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When he woke up he didn't know where he was, his throat hurts, everything hurts. It took him a while to open his eyes and realize he was in a hospital, he then sees some of his classmates next to him, they're crying but they also seem relieved that he's finally awake . Right, now he can remember.
"Todoroki!" Kirishima claims while giving him a small hug, it hurts but he's happy that he's not alone after everything that happens "how are you feeling?"
Before he can even have the chance to answer he gets another hug from Yaoyorozu while Mina is crying by her side.
"I'm glad you're okay"
"I'm really sorry" They both said in unison, Shouto isn't sure what he should say.
He tries to talk after all he wants to know if everyone is fine "Thanks" he starts because he really appreciate them "how are you, how are the others?" he stops for a second, suddenly terrified "what happened to Midoriya and Bakugou" he couldn't hide his concern at the mention of the latter, as far as he knew Bakugo was the one who was hurt the most (at least physically) during their last battle.
Kirishima's expression changed a bit and he gave him a quick summary. It broke his heart to know that Midoriya hasn't woken up yet but at least Bakugou was stable and that was a big relief. Todoroki realized how careful Kirishima was with his words, it occurred to him that he was probably avoiding the mention of his father or his not so dead brother.
Shouto's mind hasn't processed this yet and he is sure the rest of his family weren't doing any better, he wanted to see them but at the same time he wanted a little more time, after all, he knows at some point he will have to face Touya again. They don't even have a strategy or a plan, hell, he's certain no one knows anything at this point but Shouto knows in the end he will be the one fighting Touya. Not that he's happy about that and he doesn't know how to tell the others, specially his family, that he doesn't want to hurt Touya, he understands there's no other way but damn Shouto really hates this.
"Hi Sho…" Todoroki must got lost in his thoughts because he didn't realize his family were standing at the door of his room, even his mother is here, which sure should have been obvious given the current situation, but this is the first time in many years he has saw her outside of the hospital and he doesn't know how to react. He is also unaware of what to say to his siblings in light of his clear concern, because he wants to give them some kind of comfort, after all, they were the ones that get to know Touya while Shouto barely remembers anything from him.
However, whatever he was gonna say gets drowned by some really loud discussion outside the room. Shouto can barely understand some words between the conflict but he recognizes the voice of some of his classmates, and there is one in particular Shouto would distinguish anywhere.
"For the last time, get back to your room, you need to rest!"
"OUT OF MY WAY EXTRAS I JUST"- the owner of the screams went through the door basically ignoring everyone else.
"Bakugou? What are you doing, you shouldn't move yet!" Kirishima tried to say, but Bakugo didn't listen, he was just looking for a single person while fighting Zero and Kaminari who were probably trying to drag him back to his room.
"Shouto!" Bakugou screamed while he finally got free of his classmates, who were murmuring an apology to everyone else, and ran to Shouto. Hell, he basically jumped on the hospital bed before hugging him with so much strength Shouto let a small groin of pain.
Shouto looks around as if searching for help and everyone is just as confused as he is, Shouto can see how Natsu and Fuyumi exchange glances trying to figure out if this is any normal between them.
It isn't Shouto wants to scream, none of this is normal.
Are we sure he isn't still sleeping and about to wake up in the middle of the battlefield? That would make more sense.
A) Bakugo never calls him by his name, not even when Shouto is also his hero name
B) Bakugo never hugs him (he never show any form of physical affection)
C) Those time never happens at the same time
"Lets… let's just give them some time" he hears someone, probably Momo, say. Then some steps and then the clear sound of a door being closed.
"Bakugou? What- what are you doing here" he asks once he's finally out of the trance.
Bakugou lets him go and just looks at him with an odd expression, like Bakugo himself wasn't aware of his actions.
"I'm fine" Shouto strongly disagree "I'm fine thanks to you" he murmurs so quietly that Shouto isn't sure if he was supposed to hear "I just needed to know how you and the nerd were doing and no one gave me a satisfactory answer so I need to check myself so-"
"How is Midoriya?" Todoroki didn't want to interrupt but he is really worried about his best friend and he doubts he can talk to him any time soon.
