Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He had known this was a bad idea. When Midoriya had pleaded him to join them in their bi-weekly game night he should have just closed the door back into his face. But those puppy eyes were just too hard to resist and as a bonus he would see his favourite blond, who was known to mostly loose at the games, but yet to miss one of the social evenings. So Shinsou had reluctantly closed the door behind him and joined the green haired boy downstairs.

As it seemed that night the group consisted mainly of the Bakusquad and only a few other students. Todoroki was always forced to participate for his lack of childhood memories with games, next to him sat Sero -good for him- and a few empty seats.

“Hello guys”, the Sero greeted, when the two of them sat, Shinsou's eyes almost immediately finding Kaminari at the top of the table and letting Midoriya to the small talk. Instead tuning in to the heated discussion across the table of what to play first. It seemed Uno and Truth or Dare were the most popular. Kirishima wanted a rematch in Uno because Bakugou had beat him the last time, but Mina really wanted to play Truth or Dare because “how was she supposed to keep up with the hot goss when everyone around her was so secretive”. The sentence was followed by a glance between Kirishima and Bakugou, whose ears gotsuspiciously red. Interesting.

Midoriya was already in deep conversation, now with Uraraka next to him. Already missing the quiet of his room Shinsou sighed and laid his head on the table. He really hadn't gotten any sleep the previous night and the sleep deprivation was adding up to an uncomfortably small amount of sleep over a too long time. With his head on the table he had perfect view of his blond crush who was engrossed in his switch, pouting and dangerously leaning back in his chair, all while unusually quiet.

Shinsou's eyes were beginning to droop at the calming sight and the white noise chatter when he was startled out of his head by Sero next to him: “His attempt to get everyone in on a Mario Kart tournament was shut down by -well- everyone pretty quickly. We all know how competitive we can get and the controllers keep breaking and Momo said last time she wouldn't just make more”

“I would play Mario Kart with him”, Shinsou mumbled, still staring sleepily and only lifting his head when he heard the others compromising and trying to get everyone's attention. Kaminari also stopped rocking his chair and seemed to pay more or less attention to what was being said, although the pout didn't leave his lips. Cute.

“Alright guys”, Kirishima grinned at them, “we're gonna start with a few rounds of Uno to settle our disagreement and then we can play Truth or Dare”. Oh boy he would certainly leave after Uno. There's nothing that could get him to play the other, much more embarrassing game.

And with that, the evening began for real. The first war game was brutal with betrayals on all sides, but luckily only a few cards lost to quirks, astounding really, since both Bakugou and Todoroki had only one card left at one point and tension generally high in the room. But Shinsou couldn't deny that he had fun, even when in the end he was battling Kaminari for last place. And the game just didn't seem to end.

Both boys were leaning in with serious looks on their faces. The stack of cards between them growing until both of them had only three cards left. Shinsou looked up from his cards when a plus two was played and stared into the golden eyes, cautiously staring back. He himself only had another plus two but if Kaminari also had another he was fucked. But those eyes weren't letting him go and he knew how they shone when the other didn't loose for once, so he risked it. And lost within a few rounds.

But he was right, because the moment the blond laid down his last card there were crinkles at his eyes and they brighten up while grinning triumphantly at the loser. And if that wasn't worth the comments at his loss he didn't know what was. And if they stared at each other a little longer than socially acceptable then it wasn't anyone's business but theirs.

So they both jumped when Mina squealed that they would now switch games. And at that Shinsou stood up, trying to leave sneakily, when a hand reached out and grabbed the back of his shirt. When he turned around he could see Kaminari had also stood up, still wearing a grin, but turned mischievous, which couldn't mean anything good, but he was still holding on to Shinsou's shirt and Shinsou was weak.

“You can't leave, you just lost” the smaller boy chuckled.

“What kind of made up rule is that? And if I'm only allowed to leave after a win how do I even win Truth or Dare?”.

“Oh come on I bet you only wanna leave cause you got something to hide don't ya?”. And at that he could see Mina out the corner of his eye perking up and suddenly becoming interested in their talk.

“Yeah come on tall, mysterious brooding stranger tell us your secrets” she called, because no one in the Bakusquad had any noise regulation. And then he knew it was over, because Midoriya caught wind of his destroyed plan to disappear and with the combined force of the blond's pleading and Midoriya's puppy eyes there was no way to get out without a massive guilt bomb that would keep him up for another few days.

That's how he slumped back down in his seat and there was a bottle placed in the middle of the table, which was swiftly spun by Mina. It landed on Sero, who grinned manically at the piercing look Mina gave him. With a cheshire grin back, she ask ,”So Sero, Truth or Dare?”. Weirdly he quickly glanced at Todoroki then at Shinsou and then declared: “You know me Mina of course I'm not gonna chicken out a good old dare”.

“Alrighteyy Mister Dare how about you arm wrestle Todoroki, no quirks allowed?”, at that Sero turned bright red mumbling something under his breath and sending a glare in Mina's direction.

Shinsou leaned over to Sero. “So how did Mina get that information?” he whispered as the dark haired boy rolled up his sleeve.

“I don't know. It's honestly creepy how good she is at getting this kind of secrets. I think this game is more of a clever ruse to get some of us to spell their secrets to everyone else than anything else”. Shinsou was listening intently, absently minded staring at Mina, questioning whether she knew about his crush.

So far Sero was the only one from the Bakusquad who had caught on to him.

One time in training they were sparring and Kaminari had started screaming somewhere. Of course Shinsou was immeadiately distracted and quickly made immobile by Sero's tape. Kaminari was fine obviously, he got sprayed by a drop of Mina's acid and convinced he would die. But apparently Shinsou's worry was a little too frantic to be completely platonic and Sero confronted him.

Which led to Shinsou confronting him about his obvious crush on Todoroki, so they promised each other not to tell anyone, which led to a weird friendship. But it also allowed Shinsou to have a better excuse to hang out with or around the Bakusquad and thus Kaminari, so he really wasn't complaining.

The match between the two teens was over quickly, apparently because Sero didn't only get weak in the knees for Todoroki. Who by the way also seemed astounded by his victory and didn't immediately let go of Sero's hand which left him stuttering over his words congratulating him for his win. And luckily Shinsou caught the slight blush covering Todoroki's features, still holding Sero's hand and watching the tape boy closely.

Until they were both shocked out of their bubble by Bakugou getting annoyed and demanding they resume playing in a very Bakugou manner, which included a few explosions. Obviously. The two boys had jumped apart and were now awkwardly avoiding each others gaze while Sero grabbed the bottle.

While Sero continued the game Shinsou's gaze fell back on Kaminari, who glanced between the bottle and his switch, obviously bored when the next few participants chose truth. Shinsou could relate, he would rather play Mario Kart with the blond. Although there are many situations where he would rather play video games with the blond. There was just something calming about the way he would easily fill the quiet with constant chatter about this and that and Shinsou loved listening to him. He enjoyed not being forced into conversation and Kaminari was more than happy to have someone letting him ramble about everything and anything.

Shinsou was completely spaced out when the object of his constant stare moved enough to get him back to reality. Looking at the table to determine the chosen person to be embarrassed, the bottle pointed at no other than Kaminari. Or rather his now empty seat. Shinsou only caught a glimpse of him and Mina in the elevator, before the doors closed. And he was left questioning whether he had fallen asleep momentarily for he couldn't recall their exchange of words nor any of the previous rounds really.

Leaning forward he once again requested answers from his seat neighbour, who just looked at him and grinned: “Oh you're going to like this”.

“Wow absolutely not suspicious or anything, so please tell me that Kaminari's going to survive”. Sero just snorted and they made idle chatter until their two classmates returned.

Everyone turned when the elevator opened, revealing Mina and an embarrassed looking Kaminari behind her. When he was forced to walk over to the rest of the group Shinsou almost fell out his chair at the sight. He really must've fallen asleep and this was all just a dream and a good one at that.

Kaminari was wearing one of Mina's skirts and all Shinsou saw were his long legs, stumbling a little on his way over. He wore black knee high socks and the black skirt only reached his mid thigh and Shinsou felt light headed. His yellow shirt was tucked in making his waist seem so much smaller than it actually was, begging to be grabbed. And because the shirt was tucked in, it also pulled down around the neckline, revealing a collarbone that would look really good with a hickey. At least in Shinsou's humble opinion.

“Close your mouth or you'll start drooling bro”, Sero chuckled besides him and got him more or less out of his stupor, still focused on the blond. He could only choke on his reply and finally close his mouth licking his dried out lips.

By now Kaminari stood a bit awkward at the top of the table, blushing a little and fumbling with the end of the fabric. At the others good natured hollers, light hearted comments and at least one camera pointing at the blond, Shinsou had to hold back a glare, wanting to grab the electric boy and lock him into his dorm so he would be the only one who got to see him like that. All cute and pretty. He could swear he saw eyeliner around the golden eyes and the blush had to be underlined by make up.

But there was a little crease between his brows, which only appeared when Kaminari was overthinking something, so in a weird wave of confidence and protectiveness Shinsou wanted to voice something complimentary because he just looked stunning. What came out was spoken a little too loud and got the attention of the whole table: “You look good”.

The awkward silence that followed was absolutely not recognised by Shinsou, who was completely mesmerized by the bright smile that was now on Kaminari's face. He seemed more confident and proud of his look, swishing his hips and making the hem of the skirt fly a little before he sat down with a satisfied grin, and a blush a little redder than before.

“Thanks Shinsou I actually always wanted to try something along the lines of a skirt or dress but always chickened out, because I was worried about weird reactions and all that but its really nice actually”. And with that the silence was broken and the others followed Shinsou's example by encouraging the teenager to experiment with his self expression. Even Bakugou offered to take him shopping some time.

And like that the game resumed. The next rounds were filled with laughter at ridiculous dares and whispered answers to uncomfortable truths. Although a little distracted, Shinsou was really enjoying himself until it was his turn. And of course.

“Truth or Dare Shinsou?”, Kaminari asked expectantly. Shifting uncomfortably at the attention of everyone he mumbled “Truth” to try and escape getting anything on camera. “So tell us Shinsou do you, as the mysterious bad boy that you are, have a crush on anyone?”.

“Seriously dunce face where are we? At middle school?” Bakugou snapped, only to be aggressively shushed by Mina leaning across the table to not miss his answer. Hmm, so she didn't know.

And once again Shinsou was very happy about his absolute poker face, or he would have blushed profusely at the question. As he was, he could just look intently at Kaminari say “Yes”, grab the bottle and start spinning, ignoring the gaping mouth of Mina.

Something that didn't escape his attention was Kaminari's mimic, going from astounded to confused to upset and then a neutral expression within a few seconds. For once he didn't know what to do with his observation.

”Well that's not fair you gotta tell who”, Mina was pouting. “Why? I was supposed to answer Kaminari's question truthfully and I did, come on now Kirishima truth or dare?”, he just continued the game. And conveniently he could dare Kirishima to kiss Bakugou on the cheek so the attention was drawn away from him. But he could still feel golden eyes boring into his head.

“Very smooth”, Sero remarked dryly, almost being drowned out by explosions. Ignoring Bakugou's rage, apparently directed at him, he turned and grinned: “Gotta keep the mysterious bad boy front”. He could hear Sero's laugh after a few seconds, the explosions stopping abruptly.

A little confused Shinsou's attention was redirected and he only saw Kirishima pulling back, having completed his dare. And Bakugou seemed completely out of it. He just stared at the tabletop and raised a trembling hand to his cheek, blush spreading over his whole face.

“I think he just broke Bakugou”, Shinsou fake whispered to Sero and the whole table was now laughing, while Bakugou startled out his daze and began cursing the whole room and their mother.

But when the explosions restarted and Kirishima had to restrain Bakugou or he would've jumped across the table, they all agreed to finish the game night for that day. Shinsou was glad to leave and try for some sleep but he had more fun that evening than he had expected.

So he stood and stretched, feeling his back crack satisfyingly after sitting for a while and yawned, the fatigue getting to him. When he reopened his eyes and saw Kaminari standing in front of him, he stiffened in surprise, reminded of the legs – the skirt, reminded of the skirt Kaminari was still wearing.

