[ 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.
[ the little bickering of their feet under the blanket wasn't more than a playful gesture, and he would only do it to get the hero's attention when a dumb scene earns a scoff out of denji, a quiet 'look at this bullshit' and at time, bakugou did match the energy. this is a safe sign that they are both enjoying the movie, which is a win. that alone marks this night as a successful date, doesn't it? it didn't need to be so complicated. this is just fine, if not — perfect. ]
Oh ... [ well, bakugou made a smart remark. if he wanted to impress him, he should've lied and referred to the zombie devil as this ridiculously strong beast and hyped himself out. he could, but — with a tired sigh, he didn't have it in him to lie. especially to bakugou. ] ... the cake was more impressive. Hmm, you got a point there.
[ 'You've killed more dangerous things than a zombie devil.' ah. that's ... true, isn't it? while he's certain the hero is referring to the recent kaiju attack and the strength of those orcas, denji found himself reflecting on the past instead. it's weird, and it's not coming from a place of lacking confidence in himself, but the word 'killed' is more graphic than 'defeated', and with it comes — pride in that achievement. denji has failed many times, and he often dwells on those realities, but he also killed powerful devils. bakugou probably had no intent to boost anyone's ego here, but he will fucking take it that way because he's allowed to feel good about himself. besides, denji could use a bit of a boost, and inject his brain with a 'can do' attitude since a tricky devil is lurking in the neo city along his side. doing what? who knows? she's always up to something ...
he relaxed his head back, tipping his chin upward so he could regard the other boy. his lashes lower a bit, too comfortable to waste energy stressing over makima right now. he'll leave that fun session when he's alone in bed. for now, all he cares about is dynamight. ] I don't mind killing dangerous things. Show me the enemy and I will kill it. What I struggle with ... is finding out who is the enemy. Who to trust. I'm not smart like that.
[ uneducated, desperate, and naive — perfect prey for manipulation and devils had a special skill in toying with emotions like this. at times he questioned himself if he could ever build any genuine relationship with anyone. did he deserve to have that type of intimacy whether it was romantic or platonic? everyone around him is either killed by something or by his own hands. all roads end in death, and he's alone. he's so lonely; struggling to cope that he might have to always choose between happiness and the safety of others. having both seems like an impossible dream. ]
I trust you, though.
[ truly an impossible dream ... that he will stupidly pursue whenever someone shows him a hint of kindness. even if all devils in hell and earth riot against him, he will always try to have the freedom to decide his own fate. makima is here and her goals are the same— but should he cower away when he's this close to human contact? it was hard to be cautious when bakugou is this close to him. ]
You keep calling me shitty names, and you're too loud and you look super mad all the time, but you always helped me out. I learned you're honest. I like honest people ...
[the movie doesn't suck. it's mindless fun and sometimes you have to go for something like that to wipe everything else away. for all the impressive feats bakugou can claim, he's still a teenager and should probably be told to ease up a bit more and do normal teenager things. apparently going on a date with denji is normal teenage thing enough to see him sitting here, watching the screen, eating cake, and sharing a blanket with another boy while occasionally dealing with physical banter.
yeah, definitely should've have sold himself strong rather than bragging about beating a weak devil. that's not gonna get anyone staring in awe. especially someone like bakugou, who demands some HIGH STATUS feats to earn his non-communicated impressed. not that he expects denji to lie about this, and that tired sigh says a lot about the guy. the fact denji wanted to do this, went shopping, bought cake, helped in the kitchen, cleaned, all of this, and still minded bakugou's preferences in the whole night, is impressive enough for the blonde. it's why he's sitting here on the couch with him.] You don't have to push yourself tonight.
[no need to impress his date. no need to puff himself up. bakugou is half commenting on the shachimon they faced earlier, but also commenting on devils he's sure denji has fought and killed in his own world. the guy's battling style, the flexibility with his devil powers, things he's said... denji's not someone who was yanked here after he stumbled upon his half-devil self. he's fought, dealt with things, earned that tired look in his eyes and dead zone towards the world. the half-devil's seen some shit. the reason bakugou used the word "killed" rather than "defeated" (like some would expect a hero to do) is because he knows denji's not taking those chainsaws to devils and politely avoiding their vitals. in denji's world, that's the same as a hero taking down a villain and carting their lame criminal asses off to jail. he deserves the recognition for his accomplishments.]
