[you wanna organize shit if you're making a meal with different ingredients! who wants to cook with all their crap piled in the same general area? at least denji can take it that bakugou's the kind who likes it that way. even if the blonde can't see it, he figures the guy hovering over his shoulder is close to drooling. good thing there's some food within hand reach to stuff in his mouth if he starts to drip. annoyingly, denji pays more attention to bakugou's body language than his words (like most of his u.a. classmates do) and that means he gets to stick around longer without driving the explosive blonde up the damn wall. so instead of going int denji, the knife returns to the vegetables in front of him. slicing the carrots and peppers, dicing potatoes and mushrooms, taking broccoli down to florets, making matchsticks out of radishes, and mincing some garlic + ginger for added flavor. it'll be a rather filling katsudon.
so long as denji doesn't get all flush up against his back, he's not going to get bakugou's elbow repeatedly thudding into his stomach for his troubles. he focuses on the food in front of him, not entirely sure why he's tolerating this hovering, but for whatever reason, is. maybe it's warmth, maybe it's just because he knows denji's a damn puppy.]
Only the outside is charred. The inside is still good. It's a longer form of searing. [just for explanation. bakugou quirks a brow at the mention of teaching.] We're not doing katsudon medium. You wanna learn that, we'll do it another night.
[especially considering the meat's going to be breaded and fried in oil rather than baked or cooked in a pan. it's going to come out relatively medium simply due to that. though bakugou did just say "another night" so denji's got the option to get a second cooking out of him, as well as the lesson on how to do it. good thing there's no attempts to embrace him or else bakugou would've yelled at denji. cause he's chopping a bunch of shit right now and doesn't want to add denji finger to the damn mix!]
Did they deserve it? [usually the better place to start when it comes to why denji would do that. vegetables done, he's going to start working on the strips of meat.] Turn that burner on, the one under the pot. I need the oil heated.
[ well, bakugou is the chef here and he will not protest about him taking the lead so long it will taste good— and they both know it will. the kitchen equipment didn't have the best quality, matching the interior of this entire base which is a silent reminder of how it is living in the slums, but the stove never failed to carry its duty. unbothered to move, he reached out through the small gap between bakugou's arm and waistline, aiming for the black knob before twisting it; triggering the fire to come to life. he then sets a temperature, and since the hero mentioned he needs to heat the oil, denji assumed its best to keep it on high intensity. that would get the pot to hit the boil in no time. ]
He deserved it. He tried to rob the cashier when I was about to pay. I didn't make the arrest, though.
[ it was a petty crime, it's not like the guy had a gun/knife to hurt anyone. it was a sad attempt to appear intimidating and it backfired. was it really worth anything more than getting a kick from using the taser for the first time? the cashier was probably armed; denji noticed she was utterly unfazed by the whole ordeal, almost as if dealing with hooligans was part of her job. it felt like a good opportunity to have some fun— nothing too serious. it ended with the guy making a run for it and everything resuming to normal. it was like any other night in this neo-city. ah, it seems bakugou is almost done with the prep, watching him do some minor cleaning around for a bit before he decides to pull away, allowing his partner the freedom to move around without a dead weight on his shoulder. the first thought that occupied his mind was- "... It's cold". perhaps borderline chilly, and denji tugged on his sleeves, covering his forearms before shoving his hands inside the front pocket.
for now, he'd help around when he's needed, quietly picking up on each detail and following bakugou's recipe. he'd shadow him until it was time to set up the table and pull out the glasses for their 'wine'. all denji can find is a boring set, though, but let's all keep indulging in the pretend game to make this more special. ]
[it's going to taste good. bakugou plans to knocking denji's damn tongue out the back of his skull with this. if the guy's never had katsudon before, he's going to wonder how he ever got along with it. (well, denji probably thinks that about almost every piece of food.) even if their kitchen has shit equipment and shoddy tool quality, so long as what they have is clean, bakugou can at least work with it. growling about it, but working. he yelps at the sudden snake of an arm around his waist to turn the burner on, not having expected denji to do that.] I coulda moved, dammit!
[and no, he's going to turn that knob down so it's not at full flame under the oil. that's just asking to smoke it at best, burn it at worst. no one wants an oil fire in the kitchen. something for denji to keep in mind when bakugou explains, quickly, why he's adjusting the flame. oil's a finicky bastard. deep frying takes some safety precautions.]
Tch, bastard. [agreeing with denji's decision to zap the guy, though he's split on whether or not he should've arrested the criminal. it was a petty crime, minor infraction, and a fine paid at best if he was brought in. at the moment, however, there are worse things to deal with and stretching the police force's resources for a shit criminal who just got the ever living fuck tazed out of him is probably not the ideal process. denji called it right.] He better take his luck and fuck off.
[with the vegetables done and set off to the side, he can get to the meat now. it's a good thing denji opted to move, because bakugou was going to need the space now. noticing the way the other blonde tugged at his shirt sleeve, he makes a mental note for another hot bath or something. if they're going to indulge tonight in whatever the fuck. denji gets to watch bakugou pat each slice of steak dry with a paper towel, then dredge it in the beaten eggs, next in the flour, and finally in the seasoned panko crumbs. he sets that one aside, then repeats it with the second one, doing it all over again until each of the slices if coated. once finished, into the oil it goes, with that immediate roiling outline of white bubbles as the oil fries the batter and cooks the meat inside. he won't take them out until they're done and crispy, needing denji to get some paper towels on a plate to absorb any lingering oil drips.
finally, time to plate it up. or bowl it. the hot rice goes into the bottom of the bowl, then some vegetable fillings, then some rice, the vegetable toppings, a drizzle of sauce, and finally one crispy fried steak atop it to crown the bowl. it'll go well with the "wine" denji procured for them. plus it warms the kitchen up too so he shouldn't be as cold.] Eat it while it's hot.
[ he could've moved, true, but why bother? when he can simply get the job done from where he was. not that bakugou could've seen it, considering their posture, but denji didn't even notice the smirk that was provoked by his teammate's reaction. listen, he won't (purposely) harass him again, but that was fun. it's over, though. kacchan is free from being his emotional support human for the night. ]
He fucked off all right! [ he nods, happy that he made the right choice with that criminal, even when deep down in his soul he just wanted to use his new weapon. a tiny urge to abuse power. regardless, it was super important to report to his partner about everything, blah blah something about the police code— even when he didn't believe in half of it, denji still wants to take this job seriously. it pays well, really well, and bakugou went out of his way to help him get in. so, he will do his best to switch his little pochita heart into giving a fuck about the civilians here and help around.
they finally settle at the dining table, each has their dish in front, beautifully served. he went ahead and filled bakugou's glass before he picked up his own to cheer; smiling. he's pretending they're not about to inhale a bunch load of food coloring and sugar in one go, but whatever. it can't be worse than feasting on a fucking kaiju. without wasting any time, he digs in, taking in a bite from his bowl. he's salivating again, both from the warmth of the piece of meat and the balanced flavors of the dish. it hits your taste buds just right, it made denji want to slow down and savor it. sometimes saying nothing and instead going in for a second, third, and fourth chomp is a higher compliment in itself.
'it's so good' — he muttered between munching, nodding his head. he then leans back on his chair, reaching for his glass, and going in for a taste. ah, the sugar rush will be a beauty tonight. ]
When is your follow-up appointment?
[ for his busted shoulder. surely they will need to monitor the hero's progress and make sure he's ready for the next mission. not out of love, but to make sure he's in the best shape to serve lilith for sure. bakugou seemed to be doing a lot better, yet they couldn't ignore that was a nasty injury. ]
[purposefully... huh. bakugou didn't elbow denji in the stomach over the infraction, so that says something. though he'll just chalk it up to them already being there and it being cold. no one else is around to witness that little, um, bonding experience. with the burner going and the oil heating up, it'll only last a bit longer before things have to move and denji's going to need to relinquish that not!embrace thing he's got going on.]
Good. Bastard doesn't know he got off light. [bakugou's not going to mention denji tasing someone just because he wanted to use his taser... but hearing the guy talk about his day without making it sound like a drag he doesn't like is pretty heartening. it's good to know denji's liking his job (to whatever degree = comfortable, for him) enough to want to share about it. considering the stability of police work, both activity and financially, it's a good fit for both boys for different reasons. bakugou's glad denji took him up on the offer. even if the guy doesn't give as much a rat's ass about the civilians as the hero does (and bakugou's "give a shit" meter is hard to see sometimes).
he lifts his glass to denji in response. they did a good work out there and it should be rewarded. a good meal like this is a nice way to do so. psh, some juice isn't a bunch of fake full of sugar and coloring. but that'd require looking at the label and all that crap. he doesn't know if denji did and isn't about to read him his rights over it right now. there's food to eat and he's hungry. cutting the meat into pieces with his teeth is easy enough: lift a piece with some rice and vegetable grasped beneath, then bite down and sever it while taking the rest of the load in along with the snippet. the flavors and warmth work well with what he put in. denji should be in heaven over there with it. at least he's not inhaling it like it's the last meal he'll get. the silence is indeed a compliment to the chef. bakugou's not a big talker over food in the first place.
'not gonna serve you shit' is the returned mutter as he chomps down on another piece and chews through the meat/vegetable/rice combination. he doesn't drink as much during the meal, but every now and then, it's there for a palate cleanser.]
Next Monday. As long as I do the physical therapy, I'll be fine. [he doesn't like that his shoulder took the beating it did, having to mitigate the recoil of his explosions out his shoulders in general, but the doctors informed him there wouldn't be lasting damage if he took care of the recovery. a few small scars from the whale monster's teeth will be all bakugou will need to deal with beyond that.] Bet you're happy the hot water's back.
[ he scoffed at that mutter, grinning a bit as they enjoyed their hard-earned meal. at this point, denji is aware everything his teammate touches will end up being gold and that's the kind of person bakugou is. he thrives to perfection, but it's not given to him, he seeks it. in one way or another, he's been positively influencing denji to be more motivated, and that's not a simple achievement. no, it didn't mean he wanted to pick up cooking lessons and match his talent, nor did it mean he wanted to be this selfless hero either. he just didn't feel like wasting his life in a shitty low job anymore. yet, he is still a bit puzzled about what else he wants from this city. he's finally able to be chainsaw man, so that's out of the way. when pochita asks him "what's next?" — it is fated to leave denji speechless. aside from wanting to protect aki and live a comfortable life, he found himself still yearning for something more. he's unsure, and it's been bothering him a bit. ]
... Good. I like fighting by your side. It's fun.
[ it's not mandatory to have a fighting buddy by your side, yet it will increase their chances of finishing off the mission faster and well— surviving it. that's the real concept about putting the outsiders in groups, right? despite that, denji knew they won't always end up in the same spot, and they would have to carry on the mission on their own at times. however, if he had to choose, he would rather watch those explosions light up the sky while his chainsaws make it rain in red in a beautiful symphony. he misses that thrill, and there is something about bakugou's quirk that just hit the sweet spot. it's loud, it's burning hot, it's blinding and intoxicating. it might be a subconscious fascination due to its resemblance to reze, and the spike of emotion that triggers it ... maybe. who knows? but it gives him a feeling that he deemed as 'good' and that's all he needs to comprehend.
he takes in another piece of the meat inside his mouth, eyes on the boy in front of him. he chews with the tip of his chopsticks still pressed against his lips, thoughtful. in theory, he should appreciate having access to hot water again, it's their basic human fucking rights in here, but somehow now it's kinda, sorta -
-lonely.
it was nice having someone to talk to at the time. it muted the nasty thoughts in his head and calmed him down. he won't say that, though. instead, he shrugs, leaning his head back and taking in another big chomp of the veggies/rice. ]
We never got to sing it out so I'm not happy at all. Very unhappy ...
[the meal is worth it. bakugou put some effort into this katsudon, even it if looked effortless to denji. a proper balance of vegetables and meat with the rice and seasoning isn't the easiest thing to do (and damn is he glad denji doesn't dislike vegetables or else there'd be fights) but he wanted the meal to be special. the half-devil obviously thought it was so and the hero decided to return the sentiment. well, not everything bakugou touches ends up great. denji should see the guy's interviews; they don't even air his loud, foul-mouthed segments on live news, much to bakugo's rage. and anyone could point out the blonde's social skills suck. badly.
denji strikes him as someone who sways between the two, coming off as naive and kind one moment, then being blunt and rude (even without meaning to) the next, depending on his excitement, disinterest, or irritation at whatever he's currently encountering. it's not a lie to say bakugou's never met someone like denji. how can the guy be so hollow and blank canvas, yet also have such a defined personality inside him, and still shadow the aura of someone who's on the verge of snapping mentally at any given time? tch. if his being around denji can positively influence the guy to better himself, bakugou's not about to stop it. he won't admit the notion, but he really wants to see denji grow. there's a good person in there, someone who didn't deserve the shit life he was given. he makes bakugou want to reach out to him, both as a hero and a person.]
