Chapter Text
Bakugo knocked on Kirishima’s dorm room door for, what would probably be, the last time. He answered, flustered, holding three shirts in one hand and a portable game console in the other. Bakugo pushed him aside so he could step into the disaster that was Kirishkma’s room; half filled boxes opened over every surface of his furniture, his bedding thrown in a pile at the foot of the bed, and empty hangers on the floor of the closet.
“Please tell me you’re not putting those in the same box,” Bakugo sighed, pointing to the items in Kirishima’s hands.
“…No.” Kirishima proceeded to shove the shirts and console into a box on his desk, closing the flaps and grabbing the tape gun. After securing the box closed he turned to Bakugo. “What’s up, bro?”
“How.. are you…surviving?” Bakugo groaned, covering his face with his hands. He couldn’t bear to look at Kirishima’s packing tactics any longer. It literally sickened him.
“It’s all going to the same place,” Kirishima laughed, shrugging as he pulled Bakugo towards him, gripping his elbows to pull his arms down into a hug. Bakugo’s arms wrapped around Kirishima’s waist; he pressed himself closer to nuzzle his mouth on to Kirishima’s neck.
“You and Denki will die living together,” Bakugo mumbled. He joked, but a part of him wouldn’t be surprised if he were called in the middle of the night because their apartment was on fire.
“Hey, I could be living with you, but-“
“Not going to happen.” Bakugo’s immediate negativity was softened as he kissed Kirishima’s neck. “I think I’d kill you myself if we started living together.”
“I love you, too, Katsuki,” Kirishima said softly. Bakugo could hear the smile without looking up.
It had been four month of teasing, flirting, kissing, and overall comfort. Since they had both confessed to each other, they hadn’t made much progression in their relationship from there, yet neither one was in any rush to do so. With their last term of school, final exams, and work studies taking up all of their time, the little they saw of each other while studying or eating dinner was enough to satiate their personal needs.
When the subject of moving out of the dorms was initially broached, Bakugo was away on a mission supporting Best Jeanist, while Kirishima and Kaminari found an entire set up for themselves. Bakugo wasn’t upset upon returning to the dorms to hear of their plans. He was, in actuality, quite relieved. He wanted to move out on his own, being financially able to do so since his parents would help him for the first few months while he officially started at Best Jeanist’s agency. He had never lived on his own and wanted the peace and quiet before jumping into a mutual space with Kirishima. Although he knew he loved him, they still had not been on an official date yet. Which is why he was there, submitting himself to Kirishima’s disgusting packing ritual.
“Hey,” Bakugo asked, pulling away from their hug. He procrastinated with his question by poking around in a few boxes on Kirishima’s bed.
“What’s up?” Kirishima grabbed a pile of hoodies from his drawer. Before he could toss them into the top of a box already full of books, a clock, and framed photos, Bakugo quickly reached over and grabbed the top hoodie. He tucked the black and red hoodie under his arm, planning to keep that one with him. He shoved both his hands in his pockets, watching the box being taped up. He groaned, to which Kirishima threw the tape gun playfully in his direction. Bakugo’s quick reflexes allowed him to catch it easily.
“Go out with me,” Bakugo quickly blurted out. He winced, not being as smooth as he had hoped.
“Right now? I’m kind of in the middle of packing. But I’d be happy to quickly finish up-“
“No, dumbass!” Bakugo gripped Kirishima’s arm to stop him from trying to pick up more random items. “Not right now. After…graduation. After we move out.”
“You’re thinking a bit far ahead, Bakugo,” Kirishima said, smiling as he brushed his hand through Bakugo’s thick hair. Bakugo waved his hand away.
“We haven’t been on an actual date, yet. So…I was just thinking…we should…do that.”
Kirishima leaned down to place his lips lightly on Bakugo’s forehead. He pulled back, looking at Bakugo with a small, loving smile.
“Yeah. Of course. Name the time and place and I’ll be there. But…aren’t we already dating?”
