Work Text:
Kirishima sat in his childhood room. Most of it was packed into boxes. Boxes that were now loaded into a truck outside. His bed was now bare of any remaining personality. The walls no longer bore the mark of his younger self, his posters were all packed into sleeves. His bookshelves were now empty, with dust being the only reminder of the books that once sat there. It was quite possible that this would be the last time he would sit on this bed. Graduation was so quickly approaching, and he and Katsuki had an apartment picked out and ready to go. Some things that he packed into those boxes would most likely go into storage, never seeing the light of day. It was a funny thought, he was too sentimental to get rid of some of his possessions but just as easily shoved them into a box to become a memory.
He wouldn’t miss this room, not as much as he thought he would. Though he had been in this room since he was five, he didn’t feel all that comfortable here. It never felt like his room. This only ever felt temporary, a thing that he would lose.
He stared down at the hoodie in his hands, fingers rubbing at the soft, worn fabric. The bright red of the fabric was now slightly dingy and sad looking. The Crimson Riot logo had long been rubbed away and now it was just barely noticeable. It was the first and last thing his grandmother had bought for him. It had been his twelfth birthday, and he remembers how insufferable he had been about his Crimson Riot obsession. He would talk about him constantly to anyone who would listen, shouldering off jokes about his obsession with the vintage hero.
When his grandmother had thrown the hoodie on his bed early in the morning Kirishima had been ecstatic, showing off his bright, toothy smile. His grandmother had flinched slightly before saying, “You should be more aware of yourself.” He had stopped talking about Crimson Riot and slowly quelled his smile into something tighter lipped.
Kirishima had worn that hoodie every day until he couldn't anymore. The realization had made him upset. More upset than he should’ve been when he noticed how the fabric strained against him, how it was a struggle to pull the thing over his head. He had sat in his room sobbing when Katsuki found him. Katsuki, bless his soul, had tried to find a replacement but Kirishima always shot the idea down. He wasn’t quite able to express why the hoodie not fitting had hurt him so bad.
Kirishima is a different person than he was when he was fifteen. He is a different person than the kid that used to wear this hoodie. Something about that had scared Kirishima so badly it had brought him to tears. The hoodie, once a symbol of comfort and familiarity, now felt like a shroud of the past that part of him desperately wanted to forget. It was a tangible link to a time when fear and insecurity gripped him so tightly that tears became an all-too-familiar companion.
Closing his eyes, Kirishima tried to push away the memories that threatened to engulf him. He remembered the awkward teenage years, the relentless bullying, and the overwhelming sense of inadequacy. The hoodie became a shield, a way to hide from the judgmental gazes and mocking laughter that seemed to echo in his ears.
He vividly recalled a particular day when a group of bullies had cornered him in the schoolyard, mocking his dreams of becoming a hero. The taunts of his love for a male hero. How someone like him could never save anyone. He had believed them, of course he did. He had no reason not to. His parents abandoned him out of fear. He couldn't defend himself against anything. He was gay. He was a scared, small child who only had a wishful dream to look up to. Now, sitting in his room years later, Kirishima took a deep breath.
This hoodie, his old shield, could no longer protect him. Maybe that’s why he had cried so heavily that day. Because he felt as though he could no longer protect himself. That his solace, his safe haven had been ripped out from under his feet. But he knew now that it was always a lie. That he had refused to try and fight for himself, always looking for a different reason, but never himself.
Because, to Kirishima Eijirou, he wasn’t enough to fight for.
At least that’s what younger him had thought.
But he was always worth fighting for. He had always been enough. He wasn't a disappointment, he wasn't scary, he wasn't strange or odd or a defect. He wasn’t weak, he was a child. He wasn’t a coward, he was a child. He was just Kirishima Eijirou, a child. A child that everyone had only fought against.
He isn’t disappointed in his younger self; without him he wouldn’t be who he is right now. He wouldn't be graduating from UA if his younger self hadn't believed, in some abscess of his heart, that he couldn't do it. He would be unhappy somewhere if his younger self hadn’t fought for his future, even if he didn't realize that he was.
He smiled down at the red fabric, tears slightly pricking at his eyes.
“Thanks kid.” he spoke softly, knowing that his younger self would never hear. “You did a lot for me. I just wish I could tell you that you’re going to be so fucking cool.” A silent tear slid down his cheek, “I really hope you’re proud of me.”
His smile was soft as a knock broke the silence of his room. He looked up from his bed, Katsuki peaking his head into the room. “Yo,” he said casually as he made his way to sit next to the red head.
