Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Shinsou is staying at his dads’ house over the weekend as usual when he’s bullied out of his room by his little sister Eri.

“C’mon Hito-nii, I think orange will look so pretty on you.” Eri whines tugging on Shinsou’s hand.

Shinsou sighs in resignation. Why did it have to be orange?

Ten minutes and a kilogram of makeup later it hits 8:30 pm. Time to get on Discord and bitch about all the glitter on his face. It only takes less than a minute for Baku to log on.

Bakusatsuou “Omg Hito I’m gonna kill those idiots. Pikachu & Pinky made me watch fucking legally blonde >:(“

Shinsou lets a puff of air out of his nose as he starts typing.

NekoNoHito “Idk Baku, I quite liked legally blonde. Maybe you just have bad taste.”

Baku’s typing immediately.

Bakusatsuou “Of course you liked it you fucking dork. It was terrible just like every movie you’ve ever recommended me.”

Shinsou smiles softly. This is why Baku is his best friend. Well, really his only friend but that’s beside the point. He can tease Baku and instead of being upset or thinking that Shinsou is mean he simply teases back. It never fails to make Shinsou feel understood along with the fact that Baku also deals with people thinking that he’s mean and villainous due to his snarky attitude.

NekoNoHito “To be fair I half expected you to never watch those. But I will still stand by the fact that bad movies are infinitely more entertaining than good movies”

Bakusatsuou “There’s nothing entertaining about Twilight Hito.”

Shinsou can hear Baku’s dry sarcastic tone as he reads the new message.

NekoNoHito “It’s great if you pretend it’s a comedy.”

Bakusatsuou “Whatever, How have things been going on your end?”

Finally, I get to complain about this stupid makeover.

NekoNoHito “I’m alright, My sister is slowly covering me in glitter. I probs look like a cheap hooker rn.”

Bakustasuou “Lmfao Don’t you always??”

Shinsou pouts a little at that.

NekoNoHito “HaHa very funny Baku”

Bakusatsuou “Aren’t I always

NekoNoHito “Fuck you”

Bakusatsuou ”Take me out to dinner first Hito gosh”

As soon as Shinsou read the newest message all of his higher functions stop at once. His thoughts sound like a 90’s computer dial up sound and his eyes are wide with shock. As he realizes what Baku was implying his ears start to turn pink.

He was startled out of his thoughts as Eri said “Hito-nii what’s the matter?”

Coughing a little and shaking his head as if that would help keep Baku’s implication out. “Nothing Eri, just texting Baku.” Ah, right, he still needed to respond.

NekoNoHito “Why are we still here? Just to suffer?”

“Ooh, Hito-nii. Can we call Baku-nii pretty pretty please?” Eri whines out.

Normally he would say no but maybe Eri could buffer his awkwardness as he was still having a bit of a gay panic.

Bakusatsuou “You walked right into that one and you know it”

“I’ll ask Baku, give me a sec.” Shinsou sighs.

NekoNoHito “Yeah, Yeah laugh it up ya dick. You wanna get on the voice channel? My sister wants to bug you.”

Immediately Baku is on the voice channel. Typical of him, no unnecessary words. Shinsou hops on and opens with a simple “Hey Baku.”

Eri, immediately understanding that Baku said yes, lets out a shrill “Hi Baku-nii!”

“Hey kid, Hey Hito, what’re you two up to?” Baku’s low gruff voice lets out.

“I’m making Hito-nii even more beautiful!” Eri cheers, causing Shinsou to roll his eyes hard.

“That's good kid, I’m sure Hito could use all the help he can get in that department.” Baku snickers in that tone he always used to tease Shinsou

“Oh hush you brat, we’ve never seen each other and you know it.” Shinsou breathes out softly, shaking his head in exasperation. 

As Baku remains quiet for a beat too long Shinsou realizes what he had said. Oh shit, he’d made Baku uncomfortable hadn’t he?

Shinsou knew how uncomfortable Baku was with the idea of them seeing each other and here he goes and brings it up. He hopes Baku doesn’t think that he’s trying to pressure him or anything.

Just as Shinsou’s thoughts start to spiral, pops steps into the room and lets Eri know it’s her bedtime. Predictably Eri starts to whine and put up a bit of a fight because she wants to keep doing Shinsou’s makeup and talking to Baku but eventually pops gets her to give up and say goodnight to Baku and Shinsou.

Trying to change the subject and get rid of the awkwardness from before, Shinsou sighs dramatically,  “Now I have to try and get all this shitty glitter off my face.  Do you wanna watch She-ra tonight?”

Shinsou chuckles softly as Baku shouts “Oh fuck yeah dude!”

“Okay then, you set up a screen share while I try and get this raver scabies off my face.”

Baku agrees and so Shinsou is left to his thoughts while trying to scrub Eri's ‘makeover’ off. Baku didn’t really seem upset but he really should check in and apologize just in case.

All thoughts of bringing up something serious immediately left Shinsou’s mind as he heard how excited Baku was for more She-ra. Later, I’ll bring it up later.

And so the night becomes filled with laughter and gratuitous praise for fictional characters until both boys decide that it’s time to hit the hay.

Shinsou’s grateful that he and Baku have decided to stay on call while they sleep. His sleep has never been better. He still has eyebags but at this point he just assumes that they’re genetic because no amount of good rest gets them to go away completely but at least they’re a bit lighter now.

Now that everything’s quiet the thoughts of needing to apologize start to flood Shinsou’s head.

“I’m sorry about my comment earlier…” Shinsou says softly into the darkness knowing that Baku will hear him.

“What comment you dork?” Baku says, sounding exasperated yet fond.

Shinsou wonders for a moment if Baku does know but is pretending as some way to punish him. “When I mentioned that we haven’t seen each other, I didn’t mean anything by it. I just wasn’t thinking and-” Hitoshi rushes out trying to get Baku to understand that it really was an accident but is cut off.

“I’m not upset Hito,” Baku cuts off softly,  “I know you didn’t mean anything by it and that you’d never try to pressure or guilt me into something I’m not comfortable with. You’re not like that.” Baku reassured, gentle and quiet.

“Okay, good,” Shinsou sighs, feeling like a giant weight was just taken off his shoulders. “I just know that that makes you uncomfortable and I didn’t want you to feel like I was disappointed or like I was irritated.”

“You never make me feel like that Hito.” Baku whispers.

Smiling to himself, feeling calm and content, Shinsou falls into a pleasant sleep.

Chapter Text

Shinsou is thrumming with energy while he waits in the voice channel for Baku to show up. The second Baku is on the channel. Shinsou can’t hold it in any longer, “I got into the hero course! I finally did it!” Shinsou shouts.

