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“You think he’s still coming?” Kirishima asked once again, looking at his watch and trying to play it off cool, not doing the best job, though. Kaminari elbowed him into his side playfully as he laughed a bit mockingly “Stop being so antsy, man. It would actually be very surprising if he did come, honestly. I mean he is Bakugou! He would probably be the last one to join a group reunion.” He chuckled with closed eyes, but stopped when the caught a glimpse of the others down expression. “Hey... I’m just joking around. I mean even he must want to see us all again after five years at least a little bit.”
The blonde patted his back sympathetically, before they got called up by the bartender to pick up their ordered drinks. “Let’s not keep the others waiting anymore and get these drinks back to them, ok?” The smaller man suggested, smiling up at the tall redhead who nodded briefly and exhaled sharply before gaining a relaxed smile of his own. He wasn’t going to let his feelings ruin this night.
The pair stepped to the counter to pick up the tray, Kirishima pressing between the many people that were surrounding the bar with his massive body to get to their order. The bartender slid the tray with drinks towards the redhead with a smirk, looking him up and down and leaning forward on his elbows with seductive eyes. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up his arms, accenting his toned muscles and his beautifully inked skin. The tall male smiled at him sweetly, too oblivious to understand the brown-haired man's intentions and thanked him, before turning around to his friend again, tray in hands.
Kaminari watched the whole thing, of course , already used to the affect Kirishima had on men and women ... anyone, really. Whenever they would go somewhere, the redhead would end up with at least three different numbers that were either snuck in one of his pant pockets or given to him directly. And honestly, he couldn’t blame them. The redhead wasn’t only nice to look at, but had an approachable personality and a warm smile that pulled everyone in, despite his big and intimidating body. And his growing popularity as a pro hero probably doesn’t hurt his image either. The blonde rolled his eyes with a chuckle, Kirishima throwing him a confused look, but didn’t give an answer. Bless his pure soul.
Over the past years, Kirishima has grown a lot . Not only in height but also in muscles. He is towering over Kaminari by quite a bit and the blonde is already proud to have reached average height himself. It is almost funny to see them standing next to each other, Kaminari’s petite body type only emphasizing the big tank of a man who is nothing but an innocent marshmallow inside.
After only a little bit they reached their booth again, all faces turning to them expectantly with big smiles. “Finally, you guys took like forever, we already thought you might have ditched us and ran off with our drinks.” Mina joked as she jumped up from her seat to grab her pink Cocktail and handing Jirou, who was sitting next to her, her mojito. She thanked her quietly as she took a quick sip from her beverage.
“Yeah right, and leave my boyfriend with you? I don’t think so.” The blonde exclaimed as he scooted into the booth, leaning into the purple haired man who swung his arm around his shoulders to hold him closer and press a kiss to his temple with a small smile. Kirishima looked at them soft, a bit jealous of what they had. They’ve been together for two years now, but still seemed madly in love, like time just stopped at their happiest moments. He wondered when the big question would be popped.
He handed out everyone else’s drinks, two beers for Shinsou and Sero, a Gin tonic for Kaminari and a coke for himself. For a man of his built he has a surprisingly low alcohol tolerance and since he doesn’t want to test his luck today, he decided to stay sober and drive everyone home.
Even though they had a great time together for the next hour or two, laughing and joking just like old times and finally being able to see the (almost) whole Bakusquad in one place again, Kirishima couldn’t help glancing at the door once in a while, maybe hoping to see a familiar, blonde and spiky head of hair walking through the entrance and when it did, he almost couldn’t believe his eyes. There he was, the same headstrong blonde with the same scowl that he last saw directly five years ago.
Sure, he saw him on TV or when their agencies collaborated in a mission, but he hadn’t had a chance to actually talk to him properly, to look him into his eyes and just be like they used to be.
But now the familiar ruby-red orbs scanned the small bar and after a few seconds locked onto him, starring directly into his own and for a moment, time stood still. It felt like they were the only ones in the room, the whole world disappearing around them and Kirishima couldn’t help the bright, toothy grin creeping to his lips. And maybe he saw Bakugou’s face light up ever so slightly, too.