At the closeness he couldn't hold back the traitorous blush, when Kaminari started to fumble with the hem of the skirt again and the movement drew his attention to the legs on display. Even worse, when he looked back up Kaminari stared at him expectantly as if he had asked a question and fuck, did he just completely faze out because of his skirt? Well yes but in his defence he was really tired and Kaminari was really pretty. Nothing he can do about it now though, so in hopes that it was a yes or no question he just nodded, trying very hard not to glance down, at the pink lips or exposed collarbone. This should be illegal or something.

But when Kaminari started to smile widely and grab Shinsou's wrist, who was he to complain. In this state he would do everything for the boy dragging him to the elevator. He couldn't stop his gaze from wandering to the others butt in front of him. The skirt was swishing around with every step and the sight was hypnotizing.

His head snapped up though, when the blond boy turned and started talking, waiting for the elevator. And Shinsou couldn't hold back the small smile, while Kaminari listed various stats of different Mario Kart characters. Both of them too much involved in each other to realise Kaminari was still holding Shinsou's wrist.

Only when they were in the elevator and Kaminari started gesturing violently, really getting into his rant, did he let go and Shinsou immediately missed the warmth. But not for long because, ignoring that he had already missed Shinsou's floor, Kaminari took his wrist again to pull him to his room.

The door closed and Shinsou was still not sure why he was even here so he just stood there. And so Kaminari pulled him to the bed and pushed.

The action shook Shinsou out of his unfocused mind. He was half laying in Kaminari's bed, who was still in a skirt and standing above him and still smiling. In this situation he really couldn't keep his mind out the gutter and just stared at Kaminari speechless and a blush burning on his cheeks.

“Scoot over”, the blond seemed absolutely undeterred and got Shinsou back to reality. Who now also recognized the switch in Kaminari's hands and started putting the puzzle pieces together. Even when he was tired and his short trip to fantasy land left him a little out of it, he hadn't lied when he had said that he liked playing with Kaminari. Playing Mario Kart. Just Mario Kart.

So he did scramble back on the back til he sat on the wall side and Kaminari made himself comfortable while setting the game up.

And Shinsou was lost again. The skirt had ridden up just a little, revealing even more of the pale muscular thighs, and Shinsou really wanted to grab, just to see how the flesh would indent beneath his fingers. However before he had the chance to do anything he might regret, Kaminari got up again.

“Do you mind? I'm just gonna change into something a little warmer, then we can start”, he announced already finding the zipper on the skirt, and Shinsou really had to look away to avoid getting a boner from seeing him change out of a skirt.

Not a minute later Kaminari bounced back on the bed grabbing one of the controllers and choosing the route and Shinsou was safe to look again. Still didn't change how pretty Kaminari looked in the dimmed light and bright screen in front of them. He really had to find his focus again.

“Come on let's get started” the blond almost whined. So Shinsou grabbed his controller and they played. The first few rounds Shinsou lost unsurprisingly, but once he did find his focus again he beat Kaminari almost every other round.

And they laughed and Kaminari talked and he even got Shinsou to respond a little more now that he wasn't close to nodding off or jumping Kaminari and when they realized it was getting later but Shinsou didn't want to leave he proposed a movie.

“Alright what genre are we feeling?”, Kaminari asked, standing up to grab his laptop.

“I haven't seen a good horror movie in some time, but I'm up for something else if that's not your thing”, Shinsou shrugged

“I actually haven't seen a horror movie that I thought was scary yet so I'm up for suggestions or we could watch one neither of us has seen?”.

At that Shinsou perked up. “Is that a challenge or do you want to sleep tonight?”

Kaminari laughed. “Oh you can keep me awake any night”, yeeting the laptop onto the bed and standing again to grab snacks.

He was competely unaware of Shinsou's now racing brain. He was trying to keep his mind uninterrupted by the horny thoughts – there was no way that Kaminari knew how that sounded, that would mean he was flirting and Shinsou wasn't delusional.

So he decided to ignore the comment and just suggested the Conjuring trilogy which Kaminari hadn't heard of so they settled in, commencing the movie, the laptop and snacks between them.

A good hour into the movie and the snacks were snacked away and Kaminari really took it well, getting excited rather than scared, but flinching at the jump scares nonetheless. After a bad one Shinsou couldn't hold back a chuckle which earned him a hit in the upper arm and a “What is even up with you, you robot”. He shrugged, he just didn't react to jump scares any more. Too many horror movies, if that's possible.

Still, in the end both of them had somehow ended up pressed right next to each other in the middle of the bed and at the finale Kaminari had grabbed Shinsou's upper arm in excitement and/or fear. At this point he really wasn't sure. Not that he was complaining.

Afterwards he did ask though, getting an unidentifiable “Wouldn't you like to know weather boy” in return.

“Are you tired yet or do you want to watch the second one? Either is fine by me” Shinsou prompted unsure whether he himself would rather stay or sleep. Kaminari was really warm against his side and the bed was very comfortable.

“Can we just start it and if we don't finish we can watch the rest next time?”

Heart fluttering at the promise of next time, because it almost felt like a date -a totally platonic one- so he nodded.

When they resumed watching with a comment and flinch here and there, Shinsou was lulled in the warmth and the noise of the movie slowly pulling him under. He hadn't even realised he'd nodded of until his pillow started moving.

“Hey it's alright I'm just putting the laptop down, you can keep sleeping”. And really not in the mood to argue right now so he just laid down completely and drifted off again, not hearing the small chuckle and whispered “good night” from Kaminari.

- - - - - - - - - -

Shinsou woke up to bright hair tickling his face and another body weighing down his own. Sleepily reaching out he combed the hair away from his face and brought his hand back around to the others waist.

The blond currently laying on top of him.

Looking around and realising he was not in his own room and remembering last night, Shinsou didn't know what to do. He probably couldn't leave without waking Kaminari so...eeehh

Alright. Slowing down. Facts: He had fallen asleep in Kaminari's bed last night, for whatever reason Kaminari hadn't kicked him out, but had fallen asleep, presumably next to him and somehow they had ended up cuddling so close Shinsou had problems breathing. Oh no wait he was just panicking. Okay. Everything is fine. Just fine.

He glanced down again. Kaminari's features softened in his sleep, for once there wasn't some version of a smile on his face and he looked beautiful. Not that he didn't when he smiled, but this relaxed version was a rare sight.

His mouth was slightly opened and he was drooling on Shinsou's shirt, but that was a small price to pay for perfection. Then he shifted a little, nuzzling his head against Shinsou's chest and his eyelids started to flutter and not knowing what else to do, Shinsou closed his eyes and let Kaminari decide his next action.

What he didn't expect was for the blond to hastily scramble back and falling down on the floor with a crash. Obviously Shinsou could “wake up” now so he opened his eyes, acting confused, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

“What are you doing on the floor”, he muttered bemused, voice deep from sleep. Kaminari still seemed in shock, bright red in the face and only able to stutter out some answer.

“Hmm”, so Shinsou stood, cracking his neck, realising he had slept in last days clothes and not even brushed his teeth last night. When he looked down Kaminari quickly turned his head away, completely red in the face. He reached down to help Kaminari up, who continued to find Shinsou's shirt and the door really interesting.

“Coffee?”, Shinsou grumbled, already turning away, knowing that he wasn't the only one addicted to the bean juice.

“Please”, Kaminari whined and followed him to the elevator.

And so they returned to their daily schedules, the undiscussed night staying undiscussed, and the fact that Shinsou hadn't slept that well in years kept to the insomniac himself and a very curious Sero.

Chapter Text

It wasn't unusual that UA held some kind of school festivals but still, Shinsou hated each one with a passion. Each event was unavoidably connected to over socialisation and until now he hadn't gotten away with sneaking out. At least one of his dads always realised and forced him back to complete some unnecessary task.

Also, most of the time was spend with at least one other student and if he had to listen to another of Todoroki's conspiracies or Midoriya's hour long ramblings he would ask Sero to strangle him with his tape.

Luckily the universe had other plans and Aizawa seemed to try and appease him, having him listed first with a job at one of the stands, where most people don't speak with you unless you initiate. But what really got him interested for the first time was the electric boy who would join him at selling or presenting whatever.

The days leading to the day of the festival were busy, even on his weekend at home it seemed he was mostly babysitting Eri while one or both of the pro heroes were gone, phoning around, or tipping aggressively at their laptops. But the two kids had fun nonetheless, playing card games and Eri even got Shinsou to play dress up with her. Which also ended in a dozen very embarrassing pictures he would somehow have to delete the coming days. If he found the time.

Back at the dorms everyone was very excited, most of the girls coordinating a cheer routine while also getting the boys to join their training sometime, some more often than others.

Bakugou was astoundingly elegant and seemed to pick up the steps very fast. It shouldn't have been as surprising as it was when he did the splits in the middle of the common room. Shinsou had seen Kirishima almost fainting near the couch, eyes wide and very focused on the blond, who was then sitting with crossed arms while the girls around him also tried to get in the position.

But he himself wasn't any better. Kaminari was also one of the few boys regularly attending and every time he started swaying his hips and moving perfectly to the music wherever they were training, Shinsou was entranced.

That one time when he had come back from a small grocery run with Sero, they were dancing on the greens just outside their dorms, so obviously Sero had to join. Which left Shinsou to watch helplessly as the music started again and the group began moving. Even in Kaminari's grey sweatpants and loose white shirt – a little too loose to be his own – his movements were controlled perfectly and executed precisely.

It was the hottest thing Shinsou had seen since, well the last time he Kaminari dancing. Which was also why he was a little surprised when he got to know Kaminari would be by his side at the - food? Brochures? Information? - stand, selling stuff to people when the cheer squad was obviously his passion.

So the evening before their big day, Shinsou asked.

In comparison to the days before, it was a quiet evening. Midoriya, Momo, Jirou, Mina and Iida were playing cards and Shinsou was reading when the blond had entered and promptly collapsed on Shinsou's couch.

“I'm never training with Kirishima and Bakugou again.”

“That bad?”, chuckled Shinsou, while closing his book to focus on Kaminari.

“They are still going and the training per se wasn't even that bad. But whatever weird courting thing the two are doing? Nope. No thank you, they should keep that to themselves. I think I saw Bakugou getting turned on by Kirishima slamming him into the wall, and I just left. Can you brainwash me into forgetting? Please”

Sitting up a little Shinsou had to agree it was just weird at this point. They should just confess and get together and be happy or whatever. At least both of them had to know the other liked them. Right? But who was he to judge right now. He was gazing at the blond, who was looking at him with big pleading eyes and Shinsou scoffed.

Yeah right because someone like Kaminari would like someone like Shinsou. For sure. He could very much dream on on his own thank you very much.

“What's so funny”, Kaminari eyes turned into a glare, “I'm suffering and willing to search for bleach right now and you dare laughing at me?” One of his hands reached up to his head, pretending to faint “shall I die by thy lousy rebuttal, thou should know it was by thy hand I was slain.”

“Very dramatic. I didn't know you were into the classics” Shinsou laughed quietly, which got him a light slap to the knee.

“Well excuse me for having interests”

“Oh apropos interests, why aren't you performing at the festival with the cheers? You're really good at dancing” Shinsou mumbled, trying to get to the point as fast as possible.

At that Kaminari blushed a pretty shade of pink. He started stuttering a little “Eehm yeah so funny coincidence I had actually accidentality already put my name down for the stand thing before realising the time would overlap on those things”.

He wasn't meeting Shinsou's eyes. There was another reason he wouldn't tell. The lists were out for a few days for any changes. No way he couldn't have just crossed his name out. Shinsou didn't need to know everything, but he was very curious. Apparently the smaller boy had something to hide. Usually the blond couldn't wait to share everything with everyone, so what got him so shy?

And obviously he tried changing the topic now. “So what got you so interest in the stand thing”

Shinsou decided to let it go for the moment. They had a few hours the next day when Shinsou could try and get Kaminari to answer his questions, so he answered, “Gotta do the involuntary part until I can leave and the stand thing is the least social thing and after the last time Aizawa wanted somewhere he could keep an eye on me so...”, he shrugged.

Kaminari nodded along, glancing up at something on Shinsou's forehead. When he realised the blond's fixated look he asked if there was something on his face. To which the blond sat up and got all close and wow now Shinsou's brain was running in panicked circles. Kaminari leaned even closer and he basically had a lap full of pretty boy and a hand reaching out and stroking through his hair. He shuddered. It felt nice.