“Hey.” Kirishima spoke softly, uneager to break the soft silence in his childhood bedroom. Kirishima leaned over, putting his head on his partner’s shoulder. He let out a labored breath, slow and shaky.
Bakugou glanced at the piece of fabric in Kirishima’s hands. He groaned, annoyed. “Why are you crying over that piece of fucking junk?”
Kirishima just laughed, turning his head so he could press a kiss to Katsuki’s shoulder. “I was just thinking.”
Bakugou huffed, “Well don’t, you’re going to hurt yourself.”
Kirishima leaned in closer to the blond. “You’re such an asshole.” His voice was airy and light. Bakugou just rolled his eyes before closing the distance between himself and the red head.
Kirishima smiled into the kiss, pressing himself closer in hopes of leaving no gaps between them. Katsuki’s hand had found the side of his face, twirling a strand of soft red hair between his fingers. Kirishima’s hands had found purchase on Bakugou’s thigh, the angle being odd for kissing. Though Kirishima really wanted nothing more than to kiss his partner senseless, because there was truly nothing better, it did feel weird with his grandmother just downstairs.
Bakugou seemed to be thinking the same thing as he pulled away, “So, you gonna tell me why you were blubbering over that hunk of junk?”
“Do you think he would be proud of me?” Though Kirishima knew Bakugou wasn’t one for odd introspective conversations he seemed to be okay when it was about Kirishima’s inner struggle for self-worth.
Bakugou just huffed, “He’d be a damned idiot if he didn't think you’re the coolest fucking person to walk the earth. I’d beat him up if he said he wasn't proud.”
Kirishima let out a laugh, punching Katsuki lightly in the arm, “Don’t beat up kid me, man. He’s dealing with enough without a loud blond threatening to beat his ass.”
Bakugou shuffled slightly on the bed, reaching into his back pocket. He handed the object over to Kirishima, it took a second to fully take in what it was he was looking at. “Then he better not call you lame.” Katsuki had handed him a photo. It showed him, his black hair hanging over his face with a wide proud smile pulling at his lips. Kirishima remembered this. It was the day he had gotten his acceptance letter into UA. From the odd camera angle the photo was taken in, it was a secret and was never supposed to be seen.
“Your grandmother handed it to me when I carried the last box out to the truck.” Katsuki said in an achingly soft voice. “You were a damn cute kid.” Kirishima could feel the blush that spread over his entire face. "I never knew you back then," Bakugou admitted, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "But you've changed a lot."
“You wouldn’t want to know me back then,” Kirishima said, his voice holding a complicated sadness, “and honestly, I wouldn't want to know you either. We both needed to work through some stuff.” Bakugou grunted in the way that he knew Kirishima was right but just didn't want to say so out loud. “You’ve changed a lot too. I’m proud of you.”
Bakugou breathed in deeply, biting his tongue, “Okay, enough of the sappy bullshit. I got a call from Aizawa we need to head back for the rehearsal grad walk.” Kirishima faked annoyance, leaning into his partners side, groaning.
“But Katsuki~” Kirishima stretched the syllables of Bakugou’s name, pressing his body ever closer to Bakugou’s until the blond couldn't hold them up any longer. They both tumbled awkwardly onto the mattress.
Bakugou grabbed either side of Kirishima’s face, pressing his cheeks together, “Oh my god you’re such a baby!” Bakugou spoke loudly, but his voice was light and teasing. Kirishima laughed through barely parted lips, “You look so stupid right now.” Katsuki lifted one hand, pushing Kirishima’s bangs out of his eyes.
“You mean gorgeous dontcha?” Kirishima quipped, inching closer to the blond.
Bakugou scoffed, “No,” He put a hand on Kirishima’s face, pushing the red head away. Kirishima tumbled onto his back, soft laughs leaving his mouth. “I’m serious, we gotta go.” Bakugou stood up, straightening out his clothes. Kirishima eyed the blond for a bit. He seemed stiffer than Bakugou usually was. He fidgeted with his clothes more, smoothing out the fabric continuously even though it wouldnt change how it looked. He rolled his shoulders a few times, stretching out his neck. Kirishima realized that Bakugou was nervous about something.
“Hey,” Kirishima said, getting up from the bed and making his way to the uptight blond. Bakugou scoffed, pulling down the hem of his t-shirt for the fifth time.
“What?” He glared at Kirishima. Kirishima put his hands on his partner’s shoulders, tugging the blond forward slightly. Their foreheads bumped together, but Bakugou relaxed slightly.
“I love you.”
Bakugou huffed, “Love you too, you moron.”
“Everything is going to be okay.”
