Bakugou didn't dream often.

It wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but there were times he would wish that he'd have at least some kind of a dream. Every once and while he would have blobs of color and whispered conversations he couldn't quite make out, but that was normally jist of it.

This night was an exception.

Other than the whisper of the wind and the quiet bustle of the city below, it was peaceful. The view over the rooftops of the city was absolutely breathtaking. Lights from the streets painted the skyscrapers orange and yellow above while the sun dipped behind the climbing buildings.

Sitting on the rooftop Bakugou swung his legs while taking in the view below. A sigh made him stretch his arms over his head, the gauntlets of his hero costume starting to make his shoulders ache. He slipped the gauntlets off and set them to the side, relishing in the weight on his arms being lightened.

"On patrol?" A familiar voice came from behind him.

Bakugou turned to meet eyes with the 'mysterious' figure.

His eyes were met with a wide smile. Kirishima hadn't changed much since high school. His shoulders were more broad, and he was definitely taller. The edges of his face was more defined, if that was even possible, and more rugged than before. His crimson eyes were still piercing with his long black eyelashes complimenting them beautifully. Bakugou felt a heat brush across his cheeks. Well… Kirishima had changed a lot more than he had remembered.

Bakugou turned back to face the scenery, trying to hide the blush that had seeped into his skin, "Why the fuck would I be up here in this getup in the middle of the night?"

A laugh burst out of Kirishima, before he slapped a hand on Bakugou's shoulder. "Ya got me there man."

Bakugou shivered at the contact, the hand on his shoulder caused his face to heat even more. Kirishima must have noticed because he leaned to face him, inches away.

"Dude are you okay? Your face is like…the same color as my hair." Kirishima laughed.

Embarrassment creeped up Bakugou's spine as he blinked, unable to comprehend the fact that his best friend's face was inches from his. He hadn't realized how much he needed physical contact like that, it was almost as if he was starved for it when he let out a shaky breath he didn't realize he was holding.

"Oh F-Fuck off." Bakugou grumbled.

Kirishima chuckled at the pointed comment, his hand lingering on Bakugou's shoulder. After a moment Kirishima has the realization that Bakugou wasn't pulling away. His shoulders were tense, yes, but Bakugou would usually pull away or bat at Kirishima's hand. A soft smile stretched across his lips as he stared. There's was something almost childish about the way Bakugou was reacting to his touch, leaning in ever so slightly.

"Hey.." he cooed, moving his hand slightly closer to Bakugou's neck and rubbing his knuckle on the exposed skin. His heart skipped a beat when Bakugou's breath hitched ever so slightly. The curiosity Kirishima felt in his stomach was different than it usually was. Most of the time the thought was whether or not Bakugou would put in the energy to speak to him. The new thought that sped through his mind was: where was this sudden softness and vulnerability coming from?

Bakugou turned his face towards his friend, his mind going blank at the touch of their noses together. He wanted to scream and slap the spiky haired brat in the face, but the lingering touch of their skin was a feeling Bakugou, as much as he didn't want to admit it, had dreamed of for years. Sudden heat began rising off of his palms as he watched Kirishima intently, his eyebrows knit in anger and confusion. His heart rate increased tremendously as he glanced down at Kirishima's lips and back to his eyes. Bakugou couldn't take it anymore, his face and hands were burning. He had to do it, he had to have him.

As Bakugou leaned towards his so-called friend, a sudden deafening squeal shot through the air, causing him to jump at the sound.

Bakugou found himself back in his apartment, his phone blaring at his bedside table. He laid a hand on his chest, his heart beating hard and fast, the ever present heat in his cheeks left his face burning. Rumbling came from beside him, his cell phone vibrating so intensely that it was inching closer and closer to the edge.

Snatching the device off the table, Bakugou stared at the screen. A tingle of anxiety crept up his throat as he read the Caller ID; Kirishima.

Kirishima wasn't really one to drink. Although it was considered 'manly' to some people, there wasn't usually a reason for him to indulge. If anything he'd have a single beer after working out or just hanging out at home. He wasn't the 'blackout drunk' type. Tonight was an exception.

"I don't understand why you're drinking so much tonight, but I'm loving it." Came a yell from across Kirishima's apartment. Kaminari sat on the sofa situated in the living room, a beer can in hand. Kirishima let out a chuckle while taking a can out from in the fridge.

"I just gotta… just gotta let loose, y'know? I've been pretty stressed lately and I just gotta let my hair down." Kirishima shrugged while popping the beer open, fizz beginning to leak out the top, the tingle of his fingertips signaling that he was getting into 'tipsy' territory.

