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It was 1 in the morning, and everyone was calmly in their dorms. Besides Shoto. he had crept through the hallway barefooted, hardly making a sound as he gently knocked on Sero’s door. He swallowed a nervous lump down his throat, though his face wouldn’t show it, maintaining his stoic expression like second nature. Knock, knock.
Sero, confused as to who’s knocking on his door at 1 am, sleepily slides out of his bed and over to his door. He takes a second to try and rub some of the sleep from his eyes as he opens the door. To his shock, it’s Shoto! His eyebrows knit together in slight confusion as he brushes some of his own dark messy hair back.
“Shoto??” Sero asks in a tired voice
Shoto blinks, unfazed by Sero’s furrowed brow expression. He notices how sleepy Sero’s eyes look, how they don’t fully focus on his face nor have fully adjusted to the hallway lights yet.
“…I had a bad dream, as embarrassing as it is to admit. I-”
He paused, realizing how childish his story sounded, internally pounding his head in the wall for knocking in the first place
“…I just need someone to stay with, my room is…unnerving at the moment.”
His tone was incredibly clinical, like discussing treatment options, but his intentions were human, whether he tried to hide it or not.
Sero opens his door all the way so he’s standing completely in front of Shoto in the now open doorway that leads to Sero’s room. Sero, despite being tired and maybe half asleep, gives Shoto a soft look. He then gives him a gentle, tho slightly sleepy smile.
“You can stay in my room if you want. I don’t mind at all.”
Something inside Sero’s chest fluttered a bit. Maybe it was because a part of him was glad that Shoto came to him for something like this. But, still, if Shoto needed to stay in his room, then Sero would put up almost no argument
Shoto stepped inside with a kind of comfortable silence that was hard to really describe but it added to the atmosphere. His eyes flickered to Sero’s bed, a thought flew to his head, but he immediately denied it. No way. He looked back at Sero, and watched him in silence, waiting for him to make the first move. He wasn’t exactly sure where he would sleep in Sero’s room, he hadn’t thought that far ahead. Honestly, wherever Sero told him to sleep, he’d lay there with no hesitation, just grateful to be in the same room as him.
After Shoto is all the way in the room, Sero gently clicks the door shut before turning back to walk over to his bed. When he gets there, he gently flicks on the fairy lights to give the room a gentle glow that he hopes is relaxing. He then turns back to Shoto, nervously scratching the back of his head.
“Do you…uh…Do you wanna share my bed? Or, I can crash on the floor tonight, I don’t mind if sharing makes you uncomfortable! But that’s if you want to sleep in my bed of course!” He laughs nervously, a small blush creeping into his cheeks. He really hopes he’s not making himself look stupid right now. For a moment, Sero kinda hopes that maybe they could share the bed just for tonight?? His face heats up a little more in slight embarrassment at such a thought.
Shoto blinked without a reaction. Normally people’s eyes would go wide or they’d blush like schoolgirls at the thought of sharing the bed with someone. Especially someone with looks like Sero. Oop, that’s a private thought. Externally, it seemed he didn’t quite care. Internally, he was very anxious, and his heart did this sort of flutter he hadn’t felt before with anyone else. His cheeks dust a faint, barely there, pink.
“I don’t mind sharing. It’s your bed, though, you have the say.” Despite his words, he subtly inched toward the bed as he spoke. He wasn't quite sure why at the moment, but the thought of sharing the bed was equally terrifying but intriguing, making the other option seem like choosing hell over heaven.
The blush on Sero’s face reaches his ears at Shoto’s words as he suppresses a goofy smile. He still couldn’t believe that Shoto came to him of all people. (He would never admit this out loud, but Sero always thought that someone as pretty as Shoto would never come to someone as boring as himself-)
“A-Alright then!” He walks over to his bed and slowly slides back onto it until he’s practically pressed against the wall. He wanted to make sure Shoto had plenty of room just in case he wasn’t 100% comfortable with sharing the bed. He then turns back to Shoto and offers him another gentle smile as he gestures to the open spot next to him on the bed.