“Sorry there was a fluff thingy in your hair. It was really distracting”, he said innocently as if he didn't sent Shinsou in a gay panic once again. And he still hadn't moved.

The silence between them was palpable until someone cleared their throat and they jumped apart, Shinsou almost stumbling to the floor. Iida was standing above them chopping the air and reminding them of the time and that they had to get up early the next day, even though it was the weekend so maybe they should go to bed and all that. The girls and Midoriya were already waiting for the elevator.

“Yeah you guys go ahead we're gonna get the next one”, Shinsou got out, a little befuddled by the last few minutes.

They both stared at the little group disappearing behind elevator doors and as soon as they were closed he could hear Kaminari start giggling. Chopping the air in Iida's go to arm movement he imitated: “Go to bed on time and eat your vegetables then you will get fast and strong like me”

Unable to hold back, Shinsou joined him laughing. The situation was just absurd.

Subsequently their laughter was disrupted by Bakugou and Kirishima's entrance, but at the question what they were laughing about they just looked at each other and started laughing again. It hadn't even been that funny. But they didn't stop until Kaminari's laughter was interrupted by loud yawning. Which was when they started to the elevator, still giggling and grinning on the short ride.

The next day really began early with setting up. Too early. Shinsou was on his third coffee already and didn't even have half as much energy as Kaminari. The electric boy excitedly set up, rambling about how they had perfect view of the stage were the performances were being held and how nice the weather was and that Mina had showed him their cheer uniforms earlier and 'Shinsou they are sooo pretty'.

Nonetheless Shinsou already had the time of his life. Kaminari's eyes appeared to be glowing in the morning sun and his hair was molten gold and he was grinning the whole time he was setting up, Shinsou sitting on a nearby chair. He should feel guilty really, having Kaminari do all the work.

But then Kaminari was bending over to get something out of some box and it was too early for Shinsou not to stare and the blonde really wasn't paying attention.

Someone cleared their throat and he flinched so hard he almost spilled some of his precious coffee. He turned around to glare at the interruption and his shoulders went up to his ears.

It was Aizawa. Aizawa had caught him slacking off and staring at Kaminari's ass. He would throw himself off a cliff now thank you very much.

“Shinsou”, came his strained voice and he knew this would come up the next time he was alone with one or both of his dads. It was too early for this.

“I was just about to help Kaminari, alright?”, Shinsou said, standing up and moving next to Kaminari to seem like he knew what they were supposed to do.

“Yeah sure, helping”, Aizawa dead panned, Shinsou blushed, “I just wanted to remind you that the first people will be here in like 15 minutes so finish up”. And he left. Probably to tell Present Mic or get more coffee. Shinsou wasn't the only one suffering from the early hour. But he was the only one suffering from having his dad catch him staring at a pretty boy. Just yeet him already.

He sighed, setting his coffee down and turning to Kaminari. “Sorry about not helping you out, is there anything else I can do?”

“Meh it's fine I don't mind the morning and I now those aren't really your time of the day so don't worry”, the smile Kaminari sent him was soft, not helping Shinsou's blush. “Although could you help me put that pole thingy up there? It is too high and I am cursed with shortness”.

Kaminari pointed too the only pole hanging around loosely and Shinsou reached one hand up to grab it and put it in it's rightful place. He could feel his shirt riding up a little when he had to grasp another part to try and combine the pieces.

“How did you get it up there at all? I mean, I have problems reaching it and no offence but I am a little taller than you”, he teased while making sure all the parts were in the right place.

He didn't get an answer. “Kaminari?”

Finally clicking the pole together he turned to face Kaminari again. And something suddenly hit him in his chin and he stumbled backwards, barely managing to keep his balance.

“Oh my god I'm so sorry I was just watching you do the thing and, and spaced out? I guess. Sorry again I hope you're fine let me see. Are you bleeding? Omg you're not gonna die are you?”. Kaminari was bright red in the face and was touching around his own head while reaching out to Shinsou. He led him to back to his chair and pressed his coffee cup in his hand, fumbling around with words and hands.

Shinsou wasn't even hurt or something but Kaminari's worried face was very cute and did well at distracting him from what little pain he felt. Until the blond was touching around where they bumped together and Shinsou hissed at what would surely bruise. He placed his coffee down again and grabbed Kaminari's curious hand. He tried to catch his eye while Kaminari tried the exact opposite, to pointedly stare away from Shinsou's face.

“Hey”, Shinsou grabbed his chin and tilted it up, forcing their eyes to meet ,“I'm fine, it was an accident. Are you okay?”

The golden irises staring back at him never left his indigo ones when Kaminari nodded slowly. They were lost in each other and Shinsou couldn't hold back to softly glide his thumb along his cheekbones, still warm from the blush.

“Good morning little listener”, a shrill voice interrupted their moment^TM.

And once again Shinsou wanted the cliff option. Kaminari flinched and drew up his shoulders, even his ears shining red. He quickly turned around and stuttered something about the box and unpacking and went a few meters away.

Shinsou watched him leave before turning around to greet the newcomer. “Seriously? Not 5 minutes without supervision?”

“Okay rude that was 15 minutes and you two are the only ones not completely set up. People will be here in a few and you obviously need another coffee”, Yamada started, gesticulating wildly and - as always - just a little above the normal volume. “And I had to see for myself whether the rumour was true”

“What rumour?” Shinsou asked, finishing his coffee. He turned away, shortly telling Kaminari that he was getting another coffee and if he wanted one. Which - as always - got him a negative and so he began walking next to Yamada to the next coffee machine.

“You know Aizawa was just by the teachers lounge and had interesting news and I just had to confirm. My perfect observation skills have led me to the same conclusion”, he grinned widely. Shinsou just groaned.

“No thank you nothing is going on between me and Kaminari. We're just friends and maybe I appreciate our friendship very dearly but if “ he knowingly enunciated with a pointed glare “if there was some feelings involved I do not want advice from your emotionally incapable ass. I know just how long you and dad were tip toeing around each other”, he placed his mug under the coffee machine and started it, effectively shutting conversation down for a few seconds.

“So those none existent feelings got you swinging around monologues at 8 in the morning, barely on your fourth coffee? Sure little one-”

“I'm almost taller than you” Shinsou intervened

“Maybe but there's a reason I can walk in high heels and I will use that if you dare growing those last centimetres”, he put his hands on his hips and glared over his glasses as if that would make him seem more consequent.

“Sure thing, but I gotta get back to my own loud blond so later”, Shinsou stuck out his tongue, Yamada making the 'I see you' motion, before he turned around to find back to their stand.

Which he found empty? Where did Kaminari leave to now? He sighed and plopped into his chair. Apparently everything was set up but he would have to deal with the first wave of people already looking around the stands around him.

That's when Mina's voice boomed across the space, standing on the stage in the cheer uniform. “Good morning and welcome...” and Shinsou had already blended her out.

He started people watching, in the hopes of seeing something interesting. Shinsou maybe wasn't the most social but strangers could be interesting as long as they were not talking to him. He found the spot were Yamada was watching him from. A small corner also with a stand, but just maybe far away enough they would fall for a dummy, he just needed to find a mop with purple strands and he could try another escape.

Music forced his attention back to the stage. He almost fainted at the sight.

The cheer squad had their first show of the day and in the second row, just behind Mina was Kaminari. Swaying his hips in one of the bright orange skirts, the cropped shirt showing his midriff.

He was beautiful. And that without according for the movements. Smooth as always and perfectly executed. He looked strong and elegant at the same time and Shinsou really wanted to get closer.

Sparing a quick glance to Yamada's watching spot and seeing him distracted was all he needed. Getting closer without taking his eyes off of Kaminari was a bigger problem. He almost crashed into like five people, before a hand grabbed him and pulled him to a stand right in front of the stage.

He turned and saw Sero grinning at him Todoroki standing awkwardly behind him.
Shinsou was back to staring at Kaminari instantly.

How beautiful can one human being even be? There couldn't be anything hotter than Kaminari, sweating slightly in the sun, skirt twirling around his legs, top riding up with some movements. He was moving freely and intricately to the steady beat.

Wait a second. He was looking back at Shinsou, his grin widening just a little and then he winked. He winked. Shinsou was sure to have a heart attack. He was sweating without having moved much and he was pretty sure there was nothing else in the world but Shinsou, Kaminari and the music.

Much too quickly - according to Shinsou - the show was over and he could see Kaminari leaving stage and strutting over to them. Shinsou shook his head trying to regain his bearings. And then he stood before him once again. Fabric dancing around his thighs and grin plastered on his face.

Wow.

He hadn't said that out loud did he?

Kaminari blushed even more. The performance must've been exhausting. It was surely the performance.

“Ehm you were great up there, uhm what changed your mind to you know join?”, Shinsou nervously rubbed the back of his neck.

“Oh Hagakure had something bad for breakfast and had to go to Recovery girl and wouldn't have been in time for the first show so Mina asked if I could jump in, I hope it wasn't too annoying, dealing with the stand alone-” he trailed off, raising an eyebrow.

Shinsou – meanwhile - was not staring at Kaminari's biceps. Nope. But if he was...how could someone so elegant have such great muscles? Why did it look so good on the blond? It really should be illegal to be so strong and smooth and delicate and lean and and and he was being stared at.

“Ehem yes?”, he tried the same tactic as last time. Apparently less successful, Kaminari just dead panned and started dragging Shinsou back to their stand, throwing a quick “see you later Sero, 'Roki” to the other teens.

They were already expected by an exhausted Aizawa, emptying Shinsou's coffee cup. This time he didn't even say anything. He just stared for a moment and left to what was previously Yamada's spot.

Kaminari giggled. “He really has a soft spot for you”

“Yeah sure a 'soft spot'”, Shinsou sighed and sat. He would hear about this later.

But back to the problem at hand, the problem which was leaning back against their table, directly in front of Shinsou. His legs were crossed, once again pronouncing the strong, lean muscles on his thighs, disappearing under the skirt. He had closed his eyes and thrown his head back to catch the sun. Against the bright orange of his outfit his skin appeared a little paler than usual and the choker around his neck underlined the delicate curve. Shinsou wanted to mark that beautiful long neck up.

And apart from his looks of course Shinsou was happy for Kaminari that he was so confident in himself to challenge his insecurities and some gender roles along the way.

“You know I think it's brave, that you can be confident in that outfit”

“Excuse me?”, Kaminari snapped back, affronted. His hands were sparking off little electric bursts. Shinsou's eyes went wide. That was not what he wanted to say.

“Wait no no, sorry not like that ehm I just you know like” Shinsou was stumbling over his words “I ehm I like your outfit?”. Kaminari just raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. “And I admire how you dismantle gender roles so easily? That's like really important to see in upcoming heroes. And of course you look gorgeous and should just wear whatever you want regardless of message. I mean not completely regardless but like...”, he was disrupted with a chuckle.

“Did I just get you, Mr Shinsou Hitoshi to ramble, like really rivalling Midoriya here and at like 9 o'clock in the morning?”, the electric boy mused, “But thank you. For a moment you really kicked my insecurities there. But I am willing to forgive you for another compliment” he leaned forward, revealing a little more collarbone and Shinsou swallowed.

“Oh ehm yeah I really like watching you dance?”, another raised eyebrow.

“Is that so?” and Kaminari was smirking, it was so hot and Shinsou really had trouble thinking, “want a private show?”. And that was it. Shinsou was officially deceased.

He knew Kaminari was just joking around, proven by the quiet laugh the electric boy let out while leaning back. And he really had to get his mind away from Kaminari dancing directly in front of Shinsou or in ahem other scenarios.

By now he was surely at least some shade of red in his face but hiding in his coffee mug was unsuccessful, because someone had had to steal it. He grumbled and got up to get a new one. Hopefully he would die of a caffeine overdose. Although then he wouldn't see Kaminari any more and that would really be a shame wouldn't it.

After their interesting morning, the rest of the day was pretty relaxed. Kaminari was mostly getting in conversations with people walking around, attracting them with all his charm, while Shinsou organized the stuff they had lying around and not being jealous of strangers getting a little attention from the human equivalent of the sun.

Aizawa came by another few times and checked how they were doing, beside other things informing Kaminari that Hagakure was feeling well again, but he could still join the other showings of the cheer squad if he wanted to.