Bakugou stilled for a bit before nodding, “Everything’s gonna be okay.” His shoulder dropped further, allowing himself to fully relax with Kirishima.
The pair stood in comfortable silence for a while longer until the shrill shriek of Kirishima’s grandmother was heard.
“Eijirou! You better hurry yourself up otherwise you’re going to miss the bus!”
Kirishima sighed, pulling away from Bakugou. “Okay, you ready to blow this popsicle stand?” Kirishima led the way out of his old room, leaving the hoodie on the bed.
Bakugou grimaced, “You need to stop watching old American TV shows. They make you talk weird.”
Kirishima smiled back at the blond, “You like the way I talk,” he winked.
The look on Bakugou’s face got worse, “I’d rather you go mute.”
They reached the foyer and started putting on their shoes when Kirishima said, “But then who would praise y-” Bakugou slapped a hand over Kirishima’s mouth.
Bakugou’s face was a furious shade of red. “One more word out of your stupid goddamn mouth and I’m blowing you all the way to hell.” Kirishima pulled Bakugou’s hand away, kissing his palm.
“I’m looking forward to it.” If smoke could blow from Bakugou’s ears, it would've. Instead, he just settled for grumbling about dumb fucking red heads, stupid fucking ugh so on and so forth. Kirishima laughed softly at his blushing partner, finishing up tying his shoes. Once the boys were ready to leave Kirishima opened the door. Katsuki looked at him with a questioning look on his face.
“You’re not going to say bye to the hag?”
Kirishima just shook his head, a sad smile playing on his lips. “Dude, the only time she talked to me while I was here was when she was yelling at us to leave. I don’t think she cares that much.” Kirishima cocked his head to the side, gesturing toward the door. Bakugou huffed but exited silently.
In a romcom, or maybe any movie really, Eijirou would turn around to see his grandmother looking at him, a proud look on her face. She would pull him into a hug and say something about how much he’s grown as a person. But this wasn't a movie. Kirishima wouldn’t turn back to stare at the god forsaken house. His grandmother wouldn’t even be there.
He followed Bakugou out the door without a second glance.
***
The moving truck they had hired said that all their belongings would be brought to the apartment and stacked in the front room, so all that was left for the pair was to go back to the dorms and take in the last hours they had as UA students.
The train ride was quiet, Bakugou’s head lolled from side to side, exhaustion quickly working through his body. Kirishima felt kind of bad about the state that the blond was in. Kirishima had gone to his childhood home to help pack the remaining things he couldn't bring to the dorms, but emotions had quickly gotten the better of him and Bakugou insisted on doing the heavy lifting. So now that it was only 5:00pm the blond looked worse for wear. Not to mention they are going back to the dorms to go through graduation rehearsal, something that will take a few hours and is, all and all, very fucking boring. The train ride wasn't that long, quickly dropping the two off a few blocks away from UAs gates.
The pair walked in relative silence. Bakugou was the first to speak up.
“So do you know if anyone is coming to your graduation?” he asked, solemnly looking down at the ground.
“Nah,” Kirishima said, “It would be a surprise if they did.” By they he meant his parents. Even if they did show up, he wasn’t sure he would recognize them. He hadn't seen them since he was five. He didn’t want them to show up either. They hadn't done anything for him, why should they get to celebrate what he’s accomplished? “What about you? Think good ol ma and pa are gonna make an appearance?” Kirishima bumped his side into Katsuki’s, a teasing smile on his face.
“Tsk. Fuck no. They know better than to even fucking try.” Kirishima hummed. He remembered the last screaming match between Katsuki and his mother. It was the only one he had been present for, and he wished to never see it again. Katsuki had stormed out of the house, palms sparking while his mother called after him. Kirishima followed shortly after.
Katsuki was sitting on the curb, knees pulled to his chest, going through breathing exercises. Kirishima had sat next to him, silently offering any support he could. There Bakugou had said that she was the one who always wanted to have dinners, who wanted to meet Eijirou, who was consistently reaching out to her son. But she was always the one to start yelling first. The one who crossed boundaries repeatedly, the one who routinely told Katsuki that he was a failure.
Katsuki stopped answering phone calls after that.
It was a hard thing to grapple with at first. Neither boy had a familial system to reach out toward, they were both unwanted and unloved in different ways. But they made their way through it. With help from teachers, mostly just Mic and Aizawa, their friends and the Pro’s they worked with.
They were working through it, but that doesn't mean that grad day is going to hurt any less.
They finally made it to UA’s gates where they were greeted by a very excited Uraraka. Uraraka caught sight of the two boys and nearly toppled them both over when she ran at them and swung her arms around their necks, crushing them into a hug.