There was a moment of silence as Baku took in this new information. “Holy shit, you’re serious?” Baku breathes out “That’s amazing Hito! We’re gonna be heroes, fuck yeah!”

“Hell yeah! They just told me today that I’ll get to transfer at the start of second year. I’ll have a lot of catching up to do but it’s better late than never I guess.”

It’s nice to have someone who isn’t his family be so excited for him. Obviously Baku doesn’t know that he goes to UA where no one has ever transferred from general education up to the hero course. However, despite Baku not knowing how hard he had to work, he is still so proud of him even if at a normal school it may not be such a huge accomplishment. Shinsou can feel his cheeks starting to hurt from how much he’s been smiling today.

 “You'd better start working on those math scores then Hito.” Baku teases.

Shinsou reacts by pursing his lips as a little frown appears on his face. “Oh shut the hell up Baku. One B is just fine you dick.” Shinsou huffs out.

Spring break came and went uneventfully and soon enough it was April and time to start the new school year. Shinsou is heading to school with his dads as usual when all the sudden his situation truly hits him. He’s gonna be shoved into the closest class on campus. They get attacked by villains all the time. He could get kidnapped. Also, they’re gonna ostracize him immediately. Or worse they might try to force him to be their friend. That’s all Midoriya has been doing since the last sports festival. He’s gonna die. He’d rather be kidnapped than have to be social. Hopefully his dad will just introduce him and he won’t have to talk anymore. However, the chances of his dad letting him off the hook that easily are slim. Dad’ll probably make him stand at the front of the class and tell them a fun fact about himself or something just to make everything even more embarrassing.

“You can wait outside the class while I try to convince them to be on good behavior but once I’m done you’re on your own. It’s too early to deal with the problem children. Good luck Hitoshi.” And with that cryptic message his dad disappears into class 2-A still wrapped in his sleeping bag.

Shinsou doesn’t hear much of his dad’s speech through his racing thoughts but he sees his dad motion for him to come in.

As Shinsou steps into the room, everything falls silent and all eyes go to him.

“This Is your new classmate Shinsou Hitoshi. You all can get acquainted. I'm gonna take a nap.” Aizawa drawls and then promptly lays down and zips himself into his yellow cocoon. With that, Shinsou is thrown to the wolves. Before he has the time to freak out the class erupts into chaos

“Shinsou you made it into the hero course!” Midoriya says happily, practically glowing.

“Yes, hello Midoriya” Shinsou says gently, shifting under the focused gaze of the entire class. As soon as Shinsou speaks Bakugou’s head snaps up to look at him. He looks angry as usual but there are no explosions so Shinsou figures that Bakugou just has a gnarly resting bitch face.

“You’re the guy with the mind control quirk from the sports festival right? That’s such a cool quirk dude!” The electric kid chatters, practically bouncing in his seat.

Did he really just call his quirk cool? What the hell kind of backwards thinking is that?

“Yeah man, you almost beat Midobro it was super manly.” A red-haired boy gushes.

Why are they being so nice? Next to no one is ever this nice after they learn my quirk?

He starts freaking out as the electric kid starts bounding up to him seemingly overly comfortable with a near stranger. As the kid goes to touch Shinsou’s gravity-defying purple hair Shinsou finds himself bending backward without meaning to.

“Kaminari, it is incredibly inappropriate behavior to invade Shinsou’s personal space like that. Please respect that not everyone is as comfortable with touch as you are. I apologize on behalf of my classmate Shinsou-san, I am Iida Tenya, the class president. If you ever need anything do not hesitate to let me know.” a blue haired boy with glasses; Iida as he called himself states, chopping frantically looking like a poor attempt at the robot.

“Thank you Iida. I will keep that in mind.” Shinsou mumbles out, trying to get to his seat without incident but unfortunately, his seat is right behind Midoriya who seems determined to befriend him.

“Shinsou, the whole class is going to the arcade today after school, you should come along.” Midoriya beams.

Why me? Why do extroverts always feel the need to force me to be social? I just wanna go back to my dorm and torture my sims. I could just say no. 

His thoughts are interrupted by 2-A’s most explosive member  “You’re never gonna be able to get out of it. Trust me I tried, just give in it’s easier” the boy bites out bitterly.

Why does his voice sound so familiar? That’s probably a weird thing to think about someone. Shinsou doesn’t even realize he’s staring until Bakugou starts yelling.

“The fuck are you looking at eyebags?” Bakugou barks out defensively, squirming under Shinsou’s gaze.

Shinsou can never resist poking an angry bear. “I figured you’d be smart enough to realize when someone’s looking at you boom boom boy,” Shinsou drawls with nothing more than a raised eyebrow and keeping his face as neutral as possible, still not removing his stare from Bakugou.

At that Bakugou visibly bristles “Fuck you asshole you know exactly what I meant! Why the fuck are you staring at me huh? You got a problem?” Bakugou shouts standing up and practically shaking with his rage.

“Don’t get your panties in a twist blasty. I have many problems but none with you quite yet.” Shinsou states trying to stop himself from laughing.

“Then stop staring at me you fucking creep.” Bakugou huffs, sitting back down and staring resolutely at his empty desk.

Shinsou’s lip twitches into a barely there smile which disappears as he looks up to find the whole class staring at him wordlessly. Shinsou then takes his seat and sinks down into it in the hopes that he’ll disappear. He has no such luck as someone with a black mullet casually strolls up to him.

“You seem to be handling Bakubro’s attitude perfectly dude. I’m Sero Hanta and welcome to the class of chaos.”

As Sero speaks a girl with pink skin bounces up to them with a gleaming grin “Yeah, no one handles Bakubabe that well when they first meet him.” she lets out a huge dramatic gasp with a hand to her chest, “Does this mean we’re getting a new member!”

Shinsou doesn’t really know what that means but it sounds like a bad idea.

“Obviously we’re gonna try. If we snag him then we can be bigger than the nerd brigade.” Bakugou scoffed out like it was obvious.

That definitely sounds like something that I do not want to be a part of.

“That’s Bakubabe’s way of saying he wants to be friends but he’s too prideful to say it outright so he has to come up with an excuse. You’ll learn his language eventually.” The pink girl beams laughing as a small explosion gets close to her.

Shinsou chuckles as Bakugou then glares out the window but doesn't deny anything.

I guess if being friends with Bakugou means getting to tease him then that doesn’t sound too bad. “Fine, I’ll go to the arcade then I guess.”

Chapter Text

The entire class gets off the train, walking the short distance to Taito Station. As soon as they walk into the massive arcade everyone scatters, some staying on the first floor and many disappearing upstairs. Shinsou doesn’t really know what he wants to do so he’s left to wander around aimlessly. 