“BAKUGOU!! You actually came!” He jumped to his feet, quickly crossing the room to capture the blond in a crushingly tight hug, picking him up from the ground while he was at it. Bakugou sucked in a sharp breath, being caught by surprise and would have probably blown up the others face if he hadn’t known who it was.
“It’s been too long, bro. You sure haven’t grown a bit. Are you eating enough?” The redhead beamed, mock lacing his words as he teased the blonde in his arms who just snarled at him with narrowed eyes. “Tsk, you overgrown Teddybear! Everyone seems small to you, if you’re a fucking giant. How fucking tall even are you? 6,6!” He retorted, though without any bite or venom, like it normally would have.
Kirishima finally set him down, giving him a firm punch against his biceps. “Nah, just 6,4.” He remarked slyly, leading him to their friends. Bakugou rolled his eyes at him sarcastically.
It might have been a few years, but it surely didn’t feel like it. They joked and bantered just like old times and the redhead really wished they would have kept in contact more. But he knew why they hadn’t and it was all his fault.
“So Bakugou, you’ve been traveling up the ranks quite fast. When do you think you’ll surpass Deku and become number 1?” Kaminari chimed in, already more than tipsy after a few drinks and busy swooning over his boyfriend. Bakugou glanced up from his glass of whisky, starring daggers into the blond. They had been sitting there, cramped up together in a booth meant for four people - They were seven - Sero launching on the far end of one side, Kaminari and Shinso practically sitting on each other next to him, Jirou and Mina taking up most of the rest space next to the two and, of course, ending with Bakugou now pressing up to Kirishima’s side, not smart enough to let the giant sit down before him, and just shared everything that had been going on in their lives for the past few years.
It felt just like old times. They could all remember the days so clearly when they would have sleepovers and movie nights in the common room or in one of their own dorms, laughing and chatting about everything and nothing, inseparable like a big family. They always had each other's backs, shared all their troublesome thoughts – some more than others – whenever they needed to. At first it was just the six of them: Ashido, Sero, Kaminari, Jirou, Kirishima and Bakugou; But in second year, when Shinsou transferred into their class, they were quick to adopt him into their group.
So it didn’t really surprise him when the other blond asked that question. It had been his biggest goal for years, but he was still one step away from it. One God damned step, but no matter how hard he tried, he wasn’t able to make it. Whenever he thought he could finally reach, Deku would create a new, gapping canyon between them. It infuriated him for far too long, thinking he wasn’t good enough, thinking that it just couldn’t be possible that fucking Deku was standing above him that he was better than him.
He tossed so much to the side. His relationships with friends and family, a healthy social-life and probably the most important thing in his life. He noticed too late what he had done to himself because of his own pride, because he was too stuck up on his own ego and didn’t want to accept the truth. And the truth was that Deku, who had like a hundred different quirks, was stronger than him. He realized that he didn’t have to like it, just that he had to accept it.
And now, now he just wanted to at least try again. He gave up on being the number one hero of the world and started working on something far more valuable: Actual happiness . He had been pretty much miserable for a long time, no friends and only work occupying his life, not getting him anywhere. He felt lonely and like no one appreciated his hard work, to hung up on numbers and ranks.
But when he was at his lowest, he remembered the people that actually knew him: That knew that he worked hard for where he was now and saw him for the person he had grown into and the hero he’s become. He didn’t need that stupid ranking to tell him that he was the best. All he needed was the idiots that - voluntarily- dealt with his shit and sticked by his side. He figured that it was about time to rebuilt what could still be saved, even if it wasn’t everything he had lost almost five years ago.
“I don’t know, when he dies , I guess. I don’t care anymore. He can have the attention if he wants to. It’s not like I am not better than anyone else and especially him just because I am only number 2. And anyone who doesn’t know that can suck my dick and fuck off.”
