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By this point in his life, a few years into his hero career, Kirishima recognized when he was mentally spiraling. The required weekly therapy sessions for active heroes helped him with that, and also gave him tools to help it stop. But at his apartment that night, he couldn’t seem to keep himself from watching the fight from earlier in the day again and again. The glow of the television hit his scarred face as he sat, transfixed as the fight progressed.
He watched as Bakguou and Midoriya charged in. The explosively strong duo took control of the situation, as they always did. Midoriya was lit up green, and Bakugou a commanding orange presence from his explosions. A perfect number one and number two, they seemed unstoppable, even in these situations when there were so many villains, many of them seemingly overpowered. It was torture for Kirishima.
When he had watched the fight live while filling out paperwork at Fat Gum’s, Kirishima just wanted his two friends to make it through, to make it out alive. It was always the simplest of prayers that sped through their minds. They weren’t too selfish to think that no one would get hurt, so survival was what they asked for. And every time they did, including this time, he was overjoyed. He always jumped with a shout and a fist in the air, the gelled spikes of his red hair pointing in the same direction, a wide, sharp smile stretched across his face. This time, it dropped quickly right after, and his heart felt as though it had been flushed right down the toilet.
The two heroes were triumphant, Midoriya jumping at the slightly shorter hero, yelling out his childhood nickname for Bakugou while the blonde stood and smirked and caught the surprisingly tall and built hero. The two embraced tightly as their heads leaned forward and hit one another’s and they spoke excitedly. Kirishima watched while he felt the familiar, painful pang in his heart. One that, over the years, he had become more and more used to pushing to the side.
In the beginning it was difficult, but it wasn’t this tough. Around third year, Kirishima realized how much he loved his best friend, how much he was in love with Bakugou. At the same time, he knew that Bakugou didn’t feel the same for him. Why would he, when Midoriya was right there? With his curly green hair and bright emerald eyes, his broad shoulders, and surprisingly giant build, he was already amazing. But his steadfast loyalty to his best friend was what made him irreplaceable, and Kirishima knew that. He knew his role was second to Midoriya in Bakugou’s life, and he had decided he would take what he could get.
Nights like this made that choice one he started to regret. Instead of moving on, like he had hoped, or even becoming numb to the pain of watching the dynamic duo in action, time had made it more torturous. He began to rewind the recording of the fight again, his brain telling him to stop tormenting himself while his heart seemed to be a glutton for punishment. He pushed his hand into his hair, running his fingers through it as he argued with himself. At least Sero was out on patrol so he didn’t lecture him about pushing himself into a spiral. His eyes glazed over as he hit play, his mind tracking every graceful movement that Bakugou made on the screen. Sometimes he cursed the idea of love, when all it brought him was hurt. Tonight was one of those times.
A sudden knock on the door had him pausing the fight, snorting without humor when he saw he had paused it right when Midoriya had leaped into Bakugou’s arms, both sets of eyes alight and gleeful. Kirishima adjusted his headband to keep his limp hair back, remembering that he probably needed to dye it again soon; his black roots were peeking through. He padded over to the entryway, his black joggers low on his hips, and his chest and stomach covered only by a thin, white t-shirt. He swung the door open, and his stomach flipped at the sudden sight of Bakugou Katsuki, a snarl on his face.
“What the fuck? No call, no text, nothing? After that fight?” the blonde barked in his direction.
The unexpected guest pushed past the tall, solid redhead, who muttered, “C’mon in, Kat,” as he belatedly stepped to the side, allowing the blonde to pass freely. Bakugou moved to stand in the living area, his eyes falling on the screen, the picture of him with Deku caught in their embrace still there. He stood and stared, silently unblinking, until Kirishima asked tiredly, “What’s up, Bakugou?”
Crimson eyes turned towards Kirishima’s amber ones, a challenging look in them. “You did see the fight,” he said, his voice trying and failing to bury the hurt there.
“Yeah, I saw it,” Kirishima replied, and if he tried to hide the sadness his tone held, he also failed. “You guys did amazing, as always. Glad you’re okay.”
Bakugou continued to study him silently, his eyes narrowed and his shoulders high and tense as he studied his friend. “You didn’t call or anything,” he accused and watched as Kirishima shrugged nonchalantly in response.