As he walks he sees Kirishima and Midoriya laughing and playing the Taiko drums together. In contrast, Todoroki and Yaoyarozu are calmly and quietly tapping away at Jubeat. Shinsou hears Kaminari shouting excitedly and turns to see him and Jirou going absolutely crazy on Guitar Hero. Shinsou tries to steer clear of them and finds Uraraka throwing punches at some kind of punching bag game.

She looks kinda terrifying so Shinsou decides to turn tail only to find himself in front of a UFO catcher game which he’s about to pass when he notices a cute blonde cat plushie right on top. He decides that he will take that cat home if it’s the last thing he does.

Shinsou keeps trying over and over again to remove this cat. He’s managed to loosen her but she’s yet to come out. He’s on try number seven when a certain angry blond stomps right up to him.

“You seriously suck at this eyebags.” Bakugou states plainly.

“Thanks captain obvious, I didn’t notice.” Shinsou sasses as he once again fails to free the kitty.

“Move over.” Bakugou growls shouldering Shinsou to the side.

“Fucking excuse me. I was playing that you ass.” Shinsou gapes rubbing his shoulder.

“You’re wasting money because you suck. I’ll get it easy.” Bakugou gloats.

Is he really about to win that cat and rub it in my face? What a dick.

As Bakugou throws 100 yen into the machine his entire demeanor changes. He goes very quiet; the only sound he makes is from him moving back and forth from the side of the machine to the front. He’s purely focused on winning that cat plush.

The claw sinks down and grabs onto the cat perfectly. Shinsou really thinks he’s gonna get it on his first try but then the claw gets about halfway up and drops the cat plush. Shinsou is actually kind of impressed but he can’t let Bakugou’s ego go unchecked.

“Was that a failure mister ‘I’ll get it easy’?" Shinsou mocks.

Bakugou huffs, “Shut the fuck up. I’m gonna get it this time. And don’t act like you didn’t fail like ten fucking times.”

“Seven but go off I guess.” Shinsou teases Bakugou with a little smirk.

“Shut up.” At that Bakugou goes back to focusing on the game.

Shinsou notices how he has a little furrow in his brow and he presses his tongue between his lips. How the lights from the machine makes his blond hair look pink. How his skin looks perfectly smooth and his eyelashes are so long and delicate. How his jawline is so sharp but his cheeks look so soft and squishy.

Shinsou is abruptly brought out of his thoughts by Bakugou's victory screech. “Oh fuck yeah! Did you see that! I told you I’d get it! Ha, take that eyebags! I’m number one!” Ah, there’s the gremlin again.

As Shinsou gathers his thoughts Bakugou bends down to grab the cat plushie he won. Shinsou is getting ready to sulk about Bakugou stealing the cat plush he wanted when Bakugou pops back up and holds the little thing out towards Shinsou. Shinsou hesitates, confused.

“Take it dumbass. You wanted this one right?”

Shinsou starts to look even more confused. “I honestly just thought you were gonna take it as some kind of mean power move.”

“I’m not that much of an asshole damn. Just take your stupid stuffed animal eyebags.” Bakugou mumbles looking off to the side with pink ears.

As Shinsou looks down to take the cat plush he realizes that it kind of looks like Bakugou. Blond, fluffy, with a bit of anger in its brows. Also, kinda cute. Wait no, absolutely not.

Shinsou takes his new cat plush and Bakugou disappears in the chaos of the arcade leaving Shinsou to his thoughts.

He can’t like Bakugou. It’s clearly just that he’s kinda pretty. His personality is way too much to handle. He is a pretty, loud, blond boy so it’s obviously just physical attraction. Besides, He already has a crush on Baku; he can’t have one on Bakugou. It makes him a bit uncomfortable that their names are so similar.

From that day on Shinsou became an official Bakusquad member.

Chapter Text

“So how was day one in the hero course? Do I need to kick someone’s ass?” Baku questions making Shinsou huff out a laugh.

“No, it was fine, But all my new classmates are hellbent on befriending me.” Shinsou bemoans with feigned disgust.

“You are so dramatic. The extroverts won’t kill you Hito. Just make you kinda tired and irritable.”

“Ugh. The only one that I’ve been able to enjoy talking to is some angry pomeranian boy who’s fun to tease.” Shinsou complains, chuckling at the memory of how easy it is to get under Bakugou’s skin.

“Hey, that's something. Also, why angry pomeranian?” Baku asks with a chuckle.

“His hair kinda looks like a pomeranian. Not a lot, just a little.”

 “We got a new transfer from our Gen Ed today and his hair kinda makes him look like one of those troll dolls.” Baku says wheezing a little.

“It makes sense that all the transfers are at the beginning of the year. The hair must be very unfortunate though.”

“Yeah, he seems chill though despite the fact that he’s a snarky little shit emo boy.”

“Baku, we are literally both snarky little shit emo boys.” Shinsou drawls rolling his eyes.

“Speak for your damn self Hito. Anyway, if your classmates are that determined to be your friends then maybe you should go for it. I don’t have to be your only friend Hito and you can always just shoot me a message if you’re gonna be late.” Baku volunteers softly.

“But you have other friends and you’re never late.” Shinsou objects. Besides, he’d much rather spend time with Baku than his classmates.

“That’s because I’m me and I’m super anal about being on schedule. Not everyone’s like that and I don’t have a problem with you being out and having fun. You deserve to have other good friends and experience all the dumb teenager shit.” Baku huffs fondly. “Besides, I’ll still be here when it’s time to go to sleep…” Baku murmurs.

This is the first time either of them has ever brought up their sleeping on call. Shinsou’s heart races as a soft smile tugs on his lips. “Yeah, you’re right. I’ll try and make friends. Also, I’m never letting you live down how cute that was.”

“Shut up I’m not cute!” Baku denies.

“You are and now you’re being a cute tsundere.” Shinsou teases with a huff of laughter.

“Fuck off I’m not a tsundere and I’m definitely not cute.” Baku says with a pout in his voice.

Cute. Very cute indeed.

Chapter Text

“I’m having Bakugou help you with hand to hand. Also, it will hopefully help you both with your people skills.” Aizawa had stated blandly.

“No way! My people skills are just fine. Besides, you're the teacher, shouldn't you be teaching me?” Shinsou complained.

Aizawa huffed and rolled his eyes, “Put it this way, I’m giving you an extra credit opportunity. You want to move your grades up don’t you?”

“Yes dad.” Shinsou pouted.

Aizawa nodded and shuffled away, “Gym 2 after school.” He tossed over his shoulder.

“Will do.”

So here he is, stretching out in gym 2 while he waits for a certain angry blond. He’s in a full middle split when Bakugou decides to slam the door open and stomp in. At least he isn’t the only one grumpy with this arrangement.