It was completely silent at the table when he finished. All eyes were focused on him, mostly shocked and surprised expressions on their faces, before Mina and Denki started literally tearing up. “I can’t believe our little ugly duckling finally bloomed into a beautiful swan. Who knew Bakugou could grow up to be sooo mature.” The pink, drunk woman praised him, like he was a little baby that did something spectacular her arms draped around his neck tightly, the sweet scent of strawberries and alcohol lingering in the air.
Why is it that all of these idiots get so fucking touchy and cuddly when they’re drunk? “HAA! Who you calling ugly you pink haired fuck? Besides I’ve always been fucking mature.” He shot as he tried to peel her off of him, with no luck. Of course.
Honestly, this wasn’t all too bad. It felt just like old times, talking laughing and joking around like they did back in UA. Why did Bakugou think anything else from them? He could have probably flipped every single one of them off, before leaving for new sea land and they would have still been exactly this way. They really haven’t changed much since back then.
“Man, work sure is taking a tool on me. The last four days I had patrol at 5AM. That’s like in the middle of the night ! What villain in their right mind would do anything THAT early?” a drunk Kaminari whined, sipping at his sixth drink, cheeks already flushed pink from the alcohol.
“I mean do they think I don’t have something better to do? Like cuddle with my boyfriend or somethin’? Like common man, can’t a guy fuck his man in peace?” Yup! They didn’t change one bit!
Eyerolls and giggles filled the booth and one blushing Shinsou tried hiding his face in Kaminari’s blond hair with an embarrassed groan. “You mean get fucked, sweety! You’re a lot, but not a top!” Mina corrected with a smug grin on her face which made everyone laugh louder in agreement. Even Bakugou had to cover his snickers with his fist.
Where she’s right she’s right.
“MINAA! That’s not true! Babe tell them!” The blond slurred loudly, trying to get his boyfriend out from behind him.
“Sorry, Hun! But my dads taught me not to tell lies.” He placed a soft kiss on his betrayed and now sulking boyfriend, trying to be serious but failed with an ugly snort. “I hate you!” Denki pouted with his arms crossed in front of his chest and slummed back in the seat. “Love you too.”
Everything was great, until everyone, including Kirishima, finished their last drink for the evening. They planned to pack it up soon, the clock already nearing 4am. Bakugou dreaded the inevitable ending of the night. He came because he needed to come clean and clear things up with the redhead, but of course in the end he didn’t have the balls to do so. He was about to take the last gulp of his ice water, when a certain someone draped an arm around him and pulled him into their side, their head now resting on his own.
“SHITTYHAIR! The fuck do you think you’re doing?” He shrieked surprised, trying to shove the other off of him. “Kaskiiii! Your hair ‘s sooo fluffyy!” Kaski? Oh no … not again.
“Dude, what’s gotten into you? I thought you didn’t drink anything today?” Sero, the only sober person at the table, besides Bakugou, asked concerned, but humour covered his words, amused by the display. “Didn’t drink anythin. But the last coke tasted funny.” The redhead purred, still clinging on Bakugou.
“Oh man! The barkeep must have gotten the order wrong.” Sero sighed, dragging a hand through his shoulder long, black hair. “Okay guys. I think we should head home now.” He declared finally, receiving a few groans from the others, but no one resisted. Bakugou stood up as well with a heavy sigh, trying to heave the redhead up with him, who stumbled a bit from the sudden movement. And so the group slowly but surely made its way to the parking lot.
This really wasn’t how this should have gone.
“HEY! Why do I have to take him home? Didn’t he like fucking, COME WITH YOU?! ” Bakugou shouted as he tried to n ot accidentally shake off the hulking redhead practically hanging over his shoulders. “Sorry man, but Denki wanted to go to Shinsou’s afterwards, but he is out cold and can’t drive on a motorcycle in this state. Plus, Shinsou wants to make sure he gets home safe, so he’ll stay with him and well, now the car is full. Can you just take him home with your car? Can you do that for him? He’s your best friend after all, even if you haven’t seen each other for a while.” Sero spoke as he stepped towards him, ignoring the chaots in the back, who are trying to get into the backseat, not very successfully. He looked soft as he talked and Bakugou had trouble looking into his honest eyes.
