Chapter Text
Chapter 1: “Call me Katsuki”
Katsuki didn't know what could have possibly caused this stupid headache to appear, but he did know that whatever the reason was should just go fuck itself and die in a hole.
He'd been fine the whole day; woke up, took his daily run, went to class, trained and made some dinner for the idiots in his class to stop them from eating some damn garbage that would slowly kill them. Even though some people (aka Dunce Face, Raccoon Eyes and Soy Sauce) insisted on eating said garbage under some shitty excuse like "C'mon Bakugo! It's Friday! Just chill out for a little bit, it's not like it'll be the end of the world", Katsuki quickly shut them all up with a glare and a few sparkles from his palms.
After he was done with that, Katsuki made his way upstairs to do some of his homework, although not without the protests of some of his idiots.
−Bakubabe, c'mon! Just like Kami said, it's Friday night! Nobody does homework on Fridays! − Raccoon Eyes cried out so loudly one would think she was being tortured or something. Katsuki was about to protest that "nobody" only meant her and the other lazy bastards she called friends. However, Four Eyes decided to beat him to it.
−Ashido-san, just because you don't do homework on Fridays doesn't mean the rest of us have to follow your example. − The Class Rep started, pointing at Pinky with his classic hand movements -If Bakugo wants to get some work done right now, you should let him. In fact, I'd encourage you to do the same. That way you wouldn't have to run at the last minute, or claim you "forgot" we even had homework - he directed that last part at Dunce Face as well. Those two were really made of the same cloth. If he didn't know better, Katsuki would think they were some sort of twins separated at birth or something.
Still, Four Eyes' speech seemed to deflate Raccoon Eyes and, by extension, the other idiots who had been cheering her on. −They look even dumber than usual that way− Katsuki couldn't help but think. So, with a scoff, the blonde made his way to the stairs (he could take the elevator, but he just felt like walking right now, so that's what he was going to do).
At least until he caught a glimpse of red hair from the corner of his eye.
Clicking his tongue, Katsuki turned around to face Shitty Hair, who was following him like some odd resemblance of a lost puppy. Wait, no, that would mean admitting he'd find the idiot cute in any sort of way, and Katsuki would rather die than do that. If anything, he looked like one of those baby ducklings who follow their mother around all the time. Yeah, that was more like it.
With his classic scowl, Katsuki sharply asked −Did you lose something?
This only made the red-head smile. That adorable idiot. −Well, I just heard you were going to do your homework and was wondering if you'd help me− said Shitty Hair while taking one of his hands to the back of his neck and letting out a slightly embarrassed laugh.
−Tch. What's getting that small brain of yours all worked up this time? Maths or Biology? − said Katsuki, putting his hands in his pockets and turning to climb up the stairs. While to some that may seem like a rude dismissal, the dumbass who called himself his friend saw it as the invitation it was, just like Katsuki knew he would.
−Eh... kind of both if I'm being honest. − said Shitty Hair rubbing his hair while he took hurried steps to match Katsuki's pace.
Once they got to their floor, Dumb Hair went to his room to grab his notebooks while Katsuki took away the papers scattered on his desk. −Tch, I need to clean up this place−, Katsuki thought. He'd woken up a few minutes later than usual this morning, so he didn't have time to put everything in its place before going to class. The state of disarray his room was in now reminded him of the reason he always arranged everything before starting his day and made him mad at himself for failing to do so. This was The Bakugo Katsuki's room for fuck's sake, and right now it looked like Dunce Face's. He couldn't stand that.
Right after he was done with his homework, Katsuki was going to put everything in its place just like it should be.
After what felt like an eternity but had been most likely five minutes at most, Stupid Hair finally came back.
−Hey man! Sorry for the delay, I couldn't find my Biology Book. − Shitty Hair paused for a second after he stepped into the room, looking around with an expression that went from confused to slightly amused. That little shit. Of course he'd find this funny. −Jeez man, what happened here? You got me thinking I was in Denki's room for a second. − the Fucked-up-Hair idiot asked with a little smile on his face.
Katsuki only dignified him with a scoff. −I just forgot to clean it up this morning. − Katsuki half lied. It wasn't the best excuse he could've come up with, he'd admit that; but there was no way in hell he'd admit to have woken up late, that would only make this situation more unacceptable than it already was. To somehow fix this, he gruffly added. − Don't burn more of your brain cells by worrying about it though, I'm cleaning this up as soon as we're done here. Now, did you come here to do your homework or to criticize the state of my room?!- exclaimed Katsuki angrily, specifically using his "I'm done with your bullshit" tone.