Which Kaminari declined? He said something about responsibility and leaving poor introverted Shinsou alone. Who by the way loudly agreed that Kaminari should join the dancing again, which got him a pointed look by Aizawa and another negation from Kaminari.

Something was obviously up and Shinsou still wanted answers from yesterday, so as soon as Aizawa left

“Who are you and what have you done to my Kaminari? Because the Kaminari I know would never pass up a chance to stand in the spotlight with something fun and you have declined twice now”, he squinted his eyes suspiciously at Kaminari, who chuckled and mumbled something under his breath.

“Ah it's nothing just you know a little difference maybe? Trying something else for once, seeing what the introverts are up to yah know. Gotta be honest I'm a little distracted right now, not in the right mind set to be present to the masses”

Shinsou sighed. Another not answer. It was fine. He didn't have to know everything. Kaminari surly would tell him in his own time.

So they continued in their little jobs and the day went by quickly and later it was time to pack up. Shinsou insisted to do most of the clean up, for Kaminari had set up. And Kaminari was obviously exhausted, slumping in their chair, staring into space. They really had had a long day.

Packing and cleaning up as quickly as possible to get going Shinsou was done within a short time. But when he turned around to tell Kaminari they could get going, the other teen had slumped further in the chair, eyes closed.

“Kaminari? You awake buddy?”, he tried softly. No reaction. He looked around, but most of the others had already left and there was no one Shinsou was close enough to, to ask for help. I mean he could ask Aizawa... or he could carry Kaminari the short way the dorms.

Yeah that seemed the most reasonable strategy with absolutely no personal gain or whatever. So he scooched down, gently lifting Kaminari up bridal style and starting the way back. What he hadn't thought about was the outfit Kaminari was still wearing. He really hadn't changed out the cheer uniform the whole day, not that Shinsou had complains. Though it was a little distracting throughout the day.

And now his skirt was riding up a little and Kaminari was nuzzling closer to Shinsou's chest and Shinsou really had to keep his balance at the cuteness.

Then taking the few steps up to their dorm building and awkwardly trying to open the door without letting Kaminari go. Which failed miserably.

“ 'Toshi?”, Kaminari breathed into his ear and really wasn't helping.

“Hey sunshine sorry for waking you, can you stand for a second to get inside?”, Shinsou said while slowly setting the blond boy on the ground. He still groggily leaned on Shinsou's shoulder, who could not get the nickname out his head, screaming internally.

Finally they got inside and in the elevator and arrived at Kaminari's door and after he got his door open successfully Kaminari just fell into his bed and started snoring, Shinsou still on the doorstep.

He smiled fondly at the blond, “Good night Denki”.

Chapter Text

Shinsou was a good student. He knew what the teachers liked and he was quiet and attentive and understood new materials pretty quickly. And most of his teachers knew he was Aizawa and Yamada's son, so that helped to a certain degree.

Not today.

Today, not one of Shinsou's thoughts was focused on the lesson for more than a few seconds. Because Denki – yes, he was Denki now – Shinsou did not blush at that thought, nope; Denki was wearing one of the girl's uniforms skirts. Much to Shinsou's mental torture. Again. He would bet half his soul by now, that that was Denki's one and only intention.

When he had rushed in, a few seconds after their last bell, late as always, his skirt had swished at his hasty movements. And Shinsou, who was gettig his notebooks out, had accidently knocked his head into the table. Loudly. And then got a disappointed stare from Aizawa. And a giggle from Denki.

Worth it.

Luckily, most of his view of Denki was hidden behind Sero, which didn't hold Shinsou back from glancing in his general direction and hoping that their physical barrier – Sero, by name – would shift just right to let him see the object of his desires. Until he met Denki's eyes staring back and they held the contact up till Shinsou was called on and had to scramble for the right solution to some equation. He could hear another giggle.

That's pretty much how the morning went by, stolen glances and cursed math problems. When the bell rang for lunch Denki was faster than Shinsou with packing his stuff. Strutting to his table and leaning against it.

Shinsou had been putting his notebooks in his backpack, when suddenly he could only see leg and promptly hit his head on table again. That chuckle should be illegal.

“What is up with you today? If I didn't know better I would say you're distracted”, Denki smirked and Shinsou could feel his cheeks burning.

“Not at all. Don't know what there would be to be distracted by. Anyway come on the others are waiting” and he scrambled the last of his stuff in his backpack and followed behind Denki – for absolutly no reason – to get going with the rest of the Bakusquad.

They had lunch and conversation flowed easily. Shinsou sat between Denki and Sero at the table. Everything was pretty normal and Shinsou was idly chatting with Sero, when Denki scooched close enough for his bare knee to brush Shinsou's clothed one. Instantly bringing their conversation to an abrupt halt while Shinsou had to reboot.

“Oh sorry did I interrupt something?” Denki leaned over, glancing between Sero and Shinsou.

“Oh nah Shin here was just telling me how he was improving in his training, like a good little teacher's pet”, Sero teased and - freshly rebooted - Shinsou pushed his face away.

“Actually I wanted to ask if we could train sometime again and that last time was really helpful but on second thought maybe Denki would make a better sparring partner”, Shinsou crossed his arms and leaned back into Denki's shoulder.

“Yeah I bet you would like Denki to be your partner eh”, he snickered under his breath. And got another light hit to his shoulder.

“Oh no, I think you two are a good match with your fighting style being so similar and I bet Sero can show you some cool tricks for your capture scarf thing and you already seem to have a schedule so I'm fine - It's fine”, Denki rambled, looking down towards his feet. There was the crease of insecurity between his eyebrows. He was kneading his hands and had sounded quieter than usual.

Sero didn't seem to notice, watching the table where the Dekusquad – including Todoroki - was placed. “Anyway you wanna hang after school Shin? There is this ahem, manga I'd like to discuss” and that pulled Shinsou's focus on him. Sero had a light blush on his cheeks and he was smiling to himself.

That was code for they had some kind of situation with their crushes or just needed to ramble. Shinsou smirked and raised an eyebrow. Sero blushed a little more. He knew what incident Sero was talking about, but he himself also needed to let some steam out, regarding some recent fashion choices of a certain student.

“Sure, I've got another recommendation, your room?”, he grinned.

There was the screetching of a chair and hurried footsteps and when Shinsou turned around Denki was gone. Oh boy. Something was wrong.

He looked at Sero, who just shrugged, but a look across the table revealed two pairs of stern red eyes.

“What the fuck Shinsou”, he had expected anger from Bakugou, but Kirishima? The human form of kindness and smiles? Something really went wrong.

He replayed the last few minutes in his head. Shinsou had just spoken to Sero? He hadn't ignored Denki or said anything rude or insensitive. What was he missing?

However before he could ask the boys had gone after Denki.

“Should I go after them?” he asked the remaining two.

“I think right now Kirishima would rip you to pieces and Bakugou would burn them to ashes”, Sero answered.

Mina was astoundingly quiet. She seemed amused and irritated at the same time, standing up and packing her things together. “You know what? I bet you two clever boys can figure it out.”

She shook her head while leaving and Shinsou could swear he heard her whisper, “And that's why I'm a lesbian”.

Sero shrugged again. The two of them joined the Dekusquad on the return to the classroom.

The afternoon lessons did - according to expectations - not go well. Shinsou was worried and continously distracted and he could swear that either Bakugou or Kirishima were glaring at him constantly. Denki didn't turn around once.

After the last lesson of the day Shinsou tried to get to Denki first, to try and talk to him, but Kirishima and Bakugou obviously were faster and literally escorted Denki to the dorms.

He tried again when he thought everyone should be at their dorms, but at Denki's door no one would answer and he couldn't make out any music which normally played 24/7 when Denki was there.

So he continued upstairs to Sero.

He let himself in and instantly fell into the hammock and placed his arm over his face. He groaned.

“What did I do wrong? It all seemed to go well. And now I've ruined everything and will die alone. And I thought Denki himself would be the death of me with the skirts. And the legs. And the eyes. You have seen his eyes haven't you? What if he doesn't want to look at me anymore Sero? How am I supposed to live without those amber mini suns?”, he sighed and gesticulated, trying to show his point. Yamada really was a terrible influence.

“Alright alright. First of all, dude chill Kaminari isn't the type to cut people out. I'd bet he'll be over it in a few days, but- “, he reached for some controllers, “if you want to, we can distract first and I can tell you what happened with 'Roki after”

“Oh fuck sorry, no please tell me first, I need to know what happened with you two, I'm just really worried about Denki, but you have my full attention now”, he rubbed the back of his neck.

So Sero started retelling what happened and they brainstormed a little how he would continue, but were pretty unanimous in their solution. So after they formed a little plan on how Sero would best ask Todoroki out, he asked again, “Soooo, do you want to talk about the Denki situation or get distracted?”

“Distraction please, I don't think I have any more emotional capacity for today and maybe you were right and it was just something minor”. At least he hoped so. He really couldn't imagine what he would do if Kaminari decided he didn't want to be friends any more. Before he could spiral he grabbed a controller. It reminded him of the game night, and playing Mario Kart with Kaminari.

He shook his head. It wouldn't be fair to Sero to sulk now. They played for a few hours until they talked more than actually paying attention to their game and then they just were just hanging around, not necessarilly talking but just enjoying each others company after a long day.

It had been a while since they had had their last meet up and Shinsou could rant about Denki. He wasn't used to talking this long and it was getting late

“Yo Sero can I grab a hoodie? It got colder than I thought”, Shinsou asked after they had opened a window and the late evening draft cooled the room down significantly.

“Yeah sure, go ahead, right closet top shelf”

He got a big white hoodie out and pulled it over his head, messing up his hair more than usual. Shinsou was one of the tallest students of their class, but in comparison to Sero the hoodie was still oversized on him. But it was comfy and warm and that was the main goal here.

There was a knock on the door. Without thinking Shinsou went for it.

And was promptly faced with Denki, staring down, eyes red and neck blotched with pink spots. But he looked somewhat serious? Or maybe angry? Determined? It was a look Shinsou hadn't often seen on him and he didn't know how to decipher it.

“Sero I think we should talk, there's something I should tell you”, he mumbled at the same time that Shinsou softly said “Denki”.

His head snapped up, eyes wide, first looking at Shinsou, then his hair, then the hoodie and then at Sero on the bed behind him. His eyes got even wider and filled with tears again. He choked, promptly turning around and sprinting off. The door to the stairway was closing before Shinsou could take a step to follow him.

He turned around to look at Sero. “I think I really fucked up”.

Chapter Text

“Noo he didn't...he wouldn't just assume...would he?”, Sero stared wide eyed at Shinsou.

He could just nod. After Kaminari had left, Shinsou had shared his theory with Sero, still a little shocked by the revelation.

“Like no offence dude, we're best bros and all, but I already have whatever I have with 'Roki and just nah,”, the black haired boy grimaced at the thought and Shinsou smiled lightly. “None taken and same, you're so not my type”, he yawned, “I have to sleep on this, ready to call it a night?”

“Yeah no prob, but are you sure you don't want to talk it through at least once?”, Sero looked at him concerned. Shinsou would be too, if their roles were reversed. “Thanks but it's really been a day and I think I have to work this through by myself first okay?”

“Ok ya that sounds like you. Alright then have a good night I guess”.

On his way to his own dorm he tried Denki's door again, without success. He should really try to sleep on it.

Shinsou did not sleep on it. Actually he didn't sleep at all. His thoughts just kept on turning on how he got in this mess and how he could fix it. He couldn't just go up to Denki and casually mention that he was as single as it gets and only had feelings for a certain blond electric quirk user. He tossed and turned for hours without coming to any kind of solution to fix that stupid problem.

The next day was just as horrible as last afternoon. Denki still looked like a kicked puppy and was at all times close to either Bakugou, Kirishima or both and they were doing well with protecting him from invasive questions or any approach from Shinsou. In any other situation he would be glad that Denki had such great friends but right now it wasn't helping him in any way. And he could've sworn Kirishima had growled at him when he first tried to get closer and it had scarily confused him enough to back off.

He couldn't concentrate at all and the sleep depravation wasn't helping. He got concerned looks from both his dads and tried his best to psychically tell them he was fine. He wasn't sure if it had worked. And it didn't get better.