Hn. You can't always rely on intelligence to know who to trust. Sometimes you have to say "fuck it" and go with your instinct. [denji's admission is quiet and simple, perhaps a naive downplay on his own damaged state and stunted learning. a street kid, a used tool, a lonely boy... how do you learn to trust when it's you against the world? some people throw caution to the wind and naively trust everyone in the hopes it'll work out this time. some people slam the walls shut and never let anyone close to avoid the risk of trusting badly again. knowing who to trust is hard sometimes. bakugou can't and won't demand denji improve that notion. he would obviously like it if the guy wouldn't get manipulated, would yell at him for trusting the wrong person even as he saved the half-devil from said person... but there's one truth that can be pulled from that notion of trust.
i trust you, though.
whether it's by instinct, development, or intelligence, bakugou can't say for denji. perhaps it's all of them. he turns his head slightly, looking at the other boy with a quiet expression. growing up, bakugou thought all heroes were trusted on principle, that he could expect every civilian to trust him because he's a strong hero and proved him with results... but after entering u.a., after seeing the world breaking up as hero society shook and crumbled from the relentless attacks... he learned how fragile that trust actually is. someone could call you the greatest hero one day, but tomorrow, curse you for falling below their expectations and betraying their trust. it's stupid, but that's a reality bakugou's faced in his world. so much more complex than his big-boy-in-a-small-town brain used to think.
it's because of that, when denji says "i trust you," it hits him a lot harder. because bakugou believes him. even if denji has trouble with being too trusting out of stupidity, naivety, desperation, and whatever else, bakugou realizes he doesn't ever want to betray this guy's trust. doesn't ever want to see denji look at him with disappointment. that would be a monumental failure, a loss the young hero has no intention of ever allowing to happen.] Hmph...
[bakugou watches those tawny eyes for a few more seconds, then turns back to the television.] Thanks.
[it's quiet, sincere, and totally ignores denji listing off three bads and a good. brat. the only thing he takes from that is this...] I like you too.
[ and yet, he's not really dismissing bakugou's advice, it was more of him making light of his past traumas for the sake of not ruining the vibe. it's their night; the hero will have a bigger part in his life soon, but not right now. there is a time and place to unload all his anxieties on the other.
when bakugou turned to look at him, denji felt a bit strange, almost nervous. it's not his first time getting in the hero's face, often to annoy him or try to be obnoxious, or when dynamight loses his temper and gives him a closeup yelling session— they've been at it for a while, but why did bakugou look different all of a sudden? first of all, he's not scowling; this might be denji's first time seeing an expression this soft, eyebrows relaxed and gaze is not as narrow. the red hues compliment the blonde lashes, almost sedating him with their depth, and most of all ... denji knew he was being heard. every word he uttered was taken to heart. when bakugou broke it off and opted to regard the screen instead, denji let out a suppressed exhale, shoulders dropping. what was that?! a thank you followed, and then a confession that he had heard before but not in that tone. it wasn't empty words. they are a manifestation of numerous acts that carried their sincerity. the hero proved it in his actions before using his tongue and that made it more powerful.
to bakugou's luck, he didn't say anything. he did smile, however. one that echoes more curiosity than resolve; a perfect reflection of how he's embracing all these new emotions. they are welcomed and yet remain an enigma. they both return to the movie for a good fifteen minutes as the plotline advances. denji is attentive to the screen, not willing to distract his partner more. was he paying attention? yes and no. he was steadily losing interest in the movie and it had nothing to do with him finding it tedious; it's just he found himself being aware of the light touch of their shoulders from time to time. that feeling is familiar, that warmth — the thrill of it. the excitement.
ah, okay. this is certainly new. he felt like he'd been reciting that thought repeatedly throughout the night with every step. it was just one surprise after another, wasn't it?
they continue watching the movie, and denji intends to keep it to himself until the final big boss battle between the corporate dad and the big zombie baddie. it was silly enough to tame those butterflies, and it prompted a few chuckles out of him. the foolery cleared his head, and he flexed his arms forward, slipping back to their usual chemistry. ]
Tell me, hero. How should 'the best date ever' end?