I'm not going anywhere.
[while he often can, and likes to, handle things on his own, since he can go at his own pace and accomplish it must faster and more efficiently than most other people, bakugou's had to learn to fight on a team. picky and demanding with his teammates, he's not any "better" or "worse" on a team than he is solo. yet some teammates he meshes better with. denji's one of them. on top of the guy being more willing to work with the flow bakugou needs, he's not stupid, and carries his own strength and battle smarts enough the blonde doesn't feel like he has to hold his hand. the revving of chainsaws has become a sound he associates with confidence, knowing denji has his back in a battle. chainsaw man is one of the few people dynmight will actively seek out for a mission to team up with, having acknowledged the guy's prowess as a teammate. it might be gory, but hey, monsters are already ugly as fuck, so mow them down. bakugou's always going on about splattering people and slaughtering enemies anyways.
biting off another piece of meat, he arches a brow when denji eyes him like that. for a moment, he expects something, then realizes the half-devil's thinking. while staring at him. ugh, annoying. the returning hot water shouldn't take this long to factor as a "yea" or "nay" in denji's brain. who wants freezing cold showers in the first place? even coming in from hot work outside doesn't make people crank it to "fucking frigid" any day of the week.
denji moves again and breaks the eye contact, so bakugou goes back to his food. he grunts at the suggestion of singing it out together and takes another bite. there's a few ways he could take that, but...] You think you can beat me at karaoke or something?
god, where to begin? how can he pick up the clutter of emotions clashing in his mind, piece by piece, and attempt to dissect each one of them so they make fucking sense? it's impossible; they rushed in without any warning, and denji found himself unable to control the gutwrenching realization that those words will always remain a lovely lie. he can't even name a single person who stayed in his life long enough to make that a promise worth believing. yet, he found himself struggling a bit in— letting it go. it was dangerous to indulge in it, maybe torment himself by questioning if that could ever happen to him. it's bittersweet. more bitter, less sweet.
denji returned to picking at his food, keeping his head down. there are things he can't control, one of them is to stop feeling this shitty and heartbroken for himself, but he can shift that energy to where it matters— and it's protecting that lie. protecting bakugou. the hero said he's not going anywhere, so he'll make sure he won't go anywhere. the righteous act in this situation is to recognize his mere existence is fated to be the downfall of everyone denji will ever care for, and maybe it's time he keeps to himself and not drag anyone else into this hell, but he's not that valiant. he can't push away someone willing to be around him. someone who can help him forget, even for a few minutes the perpetual pain throbbing in his chest. even when those dreams constantly haunt him that he's 'unworthy', 'can never have a family', or 'can never be loved' - he is stubborn, or fucking desperate, enough to keep trying. that's his resolve, right? keep bakugou close, attempt to do a better job in keeping this one safe, and hope he won't have the same tragic end as everyone else in his life. yup, sounds super fitting for a scum like him.
back to the food, back to the singing in the shower, back to anything but thinking about this further. he takes in a breath, wiping his mouth clean with the back of his fingers. ]
For sure. I have years of experience in my resume. I might be an expert at this point.
[ it was a habit he picked up from when he was a kid and pochita seemed to love it, it made them both happy. they made up most of the songs together, but now that he's mingling with society better, denji knows some popular songs. it didn't mean he had a great voice, but - you know. the spirit is admirable. ]
The heating system still sucks, though. I'll steal an extra blanket from Yuuji later.
[perhaps it is a lie. in that bakugou knows he'll have to return home once they finish their role here. hell, if what he heard is true, they're already "home" and continuing on their lives, while their existence here is more another "them" entirely. it's not hard to really grasp, but it's not pleasant to think about either. yet once they're done, there's no telling what will happen to them. can bakugou bring denji back with him to his world, or vice versa? will they just vanish like turning the television off? can he really make good on that promise he just gave denji? ... hmph, as long as bakugou's conscious, alive, and in control of himself in this world, he's going to damn well hold to that promise. even if he grouches at denji for it, the half-devil is free to come to him and rely on him for whatever. doesn't mean he's always going to do it, but he'll be here.
strange as it is, bakugou wants to protect denji. he's not sure why. it's not the same as the general heroic idea to protect those around him because it's the role of a hero. there's something personal to the feeling. while he refuses to coddle and shield the other boy, he wants to invest in him, and watch that investment come out to be something great. denji has that potential and bakugou can tell it's there. damn if it won't take a lot of work and patience, the latter which he's not that good at. there's no shame in continuing to try. heroes do it all the time. even when knocked down, defeated, broken, despairing, they have to continue to get back up and continue. the only time a hero ever really loses is when he or she dies. because a dead hero can no longer protect anyone. but even injured, they can return. bakugou has no intention of dying, and refuses to accept defeat, so he's going to rise every fucking time and get back on his feet. denji can count on him for that without hesitation.]
Tch. Yeah right. I won't let you best me at anything, Ripcord Pec. [denji's gonna get a cycle of nicknames, just so bakugou's not eternally referring to him as chainsaw man. chainsaw face, ripcord pec, shark teeth, tired eyes. shit like that. he's denji before he's chainsaw man. at least he's that to bakugou. is he challenging denji to a sing off in the shower? ... technically yes, but perhaps it'll get sung out at the karaoke club or something instead. even though bakugou hates those things.]
Don't steal from him! Just fucking ask Gari Head or double bunk! [jeeze! the last thing he needs is for denji to go yoinking other people's bedding and leaving them shivering in the cold. (especially yuuji, because the guy's too nice to really fight for his blanket back.) there are probably other blankets around as well.]
[ 'ripcord pec' is a new one, and denji barely reacts to it. he is accepting his fate only because he knows no one else had the privilege of hearing their actual name out of bakugou. it's fine. there is a sense of equality, but— the half-devil will have another reaction if he ever finds out someone is getting special treatment. oh yes. ]
Heh, fine. Let's wait for the next time we need to share a shower and we'll sing our hearts out.
[ there is no sense of defiance in his tone, nor did he seem bothered to win this challenge— just the idea of them going for it is enough to entertain him. he wonders if someone full of pride like bakugou could hold his ground in a singing competition and keep a straight face. impossible. never going to happen. and if it did— it would be hilarious. with one final scoop of his meal, denji gathers all the remaining rice and takes in his last bite, gently placing his chopsticks on the empty plate. fuck, that was good. the food never lost its warmth, flavors so vibrant until the last taste, and his body felt fucking nourished.
he sulks back in his seat, and that's when he relaxes his shoulders, unaware his earlier thoughts triggered his muscles to tense a bit. another slow exhale, akin to a sigh, then he pulled his glass closer to his lips before scoffing. gari head ... ] Don't worry, he has extra blankets. He was sharing them when the power was out. [ he knows the hero will hammer him about the 'stealing' comment. a SIGH. ] I will ask nicely.
[ only if yuuji was in his room at the time, otherwise he would have to take a blanket and leave him a note. just as good. bringing up the sorcerer into the conversation reminded denji of their dumb exchange on the dating app, and then he found himself thinking about the bizarre ambush. after their first mission and the mass destruction of the city— you might think the next course of action is trying to rebuild and further assist the public, but nope. lilith decided it was time for her recruits to start hooking up instead. it was so fucking random, even for denji who was more than happy to play along. he wonders if that's their added reward, aside from getting paid, they also get some assistance in finding love.
he remembers bakugou and his standards. ah, the smile returns on his face— why is it fun annoying this hero? at least he's not subjecting him to those godawful pranks aki had to live through. be thankful, kacchan. ]
[bakugou doesn't expect denji to react much to the nickname. he seems like the kind of guy that will take whatever name so long as it means he's getting attention and something positive out of it. it's not that bakugou's forgotten denji's name. with an intense enough moment, he'll throw nicknames to the wind and yell the guy's real name out of concern or alarm. so far though, it's been equal treatment across the board. no one's earned the explosive hero's special treatment casual use of their real name.]
I'll murder you with my voice. [despite the blunt way he says it, bakugou is going to take to this challenge with the same force that he takes to all of his clashes. he desires to be the best and he'll strive for it with everything he has. even if it's something as stupid as singing in the shower with denji. which is ridiculous that he let himself get talked into it, but now it's on the table and it's better to do it there than on some fucking karaoke stage or the hot springs... at least it's private in the shower. as for whether he'll get through it without snapping and yelling about how fucking stupid this is... who knows.
bakugou finishes his own bowl close to when denji does. there's still more left, enough for a second bowl each if they want it. but katsudon tends to be very filling with lots of calories, so he's not planning on another round. it'll keep well once they make up the second bowls and then cover them with plastic wrap for reheating tomorrow. he gets to his feet, swipes denji's bowl, and moves to the kitchen counter to start cleaning up.] Tch, the guy's like a damn puppy. [so is denji, though the two boys are vastly different kind of puppies. he glances over his shoulder when the half-devil corrects his previous comment.] Ha. Ha.
[but accepted. as he rinses the bowls and chopsticks, his mind wanders to similar areas as denji. the mingle had put a lot of people in each other's paths, tricking some into stumbling onto dates, and giving the more savvy ones an annoying way to meet up without having to go out on their own limb. an excuse, if you will. bakugou hated the "dating app" cover of it, not liking it when people try to push their agendas or opinions on his life to steer him one way or another. denji's thoughts about synthia deciding to mess with people's thoughts on 'dating' rather than focusing on helping the kaiju-battle-wasted area aren't far from bakugou's own irritation. though he guesses just focusing on the doom and gloom wouldn't help either...
his thoughts get interrupted by a stupid question-] Huh?! [in that annoyed, growling grunt/snarl that rumbles over his shoulder like a threatening challenge. you DARE ask him something that fucked up?! (yeah well, pranking bakugou tends to result in getting blasted off again...) he makes a face at the kitchen wall.] I said I'd go on a few outings. You're the one who was talking about getting dates.
[ hmm. are they going to talk about how they normalized sharing a shower so casually? not only that, but they are also now including activities into the mix. it's like he knew there was something off about how he's okay with it, but at the same time is it such a taboo considering where they came from? public baths are a common thing in Japan, right? anyway, denji would rather engage in fun activities instead of being trapped alone with his thoughts, so there is no excuse from his side to question anything further. bakugou reassuring him that he’s taking this competition seriously just made it even more amusing and he’s looking forward to it. how bad will it be? how bad will their voices merge in the echo-induced chamber of the bathroom's walls? it will be a mess. one will be pissed off and the other will laugh his heart out. it's perfect.
lazily, denji rolled his head back, trying to sneak a glimpse of the other boy as he proceeded to leave the table, walk away from him, and move toward the sink to clean up the dishes. ah, he should help, but he felt like staying where he was, still relishing the aftermath of that delicious meal. the fulfillment is both sedating and cushy. the outburst is somewhat predictable since denji intended to tease him on purpose, but then he thought about it. what's the big deal? ]
... You weren’t looking for a buddy on a dating app. Come on.
[ and 'outing' is just a fancy word for dating. there's no shame in surrendering to curiosity and going for it. this city can be lonely, and they are living, breathing creatures who yearn for acceptance; whether it's a shallow one-night fling or something more meaningful. everyone has their preference, and yet the diversity between the hero and half-devil is like night and day. eventually, he does end up joining bakugou with a tired sigh, shifting to his side, and picking on the drying duties— starting with the bowls. ]
Everyone jumped on it like hungry hippos. It says something, doesn't it? [ humans or not, they all share one desire. ] It came out of nowhere, but I like it ...
[ his voice withers, falling quiet as he finishes off the other utensils. bakugou is free from any further prodding on his personal affairs. people tend to favor keeping it private so he gets it. ]
[bakugou's had almost a year to normalize a communal shower in the dorms with the rest of the guys. it's not the same as getting a shower with one other guy in a personal shower, but it's not the worst? then again, bakugou's only been in the bathroom with denji when he was heating up the bath for him, not for a shower. so technically... this is new? but now it's been made into a challenge, and thing is, bakugou has been in the bathroom with denji a few times while they washed off, so he doesn't think as much about it now. it's not like he's ashamed of his body or hasn't seen another guy naked. and if anyone asks, he'll punch them through the wall and keep walking. simple as that, right? thing is, he'd rather hold this karaoke throwdown with denji alone under the cover of shower spray and steam rather than on the stage with the flashing lights and people all around. it's stupid with anyone else; it's marginally less stupid with denji. even if bakugou is ultimately going to get pissed off and embarrassed.
his shoulders flex with the motions of his arms, swirling water in the bowls to clean out the film the rice and sauce left on them. soap and a sponge get to work scrubbing, not bothering to do the dishwasher when there's only ten or less things that need to get washed. bakugou tends to do his own shit rather than taking on the "group project" others have left behind. unless it's a lot and he loses his patience over having a dirty kitchen to work in...]