Shoto’s heart fully stopped for just a second, then his stomach did a flip. His legs trembled slightly as he crossed the room in three long strides, and gently sat on the edge of the bed. He took a breath, and laid down fully in the bed, pulling up the blanket to cover his shoulders. At first, he laid on his back, staring at the ceiling. He felt Sero’s eyes burning into his cheek, and for some reason he just couldn’t describe what he was feeling. He turned his head, his expression softened by just a fraction, only noticeable by anyone who has spent the time to study his face instead of only seeing his stoic mask. His hand twitched under the blanket, and it inched closer to Sero’s hand, accidentally brushing against it, but not pulling away. He cleared his throat softly, looking away, but keeping his head facing Sero, resisting the urge to turn his body fully toward him.
The blush on Sero’s face grew just a bit more at Shoto’s contact on his hand. Even if it was simply a little brush against his hand, Sero’s heart stuttered at the contact. He huffed out a soft laugh as he gazed at Shoto. He’s never really been this close to him before and it makes his heart flutter even more. He inches just a bit closer to Shoto, resisting the obnoxiously strong urge to pull him closer, to really cuddle with him (like he’s totally never dreamed about before, like, pfft, what are you talking about-). The way the soft lighting of the fairy lights on his ceiling and headboard make Shoto even more pretty than he usually looks. This thought alone has Sero’s face heating up even more as he quickly clears his throat.
Shoto turns his head the other direction to yawn, an instinctive move. Then, without thinking, his entire body shifts to the side, lying sideways, facing Sero. The motion looks like he’s “getting comfortable”, but ladies and gentlemen, we all know what he’s subtly trying to do. His fingers brush against Sero’s again, a sort of way to say “I’m open”, without really saying it. He adjusts his position to be comfortable, and lets his eyes flutter shut, already forgetting his previous nightmare as he mind starts to drift and only think about Sero. It tends to do that a lot. His lower leg also brushes against Sero’s, more on accident, really, just shifting. as he slowly drifted off, he felt the tension lift off his shoulders in relief of being in a room with the person he felt the most safe around. (Also, yes, he was slightly blushing, but it was hard to make out under the lighting. Shh).
Sero watches as Shoto’s eyes close and as he seemingly drifts off to sleep. The feeling of Shoto’s fingers brushing his again has him wanting to interlace their fingers together and never let go. He slides a bit closer until he can practically feel Shoto’s steady breathing. He continues to gaze at Shoto with a gentle smile on his lips as he thanks every god out there that Shoto came to him. As he gets comfortable, he thinks for a brief moment that he wants to wrap his arms around Shoto, to wordlessly tell him that he’s safe here. That Sero will let nothing get to him here. He lets his hand slowly lace his fingers with Shoto’s, the blush in his face deepening to a flush at this point.
He sighs. “Screw it…” he mumbles quietly as he slowly wraps an arm around Shoto gently, trying not to jostle him awake. Sero closes his eyes and just lays there, enjoying the closeness, and hoping it doesn’t just disappear from his grasp.
After a few long, almost unbearable moments, Shoto shifts slightly in his sleep. His hand tightens instinctively around Sero’s, and his body sort of curls to fit perfectly against Sero’s. His thigh slid over Sero’s intertwining their legs under the covers. Of course, Shoto is unconsciously doing this, which must mean his heart takes over for his brain when it’s resting. Shoto’s frame, as mentioned before, fit perfectly against Sero’s, chest to chest, not a single gap of air between them. He let out the faintest noise, sort of like a snore, but not the obnoxious kind of snores you’re probably thinking of. Shoto’s face looks more relaxed and soft when he’s not always forcing his stoic mask, when it’s relaxed it’s almost like he has a baby face, he looks younger. So let’s rewind and get this straight now, Shoto had a nightmare, came to Sero, and now they’re cuddling, and Shoto doesn’t even know it consciously. They lay like that for god knows how long, enjoying each other’s warmth.