“Where were you guys? You’ve been gone all day!” She pulled away, eyeing them both over. “We said no patrolling for the last couple days.”
Kirishima said, “We weren't!” Uraraka eyed him, glancing over at Bakugou who looked like he was falling asleep on his feet. “We weren't!” He repeated, “we just went on a hike and had to go back to my place to move the rest of my stuff.”
Uraraka grinned, reaching up to ruffle Katsuki’s hair, “Aww is lil Katsuki tired from being with his boyfriend all day?” That seemed to wake Katsuki right up.
“Shut up round face! You’d be tired too if you had to deal with all his idiotic bullshit.” He grumbled. Uraraka just grinned.
“I have to deal with Deku and I’m just as lively as ever.” She countered. “Either way though, you look like you need some food. The grad rehearsal is in twenty minutes, but Sato made food for you guys.” Bakugou scoffed, probably about to say that Sato’s food is shit compared to his, but Uraraka walked away before he could start bitching.
Kirishima grabbed his partner’s hand and pulled him to the kitchen, “Come on, I’m starving.” The pair wondered their way to the kitchen where Sato was plating up food. “Hey Sato!” Kirishima greeted.
Sato turned around, a friendly smile on his lips, “Hey Kirishima! Bakugou.” Bakugou just raised his hand in a quick hello. “What were you two doing all day? We missed you at the class breakfast.” Sato sat two plates of food in front of the pair, Kirishima immediately started digging in.
“We took a hike, so we left real early in the morning.” He said between mouthfuls of food.
Katsuki elbowed him, “Don't fucking talk when you’re eating, damn.”
Kirishima made sure to swallow his next bite before continuing. “Then we had to go to my old place to grab the rest of my stuff for the apartment.” Sato nodded in understanding, “So yeah, it’s been a pretty long day.”
“So, I'm guessing you’re very excited about sitting in some chairs for hours and listening to Nezu rant?”
Bakugou scoffed, taking a large bite of food, swallowing before answering, “Yeah super fucking pumped sugar rush.”
Sato just chuckled, rolling his eyes. He turned back to the sink, starting on the dishes. “When you guys are done you can set your plates over here and I’ll wash them.” Sato called over his shoulder.
“Oh, you sure man? I can do them, I-” Kirishima started but was cut off by Sato putting up a hand.
“Nah, looks like you and Katsuki need to decompress a bit.” Sato answered easily. Kirishima wasn’t one to argue and he could agree that Katsuki looked like he needed a rest. Kirishima quickly finished his food but when he looked at Katsuki’s plate it looked the same as when he got it.
“Not hungry?” Kirishima asked in a hushed tone.
Katsuki shook his head, rubbing his eyes with one hand, “Tired.” He answered simply. Katsuki leaned over, resting his head heavily on Kirishima’s shoulder.
Kirishima frowned, running a hand through soft locks. “I’m sorry love. You could probably skip the rehearsal. I’m sure you wouldn’t miss much.” Bakugou exhaled deeply, his body sinking even further into Kirishima’s.
“No, it's okay. I’ll be fine.” Bakugou lifted his head off Kirishima’s shoulder, “But as soon as we get back, I'm fucking collapsing into your bed.”
Kirishima laughed, pressing a quick kiss to Katsuki’s forehead, “Of course.” Kirishima was almost positive that he heard Sato suppress a quiet chuckle.
***
The rest of that day and the following hours passed so quickly that it felt like a whirlwind of crying, laughing, shouting and hushed whispers. The rehearsal was pointedly boring with not too much of anything happening. Kirishima and Bakugou had both turned in early with Kirishima basically carrying Bakugou to the dorm room. The rest of the class was sad to see them leave early into graduation festivities but there would be more opportunities for the pair to be seen. The class had also caught onto just how tired they both seemed to be.
Sure, Bakugou was actively falling asleep in odd places, but Kirishima didn't seem to be as active or lively as he usually was. His laugh seemed a bit duller, and his smile didn’t quite make his eyes crinkle as much as it should’ve.
It wasn’t a secret in the class about how strained both Kirishima and Bakugou’s family units were. Of course, they didn't know every detail, but they figured out enough. They all figured that graduation must be a rough time for both of them. Where everyone was surrounded by family, but Kirishima and Bakugou weren’t. It hit Mina the hardest out of the class, when Kirishima had come to her room crying about how he was so confused by why it hurt so much. How he shouldn't care if they came or not because his parents had never been there for him, and yet he had hoped that they would show their faces. He hoped that for once someone would simply be proud of him. Mina couldn’t understand, not completely, but she had sat with him and held on tight while he cried, and she cried with him. They didn’t talk about that night again. Now they were all sat in the auditorium, diplomas in hand waiting for those 3 words to be spoken.