It's something to do to take a fucking break from these shitty kaiju events.
[as much as bakugou likes to train and get stronger, there's no denying the stress of a "war" gets to people. even him. bakugou may be a hero, but he's also still a teenage boy. even he needs a break. he doesn't like going out with groups and being social, but a smaller outing with one or two people is okay, even if he grumbles about it initially so it doesn't LOOK like he's eager to do it... after all, he's here cooking and having dinner with denji because the guy asked him too. does he see it as a date? no. but it is a social thing with the other boy. something he's reminded of when the half-devil starts to dry the dishes beside him without being prompted. that's rather considerate of him...]
Communication was locked behind it; they didn't have a damn choice.
[you had to swipe to start the conversation. that's the excuse bakugou's sticking to in order to make the damn reality denji mentioned not hit as hard. besides, some people used it without even knowing what it was. he falls into quiet for a while, mulling over the words. did it really come out of nowhere? considering it was february, valentine's day month, the time when people thought about that stuff. bakugou doubts it was random. he wasn't entirely surprised to see something like that either. still ticked him off.]
Che. You asked me out to dinner tonight without the app.
[ he can sense some resistance from the other, perhaps joining a dating application is also considered an embarrassment in bakugou's book— which made no sense to denji, but he's not about to guide him to the light. he merely nods, humming under his breath in acknowledgment, somehow coming off as genuine and not condescending. for reasons he could not understand, this particular topic is not the hero's favorite, and for once he could tell he was deflecting. interesting. denji never had any friends nor did he spend a lot of time with kids his age, often too busy raising nayuta, fighting devils, and caring for all the pets at home while stressing over the finances. so being in this city is his first experience witnessing various mindsets from a closer perspective. coming from a period where technology wasn't in the bloom, denji was oblivious to the muted shame of using the help of a dating app to find a potential mate. to him this was a brilliant way for people to connect, and he would 100% use it again and again. he is lonely, and he's not shy from admitting it.
the last comment came at him like an elbow to the gut; startling but it wasn't taken negatively. this is bakugou- ... the guy who threatened to stab him with a knife a few minutes ago, surely he didn't take this night as some act of courtship. fucking hell, the more he thinks about it, the more he felt himself warming up. was it annoyance? embarrassment? discomfort? not sure, but it's something. ]
I'm not- [ gay? did he really need to say it when it's, clearly, not that serious right now? bakugou was taking a jab at him. nothing more. yet, it somehow got to denji as he contemplated what he should say next. he's thinking and then he's tired of thinking— and what follows is the norm. honesty. ] ... I just wanted to thank you.
[ it was gross to say it out loud and that's bakugou's punishment for accusing him of trying to woo him. huff! he returns to drying the bowls and gently placing them inside the cabinet. he is done helping for now, and he hopes his partner won't be inspired for a full kitchen makeover at this late hour, especially when dessert awaits them. that's something exciting to look forward to, right? ah, almost forgot about the movie night plan. denji wonders about the movie he should select for th- ]
Do you think this is a date?
[ he's at bakugou's side again, the dirty towel he just used to wipe the dishes is seen curled over his shoulder because he wasn't paying attention to what he was fucking doing. ]
[it's not fucking embarrassing! (yes it is.) it's just stupid! if he were interested in dating, he go out and do it himself rather than needing some fucking app to try and trick/prompt/goad him into shacking up with a bunch of random extras! bakugou might be a piece of violent work with zero romantic bones in his body (he'd say) but he still thinks dating and more is something special. something you do with people you're close to or interested in or want to be invested in. it's not something you do with just any fucking one. that's... called 'hanging out' or the like, and he even has issues with doing that. people get the wrong idea about dating teasing happens soon after, there come awkward questions, feelings happen, all of that shit which should be done with someone worth doing it with. it goes into "sappy" territory, crashing against the "tough guy" image who stands alone and proud above everyone else. bakugou has some issues with that toxic masculinity flavoring his pride, which comes through when topics like these broach the surface of his life. some people are fine using the dating app. some people like to go out on flings, have one-night stands, and have casual hook-ups. fine for them. such isn't the case for bakugou.
there's a reason he only heated up baths for people he was close to in neo tokyo...
if bakugou's aware that comment rammed denji in the spleen, he doesn't show it. nor does he expect the guy to take it negatively. maybe shock him, but denji's not the kind of guy such a thing would simply bounce off of. the fact is, denji invited bakugou to dinner with him. even if they had it "in" rather than "out" and even if they made it themselves rather than ordered it. just them, in the kitchen, eating together, talking, while other people were out running around on 'dates' with other people... you know, if this makes denji get hot under the collar, bakugou's not apologizing.]
You're not-? [the blonde scowls across his shoulder at denji. the hell's he denying? he literally just got done having dinner with him, a dinner he literally invited bakugou to sit down with him and make/have together. does he need to see the damn text again? just if denji's gonna tease him about dates, he's going to whap this very "date" down in front of him and see how the half-devil gets on with it... and denji gets on with the same kind of tired honesty bakugou's come to expect from him.
thank you. he knew that's what it was on the surface. even a celebration of making it through the kaiju fight. but there's something personal about this as well bakugou caught onto from the initial request. he only grunts at the vocal admission and returns to the dishes, finishing up the bowls and passing them to denji to dry. last thing, so no, he's not going to clean up the entire kitchen. they have dessert and a movie to do, right? ... which makes this even more of a date than before. saying so might just make denji's head explode and bakugou walk the fuck back to his room.
until the guy blatantly asks it.
is this a date? is it romantic? does it mean more? is it one of those things bakugou would consider date worthy? well, denji's obviously not the first person he's sat down and ate with alone in his life. but... he frowns in thought.]
Tch, some people might think it's romantic. If that was the intent. [to have a romantic dinner for two together. this was more hanging out. and yet, it's not just that, right?] If we made these plans over that app, you'd call it a date, wouldn't you?
[that's what denji was teasing him about earlier, right? ... and bakugou did give him the check mark, one denji so adamantly demanded back when the blonde yoinked it.]
[ damn. bakugou is not holding back, is he? this might be denji's first time being genuinely intimidated by the other, or ... to be exact, his words. he's listening. more attentive than he has ever been. more than the time bakugou was explaining to him how to negotiate with criminals to avoid getting any innocent bystanders hurt during the operation. this is the energy he should've given out during that training, but he didn't back then— he is now. that question was another blow, a twist in his gut, and denji hated the fact he had to answer and figure shit out.
he grumbles, making a face. don't make him think, you.
okay. denji sighed and leaned back against the wall, and that's when he decided it was time to deal with that 'off' feeling that's been bothering him for a while, shadowing him. it was easier to dismiss it with bakugou, only because he knew that boy would be bold with him if he picked up on it and shoved it down his throat (like right now), so he thought he could be more comfortable, be blissfully ignorant, so long as the hero isn't stopping him he isn't crossing any line. it was fun — not to think of it. you know? freeing. to feel good without trying to understand why it's different; somehow denji feared the answer would make it stop feeling as good. which brings him to the golden question: did he ask a guy on a date? he goes through tonight's events. it starts with an invite to dinner, fake wine involved, and ends with a movie night and a treat. this is a perfect setting to have with a potential mate, something denji would desire with a pretty girl, except he's not doing it with a pretty girl— he's doing it with his work partner. a guy. is he reflecting that energy into bakugou because he's getting attention from him? or, is it truly his innocent effort to show gratitude and nothing more? whatever the reason it may be, denji can acknowledge it did come off ... as if he's trying to get something out of it. something more than a casual hangout between buddies.
he closed his eyes- ] Okay, yeah ... I get it.
[ he muttered, idly kneading on the nape of his neck; a habit to hide away his nerves. he won't make excuses or explain himself, though. it's just one of those incidents that he truly had no justification for why he acted this way, but he will own up to it. at least bakugou isn't taunting him about it. which is highly appreciated here because denji is, very visibly, conflicted and maybe a touch ... ashamed. mortified that he wasn't aware of himself. the 'why' is endless. the list is adding up by the second, his brain can't keep up and he's ready to throw the white flag. ]
I guess I didn't think much of it because I'm not nervous around you. I was more anxious when I asked Kaede out. Plus ... I'm not gay.
[ yet, he was asking bakugou on a date. subconsciously. see why this is so fucking confusing? ]
[why the hell would he hold back? obviously denji is having a conflict about some element of what they did. dammit, if he's got a problem, spit it out and say it to his face! bakugou doesn't want to keep doing this if the other boy is gritting his teeth or thinking this is some return favor done out of obligation. neither of them said this was a date, so that automatically disqualifies it as being a date! hell, they wouldn't have thought of it if denji hadn't brought the concept up in the first place. now it's awkward. bakugou scowls in his mind at the sudden change of pace. of all the people who could get into a mental mess over a "date," denji was the one he could least (and most) expect it to come from.
haa?! bakugou's version of "negotiating" with criminals was to threaten their lives for making him deal with their sorry attempts at crime, before promptly kicking their stupid asses across the street! though taking a hostage usually made him pause and grumble. he'd rather pass the negotiation off to another cop while leaving and preparing a surprise attack to protect the bystanders and take out the criminal in the same swoop. training denji on how to approach a situation WHILE taking into account civilian lives and collateral damage, however... yeah, that was a big test of his patience. but that's not here.
here, he's wanting to hear denji's opinion and thoughts, even if that makes the guy use his brain for something other than tits and violence and... denji things. the grumbling and pulled face make it pretty clear it was a good call. especially since denji was the one who brought it up first.
not that trying to factor if this was a date or not, whether it was romantic or not, was any easier on bakugou. he always threw that kind of crap out the window his entire life. too busy with school and heroes to think about something as distracting as dating and going out with someone, to say nothing of romance just being annoying as fuck to deal with. couldn't they just say it was "going out" as in a casual outing? like going to a restaurant with aki or kirishima back home, respectively. didn't mean they were out on some romantic date! the guys could eat a meal together without people thinking they were together like that, right? no one was even hear to think that of them! ... except them. maybe it was a really fortunate idea of denji to not get actual wine for the night.
in truth, bakugou never thought of this as a date, because denji's always been about boobs and bakugou's never shown any suggestion he was tolerant of something like a date. it was just getting dinner with the guy, nothing any more meaningful than them eating together in the cafeteria. but then there's the movie and dessert part... most people would consider it a typical teenage date, looking from the outside in. no damn doubt about it. if it makes denji feel any better, bakugou certainly hadn't gone into this thinking the half-devil was trying to get "more" out of it than a casual night with a good meal and movie.
"i get it" ... the fuck does that mean?! bakugou narrows his eyes at denji, wondering if this guy just thinks himself into a spiral and then has to bail out of his own self-made confusion. probably. it's kind of ironic that denji would give yuji a what-for about not recognizing a dating app, and then blindly set up a "date" with another guy without even considering the possibility it could be taken that way. it's only their frequent interactions and bakugou understanding denji more than others that he's patient enough to let the guy figure it out on his own, rather than snapping at him to spit it out.]
Haa? You think I make people nervous? [that doesn't sound nearly as badass as making people feel awed or intimidated by his awesome presence! also, is bakugou really asking that question? (yes, he is.) the sudden added clarification at the end, however, makes him pause, head twitching back in surprise. wait- did he... oh.] Phht.
[the blonde cracks a half-grin on one side of his face.] That's what you're worried about?
[i might want to get into a relationship with this person and i don't think i'm ready for that.
vs.
i hope he doesn't think i like guys.
bakugou slips his hands into his pockets and uses his elbow to turn off the kitchen light as he heads towards the common area. time to pick out a movie and hope it's something decent.] I didn't think you were for a second. You're always going on about tits and girls.