A hum of understanding came from Kaminari with a smile, his beer raised in his hand before chugging what was left. "Yo I totally understand dude. Hero work is super hard and kinda lame sometimes. Don't work yourself too hard my man."

Kirishima let out a sigh before downing his can. Hero work was definitely nothing to sneeze at, but he somewhat enjoyed it. The recognition alone was something he desired and there was no shortage of hero lovers. Considering his quirk was so useful in almost all situations, there wasn't really a time Kirishima could remember that was more than he could handle. Yeah his quirk wasn't the flashiest, not nearly as flashy as Bakugou's, but it got the job done. Of course, there was always the downside of having to work late nights occasionally, but once again he didn't mind too much.

Occasionally when he'd have to work a night shift, Bakugou would tag along, more grumpy than usual. Kirishima always thought if it to be hilarious, considering Bakugou would go to bed almost inhumanly early. He always had thought of it as endearing as well though. Ever since high school Kirishima had been trying to chip away at his explosive classmate, trying to find some kind of a soft interior. He had always prided himself in getting close to him faster than most. At the same time however, there was the thought in the back of his mind that he had worn Bakugou down to the point of tolerance. The indifference that Bakugou exhibited towards most people was enough to set anyone on edge, but, as much as he didn't like to admit it, it set Kirishima on edge the most. Being unsure if he was liked or just tolerated was a battle he dealt with daily with his spiky blonde friend. Could he even call himself Bakugou's friend? The anxiety burned in Kirishima's throat as his mind raced.

No, it wasn't the hero work that was bothering him.

Kirishima must have been quiet for an uncomfortably long time because Kaminari was suddenly standing across the kitchen counter from him, waving a hand in front of his face. He blinked in surprise and took a step back with chuckle.

"Man you really weren't kidding when you say you're stressed. We gots to get some beer into your system before you depress me." Kaminari joked, placing another beer on the counter.

Embarrassment heated Kirishima's cheeks as he grabbed the can in front of him. Nodding in thanks, he popped the top off and started chugging. At least this way he could keep quiet.

Time seemed to stop as Bakugou stared at the screen of his phone. He glanced to his alarm clock on his bedside table which read, "2:25 AM". A sigh passed through his lips as his thumb hovered over the answer button.

After what seemed like an eternity he brought his thumb down on the screen and raised the phone to his ear. Not bothering to even say hello, Bakugou began, "It's two o'clock in the morning why are you bothering me."

A moment of silence passed before what sounded like the rustling of sheets. The thought that Kirishima may have accidentally called him crossed his mind before a voice piped up, "Heeey…. Sero I gotta talk to you… lots of stuff happening 'n my head right now and I gotta get it out. Word vomit.. ya know.. maybe even real vomit."

A silence filled the room as Bakugou's confusion got the better of him. A couple of seconds passed with quiet shuffling noises on kirishima's end continuing. Bakugou hovered the phone above his face, squinting at the caller ID again. Yep, definitely Kirishima.

"What the hell do you mean?" Bakugou answered.

"Ya know… same old, s' old I guess." Kirishima replied, his words slightly slurred.

Bakugou felt a tinge of annoyance creep up his spine. There was something Kirishima could tell tape boy, but not him and Bakugou needed to get to the bottom of it. If there was something shitty hair wasn't tell him there was going to be a bigger problem. "Don't be fucking vague just tell me."

Staring at the ceiling, the darkness of his room felt as if it was seeping into his skin and a tingle of jealousy welled in his stomach. What the fuck is there to be jealous about anyway?

"I…. I know I've told ya before about…y… ya know about Bakugou…" Kirishima whispered.

It felt as if Bakugou has taken a punch to the stomach. His breathing hitched as he tried to process what his friend had said. Why was Kirishima talking about him. Why would he go behind his back to that fucking loser, Sero. Bakugou's mind was spinning as he sat in silence. Something wasn't adding up and he knew it, Kirishima was stupid, but he wasn't stupid enough to call the person he was talking about.

After a moment of thinking realization hit him like a ton a bricks and a wolffish smile stretched across his lips.

"Are you drunk?" Bakugou asked, an unrestrained chuckle escaping his lips midway through his sentence.

"I mean I had like… mm prolly like,.. i dunno… Fiv- Six cans? Maybe?" Kirishima quietly said, sounding almost bashful.