“-Now give a round of applause to the newest UA graduates!” Nezu said into the microphone. As soon as Nezu finished speaking the crowd of students broke out in cheers and applause. Some students, Bakugou mostly, let off some bursts of their quirks to add to the noise and lights. Mina was screaming with Jiro and Uraraka when out of the corner of her eye she spotted Kirishima twirling a snarling Bakugou. Sero and Kaminari were right beside them letting howls of laughter. She laughed at the scene, turning her attention back to her friends.
Quickly the group of students dissipated to go find their families before the grad party started. Mina quickly spotted her parents and started to run toward them, once again spotting Kirishima and Bakugou sitting on the bleachers, by themselves. Mina’s heart panged, pain traveling through her veins. She would have to talk to them later.
Kirishima sat with his hand intertwined with Katsuki’s, quietly chatting away until the grad party started up.
“Kachan!” Izuku’s voice rang out, “Eijirou!”
Eijirou looked up, smile radiant on his face, “Izuku hey!” He waved. Eijirou took a note of Ochako following close behind, and an older woman who bore a striking resemblance to Midoriya.
When the freckled boy reached the pair, he gave Kirishima a high five before playfully punching Bakugou in the arm. In retaliation, Bakugou sparked his hands, rising from his seat and started chasing the other boy half-heartedly. Kirishima scoffed at the pair and their odd way of showing affection toward each other.
“Hi Eijirou,” Uraraka spoke sweetly, and Kirishima leaned down to hug her.
“Hey ‘Chako” he said back. He pulled away to take a look at the older woman, it must be Midoriya’s mom.
“Hi dear, I’m Inko Midoriya. Izuku’s mother.” Kirishima smiled softly, bowing down.
“It’s nice to meet you miss.” Kirishima said. Inko chuckled, pushing Kirishima’s shoulders up until he was standing up straight again.
“Oh, there is no need for that dear.” Inko laughed softly. “Can I sit with you for a moment?” Kirishima just nodded, sitting back into his seat, Inko sat next to him. Uraraka went off to go calm down the other boys.
“Katsuki and Izuku tell me all about you.” Inko says.
Kirishima’s eyes widened, mouth agape, “O-oh? They do?”
Inko hummed, “Katsuki is quite fond of you.” She laughed softly. “The last time he came over to dinner all he wanted to do was talk about you.” Kirishima’s face flushed, bright and embarrassing, “I’m sorry was that embarrassing to hear?”
Kirishima sputtered, unable to answer right away, “No! No not all. It makes me happy to hear that he brags about me.”
Inko smile was sweet and warm. Izuku definitely got his smile from her. “I was hoping to meet you a lot earlier, but things don’t work out sometimes.”
Kirishima huffed, his posture relaxing slightly, “Yeah, the world has a funny way of working sometimes.”
Suddenly there was a shift of weight next to Kirishima, an arm sliding around his waist. “You two talking bad about me?” Katsuki’s husky voice echoed through the almost empty auditorium.
Kirishima chuckled, poking Katsuki’s cheek. “We were just talking about how grossly in love you are with me.” Katsuki’s eyes widened, looking between the two.
“Inko-” He started, teeth bared.
Inko laughed softly, hands up in surrender, “I didn't say anything of the sort!”
Kirishima laughed with his chest, “Oh is my partner embarrassed of me? I’m wounded Katsuki!” Kirishima draped himself dramatically over Katsuki’s lap. Katsuki just scoffed, ruffling Kirishima’s hair. Kirishima laughed again, feeling his heart swell.
“God you’re so damn stupid, why the fuck do I even bother with you?” Katsuki said, carding his hands through red locks.
Kirishima pretended to think about it, “Hmm, probably because I make you stupid with love.”
Katsuki scoffed, “The thing I feel about you isn't love.” He joked.
Kirishima gasped loudly, hand going over his heart, “You’re such a rascal, playing with a maiden’s heart like this.” Katsuki lightly tugged on Kirishima’s hair.
Katsuki leaned down further, their noses almost touching, “You’re the furthest fucking thing from a damn maiden!” Kirishima was sent into a fit of laughter as Bakugou attacked his face with quick kisses.
“Okay love birds, break it up!” Ochako’s voice broke through the giggle fit. Bakugou huffed, placing one more kiss on the red head’s cheek before letting him up. Bakugou’s hand found Kirishima’s, their fingers intertwined.