Of course you do. [ —make people nervous, but the way denji said it didn't come off as an insult, but a compliment. no, he's not suggesting bakugou is so fucking awesome that you can't help but worship the ground he walks on, but the guy has a presence of sheer confidence that makes everyone acknowledge it. for someone as troubled and overwhelmed as denji it's hard not to be envious of it. what would it be like if he had his shit together like the hero? he would be strong enough to stop getting fucked by everyone in his life.
what followed as a reaction didn't tame his confusion, in fact— it fueled it more. denji tilted his head like a curious feline and stayed quiet; his gaze followed the other boy as he switched off the lights and stepped out of the kitchen. okay, so ... they're cool, right? it's not a date, neither of them had to clarify it nor open this awkward conversation to begin with. it was all a misunderstanding. a few seconds later, he moved towards the counter, picking up the cake he bought, still thinking about the whole thing.
denji never had a positive male influence from a young age, starting with his father who he chose to kill ... whether it was out of fear or malice is unknown in a buried memory of his. the second relationship was with the yakuza who abused his poverty to intimidate a child, going as far as suggesting that denji could sell his own body for money. it's no surprise he grew up with a certain viewpoint on male figures; he felt obligated to openly express that he didn't wish to be touched by them, even going as far as refusing a simple handshake. he'd go around his life obsessing on the idea of intimacy with women, desiring shallow aspects for self-indulgence, barking loudly about what he likes and louder about his dislikes. then enter aki, which is denji's first introduction to a healthy relationship with another male. he learns to trust him and if he dares to admit — love him as a brother. does it fix anything about his disorientated views? not really. denji still struggled to find a middle ground; too weak around a pretty face of a woman and the authority of a man. let's not talk about denji resolve to give a guy sexual favors when he felt desperate enough— that's another fuckery that he still thinks is okay to pull.
with bakugou it's ... something else. something new.
eventually, he joined his partner in the common area and flopped down on the sofa next to him. he placed the sealed cake on the coffee table before them, and added in the plastic plates and forks. listen, he ain't going back in the kitchen to wash more plates. fuck the planet, they're doing plastic. ]
I decided this is a date now.
[ he slapped his hands on each knee and nodded. does he seem confident? surprisingly, yes. does he know why? hell no. he reached for the remote, browsing through the online streaming service as he continued. it was easier to keep his eyes on the screen. ]
I do like girls and I'm not gay. But I asked you out and I wanted that heart on the app ... so we're having a date to get it out of my system. Are you cool with that?
They're just wusses! [if he's enough to make people nervous, they won't amount to much! lame bastards. he still prefers awesome and intimidating over making people nervous. as much as bakugou holds himself above others, to suddenly have denji showing him praise and adoration to that level would immediately slot under "fucking weird" and a scowl. there's a hard potential for confidence in denji as well, if the guy ever got over the issues that hold him back from it. confidence, however, takes a lot of work to build it and back it, so... it'll be a big effort if denji wants to reach that point. then again, there are plenty of people who would be completely envious of the half-devil's laid-back approach to life.
bakugou feels more than sees denji's confusion behind him in the kitchen. it's not a date, even though it has the trappings of one and could be logically assumed to be one. they're the ones who decide whether it's a date or just two guys hanging out. after all, neither of them mentioned it being a date during the initial texting, and denji had teased bakugou about even going on dates during the chat mingle. he'd argue it wasn't a misunderstanding, just clarifying what was already ongoing.
conversely, bakugou always had a positive male influence in his life. while his father was there, yeah, the man's kind of a wuss in bakugou's mind, compared to his mother who's as explosively tempered as her son. but it was all might, and other heroes, who bakugou really looked up to and let influence his young life. he saw their power, their success, their valor, and he wanted to be just like them! kicking villain ass, winning praise and adoration for his skill and power, becoming the hero who stood atop the world! ... a lot of that dream has changed definition rather than replaced itself. bakugou learned a lot about what made a hero a hero, saw heroes who were corrupt or heroes who only cared about fame or heroes who were forced to do things they didn't want to do and even heroes who certainly didn't act like heroes in private. and he saw villains who had a point, villains who were only labeled as such, villains who could've been so much better if one thing had gone differently for them. bakugou had to grow up over the year, acknowledge his own weakness and ill-informed childish thoughts about heroes, and reshape himself to become better than even the hero his childhood dreamed himself to be. a lot of that pride and attention is what carries through in this relationship with denji, wanting to watch over the guy and see where he can go if given that positive attention he never got for so long. it's not that he pities denji or even thinks the guy needs to be saved. really, he just wants to help him. all might would.
for denji, that meant being there. and staying there. for denji. because denji's a good guy under that crap. and bakugou kinda doesn't hate his guts and might tolerate being around him. which is one reason why he's sitting down on the couch and letting denji flop beside him with the cake. right, he did buy that thing. it's small, but impressive looking in simple yet impactful way. he really wanted to make this a special time between them, doesn't he. look, plastic isn't a big issue when they have rotting kaiju carcasses floating out in the bay...]
Huh?
[wait, what now? bakugou stares at denji with a weird expression. after ALL THAT, he starts up with a decision this is actually a date?! does he even know what a fucking "date" means?! ... okay, so a date can mean a few things, not all of them romantic, so denji can still escape the reality of dating a guy in THAT way. the half-devil's confidence is forced, but stubborn, and it's as amusing as it is kind of stupid. this is a plow forward with zero thought given to it's long-term results.]
You better not be using me as some damn "practice date" for a girl.
[he doesn't like the idea of being an experiment or a stepping stone. that pride's all bristly about it. especially if he's planning on having a karaoke competition with this guy in the shower. the same guy he's seen taking a bath right next to him. in the personal bath, not the communal one. they just... don't talk about that.]
Hmph. Fine, but you better remember this one as the fucking best.
[ they don't talk about the shower deal, true, but in denji's defense— he is distracted with other more urgent matters, such as the fact he is courting a man for the first time in his life and it's an odd realization. the good thing about bakugou is he's not an awkward individual who would test his shortcomings and isn't the type to drop a question with every single move he makes. it makes this journey of self-awareness less of a mess, and he matches the other's energy. not that denji was restless if he's honest with himself. confused, but not nervous. there is a lot of shit in his life right now, things that are worth pressing on his anxiety and pumping his adrenaline, and his mild interest in his partner will not be grouped with all this negativity. the reality is simple, he has a choice. this is his choice. he wants it for reasons he has yet to understand but the desire is clear. so why must he deprive himself of a much-needed fucking break?
he chuckled under his breath, relaxing back on the sofa with a lazy smile. ] ... I've been on dates before coming here.
[ failure after another, but denji had his share of testing the waters with the soft gender. except, every woman that seemed to be interested in him either threw up in his mouth and sexually assaulted him, another tried to kill him, more killing attempts, one was turned into a dog, and then one more sexual assault. not a bright record one might say— traumatizing even, but he didn't need to use bakugou as a stepping stone. more scrolling, and then it slowed down and settled on a new action hit. zombies. let's watch some zombies killing people on this romantic date. it's quite fitting for this city, isn't it?
more importantly, bakugou said 'yes'. it's a bit— surprising, as he was lowkey prepared to defend his argument more only to get acceptance with ease. if he didn't know that guy the way he did, denji would've assumed this was coming off from a place of compassion. however, bakugou would never ever humor him this way. he'd get a flat-out 'fuck off' with a blast to the face if he wasn't ... well, fine with it. okay. not gonna lie, he is flattered. a bit. teeny weeny little bit. ]
I can promise you it's the best fucking date I had so far. It's normal. Normal is not bad in my world.
[ as the movie begins, denji boosts up the volume a touch, not too loud that it would make it hard to have a conversation, setting up the mood of a cinema experience in their humble common area. the everlight base was empty tonight, quiet, with tame lighting. it's those small details that barely caught his attention that are slowly becoming more vivid. hmm. he glanced at bakugou from the corner of his eye, he'd wait for him to notice before he asked. ]
[the shower is more an accepted thing that's happened, the karaoke thing will happen, and it's just something that's done with denji and really no one else. hell, if the guy asked bakugou to heat up another bath for him, it'd likely happen, if he weathered the initial grousing... but this is a date. how the hell's he supposed to take that? romance evades the reason for the date. curiosity would be a good suggestion, but gratitude remains a professed reason. yes, gratitude and a little victory party that has somehow been agreed upon by these two guys to become a date. bakugou isn't sure how that happened exactly. he'd gonna avoid the awkward questions to pound that out. denji's always been a strange "safe space" for the blonde since the start. admit it? fuck no. reality? yeah. there's something about his personality and nature, calming and frustrating at the same time. so unlike the others in his class bakugou's gotten used to over the months. tch, fine. it's a date. they can leave it at that.
that small laugh and denji's recline backwards earns a brief flick from those red eyes.] Doesn't change my comment.
[bakugou still wants to be the best one in denji's mind if they're going to call it a date. is that staking a claim on the other boy? holy fuck, he doesn't know! at least let him be known as the best date and he'll be happy with it. there's no reason he has for trying to off denji either. not that he's going to recognize that strange reality without denji opening up about it.
seriously? he wants to watch zombies? ... well it's action, and this isn't a romantic date, so why the hell not watch zombies get blown to pieces? they just finished destroying a shit ton of sea monsters.
bakugou doesn't want to have a defense argument about the date! he already said yes to it (even if that wasn't the definition of their date back then) and hates being second guessed or challenged after he makes a decision. denji doesn't push for it, something bakugou appreciates about him. he's easy going for the most part, but not in a way that makes bakugou want to manipulate or bully him. denji has his own strength, present and growing, and he's not about to step on it. and if he's honest, the half-devil isn't a bad date to have.]
Must've had some shit dates in your past. Just kick back and watch the movie.
[he's fucking glad for the emptiness. even then, the common room usually sees people watching news or a movie, so it wouldn't be horrible if someone came in and saw. that said, it's only a few seconds before he feels eyes on him and flick his gaze to the side, noticing denji looking at him. his jaw tenses, ready to snap out a "what" before the other boy asks.
c- ... cozy? what the hell kind of question is that? his mind immediately flicks to two interpretations of the meaning, both exemplified by his parents when he was younger and caught them watching a movie together. bleh.]
What d'ya mean by "cozy"?
[because his mind is 1) some clothes come off, or 2) get close together.]
[ his previous dates were beyond shitty, true, but bakugou is underestimating this night by bringing up the past as if denji cares enough to compare. bakugou is in a league of his own, and the half-devil doesn't even have it in him to think of anyone else. all those names are dismissed, head empty and content with the present— him being in this city, under this roof, sharing a movie with the blonde next to him. nothing else mattered, and god ... the air was light and it was easy to breathe. he hasn't felt this way in a long, long time.
he didn't understand it, but it was denji feeling safe around someone else. that's what he interpreted as feeling 'good' while in reality, it's him realizing that he can trust this individual. even nayuta, despite how much he loves her, he couldn't drop his guard around the control devil. imagine how exhausting it is— when your body is in a constant fight or flight mode, every breathing second of your day and night, nonstop for years. denji is tired. he's tired all the time. it's evident in his slow speech, hunched form, and airy stares. it took him a while, whether bakugou was aware of it or not, but it was only recently he noticed himself - acting different when they're together. as if he was not afraid anymore. it started from the night when the hero agreed to prepare a bath for him, from the second denji felt it's okay to strip bare— because it's safe. perhaps that act isn't significant, even to denji at the time, but it was the pinpoint of where he crossed and pushed aside those heavy weights.
bakugou is his safe space, too. ]
Relaaaax. I come in peace.
[ guy to guy communication. in other words, he understood bakugou's demand for clarification on the spot. he didn't forget about the other's critique of denji's idea of a date, not surprised the golden boy has strict demands. shifting a bit, he reached over to the blanket resting on the sofa's arm, dragging it along as he moved closer to the other. the seating was big enough to accommodate a group of four, and denji speaks from experience during everlight's group activities and other movie nights, so it looked kinda ridiculous to have such a gap between two people on a date. plus, it's cold in here. the heating system apparently can only focus on one task and it decided to keep the waters warm and nothing else. ]
Hold this.
[ he gestures for bakugou to grab their cake so he can toss the blanket around them both, burying their bodies from the chest down under the thick fabric. denji settled in, sinking into the soft cushion of the sofa behind him, side by side with bakugou— with their arms lightly pressing against each other whenever one moved. there. cozy.
he then grabs his plate, already digging his fork into the fluffy sponge, eager for a taste. ] Don't fall asleep. I know you love to go to bed early but we're watching the whole thing on our date.
[he figures denji would compare dates, but has no way of knowing the other boy's mindspace does not, in fact, waste the effort on doing so. at least he'd be damn proud to know he stands high and tall over any lame competition! luckily they don't have to deal with that and they can sit here watching zombie movies on the same couch while continuing their strange but well-received date together. it's hard to completely deny this is relaxing. bakugou doesn't usually let himself unwind like this. the fact denji got him to do so relatively easily speaks rather highly of the half-devil as well.
someday, if they get into each other's backgrounds, he'll understand more why denji looks so haggard at the time. bakugou won't say he has an "easy" life either, putting so much effort and focus on his training as a hero, and then all the decidedly-non-school issues all for one, the league of villains, and others have placed upon what should've been a bunch of young students' normal school year. none of them entered u.a.'s gates that year thinking they'd be fighting for their nation's survival in a massive civil war by the end of said year. yet here, things are slower, and in this little pocket, bakugou can finally rest for a while. he trusts denji to be that safe space. even if he won't say it. because ugh... saying it.]