Quickly catching up to the blonde's mood, Shitty Hair said −Yeah, yeah. Right. Let's do this!
Said and done, Stupid Hair had managed to understand the subjects they were touching with Katsuki's help. Once he was done with the explanation, the blonde turned around to grab his computer.
−Uh, Bakubro...? What are you doing? − asked Shitty Hair confused.
−Are you blind or something? I'm grabbing my computer − Katsuki said with his no-nonsense tone. The fact that he considered the red-head as the smartest person in the idiots' squad (apart from Katsuki himself, obviously) was something that even he couldn't explain. It certainly comes a long way to show how stupid all of those extras are.
−Well yeah, I can see that. I was more like asking why. − Okay, maybe Katsuki had underestimated him. Not to say he wasn't dumb; he just wasn't that dumb. Only because of that, he answered. Not without letting out a purposefully long and exasperated sigh for a bit of a dramatic effect, of course.
−Well, you already understood the subjects of the assignments, so I don't need to explain each step anymore. So now I'm grabbing my computer to do the research for History Class. − Katsuki held out a hand before Shitty Hair could even open his mouth − And before you ask: yes, I already did that homework; − it had been assigned on Wednesday and Katsuki did it that very same night. Only an idiot would let time pass and get all piled up with work. − and no, I'm not letting you see it so you can "compare our answers".
(That last part was a bit of a lie though. Eventually, Katsuki would show him his own work so that idiot could stop whining about whether or not his answers were correct or not. Which they were. Of course, before doing this he'd threaten to blow his face off if he shared with the rest of idiots and slam his notebook on the table. He had a reputation to uphold after all)
−Hold on, the research for History Class?! − Shitty Hair asked with wide eyes, looking at Katsuki as if he'd just confessed to have kicked a kitty or something.
And... you know that, Katsuki took back what he'd said before. Maybe Shitty Hair actually was that dumb after all. −Tch, yeah. Don't tell me you forgot about it.
−No, no! I didn't! It's just... It was assigned today and it's for the next Thursday Bakugo. There's still plenty of time. You don't have to do it right now. − Scratch that; he wasn't dumb, he was just lazy.
−Tch. And get caught up in schoolwork while I could be training? I don't think so.
−Alright man, your choice. − said Lazy Hair, raising his hands in a peaceful gesture. He'd long since learned that arguing with Katsuki about homework was a battle he'd end up losing; so he just started doing his own work instead.
Satisfied, Katsuki turned to his computer. After about fifteen minutes however, a small burning sensation started forming on his eyelids. Katsuki tried to brush it off by blinking a few times, but it didn't help much.
Whatever, he’d just push through until he was done. It was no big deal.
I don't think that's wise. I think you should go lay down and step away from your computer screen for a while.
Katsuki decidedly ignored the little voice in his head telling him that.
Especially because it sounded oddly similar to Deku's voice, and everyone knows that Deku is an idiot who loves preaching inspirational shit like "take a break when you need it" or "don't push yourself too far" or "it's okay to fail! You'll get another chance later" or "Wow, Kacchan, you're so awesome!"
Okay, maybe not that last bit... but still!
His point is, that nerd loves giving advice to the other extras while not following it himself.
(He'd literally overheard him telling Icyhot to, quote "do as I say, not as I do" unquote.)
So, if Deku wasn't going to listen to his own advice, then neither would Katsuki and that was the end of it.
Plus, he'd always made it a point to finish any homework he started on the same day; this wouldn't be an exception. He was almost finished anyway.
He was Bakugo fucking Katsuki, he could be a little uncomfortable for a little bit, it was no big deal.
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Alright, maybe it was a big deal. In the additional twenty minutes that it had taken Katsuki to be done with his research, the slight burning on his eyes had turned into what he could not help but recognize as a full-on headache.
−Tch, so what if it is? I can deal with this. It's fine. − Katsuki thought. He decidedly shut his computer closed (with a force that only worked to aggravate his headache) and went to look for his cleaning supplies. After all, his room wouldn't magically clean itself just because Katsuki was feeling a bit off.
As he turned around, he was met with a head full of red hair. Right. This idiot's still here.
