[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. ]
[this is the first time bakugou's ever had a date. the idea of it has always been "stupid" to him. he's never been one to think much about spending time with someone else. certainly not like this. dates were "sappy" and "annoying" things that intruded on schedules and work that's more important. but now his very first date is coming to a close and... he can't say he disliked it at all. maybe it's due to denji being the one he dated. which is kind of fucking weird, since while he doesn't have a problem with it, he never thought his first date would be with another boy. denji did agree this was a date. that doesn't mean it has to be romantic though. even if they certainly did... do some things people might consider romantic. he shoves the ideas out of his head.
after all, more important things are happening. in that they need to plan the second one. there were other ideas for how to end their date, stick it with that 'perfect' ending bakugou would demand of himself. but only one things is safe enough to be said without turning weird, awkward, cheesy, disappointing, rushing, or a host of other negatives. they finished one. what better thing to do than to ask for another one?
denji doesn't just accept and leave bakugou the onus of picking. he takes initiative and offers the date and time. that takes a lot of pressure off the hero and he silently appreciates that. even if denji follows him in things plenty of times, he's not weak. making his own decisions and stating his own preferences. bakugou likes that about him. so yeah... this definitely works.]
All right.
[yeah. they work in the same place. sometime they're on the same shift, same beat, same route, sometimes they're split up, but always together at the start and end of the day. the occasional weird requirement shaking up that norm. bakugou likewise doesn't think it important to decide what they're going to do and where they're going to go right now for the second date. that's something they can think about as the week trucks on and then either talk about it when it happens, or perhaps discuss it over the week via calls or if grabbing lunch together. guess it's good to have a reason to talk to someone, rather than waiting for them to get out of the awkward stage and spit it out.]
Haa? [wait, he thought this was done! and now denji's right there... asking for a hug. (who the fuck's comparing a hug to an ass squeeze?) half of bakugou's face creases in a "the hell?" sort of expression, confused and unsure at the same time. his own mother has a hard enough time trying to hug her son without the bristly kid ducking and worming out of the way like a yelling rat. but kirishima's been given silent permission to drop his elbow on bakugou's shoulder without getting blasted in the face for it, and can even put his arm around the blonde safely. one of the few people who can. because bakugou trusts him and is comfortable around him enough to permit it.
now denji's asking for a hug. standing there with his arms open and that little look on his face. teasing him? no. bakugou pushes himself up, catching and tossing the blanket back onto the couch. couldn't have asked for this while they were on the couch so he could get away with a shoulder bump or something, could he. tch, bastard... there are very few people he's ever hugged in his life. each time for a reason.]
Che. [denji gets flipped off, bakugou's hand curled upward by his hip in a middle-finger spearing jut. before he leans forward and wraps an arm around the other boy's body. head turned to the side slightly, eyes definitely aimed somewhere else, scowling face a bit pink, definitely noticing denji is taller than him, a warm and solid body under that shirt.] Dumbass.
[ he kept those arms still, smile steady and not a hint of doubt on sight. the middle finger is expected, and it made his lips curl up some more and kept reaching out for him despite the hesitation behind bakugou's scowl. he won't stop until he hears a solid 'no' but luckily the hero didn't keep him waiting for long, and that's when it started getting — interesting.
bakugou complied, and he watched him step closer, one arm holding into him before his own could do anything. he found himself thinking (his brain is truly working overtime tonight. fucking hell), but shut it off before the thoughts had any influence on him, he would leave that for later. denji knows they will harass him when there's nothing around him but silence, and that's fine. other priorities took the lead and he finally relaxed, moving his arms around a foreign body, far too callous unlike nayuta and pochita's more delicate frame. he lowers his head so he could rest it against bakugou's; one arm curled around his shoulders, and the other settled on the center of his back, trapping him into the embrace — and it was a strong one from the start, firm, bodies pressed against each other.
there is a sense of familiarity in it ... as if it wasn't their first time at all. as if denji knew where to position his arms, comfortable with the other's body against his own. a hug between old friends. it's subtle, the way denji's breathing slowed down until his chest raised and fell in a quiet sigh. it lingered for a bit, and he closed his eyes, taking in another inhale before he urged himself not to push his luck. he was careful with his hands, more careful with his footing, careful not to make it too invasive. well, that was the plan. he likes to believe he did just fine to tame his curiosity while respecting bakugou's boundaries until it was time to break it off— and that's when he relaxed his arms, unmindful of the manner his hands slipped lower and traced along bakugou's, hmm, oddly slim waist before he let him go.
was it intentional? honestly, no. even denji didn't expect himself to do it but he's certainly had no fucking problem staring the other down with an inappropriately relaxed half-smile. an expression that was hard to read, because he wasn't fucking thinking about anything, head empty. aside from the simple, single-brain cell realization of being ... intrigued. ]
Good night, Katsuki. This is, without any doubt, the best date I ever had.
[ he's not asking the hero to return the gesture, he's fine with anything coming his way from the long list of 'chainsaw' related nicknames. denji is just that pleased.