Sero quickly curls around Shoto, finally giving into his intrusive thoughts by wrapping both his arms around Shoto and snuggling his face into red and white hair. Feeling Shoto finally fully relaxed makes Sero’s own shoulders relax all the way as he slowly exhales the breath he didn’t even know he was holding in. He can then feel the weight of sleep slowly creeping over him again. The feeling of finally having the boy he’s been dreaming about for a long time in his arms makes something content settle within Sero. The feeling of their bodies snuggled together, their legs tangled together, and their slow even breathing makes Sero slowly drift off onto his own slumber. As he drifts off into sleep, he gently squeezes Shoto against himself, making sure that nothing can ruin this moment for him.
The two slept peacefully for the rest of the night, cuddled up and warm under their shared blanket. As dawn arose, the sun slowly started to peak in through windows and bringing light into rooms across UA, Shoto was the first out of the two to stir. His eyes fluttered open slowly until they adjusted to the light. Then he felt the body on his, the feeling of his face buried into someone’s chest, and the sheer closeness. He froze, his eyes uncharacteristically widened as he tried to process what was happening. Shoto had never been one for physical touch, not even from his family, so why now does this feel… right? in a way? He’s not sure. These feelings are really strange for him, he hasn’t had much experience with this kind of stuff in the past. He just held his breath, waiting for Sero to wake up, laying perfectly still. If Sero didn’t want to move when they woke up, Shoto wouldn’t move. If Sero was surprised and pushed him away, he wouldn’t fight it. It’s almost adorable how compliant Shoto is for Sero. (Aweee)
Sero lightly stirred, slowly peeling his eyes open just a bit before shutting them again. At first, he registered the sunlight that was lightly shining through his window.
“Ugh…It’s morning already…” Sero grumbled before pulling the warmth in his arms. He snuggled closer into said warmth, wanting to drift back off into sleep, before slowly pausing. That’s when he registered the warmth that was wrapped in his arms. And that’s when the memories of last night came back to him in an instant. It was Shoto. That’s right! Sero let Shoto sleep in his room last night! His eyes shot open only to be met with red and white hair. Oh lord…He was snuggled up. To Shoto. Very closely. Sero could feel his face growing hot very quickly. He had no idea if Shoto was awake or not but…
“G-Good morning Shoto…” Sero softly stuttered out, keeping his arms wrapped around the other, his flush spreading to his ears and neck. Hopefully Shoto couldn’t hear how fast his heart was beating against his rib cage.
Shoto slowly lifted his head, his face brushing against Sero’s chest as he did so. His expression is calm, stoic, slightly surprised, but hardly noticeable.
“Good morning… it seems we’ve.. probably drifted in our sleep. My apologies.”
He shifts slightly, but doesn’t move to escape Sero’s grip, hardly registering the fact his hands are clutching Sero’s shirt off his back as we speak. He blinks once, almost looking innocent. Their faces were only inches apart, Shoto could count the flakes of silver in Sero’s deep, intriguing black eyes. He felt every one of Sero’s breaths on his face, not like he hated it. But even more, why didn’t he hate it? If it were anyone else, he’d have set them ablaze or frozen their asses by now. He clears his throat.
“Is this… irregular for friends? when they sleep over, I mean. I’ve never really slept in another person’s bed.” His question was innocent, simple, almost nervous in a way that made it cute. His hand unconsciously slid up Sero’s back, fidgeting with the hair at the nape of his neck as he just stared at Sero with his usual blank expression.
Sero only let out a soft laugh as his blush grew. He shivered slightly as Shoto’s fingers tangled into the hair at the nape of his neck but didn’t pull away.
“I-I mean…I’m not sure. I’ve had sleep overs before b-but I don’t remember sharing a bed with…anybody…uh- anybody else.” Sero explains as he nervously looks around his room, his arms subconsciously tightening around Shoto just a bit.
“Uh…I mean…Does this make- make you uncomfortable…?” Sero asks nervously, looking down at red and white hair.
