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Izuku fills his orange watering can and hums.
It’s a nice day out. Eleven a.m. on a Sunday, and his stomach’s still full of coffee and one of the blueberry muffins he’d baked yesterday on a video call with his mom. It tasted divine. Being trapped indoors for six months has at least improved his cooking skills, even if he has put on a little squish from his sugary escapades. It’s totally worth it. There are five more sitting in a box on the microwave. He plans to inhale them over the next week. The last of the water drips as he shuts off the tap and wanders to the planter on his balcony. Flowers, tomatoes and some herbs. More quarantine experiments. There were others but they’ve tragically perished over the summer so he guards the survivors with the nurturing touch of a new mother. “Drink up,” he whispers fondly to his basil. It doesn’t answer. Someday he hopes that’ll change.
There’s a nasally howl from the neighbour’s place. Izuku looks up – it’s the very loud, very blond guy living in the unit opposite. They’re technically in separate blocks but their balconies are close enough they can see into each other’s living rooms. He’s dancing around in his pyjamas. Yodelling at the top of his lungs off-key, swinging his Pomeranian around by the armpits like a furry ragdoll. “You’re a dog! You’re a fluffy little yellow dog and you’re a pain in the ass but you’re still my favourite shit-stain, yeah!”
Izuku bursts out laughing. The neighbour’s head whips around. He yelps when he sees him, tossing the dog on the couch and scrambling out of view to hide in the hall. The dog yaps, indignant. Izuku stuffs his fist in his mouth to stifle his wheezing. It doesn’t work.
He drops the watering can and runs back inside to find his phone in the mess of blankets on his couch. Small Might: Guys. I've decided i have a crush on my neighbour.
The reply’s almost instant. Izuku flops on the couch and lets his phone vibrate in his hand. The neighbouring apartment is silent save the shouting of the Pomeranian. Izuku smiles stupidly into a pillow.
Brochako: Who? The little old lady?
Shoutoroki: i like her. She's nice.
Small Might: not the little old lady!! I mean the hot blond guy across from me
Vroom Vroom: The one who argues on the phone with his parents every weekend?
Brochako: the one with the small dog that peed on your shoes when you tried to pet it?
Hitoshishishi: the one who made a kindergartener cry for littering on the sidewalk?
Vroom Vroom: Who changed my username? My name is Tenya thank you very much!
Shoutoroki: she gives me sweets when i see her. I bought werthers originals myself but it's not the same as when they're from her.
Small Might: Shouto please focus. Also yes guys that’s the one.
Hitoshishishi: didn't you hate him
Small Might: that was you. I'm just afraid of him
Small Might: except now i like him because i just saw him SINGING to his DOG!!
Brochako: was he good?
Small Might: no he was awful. He got all shy when he saw me, it was adorable
HItoshishishi: read at 11.27 am
Small Might: HITOSHI DON'T IGNORE ME HOW DO I ASK HIM OUT
Brochako: Here’s an idea. You knock on his door and, stay with me here
Brochako: you… ask him out.
Small Might: Serious suggestions only please
Tenya: She’s right. I think it would be easiest to just be upfront about your intentions with him.
Vroom Vroom: Honesty and transparency are the foundation of any healthy relationship, after all!
Vroom Vroom: Who changed my name back?!
Small Might: ugh, no. I’d like to actually have a chance of him saying yes.
Hitoshishishi: why wouldn’t he say yes?
Small Might: because he’s, like, model hot and completely out of my league?
Hitoshishi: you just saw him sing to a dog. Badly. I think you’re on the same playing field.
Shoutoroki: I think his face is quite unmemorable actually
Small Might: Shouto I love you but you know you have face blindness
Brochako: lol tdrk still thinks keira knightley and natalie portman are the same person
Shoutoroki: have you ever seen them in the same room
Vroom Vroom: Just tell him you think he’s attractive and ask him to go to lunch with you!
Small Might: WHAT IF HE’S STRAIGHT
Hitoshishishi: then he’ll just say no?
Small Might: WHAT IF HE HAS STANDARDS
Brochako: Izuku I know we’re technically in quarantine but I WILL come over there and shove you off your balcony
Izuku groans and rolls over. He can still see into Blondie’s apartment if he squints, since the living room curtains are drawn wide to let the morning sun in. The dog’s pottering around with a stuffed shark in its mouth. There’s no sign of Blondie himself. Izuku’s probably gone and embarrassed him into hiding and they’ll never have a real conversation and fall in love. “I’ll die alone,” he announces to his empty living room. “I’ll become an old maid and live my days as a spinster in a cottage in the woods, raising chickens and scaring the local children away.”
The ceiling fan whirrs sympathetically. Sighing, Izuku gets up to find another muffin, already planning to spend the day languishing theatrically on the couch.
The neighbour’s name turns out to be Bakugou.
Izuku’s not a stalker, okay? He’s not. Just putting that out there. He just has a lot of free time lately, seeing as he got let go from his job as a cashier at the local manga store. It didn’t take very long to work out what unit number Bakugou must be in by counting off the balconies on their floor, and if Izuku happened to check out the nameplate by the entrance while he was out getting groceries, well, that’s between him and God. The point is now he has a name to the face. Bakugou Katsuki. A strong name. Izuku likes it.
“I’m home, you little fucker,” Bakugou announces the second he slams open his front door. Izuku leans over the coffee table to peek out of the balcony. There he is. Bakugou Katsuki in all his mystery, scooping up his dog to bundle it under one arm like a newspaper. He’s wearing what looks like an EMT’s uniform that does incredible things to his shoulders. “Did you miss me, bastard? Of course you didn’t. There’s not a damn thing going on in your head. You barely remember who I am, don’t you?”
Izuku laughs into his sleeve. Bakugou’s holding the dog up like baby Simba on pride rock, lovingly threatening to turn it into a pair of fuzzy earmuffs. He doesn’t sing to it again but he does keep up a one-sided chat as he cooks dinner, something savoury and delicious that makes Izuku’s stomach grumble longingly. Izuku eavesdrops without a shred of guilt. It’s the most entertaining thing he’s done all day, and he hangs around the living room until Bakugou finally goes to bed at ten thirty.
The silence is almost disappointing. Izuku stretches his legs and hobbles to his feet, brightening considerably when he notices Bakugou’s left his balcony door ajar. He pads outside and goes pspspsps. Sharp nails scrabble wildly against the floorboards and a furious yellow puffball comes charging outside.
Izuku grins. “Hey, puppy! Isn’t it past your bedtime?”
The dog gruffs. It can’t seem to decide whether to drop its red ball or bark so it settles for bouncing around and making strange grumbly noises in its throat. Izuku can’t help but laugh. It’s a cute little thing even if it does hate him. Its fur looks so nice and soft. If he ever works up the courage to ask Bakugou out maybe he’ll get to play with the dog as a bonus.
Or. Or, he thinks, gasping out loud and startling the dog into yapping. Maybe it could work both ways. Maybe he could win the dog’s trust before he wins Bakugou’s and trick Bakugou into liking him that way. It can’t be too hard. It’s just a dog, after all, even if it is kind of hateful. He just has to tame it. Make it think of him as a friend so Bakugou has no choice but to follow.