Lunch was extremely awkward, with Bakugou threatening both Shinsou and Sero long enough that they sat with the Dekusquad. Not that Sero minded as much, but the questions were more than a little uncomfortable especially because neither could just answer without revealing both Shinsou's and Sero's crushes. So they only gave unsatisfactory half answers, leading to more questions.

At least in the afternoon they had hero training and worked on quirks strength, so it was mostly in singles. Shinsou was working with his capture scarf when Aizawa came to check on him.

“So, trouble in paradise?”. The question took Shinsou off guard. He had already been in a complicated hold and had a shitty day, thus he crashed on the ground, tangled in the grey material.

“Wow thanks for interrupting my concentration dad”, he grumbled, slowly releasing himself, while absolutely not avoiding Aizawa's eyes.

“You know on the battlefield there are very many distractions and it could be the middle of the night when you are called in. But for real, are you okay and what's been keeping you awake? And don't try to argue, your eyebags are bigger than mine”, Aizawa crouched next too him, helping him out the last of the weapon. When they were both standing up and Shinsou stole a glance at Denki on the other side off the hall. He rubbed the back of his neck.

“I'm fine and it's nothing really, just a stupid misunderstanding and I haven't been able to talk to him about it yet, but I'm on it. No need to intervene”, he glared. It had happened exactly once before and had been the most embarrassing thing in the world so no thank you.

“Alright, if you say so, but please take care of yourself”, he placed a hand on Shinsou's shoulder, “I know it can be – well - complicated with feelings at your age, but seriously if you need to talk about anything, you know your dad and I are here for you”

“Yeah thanks dad”, Shinsou smiled. Maybe he would take him up on that offer - one day. But first he would try to clear up that stupid misunderstanding.

He could not clear things up that day. He tried, he really did. But it didn't seem Kirishima and Bakugou were giving up their jobs as body guards and Denki wouldn't even look at him.

The next day proceeded just the same. Shinsou got maybe an hour of sleep and school was horrible. At least it was Friday and the class had an outing planned for the next day.

After lessons he hung around the common area, in hopes of catching Denki alone and got distracted by another card game Momo had started. Time went by, the students in the room coming and going, but Shinsou didn't want to be left alone with his thoughts, so he stayed.

He was reading when Denki finally came out the elevator. Shinsou sat up straight, completely focused on him. Or rather what he was wearing. Another skirt. This time a dark red, combined with a black crop top and fishnets. Fucking fishnets. Shinsou was glad there was no one but Jirou in the room, because he may or may not have whimpered at the sight. And then there was a choker and make up complimenting the look with a matching dark lipstick and eyeliner sharper than the look Bakugou was giving him right now. Oh right - Bakugou. He was closely following behind Denki, glaring at Shinsou. But he had to try.

“Hey Denki can we please talk? It's not -” he started, but was cut off, surprisingly by Denki himself.

“Sorry, not right now I've got a date”, he raised his chin and strutted out the front door, leaving Bakugou and a very shocked Shinsou behind. His thoughts were tumbling over one another, his feelings not much better, until a sharp voice cut his mind off.

“You know I didn't have a problem with you or Soy Sauce and you can do whatever the fuck you want, but you really hurt Kaminari and you should really think about that, if you want to continue being in his life”, Shinsou had not expected Bakugou to be any kind of calm in this situation, but here they were. And he was desperate.

“You don't understand, this is just a misunderstanding, I-”

“A misunderstanding?”, he was expecting was the yelling, but flinched nonetheless. He could see Jirou sneakily leaving out the corner of his eye. But he couldn't escape this as easily. He had to clear this up.

“Denki crying the whole afternoon after your weird ass flirting at lunch the other day? And then he caught you making out? He was sobbing into Kiri's favourite sweater the whole night”, there were explosions crackling at his hands, the whole dorm must be able to hear them, “You could have at least pretended to care for him enough to tell him before hurting him like that. But no you had to run off with your new boyfriend-”

“But we aren't in a relationship”, he yelled back. He was heaving and had tears in his eyes. Bakugou abruptly halted his rant, staring at him dumbfounded.

“I know I hurt Denki and I understand if he doesn't want to have anything to do with me after this fucking shitshow, but I don't want it to be like that because of some misinterpretation of the fucking situation. And I just wanted to clear that up. But it doesn't matter now because he is off looking like that, on a date that will probably treat him better than I ever could”, he was crying now but it was all going to hell and he would lose Denki and this was not how it was supposed to go.

“Oh shit what's going on”. Kirishima. Shinsou wiped at his face, trying to regain his poker face.

“Ah I was just telling your boyfriend that I'm not in a relationship with Sero and Denki probably will never want to see me again after his awesome date he has going on right now”, he tried as convincing as he can but his voice cracked on the last part and another tear escaped.

He did not expect the huge arms wrapping around him and squeezing. But Kirishima really gave the best hugs. And who was he to be blamed for shedding a few more tears at this whole mess. He wasn't used to this much feelings. A minute passed and he was almost back to his normal self again, though the emotions were still high.

“Come on now, let's get you a coffee and talk this through like responsible almost adults”, there were a few pats to his back and then he had to leave the warm embrace.

They sat at the kitchen table, each with a warm drink of choice and contemplated how they should start the conversation, when surprisingly Bakugou began.

“Denki doesn't have a date”, Shinsou's stupor must've been visible, “He's just shopping with Mina and Aoyama, I don't know why he said that”

All Shinsou could say was “Oh”, before staring back at his coffee.

“Alright now that that is settled you have some explaining to do. Just because you're hurt doesn't mean you didn't hurt Denki first”

So he explained the whole situation. The lunch and his crush and Sero's crush and that they were really just hanging out. When he was finished, his coffee was empty and he felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

He saw them both exchanging a glance. Okay there was a whole conversation going on with those looks. Shinsou began shifting uncomfortable on his seat. “I just want to talk to Denki. It's been some exhausting days without him and I fucking miss him okay?”

It was true. He hadn't even realised how much of his day was claimed by Denki, even if it was just hanging around one another while each doing their own thing or a movie in the evening. And he missed that bright smile and how his eyes would shine when he ranted about one of his favourite topics without interruption and he just missed all of Denki very much.

Kirishima sighed and Shinsou was shook out his thoughts, looking up.

“Yeah it's alright with us, but still up to Denki to decide and if he still doesn't want to talk to you you give him the space he needs, that clear?”, Kirishima looked like himself again, smiling agreeable. But just as fast his tone changed again “And if you dare hurt him again, don't think for a moment you're getting away with all your bones intact”.

And he smiled again.

“Thanks I'll try to remember”, Shinsou dead panned.

So after Shinsou had refilled his coffee they sat back in the common room waiting for Denki's return.

He was talking when he came through the door, sandwiched between Mina and Aoyama. He was also grinning widely, carrying two bags full of clothing in each hand. He still looked beautiful in the outfit he was wearing. Shinsou's heart ached.

Then he saw them on the couches and froze. The bags slipped from his hands. The smile was hidden between a somewhat hurt expression, looking between the couch Kirishima and Bakugou were sharing (really sharing, Bakugou was almost in Kirishima's lap by now) and Shinsou. He tried a little smile, but that only led to Denki avoiding his eyes. Shinsou looked over to Kirishima. He nodded.

“Denki”, he started, standing up and slowly reaching out. Denki just took a step back, glancing back at Kirishima and Bakugou. His expression was unreadable. Shinsou let his arm fall down.

“Please. Just five minutes and if you don't want to hear it after that's fine. I promise. Just- please”, he stared at the floor, not wanting to pressure Denki any more. Ironically, given Shinsou's quirk, Denki had all the power over him right now. He really would have to succumb to his faith if he didn't want to hear it.

He heard a sigh. “Five minutes. Upstairs. Your room”, and he left for the elevator, not once looking if Shinsou followed him. Of course he scrambled to catch up, even if it was to one of the most embarrassing elevator rides ever.

He rubbed his neck. Great start. Really. He glanced at Denki, who stubbornly stared at the door in front of them. Without a word they went to Shinsou's door and stepped inside, and Denki leaned against the wall right next to the door. He really needed to get this right.

“All right, get started. Five minutes and I'm out of here”, Denki said and his demeanour told him that he really would be out after those five minutes. And Shinsou's mind was blank.

He stuttered, “Well- I'm – You – It's just – Ah shit”, Denki stared unimpressed and Shinsou could feel a blush on his cheeks. He rubbed his neck again.

“I – ehm – well I think there's been a – well – a misunderstanding? I think”

“You think?”, Denki dead panned, “It seemed all very clear to me if I recall correctly”

“No you don't - “, he tried again, but was interrupted. Denki pushed off the wall and started pacing up and down in front of the door. There were little electric shocks running over his arms and legs and his hair floated a little. The skirt swished every time he turned.

“No seriously it all makes sense.”, he started getting worked up, gesticulating and counting on his hand, “You know at that game night? Truth or dare? You already said that you liked someone and and then distracted from your answer and then started giggling with Sero. At the festival? You left our stand to be at Sero's. You stared at him the whole day in class just a few days ago. Then the weird ass flirting and then you know what-” , he scoffed, getting louder, “I wanted to tell Sero about my fucking crush on you, so there would be no hard feelings between us. And then guess who was already in his room, making out and stealing sweatshirts and fuck if I know-”. His voice cracked.

“But really it's fine. I'm fine I mean it's just a stupid misunderstanding right”, he snarled. “And here I was, stupidly thinking there was anything between us. You know I didn't have a date earlier. I just wanted you to maybe feel an ounce of the hurt I felt. But yeah sure, I'm just means to an end, to get closer to the squad and Sero-”

“I'm not-”, Shinsou sighed, he had to state this clearly. He stared with intent at the very angry looking Denki. “I'm not in a relationship with Sero”

He did not expect the forced laugh he got from Denki. He could hear the tears in his eyes, before he saw them. “Yeah sure next thing that you say is that you have feelings for me. I mean it's fine if you want to keep it a secret, but you could at least try and be subtle around it. No need to find excuses”. Shinsou could just stare. “Your five minutes are almost up Shinsou, anything else?”. Ouch. Back from Hitoshi to Shinsou within what? A week?

He took a deep breath. “Wait, I still have a minute. Alright. Fuck, alright. The truth or dare? I was looking at you while answering it Denki. Because I do have a fucking crush on you alright. Maybe more” Another scoff, but Shinsou kept going, “At the festival I wanted to get closer to the stage; to your performance and Sero and Todoroki's stand was the closest to stage. You look beautiful when you dance and I couldn't take my eyes off of you. And I wasn't staring at Sero in class I was staring at you. And I wasn't flirting with him. He has a massive crush on Todoroki and I have no interest in him. Just you. And lastly we weren't making out. We were just hanging and I was cold. Please Denki you have to believe me”

The blond looked unsure now. The tears had started falling while Shinsou had talked, the make-up leaving dark trail on his face. He took a step closer to Denki and tried to take his hand. Denki flinched and took a step back.

“Seriously, please just consider it. You can take all the time you need, I will wait for you, and you can decide if you still want to have anything to do with me, but I'm not with Sero. You can go ask him”

Denki just stared for a second. Then shook his head.

“I have to think about this”, and before Shinsou could say or do anything, he was gone.

Shinsou didn't know what to do. After Denki had left, he replayed their talk a few more times. He said everything he needed to explain the situation, didn't he? Now it was Denki's decision.

He slumped into his bed, exhausted. There was relief, although he wasn't cleared yet, but he had done everything in his power. He had tried. He hid his face in his elbow and just breathed for a moment, feeling whatever feelings were going on. Maybe he should try to get some sleep, even if it wasn't long til dinner. Surprisingly even for himself, he fell asleep rather quickly, the day really had been exhausting.

An aggressive knocking woke him, probably like an hour later. “Hey eyebags it's fucking dinner get down”. Shinsou slid his hand through his hair on the way to the door. Bakugou was already half the hall down before he could catch up to him.

“You know anything?”, he asked, straight (hah) forward and totally not eager .

“Nosey fucker. Denki'll talk to you later so shut up”, despite his words even Bakugou seemed a little more relaxed than the last few days. And that had to be a good sign right? Right?