“Fine, whatever! You and he owe me fucking big times.” The blond man finally sighed with a grunt as he averted his gaze. “Thanks dude. I’m sure he’ll be very grateful.” Sero cheered as he quickly went to his own car, helping the others get mina and Kaminari into the backseat. The blonde watched them for a bit, before making his way to his own car with the almost unconscious, unstable giant, who at least tried to take a few steps forward.
He was more than thankful that his vehicle was close by and since he didn’t have a tiny bug like Sero he was able to sit Kirishima on the passenger seat with only little hassle. After the redhead was off his shoulders and safely buckled in place, Bakugou could finally stretch his neck and shoulders. “Shit, you got heavy as fuck! What the hell did you do in these few years? Carry around trucks?” He cursed under his breath, not really addressing the redhead, but talking with himself. “S-sorrry...” The redhead slurred, hushed and barely audible, but it was there and it gave the blond a sense of security.
“ ’m sorr-ry. I-I didn’t ... drnk anythn, promise...” Kirishima tried forming sentences, with not much luck. It was almost adorable how helpless someone like the Red Riot could look and Bakugou couldn’t help but ruffle his red locks quickly, with a huffed laugh. The other leaned into the small touch, whimpering lowly when the hand left him, not loud enough for the blond to hear, though.
“You’re such an idiot, Shitty hair.” Bakugou mumbled out, averting his gaze to the floor and shoving his hands into his jacket pockets, before he finally went around, sitting in the driver's seat and letting the engine roar up, ready to set off. “Let’s get you home-”
And then it hit him. He doesn’t fucking know where Kirishima lived. He never asked his address while he was still in good condition - why would he even have to- and he didn't ask Sero either. Of course.
With a long, nerved sigh he turned towards the redhead, who was barely able to keep his eyes open, let alone tell the shorter man his address, then back to the steering wheel, steeping on the gas and taking off towards his own apartment.
The ride was rather long but uncomplicated. Kirishima fell asleep somewhere on the way, snoring lightly, mouth slightly agape and sharp, white teeth shining through. Music was quietly playing in the background and every now and then Bakugou stole a few glances of the redhead, who was dead to the rest of the world. He looked so peaceful and harmless, so full, of nothing but charm and the feeling of protection. He really missed being able to wake up to this, it used to be natural for them to just share a bed whenever they had a sleepover, but of course he had to go and ruin everything. He tried to push him out of his life because he couldn’t handle his own feelings, so their ways separated and it was all his fault, even though he had tried to blame the redhead for far too long.
He finally stopped in his driveway, turning of the engine and pulling out the car only for his eyes to focus back on the tall, buff hero passed out on the passenger’s seat.
He watched the slow and steady falling and rising of his chest and listened to the steady breathing of the redheaded mess of a man still sleeping next to him in his car, when he suddenly felt all kinds of memories flooding into his brain and saw them replay in front of his eyes. For years he tried to tune them out, not letting his mind rest enough to bring them up again, but right here, right now he couldn’t think of anything to occupy his brain with. He was too caught up in the calm quiet, busy drinking in the others features to really care about it.
He could see the first time they’ve (literally) run into each other, when the redhead was still smaller than him, to their first sparing at the big gym of UA and the endless tutoring sessions. From their first real one-on-one at the sports festival to the training camp and the rescue mission in Kamino. The picture was burned into his memories, the way Kirishima called his name, the way he reached his hand out for him and how he held him so tight that it felt like he would never let him go again. Oh, how he wished he never would have.
He remembered the countless movie nights and sleepovers. All those nights just talking, about their dreams and plans for their future, upcoming exams and even about their own doubts. He could see the first time he brought Kirishima home and how awfully well he got along with his parents, laughing and smiling with them as if he had been a part of his family for years. And like he always thought once so often, it wouldn’t have been so bad if he were. If he could have been that massive, sturdy wall to lean on whenever he would need to. If he could have let him break through his barrier completely, instead of just opening its small door a bit.