He grins. The dog, as if sensing his motives, squints at him with distrust. “Oh, I’ve got you,” Izuku tells it with glee. “I’ll make you love me, just wait and see.”
“Puppy,” Izuku sing-songs a week later. “Puppy puppy puppy! Don’t you want a nice treat?”
The dog stares at him. Glares, really, little beady eyes shining with suspicion and barely-concealed bloodlust. It’s got a toy snake in its mouth this time. It seems Bakugou buys him a fair amount of gifts despite also threatening to kill it every day. “Krrf.”
“I promise it’s not poison,” Izuku says, leaning half over his balcony railing. Bakugou’s apartment is just a few metres away. Their buildings are joined by a wall to the right so the whole complex forms sort of a U-shape. The corridor itself is closed and doesn’t connect the units but it holds AC boxes and other doodads Izuku can’t even really begin to name. The dog seems to consider barking at him again. Izuku’s brand-new bag of dog treats rustles pleasantly in his hand. Liver and chicken. It smells awful, although apparently four out of five vets recommend it. Izuku's frankly impressed they even got four vets to taste it. “Don’t be like that, puppy. I got these delivered just for you!”
He tosses one over. It falls short of the balcony and goes careening eight floors down into the abyss below. The dog stares at him like he’s an idiot. “Ah. Sorry. Let me, uh, try that again.” The next one bounces harmlessly against Bakugou’s open balcony door. The dog sniffs it but seems hesitant about taking it. “Go on,” Izuku whispers. “Please accept my love!”
It drops the ball and picks up the treat. Izuku, alone in his apartment, cheers.
Small Might: I think I’m winning King over!
Hitoshishishi: wow one crush and you’re already calling him king?
Brochako: he’s simping
Vroom Vroom: What’s ‘simping’?
Brochako: tenya my sweet darling boyfriend, light of my life, don’t worry about it
Small Might: I am talking about the DOG, guys. I hear my neighbor yelling at him sometimes. I think that must be his name
Small Might: unless his name is actually ‘bastard’. I hear that a lot too lol
Hitoshishishi: midoriya I like dogs too but you don’t see me going and getting crushes on them.
Small Might: ha ha, very funny. I’m trying to make the dog like me so his owner will like me too. It’s a logical ruse
Brochako: ew don’t say that you’re giving me Aizawa flashbacks from uni
Shoutoroki: i thought you liked cats hitoshi
Hitoshishishi: i like both
Brochako: he’s bisexual
Tenya: I feel I must remind you all that bestiality is illegal in most countries.
Hitoshishishi: Most?
Vroom Vroom: I am not a lawyer and do not presume to speak for the entire world.
Vroom Vroom: Please stop changing my name!!
Small Might: all I have to do is run into Kacchan by chance while he’s out walking his dog. Then the dog’ll come up to me, having befriended me, and that’ll give me the perfect opening to talk to his cute owner
Small Might: since he REFUSES TO LOOK IN MY DIRECTION even though I live right opposite
Hitoshishishi: liar. I bet you duck out of the way every time you see him. He doesn’t even know you’re there watching him all the time
Small Might: stop attacking me!! And I’m not ‘watching him’, I’m studying him for personal reasons
Brochako: didn’t you hear him singing the other day, Izuku? He might just be shy too shy now to talk to you
Small Might: hello??? Nobody on earth is capable of being more shy than me
Shoutoroki: Izuku is the personification of a full-body blush
Brochako: hahahaha
Hitoshishishi: Besides, Izuku’s like 100 times more embarrassing so Bakugou’ll feel right at home
Vroom Vroom: I find it concerning that you’re calling him ‘Kacchan’ despite never having spoken to him
Hitoshishishi: also despite him being a grown-ass man
Small Might: I’ve spoken to him once or twice! Just to say hi when I ran into him before this quarantine thing. But he wasn’t very friendly :(
Brochako: remind us why you like him again
Small Might: he sang to his DOG and it was CUTE
Small Might: hence I’ve given him a new nickname to match this level of cuteness
Brochako: dare you to call him that to his face
Small Might: do you want me to die
Hitoshishishi: izuku stop being deathly afraid of his crush challenge
Shoutoroki: if he’s too scary to talk to he’s not a good boyfriend candidate
Small Might: I’m not scared!!
Brochako: then go say hi!
Hitoshishishi: or you could construct an imaginary one-sided relationship in your head I guess
Shoutoroki: from experience, i would not recommend this
Brochako: who were you in a one-sided relationship with??
Shoutoroki: rice crackers
Hitoshishishi: talk to him
Vroom Vroom: You can’t be in a relationship with someone if they don’t know who you are. You don’t even know if you’re compatible.
Small Might: do you really think I should??? I don’t want to, like, annoy him.
Hitoshishishi: coward
Brochako: noob
Shoutoroki: git gud
Small Might: I’M NOT A COWARD
Brochako: do it then scrub
Small Might: you know what, maybe I will
Small Might: omg I think he’s back RED ALERT
Bakugou opens his front door with far too much force. Izuku darts away from the balcony to hide behind the couch, fixing his unruly hair and trying to rub toothpaste off his shirt. He sticks the treat bag somewhere inconspicuous. Plasters a big friendly smile on his face and straightens up, ambling back outside and desperately trying to look like he wasn’t just trying to woo someone else’s dog like a stalker. “Hi there!” he says, voice only cracking a little bit. Hah. Suck it, Hitoshi. “You’re, uhm. You’re home early today.”
Bakugou looks up. He’s in his devastatingly handsome uniform again, a dark blue that makes his skin look somehow creamy. He glances sideways like he’s not sure Izuku’s talking to him. “How the hell do you know when I get home?”
King bounces around his master’s feet. Izuku shuffles awkwardly. He has to do a weird half-yell to be heard since Bakugou’s still in his living room. “You work until late evening, right? I can usually hear you singi- saying hi to your dog when you get back.”
Something incredible happens. Bakugou actually turns pink. It’s barely visible from this far away but Izuku’s heart does a giddy swoop. The dog snuffles. Bakugou shushes it and chews the inside of his cheek, eyes fixed somewhere near Izuku’s tomato plant. “Uh. Sorry. I’ll keep it down.”
“No, no, I don’t mind!” Izuku says, channeling his best Ochako-talking-to-old-ladies-at-the-supermarket energy. She was right. Bakugou’s shy. “I think it’s nice. I don’t have pets but you’re really making me wish I had one.”
“You shouldn’t. King’s a bastard.”
The dog boofs. Bakugou shoos it away with his foot and makes to shut the balcony door. Izuku opens his mouth without thinking about it, hands up like he wants to physically stop Bakugou from leaving. “Wait!”
“What?”
“I – I never caught your name,” Izuku lies. His palms are getting sweaty. “Just, uhm, you know. We’ve been neighbours for months now and we’ve never actually talked. I’m Midoriya Izuku.”
Bakugou squints. He seems like he’s trying to decide if Izuku might be some kind of serial killer. “Bakugou.”
“Bakugou! That’s, uhm, it’s nice to meet you!”