[ between one side holding up high standards and the other has zero to none — they need to find a middle ground. a compromise to please both parties. ]
[sometimes intelligence is the one to follow, but sometimes instincts are the way to go. denji probably has some jacked up instincts as well, clashing between survivalist and wanting acceptance. that could make for some insane instinctive tug of wars between the two distinct sides. at some point, denji's going to unload on him; he can predict that well enough. depending on when and where will depend on the reaction the half-devil gets.
bakugou's as apt to look someone in the face when talking to them as he is to ignore them entirely while mouthing off. though he's also 100% the person to yell if someone doesn't look at him while addressing him, cause RUDE. then again, denji's right about the number of times he's seen the blonde's face in various states of yelling at him or glaring at him for one thing or another. though he's also seen bakugou contemplative as he works on a task, to say nothing of his usual scowling RBF. this time, he's looking at denji so the half-devil knows he's listening. he wants to see it in denji's face that he's being acknowledged, words are taken in and valued rather than simply passed over as nothing. it's not completely surprising to see that flicker of unfamiliarity in the other boy's eyes when he realizes that. bakugou wonders how many times in denji's life has someone actually listened to him with the intent to acknowledge what he says is worth keeping. no clue, no answer, but he can at least do that for him. even as he looks away and thanks him for his words, ultimately culminating in a quiet confession of some feelings, it's because bakugou trusts denji to listen to him too. and understand the underlying mass that conveys in those few words.
bakugou's always held actions over words, accepting words are important most of the time, but can mean shit if they're not backed up by actions. plus words are often annoying, embarrassing to say when an action can just as easily (or should just as easily) convey what the words say. part of it is bakugou's tough guy image, not wanting to verbalize things that make him look soft or vulnerable, both of which convey "weakness" to his mind and not something he wants other people thinking of him. even if that's toxic masculinity and irrational. it's the way he grew up. with denji, he doesn't have to say things, isn't pestered to vocalize what the other boy can pick up on from his actions. that makes bakugou feel safer, more comfortable, and enables him to actually say things like this because he trusts denji not to look down on him for doing so, or annoy him by demanding more.
right. the movie. yeah, it's happening. it's not bad. but bakugou's more focused on denji. the warmth between them, the occasional touch, the fact they're still together under the blanket. he hasn't done this since he was fucking... 5 or something.
but the movie's ending finally prompts him to push the thoughts to the side and move the now-empty cake box to the couch arm, blanket falling away to his waist in the process. mah, the warmth is missed already, but it's not like he's going to fall asleep on the couch beside denji, right?
oh, that question. bakugou's arrested by it, blinking once. like, his brain immediately goes to the stupid movie version of ending a date, since his mom forced him to watch a handful of them with her when he was younger. that's... embarrassing and awkward as fuck, and denji's not gay. duh. but just "bye" and walking off sounds like a dump he doesn't think either of them want to endure. because it wasn't a bad date. so what would cap this off perfectly? dinner. movie. dessert.]
[ bakugou moved, denji didn't — instead he watched the other boy sit up a bit, instantly hating the cool breeze that slipped between them as a reminder of the empty room that awaits him. to be honest, this is his first time surviving a date to this stage without any dilemmas, and that alone made him excited. he knew it was probably not a big deal to many, having two people enjoy a yummy meal, watch a movie, and end up having fun— it's not a marriage proposal but this is something he never had. it made him feel like a teen. a normal teen. human. denji was more attentive, more relaxed, watching bakugou contemplate an answer with curious eyes.
plan the next one? another date. the hero is asking for another one.
that's when he joined the other, pulling himself out of his cozy cocoon and sitting up a bit. he reached for the remote, lowering the volume as the credits played out, stripping them of any form of distraction. besides, it will help them to figure out when they're no longer alone; easier to hear the door slam and approaching footsteps. denji didn't give a fuck but he knew his partner is more — reserved. ]
Alright. Um ... next Friday. After work.
[ they know each other's shifts and their day off falls on a normal weekend for a change. since all he had to do was give a time and a date, denji left it at that. a direct answer. what they will do on that second date is unknown but he trusts by then he should figure it out and maybe - understand what he wants. okay, wait— did he actually have a decent date? let that sink in for a fucking second. denji didn't even realize this entire time he was lowkey waiting for something bad to happen, and now that it's reaching an end and they agreed to do this again ... he's supposed to go back to his room and call it a night? leave on a high note. leave when they both yearn for more instead of being glad it's over. bakugou's right; this is the perfect way to end a perfect date.
he's right. but- what if? ]
How about a hug? for a 'good night'.