Bakugou glances up at him before freezing. Shinsou can practically feel Bakugou’s eyes on him. He really doesn’t do subtlety huh?

“Staring’s rude Bakugou.” Shinsou teases, smirking as Bakugou is taken out of his daze and snaps his head up. “See something you like?” Shinsou says with a wink.

“Shut up,” Bakugou scoffs with an eye roll. Clearly hiding a blush. “Hurry up. I’ll go a little easy on you the first time. I’ve gotta see what you already know.”

“Why of course benevolent god of boom boom.” Shinsou says, dramatically holding his hand to his chest and wiping a fake tear from his eye. Go easy? Is he serious? What a dick.

“Don’t think I didn’t catch that euphemism you little shit.” Bakugou grumbles, pointing his finger accusingly at Shinsou.

“Me? A euphemism? Never. I am but a sweet innocent boy.” Shinsou drawls sarcastically, finally moving towards Bakugou on the mats with a smirk and a huff of laughter at Bakugou's irritation. Maybe this won’t be too bad.

“Get ready.” Bakugou growls, immediately throwing a punch. Then again maybe not. Shinsou dodges at the last second.

Shinsou counters with an attempt at a leg sweep which Bakugou easily jumps over. Shinsou, expecting this goes for an uppercut.

Bakugou redirects Shinsou’s uppercut and slams his fist into Shinsou’s nose with way more force than necessary. Shinsou hears and feels his nose break.

Shinsou stumbles back gripping his nose as it gushes blood “What the fuck Bakugou! This is what you call going easy?” Shinsou spits, giving Bakugou a murderous glare.

“Holy fuck! I’m so sorry. Fuck! I’m sorry I was running on instinct.” Bakugou rambles looking around frantically.

“Wow, the king of anger issues can apologize.” Shinsou bites out irritably. He really just broke his nose. What the fuck?

“Shut up asshole, we have to get you to recovery girl uhh…” Bakugou looks around before tearing his shirt over his head.

Shinsou’s brain stops as soon as he sees Bakugou pulling his shirt off. What is happening?

“Here.” Bakugou says holding his shirt out to Shinsou.

Why is he holding his shirt out to me? I already have a shirt on. Oh shit am I supposed to say? What is happening right now? Just say something, stupid.

“Stripping for me isn’t gonna make me less irritated with you.” No. 'Say something, stupid' not 'Say something stupid'.

Bakugou sputters, “No you idiot, it’s for the blood. Now is not the time for your weird flirtatious jokes.” Bakugou shakes his head, blushing again. “Now come on I’m pretty sure it’s broken.”

Shinsou grabs Bakugou's shirt on autopilot and uses it to keep blood from getting everywhere. “It’s always the time for my weird flirtatious jokes blasty.” Shinsou says, muffled from behind the shirt, thankful that he has something to hide his own blush. Why does he always make things so awkward?

The walk to Recovery Girl’s office is thankfully uneventful but as soon as the boys enter they’re interrogated. ”What happened now? Shinsou, you sit and let me take a look. Bakugou, explain.”

Bakugou looks down at his shuffling feet as he explains the situation.

Recovery Girl gives her best ‘I’m not mad just disappointed’ look “Bakugou, as a future hero it is important to train all of your instincts including the one to disengage when you aren’t in danger. If your only instinct is to fight what happens when you find an unexpected victim? Perhaps someone injured? Maybe even a child. What happens then? Will you just break their nose too?”

Shinsou tries to hold in an awkward inappropriate laugh and when he ultimately fails Recovery Girl turns her disappointed look on him instead.

“And you,” Recovery Girl says, causing Shinsou to sit up ramrod straight, nodding his head with wide eyes. “You should know enough about first aid to know that you should’ve straightened your nose before coming here.”

Shinsou chuckles and gives a scared pleading smile, “How can I straighten my nose? I can't even straighten myself” then he puts up finger guns and visibly cringes at himself. Now is not the time for gay jokes.

Recovery Girls luckily just chuckles and shakes her head going to grab some supplies from her desk. Shinsou thinks everything is fine but then he looks over at Bakugou who seems to be paralyzed in shock, thinking very hard and avoiding eye contact even more than usual.

Does he have a problem with me being gay? No way. He’s too young for that. Besides, He’s gonna be a hero. Although that’s never stopped a hero before. Am I overthinking this? Just because he’s surprised doesn’t mean he’s homophobic, that’s idiotic. Also, he didn’t get defensive with my flirting. But what if he is homophobic, what am I supposed to do? So, just wait it out and see if he does anything that clearly shows that he is or isn’t trash.

Satisfied with his decision, Shinsou focuses back in on Bakugou. He’s still zoned out? As Shinsou starts to consider saying something Bakugou looks back up to find Shinsou looking at him. Shinsou raises his eyebrows in question as Recovery Girl comes back in and continues her lecture. Bakugou raises his eyebrows and quirks his head in response and Shinsou pretends to go back to paying attention to Recovery Girl’s lecture.

Chapter Text

Shinsou shuffles up to Sero’s door and knocks. Kaminari had practically begged him to join the ‘Squad Study Sesh’ as he’d called it. Shinsou felt a tad bit bad that he’s been a little distant since the whole Bakugou reacting poorly to him being a flaming homosexual thing so here he is.

The door swings open to a tired looking Jirou who quickly goes back to lounging in Sero’s hammock. Looking around Shinsou sees that Kaminari, Mina, Kirishima, and Bakugou are all sitting in a loose circle on the floor around a coffee table. Taking a seat in between Bakugou and Mina Shinsou can see that they all seem to be working on math together. Shinsou could always use extra help with math so he doesn’t hesitate to start taking his homework out of his backpack.

“Hey Shinsou, glad you could make it.” Sero mumbles absentmindedly from his seat at his desk, still staring resolutely at his homework.

“Shinsou! You actually came!” Kaminari beams looking up from his work to wave with his hand that isn’t viciously clicking a fidget toy.

“Come on sparky, focus.” Bakugou said irritably, bopping Kaminari on top of his head with a rolled up hero magazine.

“But I’m too stupid for math Kacchan.” Kaminari whines, flopping backwards onto the floor.

“Oi! Shut the fuck up! You’re a dumbass but you aren’t stupid you just need help focusing. Now drink yer fucking coffee and work on math.” Bakugou barks out leaning across the table to repeatedly smack Kaminari with his magazine until the boy gets back to working on his homework.

Huh. Who knew Bakugou could be so encouraging even in his own loud angry way?

After that everyone quiets down to study the only noises being Kaminari clicking his fidget toy. Every once in a while someone will ask Bakugou for help or to check their answers and Bakugou is surprisingly patient with them.

About 30 minutes later Kaminari flops onto his back again looking up at Sero, “Hanta, could you pretty please help me with these last few problems? My brain’s all burnt out on math.” Kaminari pleads with a big pout on his face.