He thrusts his hand out as if they could possible shake when they’re in two separate buildings. Bakugou stares. He’s incredibly judgemental. He looks so much like King giving him the stinkeye that Izuku almost starts giggling. “You’re super weird. Bye.”
“Bye!” Izuku says. The door slides shut. Bakugou draws the curtains for good measure, hiding him and the fluffy dog from view. Izuku smiles into his hands. “I talked to him! I asked him his name and he told me!”
His phone buzzes. Izuku skips back inside, already thinking of how best to gloat to his friends.
Time moves slowly.
Izuku spends most of his time admiring Bakugou and making weird culinary experiments. King starts to warm up to him. Probably because of the treats Izuku keeps tossing over, but maybe also because it must get lonely being alone at home all day. Izuku can relate. He finds himself forgetting things on his shopping list on purpose just so he has an excuse to take a walk down to the konbini. He’s holding out okay, he supposes, but six months indoors would wear on him even if he didn’t live all by himself.
“I just think Captain America wouldn’t do that,” he says, picking a stray ladybug off his mint plant. King chews on his new milk bone. “I mean, sure, sometimes writers want to go for the plot twist that raises the most eyebrows. I get it. The comics have been going on a long time and there’s only so many times you can re-hash the villain of the week plot, but did they really have to make Cap run off and join Hydra?”
King boofs. Izuku stares at a sprout and tries to figure out if it’s a weed. “I guess it’s fun to see a hero get, like, edgy. Oh, I your tail looks extra fluffy from this angle. Do you think Kacchan bought you because you have the same hair or was that just a coincidence?”
“Urf.”
“I know, yours is longer. I kind of like the idea of an edgy superhero, I guess. Not so much like Batman, someone more modern.”
The front door opens behind King. Izuku tries and fails to look casual. “Oh, hey, Bakugou.”
Bakugou raises an eyebrow. He shuts the door and kicks his shoes off, dropping his backpack on the couch along with, thankfully, the hoodie he’d been wearing over his blessed uniform. “Are you talking to my dog?”
“We’re just having coffee and a chat. Talking about politics. You know how it is.” He takes a sip from the mug next to him. It’s somehow got dirt in it. He immediately spits it back out and does his best not to gag.
Bakugou steps outside and squints, peeling off his blue surgical mask. “King isn’t all that well-versed in current affairs. Listen, are you okay?”
“Sure am! I’m just very bad at making coffee. Most of my caffeine comes from energy drinks. Which I’m actually not allowed to have anymore. In high school I overdosed and took the Red Bull gives you wings thing too seriously and long story short if you’re planning to break your arms make sure you do ‘em one at a time because two casts are extremely inconvenient.”
Bakugou seems unimpressed. King wags his tail but doesn’t get up, more interested in chewing on his bone. “You have a lot of plants.”
“I need a hobby. I have a lot of free time after I was, uh, let go.”
“Oh.”
“Are you,” he says, casting around for something interesting to talk about. They’ve spoken a couple of times since last week but the conversations have always been awkward and brief. “Are you holding up okay?”
“What?”
“Your job,” Izuku says and gestures with his cup. “You’re a medic, right? And things lately have been hard. Well, harder than usual.”
“Is that something you’ve been thinking about?”
“I just wondered. You go to work every day even though your job must be getting really intense. And scary. You’re always out there in the thick of it. I, uh. Probably can’t help much but if you want to rant about your day or whatever I’m happy to listen.”
Bakugou tilts his head. He snorts audibly but seems almost amused, looking Izuku up and down like he’s appraising him on criteria Izuku can’t see. “Don’t worry your fluffy head about it. I’m doing just fine.”
Izuku squirms. “Okay. If there’s anything I can do. Uhm. Thank you for your service?”
“I’m not a war veteran.”
“You know what I mean.”
Bakugou scoops up King. “If you want to thank me just wash your hands and stay indoors. And stop poisoning yourself. You’ll die.”
Izuku hides the cup behind his back and tries to look innocent. “I’m sure you’d save me.”
Bakugou smirks. He’s devastating, with his uniform and his muscles and the little dog in his arms. “If I’m feeling generous,” he says and goes back inside.
Brochako: Ok so have u asked him out yet or nah
Hitoshishishi: nah
Shoutoroki: nah
Vroom Vroom: Regrettably, nah.
Small Might: wow I didn’t know it was BE MEAN TO IZUKU DAY
Hitoshishishi: that’s every day babey
Small Might: you think it’s easy to just go up to a hot guy and tell him you wanna go on a date???
Brochako: I did it
Small Might: damn it, you did
Vroom Vroom: :)
Hitoshishishi: gross lol
Small Might: Kacchan wouldn’t celebrate be mean to Izuku day
Hitoshishishi: you’re obsessed with this man. Have you even tried to flirt with him properly
Small Might: ……………………………no
Small Might: DON’T JUDGE ME I JUST LIKE TO ADMIRE HIM FROM AFAR
Small Might: and daydream about our eventual wedding is that so wrong
Hitoshishishi: yes, considering you barely know the man and have a better bond with his dog than with him
Small Might: hehe puppy
Shoutoroki: izuku, do you think maybe your prolonged lack of human contact has artificially lowered your standards and pushed you into a parasocial relationship with the closest attractive man you have access to?
Brochako: WOW ICE COLD LOL
Brochako: but seconded
Hitoshishishi: yeah you can do better tbh
Vroom Vroom: Darling, I can see your Excel sheet’s been open for an hour. Maybe you should work on it?
Brochako: drama is happening tenay get it on it
Hitoshishishi: tenay lol
Small Might: y’all haters!!
Shoutoroki: I just mean maybe you should get to know him before deciding you like him
Hitoshishishi: friends make the best partners
Brochako: exactly. come to me bb I’ll treat u right
Brochako: nvm tenyas glaring at me lmao
Tenay: Please don’t open our relationship to polyamoury without consulting me first!!
Tenay: Wow, really? Not even Vroom Vroom?
Brochako: he means nothing to me tenya ur my only one
Hitoshishishishi: disgustening
Small Might: you are all being HORRIBLE to me >:’(
Hitoshishishi: you fall in love easily. that’s not a bad thing but we want you to choose someone who makes you happy, not just whoever looks impressive and has a cute dog. That’s all dude
Shoutoroki: remember mirio
Hitoshishishi: who
Brochako: senior in uni. Sweet guy
Small Might: I might have…….developed a crush on him because he was nice to me even though we barely knew each other and then made myself sad when I found out he had a boyfriend :(
Hitoshishishi: ouch. Do you know if your Kacchan is single?
Small Might: …..no……..
Brochako: oh, honey.
Shouroroki: maybe he’ll turn out to be really nice. the point is you have to get to know him properly to know if he’s worth liking
Hitoshishishi: nothing but the best for our izuku
Brochako: YEAH! IF HE’S EVER MEAN TO YOU I’LL FIGHT HIM! ONLY WE ARE ALLOWED TO BE MEAN TO YOU
Tenay: Sweetheart please do your work
Brochako: no
Brochako: NO DON’T TAKE MY PPHOEHOSGG
Hitoshishishi: rip ochako
Izuku huffs and flounces out of bed to make some tea. He’s not that bad. Sure, he might be a serial romantic with severe social anxiety and a host of self-esteem issues but it’s not like he spends all day, like, pining. Or watching an unattainable neighbour through the window like a creep. Or daydreaming about their lives together despite having no idea if the aforementioned neighbour is even into dudes.