He remembered how Kirishima cried in his room, having no trouble trusting him with his insecurities and his worries. How he was still weak inside and not meant to be a hero since he broke at his first real mission and he remembered holding him tight, telling him to cut that bullshit out and that he was stupidly strong, strong enough to get back up and fight to the end and that he was brave enough to show weakness and to admit that he can’t carry everything alone. He admitted some of his own faults that night, too. Telling the redhead that he was weak. Weak because he can’t ask for help, weak because he can’t show his feelings. A lot of tears were spilled that night, but all of these things stayed in that room, save and secured through their trust in each other.
Why had he been so scared of showing his weaknesses to him? He of all people would have understood, wouldn’t he?
With a sigh he threw his door open, stepping out into the night and quickly walked to the other side, opening the passenger’s door. “Hey, Shittyhair, we’re here, get up.” He nudged the redhead, pocking into his face and his sides, till he finally crooked an eye open, groaning deep, probably because of a pounding headache. “Don wanna gooo, Kaski. ‘M sleepy.” His voice slurred as he spoke, a little bit clearer now after his power nap. He was like a little kid on a road trip that fell asleep five minutes into the drive. He looked kind of … cute, almost, and it was weird in a way, him being a 6’4 feet tall tank acting like a tiny, helpless baby.
Bakugou couldn’t help the small smile tucking at his lips at the sight. The redhead really hasn’t changed much. Surely, he has become bigger, a successful hero, with battle scars adorning his muscular body, but in his heart, he was still the same goofball. Yeah, he had really missed this, had missed him . Though only now did he realize just how much.
He had really fucked it up, hadn’t he?
Kirishima turned his hazy gaze towards the blonde, a dopey smile on his face with a tooth pocking out in the corner. “Ur so pretty, Kaaski... You’ve always been... since the first day... I saw yuu.” It was so pure and sounded so sincere and Bakugou froze at that. It was just too familiar. The same words he heard five years ago. The same that caused him to ruin everything.
“You’re talking shit, Red. You’re completely wasted and don’t know what you’re saying.” He answered quickly, not looking at him as he unbuckled him and lifted him up and out of his car. He tried to support him as much as possible by draping his ginormous, muscular arm around his shoulders, but still stumbled a bit by the weight.
He wanted to run away.
Over the past years he had been alone with his thoughts and feelings too often and had enough time to figure them all out. He knew now, what he felt for the redhead. What he had felt since first year of high school and what he still feels. ‘ Kirishima didn’t mean what he said. He was completely drunk. He would forget about it by the next day. Just like he did before. He didn’t have to rack his brain over some stupid words that don’t mean anything, just how they never meant anything in the past.’
They finally made it through the front door and into the lobby towards the elevator. The ride up to the fifth floor was dead silent. No one said anything, their breathing being the only noise cutting through the quiet. Kirishima almost slummed down to the floor from exhaustion. His tired lids fluttering close every now and then before he forced them open again. This wasn’t how he wanted this reunion to go. There were so many things he wanted to talk with the blond about that he wanted to clear up and apologize for.
Bakugou searched his pockets for the apartment keys, finding them in his leather jacket and unlocked the door. He led the redhead inside, helping him take of his jacket and shoes and dragged him to his couch in the open living room.
They both sat down with a huff, the evening having been more exhausting than planned. Bakugou laid his head on the backrest for a few moments, closing his eyes to breath before pushing himself up once more. Kirishima stirred from his half sleepy state from the shift of weight. “Kasski, where … are you goin?” The redhead slurred panicked as he watched the blonde walk away.
The blonde threw him a glance over his shoulder, trying to avoid those pleading red eyes that look at him like the world is about to end.
He hates it.
“I’m just getting you something so you won’t have a fucking headache tomorrow and a glass of water. Just lie down, ok.” It came out softer than intended, almost as if he was trying to justify their distance. Maybe he was.
But of course, Bakugou didn’t get far. A big, calloused hand snacked around his wrist, one trunk of an arm wrapping around his slim waist to keep him even closer as Kirishima yanked him down back to the couch with a yelp.
