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“Say that again, Bakugou.”
“Hah?”
Katsuki stares at Shouto who leans in a little closer across the table of the booth in their favorite izakaya, with a look that could mean far too many things.
“Tell me again.”
“What?”
“That I shouldn't look at other people. That I should only look at you.”
“You clearly heard me the first fucking time!” Katsuki says heatedly, feeling his face and ears grow warmer than the slight buzz from the drinks he's downed had already made them. “And since you apparently get it, just do it! You're so damn annoying, always going on about other people, always staring at them instead of me --”
Shouto lowers his chin, something glazing his eyes over barely noticeably. It's an expression Katsuki has never seen on him before, and he can't figure it out in time before Shouto speaks up.
“You know, Bakugou…” He says in a low voice that sends a shiver down Katsuki's spine, interrupting him. “... I think I like it when you're jealous.”
“What!?” Katsuki croaks. “Who's jealous!?”
“You are, I think.”
“I'm not!” He denies it on autopilot, although in his mind, he pieces together almost immediately that Shouto is right and he hates it.
“I was only talking about Midoriya because we teamed up today, and you asked. As for who you think I'm looking at - that isn't you - I have no idea. I can only see you.” He's smiling now, a tiny little grin that sends Katsuki's heart racing out of his chest. “I see you even with my eyes closed. I see you in my dreams, too.”
“... hah?” But it's weak, now - Katsuki feels almost breathless. “What the hell, Todoroki--”
“So, tell me again.” Shouto’s smile grows a little wider and he lifts his head again, face softening. “Because I really like it when you want me, Bakugou.”
He hadn't thought that far when it slipped out the first time. He hadn't thought anything at all, to be honest. Suddenly he'd just said it - because Shouto had been glowing, talking about Izuku getting him a hot tea from a goddamn vending machine. If he likes that so much, Katsuki could buy him the entire fucking thing. He wants to be the reason for Shouto’s happiness too.
“When I want you?” He repeats like in a daze, looking away, and sees how Shouto tilts his head slightly in the corner of his eye, his smile faltering.
“Mhm.” He hums. “Because you do, don't you?”
Something fragile enters his voice at the question and Katsuki instinctively snaps his gaze back to him.
“Just look at me.” He says, reaching over the table to grab Shouto by the jaw and Shouto doesn't back away, doesn't turn his head - he only blinks, before pliantly settling into Katsuki’s grip. “Only at me. Don't look at anyone else.”
“Okay.” He agrees willingly, with a gentle expression that makes Katsuki melt.
This is dangerous.
“I'll be everything you need, Todoroki.”
But seeing Shouto like that, Katsuki falls.