Urusei. [don't mock him with that "come in peace" line. you know he was going to question it the second you said 'get cozy' to the world's prickliest grenade! besides, denji's never struck him as an overly physical person either. at least not off the bat with new people. of which... the two of them are neither of those two each other. is this a critique of denji's dating? not really. bakugou just doesn't like getting close to people in general. he's not a touchy feely kind of guy. a few scant exceptions existing. usually by people who earned them. as denji pulls at the blanket and scoots closer to him, bakugou doesn't lean away or growl at him. looks like the half-devils's one of the few who earned that exception. really, the only reason for the gap previously was the understood reality that someone coming in and seeing them sitting side by side under a blanket would definitely construe an assumption neither of them (apparently) want.]
Don't order me around. [and yet bakugou still holds the cake box, lifting it up overhead when the blanket gets tossed over his body. arms free from the covering, he lets it settle around his chest, then kicks his legs up onto the ottoman in front of them, leaving his slips on the floor for the time being. as denji settles in beside him, bakugou lower his arms and rests the cake box on his lap, not minding the occasional bump of shoulder and arm against the other boy. it's instantly warmer. a welcome warmth in the cold weather.
after that, it's just a matter of flicking open the cake box and then digging in with his fork. bakugou eyes the piece, less out of judgement and more simple curiosity as to what denji picked out. then takes the bite.] I've never fallen asleep watching a movie. Brat.
[coupled with a brief jab of his elbow into denji's ribs for daring to suggest he might.]
[ denji isn't touchy-feely either, not in the normal sense because nothing about his mindset is fucking normal to begin with. his idea of intimacy might come off as invasive from another perspective when he is genuinely not trying to be. he likes to blame it on his odd dynamic with power that fed into that acceptance of the lack of personal space. she would often cling to him, crawl into his bed, straddle him, and in his face at all times— was it sexual? no. it was platonic intimacy that looked fucking weird to non-devils perhaps. then again, would bakugou believe him if he told him devils yearn for that type of closeness? the same creatures who are the manifestation of human fears and anxieties happen to favor plain bread and a simple hug. being the blend of two sides, one of a child who grew up without parental love and a healthy relationship, and another inheriting the chainsaw devil's adoration for warm hugs, both of which scream 'touch starved' — let's say bakugou is lucky all he's enduring is some closeness under the blanket and nothing more intense.
he smiled at that playful jab, watching as the hero examined the offered cake. ] It tastes like you're taking a bite from a cloud. Honestly, worth the wait.
[ more sugar, but not too scikly sweet. it melts on your tongue with ease and certainly compliments the hearty meal they had a few minutes earlier. denji's toes curl in a subtle display of pure delight. it's yummy-licious! bakugou is free to indulge or decide he's not a fan, there's no pressure in this one. as for the movie, it starts with a typical day in the life, the characters' introduction, and all the false happiness that's about to be crushed by the undead. denji stayed quiet, oddly attentive even in the 'boring' scenes. he made no effort to start a conversation with the other, nor did he seem annoyed if there was any attempt from bakugou's side— but it's clear he was into it. it was a typical zombie flick, nothing too in-depth but it's a fun watch for those who enjoy action sequences, mild horror, and gory scenes.
they are halfway through the screening and denji's cake is long gone, blissfully full, and satisfied for the night. somehow he ended up sinking even further into the cushions with his legs stretched over the ottoman, idly swaying his foot to nudge bakugou's from time to time. he didn't give a fuck even if a kaiju bust in here, he's too comfortable to ever move from this spot now. they enter act two when the average salesman dad is suddenly some kung-fu zombie killing machine, ready to take down more. listen, it's funny and stupid, denji knows, but fucking entertaining regardless. it's one of those movies.
eventually, he does end up breaking his own rule of 'no talking during the movie'. after all, this is meant to be a special night so he doesn't plan to be too strict. ]
Oh yeah. I need to impress my date, right? [ he didn't wait for bakugou to answer, instead he cleared his throat and ran with it. ] I killed the zombie devil once, you know. You might think it would be strong since a lot of people are scared of zombies, but it was weak. Sliced him down like a cherry tomato.
[ he turns his head to glance at his partner. ] Are you impressed?
[would he believe him? probably, since denji's the expert on his own world and bakugou has zero evidence to contrast whatever denji says. would he think it's weird for beings created from human fears to want to cling to humans while also wanting to harm them? fuck yes. but denji's not one of those devils; he's a half-devil who likes to be around people who won't try to fuck him over. which are apparently very few in number in his life. touch starved would not surprise the blonde hero in the slightest when it comes to denji. doesn't mean he would accept it without grouching and squirming if the half-devil tried. ultimately accepting it, however, being the implication at the end of his bristly response. this is the guy who ducks and yells like a rat someone tried to burn when his mom tries to give him a hug, much to her amusement as she forces the issue on him.
she's not here. cake and denji are. he slips the piece into his mouth, chewing it as his tongue samples the flavors. saying it's a bite of a cloud is overdoing it with the flowery language, but it fits denji's innocent love and praise of good food. because it is good. the flavors are nice, even if it's a little more on the sweet side than bakugo would pick. it's not overpowering, which makes it pleasant, and the way it melts on his tongue is a surprisingly interesting sensation for a store-bought cake. light enough not to make the katsudon from earlier turn into a gut bomb. he presses it against his palate with his tongue, then swallows after a few chews. mah, if he had to get a cake, he wouldn't mind picking this kind up. might check the box before throwing it away to get the name and brand for future reference. certainly contrasts the action and gore of a zombie movie.
bakugo's not a proponent of gore despite threatening to 'splatter' his opponents in those wild threats of his. but it doesn't gross him out either. zombie movies make it more tolerable as well, since it's dead people ripping apart dead people. mostly. some of it's ridiculous enough to snirk at. he glances down when denji's foot brushes against his own under the blanket, but doesn't respond otherwise. unless he does it again, then he'll nudge him back like a brat. wanna start something?
when the salesmen turns into a martial arts prodigy against the zombies, that gets a snort of amusement from him. hey, he can appreciate a martial arts film, and getting that flavor in this ridiculous film pushes it over the edge into stupid fun territory. somehow made more acceptable since he's watching it with denji. who finally breaks the rule and talks during the film. initially bakugo's ready to tell him to shut his mouth, but the idea of "impressing" his date piques his curiosity.
it's equally ridiculous, but strangely cute charming when denji prides his story on taking out a zombie devil. he scoffs at the question as he sinks down in the warmth of the couch and blanket.] You admit you killed a lame ass wuss of a devil and want me to be impressed? [bakugo rolls his head to the side to look at denji with a wry face.] The cake was more impressive. [could be taunting him, could be truthful.] You've killed more dangerous things than a zombie devil.
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so long as denji doesn't get all flush up against his back, he's not going to get bakugou's elbow repeatedly thudding into his stomach for his troubles. he focuses on the food in front of him, not entirely sure why he's tolerating this hovering, but for whatever reason, is. maybe it's warmth, maybe it's just because he knows denji's a damn puppy.]
Only the outside is charred. The inside is still good. It's a longer form of searing. [just for explanation. bakugou quirks a brow at the mention of teaching.] We're not doing katsudon medium. You wanna learn that, we'll do it another night.
[especially considering the meat's going to be breaded and fried in oil rather than baked or cooked in a pan. it's going to come out relatively medium simply due to that. though bakugou did just say "another night" so denji's got the option to get a second cooking out of him, as well as the lesson on how to do it. good thing there's no attempts to embrace him or else bakugou would've yelled at denji. cause he's chopping a bunch of shit right now and doesn't want to add denji finger to the damn mix!]
Did they deserve it? [usually the better place to start when it comes to why denji would do that. vegetables done, he's going to start working on the strips of meat.] Turn that burner on, the one under the pot. I need the oil heated.
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He deserved it. He tried to rob the cashier when I was about to pay. I didn't make the arrest, though.
[ it was a petty crime, it's not like the guy had a gun/knife to hurt anyone. it was a sad attempt to appear intimidating and it backfired. was it really worth anything more than getting a kick from using the taser for the first time? the cashier was probably armed; denji noticed she was utterly unfazed by the whole ordeal, almost as if dealing with hooligans was part of her job. it felt like a good opportunity to have some fun— nothing too serious. it ended with the guy making a run for it and everything resuming to normal. it was like any other night in this neo-city. ah, it seems bakugou is almost done with the prep, watching him do some minor cleaning around for a bit before he decides to pull away, allowing his partner the freedom to move around without a dead weight on his shoulder. the first thought that occupied his mind was- "... It's cold". perhaps borderline chilly, and denji tugged on his sleeves, covering his forearms before shoving his hands inside the front pocket.
for now, he'd help around when he's needed, quietly picking up on each detail and following bakugou's recipe. he'd shadow him until it was time to set up the table and pull out the glasses for their 'wine'. all denji can find is a boring set, though, but let's all keep indulging in the pretend game to make this more special. ]
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[and no, he's going to turn that knob down so it's not at full flame under the oil. that's just asking to smoke it at best, burn it at worst. no one wants an oil fire in the kitchen. something for denji to keep in mind when bakugou explains, quickly, why he's adjusting the flame. oil's a finicky bastard. deep frying takes some safety precautions.]
Tch, bastard. [agreeing with denji's decision to zap the guy, though he's split on whether or not he should've arrested the criminal. it was a petty crime, minor infraction, and a fine paid at best if he was brought in. at the moment, however, there are worse things to deal with and stretching the police force's resources for a shit criminal who just got the ever living fuck tazed out of him is probably not the ideal process. denji called it right.] He better take his luck and fuck off.
[with the vegetables done and set off to the side, he can get to the meat now. it's a good thing denji opted to move, because bakugou was going to need the space now. noticing the way the other blonde tugged at his shirt sleeve, he makes a mental note for another hot bath or something. if they're going to indulge tonight in whatever the fuck. denji gets to watch bakugou pat each slice of steak dry with a paper towel, then dredge it in the beaten eggs, next in the flour, and finally in the seasoned panko crumbs. he sets that one aside, then repeats it with the second one, doing it all over again until each of the slices if coated. once finished, into the oil it goes, with that immediate roiling outline of white bubbles as the oil fries the batter and cooks the meat inside. he won't take them out until they're done and crispy, needing denji to get some paper towels on a plate to absorb any lingering oil drips.
finally, time to plate it up. or bowl it. the hot rice goes into the bottom of the bowl, then some vegetable fillings, then some rice, the vegetable toppings, a drizzle of sauce, and finally one crispy fried steak atop it to crown the bowl. it'll go well with the "wine" denji procured for them. plus it warms the kitchen up too so he shouldn't be as cold.] Eat it while it's hot.
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He fucked off all right! [ he nods, happy that he made the right choice with that criminal, even when deep down in his soul he just wanted to use his new weapon. a tiny urge to abuse power. regardless, it was super important to report to his partner about everything, blah blah something about the police code— even when he didn't believe in half of it, denji still wants to take this job seriously. it pays well, really well, and bakugou went out of his way to help him get in. so, he will do his best to switch his little pochita heart into giving a fuck about the civilians here and help around.
they finally settle at the dining table, each has their dish in front, beautifully served. he went ahead and filled bakugou's glass before he picked up his own to cheer; smiling. he's pretending they're not about to inhale a bunch load of food coloring and sugar in one go, but whatever. it can't be worse than feasting on a fucking kaiju. without wasting any time, he digs in, taking in a bite from his bowl. he's salivating again, both from the warmth of the piece of meat and the balanced flavors of the dish. it hits your taste buds just right, it made denji want to slow down and savor it. sometimes saying nothing and instead going in for a second, third, and fourth chomp is a higher compliment in itself.
'it's so good' — he muttered between munching, nodding his head. he then leans back on his chair, reaching for his glass, and going in for a taste. ah, the sugar rush will be a beauty tonight. ]
When is your follow-up appointment?
