Work Text:
Bakugou didn’t know what was wrong with him. I mean seriously, first he spilled his orange juice at breakfast, he doesn’t even like orange juice. Then, he dropped his math book onto his foot. Not to mention Deku would not leave him alone, asking him about his current favorite snacks, since the nerd wanted to gift everyone a care package for finals. Finals. Bakugou has been stressed out of his mind with them.
Everyone seems to be, really. Frantic study groups in the dorms, trying to share knowledge and grasp it. Bakugou hasn’t been struggling, he doesn’t struggle. Though the math work has been pissing him off.
Bakugou can’t bring himself to study with the group.
Everyone else loves it, getting together with snacks, tea, and music. Bakugou despises it. He chooses to sit alone in his dorm, anxiously tapping his foot as he tries so desperately to understand the bullshit they need to learn along with training.
The hothead scratches away at the problem he had written down on a sheet of lined paper, cursing quietly. “Stupid- fucking math.” Bakugou slams his pen down, clutching his aching head. He’s been at this for hours, the constant back and forth of attempting, failing, meltdown, repeat. It’s tiring, Bakugou is tired, and no one is helping him.
He tries to pretend it’s not his fault.
Bakugou could be studying with the others, cozied up, but he can’t. That’s their ridiculous thing, and he wants no part in it.
Bakugou is snapped out of his thoughts when fingers tap against his door, his frustrated face melting into a sneer. “What?!” He shouts, standing up and slamming the door open. Iida is on the other side, eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Ah, Bakugou! I noticed you were not with the others, so I was wondering if you needed some help with the work. I know you don’t like being in a group, so I thought—“
Bakugou slams the door right in his face. What the fuck! Bakugou bites his bottom lip, pacing in his room. He doesn’t need the help, especially not from the BIGGEST nerd in their class, he’s a bigger nerd than stupid Deku! Bakugou doesn’t need help, he’s not weak. He’s not pathetic. He’s not—
“Bakugou? It’s okay to need help, I am Class President after all. It’s my job to look after everyone.” That stupid tone of his, it makes Bakugou feel worthless. Like he needs to be pitied. Bakugou growls, clenching his teeth so tightly they may as well crack. Bakugou wrenches the door open, dragging Iida in by his ironed button up shirt. “Listen here, four eyes. I don’t need help like everyone else, I’m just fine on my own.” Bakugou hisses at Iida, and he’s shocked by the stern look he receives back.
“Bakugou! That’s no way to talk to your fellow classmate, no less the Class President who just wants to help!” Iida is marching Bakugou by his arm over to the corner before Bakugou even registers what’s happening. He’s sat down facing the wall, jaw slack. “Now, I want you to sit there and think about how rude you’re being!” Iida scolds, before he sits down in Bakugou’s desk chair.
Bakugou is livid. His cheeks flush as red as his sharp eyes. Though something in him forces him to stay where Iida put him, that annoying voice in the back of his head that lures him into feeling.. small.
Bakugou will not be little right now, not in front of four eyes, especially not after four eyes put him in the corner like some little pest.
If Bakugou is so tough, if he knows he doesn’t deserve this, then why are his eyes wet. Guilt crawls up his throat. Bakugou had been mean, meaner than usual at least. The stress has just been getting to him, and the only way he knows how to process his emotions is to take them out on other people. It’s wrong. It’s not nice. Why does he want to be nice?
In the midst of Bakugou’s woes, Iida clears his throat. “Bakugou, are you calmer now? Would you like to come talk to me in a respectful manner?” Bakugou wants to shout, to scream, but he also wants comfort. Bakugou sniffles softly, nose flushed pink as he rubs it with his sleeve. Bakugou stands up, all shy now as he wobbles over to Iida, sitting down on his bed. Iida turns to face him, giving a soft smile.
”Good! Thank you. I wasn’t trying to upset you, Bakugou. I want to make sure that you pass these finals, along with everyone else.” Iida’s eyes scan over Bakugou’s face, and he takes note of the deep eye bags. Iida frowns. “How about we take a little nap, and then I can help you with math. How does that sound?” Bakugou sucks his bottom lip in-between his teeth, and he curtly nods his head. Iida smiles again, and Bakugou’s nerves melt away.
Bakugou shuffles back on his bed, crawling his way under the sheets and blanket. Bakugou gets far too hot with regular bedding, and he prefers the soft texture of his red blanket anyways. Iida kneels down next to Bakugou, tucking him in before smoothing his hair back. “Are you tired now? Did that little tantrum help to wear you out?” Bakugou can’t stop himself from leaning into Iida’s touch, yawning. Bakugou’s throat feels a bit raw, and he lets out a tiny whine, rubbing his neck.
Iida stands back up, heading over to his bag that he brought in. Iida pulls out a bottle of cool water, stepping over to Bakugou and unscrewing the cap. “Here, bubble. I’m glad I brought some water with me.” Iida holds the bottle of water, guiding it for Bakugou so he doesn’t spill. Bakugou drinks his thirst away, then turns his head. Iida takes the hint, screwing the bottle back up and setting it on Bakugou’s nightstand. Iida sits on the side, next to Bakugou’s legs.
Comfort. The comfort is nice, Bakugou decides. Iida is pretty nice, too. Bakugou’s eyes begin to flutter shut, head nestled between his pillows, thumb tucked into his mouth, and Iida’s hand stroking his hair.
It’s good. It’s safe. It’s comfort.