Even though Bakugou didn’t know what the gesture meant, he knew it hurt. Did he not care anymore? The words from the redhead that followed pained him even more. “Didn’t know it mattered much. Midoriya was there, so didn’t seem like it was that important.” It was a shame that Kirishima hadn’t been looking at Bakugou when he spoke, because the shock of what he said caused the blonde’s jaw to drop, his eyebrows flying up in surprise. By the time Kirishima looked back at him, he had schooled his face back into neutrality, but he couldn’t hide the anger that rolled off him in waves. Bakugou’s jaw was clearly flexing as he ground his teeth, his hands were in fists, and rage filled his eyes.
Several deep breaths later, in his nose and out his mouth like he’d been taught, Bakugou spoke. “Yeah, well, Deku’s a good friend, the best, actually. But…he’s not you.”
Kirishima snorted, the sound igniting motion in Bakugou, who walked up to the taller man and stood chest to chest, bumping into him. Kirishima’s gaze snapped to match Bakugou’s, and the two glared at each other, Kirishima having to train his eyes down slightly at the shorter hero. He silently prayed to some deity that he wouldn’t burst into tears. It felt like he was breaking up with his best friend, and he didn’t want that. But part of him needed something to change; he didn’t know how much longer his heart could survive this friendship.
“Look at the screen, Eijiro,” Bakugou demanded, and Kirishima’s forehead furrowed in confusion. He glanced at the television over Bakugou’s shoulder, and back at him. “No. Look at it. Really closely. Do you see how Deku and I are talking right there?” Kirishima nodded as he attempted to swallow his sadness, eyes trained on the scene projected. “We agreed on something before the fight. A promise that we are both keeping.” His voice became huskier as he spoke, and the breath that fanned over Kirishima’s face made goosebumps pebble his skin.
“What did you promise?” he croaked out, embarrassed his deep voice sounded desperate for something, anything.
Sighing, Bakugou tugged a hand through his spiky hair, his eyes finding the floor as he replied, “We promised to tell the person that we were each in love with the truth.” Kirishima’s eyes closed as he waited for Bakugou to tell him how his confession to Midoriya went. Again, he swallowed hard, the burning behind his eyelids intensifying as he tried to control his tears. He chanted internally to himself to not let them spill, at least not until Bakugou left. He waited for the love of his life to break his heart like he was standing on the train tracks, an engine barreling down at him, and he couldn’t move. “And he’s at Icy Hot’s place right now, talking to him… And I’m here.”
Kirishima’s eyes flew open as tears slid down his cheeks. He couldn’t swallow past the lump in his throat as he tried to form some sort of response, his hands reaching out and grabbing hold of Bakugou’s shoulders, causing his eyes to move back up to Kirishima’s.
“Do you get it yet, Shitty Hair?” Bakugou grumbled as his eyes cut to the side, a blush rosy on his cheeks. “Izuku is my brother, and I love him just like I would if we were related by blood. But you…you’re something else entirely. You always have been.”
It was Kirishima’s turn to be shocked, his body buzzing with sudden alertness, but all he was able to huff out was, “What?”
A snort escaped Bakugou and his hands landed on Kirishima’s waist, pulling him closer. The redhead was taller and bigger, but he was the one who looked as though he would topple at any moment, his eyes searching Kat’s face for an answer. Bakugou stared at Kirishima’s lips, and he slid his tongue over his own, wetting them before he spoke again. “Don’t play dumb with me, Ei. You know what I’m trying to say.”
“Maybe, but…maybe it’d be better if you just say it,” Kirishima replied, his voice rough and his mind swirling as he looked down at Bakugou, his eyes straying to the blonde’s pink mouth. The tears on his face had slowed to a trickle, but his heart was now at a full gallop.
The silence hung thick between them, and Kirishima moved his hands down Bakugou’s arms, his fingertips sliding across the skin there, his calloused hands moving back up his neck to land on his jaw, cupping his face gently. His thumbs stroked the skin there as he felt him speak as much as he heard it. “I love you, Eijiro,” Bakugou finally huffed out. “I’ve been in love with you for years, but I’ve been too much of a fucking coward to tell you. Just like that damn nerd with Half and Half. But I’m telling you now. So stop…stop acting stupid.”