“Don’t go... Please don’t leave, Kaski. Not cause of me..., not,... not again” Bakugou was mushed into a buff chest, held tight around his waist. It was uncomfortable, hanging half off the sofa and restricted breathing, but he couldn’t help but melt into the embrace. It was warm and so wonderfully familiar, but he didn’t dare to reciprocate the hug. His face morphing into something of longing and hurt.
This was so stupid.
“The hell are you talking about? What ya mean, “ again because of you” ?” He murmured into his chest.
He never left because of Kirishima, he left because of himself.
“M’... sorry, kaski.” His voice was hushed and it sounded so, so fragile and thin. The blond had to fight hard against the urge to look him into his eyes, cradle his face in his hands and make everything okay again.
Why was he so sad?
“’bout what?” He was the one having to apologize, after all. “Cause I ruined … everythin’” That made Bakugou look up. He ruined everything? Are they talking about the same thing? “What d’you mean? You didn’t ruin anything.” He replied gruffy, disbelieved. A sniff. Then another. Suddenly a drop of wet fell onto his cheek, traveling down to his chin. He was … crying?
Hey... why are you so upset, Kiri?“ He arranged himself a bit better, pushing himself up on the others thighs with his arms, his legs on the redhead’s sides. The grip around his torso got lighter as he straddled the others lap. His cheeks started heating up a bit, realizing how strange this is, but he couldn’t dwell on it. His best friend was for some reason upset and he had to fix it.
His long-time-crush wasn’t looking at him, though. His gaze averted to the side and onto the ground. “Don’t you ‘member? End of third year?” Oh? So they were?
Bakugou’s grip tightened. Does he think all of this was his fault? That he left and cut off contact, because of him? But maybe he did. He didn’t know how to deal with his unreciprocated feelings, so he shut them and everything concerning them out. Including Kirishima himself.
‘He heard a knock at his door early in the morning. No one came to his mind, who might be behind the door at such an early hour, so he was even more surprised to see his best friend as he opened it. Flashy, red hair hanging loosely around his shoulders, bright but tired eyes looking at him accompanied with a shy smile. Kirishima was rubbing the back of his neck with his hand as he always did when he was nervous. Bakugou wouldn’t think much of it, since it wasn’t unusual for Kirishima to be at his dorm room, if it weren’t for his small eyebrows, slightly knitted together in a worried expression under his long bangs.
“Shitty hair? The hell are you doing here this early on a Saturday? Shouldn’t you sleep out your hangover or something?” The other averted his gaze to the side, not looking at him directly anymore. Okay? He pressed his lips into a thin line before looking up a bit. “Bakugou...I, uhm, I wanted to talk to you...about yesterday.” Oh... Fuck. Does he remember it? Does he feel uncomfortable about it? About the kiss? Should he say something? Bakugou didn’t know. He felt blood rushing to his face and ears, tried to push it back down and hoped it wouldn’t be noticeable.
“If...If I did anything to upset you … I’m sorry … I just...-” Huh? Does he... not remember, after all? Then why is he so awkward? Does he ... want to make sure nothing happened? “- just know that I … that it’s not-”
“Forget it!” Bakugou cut him off. His heart clenched uncomfortably as the words left his mouth. It hurt. “What...?”
“Nothing happened, dipshit. So stop being all nervous and weird about it. You got clingy and started babbling nonsense, so I brought you up to your room. That’s it. I’m going back to bed. You should too.”
Now he was the one to not look at the other. Maybe if he did look, he might have seen the hurt in Kirishima’s eyes. The redhead had learned how to keep a calm voice, even at the verge of breaking down, trained from the countless talks through his dorm door with Mina. “Yeah, ok. I’m ... glad everything's fine … between us… see ya later.” He probably pressed through a smile, tears threatening to spill, but Bakugou couldn’t see that. “Yeah, later.” he simply replied before turning around, stepping back into his room and closing the door behind him.
His back slipped down the door, his body curling in on itself as silent sobs shook his shoulders. None of the two knew that the other was right on the other side of the door, backs practically leaning against each other and quiet cries filling the silent of the early morning, not daring to let a noise tear through to the other’s ears.