"They say he's stable but he hasn't woken up and they won't let me see him, I just know All Might is with him". Probably because some one for all bullshit he keeps the last part to himself
"I see" Shouto can't hide the disappointment in his answer.
They stayed an uncomfortable silence, Bakugo still very close to him, he took a long breath before asking again - what are you doing here, you should be resting
"Shut up icy-hot this is nothing!" well that was more like him. Shouto gave him a small smile, grateful now that he was more at ease.
Bakugo tried to relax a little and returned the question "how are you doing?"
Shouto sighed, suddenly extremely exhausted and just answered what he has been thinking since he woke up "how I'm I supposed to be" Shouto was aware that his family, and probably his friends, were still outside of the room and maybe they could listen but he didn't care, he just needed to get this out his chest "it's just…I barely remember him you know? I was never allowed to be with him, with any of my siblings actually but-" he pauses for a second "I understand him. I don't justify his actions or anything but I really understand his pain"
Deep down Shouto knew he could have ended just like his brother, he knew they were more similar than anyone else would like to admit.
Bakugo understood his frustrations, it looked like he was trying really hard about what to answer, instead, the blond just rested his head over Shouto’s shoulder, Bakugou’s actions have always been louder than his words.
"Sho?" Fuyumi said behind the door followed by a small knock on the door, Shouto said nothing but Bakugou sighed, he still hasn't separated from him.
"I should probably go, we need to talk with my father about… well everything"
At the mention of his old man Bakugou clenched his fist, somehow he has the most angry between them even in this case, Shouto couldn’t help but smirk a little, he knew Bakugou used his rage as a language for a lot of things, sometimes to be brutally honest, sometimes because he just wanted, and sometimes to hide his true feelings. Shouto was sure there was a lot Bakugou wanted to say (or scream) but wouldn't, at least not yet.
"Yeah you probably should" he jumped out of the bed and walked away.
"And you need to rest" Shouto added while Bakagou was opening the door
"I TOLD YOU IT’S NOTHING YOU-" he stopped his screaming at the view of the Todoroki’s family, he remembered the siblings but not the woman standing next to them so Bakugou assumed it should be Shouto’s mother. He looked at her for a single second before finally leaving the room.
"Bro you good? What was all that about?" Kirishima asked while walking behind him, and that was the last thing Shouto saw and heard before Fuyumi finally entered the room and told him how worried she was about him. Shouto tried to reassure her with a small smile.
"You sure you are fine?" Natsuo said
"I will... besides-"
"We know" his mother interrupted him, they all knew what they needed to do.
.
To Shouto’s surprise Rei insisted on spending some extra time with his father, he didn’t completely understand but he trusted his mother and left. His siblings went right after him, probably still concerned for him. Shouto appreciated it but it was odd, he was never allowed to spend too much time with them while they were childrens and while they weren’t strangers at all, he wasn’t sure of how to act with them in such a fragile situation. He thought he should talk to them about something but he was interrupted by a sudden cough.
"Wait I will bring you some water" Fuyumi was the first one to react.
"Let me take you to your room little bro" Natsu offered.
"I will be fine"
"I know you will but-" he pauses and gives him a calm smile "no need to force yourself Sho"
Shouto sights, they're back at the hospital bed and his throat still hurts, he wishes he could relax a little, he wonders if Bakugo feels the same, if he hugged him not only for giving comfort but also to receive some of it.
"What's on your mind little brother?"
"Well…" Shouto tries to think for a second" what's like when you like someone?"- He knows it's the worst moment to ask something so stupid but honestly he had been asking this for a while.
No, he has never been the best at social interactions and yes it took him a while to make friends (and even then it was Midoriya who did most of the work).
And then class 1-A happened.
A lot has changed for him after that and he was finally able to meet people outside of his family. And he loved them. He might not show it all the time but he values every relationship he was able to make with his classmates.
Midoriya for example, was his first friend and easily one of the most important people in his life.
Iida became one of his closest friends and has always been there for him since the Stain incident.
Kirishima was easy to talk to (half of the time he is the only one speaking) and is really supportive to everyone.
Kaminari was nice and he usually was the one to explain Shouto jokes he was never able to get.
Yaomomo was really kind and he cares for her a lot even if they don't speak to each other that often.