Shinsou wasn't sure how he got anything down at dinner. His leg was shaking and the anxiety he had sidestepped before hit harder now. Denki still sat away from him, also still in the outfit from before and it wasn't helping Shinsou's confused emotional state. Maybe he was staring, but when their eyes first met he got a small smile from the blond and his heart burst. He wouldn't have pushed the blush down even if he could. He knew it was gonna be okay. It just had to be. His leg stopped shaking, although his heartbeat didn't slow.

After dinner there was another game night, but Shinsou really didn't feel like it and Denki appeared in front of him not soon after.

“Come on”, Denki had appeared in front of him. He looked so pretty in the skirt, and with his determined face he completed the dark look. His lipstick was slightly smeared from dinner. Shinsou's eyes lingered. In comfortable silence they went for Denki's room this time.

They were barely in the room when Denki started.

“Alright Hitoshi”, a pointed look and hands on his hips. Shinsou's heart fluttered, he was somehow still nervous and pretty sure his hands were trembling. His neck itched.

“I'm not over this whole fiasco-”. He stiffened, his eyes finding the floor, but Denki didn't stop, “but I am willing to give you another chance. Will you join me for the arcade tomorrow?”

Shinsou's eyes shot up. He nodded vigorously, not sure if his voice would give up on him right now. Relief flooded his body. His shoulders relaxed as he stared into molten gold.

“I'm gonna make this right”, he promised. And Denki grinned and oh, how Shinsou had missed his smile. He was pretty sure they just stared at each other for five minutes. Everything felt right.

“Perfect and now leave please, I haven't exactly gotten any good sleep the last few days and today's been exhausting. Plus I have a hopefully redeeming date tomorrow so if you would kindly leave me for my beauty sleep”, Denki sighed. He was nudging Shinsou towards the door, still grinning.

“Not that you need it if you asked me”, Shinsou tried and got a pretty pink blush from the smaller blond. And another nudge.

“And same, I- well- I missed you”, he rubbed the back of his neck, now standing in the hallway. Denki's eyes went large and before he knew it, there was a pretty blond boy in his arms, hugging him tightly. After a moment Shinsou hugged back, burying his head in his hair. He breathed in, Denki's smell overwhelming. It was something sweet and definitely his strawberry shampoo and so much of just Denki.

“I missed you too”. He had almost missed it, lost in their embrace, but they were so close. When Denki pulled away he was rubbing at his eyes again and Shinsou was just so happy that this whole mess was over. They would get this right. Denki was smiling again now, smaller than before, softer.

“Good night 'toshi”

Chapter Text

This was horrible. How did Denki always know exactly what to wear? Because Shinsou didn't.

Half his closet was on his bed and he had nothing appropriate to wear. It was relatively warm so comfort hoodies were out and everything else seemed either too casual or too over the top.

They were supposed to meet in like half an hour. He was not panicking but this was an emergency. So he promptly called the only man in his life with an ounce of fashion sense.

“Good morning littl-”,

“Paps? I have a date and nothing to wear. What do I do?”, he interrupted. This was important

“Ohohoho so the you cleared the thing with Kaminari? Good for you. Your dad and I were wondering whether or not we should, you know, help out a bit”, Shinsou could literally hear the winking. He pinched the bridge of his nose.

“No everything is fine, but I can't show up looking like dad, so what do I do? Please”, he really wasn't above pleading right now.

“Alright alright, I get it you're nervous and stuff. So ehm let me think. You probably don't want to much colour right?”, without waiting for a response he continued, ”Oh I got it. Know that black ripped jeans you insisted on buying the last time we were shopping? Try combining it with that purple shirt I got you and if it's too casual for you, you gotta accessorize. Your black boots and maybe some jewellery you know, go wild. Or as wild as you can go”

Shinsou had scrambled in search of the selected items and seemed like Yamada was right. The combination looked casual, but deliberately chosen. Perfect.

“Thanks Paps, love you, wish me luck”, and he promptly ended their call. He would've let Yamada ramble, but he didn't have the time. He got changed and chose two chains and a few rings for accessories. And his dad had been right. He looked good.

But of course, Denki looked better. At least in Shinsou's humble opinion. And he had gotten really comfortable in his skirts apparently, because he wore a black one today. It was barely reaching past his knee and he was wearing black boots similar to Shinsou's. Combined with a dark yellow shirt ending where the skirt began. His hair was pulled back in a low ponytail, revealing his jawline and more of his neck. Damn he looked good.

The elevator doors were starting to close again, when Shinsou was done staring and he had to scramble out to not be stuck on the next ride up.

Apparently Denki had seen. He started giggling when Shinsou made his way over. Shinsou grinned. It was so nice to have happy Denki back.

“Hey”, he greeted, not knowing what else to say. “Hey yourself, handsome”, Denki shot back, looking him up and done and winking. Shinsou blushed, still grinning widely at Denki. Sero left. Oh right. They weren't alone.

And there were only a few students missing, so they would be going soon. Iida was flitting around the room with a list, recording each newcomer.

“Fellow students”, he shouted, shortly after. “We're by now just waiting on Kirishima and Bakugou. But I will tell you already that, as always, we'll be using the buddy system. So choose a partner and please inform me of them. And as always you have to be within earshot of your partner at all times while out.”

Shinsou glanced at Denki, “So wanna be buddies for the day?”

“Oh hopefully not only buddies 'Toshi”, he grinned back and made his way over to tell Iida, who was already surrounded by students.

Shinsou joined the little group consisting of the reduced Bakusquad plus Todoroki, who was standing closely to Sero. He tuned in to a conversation about chocolate? In some context with pro heroes? But Mina and Sero were arguing very seriously and Shinsou was happy to tune back out.

A moment later he felt a tap on his shoulder. When he turned to face whoever, but there was no one there. He turned on his other side, where Denki was now back, giggling once again, grinning up at him. Shinsou rolled his eyes, smiling.

“Seriously?”, Mina spoke up, clearly addressing the two of them, “Right in front of my salad?”. Sero snickered. Denki blushed.

But all their attention was pulled to the elevator when the doors opened to some well beknown yelling by none other than Bakugou.

“I told you to set an alarm and that I didn't have enough battery til the morning and what did you do?”

“Not set an alarm I know. We've been over this, now come on.”, Kirishima dragged the still complaining Bakugou after him and into the common area. His hair was down and his shirt on backwards. And Bakugou was wearing a very red and obviously not his own shirt.

The waiting students were shocked silent as the two made their way over to the squad and everywhere knowing glances were exchanged. Only to be interrupted by a shrill voice, “Oh my god is that a hickey?”.

Bakugou froze, suddenly as silent as the rest of the class. Until they all started laughing, Bakugou going bright red, clutching at his neck. He glared at Kirishima, who was rubbing his neck and avoiding his eye. “Heh sorry, bro”

“Don't you dare 'bro' me”, he scowled, holding his hand out at Sero, still facing Kirishima, “We will talk about this later”.

Sero plopped concealer in his hand without a question and turned back to Todoroki. Iida had also made his way over to the squad and was now scolding Kirishima about punctuality and appropriate clothing and reminded them of the few rules.

And soon enough they were on their way to the train station, Denki by his side babbling away at one thing or another, having Shinsou's full attention. And maybe he stole a few looks at the long line of his neck and that jaw and his exposed collarbones and his arms and maybe he really wanted to hold his hand but how and would that be to fast and maybe he should just wait a little longer.

Although he did rethink this very much on the train ride, Denki squished to his side, for they were sharing two seats with Mina. His skirt having ridden up over his knee and whole thigh pressed against his, and his arm warm against Shinsou's. He was discussing the chocolate thing with Mina. Shinsou still didn't know what it was about. Plus he was maybe a little distracted by how warm Denki was.

Across from them were Bakugou and Kirishima, just as close as him and Denki although they had the whole two seats. And he would bet they were thinking they were being subtle, holding hands between them.

Way too soon the train ride was over and they had to separate for the short way over to the arcade.

Having arrived at the entrance, Denki tugged at Shinsou's shirt to get his attention. The other students went around them to get inside, until only the two of them were left.

“Everything alright?”, Shinsou asked, tilting his head a little when Denki didn't say anything. He was kneading his hands, looking nervous.

“Yeah it's just- I'm- You know- Ehm- I wanted to apologize.”, he sighed, “I haven't been fair to you the last few days. I was so stuck in my own hurt feelings that I disregarded how it would effect you. It shouldn't have mattered if you were in a relationship, we're still friends and I shouldn't have reacted like that. I've talked to Sero, too. I really am sorry”. He really looked troubled, stepping from one foot from the other.

“I accept your apology. And I can also imagine that your last few days haven't been better than mine and we cleared everything up didn't we. As my paps always likes to say: Communication is key. So just talk to me the next time?”, Shinsou smiled softly at him.

“Yeah of course, thanks”, and the spark(heh) was back in his eyes.

“That it? Then come on I gotta win you some stupid plushie” and this time he did take Denki's hand leading him into the arcade.

Their day was awesome. Shinsou won Denki a Pikachu plushie almost (not at all) first try. They battled in some stupid fighting games, pushing each other away to win rounds. Denki absolutely destroyed Shinsou in Dance Dance Revolution and played another round afterwards with Mina. Shinsou was still absolutely transfixed by the skill and how his skirt swished at all the movement. They watched as Bakugou almost blew a machine up and being dragged away by Kirishima apologizing to the staff. They had a laughing fit over some little kid falling over. It was great.

Denki was sparking the whole day, grabbing Shinsou's hand or shirt to go “see that thing over there” or “uhhh look” or “we gotta do that next”.

Way too soon the day was almost over, Iida skittering from group to group to tell everyone to be at the entrance in a quarter hour. Shinsou felt the familiar tugging at his shirt, already following Denki to what looked like a photo booth.

“Come on. A good day at the arcade needs a good photo.”, he sounded really excited and Shinsou could only grin and go along with it. He pushed Shinsou in the booth first, the place really small for the two of them, with Denki once again squished to his side. He leaned forward to get the machine started.

“We got five shots so make 'em count”, Denki announced and leaned back, already grinning at the lens in front of them.

The first one was pretty tame, but then Denki made a weird grimace at Shinsou, which got him laughing and then making his Aizawa smile back. They tried to outdo each others weird faces, until they were clutching their stomachs laughing, not sure how many photos there were left.

Shinsou grinned at Denki, who smiled back, each catching their breath. They were close. There was a warm hand on Shinsou's thigh. Something changed in Denki's eyes and he slowly leaned towards Shinsou. His eyes glanced down, at Shinsou's lips. Was this really happening? Is this a dream? Shinsou's heart fluttered and he was pretty sure he was bright red from laughing so much. He also leaned in a little. Their nose touched. He brought his hands up to Denki's cheek.

“Can I?”, Denki whispered against his lips. He nodded, not sure whether his voice would work right now.

Denki's lips were soft against his, their first kiss just being a short touch of lips. But then he was right back pressing against Shinsou, moving his lips slowly and quickly making him dizzy. Shinsou grabbed the back of his neck, trying to get closer and trying to hold on to something. They moved in tandem, barely parting for breath, before diving in again.

At some point Denki broke off and Shinsou whined, burying his head in his neck and kissing along the pale skin, nibbling along his jaw. Denki's hands slowly buried in his hair. Before long they were guiding him up again. After another short kiss they just stared for a moment, sinking into each others eyes. Denki pressed his forehead against Shinsou's.

Denki's cheeks were reddened, and not from laughing previously, and his lips looked pinker than usual.

“Nice”, it was barely a whisper, so loud in their previous silence. Shinsou snorted.

“Really Denki? Nice?”, he kept grinning. And now it was Denki's turn to whine, “Well what do you want me to say? Please do that thing again? I mean it was nice, wasn't it”. He moved to cross his arms, but Shinsou took one of his hands.

“Yeah it was nice”, he smiled and tried rubbing the back of his neck, accidentality hitting the wall of the booth with his elbow. Denki giggled. It really was nice, “sooo uhm boyfriends?”

Denki grinned, “Aww yess, does that mean we can go to the aquarium for our next date? And I can get cuddles? And more of that?”, he blushed even more. Shinsou chuckled. He was so cute.

“Everything you want, babe”. And there were little sparks running down his arms. Denki's eyes were glowing in the low light, so beautifully amber.

“Oh we have to look at the photos”, he exclaimed, standing and pulling at Shinsou's hand and him out of the booth.