He puts his face in his hands and sighs. The kettle bubbles at him sympathetically as a draught blows in from the open balcony, getting under his shirt and making his skin break out in goosebumps. They’re right. He’s hopeless. He’s going to live his days as a bachelor with sixteen cats who probably won’t even like him.
The water boils. He finds a mug and teabag and adds his customary three sugars, taking a slow sip and shuffling past the couch to slide the balcony doors shut. King’s asleep on Bakugou’s couch all curled up like a furry yellow donut. He looks heart-warmingly peaceful. “You’re the cutest thing,” Izuku sighs to himself. “Wish you lived with me so I could pet you every day. Can I buy your affection with some premium kibble?”
King rolls over in his sleep. Izuku smiles into his porcelain cup. If only life were that simple. If only he could win the whole world over with food, make people like him with a few gifts and some good intentions. He’d have a lot more friends. And maybe he’d stop developing crushes on handsome strangers he’s too scared to talk to. What an idea. Izuku being popular. Maybe in an alternate timeline Bakugou would be crushing on him.
A thought strikes him. Slowly, Izuku straightens up, looking at the chewed up milk bone in King’s bed. “Oh my god,” he says, voice hushed and reverant. “Of course. I need to go to the supermarket.”
“Do you like muffins!” Izuku shouts.
Bakugou pauses mid-step. Izuku supposes he must look a bit nuts with flour in his hair and a bright yellow, batter-stained apron. Slowly, Bakugou puts down his backpack and gives King an after-work head pat hello. “You better not be about to throw those at me.”
“What? No,” Izuku says, looking at the muffin tray in his hands. It’s his third batch. Lemon poppy to go with the banana and blueberry ones he’s been slaving over all day. “They’re really good. I know because I’ve already eaten three but if I keep them in my apartment any longer I’m gonna inhale the rest.”
“Why’d you make so many?”
“Remember when I said I needed hobbies? This is unfortunately one of them and you don’t really find recipes for, like, one muffin. Anyway d’you want some?”
Bakugou gives him a crooked half-smile. Izuku’s heart flutters pathetically in his chest. “My mom told me never to accept food from strangers.”
“I’m not a stranger, I live right next door. I can come deliver ‘em if you want.”
“I’d much rather you didn’t leave your apartment.”
“But–”
“Quarantine,” Bakugou says sternly. “Seriously. You’d have to go all the way downstairs just to get to my lobby. Don’t go taking unnecessary risks just to give me food.”
Izuku deflates. “Okay.”
“Thanks, though,” he says somewhat more kindly. “They smell good. Enjoy ‘em on my behalf.”
Izuku nods and goes back inside. His tray cools in his hands, five lonely muffins pleading with him to go to their new owner. Izuku huffs. He has fifteen of these things and he will deliver them, common sense be damned.
“You wait,” he says and goes to look for his wallet. “I’m giving you presents and you can’t freaking stop me.”
Small Might: [img] [img] [img]
Brochako: what’s that????
Hitoshishishi: are you trying to break into that man’s house
Small Might: NO dang it. I made a little delivery system hehehe Kacchan didn’t want me hand delivering my muffins so I set up a zip line!!!
Small Might: see, I just bought some climbing rope and tied one end to my railing, then threaded it through that picnic bag thing my mom got me that I never used
Small Might: And the other end is tied to a paperweight I’m gonna throw onto Kacchan’s balcony and voila! Custom muffin cable car >:) Kacchan has no choice but to accept my friendship
Hitoshishishi: lmao wait really
Tenay: How resourceful! Under what budget did you construct it?
Small Might: I spent a lot more than I care to admit. ANYWAY that’s all I just wanted to tell you I’m a genius
Shoutoroki: izuku. You know sometimes I don’t say things right. I’m sorry if I sounded mean last time, I didn’t mean to be.
Shoutoroki: you can like whoever you want. I just don’t want you to be sad again that’s all
Shoutoroki: you’re my friend and I don’t like it when you get sad
Small Might: shoutooooooo :’0c
Small Might: it’s okay. I understand what you were trying to tell me and, well, you’re not wrong ^^;
Brochako: ok absolutely stellar, adorable idea, for the record it is not too late to date me instead
Tenay: You already have a boyfriend!
Brochako: do you not think I deserve two
Hitoshishishi: go woo your man cassanova
Small Might: yeah!!! I’m gonna do it RIGHT NOW!
Small Might: *in two hours because Kacchan’s still awake and I really don’t want him to come out and ask why I’m throwing a paperweight at his door!
Small Might: BUT TOMORROW! HE’LL HAVE BREAKFAST WAITING FOR HIM AND BE FORCED TO LIKE ME!
Hitoshishishi: so do we get any or
Small Might: No <3
Something bounces off his sliding door.
Izuku snorts himself awake and sits up on the couch. He’d fallen asleep watching Golden Girls last night. The door pings softly again so he shuffles outside, squinting in the morning night and still wrapped in a threadbare blanket he stole from Tenya years ago.
It’s Bakugou. He’s eating a muffin. His muffin, Izuku realises sluggishly, leaning against the railing with King pawing sadly at his leg. “Rise and shine, muffin man.”
Izuku smiles sleepily. “Hi. Why are you throwing kibble at my door?”
“To ask what the hell all this is about,” Bakugou says, tapping the shoddy zipline with one finger. It stretches between their apartments like a little telephone line, picnic bag resting happily on Bakugou’s railing with the flap flipped open. “I tell you not to come over so you decide this is Mission Impossible?”
King whines at his feet. Izuku leans over the balcony, blanket secure around his shoulders. “I sanitised everything first. Are the muffins good?”
“They’re alright. Good flavour. A little dense. You might have over mixed them.”
“Oh.”
“But thanks. Beats having to make my own breakfast for the next few days at least.”
Izuku beams. “If I bake more can I share them with you?”
“You trying to give me cavities?”
“Bring them to your hospital! Share them with your coworkers, I’m sure everyone could use some cheering up. You all work so hard.”
Bakugou actually laughs. It’s a glorious sound, deep and raspy, and it smooths out his face and makes him look younger. Izuku internally swoons. Heaven must be pressed against Bakugou’s chest, right where his laugh is at its loudest and rumbliest. “What are you, a housewife?”
“Hmm?”
“If you insist on feeding me I won’t stop you.” The clock behind him strikes eight. His bag and jacket are already by the door; he must have been just about to leave for work. “We’ll see about sharing with the others. If I’m feeling extra nice.”
“You look plenty nice to me.”
“I’m selective,” Bakugou says, still smiling crookedly. “But you seem like you’re worth being nice to. We’ll see.”
How do you tell if someone likes you
What counts as flirting
If you give someone baked goods is that romantic
Creampuff recipe
How to subtly ask a guy if he’s gay
Izuku deletes his search history, red-faced and curled up on the couch as he waits for his cookies to cool. He’s jittery and nervous. Mostly from Bakugou, although eating three leftover muffins in a row isn’t helping. He whines sadly into his throw pillow. Rolls around and half tangles himself in the blankets, feeling like a middle schooler with a crush on a senior he’s never met. He’s being ridiculous. Actively pursuing his crush is supposed to make him less of a loser, not a squirming mess failing to figure out how many sweets he can get away with delivering before Bakugou gets weirded out.