[ it's not a kiss, nothing too lewd, yet somehow far more intimate than an ass squeeze. it can be that bad and it can be totally innocent, and denji likes to believe he's doing it more to tame his craving for that closeness that he's been deprived of. plus, a nice treat for pochita. the pup sure loves hugs and this is his first successful date, too. right, it would be a bit uncomfortable with both of them sitting down on the sofa, and as much as he hates it, he pushed the blanket off him completely and stood up. fuck, his icy room will be hell tonight, more reason to torment bakugou with this request.
he spreads his arms wide open, half-smirking with a playful taunt. honestly? he won't be mad if bakugou flipped him off. the air is light, and there are no hard feelings. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
... 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 ...
no subject
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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.]
no subject
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?
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.]
no subject
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?
no subject
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.]
no subject
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? ]
no subject
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.]
no subject
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 ... ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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 ...
no subject
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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.]
no subject
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?
no subject
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
Oh ... [ well, bakugou made a smart remark. if he wanted to impress him, he should've lied and referred to the zombie devil as this ridiculously strong beast and hyped himself out. he could, but — with a tired sigh, he didn't have it in him to lie. especially to bakugou. ] ... the cake was more impressive. Hmm, you got a point there.
[ 'You've killed more dangerous things than a zombie devil.' ah. that's ... true, isn't it? while he's certain the hero is referring to the recent kaiju attack and the strength of those orcas, denji found himself reflecting on the past instead. it's weird, and it's not coming from a place of lacking confidence in himself, but the word 'killed' is more graphic than 'defeated', and with it comes — pride in that achievement. denji has failed many times, and he often dwells on those realities, but he also killed powerful devils. bakugou probably had no intent to boost anyone's ego here, but he will fucking take it that way because he's allowed to feel good about himself. besides, denji could use a bit of a boost, and inject his brain with a 'can do' attitude since a tricky devil is lurking in the neo city along his side. doing what? who knows? she's always up to something ...
he relaxed his head back, tipping his chin upward so he could regard the other boy. his lashes lower a bit, too comfortable to waste energy stressing over makima right now. he'll leave that fun session when he's alone in bed. for now, all he cares about is dynamight. ] I don't mind killing dangerous things. Show me the enemy and I will kill it. What I struggle with ... is finding out who is the enemy. Who to trust. I'm not smart like that.
[ uneducated, desperate, and naive — perfect prey for manipulation and devils had a special skill in toying with emotions like this. at times he questioned himself if he could ever build any genuine relationship with anyone. did he deserve to have that type of intimacy whether it was romantic or platonic? everyone around him is either killed by something or by his own hands. all roads end in death, and he's alone. he's so lonely; struggling to cope that he might have to always choose between happiness and the safety of others. having both seems like an impossible dream. ]
I trust you, though.
[ truly an impossible dream ... that he will stupidly pursue whenever someone shows him a hint of kindness. even if all devils in hell and earth riot against him, he will always try to have the freedom to decide his own fate. makima is here and her goals are the same— but should he cower away when he's this close to human contact? it was hard to be cautious when bakugou is this close to him. ]
You keep calling me shitty names, and you're too loud and you look super mad all the time, but you always helped me out. I learned you're honest. I like honest people ...
no subject
yeah, definitely should've have sold himself strong rather than bragging about beating a weak devil. that's not gonna get anyone staring in awe. especially someone like bakugou, who demands some HIGH STATUS feats to earn his non-communicated impressed. not that he expects denji to lie about this, and that tired sigh says a lot about the guy. the fact denji wanted to do this, went shopping, bought cake, helped in the kitchen, cleaned, all of this, and still minded bakugou's preferences in the whole night, is impressive enough for the blonde. it's why he's sitting here on the couch with him.] You don't have to push yourself tonight.
[no need to impress his date. no need to puff himself up. bakugou is half commenting on the shachimon they faced earlier, but also commenting on devils he's sure denji has fought and killed in his own world. the guy's battling style, the flexibility with his devil powers, things he's said... denji's not someone who was yanked here after he stumbled upon his half-devil self. he's fought, dealt with things, earned that tired look in his eyes and dead zone towards the world. the half-devil's seen some shit. the reason bakugou used the word "killed" rather than "defeated" (like some would expect a hero to do) is because he knows denji's not taking those chainsaws to devils and politely avoiding their vitals. in denji's world, that's the same as a hero taking down a villain and carting their lame criminal asses off to jail. he deserves the recognition for his accomplishments.]