[ for his busted shoulder. surely they will need to monitor the hero's progress and make sure he's ready for the next mission. not out of love, but to make sure he's in the best shape to serve lilith for sure. bakugou seemed to be doing a lot better, yet they couldn't ignore that was a nasty injury. ]
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Good. Bastard doesn't know he got off light. [bakugou's not going to mention denji tasing someone just because he wanted to use his taser... but hearing the guy talk about his day without making it sound like a drag he doesn't like is pretty heartening. it's good to know denji's liking his job (to whatever degree = comfortable, for him) enough to want to share about it. considering the stability of police work, both activity and financially, it's a good fit for both boys for different reasons. bakugou's glad denji took him up on the offer. even if the guy doesn't give as much a rat's ass about the civilians as the hero does (and bakugou's "give a shit" meter is hard to see sometimes).
he lifts his glass to denji in response. they did a good work out there and it should be rewarded. a good meal like this is a nice way to do so. psh, some juice isn't a bunch of fake full of sugar and coloring. but that'd require looking at the label and all that crap. he doesn't know if denji did and isn't about to read him his rights over it right now. there's food to eat and he's hungry. cutting the meat into pieces with his teeth is easy enough: lift a piece with some rice and vegetable grasped beneath, then bite down and sever it while taking the rest of the load in along with the snippet. the flavors and warmth work well with what he put in. denji should be in heaven over there with it. at least he's not inhaling it like it's the last meal he'll get. the silence is indeed a compliment to the chef. bakugou's not a big talker over food in the first place.
'not gonna serve you shit' is the returned mutter as he chomps down on another piece and chews through the meat/vegetable/rice combination. he doesn't drink as much during the meal, but every now and then, it's there for a palate cleanser.]
Next Monday. As long as I do the physical therapy, I'll be fine. [he doesn't like that his shoulder took the beating it did, having to mitigate the recoil of his explosions out his shoulders in general, but the doctors informed him there wouldn't be lasting damage if he took care of the recovery. a few small scars from the whale monster's teeth will be all bakugou will need to deal with beyond that.] Bet you're happy the hot water's back.
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... Good. I like fighting by your side. It's fun.
[ it's not mandatory to have a fighting buddy by your side, yet it will increase their chances of finishing off the mission faster and well— surviving it. that's the real concept about putting the outsiders in groups, right? despite that, denji knew they won't always end up in the same spot, and they would have to carry on the mission on their own at times. however, if he had to choose, he would rather watch those explosions light up the sky while his chainsaws make it rain in red in a beautiful symphony. he misses that thrill, and there is something about bakugou's quirk that just hit the sweet spot. it's loud, it's burning hot, it's blinding and intoxicating. it might be a subconscious fascination due to its resemblance to reze, and the spike of emotion that triggers it ... maybe. who knows? but it gives him a feeling that he deemed as 'good' and that's all he needs to comprehend.
he takes in another piece of the meat inside his mouth, eyes on the boy in front of him. he chews with the tip of his chopsticks still pressed against his lips, thoughtful. in theory, he should appreciate having access to hot water again, it's their basic human fucking rights in here, but somehow now it's kinda, sorta -
-lonely.
it was nice having someone to talk to at the time. it muted the nasty thoughts in his head and calmed him down. he won't say that, though. instead, he shrugs, leaning his head back and taking in another big chomp of the veggies/rice. ]
We never got to sing it out so I'm not happy at all. Very unhappy ...
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denji strikes him as someone who sways between the two, coming off as naive and kind one moment, then being blunt and rude (even without meaning to) the next, depending on his excitement, disinterest, or irritation at whatever he's currently encountering. it's not a lie to say bakugou's never met someone like denji. how can the guy be so hollow and blank canvas, yet also have such a defined personality inside him, and still shadow the aura of someone who's on the verge of snapping mentally at any given time? tch. if his being around denji can positively influence the guy to better himself, bakugou's not about to stop it. he won't admit the notion, but he really wants to see denji grow. there's a good person in there, someone who didn't deserve the shit life he was given. he makes bakugou want to reach out to him, both as a hero and a person.]
I'm not going anywhere.
[while he often can, and likes to, handle things on his own, since he can go at his own pace and accomplish it must faster and more efficiently than most other people, bakugou's had to learn to fight on a team. picky and demanding with his teammates, he's not any "better" or "worse" on a team than he is solo. yet some teammates he meshes better with. denji's one of them. on top of the guy being more willing to work with the flow bakugou needs, he's not stupid, and carries his own strength and battle smarts enough the blonde doesn't feel like he has to hold his hand. the revving of chainsaws has become a sound he associates with confidence, knowing denji has his back in a battle. chainsaw man is one of the few people dynmight will actively seek out for a mission to team up with, having acknowledged the guy's prowess as a teammate. it might be gory, but hey, monsters are already ugly as fuck, so mow them down. bakugou's always going on about splattering people and slaughtering enemies anyways.
biting off another piece of meat, he arches a brow when denji eyes him like that. for a moment, he expects something, then realizes the half-devil's thinking. while staring at him. ugh, annoying. the returning hot water shouldn't take this long to factor as a "yea" or "nay" in denji's brain. who wants freezing cold showers in the first place? even coming in from hot work outside doesn't make people crank it to "fucking frigid" any day of the week.
denji moves again and breaks the eye contact, so bakugou goes back to his food. he grunts at the suggestion of singing it out together and takes another bite. there's a few ways he could take that, but...] You think you can beat me at karaoke or something?
[in the shower at that.]
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god, where to begin? how can he pick up the clutter of emotions clashing in his mind, piece by piece, and attempt to dissect each one of them so they make fucking sense? it's impossible; they rushed in without any warning, and denji found himself unable to control the gutwrenching realization that those words will always remain a lovely lie. he can't even name a single person who stayed in his life long enough to make that a promise worth believing. yet, he found himself struggling a bit in— letting it go. it was dangerous to indulge in it, maybe torment himself by questioning if that could ever happen to him. it's bittersweet. more bitter, less sweet.
denji returned to picking at his food, keeping his head down. there are things he can't control, one of them is to stop feeling this shitty and heartbroken for himself, but he can shift that energy to where it matters— and it's protecting that lie. protecting bakugou. the hero said he's not going anywhere, so he'll make sure he won't go anywhere. the righteous act in this situation is to recognize his mere existence is fated to be the downfall of everyone denji will ever care for, and maybe it's time he keeps to himself and not drag anyone else into this hell, but he's not that valiant. he can't push away someone willing to be around him. someone who can help him forget, even for a few minutes the perpetual pain throbbing in his chest. even when those dreams constantly haunt him that he's 'unworthy', 'can never have a family', or 'can never be loved' - he is stubborn, or fucking desperate, enough to keep trying. that's his resolve, right? keep bakugou close, attempt to do a better job in keeping this one safe, and hope he won't have the same tragic end as everyone else in his life. yup, sounds super fitting for a scum like him.
back to the food, back to the singing in the shower, back to anything but thinking about this further. he takes in a breath, wiping his mouth clean with the back of his fingers. ]
For sure. I have years of experience in my resume. I might be an expert at this point.
[ it was a habit he picked up from when he was a kid and pochita seemed to love it, it made them both happy. they made up most of the songs together, but now that he's mingling with society better, denji knows some popular songs. it didn't mean he had a great voice, but - you know. the spirit is admirable. ]
The heating system still sucks, though. I'll steal an extra blanket from Yuuji later.
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strange as it is, bakugou wants to protect denji. he's not sure why. it's not the same as the general heroic idea to protect those around him because it's the role of a hero. there's something personal to the feeling. while he refuses to coddle and shield the other boy, he wants to invest in him, and watch that investment come out to be something great. denji has that potential and bakugou can tell it's there. damn if it won't take a lot of work and patience, the latter which he's not that good at. there's no shame in continuing to try. heroes do it all the time. even when knocked down, defeated, broken, despairing, they have to continue to get back up and continue. the only time a hero ever really loses is when he or she dies. because a dead hero can no longer protect anyone. but even injured, they can return. bakugou has no intention of dying, and refuses to accept defeat, so he's going to rise every fucking time and get back on his feet. denji can count on him for that without hesitation.]
Tch. Yeah right. I won't let you best me at anything, Ripcord Pec. [denji's gonna get a cycle of nicknames, just so bakugou's not eternally referring to him as chainsaw man. chainsaw face, ripcord pec, shark teeth, tired eyes. shit like that. he's denji before he's chainsaw man. at least he's that to bakugou. is he challenging denji to a sing off in the shower? ... technically yes, but perhaps it'll get sung out at the karaoke club or something instead. even though bakugou hates those things.]
Don't steal from him! Just fucking ask Gari Head or double bunk! [jeeze! the last thing he needs is for denji to go yoinking other people's bedding and leaving them shivering in the cold. (especially yuuji, because the guy's too nice to really fight for his blanket back.) there are probably other blankets around as well.]
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Heh, fine. Let's wait for the next time we need to share a shower and we'll sing our hearts out.
[ there is no sense of defiance in his tone, nor did he seem bothered to win this challenge— just the idea of them going for it is enough to entertain him. he wonders if someone full of pride like bakugou could hold his ground in a singing competition and keep a straight face. impossible. never going to happen. and if it did— it would be hilarious. with one final scoop of his meal, denji gathers all the remaining rice and takes in his last bite, gently placing his chopsticks on the empty plate. fuck, that was good. the food never lost its warmth, flavors so vibrant until the last taste, and his body felt fucking nourished.
he sulks back in his seat, and that's when he relaxes his shoulders, unaware his earlier thoughts triggered his muscles to tense a bit. another slow exhale, akin to a sigh, then he pulled his glass closer to his lips before scoffing. gari head ... ] Don't worry, he has extra blankets. He was sharing them when the power was out. [ he knows the hero will hammer him about the 'stealing' comment. a SIGH. ] I will ask nicely.
[ only if yuuji was in his room at the time, otherwise he would have to take a blanket and leave him a note. just as good. bringing up the sorcerer into the conversation reminded denji of their dumb exchange on the dating app, and then he found himself thinking about the bizarre ambush. after their first mission and the mass destruction of the city— you might think the next course of action is trying to rebuild and further assist the public, but nope. lilith decided it was time for her recruits to start hooking up instead. it was so fucking random, even for denji who was more than happy to play along. he wonders if that's their added reward, aside from getting paid, they also get some assistance in finding love.
he remembers bakugou and his standards. ah, the smile returns on his face— why is it fun annoying this hero? at least he's not subjecting him to those godawful pranks aki had to live through. be thankful, kacchan. ]
Did you find a date?
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I'll murder you with my voice. [despite the blunt way he says it, bakugou is going to take to this challenge with the same force that he takes to all of his clashes. he desires to be the best and he'll strive for it with everything he has. even if it's something as stupid as singing in the shower with denji. which is ridiculous that he let himself get talked into it, but now it's on the table and it's better to do it there than on some fucking karaoke stage or the hot springs... at least it's private in the shower. as for whether he'll get through it without snapping and yelling about how fucking stupid this is... who knows.
bakugou finishes his own bowl close to when denji does. there's still more left, enough for a second bowl each if they want it. but katsudon tends to be very filling with lots of calories, so he's not planning on another round. it'll keep well once they make up the second bowls and then cover them with plastic wrap for reheating tomorrow. he gets to his feet, swipes denji's bowl, and moves to the kitchen counter to start cleaning up.] Tch, the guy's like a damn puppy. [so is denji, though the two boys are vastly different kind of puppies. he glances over his shoulder when the half-devil corrects his previous comment.] Ha. Ha.
[but accepted. as he rinses the bowls and chopsticks, his mind wanders to similar areas as denji. the mingle had put a lot of people in each other's paths, tricking some into stumbling onto dates, and giving the more savvy ones an annoying way to meet up without having to go out on their own limb. an excuse, if you will. bakugou hated the "dating app" cover of it, not liking it when people try to push their agendas or opinions on his life to steer him one way or another. denji's thoughts about synthia deciding to mess with people's thoughts on 'dating' rather than focusing on helping the kaiju-battle-wasted area aren't far from bakugou's own irritation. though he guesses just focusing on the doom and gloom wouldn't help either...
his thoughts get interrupted by a stupid question-] Huh?! [in that annoyed, growling grunt/snarl that rumbles over his shoulder like a threatening challenge. you DARE ask him something that fucked up?! (yeah well, pranking bakugou tends to result in getting blasted off again...) he makes a face at the kitchen wall.] I said I'd go on a few outings. You're the one who was talking about getting dates.
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lazily, denji rolled his head back, trying to sneak a glimpse of the other boy as he proceeded to leave the table, walk away from him, and move toward the sink to clean up the dishes. ah, he should help, but he felt like staying where he was, still relishing the aftermath of that delicious meal. the fulfillment is both sedating and cushy. the outburst is somewhat predictable since denji intended to tease him on purpose, but then he thought about it. what's the big deal? ]
... You weren’t looking for a buddy on a dating app. Come on.
[ and 'outing' is just a fancy word for dating. there's no shame in surrendering to curiosity and going for it. this city can be lonely, and they are living, breathing creatures who yearn for acceptance; whether it's a shallow one-night fling or something more meaningful. everyone has their preference, and yet the diversity between the hero and half-devil is like night and day. eventually, he does end up joining bakugou with a tired sigh, shifting to his side, and picking on the drying duties— starting with the bowls. ]
Everyone jumped on it like hungry hippos. It says something, doesn't it? [ humans or not, they all share one desire. ] It came out of nowhere, but I like it ...