Bakugo tried to stifle his laughter, but to no avail. The tinge in his stomach was still ever present, but he refused to acknowledge it. There was no reason to be jealous of his best friend having other friends. Is there?

Kirishima copied Bakugou's laughter, snorting every once and awhile. A small brush of heat dusted Bakugou's cheeks. He had only seen Kirishima drunk a handful of times, but it never failed to make him laugh; and worry. Bakugou wasn't particularly the drinking type, but every once and a while he'd endulge and have one or two drinks. A sigh passed his lips as the laughter died down between them, Bakugou waiting a moment for Kirishima to stop giggling.

"Yo you called me for a reason. What do you want?" Bakugou finally asked, being careful not to use nicknames that would give him away. Sero would never call him 'Shitty Hair' anyway.

There was a long pause followed by what Bakugou could only describe as a mischievous giggle.

"Are you fucking kidding me.." Bakugou mumbled under his breath, punching the bridge of his nose in irritation.

"Just realized who ya are." Kirishima said, almost teasing.

"Yeah? And who's that." He asked.

There was another giggle before Kirishima answered,

"Bakugou Katsuki."

Another silence fell between them while Bakugou thought of what to say. He wasn't sure where this was going, but there was a strong likelihood of it going down hill. After another moment Kirishima let out a quiet groan,

"I d-...I don't feel good."

"What'cha mean?" He quietly asked.

"My head's all… all hot, and I don't feel good." Kirishima whined.

"What the hell do you want me to do about it?" Bakugou answered, sitting up from his bed.

Another low whine came from the phone, causing Bakugou to roll his eyes. Drunk Kirishima was basically taking care of a child.

Bakugou pulled the sheets off of him and stood. Padding towards his closet, he slipped on some old socks and grabbed his shoes. With a sigh, Bakugou clutched the phone at his ear and grumbled,

"I'll be there in five minutes."

A hum of approval came from the other end and a quiet beep came from the phone, signaling that the call had ended.

Thankfully Kirishima only lived a block or two up from Bakugou. Wrapping a scarf around his neck to cover his mouth and nose, Bakugou began walking briskly down the street. The crisp autumn air bit at his ears as he continued, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his black coat.

Upon arriving to his destination, he noticed the door to the apartment unlocked. A sigh passed his lips as he let himself in, shutting the door loudly behind him.

Bakugou took his coat and scarf off, placing them on the kitchen counter. The apartment that surrounded him was cozy and familiar, and a wave of relief filled Bakugou's chest. He turned to the living room to see the TV was still on, a random rom-com he had never seen before playing quietly. With a grumble Bakugou reached for the remote and turned it off. Switching a light on, he turned back to look into the living room. There was the classic punching bag in the back corner, a Crimson Riot poster hanging next to it on the wall. Bakugou rolled his eyes at the sight of the stupid novelty clock Kirishima had since high school, maybe even earlier. The coffee table was adorned with what seemed to be many pairs of weights ranging many different sizes. To Bakugou's relief, the couch was still relatively normal, a navy blue color. It did have some empty bags of chips scattered on it and plenty of opened and unopened beer cans, but that was to be expected.

Turning to the kitchen, Bakugou began rummaging through the cabinets. Grabbing a mug, he placed some ice cubes in before filling it with water. After a moment he turned down the hall. A light glowed in the slight crack in the door open down the hall. Approaching the door, he knocked on it loudly.

"I'm here. Can't believe you didn't even bother locking your front door, idiot."

Only silence followed his call and a sense of nervousness welled in Bakugou's chest.

"You so hammered you can't even answer me?" He called again, irritation creeping up his spine. From the other side of the door a quiet grunt could be heard, signaling Bakugou to enter. He swung open the door to see his friend laying on his bed face down with a pile of blankets at his feet. Bakugou paused and watched kirishima's back, breathing a sigh of relief when he obviously continued to breathe. Thankfully there was no vomit anywhere, but there was a large bowl set in front of the nightstand in preparation for it.

On the floor next to the bed was a pile of clothes that must've been flung off at one point. Bakugou's eyes darted back to his friend. With a sigh of relief, and slight disappointment, Kirishima was still clad in a pair of boxers and socks.

Setting the glass of water on the bedside table, Bakugou sat on the end of the bed. Nudging Kirishima's shoulder, Bakugou tried and failed to ignore his friend's extremely muscular back.