Hanta? They all use first names for Mina but everyone else just calls Sero Sero. I guess they must be closer than I thought? Maybe they knew each other before UA?

“That depends. When you say you want me to help you do you mean you want me to give you the answer?” Sero inquires.

“Maayybe.” Kaminari draws out.

“Then no.” Sero states flatly.

“But Hanta! Pretty please I’ll pay you in kisses.” Kaminari whines, giving Sero puppy eyes and dramatically puckering his lips.

Kisses? Are they dating? But if they are, is Bakugou homophobic towards them?

While Sero and Kaminari continue their back and forth Shinsou leans towards Bakugou and questions in a hushed voice if Kaminari and Sero are dating.

“Yeah, you get used to their obnoxious flirting eventually.” Bakugou states with a shrug without turning away from his homework.

Huh. He doesn’t seem bothered at all? Maybe I misjudged him?

Mina, having overheard the exchange excitedly jumps in “Yeah, no one in the Bakusquad is straight.”

Shinsou raises an eyebrow at that “You don’t have a token straight?”

“Yeah, it’s pretty chill, if you don’t mind can we ask if you have a label you identify with?” Jirou asks quietly from her place in the hammock.

Shinsou’s brow furrows a bit “Uhm, just gay I guess. You all are?”

“Well I’m a Non-binary lesbian, Jirou, Kiri, And Bakubabe are Cis and Bi, Kamibabe is Bi and a trans guy, and Sero is Pan and Non-binary.” Mina pipes up quickly.

“Oh that’s sick. You and Sero’s pronouns are?”

“I usually use it/its and Sero likes they/them.” Mina says grinning.

“Noted.”

Shinsou’s happily thinking about how he managed to find friends who not only don’t mind his quirk but also accept his sexuality when Bakugou shouts, “Alright introductions over, enough mushy gushy gay shit get back to work.”

Well, at least now I know Bakugou’s not homophobic but that doesn’t explain why he reacted so weird in recovery girls office? Maybe he was just surprised I would make that kind of joke in front of her? That makes sense.

“And you,” Bakugou says pointing an accusing finger in Shinsou’s direction “rule number one of these study sessions is I get to check your work when you’re done so hand over the math sheet bitch.”

“Okay damn. You don’t have to be so aggressive about it.”

Bakugou looks over his math sheet for a few minutes before setting it on the table. “You got number twelve wrong, let me show you.” Bakugou then patiently explains what he did wrong and shows him how to do it correctly and surprisingly it makes sense.

“Okay now check the others to make sure you did them right and fix them if you didn’t then I’ll check it over again when you’re done.”

“Thanks blasty, I think you should really reconsider your number one hero dream, you would be a good albeit grumpy teacher. Definitely not with young kids though you curse too much.”

“Fuck off I ain’t gonna be a shitty teacher. Now shut up and do your homework.” Bakugou grumbled.

“Why of course bomb boy.” Shinsou teases.

Bakugou shot Shinsou a harsh glare so he decided to get back to working on his homework so that Bakugou wouldn’t revoke his new tutor privileges. As Shinsou looks around the room he thinks that maybe having friends won’t be so bad afterall.

Chapter Text

“Alright, standard squad rules are whoever loses the game has to go downstairs to make the popcorn for the movie. Tonight's game is never have I ever so we can learn more about Shinbro. Meens can go first.” Kirishima states as the rest of the group settles into a loose circle.

Shinsou has been in class 2-A for about two weeks now and still isn’t used to having people who actually want to hang out with him. Somehow he finds himself at the “Squad Game Night/Movie Night” as Sero had called it.

“We all know how the game works right? Someone says never have I ever done this thing and if you have done that thing you put down a finger. First person to put down all ten of their fingers is the loser.” Mina rushes through the rules getting nods from everyone in the circle. “Alright then I’ll start us off. Never have I ever drank alcohol.”

Silently Mina, Kaminari, Sero, Jirou, and Bakugou all put one finger down.

“I’m always the designated driver because Kaminari always pukes his guts up and someone has to take him home.” Kirishima shrugs.

“You make it sound way worse than it is.” Kaminari pouts.

“No. It is that bad. One time you tried to cuddle with me while covered in your own vomit. You’re lucky you were too pathetic for me to want to kill you.” Bakugou grumbles.

Kaminari continues to pout while Jirou says “Alright, never have I ever skipped school.”

Everyone puts a finger down and the game is back on track.

“Never have I ever cut my own hair.” Kirishima says smugly looking at Bakugou’s obnoxious spikes.

Bakugou, Shinsou, And Sero each put down a finger as Bakugou loudly proclaims that everyone else sucks at cutting his hair and if he wants it done right he has to do it himself.

Despite himself Shinsou finds himself amused by Bakugou’s antics. Maybe he’s getting too soft because he really should be annoyed by the volume.

“Well I could never take a risk like that. My hair's too gorgeous to not be taken care of by professionals.” Kaminari gasps, flipping his hair dramatically.

Shinsou realizes that he has to actively participate in the game and panics a bit for something to say and lands on “Never have I ever stayed awake for over 48 hours.”

Shinsou puts down one of his fingers at the same time as Bakugou and Kaminari.

“I stayed up for three days straight when Animal Crossing came out on the switch. Bakugou took my switch away so I would sleep.”

“I knew you were the mom friend.” Shinsou teases Bakugou.

“Shut the fuck up I’m not these extras mom.”

“Bakumom.” Kaminari giggles receiving the Bakugou patented death glare. “Anyways, never have I ever cursed in front of a child.”

“Fuck you. They’re just words I don’t know why everyone gets so pissy about it.” Bakugou grumbles while putting another finger down.

Shinsou puts another finger down and at everyone’s surprised faces reveals that he has a much younger sister.

At Mina’s excited squeals he pulls up a picture of Eri going to her first day of kindergarten for everyone to see.

“You two don’t really look alike. Are you guys half siblings or something?” Sero inquires.

“Oh, no we’re both adopted. My dad’s kinda have a knack for adopting problem children I guess”

“You have two dads! I have two moms! I wasn’t adopted though. My mom's bi and she had me before she got with my ma.” Kirishima rambles excitedly.

“I guess lots of us have non-conventional parents. My mom and dad started dating Deku’s mom last year. I had to learn to stop calling her auntie because it got very confusing for other people when I called my parent’s girlfriend auntie.” Bakugou rolls his eyes.

“That’s interesting. So you and Midoriya are kinda like step brothers?” Shinsou tries to clarify.

“Yeah I guess. I mean we’ll never actually be step brothers because you can only legally marry one person but given that Inko has been close to my parents since they were in college I doubt she’s going anywhere anytime soon. Alright, my turn extras. Never have I ever set something on fire while cooking.”