But they both knew one thing: Love was cruel and they couldn’t do anything else than to just forget. After all, you can’t force someone to love you.’
Kirishima let out a long, broken sigh, before he looked up at the blond with red, wet eyes. He sniffed as he tried to continue: “I- … I made you … ‘ncomftable a-and u-upset you and ruined our friendship, be-because I just h-h-had to-to kiss you, but you obviously didn’t fe-feel the same a-and I th-thought that if I just act li-like no-nothin ha-pnd and did-didn mean anythin you-you wo-would ma-maybe forget a-about it a-and we could s-stay friends and I- I … I-” Tears streamed down his cheeks, framing his face. He tried fighting through the sobs and hiccups, till he couldn’t talk anymore. His head fell onto Bakugou’s shoulder and scooted deeper into his neck, trying to hide, to get away, but to still keep himself close by gripping tightly at the back of his shirt, because he didn’t want to be all alone, crying by himself. Not again.
“’M sorry...so, so sorry” The words were muffled by his shirt, tickling his skin. “Can we just... b-be friends again … please ”
He remembered. He had remembered their first kiss even after he woke up the next day back in high school. All this time Bakugou thought that the other hadn’t known about their kiss. That he didn’t feel anything but friendship for him. That he didn’t reciprocate his feelings. But he did. The kiss had just as much meaning to the redhead as it had to the blond and Bakugou told him to just forget about it.
He rejected him because he was too scared to let him finish.
Was he trying to explain himself back then? Maybe even confess? Did Bakugou ruin it even before he decided to stay away from Kirishima? Before he started ripping apart their friendship? And did Kirishima believe that Bakugou stayed away from him, because he felt uncomfortable staying around someone who kissed him, a boy he had considered his best friend? That he broke up his rambling confession because he didn’t want to hear it?
Was all of this just a big misunderstanding? Were both so scared of losing the other that they ended up breaking apart, anyway? Trying to get away? Trying to give the other the space they thought they needed?
“You idiot...-” Bakugou finally leaned into the touch, wrapping his arms around the others neck and combing his fingers through the long, red locks of hair desperately. “I thought you didn’t remember the kiss ...” He sniffed, eyes starting to fill up, his head resting next to Kirishima’s. “I thought you didn’t like me. I was so confused a-and heartbroken I- ... I’m sorry” His voice started cracking and got quieter and quieter towards the end, so that if the redhead’s ear hadn’t been right next to his mouth, he wouldn’t have heard.
“What …? You...didn’t hate me because I kissed you?” Eijirou asked in disbelieve. Voice quiet and unsure.
“I was a-angry, because I thought- *sniff* I thought you di-didn't mea-ean to kiss me. I could never ha-hate you.”
The taller man stirred up a bit, his head lifting from the blond’s shoulder. Bakugou looked up as well, face blotched with tears and red met red. Puffy, glossy eyes looked at each other, taking in every feature of the others face, expression and unvoiced words. And they could both find something they were looking for for more than five years. Understanding. Acceptance. Hope. Love.
“ I shouldn’t have left like th-that. I should have talked to y-you. ” “ I should have, too. I should have just come clean; I sh-shouldn’t have been so scared. Not of you!” Hearts felt like they were pounding in unison. Two beating like one. This really shouldn’t have taken this long. But then again, if it hadn’t then Bakugou would’ve probably not known what to say in this exact moment. What to do right now.
“Eijirou...”
“Katsuki...”
“ I’m in love with you ”
A short moment longer was spent drowning in the others deep, red orbs, before they closed their eyes and the distance between them. Chapped lips met in the middle, soft and tender and warm, tasting of sugar and tingling from alcohol. It was sweet and filled with emotions that filled up over the last five years, finally allowed to spill.
Time seemed to stand still for the two, neither of them knowing how long they spent holding each other close and indulging the other with their affection. After what felt like forever, they tenderly broke the kiss, lidded eyes searching for the opposite pair, bright, loving smiles forming on their lips.
“You better remember this tomorrow, Shittyhair.”
“I will, always, as long as you promise to stay this time.”
“Idiot … I’m not going anywhere.”