“No. Going to the library to study or eating hot pot with Sero and Denki does not count as dates.”
“Oh!” Kirishima laughed. “So you want to wine and dine me. I get it.”
“You’re a fucking dumbass and I take it back,” Bakugo shoved Kirishima away from him, walking towards the door. Kirishima grabbed for his hand, pulling him back into a tight embrace.
“I’m sorry! Yes, after everything finally settles down, I promise we will make time to hang out. Just the two of us. On a date.”
Bakugo pushed him away again, this time smiling. As he opened the door, leaving Kirishima’s dorm room for the last time, he found himself finally looking forward to something in his life that wasn’t hero work.
——————
It took three weeks before their schedules lined up. After Bakugo moved in to his small, one room apartment, with Kirishima and his parents’ assistance, he had to leave for three days with his agency. Kirishima and Denki moved in to their own apartment with the help of Sero, which meant not much was completed a week after their move in date. It took Kirishima another five days to put together his bed frame and unpack all of his boxes. His room was in such chaos that the first day Bakugo was free, Kirishima cancelled their plans as he was surrounded by every item he had ever owned, without any semblance of organization, and no where near putting everything away. Bakugo, as punishment for Kirishima’s inability to pack, refused when Kirishima begged for help.
One more week had passed; a total twenty days since the two had seen each other, let alone had a full conversation. They had exchanged short text messages confirming each other were still alive, but nothing beyond a quick check in.
Bakugo opened his apartment door, dropping his bag on the floor and kicking off his shoes before walking mindlessly through his small kitchen area and falling in to his unmade futon. He was ready to fall asleep, but realized before he did, he needed to give Kirishima his daily text. He reached for his phone, finally seeing the unread message from earlier that afternoon.
‘Denki spilt coffee on me this morning. It all went downhill after that. Hope your day is better than mine. x’
Bakugo typed back quickly before he could overthink the plan that popped into his mind.
‘Dinner?’
Three dots immediately appeared as Kirishima typed back.
‘Fuck yes! When?’
‘Now.’ Bakugo sat up, watching for the response.
‘Where?’ Bakugo smiled. He was thankful Kirishima was available and willing, but he hadn’t thought that far. On a whim, he typed in the only place that came to mind that he knew was equal distance between both their apartments.
‘Sushi. At Yuki’s. Be there at 8.’ He gave himself one hour. Enough time to bathe, dress, and walk over. He received the only response he needed from Kirishima: a thumbs up emoji. He tossed his phone down, getting up to prepare for his date. His first date. With his boyfriend. He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to calm the nerves that suddenly appeared in the form of a pit in his stomach.
——————
The pit only grew as the hour went by. He stood outside the restaurant, dressed in a black button down and khakis, black sneakers, and opted to carry just his wallet and keys in his pockets rather than bring a bag. He scrolled through apps on his phone as he waited; not paying attention to what he was looking at. He sighed, shutting down all the apps to see the time displayed brightly; 8:06. Something probably came up and he wasn’t coming. Fuck it. Bakugo shoved his phone in his pocket. He nearly started walking home when he felt two strong, thick arms wrap around his waist from behind, lifting him slightly off his feet.
“I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry!” Kirishima’s raspy voice cooed in Bakugo’s ear, immediately calming the annoyance creeping up inside of him moments before.
“You’re late,” Bakugo responded, punching Kirishima’s shoulder as he turned around to face him. His hair was flat and pinned back, a tight v-neck sweater hugged his chest and Bakugo was thankful Kirishima decided on jeans rather than jogging pants, which Bakugo would have bet money on that he would wear.
“You only gave me an hour to get ready. And this place is so much closer to your apartment than mine,” Kirishima said as he opened the door for Bakugo to walk through.
“It is not,” he shot back, trying to calculate the distance in his mind.
“Well, you’ve never been to my apartment, so how would you know?” Kirishima teased. Bakugo stopped, glaring at Kirishima as he tried to ignore the stare, engaging with the hostess.