Kirishima, Kaminari, and Mina all shamefully lower a finger.

“Ah, another incompetent cook.” Bakugou states as Shinsou lowers his finger.

“I was like six, cut me some slack.”

“Who the fuck let you cook by yourself when you were six?”

“I told my biological father I was hungry and he told me to make something. I think he was expecting a sandwich or something but I tried for an omelet and almost burnt the house down.”

“Well, now we know where your stupidity comes from damn.”

“Play nice you feral bastard.” Sero chides “Now, never have I ever paid for something with nothing but pennies.”

“Shut up. We were supposed to be learning about eyebags not targeting me.” Bakugou barks while putting a finger down.

“No, I definitely wanna hear this story.” Shinsou huffs a laugh at Bakugou’s clear embarrassment.

“Okay so for context Bakubaby’s parents work in the fashion industry and so they go to New York a lot and sometimes they’ll take him along. He’s a big fan of buttermilk donuts and he can’t find them anywhere but one specific bakery in New York. So one time when he was there in middle school he bought two donuts using 214 pennies. Pretty sure the bakery secretly hates him now.” Mina retells the story as Bakugou practically foams at the mouth with rage.

“I came to get more the next day and I gave the lady a tip because she had to count that shit we’re cool now so shut up.” Bakugou grumbles crossing his arms.

“Okay hun. Now, never have I ever had braces.”

“Stop it, you just wanna show Shinsou pictures of me with braces!” Kirishima loudly complains while putting his finger down.

“No no, keep going. I definitely want to see his shark teeth in braces Mina.” Shinsou encourages.

Mina pulls up a picture of a black haired Kirishima in a middle school uniform flashing his teeth to the camera. I guess he was an emo kid judging by how he used to dye his hair black. 

Kirishima is hiding his face in his hands as everyone teases him until Jirou takes pity on him and speaks up “Never have I ever owned an all might figure.” she teases looking at Bakugou.

“We don’t talk about that.” Bakugou huffs as he puts down his seventh finger.

“Hey I’ve got one. Never have I ever fought a classmate outside of training Bakugou.” Kirishima takes his turn.

“What did I say! We were supposed to be learning about eyebags not picking on me.” Bakugou complains now only having two fingers left up.

Mina also puts down a finger explaining that one time she couldn’t succeed in making a bully be nice like she usually could so she just beat the girl up after school.

“Okay um, Never have I ever dyed my hair.” Shinsou lands on.

Bakugou and Kirishima both put a finger down.

“Yeah, my hair isn’t actually red if you couldn’t tell by the middle school picture earlier.” Kirishima shrugs.

“Oh, I actually just assumed you dyed your hair black to be a rebellious teen or something. The red suits you well though.”

“Nah, Kacchan’s the one who dyed his hair black to be rebellious. His mom said he could dye his hair whatever colour he wanted except black so he went out and bought black box dye and did it himself. Made a giant mess and got grounded.”

“Whatever it was a stupid ass rule. Besides, the black looked cool.”

“Pics or it didn’t happen.”

Jirou grins mischievously and turns her phone around to show a picture of Bakugou with black hair and dressed like a walking hot topic ad.

“That’s a lip piercing. A fake one?” Shinsou notices.

“No, I did it myself with one of those piercing kits off amazon. Didn’t put it in the right spot though so now there’s a little spot on my lip that’s numb. I did it while my parents were on a work trip. When they got back they made me retire it. Still have a scar though look.” Bakugou says, leaning into Shinsou’s space and pointing at his lip.

Sure enough there was a little tiny scar right at the edge of his lip a little higher up then where a lip piercing should go.

How is he still pretty this close up? No. Bad Hitoshi. We like Baku not Bakugou. Stop being a useless gay. Now think of something to say before it gets awkward.

“Yeah definitely not where a lip piercing goes.” Not the worst thing that could’ve come out of my mouth.

“Yeah, anyway Kacchan only has one finger left and I would like to make him lose so, never have I ever had the stupidest rejected hero name.” Kaminari states trying to instigate some chaos.

“It was not fucking stupid! You’re all just too stupid to see my badass naming skills!” Bakugou shouts his defense.

“Bro all do respect but Bakusatsuou isn’t a very heroic name. I see what you were going for but heroes shouldn’t include things like murder in their hero name. It’s not manly.” Kirishima tries to reason but Shinsou’s already checked out.

Shinsou can hear everyone playfully arguing but he can’t pay it any attention because the only thing running through his mind on repeat is that Bakugou's rejected hero name was Bakusatsuou.

Once he calms down a bit he starts to go over the facts. Baku and Bakugou are the same age, both blonde, both in japan, both in hero course, Baku told him about his parents dating the mom of the kid he used to pick on, Baku’s radio silence that he didn’t wanna talk about lines up with when Bakugou got kidnapped, Baku getting a new kid in his class lines up with when Hitoshi entered into 2-A. All of that mixed with the name is just too many things to be a coincidence.

Baku is Bakugou.

They’re the same person. Should I tell him I know? No, I need to process this more before having that conversation. At least this solves the massive crush on Baku while thinking Bakugou’s really pretty issue.

“Eyebags, you good? You’ve been zoned the fuck out we’re gonna put on a movie you need to vote. The conjuring or Encanto?” Bakugou says, waving his hand in front of Shinsou’s face.

“Uh yeah, sorry, um The conjuring I guess.” Shinsou stumbles over his words still reeling from his new realization.

“Fuck yeah! We won the vote! Sparky come help me make the popcorn.”

Shinsou’s glad that he’s seen the conjuring a million times already because he doesn’t watch the movie at all. Bakugou leaves at 8:30 and everyone teases him about having the sleep schedule of an old man. Shinsou shoots out a message that he’s gonna run a little late because he’s watching a movie with some classmates.

When he finally gets to bed at 9:30 he gets into a voice chat and immediately recognizes Baku’s voice as being Bakugou’s voice and any doubt he had about them being the same person disappears.

I’ll tell him. Just…not right now.

Chapter Text

It’s the Monday after Shinsou’s realization and it’s his first time training with his class alongside class 2-B.

The blond kid; Monoma I think? Comes up to declare that his class is better and that they’ll pummel class 2-A into the ground.

It’s an annoyance at best and looking around it seems like this is a common thing judging by his classmates' lack of reaction. Even Bakugou ignores him while he talks to Jirou and he’s usually pretty easy to antagonize.

Before Shinsou has the chance to get lost in his thoughts about Bakugou again a ginger girl from class 2-B walks up to Monoma, makes her hand almost the size of his whole body and karate chops him in the head before dragging him off.