Shoto thought for a long couple seconds, momentarily mesmerized at how the sun highlights Sero’s eyes. He blinked and shook his head comfortably. Then Shoto nuzzled it into the crook of Sero’s neck, just without thinking. just ‘cus he could. He twirled the tiny locks of messy bed-headed hair with his fingers with his one hand. The other hand is still gripping Sero’s shirt with a soft but attached grab that basically means he’s not letting go.
“The opposite, really… just don’t get a fat head about it.” His nose was pressed against Sero’s pulse point as he buried his face and pressed it into Sero’s skin gently. His lips were just above the collarbone and his eyes fluttered closed to drink in the feeling of Shoto’s skin on Sero’s.
“… What time is it? Isn't it a Saturday.. Do we have classes..?” Shoto murmured, sleep still creeped in his tone. Typically, Shoto already knew the answers to these questions, he was organized and prepared for every day. Except, at this moment, his brain was fried, even if his face didn’t show it.
Sero’s heart beat faster as his flush deepened at the sudden closeness. The feeling of Shoto’s face pressed that close to him made his stomach do all kinds of flips. He felt the warmth of Shoto’s breath against his neck and shivered again. If only Shoto knew how he made Sero feel…
“I-I don’t- I don’t think s-so! W-Why do you ask? Did you want to…stay here a little longer?” Sero asks nervously as he moves his arms around Shoto’s waist, gazing at the way the light sunlight made Shoto look almost angelic. Especially with the way the two were curled up together. Sero never wanted this to end. Even though he couldn’t really keep Shoto here forever, he could keep him here for now.
Shoto gently tugged the piece of hair he was twirling with his finger, not enough to hurt, but enough to feel it. Why? oh- uh.. yeah that’s a good question. He didn’t really have a why, he just wanted to, in a playful way. Which is strange, Shoto isn’t a playful person. He nodded against Sero’s skin.
“You’re warm. but we do need actual substance soon..” Shoto murmured, his thighs sliding to wrap around Sero’s hips. They only really reached about half way, though. He wasn’t very good at this whole physical touch thing, he wasn’t just moving his body as close to the heat source as he could. He could feel his left hand starting to get hotter slowly, just heating up gently. He ran his extra warm fingers down Sero’s neck. He had shifted his head to peer over Sero’s shoulder, just slightly.
“…You’re nervous. and stuttering up a storm. Is something affecting your ability to speak clearly? I don’t recall you mentioning you had a stutter.” He pulled his head back just enough to look at Sero’s face, their noses so close they brushed against each other briefly. Shoto didn’t think anything of the distance, his face still that calm blank canvas that never changed. (lol)
Sero sucks in a breath at the light tug he feels in his hair. He could feel his face heating up even more than before, his hands slowly moving to Shoto’s waist as he felt Shoto’s legs wrap around his hips. He lightly gasped at the feeling of extra warm fingers sliding down his neck. He quickly laughs nervously.
“N-No! I’m not n-nervous or anything! I-I-I’m just…uh…I can’t- I just- I…” Sero trails off as he looks into Shoto’s eyes. He froze as he felt their noses brush against each other. He sucked in another breath as he stared into the eyes of the boy of his dreams. They were so close! Sero’s eyes flicked down to Shoto’s lips for only a second before shooting back up to his eyes, his blush growing impossibly brighter. He lightly gripped Shoto’s waist as he let out a stuttering breath.
Shoto blinked, as if physically incapable of noticing the obvious signs like the oblivious idiot he is.
“.. Your hands are warm.” his lips twitched, as if trying to smile even though every bone in his body refuses to let him. But eventually the dam breaks. A slow, soft, goddamn miracle smile slides onto his face. To anyone else, no one would really care. But at least everyone at UA knows Shoto doesn’t smile. (Awww). His eyes flickered to Sero’s lips as well. Both stuck in want. In desire. Shoto’s other hand unconsciously slid from Sero’s hair to his jaw, gently tracing before finally gracefully cupping his cheek. His thumb brushed Sero’s cheekbone. He wasn’t sure what he was doing. If anything he would’ve deemed this friendly behavior. His body had told him to do something and honestly, without thinking, his socially slow ass did it.