He knew that confessing was probably one of the hardest things that Bakugou had done, but Kirishima couldn’t help it when he replied, his eyebrows lifted, “That wasn’t so tough, now, was it?” Grinning at the small chuckle that escaped Bakugou, he leaned forward tentatively. Kirishima’s nose brushed against Bakugou’s as he stood, contemplating his next move. The tension between them was electric, but Kirishima reasoned that Kat had really taken the first step, so he could take the second. He pushed his lips against his friend’s and felt the grip on his own waist tighten and pull his body flush to Bakugou’s. His thumbs stroked Bakugou’s cheeks, over the sharp cheekbones everyone-magazine articles, fashion reporters, and fans-raved about. It was a place he’d never touched on Bakugou but always wanted to. Really, any place he hadn’t yet touched was one he wanted to.
Kirishima was surprised by the softness he found there, and on Bakugou’s lips, as they moved clumsily against one another. They were both desperate somehow, the race to make up for time lost suddenly starting. Inhaling the slight scents of caramel, soap, and smoke, Kirishima continued to kiss him, his mouth slotted over Bakugou’s upper lip. Now that he was there, with him in a way he dared to imagine only late at night, he couldn’t stop. Bakugou tasted minty, like toothpaste, and Eijiro felt down to the soles of his bare feet that he was addicted. No one would be this perfect for him again.
The man known for being made of stone melted in the heat of his feelings, his body conforming into Bakugou’s as they desperately kissed one another. Kirishima nipped at Bakugou’s lower lip, pulling it into his mouth. He couldn’t hide the sigh that escaped him when the shorter man’s tongue moved in between his lips, tentatively sliding over sharp teeth to explore his mouth. Moving his hands from Bakugou’s face, Kirishima broke away and looked down at his heavy-lidded eyes, his face flushed and pink, his lips slick and swollen. “You really love me?” he whispered, his chest moving with pants, unbelieving.
“How could I not, Eijiro? You’re like the sun, and all this time, I’ve been scared I would get burned if you knew. But my thoughts pull to you constantly. I can’t be without you anymore,” Bakugou said, his voice cracking slightly.
Kirishima’s breath rushed out of him, “You don’t have to because I love you, too.” His forehead leaned against Bakugou’s. “I’ve loved you for years, but I never thought…I just…Midoriya and you, you’re so close. And I figured you’d want to be with him. He’s so amazing, and I’m…” His voice trailed off as he felt doubt roll over him again.
Bakugou pulled back to look at Kirishima’s face, his eyes flashing with something like anger. “You don’t think you’re amazing? Yeah, Deku’s great. He’s got a flashy quirk like me, and we can kick some major ass together. But you…you save people. You put yourself on the line just as much as anyone. You fight for everyone, and now, I’m gonna fight for you.” Kirishima blinked back his fresh tears, unable to believe that he was hearing things that he had only dreamed about.
“Plus, you’re fucking hot. You may dress like a disaster, but you’re the manilest fucking person in this country, and now you’re mine. Got that?” Bakugou huffed, and it seemed like he was irritated.
Kirishima knew, however, that he was just anxious, so he pressed a kiss to his temple. “Got it, Kat. Loud and clear.”
Later that evening, Bakugou was on Kirishima’s lap, nose nestled into his neck and half asleep as the two watched television. His phone buzzed on the couch next to them, and he grabbed it, swiping up to reveal the photo Midoriya sent. In it, Deku’s face was stained with tears, his smile wide, his cheek pressed against Todoroki’s. His green eyes were trained on the camera, but Todoroki’s were aimed towards Midoriya, the affection in the stoic man’s small grin clear. “We can do better than that,” Bakugou huffed in annoyance. “Those nerds have nothing on us.”
Kirishima grinned widely at the competitiveness of his boyfriend, who flipped his camera on before turning his attention back to the redhead. Amber eyes met crimson ones, Bakugou leaned forward and slid his other hand into Kirishima’s hair, causing a purr to rip through the bigger man’s throat. The blonde gave a quick smile at the sound before he leaned in and kissed Kirishima, snapping a photo to send later. He threw his phone onto the floor, both hands running through Eijiro’s hair while Kirishima pulled him closer, lost in kissing the love he never thought he’d have.
