Chapter Text
If you asked Uraraka, it was a more than successful game night. Sure, she lost Denki’s weird mashup of games they found in the cupboard, but no one could really figure out how to play in the first place. That wasn’t the victory she was looking for that evening. She had her eyes set on a different prize.
She’s not sure what she’d expected from the blond, if she’s honest. He’s always been blunt. Awkward with his words, and emotions, and asking for anything. It was a nearly impossible task for Bakugou. But that’s why she pushed for it. After everything, she needed to see him push past all of it. Himself. His pride. To let that go, for just a moment, for her. To win her. To show her what she was worth to him.
She wanted the effort.
Of course there was a part of her that also simply enjoyed watching him squirm all night. Letting herself act as if she were none the wiser to his stranger than usual strange behavior. Act clueless to the questioning glances. She’d meant to pretend to be surprised when he finally caved, but she couldn’t help herself. He’d caused her enough trouble that she was allowed to be smug. To find satisfaction in watching him suffer through it for her sake.
Now the question was, what was he going to do about it. Ochako answered yes, but nothing’s come from it yet other than some knowing glances across the table all night. She wondered if he even thought this far. Got the question out but nothing past that. So focused on his goal, forgetting to factor in the follow through.
Or he was playing stubborn. Hoping to play dumb. “Well I asked you to go out with me, that’s all you wanted.” He would say. Keeping up with his need to boil her blood. He’d say it with the cute, flustered blush on his face. Mumbling the words like he’s trying to hide behind them. As if being his specific brand of adorable would get him out of things.
Either way, she was not planning their first actual date. No matter what scheme he tried to pull on her. She could be just as cunning and infuriating as he could. There was no way he was going to get her to fold and give in first. If he wanted her to take him seriously, then he needed to take them seriously. Until then, she would gladly stand up from her place on the other side of the table and head back to her dorm, waiting for Katsuki to show some of that classic determination. A simple glance over her shoulder back at him.
He was turned around in his chair, staring back at her. Not an ounce of subtlety left in him. Nothing like a glare like he usually would to anyone else there. Instead, a look that almost came off neutral if you weren’t used to him. Uraraka knew there was more there. It’s only ever in his eyes and in this moment, they were asking her not to leave him. His feelings already having been exposed, there wasn’t anything left for him to hide.
Good.
That’s what she needed. No more secrets. No more lies and cover ups. She wanted to talk about him. About them. Rant about all the craziness that’s been happening. Ochako had been dreaming of the late night conversations between her and Mina or Tsu. The texts she knows are waiting for her from everyone now that she finally gets to fall into her bed. They all knew, she’s sure, but now there was no denying.
Katsuki Bakugou wanted to be her boyfriend.
Is.
Is her boyfriend.
She prays no one hears the scream she lets out into her pillow. Every emotion that has sat within her bubbles up the surface.It was as if she’d been holding her breath for months and she could finally gasp for air. Stop waiting for the other shoe to drop. Let herself accept the reality of this ridiculous game she’s been playing.
Ochako thinks of his stupid face. The way his eyes narrow when she said something she knew he would think was dumb. The scowl that resulted when she missed a meal or beat him at something trivial. How he smirked when he got a chance to prove how justified his pride really was. His entire face lighting up when someone came to him with a question about hero work, even if he pretended being bothered was some huge inconvenience to him.
The sound of his voice saying her name. Peaches . She liked it, though she can’t remember if she ever told him that. It sounded better. Suited them better. Trying to imagine him calling her anything else, especially Ochako, Uraraka, or any nickname variant makes her face scrunch up.
She thinks the heat shared wherever they were close. How easily he can throw her over his shoulder like she weighs nothing. The amount of trust he gives her to make all the training they’ve done worth the work. Her mind wanders back to the car. Softness in a tight space, tender touches. His hands on her. How restless he was.
A warm blush rises to her cheeks. She, attempts, a calm inhale and shrieks into her pillow again. She couldn’t believe she did all that. All of this. First year version of her, would never believe she had that kind of guts. Or strength. Or that she would be doing all this for Katsuki of all people.
She grabs for her phone. Skimming the notifications as they buzz in.
Sonic Specs: [Congratulations on your recent romantic endeavors. While I am curious as to your selection, I am more concerned with your happiness. I’d like to discuss this with you further at your earliest convenience. Reminder that curfew is…]
The bluntness and professionalism made Ochako grin. Iida was always looking out for her. She knew Katsuki was an odd choice for her, if you were looking from the outside, but she knew how to handle it.
Pink Ladies 4 Lyfe: [ARE YOU KIDDING ME? WHAT WAS THAT? ANSWER ME RIGHT NOW! OCHAKO THE BADASS!?!!/ DID YOU SEE HIS FACE? HE’S SO WEAK FOR YOU OH MY GOD!! I CANT BELIEVE HE DID THAT! DID YOU MAKE HIM? HOW???OMG KATSUKI BAKUGOU IS YOUR BOYFRIEND HOLY…]
There was no surprise that Mina was making it a huge deal. As if she didn’t know this was happening the whole time. Like her and Bakugou were some secret that actually stayed hidden. This wasn’t coming out of nowhere. Still, the dramatics helped the butterflies in her stomach start to flutter again. For a second she can pretend it was all new again.
Sparks: [HOW HOWBDID HE GET SOMEONE SQEET LIKE YOU ALSO DOES THIS MEAN YOURE OUR GROUP MOM NOW???? HE DOESNT DESEBE YOU!! THAT WAS SO COOL?!11]
Denki just made her giggle. He, she would believe, was out of the loop. They could probably kiss in front of him and it would still go over his head. It was cute how excited he was though. Almost as much as she was. What did group mom entail? Did that mean Bakugo was the dad? When did that happen?