“You’re doing it again… you’re stuttering. You can’t…what?” Shoto’s voice dropped down to a whisper, and lowered nearly an octave, meant for Sero’s ears only. He was completely oblivious to the blushing and the real reasoning behind Sero’s nervous stuttering and fluttering heart against Shoto’s chest. “Hm?”
Sero’s face grew impossibly more red and flushed as Shoto’s hand came to cup his cheek. His eyes widened as his grip on Shoto’s waist tightened as he let out another stuttering breath. Could he really say what he really wanted to?? Especially in front of the one his heart beats for the most?
“I-I…” He hesitated, and even though there was little to no space between the two, Sero pulled Shoto closer by his waist. He stared into oblivious eyes as he felt his heart rate speed up by 10000%! He leaned in a little closer until he could feel Shoto’s breath mingle with his own.
“I…You…” he sighs as he thinks ‘fucking screw it’. “Y-You have no idea…how you really make me feel, Shoto…” Sero whispers, his eyes peering into Shoto’s with what he could only describe as the love and desire he feels for Shoto.
Shoto felt a small flutter in his chest, but he listened. Ignoring the fact his own cheeks were dusted with a light pink, he blinked like he hadn’t a clue. Because he had no clue what Sero meant by that. He tilted his head innocently, like a child misunderstanding the birds and the bees talk.
“Hanta…what? How…How do I make you feel anything? Did I make you feel uncomfortable?” He truly did have no idea how he affected Sero, and he himself had no idea how much Sero was affecting him. That kinda says something. He allowed himself to be pulled closer, his other hand joining his first one on Sero’s other cheek. He didn’t realize how intimate the position was, he just thought it was him spectating Sero’s face. He’d gotten good at reading faces. His eyes flicked down to Sero’s lips again. He didn’t know how to describe what he was feeling in the moment, he’d never experienced anything ever akin to it before.
Sero huffed out a laugh as he lightly shook his head. He loved how socially oblivious Shoto could be. He thought it was really cute and adorable.
“No of course not! You make me feel anything but uncomfortable!” Sero tried to explain, his thumbs rubbing small circles into Shoto’s waist as he laughed softly. He could feel himself falling harder and harder in love with Shoto. Nothing could possibly make Sero stop loving him. He just needed to say it out loud to him now. And he will. At least…he’ll certainly try!
“You make me feel…I don’t know…happy. And content! And…” Sero trailed off as he looked down to Shoto’s lips again, this time his gaze lingering there a little longer before leaning in closer until only a breath of space was left between them. If either one of them leaned forward even by a hair, their lips could finally connect.
“I…Shoto, I think I’m…falling for you…The way you make me feel whenever I’m around you…There’s no denying it. No denying that this is what I feel about you…” Sero whispered back, praying that this doesn’t push Shoto away. He’d be beyond crushed if he lost Shoto now after being this close to him.
Shoto’s eyes snapped open wide before he could even stop himself, he paused for just a minute. Did he actually just say what he thinks he just said? He blinked once, twice. Then Shoto stared down at Sero’s lips, then backed up. His heart was racing, and he actually started blushing. Like, blushing blushing.*
“I-… really? You.. You really feel that way?” Shoto swallowed thickly, checking to make sure this is real.
“This is… a-a lot to process at 8am in the morning..” He unconsciously licked his lips, staring at anything but Sero’s eyes, his hands on Sero’s face starting to tremble.
“Sero, I-… I’m not good with… emotions. A-and feelings, and stuff. So.. why me? I… I don’t think I can be what you need..” Shoto felt self-doubt creeping in, it was uncharacteristic of him, and honestly, pretty fucking terrifying. He shook his head and look at Sero in the eyes, hoping just looking at him would make the hurricane of emotions and feelings he had never experienced before give him a break from the storm.
Sero squeezes Shoto’s waist again as a determined look spreads across his flushed face. He wanted to know why? Then he’d tell him why!