Hn. You can't always rely on intelligence to know who to trust. Sometimes you have to say "fuck it" and go with your instinct. [denji's admission is quiet and simple, perhaps a naive downplay on his own damaged state and stunted learning. a street kid, a used tool, a lonely boy... how do you learn to trust when it's you against the world? some people throw caution to the wind and naively trust everyone in the hopes it'll work out this time. some people slam the walls shut and never let anyone close to avoid the risk of trusting badly again. knowing who to trust is hard sometimes. bakugou can't and won't demand denji improve that notion. he would obviously like it if the guy wouldn't get manipulated, would yell at him for trusting the wrong person even as he saved the half-devil from said person... but there's one truth that can be pulled from that notion of trust.
i trust you, though.
whether it's by instinct, development, or intelligence, bakugou can't say for denji. perhaps it's all of them. he turns his head slightly, looking at the other boy with a quiet expression. growing up, bakugou thought all heroes were trusted on principle, that he could expect every civilian to trust him because he's a strong hero and proved him with results... but after entering u.a., after seeing the world breaking up as hero society shook and crumbled from the relentless attacks... he learned how fragile that trust actually is. someone could call you the greatest hero one day, but tomorrow, curse you for falling below their expectations and betraying their trust. it's stupid, but that's a reality bakugou's faced in his world. so much more complex than his big-boy-in-a-small-town brain used to think.
it's because of that, when denji says "i trust you," it hits him a lot harder. because bakugou believes him. even if denji has trouble with being too trusting out of stupidity, naivety, desperation, and whatever else, bakugou realizes he doesn't ever want to betray this guy's trust. doesn't ever want to see denji look at him with disappointment. that would be a monumental failure, a loss the young hero has no intention of ever allowing to happen.] Hmph...
[bakugou watches those tawny eyes for a few more seconds, then turns back to the television.] Thanks.
[it's quiet, sincere, and totally ignores denji listing off three bads and a good. brat. the only thing he takes from that is this...] I like you too.
[and you're fucking DEAD if you say something!]
no subject
[ and yet, he's not really dismissing bakugou's advice, it was more of him making light of his past traumas for the sake of not ruining the vibe. it's their night; the hero will have a bigger part in his life soon, but not right now. there is a time and place to unload all his anxieties on the other.
when bakugou turned to look at him, denji felt a bit strange, almost nervous. it's not his first time getting in the hero's face, often to annoy him or try to be obnoxious, or when dynamight loses his temper and gives him a closeup yelling session— they've been at it for a while, but why did bakugou look different all of a sudden? first of all, he's not scowling; this might be denji's first time seeing an expression this soft, eyebrows relaxed and gaze is not as narrow. the red hues compliment the blonde lashes, almost sedating him with their depth, and most of all ... denji knew he was being heard. every word he uttered was taken to heart. when bakugou broke it off and opted to regard the screen instead, denji let out a suppressed exhale, shoulders dropping. what was that?! a thank you followed, and then a confession that he had heard before but not in that tone. it wasn't empty words. they are a manifestation of numerous acts that carried their sincerity. the hero proved it in his actions before using his tongue and that made it more powerful.
to bakugou's luck, he didn't say anything. he did smile, however. one that echoes more curiosity than resolve; a perfect reflection of how he's embracing all these new emotions. they are welcomed and yet remain an enigma. they both return to the movie for a good fifteen minutes as the plotline advances. denji is attentive to the screen, not willing to distract his partner more. was he paying attention? yes and no. he was steadily losing interest in the movie and it had nothing to do with him finding it tedious; it's just he found himself being aware of the light touch of their shoulders from time to time. that feeling is familiar, that warmth — the thrill of it. the excitement.
ah, okay. this is certainly new. he felt like he'd been reciting that thought repeatedly throughout the night with every step. it was just one surprise after another, wasn't it?
they continue watching the movie, and denji intends to keep it to himself until the final big boss battle between the corporate dad and the big zombie baddie. it was silly enough to tame those butterflies, and it prompted a few chuckles out of him. the foolery cleared his head, and he flexed his arms forward, slipping back to their usual chemistry. ]
Tell me, hero. How should 'the best date ever' end?