“Hello. Just for two? Follow me please.” The young girl grabbed a tablet and started walking toward the back of the small restaurant, stopping at a table beside a large window. She set the tablet in the centre, stepping aside to let them both sit across from each other. Bakugo nodded his thanks as Kirishima smiled at her. She bowed, leaving them in peace.
“What do you want?” Kirishima immediately grabbed the tablet, starting to select different varieties of fish.
“Order whatever. I’m not picky. At least two orders of roe though,” Bakugo mindlessly responded. He caught the eye of the server, just finishing with her last table. She smiled at him as she approached.
“Hello. Welcome. Are you comfortable with our ordering system?” She asked.
“Yeah, fine. Can we get two green teas?” Bakugo asked. She nodded before leaving for the kitchen.
“I think I got everything we’ll need. Want to check it over?” Kirishima turned the tablet so Bakugo could look at the list of food they would get.
“Nah, I trust you,” Bakugo waved his hand. Kirishima placed the tablet away from them moments before their server came out with their tea. Kirishima smiled as a thank you before turning his attention to Bakugo.
“Are you bored yet?” Kirishima asked.
“What? No! Why would you say that? We just sat down,” Bakugo said exasperatedly.
“No. Bored of living alone. Do you miss people?” Kirishima laughed.
“Fuck no. It’s the nicest experience I’ve had in my entire life. It’s finally quiet. Actually quiet. No one bothers me. It’s so fucking peaceful.” Bakugo sighed with relief, thinking about the last few weeks alone. He was able to cook his own food without having no less than five people asking if he would share. He could sleep whenever he wanted without being ridiculed. He was left to live in peace; no one crawling over him in the common room or grabbing him to help with projects. Actual peace.
“Well…good.” Kirishima had nothing else to say, which to Bakugo meant he wanted to say so much more.
“What? What did I say?” Bakugo poked.
“I’m glad you’re so happy alone,” Kirishima pouted dramatically.
“I’m not happy alone. It’s peaceful alone,” Bakugo clarified. He knew what would make Kirishima smile. “I miss you.”
And there appeared the smile Bakugo so very much missed. The smile he fell in love with.
“I’ve missed you so much!” Kirishima’s sigh of relief opened up his boisterous mood again. He reached over, cupping Bakugo’s hands, lifting them to his lips to place a soft, but brief kiss on his knuckles. Bakugo groaned in response, but didn’t pull away.
“Alright, catch me up, then. How have you and Denki survived this long without me?”
—————-
After hearing numerous stories of just the past two weeks, Bakugo was even more relieved he’d let the two live together without him.
“Please tell me you at least have real cutlery by now,” Bakugo cut off Kirishima’s last story with a disappointing sigh. He slowly rubbed between his eyes as Kirishima just shrugged. “I’m buying you some tomorrow.”
“Speaking of food,” Kirishima started to look around, finally pulling his attention from Bakugo. “Shouldn’t we have our food by now?”
Bakugo checked his phone. It had been forty minutes since they ordered, yet had only received their tea.
“Fucking, yes. What the hell is taking so long?” Bakugo looked around the restaurant; only three other tables were left.
“Maybe they are busy?” Kirishima offered.
“I’m going to talk to them.” As Bakugo stood up, he felt Kirishima’s grip on his wrist.
“No, don’t.”
“What? Why? I’m starving.” Bakugo looked down to see Kirishima’s pleading look.
“I don’t want you to yell at them.”
“I’m not going to yell,” Bakugo said, making a point to keep his tone calm. “I’m just going to ask them what is taking so long.”
Satisfied with the answer, Kirishima let go of Bakugo. He made his way towards a counter near the kitchen where he recognized the girl who brought them their tea. He waved as politely as he could manage to get her attention.
“Hello. Can you let me know…umm…how much longer we have to wait for our food?” He clenched his teeth waiting for the answer. There didn’t seem to be anyone preparing food in the kitchen.
“You’re table 9, right?” She looked past him towards Kirishima to make sure she was right.