[interesting. it's not the word he would have used to describe the feeling. awkward is more like it... and yet, bakugou can't find it in himself to hate the feeling. this is the young man who dodges and yells at his classmates' attempts to smack christmas sweaters or hats on his head during the holiday, who even arches and ducks out of his own mother and father's attempts to hug him as he headed off to the new dorms before a national war. and yet, denji's embracing him and bakugou... he's certainly not pushing him off. obviously, since he was the one who accepted the invitation and implemented the embrace.
he'll be thinking about this later. the feeling of denji's body against his own. strong muscle on his chest, the pleasant v of a well-formed torso beneath his arm, solid shoulders and warmth radiating from the half-devil's core he hasn't felt anywhere else. the truly oddest part is when denji simply drops his head against bakugou's own. there's a different between just putting your arms around someone... and resting your damn head against theirs. yet the half-devil's doing just that. sandy blonde hair nuzzling into spiky ashen blonde, ears brushing together as more than just chest and arms touch in this little connected moment. it's not shoulders brushing side by side on the couch, or occasionally kicking at each other's feet to be brats. this is a quiet, warm, momentary entrapment of an embrace, with one of denji's arms around his shoulders, the other curled at the diamond of his back. strong, solid, firm, warm, pressed together, two young men in a strange world taking comfort in each other. and perhaps a bit more.
nostalgic? the briefest of gossamer glimmers in such a shade floats through. as if he's felt this before. denji's embrace. his arms, his head, his breath, his heartbeat against his own. it should be weird or even disturbing, and yet it's only comforting. bakugou's arms settle in a position that he feels is best, curled round denji's shoulder blades and hip. weird as fuck, yet pleasant. as if the embrace was an invitation to take a snooze right here in these strong arms. a gentle breath, a nigh-silent sigh, and then denji's finally relaxing his arms as bakugou lowers his own. his face... might be a bit pink, but damn if he's ever going to acknowledge that! hands fall away, drift down his back, and slide right over his waist in a manner bakugou's suddenly not sure if intentional or accidental. his shoulders tense, eyes widening, the idea to knee denji in the nuts flickering in his mind. but none of that goes anywhere as he finds himself accepting even that touch. wasn't like he hadn't been paying attention to the definitions beneath denji's shirt. even where that ripcord dangled between his pecs.
maybe a good thing they step back and bakugou can find something very interesting with the wall clock to glare at. time, right, look at the time and not at denji for a few seconds. before finally looking back at him, at that cloud-soft half-smile, all relaxed and essentially blank-slate except for a good feeling. fucking doe-eyed sap. bakugou gives him a flat look. good thing he's used to denji being a little weird from time to time? and he's not... complaining about it.]
Tch. It better stay that way, Denji. Until I top it myself. [right, because being in contest with yourself is a thing to do on dates. bakugou is only minorly miffed at denji using his given name, but feels the other boy earned it. with one last look, he decides that's enough and heads past the half-devil, going to the stairs to make for his room. there's a lot to think about and he'd rather do that alone before going to sleep. the second date will be in his mind throughout the week; that's for sure.]
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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!]
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[ 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. ]
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[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.
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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. ]
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after all, more important things are happening. in that they need to plan the second one. there were other ideas for how to end their date, stick it with that 'perfect' ending bakugou would demand of himself. but only one things is safe enough to be said without turning weird, awkward, cheesy, disappointing, rushing, or a host of other negatives. they finished one. what better thing to do than to ask for another one?
denji doesn't just accept and leave bakugou the onus of picking. he takes initiative and offers the date and time. that takes a lot of pressure off the hero and he silently appreciates that. even if denji follows him in things plenty of times, he's not weak. making his own decisions and stating his own preferences. bakugou likes that about him. so yeah... this definitely works.]
All right.
[yeah. they work in the same place. sometime they're on the same shift, same beat, same route, sometimes they're split up, but always together at the start and end of the day. the occasional weird requirement shaking up that norm. bakugou likewise doesn't think it important to decide what they're going to do and where they're going to go right now for the second date. that's something they can think about as the week trucks on and then either talk about it when it happens, or perhaps discuss it over the week via calls or if grabbing lunch together. guess it's good to have a reason to talk to someone, rather than waiting for them to get out of the awkward stage and spit it out.]
Haa? [wait, he thought this was done! and now denji's right there... asking for a hug. (who the fuck's comparing a hug to an ass squeeze?) half of bakugou's face creases in a "the hell?" sort of expression, confused and unsure at the same time. his own mother has a hard enough time trying to hug her son without the bristly kid ducking and worming out of the way like a yelling rat. but kirishima's been given silent permission to drop his elbow on bakugou's shoulder without getting blasted in the face for it, and can even put his arm around the blonde safely. one of the few people who can. because bakugou trusts him and is comfortable around him enough to permit it.
now denji's asking for a hug. standing there with his arms open and that little look on his face. teasing him? no. bakugou pushes himself up, catching and tossing the blanket back onto the couch. couldn't have asked for this while they were on the couch so he could get away with a shoulder bump or something, could he. tch, bastard... there are very few people he's ever hugged in his life. each time for a reason.]