The first one was nice. The next three were them making grimaces and the fourth was blurred with movement, but you could see them laughing and pointing at each other. The last one was of their kiss. The strip was perfect. Denki was smiling softly at his own.

“There you two are”, a loud voice interrupted their moment. Iida. “You should have been outside 10 minutes ago. You've held back the whole class with your tardiness. We need to go now or we will miss the next train so shoo”. He gesticulated wildly, herding them back to the rest of the class.

The way back to the dorms wasn't spectacular, but they were holding hands and Shinsou was still not sure whether this was a dream, but he wasn't complaining. Somewhen on the way back he locked eyes with Sero, who wiggled his eyebrows at him. Shinsou rolled his eyes, exaggeratedly looking down at Sero' own hand intertwined with Todoroki's, and looking up again. Sero stuck his tongue out. Shinsou grinned and tuned back in to Denki's discussion with Kirishima. They were talking about the chocolate thing.

They were barely back at the dorms when Mina and Uraraka loudly announced they were having a movie night in the common room and everyone was invited.

Shinsou wasn't sure about it though. His social battery was low already, Denki zapping only a little but the whole day had been a social event. He was about to voice his thoughts when he turned to see Denki already excitedly discussing which movies they were gonna watch. Apparently Shinsou was staying.

“I say horror or we're leaving”, Bakugou loudly added to their discussion, only passing by. He could hear Kirishima grin at him, “No you don't”, and promptly tackle the blond onto one of the couches. “We're staying”, the redhead grinned. The blonde beneath him obviously trying to get out while blushing furiously.

Shinsou settled into the armchair, without any intention, just the knowledge that two people would only fit on it when they squished or, well, compromised.

Denki had left to the kitchen to help prepare snacks, let's see how that goes. Some people were bringing blankets and pillows, knowing already that half of them would sit on the floor. Uraraka was looking up the movie on screen, with almost everyone settled but the snack crew.

Shinsou was looking at his phone when Denki decided to plop straight down onto his lap and get comfortable with a bowl of popcorn. He threw his legs over one side and leaned against the other, giving Shinsou access to the bowl and a pretty view. His skirt had ridden up his legs, almost indecent, but he seemed comfortable. He had lost the hair band and his hair was framing his face again.

“Hi”, was Shinsou only startled response, but once again he wasn't complaining. Denki looked at him and chuckled. “Hi”

A strand of his hair had fallen in his face when he had turned his head. Shinsou's hand twitched to brush it behind his ear. And he found no good reason not to, so he did. He brushed his hand over Denki's cheek afterwards, just staring for a little, his eyes falling down to his pink lips. He remembered the booth and Denki had the audacity to bite down on his lower lip and it took everything in Shinsou to not start making out with him right then and there.

They both flinched when suddenly the movie started and both leaned back a little. Maybe later.

Halfway through the first movie the popcorn was empty and the bowl placed on the ground. Somehow Shinsou's hand landed on Denki's thigh, the bare skin warm under his palm. And maybe he allowed himself to squeeze the tight muscle, seeing it squish in his grip. But the accompanied thoughts were very much not appropriate for the common area setting so he patted Denki's knee afterwards and kept his hand there. And he tried to ignore the knowing look Denki was sending him. The culprit wasn't helping right now.

And obviously Denki was now up for mischief, placing his head on Shinsou's shoulder and nuzzling closer. He could feel him breathing against the column of his throat. Not sure what else to do he placed his arm around Denki's shoulder to get them both more comfortable. Denki's hair was soft against his cheek. Denki hummed. He was so close.

Shinsou felt his lips on his neck by his ear and he drew in a sharp breath.

“This okay, darling?”, Denki breathed in his ear. Shinsou hummed approvingly. The lips were back on his neck, teasing near his jaw and back to his ear, where Denki nibbled on his earlobe and Shinsou had to hold back a whimper. The hand on Denki's knee gripped harder.

And then he dropped back against the armrest, watching the screen as if nothing had happened.

Shinsou was pretty sure he was beet red right now. Luckily, the scarce light from the television was hiding his predicament from the rest of the class. He could just stare at Denki for a moment. He was happily focusing on the movie, glancing at Shinsou and grinning. His own arm was still loosely around the blonds neck.

Well that called for revenge. He squeezed Denki's thigh again and leaned down, burying his hand in the soft hair at the back of his head, bringing Denki's focus onto him. His eyes widened a little when Shinsou got even closer, staring at his mouth. Their noses brushed.

“Let's get upstairs after this 'kay?”, he mumbled against Denki's lips, repeatedly switching his gaze between his eyes and lips. Denki was biting his lip again and nodded. And Shinsou couldn't resist. He pressed a short kiss against his boyfriend's lips before leaning back and looking back at the Tv.

He could see Denki frequently glancing at the clock and back up at Shinsou and at the screen for the next half hour. The credits barely started scrolling when he jumped up and grabbed Shinsou's hand. Sero threw him one last knowing look before the elevator doors closed and Denki was instantly on him.

His mouth was hot against his own, their lips meeting once again, their rhythm slowly but steadily getting familiar. Shinsou held Denki at the waist, his back to the wall. His hands slowly rubbing circles at the hem of Denki's shirt. When it first rode up a little and Shinsou's hands made contact with the soft skin there, Denki gasped into their kiss and Shinsou traced his lower lip with his tongue.

When the elevator doors opened, they scrambled to Shinsou's dorm, excitement bubbling in both of them. He barely got his own door opened, but they were sure to close it behind them.

The next morning Shinsou and Denki came down to breakfast together, pinkies linked. Denki had stolen a shirt and stayed the night, their make out session continuing for a few hours, until they were cuddling and Denki had explained the chocolate discussion to him. Apparently the question was, which chocolate flavour each pro hero would be. Shinsou didn't question it. And once again Shinsou had woken to blond hair tickling his face and Denki drooling on his shirt. He had never slept better.

Chapter Text

Some time later

It was a sunny afternoon when Denki brought it up. They were chilling on the green patch outside the dorms. Originally they wanted to study but that didn't last when Denki started complaining and aggressively cuddling Shinsou to effectively shut his attempts down. Now he was laying his head on Shinsou's lap, innocently staring up, while the purple haired boy played with his hair.

“You know maybe you should try wearing a skirt for once. You compliment me way more when I do and I know I look awesome, but I wanna see what all the fuss is about”, Shinsou didn't even know how he got the idea, “oh and we can do matching outfits then, not that we can't with pants but you know”, he gesticulated, smacking Shinsou in the chest. He smiled apologetically

“Who says I haven't worn skirts before?”, Shinsou asked, raising an eyebrow. Denki gasped, abruptly sitting up.

“And you haven't shown me any pictures? Scandalous. What kind of boyfriend even are you?”

Shinsou chuckled. He got smacked, with intent this time. “No really”, Denki whined, “I haven't seen you wear one. And you always blush way faster when I do so show meee”, he was shaking Shinsou's arm like Eri did sometime when she was really excited about something,”Pleeease?” and he pouted.

“I don't think I have any pictures of me in a skirt. And it really was for practicality reasons I even got them-”

“Them? There's more than one?”

“Yeah, remember a few years back? There was this awful heat wave and I was suffering-”

“Yeah because you refuse to wear anything but black even in summer, emo”, Denki teased, tugging at Shinsou's black sleeve.

“Anyway”, Shinsou continued, smacking Denki's hand, “I was suffering and paps was flaunting around in some skirt or another and always announced how breathy they are so I asked to try some. Of course only over summer break, but I didn't hate it”, Shinsou shrugged, “I think I still have some in the closet at home, but I didn't bring any here”

“Well, that settles it”, Denki announced, laying back down on Shinsou's lap, “I'll accompany you home next weekend”

Shinsou thought about it. His parents had planned on taking Eri to some special outside playground type thing and they would have their home to their own. All alone with Denki. He still blushed at the thought. Denki smirked up at him.

“I'm gonna ask my dads, but I think it's gonna be fine. Just don't expect to meet them, their taking my sister out Saturday”. Denki pouted.

“How am I supposed to impress your parents when they're never there?”

Shinsou snorted. The first time home after he had announced to Yamada that he had a date with Denki had been awkward. He still wasn't sure if Aizawa approved or not, but Yamada was even worse. Reminiscent. With way to many details.

“Yeah we're gonna see”

And so what if he maybe forgot bringing it up to his parents when they confirmed their plans with Eri and asked once again if Shinsou really didn't wanna join. And it's not like they'd be around so. Now Denki was standing at the door, excitedly kissing Shinsou on the cheek as hello and squeezing past him to get his shoes off.

Shinsou grabbed his hand then, leading him to his room. He had thoroughly cleaned before, reassuring himself that nothing embarrassing was laying around, like his Eraserhead figurines or the awkward family portraits. He was somehow a little nervous showing Denki his room.

But Denki only marbled at it. “It isn't news to me that you're emo but a My Chemical Romance shrine?”, he pointed at the few posters and merch around the room. Shinsou crossed his arms defensively.

“It's barely a shrine. I just think they make very good music”.

Denki shot him a look. “Yeah sure but it's cute really”, Shinsou blushed a little, Denki continued, “room approved, much more character than the one in the dorms though. I like it”, Denki said while bouncing down on the bed in the corner, grinning at Shinsou still next to the door. “So nooowww where's the skirt collection I've heard of?”

“It's barely a collection, paps only bought me like two that summer but yeah sure if you insist, I can change”, Shinsou turned to his closet. After a few seconds he found the one he was looking for and turned back around. Denki was sitting cross legged on his bed, a Pokemon plushie on his lap.

“Alright I'm just gonna-”, Shinsou wasn't sure whether he should ask Denki to turn around. They had changed in front of another a few times, but this felt different.

“Wait I'm gonna turn around, so it's a surprise”, and Shinsou's dilemma was solved. He quickly changed, his unsurprisingly black shirt matching the black skirt. He tugged it in the waistline and shortly looked in the mirror. The skirt was simply cut and went just above his knees. He wasn't wearing any socks, so his legs were almost bare, only the fuzz of his leg hair covering his bare skin. He went through his hair, trying to make it look fashionably tousled. It didn't work.

He heard a gasp and turned to Denki. He was still sitting with his back to Shinsou but he could see his blush on his ears.

“Seriously? You can turn around”, he teased, not even pretending to not have caught the blond sneaking a peak. Denki only stuttered, turning around and staring openly now. Shinsou blushed and rubbed the back of his neck.

“Yeah so that's that”, he said, awkwardly trying to fill the silence.

“Ehm- yeah i- just- you.”, so maybe he had broken Denki. He smirked. It was kinda fun though. He stepped closer, Denki's face taking a colour that didn't seem natural, more closely to Kirishima's bright red hair.

“So what are you thinking Denki? Hm?”, he was now standing directly standing in front of Denki, hovering over the sitting boy, who just gaped like a fish, his eyes flitting between Shinsou's face and legs, it seemed.

Shinsou really didn't know where his newfound confidence was coming from, but he brought his hand to Denki chin, nudging it up and forcing him to look him in the eye. The blond whimpered in his grip, Shinsou leaning closer and barely brushing his lips against the overwhelmed boy's.

“Maybe I should do this more often. It's pretty unusual to get you speechless”, he teased, still in Denki's face. He nodded, still a little out of it, “Pretty”, he whispered. Shinsou chuckled.

He kissed him again and Denki was eager this time, pushing his opened lips against Shinsou's. The taller in return gently pushed at Denki's shoulder and straddling his hips he joined him on the bed. He hadn't thought Denki could blush any more, but was proved wrong when the blush creeped down his neck, disappearing in his low neck line. Shinsou chuckled again.

“You're cute”, he whispered, placing his hands on the other's waist and leaning down. “You okay though?”, he asked, not wanting to make Denki uncomfortable, although he didn't seem like it.

“Fuck yeah”, Denki breathed against his lips and surged up to capture his lips once again. Their lips were moving heatedly against one another, Shinsou rubbing slow circles in the sliver if skin that was revealed when Denki's shirt rode up a little. Denki's hands in return were back in his hair and around his neck. Shinsou squeezed at his waist. Denki gasped and he used his chance to gently lick along Denki's lips, slowly invading the blond's mouth.