“Sorry Inko!” Kirishima apologized, a shy smile pulling his lips.
Inko just waved it off, “No worries! Izuku is much worse than both of you.”
Izuku’s eyes widened in horror, “What? Mom!”
Ochako just waved her hands back and forth, “Okay enough of that! Let’s just get some photos of all of us together and then grab food. I’m starving.” The girl groaned. The four teenagers stood from their seats, walking toward the center of the auditorium. The group huddled together, arms around shoulders and smiles wide.
“Katsuki, smile~” Kirishima chided. Katsuki huffed but let his lips be pulled up into a small, barely there, smile.
After a few camara clicks the group dissipated. Ochako and Izuku looking over the pictures while Bakugou and Kirishima continued to talk in quiet whispers.
“We don’t have to go to the party if you don't want to. I mean we still have to unpack all of our stuff.” Kirishima said, trying to sooth Katsuki’s nerves slightly.
“But you want to go.” Katsuki countered, crossing his arms, “You deserve to have fun tonight.”
Kirishima sighed, pulling at Katsuki’s elbows, pulling the blond closer to himself, “And you don't deserve to go alone to an empty apartment.”
Before Katsuki could argue back someone cleared their throat. Inko was looking at them with a sad smile on her face, “Boys? Do you want a picture of just the two of you?”
Kirishima let out a deep breath, smiling back, “That would be great actually!” Katsuki only groaned while he was positioned next to Kirishima once again.
Inko chuckled at Katsuki's reluctance, her eyes softening with affection. She took a step back, framing the two heroes with her phone. "Alright, smile for me, you two!"
Kirishima beamed, throwing an arm around Katsuki's shoulders, who scowled but didn't resist. Inko captured the moment, freezing the smiles and the shared warmth between the two in a photograph.
"There we go!" Inko exclaimed, showing them the picture. "A perfect shot of two of my favorite heroes."
Katsuki couldn't help but crack a small smile as he glanced at the photo. Kirishima grinned, genuinely happy, and Katsuki's scowl softened into something more affectionate.
Inko hugged them both, a mix of pride and a hint of sadness in her eyes. "You boys take care, okay? And remember, I'll always be here cheering you on."
Kirishima hugged back, “Thank you for your support Inko!” he said, tears pricking his eyes. Bakugou just groaned at his sappy boyfriend. The hug lingered for a moment longer before Inko pulled away and said goodbye. The two boys watched as Izuku met her, linking arms with the shorter woman. They laughed all the way to the exit of the auditorium.
Kirishima swallowed around the lump in his throat, suddenly unable to breathe properly.
Katsuki intertwined their hands again, “Yeah,” Katsuki said in quiet understanding. The understanding that no matter what the two boys did, their parents would never hold onto them like that.
It was a bittersweet realization, one that weighed heavy on their hearts as they stood in the shadow of their friend's embrace with his mother. The concept of parental warmth and affection was something they had only ever witnessed from a distance, a fleeting glimpse of what they longed for but knew they could never fully grasp.
Katsuki tugged at Kirishima’s hand willing him to move forward. “Come on, we got a party to get to.”
Kirishima was quickly thrown into reality, staring wide mouthed at Katsuki. “But- didn't you want to go ho-”
Katsuki spun around to face Eijirou, stepping into his space, “Home will be there later tonight. This is the last time when can kinda just-” Katsuki struggled to find the words.
“Forget about being heroes?” Kirishima finished for him.
Katsuki scoffed, “Not ‘forget’, but yeah I guess.”
Kirishima hummed, dipping his head to kiss Katsuki quickly. “Tell me when you wanna leave, okay?” Bakugou nodded softly, reaching up to kiss Kirishima again. The kiss was sweet, soft, perfect . Though everything that involved Bakugou Katsuki was perfect in Eijirou’s mind.
***
The graduation party was in full swing, laughter and music filling the air as the graduating students celebrated the end of their time at U.A. Kirishima, ever the life of the party, was at the center of the action, his infectious energy drawing others to him like moths to a flame.
With a wide grin plastered on his face, Kirishima danced with his classmates, his laughter ringing out above the music. He tossed his head back, carefree and jubilant, as he reveled in the company of his friends and the excitement of the occasion. He grabbed a smiling Tsu, twirling her in a circle. She laughed, fully bodied, while her head was pointed up with the force of it. Kirishima laughed along with her, dancing in large sweeping motions.