Bakugou’s front door opens. Izuku leaps off the couch and barrels out onto the balcony, not even trying to look casual about waving for Bakugou’s attention. “Hi! How was work?”
King dances around, happy to see his owner. Izuku can relate. These are the first words he’s spoken to another human being since delivering his muffins yesterday. Bakugou kicks off his shoes and picks the dog up. “It was fine. Something smells like chocolate. Are you baking again?”
“Maybe.”
“You’re going to give yourself type II diabetes.”
“I’m bored,” Izuku complains. “At least you get to leave the house every day. I live all alone in a shoebox. If I don’t keep myself constantly occupied I’ll go crazy.”
“Don’t you have friends?”
“They’re not here, it’s not the same. I only have King to talk to and he takes, like, three really long naps a day.”
Bakugou snorts. King licks his face, snuffling into his ear and trying to climb onto his shoulder. “Alright. Let me go get some coffee. I’ll tell hang out over here for a while since you’re obviously dying for intelligent company.”
“Really? You’ll stay here and chat with me?”
“Yeah, whatever. Call it my good deed for the day.”
Izuku perks up instantly. “Let me send you some cookies!”
“I still have those muffins.”
“Yeah, but we can eat these together. It’ll be like going to a café!”
“Wow, you’re genuinely excited here.”
“Of course I am,” Izuku says, bouncing on his heels. “Oh, man, this is the best day I’ve had in weeks.”
“One.”
“Two!”
“Three.”
“Four!”
“Six.”
“No, that was supposed to be fi- ah, heck.”
The ping pong ball goes careening down into the suburban abyss. Izuku watches it disappear mournfully. It’s the fourth one they’ve lost so far and it’s only noon. “I hope that doesn’t land on someone.”
“They’re all inside quarantining, they’ll be fine.” Bakugou puts down his paddle and checks the box on the floor. “Alright, we’re out. That was our last one.”
“Weren’t there six?”
“King ran off with a couple. Wanna break for lunch?”
“You just had breakfast.”
“Cooking takes time, Deku. It’s my day off, I’m gonna make myself something special. Maybe western food.”
Izuku pouts. He’d been ecstatic when Bakugou’d thrown kibble at his door and announced they were playing balcony ping pong but he’s been calling him Deku ever since Izuku lost the first ball. It’s like being taunted by a child. Izuku’s half-tempted to start calling him Kacchan to his face in retaliation. “What, you’re just gonna leave me alone?”
“You can survive on your own for an hour.”
“I can’t. Send King over.”
“I’m not putting my dog in your shitty cable car.”
“Then keep your doors open so I can talk to you, at least.”
“I’m not yelling at you from my kitchen. I’ll get noise complaints. Why don’t you go make your own food?”
Izuku melts sadly onto the balcony railing, ping pong paddle drooping in his hand. “I was just gonna make shin ramyeun. What’ll I do for the other fifty-eight minutes?”
“Taxes? Weave a basket? Maybe clean up the dirty clothes and empty takeout containers I can see all over your living room?”
“Don’t wanna,” Izuku says and then has a truly stunning, inspired idea. “Wait. Why don’t you give me your phone number?”
Bakugou snorts. “We’re talking right now.”
“Yeah, but you can video call me and show me what you’re doing! And, and, we can text, and maybe we can even contact each other in case of emergencies–”
“Jesus Christ, okay, don’t freak out. You got your phone? Take down my number.”
Izuku obliges, smiling giddily when Bakugou pulls his own phone out of his back pocket. Hi!!!!!
Kacchan!!: Hi, you weirdo.
Small Might: what are you cooking today? :3c
Kacchan!!: why are you texting me, we’re literally still face to face
Izuku laughs. Okay okay I’ll leave you alone to make lunch. Bye!!!!
Kacchan!!: Bye, Deku
He goes back inside, mouth turned up in what Izuku swears might be a smile. Izuku does a weird happy wiggle and goes bounces off to jump on the couch. Small Might: GUYS GUESS WHAT GUESS WHAT
Kacchan!!: ???
Small Might: oops sorry wrong chat hehehe
Small Might: GUYS GUESS WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!
Brochako: WHAT
Small Might: I GOT KACCHANS NUMBER
Brochako: HOORAY PROUD OF U
Hitoshishishi: smooth
Shoutoroki: you’re both getting closer :)
Brochako: GOOD JOB YOU
Small Might: GOOD JOB ME
Kacchan!!: are you gonna watch and learn or what
Small Might: hehe yes!!! Teach me your culinary ways, sensei, I’m ready to be amazed!
Small Might: I don’t understand why my meringue collapsed :( my pie looks so sad now :((
Mamadoriya: Sometimes that can happen if you beat it too quickly or if there’s an abrupt temperature change after baking.
Mamadoriya: You just made cupcakes two days ago! Don’t eat too many sweets by yourself, you’ll get sick.
Small Might: I have some self-control!!
Mamadoriya: I remember you stealing a packet of bonbons out of the pantry once. You ate so many you gave yourself a sugar rush and threw up in my begonias.
Small Might: mom I was FIVE
Mamadoriya: You’re still my baby :)
Mamadoriya: Why have you been baking so often recently, honey? You never used to like helping me in the kitchen.
Small Might: I plead the fifth
Small Might: also I haven’t just been baking, I also recently learnt how to make doggy treats
Mamadoriya: You don’t have a dog!
Small Might: Not yet :^)
Small Might: Bakugou-kunnnn send me a picture of your puppy
Kacchan!!: I am absolutely certain you are talking to him right now.
Izuku huffs and tosses another piece of jerky to King, who dances around on his hind legs to catch it. Sure but I can’t see him from CLOSE UP
Kacchan!!: Go away. I didn’t give you my number so you could bother me at work
Kacchan!!: [img] [img]
Small Might: YAY
Kacchan!!: make me churros tomorrow
Small Might: I accept payment in visa and dog photos
Kacchan!!: I’ll put him in a beret for you
Small Might: SOLD
Small Might: so could you be convinced to let King come over for a play date
Kacchan!!: lmao no
Small Might: rats.
Kacchan!!: I’ll bring you back a milkshake if I have time
Small Might: WHAT REALLY
Kacchan!!: If you’re good.
Kacchan!!: on call for the next week, nerdling. Won’t have much time to hang out
Small Might: oh, okay! Work hard! I’ll be here when you get back!
Kacchan!!: I expect something fancy from you. You have a week
Small Might: hehehe, I’ll do my best!
Small Might: Have you gotten to see your parents lately?
Kacchan!!: Not since March. Why?
Small Might: oh, I was just wondering ^^ sorry to bother you at work. See you soon.
Brochako: ugghghGHHHH THIS IS NO FUN WE SHOULD BE HAVING A PARTAY!!!!!
Vroom Vroom: Yes, sweetheart, but we can’t. Not for a while.