−Hey Bakugo! Already done with your little research? − it took all of Katsuki's will power not to wince at Shitty Hair's bright and loud tone.
−Yeah, yeah. Since your stupid ass is still here, I figured that I might as well get started on turning this place back into an acceptable living space. − Technically, that wasn't a lie. I mean, Katsuki was going to clean this up. So, if you ignored that he was doing this right now because he simply couldn't look at a screen for any longer and that, in his own pain he'd even forgotten about Kirishima being there, then technically, Katsuki was telling the truth.
−Oh. Alright then, is there any way I could help you? − by not having such a sunshine, full of life voice, maybe.
−Tch. Just raise your feet when I tell you to. - Katsuki grumbled tiredly. Realizing Shitty Hair could view this as something out of character, he made sure to add − Now finish that stupid homework so you can get out of my hair loser! −Katsuki clenched his teeth at the volume of his own voice. A pulsating pain expanding through his skull afterwards.
−Aye aye, captain! − Dumb Hair said, making a goofy imitation of a Pirate's salute. At least he doesn't seem to have noticed anything off.
And so, Katsuki went to grab his cleaning supplies and sprinted into action. Or well, walked into action (maybe tripping on a few corners here and there but that was his, and only his, business.)
Which, in hindsight, didn't look like a very wise choice either, if the way his head pounded once he was almost done was anything to go by.
By the time he'd reached the spot where Shitty Hair was working, the dumbass had already closed his books and was looking at Katsuki in a strange way, as if he wanted to say something but wasn't sure whether it would sit well with him. Well, might as well get it done with, so you can quit the long face.
−Hey man... − Shitty Hair spoke up, almost as if he could hear Katsuki's thoughts. Which, considering the face he must be making right now, was probably not that far from the truth. -are you like… good? I haven't heard you cussing at any germs, or even speaking at all since you started cleaning up and well, that's kinda weird coming from you, y'know? - Shit. He was right. Katsuki had been awfully quiet for way too long, of course Dumb Hair would find it weird.
He could still deny any of his concerns though. If it was anyone else, Katsuki would just come up with some shitty excuse about not being in the mood and tell them to mind their own business.
But... this was Kirishima...
−Tch. It's whatever, I've just got a bit of a headache, it's not the end of the world − Katsuki responded gruffly. (He still had to keep at least some of his bad guy reputation, after all).
This caused Kirishima to wince in what Katsuki would think was pity coming from anyone else, but from the red-read could recognize as a sympathetic gesture. −Oh man, those are awful. I've got some painkillers in my room; I can bring you some if you'd like to. Or maybe I could help you clean. − the red-head offered.
Katsuki only shrugged. − No need to do that. I'm almost done here anyways. − and he was. The only spot left was Kirishima's and then he'd finish. − I'll just go lay down for a while or something and it'll pass on its own. − Katsuki hoped knew that. It wasn't even a migraine or anything, just a regular headache. He'd live.
However, Kirishima didn't seem that convinced, judging by the skeptical expression on his face − If you say so... Just let me know if you need anything, alright? − the dork smiled slightly when Katsuki responded with a grunt (that was as close to a "yes" as one could get from him. Or well, that and a "whatever") − Oh! By the way, would you mind if I borrow your computer? I might as well follow your example and get done with the History Research already before it catches me off-guard at the last minute, hehe.
Katsuki knew that this idiot was just using that as an excuse to stay with him for a little longer, and yet, he couldn't bring himself to tell him "no". He never could.
−Do whatever the hell you want. − Of course, go ahead.
−Thanks, Bakubro! You're the best! − Kirishima said brightly but not loudly, clearly being mindful of Katsuki's headache. He couldn't help but be grateful about it. Although, he would never say that out loud of course.
Once he was done, Katsuki did as he said he would and laid down on his bed. Kirishima had gone as far as turning off the lights, leaving only the small lamp on his desk, which he’d made sure to place in an angle where the light wouldn’t hit Katsuki’s eyes.
Which brought them back to the present, where the blonde was just laying there, willing this stupid, goddamn headache to just go the fuck away. Sadly, his usual method of yelling at things would only make things worse this time, so instead, Katsuki was just thrusting around in his bed, proving different positions in hopes they’d help with his headache.
(Spoiler: They didn’t).
He didn’t miss the way Kirishima kept throwing not so subtly concerned glances at him.
After another attempt at trying to lay face down on his pillow and failing miserably, he was way beyond done with this bullshit; so he sat up so he could look at the red-head.