A grunt came from Kirishima before he sat up. Looking around, a large smile stretched across his face. His eyes were half lidded and combined with the smile it made Bakugou shiver. Kirishima's cheeks were stained red along with his nose and ears and his hair was slightly messed up from laying down with some pieces sticking to his face. There was no product in his hair so it fell around his cheeks, just past his shoulders. Yeah, he was definitely drunk.

Bakugou tried to ignore the blush on his cheeks by pressing his palm to Kirishima's forehead. Kirishima sighed into his hand, relishing in the cool sensation.

"Holy shit you're burning up." Bakugou muttered. He stood and padded to the kitchen where he wetted a cloth in cold water.

"Bro 's not that bad! I'm totally fine." Kirishima yelled from the other room. Bakugou rolled his eyes and brought the cloth back to his intoxicated friend.

"Lay down, dumbass I gotta put this on your forehead." Bakugou grunted, motioning to the pillow. Kirishima glanced at it and obliged. With Bakugou placing the cool cloth on his forehead, kirishima quietly gasped at the contact. The cooling sensation was definitely a bit jarring right at the start, but after a moment the cold felt almost too good.

It was quiet for a moment, letting Bakugou's mind wander. Why did Kirishima get drunk in the first place? And why would he call that tape bastard to talk about him. There was so many unanswered questions, but for now just sitting in silence was fine.

Bakugou looked down at Kirishima. His eyes were closed, and Bakugou could see the scar more clearly. A warm feeling stirred in his stomach. Kirishima was such an interesting character and that was just one more characteristic that made him more unique. Bakugou looked to his cheeks and noticed there were tiny freckles you wouldn't be able to see close up. He had never noticed them before, they were… cute.

Shaking his head, Bakugou grabbed the cloth off kirishima's forehead, causing him to whine with the lack of cooling to his burning face."

"Quit your whining. I'll get you a new one in a second." Bakugou said. Putting the damp towel on the nightstand.

With a large pout kirishima raised a hand to his cheek, feeling how unbearably hot was getting.

"Your face matches your hair dumbass." Bakugou teased, grabbing the glass of water and practically shoving it in Kirishima's hand.

A hardy laugh came from Kirishima as he flopped into the pile of blankets and took the water, "More red the better my dude. My goal 's to become Red Riot, just a big 'ol red blob." He replied, chugging the water, and setting it on the floor.

"That sounds fuckin' dumb. I like you better as yourself, asshole." Bakugou requited.

Kirishima's eyes went wide. The moment those words passed Bakugou's lips his shoulders tensed.

Did he actually say that out loud? Oh shit oh shit. Word vomit.

Somehow he didn't expect he was the one who was going to say things he would regret later. Wincing, Bakugou turned to meet the eyes of his friend, who had bewilderment and unbelief plastered on his face.

"Really?" Kirishima whispered. His words were said so quietly that it seemed to almost be for himself. He placed a hand on his face, feeling the warmth emanating from it.

"Fuck off! Ugh Forget I said anything it was dumb anyway!" Bakugou roared, throwing his hands in the air and pushing his way out of the room. He looked down at his hands which were setting off mini explosions. Squeezing his hands into fists, the popping noises were muffled. He stormed into the living room and grabbed his coat and scarf from off the kitchen counter.

"No no no come back!" Kirishima rasped, following his friend into the living room, stumbling as he went. Grabbing Bakugou's hand, Kirishima lost his footing and fell to his knees. Bakugou turned to face him, his blush apparent on his cheeks and his anger even more apparent in his face.

Kirishima looked up to face Bakugou's crimson eyes, his heart felt as if it was pounding out of his chest. The silence between them was unbearable, and yet Bakugou wasn't pulling away. He wasn't running and screaming like he always did. He was waiting for something and Kirishima wanted to give it to him. He wanted to spill everything he had ever thought about Bakugou and just yell from the rooftops. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he pulled himself up to meet the blond standing in front of him.

"Do you really like me? Y'know.. For who I am?" Kirishima said softly, squeezing Bakugou's hand slightly.

The blush intensified on Bakugou's cheeks and sudden explosions erupted in the hand Kirishima was holding. With his quick reflexes Kirishima hardened his and in order to minimize the damage.

Bakugou just stood in silence, staring daggers at the redhead.

Pulling himself forward, Kirishima latched onto Bakugou in a tight hug, pressing his body against the blond. Without his 'liquid courage' Kirishima wouldn't dare to give more physical contact than warranted, but his inhibitions had been thrown out the window hours ago.