When they had to pull back for breath, Shinsou couldn't resist diving in along Denki's neck, licking and kissing along the exposed skin, still massaging his sides, his hands under the blonds shirt. At one maybe a little harsh nibble at his collar bone, he felt a zap at his hand at the same time a moan left the blonds lips. He pulled back but the sound would forever be ingrained in Shinsou's mind.

“Ah shit sorry, are you okay? I didn't mean to it's just- when you- I mean-”, Denki stuttered, still red in his face. Shinsou chuckled again. Denki hadn't heard a more beautiful sound in a while. It was deep and throaty and Denki swooned. Combined with the picture he was making, straddling Denki's lap in that skirt and looking at him all confident, he was in danger of leaving Denki's pants in a much more uncomfortable state than when he arrived.

“Yeah it's fine. Nice to know I have that effect on you though”, he grinned. Denki looked beautiful beneath him, still catching his breath, his hair surrounding his head like a halo. There was a hickey forming by his collar bone. Shinsou wanted to leave more. He licked his lips. Denki's shirt had ridden up more and Shinsou really couldn't resist squeezing again. Denki's breath stuttered.

He leaned down again, maybe planning to leave a few more hickeys on Denki's neck when the blond let out a blood curdling scream. Shinsou scrambled back, almost crashing on the floor, not sure what was wrong, but Denki was staring at the door of his room. The half opened door where Aizawa was standing. Dead panned as ever he grabbed the handle, closing the door and they could hear footsteps down the hall.

“Please tell me this is some weird dream nightmare thing and Aizawa did not just appear in your house?”, Denki had gone from red to white within a minute, still staring at the door.

Shinsou did not know where to start. He rubbed the back of his neck. “Ehm you know, well, you know how Aizawa and Yamada are married?”, Denki looked at him absolutely confused, “and how they have two adopted kids?”. Something seemed to click, Denki gaped again at him.

“And you're- your dads are-”, Denki stumbled over his words, “Why didn't you tell me?”

“I honestly didn't know how to bring it up. And they weren't supposed to be here.”, Shinsou pouted. Denki seemed still in shock, barely reacting when Shinsou took his hand.

“You alright there?”, Shinsou nudged him with his shoulder. The amount of speechlessness was making him worried.

“I don't think we can ever make out again without me seeing Aizawa in the corner of my sight”, he mumbled. Shinsou pushed him. “Hey, do you now what nightmare scenario it is to be caught making out by our home room teacher? I can never go back to class. I'll have to drop out and change my name, maybe move to Australia just to be safe. You think I'll survive jumping out your window?”. Shinsou snorted.

“Come on I can introduce you properly, dad already caught you doing way more embarrassing stuff with the squad. Remember that one time when you tried to swing through the cafeteria with Sero's tape and then couldn't get it off? Or when Bakugou blew your eyebrows off in a game of Seven minutes in heaven? Or when you decided to sneak alcohol in and then panicked when you got drunk? Or when-”

“Yeah yeah I think I got the message, we do some stupid shit”, Denki took his hand back, crossing his arms, pouting. He still looked cute though, hair a little tousled and shirt wrinkled. “This is still worse”.

“I thought you wanted to meet my parents”, Shinsou wrangled one of his hands back out and pulled Denki up.

“I rescind that statement and take the window now please”, Denki announced.

“It's raining”, Shinsou glanced at him, “and we know what happens when you sneeze when you're wet”. Denki gasped, “How dare you bring that incident up”. Shinsou only grinned and started out the door.

Reluctantly Denki followed Shinsou to the kitchen where he guessed his parents would be. He was right.

They were sitting at the kitchen table, Eri playing in the living room area. The layout was pretty open, just half a wall separating kitchen and living room. His dads were staring at Shinsou expectantly, Denki half hiding behind him, his face still a little white around his nose.

“So I may have forgotten to tell you I was bringing Denki over when you were gone”, he started, gaining a knowing, one eyebrow raised look from Yamada and continuing without looking one of them in the eye, “But you were also supposed to stay at least a few hours, so who's really at fault here?”

“The playground closed because of the weather like an hour after we arrived, maybe you would've noticed the thunderstorm if you weren't...occupied”, Aizawa said with an piercing stare, directed at Denki. He yelped.

“Well yeah maybe we would've”, Shinsou shot back, “But we didn't, so what”. He wanted to cross his arms, but at the same time he didn't want to let go of Denki's hand so he left it.

“Your door better stay opened while he's here and we'll have a talk after dinner. Now, what pizza do you like Denki? You're staying for dinner aren't you? We're ordering in”, Yamada asked, first to address Denki at all.

“Oh yeah I think so? Don't wanna go out in that weather and just pepperoni for me, thanks”, he said, quieter than usual, kneading his hands.

“Hitoshi your usual I guess?”

“Yeah thanks we're going back in my room til then”, Shinsou gave his dad one last look and then tugged Denki back with him, pointedly closing the door a little louder than necessary behind him.

“Oh my god I think they hate me”, Denki started complaining as soon as they were alone.

Shinsou snorted. “You're not that bad Denki and they've had enough time to build their opinion, so what if they didn't like you, I do”

“So you agree that they don't like me?”. Shinsou slightly hit him.

“Shut up, you know what I mean and I don't think they didn't like you. I think dad didn't like seeing us like...that”

“Don't remind me. Why was the door even open?”, Denki whined, falling into the bed face first and groaning into Shinsou's pillow.

“I told you they weren't supposed to be home. Come on now scoot over”, Denki rolled over and they sat on the bed, silently continuing their discussion.

At some point when their discussion died down, Denki laid his head on Shinsou's shoulder and they basked in comfortable silence for a while, listening to the rain pattering against the window. Denki laid his hand on Shinsou's bare thigh and squeezed, letting out a soft sigh. Shinsou knew the feeling

“I never got to tell you how handsome you look, sooo“, he looked up, directly into Shinsou's purple eyes, “Shinsou you look very handsome in that outfit, I understand it now and respect your - in comparison tame - reactions”, Denki whispered. Shinsou chuckled

“Thanks maybe I'll wear them more the next summer, but I still prefer trousers”, he whispered back. They were so close again, Denki's eyes glancing down at Shinsou's lips. Their noses brushed, Shinsou tilting his head down and softly pressing his lips against Denki's. The blond scrunched his nose, eyes flying to the closed door.

“Seriously?”, Shinsou dead panned. In exactly that moment there was a knock at the door. Denki gave him a pointed look.

“What is it?”, Shinsou yelled, glaring back at Denki.

“Dinner should be here any minute, come set the table”, Yamada yelled back through the door.

As if on cue the doorbell rang.

The teenagers once again trudged to the kitchen.

Dinner was awkward. Eri asked Denki too many questions and Shinsou didn't know what the look on Aizawa's face meant. It almost looked like he wanted to leave very badly, but that didn't make sense. Before he mostly seemed more like he wanted Denki to leave. And Yamada shot him a glance every now and then. Something was up.

But it all began to make sense when most of the pizza was gone and Eri was playing in her room and Shinsou was about to drag Denki back into the safety of his own room, when Yamada cleared his throat, pointedly looking at Aizawa and starting to clear the plates.

His dad now looked like he was in pain.

Oh no. No.

Aizawa produced a pack of -something on the table.

“Shinsou I know we've talked about this before, but I wanted to make this very clear for everyone that this is important“, be slid the packet over the table, not looking at Shinsou who was very pointedly not looking at the table or his dads. Denki glanced at the packet of condoms in front of them and went as red as a tomato.

“I wasn't- we're not-”, he tried, stumbling over his words. Denki stiffened up when Aizawa squinted at him.

“You better not-”

“Yet”, Yamada continued for him, “But just know that it's okay to be curious. Just be safe about it alright? And you can ask us anything anytime”. Shinsou banged his head on the table. “and make sure you're both comfortable and most important: Communication is key, so no doing without talking first”. He was pretty sure his face was as red as Denki's right now.

“Can we please leave now?”, Shinsou got through gritted teeth.

Barely given an answer, they left as quick as possible. Closing the door behind him, Shinsou grimaced, banging his head against the door for good measure.

“Sorry 'bout that, they're- just- ugh”, he turned around. Denki was already sitting on his bed, face still bright red. He chuckled nervously.

“No they're right I guess but I didn't even think- I haven't- you-” , he stuttered and turned even redder.

Shinsou rubbed the back of his neck, making his way over to the bed and plopping down next to Denki.

“Can we talk about this another time? I now you said to talk to you but just-”, Denki scrunched his nose trying to convey his train of thoughts. Cute.

“Yes please. Some time but not right now”, Shinsou could feel Denki relax next to him. They both glanced at each other at the same time, and quickly away again, both regaining the blush in their faces.

“Soo doesn't seem like the storm is letting up soon, wanna stay over?”, Shinsou tried changing the subject.

“Oh yeah, I'm just gonna text my mom real quick”, Denki sighed, obviously grateful for the successful diversion.

“'Kay then, horror movie?”, Shinsou was already standing up to get his laptop from his desk.

“Yeah, sounds good we still haven't rewatched the second Conjuring after you fell asleep on me”, Denki teased, already scuttling over to the headboard and getting comfortable with the Pokemon plushie he found earlier.

“Maybe I did but in my defence, you were very comfortable”, he turned, the skirt swishing around his thighs and winking.

Denki had almost returned to his normal colour when once again his cheeks brightened at the action.

Shinsou smirked, but let it go, setting up the movie and letting Denki cuddle up to him when they started it.

And maybe, after a few minutes, they were lazily making out and only when Denki was looking at the screen more than Shinsou, they paid more attention.

Well, Denki did.

“'Toshi”, he giggled, slightly out of breath, “stop it”, he tried pushing Shinsou away, the purple haired boy only reluctantly letting up from his neck.

“You're distracting me from the movie”, contrary to his words, he continued to stare softly in Shinsou's eyes.

“You're distracting”, Shinsou pouted, staring back.

They both flinched at the loud jump scare from the movie.

“Karma”, Denki declared, laying his head on Shinsou's chest and throwing an arm over his waist. Shinsou relented, gently petting Denki's hair.

Ten minutes or so from the end, he heard a light snoring and chuckled.

“Guess we'll have to watch it again”, he whispered while closing the laptop and setting it aside.

Waking up to a tuft of blond hair tickling his face wasn't unusual for Shinsou any more. He threat his hand through the blond hair, sleepily petting him awake. Denki just nuzzled closer, hiding his head in the crook of Shinsou's neck and breathing against the spot where his shoulder met his neck. They just laid there for a while. A beam of sunshine was lightening up Denki's hair. Shinsou let his other hand wander, slowly rubbing up and down Denki's sides and back.

The door slammed open and young, high pitched voice announced, “Dad says breakfast will get cold if you wait any longer and you should get up”. Denki had startled and tried to quickly roll away from Shinsou, forgetting he always lays on the wall side after that first incident, now having successfully slammed his head into the wall and holding the back of his head.

“Mornin Eri, what did we say about knocking before entering?”, Shinsou gave her a look, already checking Denki over, “but yeah we'll be there in a minute”

Eri just grinned, before slamming the door closed behind her. At least she had closed the door.

“You okay, babe? Great wake up call isn't it”, Shinsou grumbled, voice still deep from the morning.

“Yeah, I'll live, and good morning to you too”, Denki mumbled, sleepily looking up, hair standing in every direction and shirt rumpled.

“Come on, I'll give you one of my shirts. By the way I think I'm still missing like five of my normal shirts”, but Denki just wove him off, yawning.

“Yeah sure, be right back”, he announced, leaving for the bathroom. Meanwhile Shinsou changed into grey sweatpants and another black shirt. He looked for one with at least some colour for Denki, only finding one of Yamada's old merch.

When Denki returned, he pouted, “no skirt today?”. Shinsou snorted.

“I think you almost short circuited yesterday and I don't plan on leaving brain damage”, he kissed Denki's nose and gave him the shirt, before leaving for the bathroom himself.

When he returned, Shinsou was reminded why he never insisted on getting his shirts back. He wasn't that much bigger than Denki, just taller, but somehow his shirts always looked better and bigger on Denki, the neckline low and the hem around mid thigh.

He couldn't resist pulling him in for a quick kiss and an embrace and then went for breakfast holding hands.

Even if he knew most high school romances didn't make it, he wouldn't mind mornings like this one for the rest of his life.