“Oh!” Midoriya exclaimed as his eyes landed on Yayarouzu. It was later than what would be considered an appropriate time for a social call, but he and Kaccchan had an agreement. And no one backs out on an agreement made with one Katskuki Bakugou. “I’m interrupting! I apologize!” the tall hero said as he bowed low to the woman, his cheeks flushed pink and sprinkled with freckles.
Yayarouzu stood, her body elegant and lean as she gathered her things and made her way towards the entryway where Midoriya shifted on his feet, his eyes scanning nervously over the large apartment. He was already anxious because of the reason he had for being there, but thinking he was causing an even bigger inconvenience for his dual-quirked friend put him closer to the edge.
With a wave of her hand and a gentle smile, Momo assured Midoriya that it really wasn’t an issue. “I promise, Midoriya-san, I was on my way out the door. I probably should have been a while ago. I will speak with you soon, Shoto.” She shot a quick smile at her long-time friend, and it was only due to his keen observation skills that Izuku had continuously honed over the years that she saw the playfulness in it, the sparkle in her eyes. Swallowing past the lump in his throat, Midoriya wondered if he had interrupted more than a pleasant hangout between old friends. Many gossip magazines still speculated on the possible love affair between the two former UA students, and Midoriya knew Todoroki considered Momo as one of his first and closest friends. To be fair, he thought of Izuku in the same light.
Shoto followed Yayarouzu to the door, returning her smile and saying a short farewell with a bow. He turned to Midoriya, who stammered another apology. “Shochan, I am so very sorry for not calling or texting first. I really hope I didn’t end your…” He searched for the word he wanted to use, but couldn’t find the right fit. Continuing, he said, “...date early.”
“Date?” Todoroki replied, his one eyebrow quirked as his intense stare stayed on Midoriya. His only relief was the small uptick at the corner of Shoto’s face.
Midoriya managed to squeak out, “Meeting? Dinner? Um…whatever it was that you and Yayarouzu were doing before I arrived. I hope she didn’t leave on my account.”
Another slight grin adorned Shoto’s lips as he watched Midoriya fumble, his scarred hands twisting in front of him nervously. It was one thing to see those actions on the young fifteen-year-old when they initially met, but Midoriya was different now. Instead of scrawny, he was much taller, although not quite as tall as the lanky Todoroki, but close. He was also built, his shoulders wide and his muscles thick, especially in his legs. The floppy green curls and bright emerald eyes were still there. While the wide smile didn’t make as regular of an appearance as it did when they were younger, everyone loved when it did.
“Please, Izuku, don’t apologize. Come in and have a seat,” Todoroki said, cutting Midoriya’s ramblings off. Rubbing his large hand over the curls on top of his head, Midoriya eventually toed his shoes off and moved to the couch that Todoroki had sat on. He sat and pulled one bent leg up, turning to face his long-time friend who was watching him as he settled.
Izuku ran his hand through his hair again, noting that it was still damp from his shower. He absently massaged the shorn hair on the nape of his neck that was recently cut, the softness creating a texture that was somehow comforting. He eyed Todoroki’s longer hair pulled into a messy knot. The two were such opposites in so many ways; Midoriya was barely able to sit still while Todoroki calmly and patiently waited for his friend to be comfortable enough to speak.
Finally, Izuku opened his mouth and inhaled deeply. Shoto expected something profound and surprising, but was met with, “Did you see our fight today?”
“You and Bakugou both did well,” Todoroki said, nodding, but was clearly confused. He watched his friend continue to fidget before saying, “Did you need to speak about anything else, Izuku? We can watch your fight if you have anything you want to discuss, or would like to hear any of my thoughts?” He didn’t like to push his friend, but something else was going on, and he was at a loss as to what was happening.
Rubbing his head again, Izuku continued. “See, Kacchan and I made a deal after we got called into the fight, and I need to meet my part of the deal. You know how he is-a promise is a promise. And I’m sure that he’s keeping up his end of the whole thing, so I have to, also, or he’ll kill me. Well, or at least yell at me a lot. But now that I’m here, I’m worried that it’s a bad idea. You know how when you agree to things, and you have all this adrenaline and everything, it seems like it’s all a great plan? But then-”
“Izuku,” Todoroki said, his voice firm, but not angry. “Why don’t you tell me what the deal was, and we can discuss if it is a good choice to follow through with it or not.” Shoto had learned over time that patience was key with Izuku, but one had to be careful not to let his thoughts spiral too far.