[ his voice withers, falling quiet as he finishes off the other utensils. bakugou is free from any further prodding on his personal affairs. people tend to favor keeping it private so he gets it. ]
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his shoulders flex with the motions of his arms, swirling water in the bowls to clean out the film the rice and sauce left on them. soap and a sponge get to work scrubbing, not bothering to do the dishwasher when there's only ten or less things that need to get washed. bakugou tends to do his own shit rather than taking on the "group project" others have left behind. unless it's a lot and he loses his patience over having a dirty kitchen to work in...]
It's something to do to take a fucking break from these shitty kaiju events.
[as much as bakugou likes to train and get stronger, there's no denying the stress of a "war" gets to people. even him. bakugou may be a hero, but he's also still a teenage boy. even he needs a break. he doesn't like going out with groups and being social, but a smaller outing with one or two people is okay, even if he grumbles about it initially so it doesn't LOOK like he's eager to do it... after all, he's here cooking and having dinner with denji because the guy asked him too. does he see it as a date? no. but it is a social thing with the other boy. something he's reminded of when the half-devil starts to dry the dishes beside him without being prompted. that's rather considerate of him...]
Communication was locked behind it; they didn't have a damn choice.
[you had to swipe to start the conversation. that's the excuse bakugou's sticking to in order to make the damn reality denji mentioned not hit as hard. besides, some people used it without even knowing what it was. he falls into quiet for a while, mulling over the words. did it really come out of nowhere? considering it was february, valentine's day month, the time when people thought about that stuff. bakugou doubts it was random. he wasn't entirely surprised to see something like that either. still ticked him off.]
Che. You asked me out to dinner tonight without the app.
[that's very 'datey', ripcord pec.]
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the last comment came at him like an elbow to the gut; startling but it wasn't taken negatively. this is bakugou- ... the guy who threatened to stab him with a knife a few minutes ago, surely he didn't take this night as some act of courtship. fucking hell, the more he thinks about it, the more he felt himself warming up. was it annoyance? embarrassment? discomfort? not sure, but it's something. ]
I'm not- [ gay? did he really need to say it when it's, clearly, not that serious right now? bakugou was taking a jab at him. nothing more. yet, it somehow got to denji as he contemplated what he should say next. he's thinking and then he's tired of thinking— and what follows is the norm. honesty. ] ... I just wanted to thank you.
[ it was gross to say it out loud and that's bakugou's punishment for accusing him of trying to woo him. huff! he returns to drying the bowls and gently placing them inside the cabinet. he is done helping for now, and he hopes his partner won't be inspired for a full kitchen makeover at this late hour, especially when dessert awaits them. that's something exciting to look forward to, right? ah, almost forgot about the movie night plan. denji wonders about the movie he should select for th- ]
Do you think this is a date?
[ he's at bakugou's side again, the dirty towel he just used to wipe the dishes is seen curled over his shoulder because he wasn't paying attention to what he was fucking doing. ]
Is sharing a meal considered ... romantic?
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there's a reason he only heated up baths for people he was close to in neo tokyo...
if bakugou's aware that comment rammed denji in the spleen, he doesn't show it. nor does he expect the guy to take it negatively. maybe shock him, but denji's not the kind of guy such a thing would simply bounce off of. the fact is, denji invited bakugou to dinner with him. even if they had it "in" rather than "out" and even if they made it themselves rather than ordered it. just them, in the kitchen, eating together, talking, while other people were out running around on 'dates' with other people... you know, if this makes denji get hot under the collar, bakugou's not apologizing.]
You're not-? [the blonde scowls across his shoulder at denji. the hell's he denying? he literally just got done having dinner with him, a dinner he literally invited bakugou to sit down with him and make/have together. does he need to see the damn text again? just if denji's gonna tease him about dates, he's going to whap this very "date" down in front of him and see how the half-devil gets on with it... and denji gets on with the same kind of tired honesty bakugou's come to expect from him.
thank you. he knew that's what it was on the surface. even a celebration of making it through the kaiju fight. but there's something personal about this as well bakugou caught onto from the initial request. he only grunts at the vocal admission and returns to the dishes, finishing up the bowls and passing them to denji to dry. last thing, so no, he's not going to clean up the entire kitchen. they have dessert and a movie to do, right? ... which makes this even more of a date than before. saying so might just make denji's head explode and bakugou walk the fuck back to his room.
until the guy blatantly asks it.
is this a date? is it romantic? does it mean more? is it one of those things bakugou would consider date worthy? well, denji's obviously not the first person he's sat down and ate with alone in his life. but... he frowns in thought.]
Tch, some people might think it's romantic. If that was the intent. [to have a romantic dinner for two together. this was more hanging out. and yet, it's not just that, right?] If we made these plans over that app, you'd call it a date, wouldn't you?
[that's what denji was teasing him about earlier, right? ... and bakugou did give him the check mark, one denji so adamantly demanded back when the blonde yoinked it.]
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he grumbles, making a face. don't make him think, you.
okay. denji sighed and leaned back against the wall, and that's when he decided it was time to deal with that 'off' feeling that's been bothering him for a while, shadowing him. it was easier to dismiss it with bakugou, only because he knew that boy would be bold with him if he picked up on it and shoved it down his throat (like right now), so he thought he could be more comfortable, be blissfully ignorant, so long as the hero isn't stopping him he isn't crossing any line. it was fun — not to think of it. you know? freeing. to feel good without trying to understand why it's different; somehow denji feared the answer would make it stop feeling as good. which brings him to the golden question: did he ask a guy on a date? he goes through tonight's events. it starts with an invite to dinner, fake wine involved, and ends with a movie night and a treat. this is a perfect setting to have with a potential mate, something denji would desire with a pretty girl, except he's not doing it with a pretty girl— he's doing it with his work partner. a guy. is he reflecting that energy into bakugou because he's getting attention from him? or, is it truly his innocent effort to show gratitude and nothing more? whatever the reason it may be, denji can acknowledge it did come off ... as if he's trying to get something out of it. something more than a casual hangout between buddies.
he closed his eyes- ] Okay, yeah ... I get it.
[ he muttered, idly kneading on the nape of his neck; a habit to hide away his nerves. he won't make excuses or explain himself, though. it's just one of those incidents that he truly had no justification for why he acted this way, but he will own up to it. at least bakugou isn't taunting him about it. which is highly appreciated here because denji is, very visibly, conflicted and maybe a touch ... ashamed. mortified that he wasn't aware of himself. the 'why' is endless. the list is adding up by the second, his brain can't keep up and he's ready to throw the white flag. ]
I guess I didn't think much of it because I'm not nervous around you. I was more anxious when I asked Kaede out. Plus ... I'm not gay.
[ yet, he was asking bakugou on a date. subconsciously. see why this is so fucking confusing? ]
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haa?! bakugou's version of "negotiating" with criminals was to threaten their lives for making him deal with their sorry attempts at crime, before promptly kicking their stupid asses across the street! though taking a hostage usually made him pause and grumble. he'd rather pass the negotiation off to another cop while leaving and preparing a surprise attack to protect the bystanders and take out the criminal in the same swoop. training denji on how to approach a situation WHILE taking into account civilian lives and collateral damage, however... yeah, that was a big test of his patience. but that's not here.
here, he's wanting to hear denji's opinion and thoughts, even if that makes the guy use his brain for something other than tits and violence and... denji things. the grumbling and pulled face make it pretty clear it was a good call. especially since denji was the one who brought it up first.
not that trying to factor if this was a date or not, whether it was romantic or not, was any easier on bakugou. he always threw that kind of crap out the window his entire life. too busy with school and heroes to think about something as distracting as dating and going out with someone, to say nothing of romance just being annoying as fuck to deal with. couldn't they just say it was "going out" as in a casual outing? like going to a restaurant with aki or kirishima back home, respectively. didn't mean they were out on some romantic date! the guys could eat a meal together without people thinking they were together like that, right? no one was even hear to think that of them! ... except them. maybe it was a really fortunate idea of denji to not get actual wine for the night.
in truth, bakugou never thought of this as a date, because denji's always been about boobs and bakugou's never shown any suggestion he was tolerant of something like a date. it was just getting dinner with the guy, nothing any more meaningful than them eating together in the cafeteria. but then there's the movie and dessert part... most people would consider it a typical teenage date, looking from the outside in. no damn doubt about it. if it makes denji feel any better, bakugou certainly hadn't gone into this thinking the half-devil was trying to get "more" out of it than a casual night with a good meal and movie.
"i get it" ... the fuck does that mean?! bakugou narrows his eyes at denji, wondering if this guy just thinks himself into a spiral and then has to bail out of his own self-made confusion. probably. it's kind of ironic that denji would give yuji a what-for about not recognizing a dating app, and then blindly set up a "date" with another guy without even considering the possibility it could be taken that way. it's only their frequent interactions and bakugou understanding denji more than others that he's patient enough to let the guy figure it out on his own, rather than snapping at him to spit it out.]
Haa? You think I make people nervous? [that doesn't sound nearly as badass as making people feel awed or intimidated by his awesome presence! also, is bakugou really asking that question? (yes, he is.) the sudden added clarification at the end, however, makes him pause, head twitching back in surprise. wait- did he... oh.] Phht.
[the blonde cracks a half-grin on one side of his face.] That's what you're worried about?
[i might want to get into a relationship with this person and i don't think i'm ready for that.
vs.
i hope he doesn't think i like guys.
bakugou slips his hands into his pockets and uses his elbow to turn off the kitchen light as he heads towards the common area. time to pick out a movie and hope it's something decent.] I didn't think you were for a second. You're always going on about tits and girls.
[unless denji's compensating... or in denial.]
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what followed as a reaction didn't tame his confusion, in fact— it fueled it more. denji tilted his head like a curious feline and stayed quiet; his gaze followed the other boy as he switched off the lights and stepped out of the kitchen. okay, so ... they're cool, right? it's not a date, neither of them had to clarify it nor open this awkward conversation to begin with. it was all a misunderstanding. a few seconds later, he moved towards the counter, picking up the cake he bought, still thinking about the whole thing.
denji never had a positive male influence from a young age, starting with his father who he chose to kill ... whether it was out of fear or malice is unknown in a buried memory of his. the second relationship was with the yakuza who abused his poverty to intimidate a child, going as far as suggesting that denji could sell his own body for money. it's no surprise he grew up with a certain viewpoint on male figures; he felt obligated to openly express that he didn't wish to be touched by them, even going as far as refusing a simple handshake. he'd go around his life obsessing on the idea of intimacy with women, desiring shallow aspects for self-indulgence, barking loudly about what he likes and louder about his dislikes. then enter aki, which is denji's first introduction to a healthy relationship with another male. he learns to trust him and if he dares to admit — love him as a brother. does it fix anything about his disorientated views? not really. denji still struggled to find a middle ground; too weak around a pretty face of a woman and the authority of a man. let's not talk about denji resolve to give a guy sexual favors when he felt desperate enough— that's another fuckery that he still thinks is okay to pull.
with bakugou it's ... something else. something new.
eventually, he joined his partner in the common area and flopped down on the sofa next to him. he placed the sealed cake on the coffee table before them, and added in the plastic plates and forks. listen, he ain't going back in the kitchen to wash more plates. fuck the planet, they're doing plastic. ]
I decided this is a date now.
[ he slapped his hands on each knee and nodded. does he seem confident? surprisingly, yes. does he know why? hell no. he reached for the remote, browsing through the online streaming service as he continued. it was easier to keep his eyes on the screen. ]
I do like girls and I'm not gay. But I asked you out and I wanted that heart on the app ... so we're having a date to get it out of my system. Are you cool with that?