−Oi, Shitty Hair.
The other boy turned to look at him so quickly he most likely gave himself whiplash. −Yeah?
−Is… your offer to bring painkillers still up?
−Of course! I’ll get you some right now, just wait a minute. – Kirishima said, immediately standing up and darting towards the door. He turned his head at the doorframe to add: − Blink and I’ll be back.
Katsuki couldn’t help but let out a snort at the boy’s antics. −This idiot – Katsuki thought fondly.
True to his word, Kirishima was back less than two minutes later. −Here I am! I brought you some water as well. – he shook a water bottle while saying this.
−You didn’t have to do that.
−Nonsense! Of course I did. How were you going to swallow your pills otherwise? – Kirishima asked distractedly while placing the tablet of painkillers and the watter bottle on the desk, making sure to put them away from the computer.
Katsuki scoffed at this. −Tch. With my saliva obviously – he said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. And to him at least, it was. Why waste precious water he’d need to hydrate himself after training in something as stupid as taking a pill? It made no sense in his head.
Shitty Hair clearly didn’t share his opinion though. As soon as the words left Katsuki’s mouth, the red-head let out such a gasp one would think Katsuki had just told him Santa Claus didn’t exist. −Woah! Hold on! You’re telling me you swallow your pills dry?! Regularly? As in, something you usually do? – his voice had acquired a high pitch by the end of his mini rambling, causing Katsuki to clench his teeth uncomfortably. Thankfully, Stupid Hair seemed to notice, since he then said in a much more controlled voice. −Sorry, sorry man, my bad. You just... caught me off-guard.
–Tch. Whatever. I should have guessed an idiot like you would find that weird. – Katsuki says with as much snark as he can muster in his voice. Which, considering his headache, isn't actually that much.
Katsuki almost considered explained his reasoning behind the whole “using his saliva to swallow pills”, just so Shitty Hair could stop looking at him like he was some sort of alien. He looked beautiful stupid like that. However, he opted for doing something more efficient and less autobiographical instead.
–But, if it helps you sleep at night, then I guess I can down that stupid medicine with some water – Katsuki didn't miss the way the tension sitting on Kirishima's shoulders loosened. It made him feel... light, for some reason. Like he'd done something good.
At least until he remembers a certain comment from earlier and adds – I'm not taking "pills" though, I'm taking a pill. Singular.
Kirishima looks uncertain – ...Are you sure? One pill alone might not be enough to get rid of your headache completely.
Katsuki rolls his eyes (as much as he can without it making his head hurt) –Then I can take another one later. But I'm not taking two at the same time. – His mother had always said that was a bad idea; more specifically a "way to die faster because of some shitty drugs". And even though that old hag was hella annoying in her best days, this was one of the rare instances where Katsuki could agree with her (not that he’d ever said that to her face).
–Alright then... But if you still don't feel better in like... – he paused to look at the clock on Katsuki's wall – an hour, just let me know and I'll get you another one, got it?
Usually, this would be the part where he yelled at anyone else to fuck off and stop giving him orders like one would a toddler, headache be damned.
But Kirishima never bossed him around, and on the rare instances he did, Katsuki knew it was out of a place of concern. He could just see something on Kirishima that he couldn't see in anyone else. And so, the only thing he did was let out a small, annoyed puff.
–Whatever. Just stop acting like an annoying hag and bring me that goddamn medicine so I can tell this headache to fuck off once and for all.
Kirishima offered a toothy smile, passing him the water bottle and a pill (in that order). –Here you go!
Katsuki offered a small grunt as thanks and took the pill...
and almost got it stuck in his throat, causing him to drink more water than strictly necessary…
A small part of his brain was naive enough to think that maybe Shitty Hair hadn't noticed... but then he raised his head to see the slightly amused twitch in the other's lips and knew that hoping had been useless.
(Scratch that stupid saying of "Hope is the last thing you lose". It's the greatest lie ever told in history and whoever said that should be fed to the wolves or some shit like that)
His only consolation was that even if the red-head had noticed (he had), he at least had enough decency not to comment on it (God knows he wouldn't have so damn lucky if an idiot like Dunce Face had been there)
However, the fucker was just staring at him now, which wasn't something Katsuki particularly liked either. (But also not something that made him particularly angry...? It was weird.)