“How the fuck should I know that?” Bakugo immediately shut his mouth, biting his tongue.
He hated when Kirishima was right.
“By the window. With the red head?” She asked again, ignoring his biting tone.
“Yeah. The only fucking table without food,” Bakugo snapped again, at this point not caring if he was offending the girl. He just wanted to eat.
“You didn’t order anything,” she said back meekly.
“What do you mean? Yes we did.”
“No. Table 9…we haven’t received a food request from that table in over three hours.” She looked at a portable screen in front of her.
“That’s fucking ridiculous.” Bakugo looked back at Kirishima, who seemed to have no comprehension of the discussion since he was just starring out the window. It was taking most of Bakugo’s discipline to keep his temper from boiling over. “Why didn’t you check on us?”
“I refilled your teas multiple times. I just thought… you just wanted teas.” The girl looked up at Bakugo, her eyes wide as she realized her own mistake. “I’m so sorry. I just assumed…”
Bakugo could see a panic in her eyes. He didn’t want her to feel bad, just due to a system error.
“It’s okay,” he held up his hands, trying to coax her down. “Just put through our order now then.”
He knew her response would not be good by the concern that washed over the young girl’s face. She shook her head slowly.
“The kitchen is not making any more food. We’re closing in fifteen minutes.”
Bakugo, without acknowledging the girl, turned to walk back to the table. Kirishima’s smile greeted him as he sat back at the table. He reached for the tablet, opening the screen to see their order. At the bottom of the screen a blue button flashed with the words ‘Place Order’ highlighted. Bakugo let out a long exhale, spinning the tablet to face Kirishima.
“What?” Kirishima looked down, confused. “Are they bringing it out now?”
“You didn’t press the fucking button, dumbass,” Bakugo pointed at the screen. “No, they are not making it now. In fact, they are closing.” Bakugo stood up, pausing to insinuate to Kirishima they were leaving.
“Bakugo,” Kirishima stood, dropping money on the table to pay for their drinks. Following Bakugo out of the restaurant, he waited for them to be standing in the cool air before continuing his apology. “I’m so sorry! I’m such an idiot. You’re probably-“
“Stop.” Bakugo stood in front of Kirishima, his back facing him. “I’m just…going home. I’m not mad.”
Bakugo didn’t turn around to see the concern on Kirishima’s face. He didn’t want to yell at him. He wasn’t angry at Kirishima, but knew he wouldn’t be able to not yell if he started talking. Maybe he was just hungry. Maybe he was annoyed their first date ended up not being as perfect as he hoped. Maybe he was lonely and didn’t want to be going home to an empty apartment. In any case, he didn’t want to take it out on Kirishima.
——————
Bakugo sulked as he pulled the boiling kettle off the stove. He had slammed the door behind him, kicked his shoes off and thrown his wallet and phone on to the kitchen counter. The noise of the clattering and thumping didn’t make him feel better. He hated that he tried and failed. He wanted so much to spend time with Kirishima, having a night of talking and eating. He wanted a moment where no one bugged them, or pulled them apart, or intruded on their conversations. He wanted to kiss him. Instead, he got pissed about an innocent mistake and abandoned Kirishima without even a goodbye. He wanted to kick himself.
He was tempted to go back and find Kirishima. Go to his apartment. Even if Denki was there, it would be better than nothing. It wouldn’t be a date anymore, but at least he would see Kirishima. He hesitated, however. He couldn’t guarantee he wouldn’t let his annoyance and frustration of the last month get the better of his temper. And the last thing he wanted to do was end this night fighting with Kirishima.
He placed a small ceramic dish on top of a cup of noodles. While waiting for the noodles to cook, he unbuttoned his black shirt, grabbing a used hoodie off the back of his desk chair. It was oversized, black with red print; the prototype of Kirishima’s hero merchandise the marketing course had made each of the heroes. Although he’d had it since they moved out of the dorms, luckily it still smelled of Kirishima.