Shinsou looks around to see if anyone else saw that and everyone seems to be ignoring it. Shinsou decides then and there that he doesn’t like this girl. What the hell kind of hero thinks it’s acceptable to hit people just because they’re being kind of annoying?

Shinsou’s thoughts about the girl trail off as Vlad King starts explaining the exercise to everyone. Two on two battles each team consisting of one member of each class.

Vlad starts drawing names and Shinsou zones out until his name's called. He’s paired up with someone named Kendo and they’ll be battling Monoma and Tokoyami.

Once Vlad gives the all good to find your partner and start strategizing the ginger girl walks right up to him.

“I’m Kendo Itsuka. I don’t think we’ve met before.”

“Right, Shinsou Hitoshi. I’m assuming your quirk has something to do with how you made your hands huge to hit that Monoma kid earlier?” Shinsou states without an ounce of friendliness. Maybe by hearing what she did out loud she’ll realize it was fucked up.

“Yes, sorry about him by the way. I try to keep him in line but he still finds ways to bother others and make us look bad. Now what’s your quirk so we can come up with a strategy.” Kendo says sweetly, clearly thinking that Shinsou’s hostile tone is because of Monoma’s yelling.

“Mind Control. If I ask someone a question and they respond I can control them like a puppet.”

“Oh, I’m surprised they would let you into UA. Like, I’m sure you’re a good guy now if you’re here but there’s no way you never used your quirk for something bad growing up.”

Before Shinsou can even think of a response to that Bakugou is stomping right up to Kendo from where he was talking to the mushroom girl. Komori?

“Shut the fuck up Kendo. Everyone does stupid shit with their quirk as a kid and UA has never held that against anyone because then there wouldn’t be anyone able to attend UA. That’s also literally the whole reason anyone under 13 can’t be charged with illegal quirk usage. So keep your gross opinions to yourself, stop being quirkist and focus on coming up with a strategy to win.” Bakugou spits at Kendo garnering the attention of the rest of the students before stomping back to his partner for the exercise.

After that Kendo keeps her opinions to herself while they talk strategy. They end up losing their fight but Shinsou really doesn’t care so long as that means he never has to talk to that girl again.

Bakugou defended me when someone was being discriminatory towards me. Had anyone other than my dad’s ever done that for me? I should really tell Bakugou that I know…but maybe once we’re closer irl. Just in case.

Chapter Text

Shinsou is walking home from hanging out with the Bakusquad at the mall. He finds out that he and Bakugou live in the same neighborhood as the walk side by side home.

It’s the late evening and their walk is calm until they pass a park and Shinsou hears the unmistakable sound of a duck. He immediately stops walking to start looking around for the duck. 

He spots the bird waddling towards him and feels himself start to panic. He completely forgets that Bakugou is with him as his heart starts to race and it gets harder and harder to breathe.

“Hey, look at me. You’re having a panic attack, you need to breathe.”

Bakugou’s here. Bakugou can make sure the duck won’t get any closer. Bakugou can help.  

Shinsou tries to talk, to ask for help but it’s hard to get his words out properly when he’s constantly being interrupted by his own hyperventilation.

“Hey, I can’t understand what you’re saying, you need to get your breathing under control before you start trying to talk.”

Shinsou starts to cry from the mixture of frustration and fear as the duck gets closer still.

I need to tell Bakugou about the duck before it can get to me.

Shinsou just starts pointing at the duck and he sees the moment Bakugou gets what he’s trying to tell him.

Once Bakugou is back from scaring away the duck Shinsou feels a lot better. 

“You could’ve told me you were scared of ducks before we passed near the duck pond. Feeling any better?”

“Forgot about the duck pond. Never come this way.” Then Shinsou lets out a wet chuckle, “And yes, I feel much better after seeing you chase a duck around and yell at it to take its feathery ass all the way back to hell.”

“Well glad I could be some free entertainment for you asshole.”

Before Shinsou could snark back both boys turn at the sound of a tiny meow.

Looking down the face of a little tabby kitten popped out of a bush.

Bakugou immediately goes to investigate. There are no other kittens anywhere nearby at all, this one seemingly all alone. It looks old enough to have been weaned but certainly too little to take care of itself. 

While Shinsou watches Bakugou slowly approach the kitten and hold out his hand. 

“Come on you little shit. You cried for attention, now come get it.” Bakugou speaks gently.

Yet another instance of Bakugou saying something rude but meaning for it to be affectionate.

Slowly the kitten walks out of the bush and sniffs at Bakugou's hand before rubbing against it begging to be petted.

Bakugou looks back at Shinsou, “What should we do with it?”

“I’ll take it home. My dad brings home stray cats to foster and rehome them all the time. If he gets pissy about it, I’ll let him know he’s a hypocritical bastard. Pops will back me up for sure.”

“Alright then little shit looks like you’ve got a new home.” Bakugou states unceremoniously picking up the creature before handing it off to Shinsou.

“Come on, let's get to heading home before the sun sets.” Bakugou says without turning around to look at Shinsou and confidently walks ahead.

I should really tell him that I know but…we just adopted a cat so that might be too much all in one day. I’ll tell him another day for sure. Just, when the time is right.

Chapter Text

Shinsou is sitting in his room with his new kitten trying to decide what to name her. When he asked Bakugou he said to name her duck but that is not happening.

The little kitten is curled up with the cat plushie that Bakugou had won him at the arcade. He had named it Kacchan due to its resemblance to his favourite angry blonde.

As Shinsou turns away from the cute display he sees his She-ra sword hanging on his wall and is reminded of when he first got it and Baku was so excited to see it.

No matter where I look he’s everywhere.

I’ve accidentally surrounded myself with reminders of him. Fuck focus. This cat needs a name and it’s not gonna be duck.

Looking back at the kitten he tries again to brainstorm names and comes up blank until he looks back over at his She-ra sword.

Perfect. Her name will be Catra.

I have to tell Bakugou I know before I can tell him what her name is. Shit.

Chapter Text

Shinsou is in a room he’s never been in before. He doesn’t have time to look around before he sees that Bakugou is standing right in front of him.

“You know that you can tell me anything, right?”

Shit does he know?

“I think I know what you’re hiding and it’s okay but I need to hear it from you.”

Shit he knows. Is he mad? He said it’s okay but that could just be a front to get me to confess. But if he knows I don’t really have a choice.

“Alright, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner I was just…scared. I found out that you’re Baku. I was worried that you would freak out about me knowing who you are since you always wanted it to be secret. Or that your relationship with me as Hito would disappear once you found out who I am.” Shinsou rushes out, trying to explain himself while he has the chance.

“Hey, it’s okay,  Our relationship was never gonna change  because of something so miniscule as having finally met you face to face. Relax.” Bakugou reassures.