Blushing again, Midoriya swallowed hard. He missed his friend’s eyes travel along his throat as he did, his own gaze elsewhere. He spoke quietly. “We said we’d tell the people we’re in love with how we feel. That we wouldn’t be scared of telling the truth anymore.”
A few moments passed, and neither one spoke. When Izuku finally dug up enough courage to look at Shoto, he was surprised to see him watching him closely, his brows furrowed. “What?” he asked, his voice unsure.
“I guess I don’t understand. Most of us have thought that you and Bakugou were…in love with one another. Kirishima-san has been quite heartbroken about it for, well, years,” Todoroki replied, watching as Midoriya began waving his hands frantically in front of his body.
“No! Kacchan? He’s my best friend, like a brother. I could never see him that way. Is that…is that what you thought, too Shochan?” Midoriya asked, the entire situation in front of him seeming to fall apart.
Nodding, Todoroki said, “Well, yes. It’s been difficult, but I guess I understood. And I had to support two of my friends and peers on their path to find happiness.”
Mumbling frantically, Midoriya tried to figure out what to say next. He focused completely on the fact that people-including Shoto Todoroki, the man he’d been in love with since the day he met him-thought he had been in a relationship the entire time with Kacchan! Finally groaning at the weight of it all, the tangle he had no clue how to reverse, his freckled face fell into his hands. It wasn’t until he processed that Shoto had called the situation difficult that his head popped back up. “Wait, why would it be difficult for,” he stopped his words in an attempt to phrase it correctly, “be difficult for you?”
Shoto’s cheeks suddenly pinkened, and for the first time that evening, he was the one who broke eye contact with Izuku. “I meant, um, it was difficult to see such a confusing relationship, with you two always arguing. And hard for Kirishima, as well.”
Nodding, Izuku listened, then prepared to ask another question. “Shoto,I-”
Quickly, Todoroki interrupted him, saying, “So is Bakugou with Kirishima now? Confessing?”
“Well, I assume so. We both finished our paperwork in record time before we cleaned up and left. I came straight here, so, I would think Kacchan would go to find Kirishima. But if you give me a second, I just need to say-” Izuku said, Shoto cutting in again.
“That’s wonderful news for Kirishima. Bakugou will be happy, also, although they almost make as odd of a pair as you two. Kirishima’s so positive and happy, and Bakugou is not. He’s my friend, but he’s somewhat angry all the time-”
For a moment, Izuku watched him ramble, shocked by the unusual behavior of his friend, who had seemingly become… Midoriya. Finally, he shook his head, his green curls on top bouncing, as he decided he needed to do something. Leaning forward, he cupped Shoto’s neck, his thumb moved towards the front of his ear and urged gently for a still muttering Shoto to look at him. As soon as his eyes connected, Izuku leaned forward, tilting his head slightly, his lips landing sweetly on Shoto’s.
Midoriya wondered if his brain would explode as he made contact to the softest and warmest lips he’d ever felt. His own lips opened slightly as they landed on Shoto’s, and Izuku moved his hand up to cradle the other side of his face. He kissed him eagerly, again and again, his heart thudding in his ears. Shoto grabbed his shoulder and pulled him closer, kissing him in return. His lips parted as he pulled back slightly, staring into Izuku’s bright green eye., Todoroki’s breath hit his face as Midoriya realized what just happened.
Looking at Shoto’s intense gaze made Midoirya’s stomach drop. He had just kissed his best friend, and he didn’t even know if the dual-quirk user liked men. Shoto watched Izuku carefully when he jumped to his feet, a look of intense fear swallowing the number one hero’s features in a way that he’d never seen before. “Oh no…” Midoriya began, tears welling in his eyes. “You must hate me. I hate me, so you must hate me also. I did that without asking. I don’t even know if you’re gay. You’re not, are you? I am an awful person, and I just ruined our friendship because of my stupid heart. I am so sorry.”