A shorter one sat there staring at her.
Deku: Finally <3
A flood of memories flow in. Izuku was always in the back of her head about all this. How her feelings shifted over the years. How she still admires him like crazy, but over time, that’s where it stuck. She learned what pulled her in deeper. Made her feel like she was floating with her feet still planted firmly on the ground. Izuku might inspire her, but Bakugo pushed her beyond and made her actually put the work in. It’s what she needed.
He also knew the blonde better than any of them. So if anyone was to be an authority over what he deserved, it was Deku. She wondered what must have been going on in his head, watching the ups and downs, how long he’d been rooting for them. If he knew before either of them did.
A new message pops up right as she finishes catching up.
KiriKiri: [CHAKO!!! Bakubro warning!!! he went storming off after u when u left!! that whole thing was wicked btw. idk how you managed to get him to do it but it was awesome. props to u. If u ever need any advice or help handling him, u can…]
A knock on her door startles her and causes her to drop her phone back into her nest of blankets and pillows she's unconsciously built herself. it's no mystery who's on the other side, and it makes her heart race. She had no idea what he wanted to say to her. What would happen when she opened the door.
The second set of knocks is softer. As is her smile in response. She calmly crawls out of her bed and makes her way over. Placing her hand on it, but not opening it. Not yet. Her ear to the door.
"What's the password?" She smirks.
"Peaches." It wasn't an answer. It was a command. An impatient one at that, but lacking all bite. He sounded defeated.
"Close enough, "
Uraraka opens the door to a Bakugou, she doesn't remember being so tall, leaning against her doorframe. They stand there in silence, simply staring. Her mind unable to even think about what to say. The consequences of her victory looking expectantly into her eyes. All she could focus on was the lines of his body, how he was tilted. The fact he showed up so quickly. How she left without talking to him. Was he angry? No, this didn't look like he was upset. He almost looked nervous.
She starts, "Wha-"
“Listen, I’ve...,” he interupts by accident. The quiet returns for a few seconds as they struggle for words. He takes a breath, then continues, “I’ve never done this dating crap before.”
She grins, “I can tell.”
He can't help a smile and an eye roll, “Would you shut-" he goes serious again, "Look, what I’m saying is I’m going to be…not great…at it. Not like you deserve. But I want to try. Just, tell me what to do.’
Her tension releases. This is what he ran here for? She crosses her arms, “Well, taking me on an actual date would be a good start.”
“We’ve gone on dates,” he frowns.
“Oh so now they were dates.”
“They were always dates.”
“Nuhuh,” she protests, “You told Kiri they weren’t dates.”
“I never-”
“You were very adamant.”
“Does dating you mean I can kiss you to shut you up when you’re being annoying?”
“See for yourself.”
She always let her mouth run away from her around him. Speaking without thinking. She was more impulsive. Instinctive. He made her more confident, less second guessing. Encouraged her to act first and use her brain after, no matter what deadly situation it might result in. She knew though, no matter how dangerous it was, he would be there to rescue her.
Which is why it feels safe when his arm wraps itself around her waist. Natural even, when he pulls her flush to his chest. Rushed, she quickly grips into his shirt. If she had the time, she would marvel at how nicely they fit together. How comfortable it was like this in his hold.
Instead, the tunnel vision takes over. Forcing her to focus on nothing but the sparkles happening in her head. Not like fireworks, or explosions. His lips on hers was just brightness, like when she ate something sweet. The first sight and warmth of the sun after a long winter. Getting hit with a cold water balloon. The sensation of being caught mid air. The feeling when you hear your favourite song from the other room and you just want to be closer to it so you can experience it in it's fullest.
She thinks she hums into it. Some sort of noise, she knows that. How could she not? It was better than anything she could've imagined. And she's imagined. Plenty. A part of her hopes it'll tempt him to stay longer. Not wanting him to let go. His fingers flex against her hip, signalling his level of self control. She can feel him pushing the pair further into the room and she breaks away.
"Nuhuh." Her head rests against his.
"Mhm," he mumbles, "sorry."
"Nono," she reassures, "just a lot."
"Yeah," he breathes, "good though, right?"
She giggles, "Really good."
"Yeah?"
She nods, "mhm."
"You're going to make me want to- fuck it." He presses another kiss to her lips. A quicker one this time. "of course it's good. It's me."
"Uh huh. The great explosion murder king is a great kisser. Call the reporters. They're going to want the exclusive."
“It's Lord- fuck you."
"Oh yeah I bet you'd like that."
"Come on Peaches, let me in. I'm tired."
She steps forward, putting the door between them again, "Nuhuh, you gotta earn it!"
"Oh come on. I played your game."
"And once you take me on our first date, I'll think about it."
The smug look returns, "Oh yeah?"
"Mhm!" She nods, very proud of herself.
"I’m going to date you so hard, you won’t know what hit you. You’re way in over your head Peaches.”
“I think I know what I’m dealing with by now.”
"Oh you have no idea."
"Then you'll just have to show me then. I'll see you tomorrow Katsuki." She begins closing the door.
"Hey! You can't just-"
It's fun listening to him fume from the other side of the shut door. it was muffled so she couldn't pick it out perfectly but it was something about underestimating and romance and boyfriend. it was his own fault she was like this now. Taught her to cause trouble and if she was honest, as her fingers trace her lips, It was a lot more fun this way.