[ at least he's asking for consent ... ]
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bakugou feels more than sees denji's confusion behind him in the kitchen. it's not a date, even though it has the trappings of one and could be logically assumed to be one. they're the ones who decide whether it's a date or just two guys hanging out. after all, neither of them mentioned it being a date during the initial texting, and denji had teased bakugou about even going on dates during the chat mingle. he'd argue it wasn't a misunderstanding, just clarifying what was already ongoing.
conversely, bakugou always had a positive male influence in his life. while his father was there, yeah, the man's kind of a wuss in bakugou's mind, compared to his mother who's as explosively tempered as her son. but it was all might, and other heroes, who bakugou really looked up to and let influence his young life. he saw their power, their success, their valor, and he wanted to be just like them! kicking villain ass, winning praise and adoration for his skill and power, becoming the hero who stood atop the world! ... a lot of that dream has changed definition rather than replaced itself. bakugou learned a lot about what made a hero a hero, saw heroes who were corrupt or heroes who only cared about fame or heroes who were forced to do things they didn't want to do and even heroes who certainly didn't act like heroes in private. and he saw villains who had a point, villains who were only labeled as such, villains who could've been so much better if one thing had gone differently for them. bakugou had to grow up over the year, acknowledge his own weakness and ill-informed childish thoughts about heroes, and reshape himself to become better than even the hero his childhood dreamed himself to be. a lot of that pride and attention is what carries through in this relationship with denji, wanting to watch over the guy and see where he can go if given that positive attention he never got for so long. it's not that he pities denji or even thinks the guy needs to be saved. really, he just wants to help him. all might would.
for denji, that meant being there. and staying there. for denji. because denji's a good guy under that crap. and bakugou kinda doesn't hate his guts and might tolerate being around him. which is one reason why he's sitting down on the couch and letting denji flop beside him with the cake. right, he did buy that thing. it's small, but impressive looking in simple yet impactful way. he really wanted to make this a special time between them, doesn't he. look, plastic isn't a big issue when they have rotting kaiju carcasses floating out in the bay...]
Huh?
[wait, what now? bakugou stares at denji with a weird expression. after ALL THAT, he starts up with a decision this is actually a date?! does he even know what a fucking "date" means?! ... okay, so a date can mean a few things, not all of them romantic, so denji can still escape the reality of dating a guy in THAT way. the half-devil's confidence is forced, but stubborn, and it's as amusing as it is kind of stupid. this is a plow forward with zero thought given to it's long-term results.]
You better not be using me as some damn "practice date" for a girl.
[he doesn't like the idea of being an experiment or a stepping stone. that pride's all bristly about it. especially if he's planning on having a karaoke competition with this guy in the shower. the same guy he's seen taking a bath right next to him. in the personal bath, not the communal one. they just... don't talk about that.]
Hmph. Fine, but you better remember this one as the fucking best.
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he chuckled under his breath, relaxing back on the sofa with a lazy smile. ] ... I've been on dates before coming here.
[ failure after another, but denji had his share of testing the waters with the soft gender. except, every woman that seemed to be interested in him either threw up in his mouth and sexually assaulted him, another tried to kill him, more killing attempts, one was turned into a dog, and then one more sexual assault. not a bright record one might say— traumatizing even, but he didn't need to use bakugou as a stepping stone. more scrolling, and then it slowed down and settled on a new action hit. zombies. let's watch some zombies killing people on this romantic date. it's quite fitting for this city, isn't it?
more importantly, bakugou said 'yes'. it's a bit— surprising, as he was lowkey prepared to defend his argument more only to get acceptance with ease. if he didn't know that guy the way he did, denji would've assumed this was coming off from a place of compassion. however, bakugou would never ever humor him this way. he'd get a flat-out 'fuck off' with a blast to the face if he wasn't ... well, fine with it. okay. not gonna lie, he is flattered. a bit. teeny weeny little bit. ]
I can promise you it's the best fucking date I had so far. It's normal. Normal is not bad in my world.
[ as the movie begins, denji boosts up the volume a touch, not too loud that it would make it hard to have a conversation, setting up the mood of a cinema experience in their humble common area. the everlight base was empty tonight, quiet, with tame lighting. it's those small details that barely caught his attention that are slowly becoming more vivid. hmm. he glanced at bakugou from the corner of his eye, he'd wait for him to notice before he asked. ]
You wanna get cozy? For the movie ...
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that small laugh and denji's recline backwards earns a brief flick from those red eyes.] Doesn't change my comment.
[bakugou still wants to be the best one in denji's mind if they're going to call it a date. is that staking a claim on the other boy? holy fuck, he doesn't know! at least let him be known as the best date and he'll be happy with it. there's no reason he has for trying to off denji either. not that he's going to recognize that strange reality without denji opening up about it.
seriously? he wants to watch zombies? ... well it's action, and this isn't a romantic date, so why the hell not watch zombies get blown to pieces? they just finished destroying a shit ton of sea monsters.
bakugou doesn't want to have a defense argument about the date! he already said yes to it (even if that wasn't the definition of their date back then) and hates being second guessed or challenged after he makes a decision. denji doesn't push for it, something bakugou appreciates about him. he's easy going for the most part, but not in a way that makes bakugou want to manipulate or bully him. denji has his own strength, present and growing, and he's not about to step on it. and if he's honest, the half-devil isn't a bad date to have.]
Must've had some shit dates in your past. Just kick back and watch the movie.
[he's fucking glad for the emptiness. even then, the common room usually sees people watching news or a movie, so it wouldn't be horrible if someone came in and saw. that said, it's only a few seconds before he feels eyes on him and flick his gaze to the side, noticing denji looking at him. his jaw tenses, ready to snap out a "what" before the other boy asks.
c- ... cozy? what the hell kind of question is that? his mind immediately flicks to two interpretations of the meaning, both exemplified by his parents when he was younger and caught them watching a movie together. bleh.]
What d'ya mean by "cozy"?
[because his mind is 1) some clothes come off, or 2) get close together.]
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he didn't understand it, but it was denji feeling safe around someone else. that's what he interpreted as feeling 'good' while in reality, it's him realizing that he can trust this individual. even nayuta, despite how much he loves her, he couldn't drop his guard around the control devil. imagine how exhausting it is— when your body is in a constant fight or flight mode, every breathing second of your day and night, nonstop for years. denji is tired. he's tired all the time. it's evident in his slow speech, hunched form, and airy stares. it took him a while, whether bakugou was aware of it or not, but it was only recently he noticed himself - acting different when they're together. as if he was not afraid anymore. it started from the night when the hero agreed to prepare a bath for him, from the second denji felt it's okay to strip bare— because it's safe. perhaps that act isn't significant, even to denji at the time, but it was the pinpoint of where he crossed and pushed aside those heavy weights.
bakugou is his safe space, too. ]
Relaaaax. I come in peace.
[ guy to guy communication. in other words, he understood bakugou's demand for clarification on the spot. he didn't forget about the other's critique of denji's idea of a date, not surprised the golden boy has strict demands. shifting a bit, he reached over to the blanket resting on the sofa's arm, dragging it along as he moved closer to the other. the seating was big enough to accommodate a group of four, and denji speaks from experience during everlight's group activities and other movie nights, so it looked kinda ridiculous to have such a gap between two people on a date. plus, it's cold in here. the heating system apparently can only focus on one task and it decided to keep the waters warm and nothing else. ]
Hold this.
[ he gestures for bakugou to grab their cake so he can toss the blanket around them both, burying their bodies from the chest down under the thick fabric. denji settled in, sinking into the soft cushion of the sofa behind him, side by side with bakugou— with their arms lightly pressing against each other whenever one moved. there. cozy.
he then grabs his plate, already digging his fork into the fluffy sponge, eager for a taste. ] Don't fall asleep. I know you love to go to bed early but we're watching the whole thing on our date.
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someday, if they get into each other's backgrounds, he'll understand more why denji looks so haggard at the time. bakugou won't say he has an "easy" life either, putting so much effort and focus on his training as a hero, and then all the decidedly-non-school issues all for one, the league of villains, and others have placed upon what should've been a bunch of young students' normal school year. none of them entered u.a.'s gates that year thinking they'd be fighting for their nation's survival in a massive civil war by the end of said year. yet here, things are slower, and in this little pocket, bakugou can finally rest for a while. he trusts denji to be that safe space. even if he won't say it. because ugh... saying it.]
Urusei. [don't mock him with that "come in peace" line. you know he was going to question it the second you said 'get cozy' to the world's prickliest grenade! besides, denji's never struck him as an overly physical person either. at least not off the bat with new people. of which... the two of them are neither of those two each other. is this a critique of denji's dating? not really. bakugou just doesn't like getting close to people in general. he's not a touchy feely kind of guy. a few scant exceptions existing. usually by people who earned them. as denji pulls at the blanket and scoots closer to him, bakugou doesn't lean away or growl at him. looks like the half-devils's one of the few who earned that exception. really, the only reason for the gap previously was the understood reality that someone coming in and seeing them sitting side by side under a blanket would definitely construe an assumption neither of them (apparently) want.]
Don't order me around. [and yet bakugou still holds the cake box, lifting it up overhead when the blanket gets tossed over his body. arms free from the covering, he lets it settle around his chest, then kicks his legs up onto the ottoman in front of them, leaving his slips on the floor for the time being. as denji settles in beside him, bakugou lower his arms and rests the cake box on his lap, not minding the occasional bump of shoulder and arm against the other boy. it's instantly warmer. a welcome warmth in the cold weather.
after that, it's just a matter of flicking open the cake box and then digging in with his fork. bakugou eyes the piece, less out of judgement and more simple curiosity as to what denji picked out. then takes the bite.] I've never fallen asleep watching a movie. Brat.
[coupled with a brief jab of his elbow into denji's ribs for daring to suggest he might.]
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he smiled at that playful jab, watching as the hero examined the offered cake. ] It tastes like you're taking a bite from a cloud. Honestly, worth the wait.
[ more sugar, but not too scikly sweet. it melts on your tongue with ease and certainly compliments the hearty meal they had a few minutes earlier. denji's toes curl in a subtle display of pure delight. it's yummy-licious! bakugou is free to indulge or decide he's not a fan, there's no pressure in this one. as for the movie, it starts with a typical day in the life, the characters' introduction, and all the false happiness that's about to be crushed by the undead. denji stayed quiet, oddly attentive even in the 'boring' scenes. he made no effort to start a conversation with the other, nor did he seem annoyed if there was any attempt from bakugou's side— but it's clear he was into it. it was a typical zombie flick, nothing too in-depth but it's a fun watch for those who enjoy action sequences, mild horror, and gory scenes.
they are halfway through the screening and denji's cake is long gone, blissfully full, and satisfied for the night. somehow he ended up sinking even further into the cushions with his legs stretched over the ottoman, idly swaying his foot to nudge bakugou's from time to time. he didn't give a fuck even if a kaiju bust in here, he's too comfortable to ever move from this spot now. they enter act two when the average salesman dad is suddenly some kung-fu zombie killing machine, ready to take down more. listen, it's funny and stupid, denji knows, but fucking entertaining regardless. it's one of those movies.
eventually, he does end up breaking his own rule of 'no talking during the movie'. after all, this is meant to be a special night so he doesn't plan to be too strict. ]
Oh yeah. I need to impress my date, right? [ he didn't wait for bakugou to answer, instead he cleared his throat and ran with it. ] I killed the zombie devil once, you know. You might think it would be strong since a lot of people are scared of zombies, but it was weak. Sliced him down like a cherry tomato.
[ he turns his head to glance at his partner. ] Are you impressed?
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she's not here. cake and denji are. he slips the piece into his mouth, chewing it as his tongue samples the flavors. saying it's a bite of a cloud is overdoing it with the flowery language, but it fits denji's innocent love and praise of good food. because it is good. the flavors are nice, even if it's a little more on the sweet side than bakugo would pick. it's not overpowering, which makes it pleasant, and the way it melts on his tongue is a surprisingly interesting sensation for a store-bought cake. light enough not to make the katsudon from earlier turn into a gut bomb. he presses it against his palate with his tongue, then swallows after a few chews. mah, if he had to get a cake, he wouldn't mind picking this kind up. might check the box before throwing it away to get the name and brand for future reference. certainly contrasts the action and gore of a zombie movie.
bakugo's not a proponent of gore despite threatening to 'splatter' his opponents in those wild threats of his. but it doesn't gross him out either. zombie movies make it more tolerable as well, since it's dead people ripping apart dead people. mostly. some of it's ridiculous enough to snirk at. he glances down when denji's foot brushes against his own under the blanket, but doesn't respond otherwise. unless he does it again, then he'll nudge him back like a brat. wanna start something?
when the salesmen turns into a martial arts prodigy against the zombies, that gets a snort of amusement from him. hey, he can appreciate a martial arts film, and getting that flavor in this ridiculous film pushes it over the edge into stupid fun territory. somehow made more acceptable since he's watching it with denji. who finally breaks the rule and talks during the film. initially bakugo's ready to tell him to shut his mouth, but the idea of "impressing" his date piques his curiosity.
it's equally ridiculous, but strangely
cutecharming when denji prides his story on taking out a zombie devil. he scoffs at the question as he sinks down in the warmth of the couch and blanket.] You admit you killed a lame ass wuss of a devil and want me to be impressed? [bakugo rolls his head to the side to look at denji with a wry face.] The cake was more impressive. [could be taunting him, could be truthful.] You've killed more dangerous things than a zombie devil.(no subject)
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