He continued to mumble his apologies and cry, the tears streaking down his face as he tried to turn and stumble towards the door. “Please, Todoroki, just forget this happened,” he continued, his sneakers in his grasp, his hands shaking slightly, as he made the decision to not stop to pull them on. His freckles were lost in the bright blush of his face, his shoulders slumped as he tried to move towards the door.
“Midoriya,” Todoroki started as he stood in front of the couch. When his friend didn’t stop muttering and didn’t stop moving towards the exit, he said his name again, and moved between the large man and the entryway, blocking him in. “Izuku,” he said, his voice surprisingly calm as his insides felt like they were vibrating. “Stop, please.” When Midoriya turned, Shoto’s long, slender fingers moved towards his face, cradling his jaw with both hands, his thumbs swiping at the tears still snaking their way down his red cheeks. Todoroki was only slightly taller than Midoriya, so his chin tipped down slightly. He was more lithe, not bulky with muscles straining at his clothes, but still he stopped Izuku. Shoto tilted his face and kissed Izuku solidly, stunning him into stopping all movement and standing stiffly. Finally, his hands slid around Shoto’s waist and pulled him closer as he kissed him in return.
They continued, both gripping one another fiercely, until Todoroki pulled back and gasped for air, his face flushed as he looked at Midoriya whose eyes seemed to be glowing as he peered back. Dropping his hands from Midoriya’s waist, Shoto couldn’t help but smirk at the whine that slipped from his friend’s mouth at the loss. “Izuku, we need to talk. And you have to promise that you’ll listen to me, and not get lost in your head. Please.”
Green eyes widened at the emotion that was thick in Shoto’s voice, especially in contrast to its usual monotone. “Yeah,” Midoriya replied, glancing down at their threaded fingers as Todoroki pulled him towards the couch. When Izuku sat down before Shoto, he dropped solidly, his back hitting the back of the couch. He felt Shoto slide next to him, his cool fingers sliding around Midoriya’s wrists and pulling him closer. “First of all, you asked if I like guys. The honest answer is, I don’t know. I don’t know if I like girls either, or who I like, except…you. I like you, Izuku.” Shoto paused, his eyes watching their hands as he thought about what to say next. “I think, in a way, I don’t know because I’ve loved you for so long, I just can’t force myself to find anyone else. I’ve tried, and I just can’t.”
“You’ve tried?” Midoriya squeaked, prompting a blush and a round of slow blinks to take over Todoroki’s face. “With who?”
Pulling his hand down his face, Shoto replied, “It doesn’t matter, Izu, because whenever I would look at them, you’re the only one I could picture. It hurt so much, but I wanted you to have the happiness you deserve and decided that if Bakugou was where you’d find it, I’d swallow that pain and move on as your friend.”
Midoriya leaned over and cupped Shoto’s face, his face edging closer to the dual-haired man’s, their noses brushing as he said, “If you want me to be happy, will you give us a try? Because I can’t think of anything that would make me happier.”
“As long as you’re happy,” Shoto said, his voice teasing as he closed the distance between them so he could brush their lips together. His eyes slid closed as he kissed his best friend, the urgency to be near him climbing as he moved into his lap and ran his fingers through his hair.
A few moments later, Midoriya pulled back to catch his breath, unsure if it was due to how excited he felt for the future with Todoroki, or just the lack of oxygen. “I love you, Sho,” he said, his voice soft.
The small smile on Shoto’s face grew, and he replied, “I love you, too, Izu.”
He watched Midoriya fumble into his pocket, and pull out his phone. “Take a picture with me so Kacchan can see I followed through,” he said, his eyes lit up with excitement. Shoto nodded, causing Midoriya to position himself next to him, their cheeks pushed together. His eyes slid over to try to look at his best friend, hopefully, now boyfriend, and probably the love of his life, and Shoto couldn’t keep the small smile off his lips.
Midoriya laughed and admonished him for not looking at the camera when he snapped the picture, Shoto chuckling quietly with him. “I’ve always had my eyes on you, Izuku. Since the day you helped me recognize I am my own person, my own man.” Their foreheads rested against one another before Shoto snuggled into Izuku’s lap, moving to watch whatever was on the television, and sighing with a contentedness he didn’t know was possible.