Brochako: :(
Small Might: :(
Hitoshishishi: hey, at least we have Zoom parties. Imagine doing this lockdown shit a hundred years ago
Brochako: WE SHUOLD HAVE A ZOOM PATYR!!!!!
Shoutoroki: we just had a zoom party two minutes ago
Brochako: ANOTHERT ONE
Brochako: NOOOOOOOOOOO
Brochako: PUT ME ODNW
Brochako: MURRDERUUR
Vroom Vroom: I’m going to take Ochako to bed. I think she’s had a bit too much wine. It was very nice hearing all your voices, though. We must do this again soon!
Small Might: well miss yuo ochako!!! Sleep well! Drink owter!!!
Small Might: watre
Small Might: water
Hitoshishishi: someone else had too much wine
Small Might: wine’s icky I have BAILEYS
Small Might: I wonder if Kacchan would like Baileys…. He seems like a manly man though so maybe he’d like whisky
Small Might: whiskey???
Small Might: idk how to spell it but I should invite him over for hto choaclate
Small Might: do you know hw cooks SO good I can always smell it from my apartment hnghh
Hitoshishishi: I hope you’re remembering to feed yourself vegetables
Hitoshishishi: how are you holding up, anyway?
Small Might: are you worried about me :O
Hitoshishishi: of course not, you’re drunk
Shoutoroki: he’s right though. You’re the only one of us who lives alone. I know you like to see people so this must be unpleasant
Brochako: IUZKUS LONLEY WE HAVE TEO GO SEE HIJM
Shoutoroki: wasn’t ochako going to sleep
Vroom Vroom: She’s lying in bed but refuses to put down her phone.
Small Might: I’m okay guys :’) thakns for worrying about me
Vroom Vroom: Please remember to talk to us if you ever need to. We’re all here for each other
Brochako: Tenya lest go visit izzkiu
Vrom Vroom : Sweetheart please go to bed
Brochako: no
Brochako: hel heLP HE’S SMOETHIERNG ME WITH A PILLWO
Brochako: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Shoutoroki: I’ll go to bed too. I have a meeting in the morning
Hitoshishishi: I am already asleep
Shoutoroki: please take care of yourself, izuku. We care about you. Goodnight
Small Might: night :)
He lets his screen power off. Ice clinks against the sides of his mug as he drains the last of his drink, wincing at the sweet burn of alcohol that warms his stomach and makes his fingers feel tingly. His living room walls feel like they’re closing in. It’s easier to ignore in sunlight with Bakugou right next door but the silence of his apartment presses down on him and makes him dizzy. He puts the glass down and slides open the balcony doors. The breeze is soothing on his flushed cheeks, ruffling his hair and making his sweater flutter around his hips. It’s a nice night. A nice night for wandering around town with your friends, although he supposes that’s not happening any time soon.
A little ruff noise catches his attention. “Puppy!” he says softly. King squeezes through the cracked open sliding doors. He pokes his head between the railings of his balcony, beady eyes shining in the dim light and tail curled high over his back.
“Hi, angel.” Izuku’s prickly loneliness melts away somewhat. King’s mane of fluff spreads around his head like the petals on a flower. He’s so cute, especially now that they’re friends. Izuku longs for the feel of fur under his fingers, to hug that tiny doggy body to his chest. “Look how handsome you are in your new collar! Did you come to say hi to my buddies? I’m sorry, you just missed them.”
King woofs and prances in a circle. Izuku sighs, hand on his warm face. Seeing King always makes him feel better – he wants nothing more than to pat him and kiss his perfect, fluffy little forehead.
So close, yet so far.
Actually.
Eh, fuck it. He’s got legs.
With the exaggerated care of someone very drunk and wobbly, Izuku swings one leg over the balcony railing. There’s a ledge he can use to climb over. It’s an eight-storey drop but he’ll be fine as long as he hugs the wall and doesn’t try to look down. King gives him a shrill bark of alarm. Izuku shushes him, clambering off the balcony and crab-walking to the perpendicular wall. “It’s late, you can’t yell.”
The dog doesn’t stop barking. Izuku makes it across with only two close calls, giggling and sweaty as he reaches Bakugou’s apartment and heaves himself over the metal rail. He crumples onto the balcony like a pile of wet laundry. King’s on him immediately, sniffing him for injuries or signs of impending madness.
Izuku hugs him. “You’re so soft! I’ve wanted to pat you for so long. Oh my god, this is the best day of my life.”
It’s divine. It’s exquisite, like touching a sentient carpet, like holding an animated, adorable fur coat. Izuku looks into King’s gumdrop eyes and sees the universe. He sees the beginning and end of all things, the boundless love without reason that only dogs have to offer. The world spins. King puts his little paws on Izuku’s chest and Izuku feels tears prickle in the corners of his eyes.
“Look at your feetsies,” Izuku says, voice hushed and reverent. “Do you know that you’re perfect? It’s imperative that you understand me, King. I need you to know. How do I explain to you that you’re my favourite thing in the world? I would die for you. I would turn around and jump off this building if you asked.”
The dog licks his nose. Izuku sniffles and starts crying, convinced he’ll never feel joy like this again.
The door slides all the way open. A sliver of light falls on Izuku’s sticky face around the shadow that looms over him. It’s holding a broom. Izuku looks up, dog in his arms and everlasting peace in his heart. “Yay, Kacchan’s here!”
“What the fuck are you doing outside my apartment,” says Bakugou.
Izuku rolls onto his back. Bakugou’s face looks silly upside-down and furious like this. “Hi. I wanted to see the puppy.”
Bakugou hits him with the broom. Izuku whines and curls up into a ball. “I’m calling the cops. Did you break in?”
“Of course not, that’s illegal.”
“Then how did you get here?” Bakugou demands. He pauses, eyes darting from Izuku to the unit opposite, where Izuku’s own balcony doors stay ajar. “Oh my god. Did you just climb across from your place?”
“Yeah. It was easy.”
“Are you drunk?”
“No, I’m Izuku.”
Bakugou sighs. He sounds strangely like Tenya in that moment. Izuku absently admires his lung capacity. “I can’t fucking believe you. We’re eight floors up, you suicidal moron. You could have fallen. You could have died.”
“Worth it.”
He hits him again. “Not worth it, you stupid drunk buffoon. You think anyone wants to deal with your corpse splattered over the sidewalk? Huh? Are you trying to traumatise my dog?”
Izuku hums. The living room backlights Bakugou’s figure, casting a halo around him that makes him look otherworldly and soft. His apartment’s very neat. Izuku admires it, King snuffling against him and trying to lick his chin. The whole place feels sleek and masculine, nothing like Izuku’s colourful mess of damaged posters and coffee stains on the table. “You have a Revengers box set.”
Bakugou pinches the bridge of his nose. He’s holding the broom now more like a lifeline than like a weapon. “Idiot. Get off the floor.”
“Comfy.”
“Get up. I’m not resuscitating you if you die of hypothermia.”
Izuku blinks but doesn’t move. Bakugou ends up dragging him inside by the feet. King follows, making worried grumbly noises, while Bakugou manhandles Izuku onto his couch. “Wow, you’re strong.”