Shoto and Sero were close to the circle but still pointedly not within Kirishima’s range. They both still laughed along to the antics of Kirishima, Sero bobbed his head to the rhythm of the music. Kaminari, Jiro, Uraraka and Kouda were in a circle dancing together, all of them had large smiles plastered on their faces.
Meanwhile, Bakugou stood at the edge of the crowd, his arms crossed over his chest as he observed the festivities with a mixture of amusement and detachment. Despite the jubilant atmosphere surrounding him, he remained aloof, his crimson eyes scanning the room with a hint of wariness.
As Kirishima spun around, his eyes caught Bakugou's from across the room. A spark of recognition flashed between them. Kirishima stopped dancing with his latest victim and started to make his way through the crowd. Kirishima's grin widened as he made his way over to his boyfriend.
"Hey, Katsuki! Why are you standing over here all by yourself?" Kirishima exclaimed, clapping a hand on Bakugou's shoulder.
Bakugou shrugged, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Just enjoying the view, Ei. Someone's gotta make sure you don't set the place on fire with your antics."
Kirishima laughed, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Come on, Katsuki, live a little! It's a party, after all."
With a playful shove, Kirishima dragged Bakugou into the fray, the two of them blending seamlessly into the crowd. Almost on cue, the music switched from upbeat pop to something slower and couples started to gather on the dance floor.
Kirishima looked at his partner expectantly, Katsuki groaned. “You better not step on my feet again.” He hissed as he put a hand on Kirishima’s shoulder, his other hand finding Kirishima’s.
“I won't!” Kirishima said, his hand going to Katsuki’s waist. “We’ll just sway.” Katsuki scoffed.
They began to move together, the dance floor transforming into a canvas for the quiet intimacy of the moment. Kirishima led with gentle sways, their bodies in sync with the rhythm of the music. Katsuki, despite his initial protest, found the simplicity of the dance strangely comforting.
Kirishima's touch was warm, and the subtle movements created a connection that transcended words. They swayed in a comfortable tempo to the song, the world around them fading into the background as they shared the dance floor with other couples.
Katsuki, normally so guarded, felt a sense of vulnerability in the tender closeness. His eyes softened as he looked at Kirishima, who met his gaze with a genuine smile.
“You're so doing good, Kats,” Kirishima teased, a playful glint in his eyes.
Bakugou’s face flushed with the sudden praise. “Don't get used to it,” Katsuki retorted, but the corner of his mouth twitched upwards.
The song played on, and Kirishima continued to guide them in the dance. The ease with which they moved made Bakugou’s heart do strange flips in his chest. In that moment, surrounded by the gentle melody and the comforting embrace of his partner, Katsuki found a rare tranquility that could outshine the chaos of their hero lives.
“You still doing okay?” Kirishima asked, leaning in close to Katsuki.
“Huh?” Bakugou shot back, confused.
“Like being here. Are you still okay or do you want to leave soon?” Kirishima clarified.
“I don’t care,” He shrugged. Kirishima raised an eyebrow at the other boy, “I’m serious! You’re having fun and I don’t mind staying.”
Kirishima sighed, “Do you want to leave?” Bakugou opened his mouth to start protesting but Kirishima cut him off, “No, don’t think about how I feel right now. Do you want to go home?”
Katsuki groaned. “You know the answer.” Kirishima kept his eyes trained of the blond. “Yes! I’m exhausted and I really just wanna home and sleep.” Bakugou blurted.
A smile pulled Kirishima’s lips. “Thanks for telling me.” He said sweetly, kissing Bakugou’s cheek. “When this song is over we can go say bye to everyone.” Bakugou just nodded.
As the more upbeat music started up, signaling the end of one song and the beginning of another, Kirishima and Bakugou gracefully made their way to the edge of the dance floor. They navigated through the colorful lights, finding their group of friends gathered at a table nearby.
Their friends noticed them approaching, and cheers and applause erupted. Mina playfully wolf-whistled, and Sero gave them a thumbs up. Kirishima and Bakugou exchanged glances, sharing a private moment amidst the enthusiastic welcome.
"About time you two took a break from the dance floor!" Ashido teased, her laughter infectious.
Kirishima chuckled, pulling Bakugou closer. "Well, we can't resist good music, can we?"
Ashido's teasing grin widened as she watched Kirishima and Bakugou. "Seriously, you guys were like the stars of the dance floor. I thought you might be stuck there forever."
Kirishima laughed heartily, his arm still wrapped around Bakugou. "Nah, we just needed a moment to catch our breath and hang out with the best squad in town."
Bakugou rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the small smirk on his face. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't get used to seeing me on the dance floor every day."