Che. [denji gets flipped off, bakugou's hand curled upward by his hip in a middle-finger spearing jut. before he leans forward and wraps an arm around the other boy's body. head turned to the side slightly, eyes definitely aimed somewhere else, scowling face a bit pink, definitely noticing denji is taller than him, a warm and solid body under that shirt.] Dumbass.
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bakugou complied, and he watched him step closer, one arm holding into him before his own could do anything. he found himself thinking (his brain is truly working overtime tonight. fucking hell), but shut it off before the thoughts had any influence on him, he would leave that for later. denji knows they will harass him when there's nothing around him but silence, and that's fine. other priorities took the lead and he finally relaxed, moving his arms around a foreign body, far too callous unlike nayuta and pochita's more delicate frame. he lowers his head so he could rest it against bakugou's; one arm curled around his shoulders, and the other settled on the center of his back, trapping him into the embrace — and it was a strong one from the start, firm, bodies pressed against each other.
there is a sense of familiarity in it ... as if it wasn't their first time at all. as if denji knew where to position his arms, comfortable with the other's body against his own. a hug between old friends. it's subtle, the way denji's breathing slowed down until his chest raised and fell in a quiet sigh. it lingered for a bit, and he closed his eyes, taking in another inhale before he urged himself not to push his luck. he was careful with his hands, more careful with his footing, careful not to make it too invasive. well, that was the plan. he likes to believe he did just fine to tame his curiosity while respecting bakugou's boundaries until it was time to break it off— and that's when he relaxed his arms, unmindful of the manner his hands slipped lower and traced along bakugou's, hmm, oddly slim waist before he let him go.
was it intentional? honestly, no. even denji didn't expect himself to do it but he's certainly had no fucking problem staring the other down with an inappropriately relaxed half-smile. an expression that was hard to read, because he wasn't fucking thinking about anything, head empty. aside from the simple, single-brain cell realization of being ... intrigued. ]
Good night, Katsuki. This is, without any doubt, the best date I ever had.
[ he's not asking the hero to return the gesture, he's fine with anything coming his way from the long list of 'chainsaw' related nicknames. denji is just that pleased.
he's looking forward to the next one, for sure. ]
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he'll be thinking about this later. the feeling of denji's body against his own. strong muscle on his chest, the pleasant v of a well-formed torso beneath his arm, solid shoulders and warmth radiating from the half-devil's core he hasn't felt anywhere else. the truly oddest part is when denji simply drops his head against bakugou's own. there's a different between just putting your arms around someone... and resting your damn head against theirs. yet the half-devil's doing just that. sandy blonde hair nuzzling into spiky ashen blonde, ears brushing together as more than just chest and arms touch in this little connected moment. it's not shoulders brushing side by side on the couch, or occasionally kicking at each other's feet to be brats. this is a quiet, warm, momentary entrapment of an embrace, with one of denji's arms around his shoulders, the other curled at the diamond of his back. strong, solid, firm, warm, pressed together, two young men in a strange world taking comfort in each other. and perhaps a bit more.
nostalgic? the briefest of gossamer glimmers in such a shade floats through. as if he's felt this before. denji's embrace. his arms, his head, his breath, his heartbeat against his own. it should be weird or even disturbing, and yet it's only comforting. bakugou's arms settle in a position that he feels is best, curled round denji's shoulder blades and hip. weird as fuck, yet pleasant. as if the embrace was an invitation to take a snooze right here in these strong arms. a gentle breath, a nigh-silent sigh, and then denji's finally relaxing his arms as bakugou lowers his own. his face... might be a bit pink, but damn if he's ever going to acknowledge that! hands fall away, drift down his back, and slide right over his waist in a manner bakugou's suddenly not sure if intentional or accidental. his shoulders tense, eyes widening, the idea to knee denji in the nuts flickering in his mind. but none of that goes anywhere as he finds himself accepting even that touch. wasn't like he hadn't been paying attention to the definitions beneath denji's shirt. even where that ripcord dangled between his pecs.
maybe a good thing they step back and bakugou can find something very interesting with the wall clock to glare at. time, right, look at the time and not at denji for a few seconds. before finally looking back at him, at that cloud-soft half-smile, all relaxed and essentially blank-slate except for a good feeling. fucking doe-eyed sap. bakugou gives him a flat look. good thing he's used to denji being a little weird from time to time? and he's not... complaining about it.]
Tch. It better stay that way, Denji. Until I top it myself. [right, because being in contest with yourself is a thing to do on dates. bakugou is only minorly miffed at denji using his given name, but feels the other boy earned it. with one last look, he decides that's enough and heads past the half-devil, going to the stairs to make for his room. there's a lot to think about and he'd rather do that alone before going to sleep. the second date will be in his mind throughout the week; that's for sure.]