“You’re not mad at me for holding it in for so long?”

“Nope. Now you can see that telling me isn’t so big and scary right?”

Shinsou nods.

“Then tell me.”

“I just did?”

“Not yet.”

“I don’t understand? What do you mean tell you I already did?”

Bakugou started to get kind of blurry as an annoying beeping sound started to play.

“You’ll understand soon.”

With that Shinsou finds himself awake in his bed.

Fuck it was a dream. Now I have to work up the courage to tell him all over again. At least dream Bakugou was overly sweet about it so I have an idea of a best case scenario.

I guess I’ll listen to dream Bakugou and fess up.

Chapter Text

Shinsou sees that Bakugou is sitting off to the side during hero training chugging a water bottle when he decides that it’s now or never.

I need to make myself tell Bakugou before it’s too late or I chicken out again. How am I supposed to get him alone to talk to him? I really don’t want to do this in front of everyone. I could just say I need to talk to him alone. But then what if someone overhears? Or what if he refuses? Or What if he demands I tell him why? Maybe I need to come up with an excuse to get him alone? Studying might work. But then he’d probably just tell me to wait till we’re studying as a group. Maybe I just need to make sure he understands I wanna talk to him alone without explicitly stating it? But then he might think I’m trying to make him look stupid and he might explode. But it’s probably still my best shot. I could ask for help with English. He'll know that’s total bullshit. Maybe he’ll be intrigued enough about what I’ll want to talk about that he’ll play along? I’ll give it a try then.

Shinsou tries to casually saunter up to Bakugou and then asks in a low tone “Hey, after school today you think you could stop by my room? I’m gonna need a little help with today’s English homework.”

I hope he doesn't kill me.

Bakugou looks at him for a second before stating “Alright whatever, but I’m changing out of my uniform first eyebags.”

I get to live. That’s good I can still be a hero. But also, death might be better than the conversation we’re gonna have.

“That works. Thanks Blasty.”

With that Shinsou wanders off towards Kaminari in the hopes that his electric friend can distract him from his incoming freak out.

When Shinsou gets back to his room he changes his clothes at light speed throwing on a pair of joggers and his oversized purple comfort hoodie. While he waits for Bakugou to knock he paces back and forth.

What if he hates me after this? What if I took too long to tell him? What if he’s disappointed that Hito is me? I mean, we’ve been kinda flirty as Hito and Baku before but that could change when he knows it’s me. I look half dead and he said I have unfortunate troll doll hair. What if he doesn’t even want to be friends after this? If he doesn’t want to be friends does that mean I’ll lose my new friend group? I mean, they do call themselves the Bakusquad so it’d make sense that they wouldn’t be friends with someone Bakugou doesn’t like? I was just getting used to having friends and now I might lose them. Maybe I shouldn’t do this. Maybe I should try to take this secret to my grave and hope Bakugou never figures it out on his own. But what are the chances that I’ll be that lucky? Bakugou’s very smart. I'm surprised I’ve been able to scrape by this long without him figuring it out. I’ve gotta do this now because if he finds out on his own he’ll be pissed I kept it from him.

Shinsou’s thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door that sounds foreboding and deafening in the silence.

As Shinsou opens the door he nervously rings his hands together and steps back into the room to sit in his desk chair leaving the door open for Bakugou to follow.

Bakugou steps in closing the door behind himself and leans against the dresser looking over at Shinsou “So what’d you need to talk with me about?”

Shinsou swallows hard and parts his lip before pressing them back together and furrowing his brows.

This is it, it's now or never. Baku likes bold and upfront. Simple to the point. No beating around the bush. I can do this just put it all on the table. Just blurt it out.

Go. Now.

“I’ve been putting off telling you this because I was scared of how you’d react but you deserve to know. So,” He takes a deep breath.

Just do it already. Rip off the band-aid.

“I’m Hito and I know you’re Baku.”

Bakugou goes silent for a long while clearly lost in thought before he suddenly breaks his silence loudly.

“How fucking long have you been keeping this from me!”

Oh fuck. He’s pissed. I waited too long. He must hate me. Fuck. Why do I ruin everything?

“Almost a month.” Shinsou says, voice sounding wet as his throat starts to close up from holding back tears while he stares intently at the floor.

He’s going to leave me. They’re all going to leave me. I’m going to lose all my friends. I’m going to be alone all over again.

“How did you know it was me? What made you realize?”

Bakugou sounds painfully neutral; it's impossible to know what emotions he’s feeling by his voice alone and Shinsou refuses to lift his eyes from the floor.

“It was when they mentioned your rejected hero name. Then everything just clicked and there were too many similarities for it to be a coincidence. I just needed time to process everything and then I was worried you’d hate me for not telling you immediately or that you’d be disappointed when you found out it was me. Fuck, I’m so sorry.”

“Fuck okay, shut up. I don’t hate you, this is just really overwhelming right now. I’ve, shit. I’ve gotta go think.” Bakugou explains before rushing out the door.

He doesn’t hate me? He’s overwhelmed. That makes sense I was too when I found out. He needs time and space to think. I can do that.

Chapter Text

Shinsou is sat down at the kitchen table having a cup of coffee. His dad and Eri have already left to take Eri to a theme park.

Hizashi sits down with his own cup of coffee before saying “Alright kiddo, you seem kinda down what’s going on?”

“I’m fine, pops. Don’t worry about it.”

“Nope. None of that little listener I am here to listen to your teenaged woes.”

Hitoshi lets out a long suffering sigh, realizing that he won’t get out of this. “Fine. So basically my old friend Baku and my new friend Baku gou are the same person and I’ve known for a while but I finally told him and now he’s upset and overwhelmed and I’m worried I ruined everything.” Hitoshi rushes out.

“Alrighty little listener, that's a lot to unpack. Let’s start with the facts. Baku is Bakugou? How’d you figure that out?”

“His rejected hero name is the same as his screen name.” Shinsou mumbles.

“Okay, and when you figured it out you didn’t tell him. Why?” Hizashi questions earnestly.

“I guess I just needed space to process?”

Hizashi asks, “Did you tell Bakugou that?”

“Yeah.”

“And how’d he respond?”

Hitoshi starts to fidget with his sleeve before saying, “He was mad at first but then he said he wasn’t anymore and just needed space to think.”

“Okay so, sounds to me like nothing’s ruined you both just needed time to process things. I think he’ll come back and talk to you when he’s ready and things will be fine. You two are really close. I think it’ll take more than this to tear you apart. Okay?” Hizashi comes around to Shinsou’s side of the table to place a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“I hope so.” Hitoshi sighs. “I’m gonna go to my room.” he states before standing up to leave.

“Alright kiddo but don’t mope too much.” Hizashi calls after him as he walks away.