“I carry people in and out of ambulances for a living,” Bakugou grumbles and stalks off. Izuku entertains himself watching the ceiling lights. King hops up next to him to investigate his hair, wet nose snuffling right in Izuku’s ear. It’s comforting, being in here. He’s in Kacchan’s space. It almost makes up for not seeing him all week.
He’s already half asleep when Bakugou comes back wearing a mask and holding a glass of water. “Drink this, dummy. Sober up and go home.”
Izuku ignores him. The couch is fantastically sturdy and somehow smells like coffee. “You have the same All Might figurine that I do! I got it at a discount from when I worked at the comic book store. I want another one but I spent all my money on doggy treats and Kacchan treats.”
“Are you the reason King won’t eat his dinner?”
“Oops.”
Bakugou sighs. The cushion dips as he sits down and rests the glass of water on Izuku’s forehead. “Do I need to worry about you trying to kidnap my dog?”
“No! I just want him to like me.”
“I wondered why he suddenly stopped barking at you,” Bakugou says grudgingly. King climbs onto Izuku’s chest and settles into a fuzzy loaf. “Weird. He usually hates everyone, especially me.”
“Who could hate you?” Izuku asks, genuinely confused. “You’re so cool.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah! You’re amazing. You help people and you’re an EMT so you must be smart and you have a cute dog and a nice voice and you’re really handsome and strong.”
“Is that why you’re feeling me up right now?”
Izuku hums and continues squeezing Bakugou’s bicep. It’s almost twice as thick as Izuku’s. It fills out the sleeve of his sweater in the best way, solid and comforting, probably perfect for hugs. “You feel like boa constrictor I held once at the zoo. It tried to strangle me.”
Bakugou snorts. Condensation drips down the side of the glass and into Izuku’s hair. “I don’t remember giving you permission to give me a cutesy nickname.”
“It suits you! You’re secretly really cute.”
“Excuse me?”
“You sing to your puppy,” Izuku says like this is obvious. “And you like sweets even though you’re a manly-man."
"Not really, honestly."
"And you played ping pong with me and, like, you got a Pomeranian. That’s the pinnacle of cute dogs.”
“He’s my mom’s, dummy. She only forced him on me because my dad turned out to be allergic.”
“But you buy him toys and outfits and – and there’s a succulent on your DVD rack! That’s adorable!”
“Shut up. Also, I can see you trying to put your head in my lap.”
Izuku deigns not to answer. Bakugou doesn’t stop him squirming closer, anyway, just sighs and puts the water on the coffee table. He’s comfy and warm. Izuku blinks at him, slow and sleepy like a cat, fingers idly scratching a spot behind King’s ear. “Do you have food?”
“I’m not feeding you.”
“I want ramen.”
“I don’t care. And don’t you dare fall asleep on me after barging in here and waking me up.”
“Bed.”
“Go back to your own bed. You can’t have mine.”
“King’s sleepy too.”
“Because it’s one in the morning, idiot. Seriously, go home.”
Izuku whines. “Don’t make me leave. I haven’t seen you in a whole week and I’m bored and lonely.”
“You’re so needy.”
“You’re the best part of my day,” Izuku sulks. “I made you food and everything cause I just wanted you to talk to me but now you’re kicking me out and being mean to me.”
“I’m not being mean to you,” Bakugou sighs. He runs a hand through his hair. It’s messy and sticks up in every direction – Izuku imagines him rolling around in bed, faces smushed into a pillow and shoulders wrapped in a thick blanket. There are deep rings around his eyes and his skin’s sallower than it looked from far away. “I don’t want you putting yourself at risk for no reason, Deku. I’m in close contact with sick people all the time. What am I gonna do if I get you sick?”
“You’ll come take care of me.”
Bakugou makes an odd expression. It’s halfway through annoyed and endeared, and he opens his mouth like he wants to say something but thinks the better of it. “Let’s not make it come to that.”
He gently pushes Izuku off and pads off to rustle around in a cupboard somewhere down the hall. Izuku sighs and sits up. King’s content to stay curled up against his chest, head tucked under Izuku’s chin and tickling his neck with soft fur. “Ooh, Miruko merch!”
Bakugou comes back after a minute with another surgical mask and a jacket. “Alright, come on. I’m walking you back to – get out of my shelves, you nosy bastard.”
“You have so much cool stuff!” says Izuku happily. “See, I knew you’d be great. My friends didn’t believe me when I told ‘em you were, like, perfect.”
“Put this on and go home.”
“An All Might funko pop! Why don’t you get more? He looks lonely by himself.”
“It was a gift,” Bakugou sighs and kneels to force the mask onto Izuku’s face. Izuku complains and tries to wriggle away. “Stay still, Deku. You’re like a toddler. I’m shocked your mother ever let you out of the house.”
Izuku’s face falls immediately. “I miss my mom.”
Bakugou stills, evidently sensing he’s stepped on a landmine. “Uh-”
“I used to visit her every three days but I haven’t seen her in months. I haven’t seen anyone in months. I miss people. I even miss that weird guy who only ever came in to buy those sticky jelly hands. You know the ones? They’re stretchy and they have, uhm, a string thingy so you could use em to slap your friends –”
“I know the ones,” Bakugou says and pats Izuku’s hair gingerly. “Look, you’ll see ‘em soon, okay?”
“Really?”
“Yes, but stop climbing off balconies. And you can’t just wander into someone’s house like that, it’s not safe.”
“Okay.”
“Good. Now get off your ass. I’ll walk you home. You’re going to drink some water and go straight to bed, understand? And put my dog down, you can’t take him with you.”
Izuku complies, albeit unwillingly. Bakugou’s jacket is big and comfy around him, lined with faux fur around the collar that feels just like King’s. It smells good too. Bakugou drops him off right in front of his apartment unit, looking grumpy and tired but not complaining when Izuku fumbles with his keys. “This is like after a date,” Izuku says cheerfully. “You’ve been a gentleman, thank you for a wonderful evening.”
“Pretty terrible first date. You almost got yourself killed.”
Izuku manages to wrestle the door open. “Okay. Then I’ll take you on a better one.”
“If you remember.”
“Remember what?”
Bakugou ruffles his hair again. “Nothing, Deku. Go to sleep.”
He wakes up dead.
It feels like it anyway. Everything hurts. His head pounds and his throat feels like he’s just tried to eat the dirt out of the flowerbox. There’s a strange jacket tangled around his neck which he probably fell asleep face-down in, and the buzz of his phone sounds louder than it should, like there’s a bee in his ear. He paws at the screen. His friends asking how he is and the customary good morning text from his mother.
Groaning, he sits up. I feel like I got hit by a truck. Also did one of you leave a jacket here last time you came over?
Hitoshishishi: nope
Shoutoroki: send pic
Brochako: I left a pair of socks a while ago I think
Small Might: those are mine now
Small Might: oh. Oh no.
There’s dog fur on his shirt. He’s seen this jacket before, usually over a dark blue uniform, just never this close. He went to Bakugou’s. He trespassed into the man’s house to pet his dog and almost got himself killed. And he was drunk. He vaguely remembers being his usual tipsy self, an embarrassing, oversharing fool with no concept of personal space. Bakugou probably hates him. Anyone would if their idiot neighbour broke in to demand food and melt all over the furniture.