Bakugo walked back for the kitchen, checking on his noodles when he heard a quiet knock on his door. He ripped it open, seeing the crown of Kirishima’s red hair as he bowed over in apology, holding out in front of him a plastic bag.
“What are you doing, Shitty-“
“I’m sorry,” Kirishima cut him off. “I ruined our date. And I’ve come with a peace offering.” Kirishima stood, pulling out a small tray of convenience store sushi.
“What-“
“Now, this could kill us, but I’m willing to take that chance with you,” Kirishima refused to let Bakugo speak. His plan, apparently, was to tease him into submission. And it worked. Bakugo stepped aside, allowing Kirishima to enter the small apartment.
Kirishima made himself at home, kicking off his shoes and immediately taking a seat on the still unmade futon. Bakugo would have felt embarrassed of the disastrous state that his apartment was in if the person visiting was anyone but Kirishima. He had seen Bakugo’s life in worse ruins than it was now and it never fazed him.
Kirishima placed the tray of assorted fish and rice in front of him, Bakugo collecting chopsticks and small plates for them to use before sitting across from him. They both sat crossing their legs, finding a familiarity in the disarray. Bakugo reached for an unagi piece, only slightly concerned for how fresh the food was. As he shoved the piece in his mouth, he watched Kirishima doing the same, smiling as he looked back at Bakugo.
It didn’t have to be formal. It could just be this. Simple. Easy. Bakugo felt a tension from his shoulders dissipate; he was unabashedly thankful in Kirishima for never giving up. For never being troubled by the resistance Bakugo constantly created. Kirishima, being the unbreakable force he was, always broke through Bakugo’s walls.
“Kirishima-“ Bakugo wanted to explain everything he was feeling to Kirishima. He felt this moment, just the two of them in a quiet bubble, could finally bring them closer. However, a piercing buzzing sound echoed around them. Quick, three seconds, before silence. Then again. It was so shrill that they both winced.
Again. Pause. Again.
“What is that?” Kirishima asked, covering his ears.
“The FUCKING fire alarm!” Bakugo yelled in response. “Are you fucking kidding me?”
They both got up, leaving the apartment. Bakugo slammed the door behind him, Kirishima waiting for him at the top of the stairs. When they made it outside, the rest of the residents trickling out to stand with them, Kirishima stood behind Bakugo, resting his chin on Bakugo’s shoulder, snaking his hands around his waist.
“Should I just…go?” Kirishima quietly said, just loud enough so Bakugo could hear him over the murmuring of confusion around them.
“Yeah, maybe,” Bakugo sighed.
“You could come back to my place.” Kirishima offered. Bakugo turned around, placing his hands on Kirishima’s shoulders.
“Not if my life depended on it,” Bakugo joked. The pout on Kirishima’s face made him laugh. “I just mean, after tonight, with things just not going our way, I think we better postpone. I don’t want to risk something else getting fucked up.”
“Okay.” Kirishima slouched, disappointed in the entire evening’s missteps.
“Hey,” Bakugo squeezed Kirishima’s shoulders. “We’re good. This night fucking sucked…for the most part. But I promise you we’ll get better at this.” He leaned in, kissing Kirishima deeply with the pent up force of the last three weeks.
“I don’t doubt we will. When have we ever given up?” Kirishima softly kissed Bakugo on the cheek, making him blush in return. “I’ll head out, but I’ll call you when I get home. Or you call me when this…chaos is over.”
“Yeah, fine.” Bakugo watched Kirishima until he turned the corner, heading in the direction of the train station. Alone again, he shoved his hands in his pocket, thankful when he realized he’d grabbed his phone before leaving the apartment. As he waited for the alarm to stop, he opened his phone, scrolling through to find a photo that Midoriya posted only twenty minutes ago of himself and Uraraka clearly enjoying a date of their own.
“Fuck you, nerd,” Bakugo mumbled to himself, closing his phone. There was no way Bakugo would let Midoriya be better at dating than he was. He would strategically plan out their next date. He would make sure nothing could go wrong. He would not fail.