And Bakugo…
There was the problem, Shouto couldn't put a name to whatever they were. He says they're friends, even if Bakugou screams at him every time he mentions it, but honestly he can't compare the way he feels with Bakugou with no one else. It's special, that's for sure, but it's different.
Midoriya is special for him too but it's not the same and Shouto can't explain why. He also knows it's nothing like… whatever Midoriya and Bakugo have between them. Shouto doesn't have the details but he knows, and so does everyone else in the class (including their teachers) they have a complicated history, though who is Shouto to judge?
So that leaves the question, what does Bakugo mean to Shouto.
He tried to talk with Midoriya about it once or twice, after all, no one knows Bakugou Katsuki better than Izuku himself. However, Midoriya confused him even more when after a lot of murmuring he stops, then blushes, then screams and then asks, looking him dead in the eye, "Todoroki you like Kacchan?!" To that Shouto just answered after a ridiculous long time "what" and then Izuku screams and murmurs again but at that point Shouto stopped paying attention.
And as expected, what happened in the hospital earlier didn't help, if anything left him even more confused.
Cause seriously what was that.
"Ehh… where did that come from?"- Natsuo looked at him like he had grown a second head
"... I-"
"Sorry"- Natsuo let a nervous laugh out- "you just surprised me Sho… well it's complicated and I guess it's different for everyone but for me… it felt like I always wanted to be with that person even if I didn't understand why. It was when I realized she helped me to be happier, inspired me to do better, to be a better person and" he paused again, Fuyumi had returned and she had a expectant look but clearly didn't want to interrupt so Natsuo continued- " we just figured out I guess and we'll, we decided we wanted to be together, none of us are perfect and we made mistakes but we try to help each other so yeah that's it I suppose.
Shouto was genuinely surprised at his brother's honesty so didn't say anything and just accepted the glass of water his sister brought him.
"So… uhh what were you guys talking about" Fuyumi finally dared to ask
"I think our little Sho likes Bakugo"
Shouto almost drown. Natsu laughs.
"Sorry, I assumed it was about the gremlin"
"Really?!"- Fuyumi exclaimed with excitement
"I-I think so?" Honestly he's not thinking, he's not sure about anything anymore.
Does he like Bakugo? Yes, for a while apparently and he was too slow to realize, somehow Midoriya figured it out sooner, hell even his brother was more aware and he has seen Bakugo twice in his life.
Safe to say Todoroki feels a little confused, due to lack of a better word, about this whole situation.
"I will tell him just… just not now" he wants to, he really wants but Shouto understands it's definitely not a good moment.
"Yeah you probably should, later I mean"
"I can't believe you told Natsu before me"
He still has a lot on his mind and he didn't want to add more feelings to the equation but whatever, he will deal with this later.
.
"I will stop Touya" Shouto said with determination
At his words, some of classmates stopped talking to look at him. "You, are you sure?" Iida asked. It was fine he appreciates everyone's worry but he knows he can do this. Everyone is trying to decide their role for the war and what their next steps should be, and he decided a long ago that if someone was going to deal with Touya it had to be him.
"I'm, he's my brother after all"
"That's so mainly of you Todoroki! You're gonna make cry"
"WHAT THE HELL ICY-HOT"
Now that was a reaction
"What's wrong Bakubro don't tell me you wanted to fight Dabi" Kirishima teased
"NO YOU STUPID SHITTY HAIR" Bakugo has always been proud of being smarter than most of the people give him credit for. A fire quirk against his explosion quirk? It didn't take a genius to explain why it was a bad idea, besides, he understood his role he was indispensable against that bastard of Shigaraki
"So what 's wrong?"
"Nothing! you stupid popsicle" Bakugo said before leaving shitty hair right behind him. Why? He would never understand but he didn't mind either…
"Hey Blasty seriously what's wrong?"
"Are you deaf? I already said nothing's wrong"
"Then why- wait"
"What"
"Don't tell me you think Todoroki could lose?" Kirishima asked with a mix of worry disappointment that send Bakugou to an indescribable rage
"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?! OF COURSE NOT THERE'S NO WAY THAT PATHETIC EXCUSE OF VILLAIN HAS A CHANGE AGAINST ICY-HOT"
Bakugou was serious, Todoroki was strong, in fact he was one of the few Katsuki was able to recognize as stronger than him, although he would rather fight against all for one himself rather than admit it out loud.