The phone buzzes in his hand. Izuku briefly considers telling them what happened but wisely decides he’s not in the mood to be lectured about reckless behaviour this morning. Sorry, ignore me.
Tenya: what happened?
Small Might: nothing! I’m okay
Hitoshishishi: you’re hungover and ran off to puke didn’t you
Brochako: lmao lightweight
Hitoshishishi: you got drunk after one glass of wine
Brochako: shush we’re teasing Izuku now
Small Might: segue – assuming you didn’t know me very well, would you think I was a really creepy, weird drunk?
Small Might: someone you might theoretically call the cops on if I tried to talk to you?
Shoutoroki: I don’t think so. You just get very happy
Hitoshishishi: lmao. You’re really not very threatening, even drunk
Small Might: I tried to fight that one guy in that sports bar
Brochako: he deserved it, he touched my butt!!!
Hitoshishishi: also ochako was the one who actually knocked him out lol she’s a little scarier than you
Hitoshishishi: not by much. You’re like a hamster and a bunny
Brochako: which one am I?
Shoutoroki: hamster
Hitoshishishi: hamster
Tenya: I imagine I’d find myself worrying more for your safety than being put off by you.
Tenayay: You’re an affectionate drunk. Very friendly, it’s really quite endearing.
Tenayay: please I am begging you all to stop butchering my name
Small Might: you really don’t think I’m scary?
Hitoshishishi you’re five feet tall
Small Might: five FIVE thank you
Small Might: ok I need coffee my head’s killing me ttyl
Tenayay: Water too please!
He heaves himself out of bed, giant jacket still draped around his shoulders to ward off the chill. He’d left the balcony open all night. The sky outside is a steely grey, breeze already rustling the plants in their boxes and making the living room curtains flutter. He makes a beeline for the kitchen. Fills up the kettle and roots around in the cabinets for coffee, feeling like a racoon with his stolen clothes and the bags he’s sure have already showed up under his eyes.
He has to apologise. Bakugou was way nicer to him than he should have been even if he did hit Izuku with a broom. Maybe Izuku should send a card. A potted plant, or a fruit basket or something. Would that be too much? It almost seems like not enough. For all Izuku knows Bakugou’s not even at work, he’s busy at the police station filing a restraining order.
Sighing, he glances out to the balcony. There, dangling sadly on their little delivery system, is a zipped-up picnic bag.
He sips his coffee and slowly shuffles outside. He left this on Bakugou’s end, last he checked, to share macarons. Slowly he puts down his coffee and unzips the top. Inside is a green pot, full of fresh earth and the bud of something soft and small. Very carefully he lifts it out to inspect in the sunlight. It’s a fledgling flower. Small and gangly with a blossom just starting to show, a tiny triangular bud that might be a carnation or rose. He touches it gently. Its petals are baby-soft and delicate, the lightest shade of pink.
A quick movement catches his eye. Bakugou’s lurking behind his curtain – hiding, really, although he tries to look casual about sliding the door open and stepping out to talk. There’s a towel still wrapped around his neck. His hair’s damp and drips onto the collar of his t-shirt, making it stick to his skin. “Hi.”
“Hi,” Izuku says softly. He’s clutching the pot to his chest. It doesn’t smell like flowers yet, just clean soil and ceramic. “I thought you’d be at work. Did you – is this for me?”
“I’m supposed to be at work, I’m just late,” Bakugou shrugs, clearly trying to look casual. “Also, yeah. It’s a gift. Bought it a while ago but never got around to delivering it.”
“You gave me a flower.”
“I gave you something to add to your garden. So you’ll be occupied and not try to fall to your death anytime soon.”
Izuku gives him a watery smile. It feels like his heart’s bouncing around in his ribcage, shy and delighted and still a little wobbly and hungover. “I love it. Thank you.”
“Good. I dunno much about plants. The florist said this one wouldn’t be hard to grow. Might get huge, too, if you’re not careful.”
“I’ll take good care of it.” He shuffles his feet nervously. “Uhm, listen. About what I said last night –”
“I don’t remember it,” Bakugou says slowly. “You’ll have to tell me again. When you’re sober.”
“When I’m sober,” Izuku echoes. King plods out to wag his tail at them. The autumn sun shines, brittle but new and clean, and the climbing rope sways between them as the breeze whistles good morning. Izuku wraps his stolen jacket tighter around his shoulders. He sees Bakugou’s gaze flicker to it but neither of them brings it up. “Uhm, Ba – Kacchan?”
“Yeah?”
“Can I visit you?” Izuku asks, chewing the inside of his cheek. “I’d like to. When all this is over.”
Kacchan smiles. It’s wide and boyish, unselfconscious and unguarded. Bright. “Sure thing. We’ll do it properly this time. Maybe go somewhere nice, my treat.”
“I look forward to it. In the meantime I guess you know where to find me.”
“Right here?”
“Right here,” Izuku smiles back. “Waiting for you, right where you left me.”
Hitoshishishi: Okay, no, what I’m saying is the average worker bee’s life cycle lasts five to seven weeks and trials go on for AGES so there’s no way he lived long enough to even see the case go to court
Brochako: Maybe they expedited his case because of that??
Shoutoroki: she dumped her boyfriend for him. She watched him die
Hitoshishishi: siri what are the logistics of making out with a bee
Tenya: I am stepping in once again to remind you bestiality is illegal. Also bees do not talk.
Shoutoroki: beestiality
Brochako: damn it he beat me to it
Tenya: It isn’t a laughing matter.
Engine go brr haha nyoom there he go: I think the conservational message of the movie was somewhat lost, honestly.
Engine go brr haha nyoom there he go: Now this is just gibberish. You are all oppressing me simply because I own a scooter!
Brochako: we’re oppressing you because we love you <3
Hitoshishishi: and because you own a scooter
Small Might: Gentlemen (and lady).
Brochako: hi!!
Hitoshishishi: is it time for you to show us your daily Kacchan offering
Shoutoroki: I hope it’s a breakfast bar
Hitoshishishi: a what?
Shoutoroki: it’s a granola thing. Izuku’s mom made them once and he shared with me and they were nice
Small Might: [img]
Engine go brr haha nyoom there he go: An envelope?
Brochako: PINK! I SEE A HEART STICKER
Brochako: IZUKU??????????? THAT LOOKS VERY FLIRTATIOUS
Hitoshishishi: seconded, that does indeed look flirtatious
Shoutoroki: they had raisins in them but I thought they were chocolate chips
Shoutoroki: oh, it’s addressed to ‘Kacchan’. I thought you were too scared to call him that
Hitoshishishi: I sense character development
Engine go brr haha nyoom there he go: Could this be an announcement of good news?!
Brochako: COULD THIS BE A LOVE LETTER?
Brochako: IZUKU MIDORIYA YOU BETTER ANSWER ME RIGHT NOW, DON’T MAKE ME COME OVER THERE
Brochako: ARE YOU CONFESSING TO BAKUGOU
Brochako: IS THIS THE BEGINNING OF LOVE
Brochako: IZUKU
Brochako: IZUKUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
Small Might: ;)