “I love you too, Ei.”

After making Katsuki go to his dorm to shower and change, physically pushing him out his door, he came back to lie on his bed like he never left.

He could tell Katsuki was tired by the way his eyes were droopy, his sentences bordering on nonsense.

As he had slept all day, he was just sitting next to him on his bed, texting Kaminari and Sero and watching some videos.

He let Katsuki drift off, his small snores coming slowly as he stubbornly refused to fall asleep.

“Hey, Eij?”

“Yeah?”

“Lay down, come here.”

“I’m not sleepy, I slept all day.” He reached over to ruffle Katsuki’s hair lightly.

“Lucky bastard.” 

“Hey, it’s not my fault you stayed up past your bedtime.” He joked.

“Lay down with me,” Katsuki said again, basically pouting.

“Oh, alright. Since you asked so cutely.” He grinned.

“Shut up, dumbass.”

He let himself face Katsuki as he lay there, tangling their legs together and grabbing his hand that was resting beside him.

Katsuki pulled their hands towards his lips, turning them to place a kiss on Eijiro’s. 

“You’re beautiful, Eij. Always thought so.” Katsuki took a finger to trace his brow, letting his finger fall to the rounds of his cheeks.

“I really do love you, you know. I wasn’t just saying it before.” Katsuki’s finger roamed around Eijiro’s lips and he was quick to give it a small kiss.

“I know, I meant it too, Kats.”

“Me kissing you during training was really stupid. I ruined our first kiss with all that bullshit.”

“You didn’t ruin anything.” He laughed, kissing Katsuki’s finger again as it made its way back.

“Yes, I did.”

Eijiro let out a laugh through his nose.

“Well, then, let’s make this our first kiss.” He whispered.

Eijiro closed the gap between them, moving his free hand to caress Katsuki’s face. He rubbed a thumb on his chin and Katsuki’s tired eyes flooded with colors.

The hues in his eyes pooled and puddled in steady water, shaking with the sensation of being that much closer. 

Katsuki licked his lips, letting the bottom pull through his teeth.

Eijiro could feel his heart beating faster and faster as if this really was the first time. 

Katsuki shifted his head to where Eijiro’s palm was now over his lips, placing a ticklish kiss there as they got lost in the valley of each other’s eyes.

Eijiro moved his hand to the back of Katsuki’s head, letting his fingers pull lightly at the strands of his hair.

He pulled Katsuki that much closer, their lips meeting in a cherished embrace, as precious and delicate as their love for each other. 

The world titled on its side as they stayed in the feeling, their lips brushing against each other like it was their first and last, all at once. 

The gentle bliss of their lips together made everything feel right, complete.

Katsuki smiled into their kiss and Eijiro couldn’t help but do the same. 

Katsuki pulled away, breathless, whispering “I love you” into his lips, his skin, his heart.

“I love you.” He said back, so overwhelmed with his statement that he placed a kiss on Katsuki’s nose, letting them pull apart.

“Cuddle with me,” Katsuki said in a gruff tone, a contrast to the soft request.

“Why the hell are you laughing?” He demanded as Eijiro’s laughter fell out of him quietly.

“I love you.”

“You can’t just say that to get out of answering my questions.

“Can’t I, though?” He teased, earning a flick on the nose from Katsuki.

“Alright, I’ll cuddle with you, Kats. But then we get up and go eat something, okay?”

“Aren’t I supposed to be taking care of you, moron?”

“That’s okay, you took really good care of me last night.” He grinned, kissing his cheek.

“Hah.” 

Katsuki paused for a second, blinking up at him slowly.

“I’ll take care of this too.” Katsuki touched right where his heart was, letting his palm linger there.

Katsuki finally let his beautiful eyes close, his face relaxing, falling away from all his worries and concerns, resting himself on Eijiro’s chest.

That’s how Katsuki fell asleep, his hand over Eijiro’s heart, right where it belonged.