Todoroki not only had an amazing control of his quirk but had an incredible instinct. Bakugou would always be grateful that Todoroki chose to ignore everyone else and chose to follow him and Izuku. Who knows how different things could have ended without him.
Be able to focus on the battle, protect everyone around you and do it while a psychopath reveals to be your brother? Yeah, not everyone could do that
Fuck even Endeavor lost his mind for a while and he was supposed to be their number one (another reason to take that title of him in the future)
But Shouto could. He did in fact.
Heck despite everything his priority was to protect the others.
He was a true hero for sure and Katsuki was glad to have him at his side. Scratch that, he was glad that Todoroki was with them in general that's it.
So no, Katsuki didn't doubt Shouto. The mere idea sounded insulting.
"Calm down dude we all trust him" then bastard dared to smirk "but it's nice to know you care"
"Shut the hell up" Bakugou wouldn't deny the obvious, he was mature enough to accept it.
"Right right…. So can I ask why were you so mad about again"
"Just drop it" Bakugou sighed "it's just… is not fucking fair"
None of it was it. Why was Shouto the one who had to deal with the consequences of Endeavor's bullshit. Shouto was kind, he was so irrationally kind, it was cruel for him to have to clean other people's mess.
Kirishima gave him a comforting smile "I understand" Bakugou appreciated it, he may never admit it but he was glad to have the redhead idiot.
Then of course he has to say something stupid and ruin his whole mood.
"Just try to get your crush under control next time or you may gave him the wrong idea"
What. In. The. Actual. Fuck
Yeah everything he said about being thankful for Kirishima? Scratch that. To the hell with the idiot
"WHAT- YOU- WHAT EVEN"
"Relax there's nothing unmanly about love quite the opposite my bro"
"I DON'T HAVE A CRUSH WITH TODOROKI" Bakugou suddenly cover his mouth with his hand and looks around, the last thing he needs is someone else hearing whatever the fuck this conversation has turned into.
"How do you even get to that conclusion" he says lower this time
"I mean… it's just the way you care about him"
" So do the others what the hell"
"But the hospital thing -"
"That means nothing " true to be told Bakugou wasn't thinking, at that time he just needed to be sure Shouto was fine. He was thankful that the bastard never mentioned it.
"It didn't seem like nothing you have that particular look on your face"
"Now what are you even saying "
"...the one were I swear you would give Todoroki the world if he asked "
"That's ridiculous "
"You're blushing "
"Because of the amount of NONSENSE I'm hearing "
"Wait so you are unaware of it?"
At his lack of response Kirishima finally lost it
"HOW"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP"
"But you always are with him even when, and I quote you, you are not friends… You even get mad everytime someone else is next to him"
"No"
"Bro I swear you were about to bite Midoriya the last time he sat next to Todoroki "
"Flower field 1 and 2 are s headache together that's it "
Kirishima breathed slowing like he was trying his best to not explode
"Alright so walk with me"
"I'll kill you"
"Bakubro you basically freeze everytime the man smiles I have noticed"
"I don't do such-"
"The training camp"
For obvious reasons Bakugou hates talking or even thinking about the camp, so for Kirishima OUT OF EVERYONE decided to mention it means he was trying to prove a point.
Bakugou tried to remember and yes, before everything went straight to hell there was a moment when Todoroki fucking Shouto smiled after using his fire for helping someone else. Bakugou can't remember who because at that moment he was just mesmerized by the sight in front of him.
That was the first time he remembers Shouto smiled and fuck it did things to him. It wasn't normal back then Todoroki rarely smiles and even now Todoroki doesn't smile that often. Bakugou hates it. Happiness looks good on him he should do it more, he even blush when a silly though crosses his mind
He wants to be the reason for Shouto's smiles.
"You're blushing again"
"SHUT UP"
He can't look at Kirishima; he knows the idiot is smirking as if he had won the lottery.
Okay yes he likes Todoroki's smile so what? That doesn't prove anything.