"Too late for that, Bakugou!" Kaminari chimed in, pointing a finger at him. "We've witnessed a miracle tonight. You, dancing willingly, and smiling!" Bakugou's cheeks tinged with a faint blush, and he grumbled something unintelligible, causing the group to erupt into laughter.
"Alright, alright, enough with the roasting," Kirishima said, defending his partner. "We came to say goodbye, not to become the entertainment."
"Goodbye already?" Jiro asked, a mock pout on her face. "But the night is still young, and we were having so much fun!"
"We have a fuck ton of shit to do tomorrow," Bakugou grunted, shooting a pointed look at Kirishima. "Unlike some people, we can't sleep in till noon."
Kirishima shrugged, feigning innocence. "What can I say? I love my beauty sleep." As the group laughed, Kirishima felt a tug on his shirt. He looked down and saw Ashido, a small smile pulling the corners of her lips. She tugged once more, urging Kirishima to follow her away from the group.
Kirishima threw a silent apology to Bakugou who just groaned, sipping on a water bottle.
“What’s up, Mina?” Kirishima asked, slightly worried.
Mina bit her lip, inhaling deeply. “I just wanted to let you know that there are so many people who look up to you and love you and care about you.” Mina looked like she was struggling with the words she wanted to say. “I know friends can't replace family, or at least not your parents. And I don’t know how it feels to- to go through what you’ve gone through. But I still love you and will always listen if you need me.”
Oh, Kirishima thought, she noticed. It was true that Kirishima still struggled with the aftermath of being effectively abandoned by his parents, but it did help, hearing someone say that he has their support out loud. Kirishima smiled, bright and blinding, as he pulled Mina into a hug.
“Thanks for saying that Mina,” he said, “It means a lot.”
“I just want to help in any way I can.” She said into his chest. They stayed in the embrace for a while, simply existing, before Kirishima heard a yell that sounded suspiciously like Katsuki.
“Okay, I have to go calm my boyfriend down.” Kirishima said, pulling away. Mina giggled.
“What happened to bros before hoes?” She teased as they made their way back to the group’s table.
Kirishima laughed. “He’s my bro and my hoe so it cancels out.” He joked. Mina laughed loudly, taking her spot by Jiro once again. Kirishima laughed softly, settling next to Bakugou.
The group exchanged playful banter and shared a few more laughs as the night continued to unfold around them. As Kirishima and Bakugou prepared to leave, the group enveloped them in a group hug, expressing their affection in a chorus of well-wishes and promises to meet up again soon.
"Take care, you two," Yaoyorozu said, smiling warmly. "And don't be strangers.”
With that, Kirishima and Bakugou made their way towards the exit, hand in hand. The cold air outside greeted them, a stark contrast to the warmth of the memories they had shared within the UA walls. The weight of finality settled upon Kirishima's shoulders, and he felt a somber realization that this chapter of his life was now closing.
His usually lively demeanor subdued, Kirishima stole a glance at Katsuki. Their intertwined hands swung gently between them; Kirishima's grip tightened as if trying to anchor himself in the present moment. He knew that change was inevitable but feeling it in the crisp air as they exited the building made it all the more tangible.
Katsuki, as ever, remained silent. It was a silence Kirishima had come to appreciate over the years. Tonight, however, even Katsuki's stoic demeanor couldn't fully shield the subtle undercurrent of emotion that lingered beneath the surface.
"Katsuki," he said softly, breaking the silence. "Can you believe that it’s just-” The words hung tight on Kirishima’s tongue, “over? UA, our time here..."
Bakugou glanced at him, a flicker of something unreadable in his crimson eyes. "Yeah, well, we knew it wouldn't last forever." There was a bitterness in Katsuki’s voice that Kirishima couldn’t quite recognize. He sounded how he did when he talked shit about his mother.
Kirishima simply nodded, not wanting or needing to point out the tone of Katsuki’s voice. "I just... It feels different now, you know? Like we're stepping into something new, and I'm not sure what to expect."
Katsuki grunted, his grip on Kirishima's hand tightening for a moment. "We'll figure it out, Eijiro. Just like always."
A small smile tugged at Kirishima's lips, grateful for the reassurance. He knew they would, they always did. Even when faced with life-or-death scenarios they always made it out. Maybe not completely unscathed or unchanged but they always made it.
As the pair got closer to the train station Kirishima could feel the fear slowly seep out of his body. He had someone that knew what they were doing, he had someone who planned the next five years out, he had someone who wanted to help Kirishima get to the same point.
He was still nervous, of course he was, but he wouldnt be afraid of the future. As long as Katsuki was next to him, he had no reason to be.
He would stand tall.