“So? You don’t need to be good at emotions or feelings for me to love you. I will never stop loving you just because you ‘aren’t good at feelings’. I will love you no matter what! You already are what I need Shoto. You always have been and you always will be. Never doubt my feelings for you for even a second. Please.” Sero rambled, never breaking eye contact with Shoto during his entire confession. Pouring his heart out to the boy he loved actually made Sero feel better. And he hopes it helps make Shoto more confident in Sero’s feelings for him. Because everything Sero said is the truth.
“If you need to hear me say that everyday, then I will. You will never have to doubt my feelings for you.” Sero added with a gentle smile, all his love flicking through his dark eyes.
Shoto felt his breath hitch in his throat. He swallowed thickly, trembling uncharacteristically as if scared this isn’t really real. But it is. And god damnit, he believed every word Sero said. Shoto didn’t know what love even is, but if it’s like how he feels with Sero, then it’s definitely something he wants more than anything.
“Thank…you…” He smiled, his eyes flickering down to Sero’s lips, which he finally noticed were closer to his own than before.
“I-.. I love you too…”
The words escaped his lips before he could even think about them first. His heart was hammering inside his chest like a trapped bird in a cage. His hands slid down to grasp the collar of Sero’s shirt, steadying himself.
“Hm-… I never thought I’d ever feel this way before. But, you promise? will you.. be patient..? I still need time to learn and figure out myself, as do you probably.” His tone was clinical like before, but slightly more vulnerable, but despite his outstanding attempts at covering it, you could obviously tell he was nervous. Rightfully so, poor guy. He wouldn’t know love if it slapped him in the face. Which it just did. His gaze dropped down to Sero’s lips, this time not even bothering to look up…
Sero, again, laughed softly as he nodded. He’d wait for Shoto as long as he got to be with him at the end of the day.
“I’ll be as patient as ever. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be right here.” Sero whispered, his words ghosting over Shoto’s lips. Because that was also the truth. No matter what, no matter the time of day or what mood Shoto’s in, Sero will always be there for him. He’ll be stuck to him like sticky tape (get it?? Loll-) for as long as Shoto will let him. Sero then looked back down at Shoto’s lips, quickly noticing that Shoto was staring at his. Sero leaned just a bit closer.
“Can…Can I kiss you…?” Sero whispered, squeezing Shoto’s waist more as he silently help his breath. How could he not ask? He’s been wanting to kiss Shoto for a while now and, right now in this very moment, seems like the perfect opportunity.
Shoto’s eyes shot back up at Sero’s nervously, and his grip tightened on his shirt.
“I… don’t know how.. b-but yes.”
He swallowed, his hands releasing Sero’s shirt and sliding up his shoulders. He didn’t know where this was going, how long it would last, how it would even work, all he could focus on was the feeling and the heartfelt words of Sero. He was always a poet with his words, wasn’t he? Shoto just hadn’t paid enough attention then. He made a silent vow in that moment to show Sero as much attention as he could, even if Sero himself didn’t even notice. Okay- but that’s besides the point at the moment. Get your popcorn ready, they’re about to kiss!! (He’s so nervous he doesn’t know awww🥹)
Sero simply smiles as he laughs quietly, his grip remaining firm on Shoto’s waist.
“It’s ok. It won’t be anything too crazy.” Sero whispered before pausing. He stared at Shoto’s face, simply just memorising all his features. His eyes, his nose, his scar…His lips. That’s where Sero’s eyes landed. The same lips he’s only ever dreamed of. The only lips he’s ever dreamed of kissing. The ones he never thought he’d never even get a chance to be even close to! But here they were. Right in front of him. And Sero would be DAMNED if he let them get away now. So, he slowly leaned in before he could back down. Then, after breaking through that last little breath of space between the two, their lips slowly connected. Nothing rushed or crazy just like Sero promised. Just a gentle but firm press of his lips onto Shoto’s. But Sero made sure that Shoto could feel the love that Sero feels for him through the softness of the kiss.