–Oi, you got a staring problem or something? I thought you were doing the research for History. – Katsuki said, hoping to distract Shitty Hair from whatever it is he was seeing on him.
Thankfully, it worked.
–Oh, yeah... right! You're right! I'll go finish it. You just... lay down for a while, okay? –Kirishima stuttered while taking back his spot on the desk, computer and all.
–Tch. What do you think I’m gonna do? Go on a midnight stroll? Idiot. – Katsuki muttered loud enough for the dumbass to hear while he also took back his own spot on the bed. Said idiot had the gall to chuckle at his comment.
Whatever. At least he'd given him something to hopefully stop feeling so shitty at the moment. Only because of that, he'd let it pass.
No other reason.
That was it.
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After a while, Katsuki had finally stopped feeling like someone was trying to crack his skull open, so he sat up to find Shitty Hair still sitting at his desk, now looking at his phone.
−The hell are you doing? – Katsuki asked. Dumb Hair quickly put his phone aside as soon as he heard the blonde’s voice.
−Bakugo! – the idiot exclaimed, completely ignoring his question. – What are you doing up, it’s been like… − he looked at the time on his cellphone – half an hour. Are you good? Do you need another pill? – Shitty Hair had started rambling to the point where Katsuki couldn’t help but be reminded of Deku.
It pissed him off.
− I’m fine, Stupid Hair. – Katsuki said gruffly, interrupting his rambling. – That stupid pill worked, just like I knew it would. My headache is gone. – okay, that was a bit of an exaggeration, Katsuki still felt a slight ache in his temple; but it wasn’t nearly as bad as before.
Shitty Hair visibly relaxed upon hearing this. – Oh. Well… I’m glad to hear that. – he said with a kind smile. Then, his eyes widened and he turned around to grab his phone again. – By the way, I just found out that there’s a movie about Best Jeanist! It’s from a few years ago but it looks promising. Would you like to watch it?! – He’d practically shoved the phone in Katsuki’s face during his little pep talk, so he could see the poster of a movie called “Best Jeanist: Threads of Fate” with the hero (or at least the actor casted for the role) standing in the middle.
Kirishima was right. It did look promising.
Katsuki shrugged −It looks decent enough, I guess.
His friend idiot-who-wasn’t-that-much-of-an-idiot seemed happy with his response, grabbing the computer and placing it on a chair by the foot of the bed. The beginning credits of the movie were already on display, as if Kirishima had already been completely certain Katsuki would say yes. And he was absolutely right. That dumbass.
−Thanks Bakugo. You’re the best! – something ugly blossomed in his chest upon hearing the boy call him by his last name. He couldn’t explain it, but he knew he didn’t like it.
−Don’t call me that. – he couldn’t help but retort. He’d meant for it to come out in his usual angry tone, but instead it had sounded way too serious and out of character even in his own ears. Evidenced by the way Kirishima had turned from his spot arranging pillows in the head of the bed to look at him; confusion and concern written all over his face. Again.
Fuck. This was all because of that damn headache, messing with his abilities to gestion his emotions in front of others.
−Huh?
(Okay. Calm down. There was still a way to salvage this situation.)
Putting his hands in his pocket, Katsuki grumbled. −It’s just the two of us in this room, no need to keep up the last name bullshit. Just call me ‘Katsuki’ or whatever. – he said while crossing his arms; a clear sign not to ask any unnecessary questions. Then, as an afterthought, he added − It’s not like I ever call you by your real name anyways.
And that… wasn’t actually a lie, if he was being honest…
Something Kirishima must have realized too, since he was smiling once again. −Alright, Katsuki. First-name basis when we’re alone, got it!
−And none of telling the other idiots or I’ll blow your stupid-ass hair to the moon, do you hear me?! – Katsuki added for good measure.
−Loud and clear! But… if this is the approach we’re taking, then I must ask for you to call me Eijiro… When you don’t call me Shitty Hair, that is – the red-head added the last part with a small smile.
− Whatever, Eijiro. − Katsuki scoffed while sitting on the bed.
Eijiro let out a small chuckle as he started the movie, sitting next to the blonde.
Katsuki couldn’t help but smiling a little, nor putting his arm around Eijiro when he started to lean heavily on his side by the middle of the movie.
And so, as the final credits of the movie rolled, the two boys had long since fallen asleep next to each other.
The class material they were reviewing earlier remained on the desk until the next morning, and neither of the boys could bring themselves to feel very sorry about it.