Bakugou's vision was suddenly filled with red hair and winced at the sudden contact. Nervousness enveloped him and yet the warmth of Kirishima's embrace was something he hadn't experienced in much longer than he had realized. A shaky sigh passed his lips as he slowly raised his free hand, placing it gingerly on Kirishima's shirtless back. Bakugou hadn't realized he was shaking until that moment. He was so stupid and weak and he didn't deserve a hug like this.

Kirishima pulled back slightly to meet Bakugou's eyes. Looking to his lips and back to his eyes, a smile stretched across his face. Slowly Kirishima leaned forward, and layed a chaste kiss on Bakugou's lips.

Bakugou's eyes widened in disbelief as he quickly pulled away, letting go of Kirishima's hand and grabbing the collar of his shirt, as if he was struggling to breathe.

"You can't…. you can't just fucking do that." Bakugou mumbled while gritting his teeth, the grip on his collar tightening. The ferocity that was most commonly spit was now shaky, and unsure.

Kirishima took a step back, taken aback by the sudden outburst. Stumbling back he fell, hardening his back as his ass hit the floor.

"I thought you said you liked me!" Kirishima yelped, the blush on his face intense. The guilt welled up in his chest as he sat up.

"Oh, Fuck all the way off." Bakugou barked, "You can't just fucking do that and pretend it doesn't mean anything! You won't even remember any of this happened because you're so fucking plastered you asshole!"

Bakugou had his shoulders hunched forward, his hands balled into fists. Kirishima blinked, a hand outstretched in front of him, as if asking to hold Bakugou's hand again. He looked up to meet the blond's eyes and a surge of guilt welled up in his chest.

Bakugou was crying.

There was no crocodile tears, nor loud wailing and bawling. It was silent, with small tears in the corners of his eyes. His eyebrows were knit in anger and contempt, but his eyes were soft, vulnerable, and confused. The tip of his nose and cheeks were stained a dusty pink, with he corners of his lips turned down in a frown.

Kirishima stood abruptly, vertigo getting the best of him as he leaned against the wall.

"Bakugou it does mean something!" Kirishima rasped, clutching his chest.

Bakugou's gaze locked onto kirishima, his face stone cold.

"It means something because I like you too! I've liked you since high school!" Kirishima continued, taking a step forward, "Don't you understand? I was calling Sero about how head over heels I am for your dumbass!"

Bakugou was absolutely floored. He stood motionless. The warmth that was in his chest felt as if it was filling his whole body. He was so relieved but so scared. For a moment his only thought was, how could someone like him love someone like me.

There was a silence between them as Bakugou gathered his thoughts. Kirishima watched watched him intently, still clutching the wall.

"So.. you… you really do.. like me for who I am? Even if I'm a total asshole?" Bakugou muttered, the crack in his voice caused him to break eye contact.

Kirishima felt a lump well in his throat. Seeing Bakugou suddenly so vulnerable, and just for him, made small tears well in the corners of his eyes.

"Of course." Kirishima breathed, reaching out a hand.

Bakugou sighed and grasped kirishima's outstretched hand, and slowly sat on the floor. Kirishima followed suit, leaning against the wall in relief.

Both sat an arm lengths apart, fingers intertwining between them.

There was a silence between them, but somehow it wasn't an uncomfortable one. The best word Bakugou could think of to describe it was.. warm. The quiet was comforting and somehow inviting. Staring into Kirishima's piercing, yet soft, crimson eyes was like seeing spring for the first time.

"Hey…" Kirishima whispered, scooting over so they were sitting directly next to each other.

Bakugou didn't move, their shoulders brushing up against each other.

"Can… can I call you.. by your first name?" Kirishima said, laying his head on Bakugou's shoulder.

Bakugou shivered at the contact, kirishima's hair brushing up against his cheek.

"Sure as long as you don't fucking call me 'kacchan' or some dumb shit like that." He replied, squeezing kirishima's hand slightly.

Kirishima chuckled, "You can call me Eijirou then."

Bakugou turned and took kirishima's face in his free hand.

"Eijirou.." he whispered. Pulling kirishima's face closer, he paused as their noses touched. A quiet gasp passed Kirishima's lips as the heat of Bakugou's breath brushed his lips.

Leaning in, kirishima pressed his lips against Bakugou's… Katsuki's. The chaste kiss wasn't passionate or long, but each party pulled away slowly. Bakugou slowly opened his eyes to meet kirishima's.

In that moment, that fucking moment, Bakugou fully realized that falling for Kirishima was the first battle he was willing to lose. And damn did it feel good to lose to Kirishima.. Eijirou..