[ between one side holding up high standards and the other has zero to none — they need to find a middle ground. a compromise to please both parties. ]
no subject
[sometimes intelligence is the one to follow, but sometimes instincts are the way to go. denji probably has some jacked up instincts as well, clashing between survivalist and wanting acceptance. that could make for some insane instinctive tug of wars between the two distinct sides. at some point, denji's going to unload on him; he can predict that well enough. depending on when and where will depend on the reaction the half-devil gets.
bakugou's as apt to look someone in the face when talking to them as he is to ignore them entirely while mouthing off. though he's also 100% the person to yell if someone doesn't look at him while addressing him, cause RUDE. then again, denji's right about the number of times he's seen the blonde's face in various states of yelling at him or glaring at him for one thing or another. though he's also seen bakugou contemplative as he works on a task, to say nothing of his usual scowling RBF. this time, he's looking at denji so the half-devil knows he's listening. he wants to see it in denji's face that he's being acknowledged, words are taken in and valued rather than simply passed over as nothing. it's not completely surprising to see that flicker of unfamiliarity in the other boy's eyes when he realizes that. bakugou wonders how many times in denji's life has someone actually listened to him with the intent to acknowledge what he says is worth keeping. no clue, no answer, but he can at least do that for him. even as he looks away and thanks him for his words, ultimately culminating in a quiet confession of some feelings, it's because bakugou trusts denji to listen to him too. and understand the underlying mass that conveys in those few words.
bakugou's always held actions over words, accepting words are important most of the time, but can mean shit if they're not backed up by actions. plus words are often annoying, embarrassing to say when an action can just as easily (or should just as easily) convey what the words say. part of it is bakugou's tough guy image, not wanting to verbalize things that make him look soft or vulnerable, both of which convey "weakness" to his mind and not something he wants other people thinking of him. even if that's toxic masculinity and irrational. it's the way he grew up. with denji, he doesn't have to say things, isn't pestered to vocalize what the other boy can pick up on from his actions. that makes bakugou feel safer, more comfortable, and enables him to actually say things like this because he trusts denji not to look down on him for doing so, or annoy him by demanding more.
right. the movie. yeah, it's happening. it's not bad. but bakugou's more focused on denji. the warmth between them, the occasional touch, the fact they're still together under the blanket. he hasn't done this since he was fucking... 5 or something.
but the movie's ending finally prompts him to push the thoughts to the side and move the now-empty cake box to the couch arm, blanket falling away to his waist in the process. mah, the warmth is missed already, but it's not like he's going to fall asleep on the couch beside denji, right?
oh, that question. bakugou's arrested by it, blinking once. like, his brain immediately goes to the stupid movie version of ending a date, since his mom forced him to watch a handful of them with her when he was younger. that's... embarrassing and awkward as fuck, and denji's not gay. duh. but just "bye" and walking off sounds like a dump he doesn't think either of them want to endure. because it wasn't a bad date. so what would cap this off perfectly? dinner. movie. dessert.]
Pick a time for the next one.
no subject
plan the next one? another date. the hero is asking for another one.
that's when he joined the other, pulling himself out of his cozy cocoon and sitting up a bit. he reached for the remote, lowering the volume as the credits played out, stripping them of any form of distraction. besides, it will help them to figure out when they're no longer alone; easier to hear the door slam and approaching footsteps. denji didn't give a fuck but he knew his partner is more — reserved. ]
Alright. Um ... next Friday. After work.
[ they know each other's shifts and their day off falls on a normal weekend for a change. since all he had to do was give a time and a date, denji left it at that. a direct answer. what they will do on that second date is unknown but he trusts by then he should figure it out and maybe - understand what he wants. okay, wait— did he actually have a decent date? let that sink in for a fucking second. denji didn't even realize this entire time he was lowkey waiting for something bad to happen, and now that it's reaching an end and they agreed to do this again ... he's supposed to go back to his room and call it a night? leave on a high note. leave when they both yearn for more instead of being glad it's over. bakugou's right; this is the perfect way to end a perfect date.
he's right. but- what if? ]
How about a hug? for a 'good night'.
[ it's not a kiss, nothing too lewd, yet somehow far more intimate than an ass squeeze. it can be that bad and it can be totally innocent, and denji likes to believe he's doing it more to tame his craving for that closeness that he's been deprived of. plus, a nice treat for pochita. the pup sure loves hugs and this is his first successful date, too. right, it would be a bit uncomfortable with both of them sitting down on the sofa, and as much as he hates it, he pushed the blanket off him completely and stood up. fuck, his icy room will be hell tonight, more reason to torment bakugou with this request.
he spreads his arms wide open, half-smirking with a playful taunt. honestly? he won't be mad if bakugou flipped him off. the air is light, and there are no hard feelings. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)