Todoroki is objectively pretty. It was just a fact, the sky is blue, All Might is the best hero to ever put a foot on Earth and Shouto was beautiful.
It was simple.
Except it wasn't because nothing about Todoroki Shouto was simple yet Bakugou couldn't imagine a life without a him and-
Oh
Oh.
"I-" Bakugou couldn't believe it. No this wasn't happening
"You good bro. Did I broke you-"
"Ei… just stop talking"
Because seriously when did this happen how is that he never noticed and most importantly what the fuck is he supposed to do about it.
.
Everything went to hell after that.
Katsuki was never the best at the feelings department so it was easier to deal with Todoroki before having an epiphany.
Now?
It was impossible to be in the same room with him. Katsuki didn't do it on purpose but he couldn't help it, every time Shouto was around him the only thing in his mind was "why you" because now that Katsuki was aware of his stupid crush he wanted to explode everything. Out of everyone his heart chose the one person that would never reciprocate his feelings.
Bakugou doubted Todoroki has any interest in dating or in anyone for all that matters. He was kind to everyone, but that's it.
Bakugou can't blame him, honestly he never understood that romance bullshit and why was half of the world obsessed with it, honestly he never thought about dates either, if anything he used to believe it was a waste of time and a distraction of his true goal.
Fuck you, said the universe. Not only was he struggling with something so unfamiliar but also it was at the worst of the times.
Fuck Kirishima and his epiphanies.
So Bakugou decides he has to put an end to this madness. He will tell Shouto, get everything out of his chest then they will go to war and hopefully they will never talk about it ever again.
Well that's assuming both of them will survive.
And no that's not a thought he needs but is a possibility every hero has to face at some point. Bakugou used to believe he understood the risks but he is scared.
"Bakugou?"
Speaking of the devil
"What do you want icy-hot"
"I thought we could train together"
It's a bad idea, not the training part no, the being alone with Todoroki part. Everyone including themselves came back from a patrol a while ago and Bakugou it's sure most of the idiots are resting, so yeah it would be him and the walking thermostat.
"Sure. I would love to kick your ass" he curses his brain about the words choices but whatever
"We'll see about that" the bastard dares to smirk.
Fuck his overthinking he loves this.
Bakugou hates holding back and hates being underestimated, but Todoroki? He's one of the few you don't have to worry about.
That's why he was so upset during the sports festival, he wanted a fair battle and that's exactly what Todoroki is giving him now.
Bakugou truly loves it.
They lost the notion of time and probably someone will be looking for them soon but honestly who fucking cares. Bakugou would do anything to be here forever.
In the end Shouto wins 3 out of 5 matches (and Bakugou would never admit it but it was probably because at some point Shouto pinned him to the floor and the look of determination on Shouto's face combined with his heavy breathing did something to Bakugou. He is sure that scene will torture him forever)
"I think that's enough"
"What you already tired" Bakugou was a hypocrite cause both of them were panting for air
"So you are" said Shouto before laying down on the floor next to him
They just beated the shit out of each other yet somehow this was extremely peaceful. There was something comforting about Shouto being next to him with his eyes closed and his perfect hair being a mess for a chance.
Bakugou wants to kiss him.
He also wants to kick himself for that but he doesn't have that energy.
"You didn't use it" he says instead and Todoroki lets a confused "hum" in return.
"That thing you have been practicing"
"Oh"
Bakugou wants to slap him. Why did he fall for the this idiot
"It's something I created specifically for my brother so..."
Bakugou suspected, actually he just wanted to distract himself before doing something stupid but then his mind was going somewhere else.
He knows Todoroki will win but still it hits him again. The idea of one of them not coming back.
Katsuki knows what he has to do
"Todoroki"
"Bakugou"
What a fucking cliche
*You said my name"
"You have for a reason idiot"
"You almost never use it"
"JUST SAY WHAT YOU WANT"
"No, by all means go first"
"FINE"
Katsuki stands up so he can have some space because he can't look at Shouto right now. Unfortunately the bastard didn't get the memo and does exactly the same so now they're looking at each other which is ten thousand times worse.
On second thought he can go and fight all for one by himself.
"You're annoying as hell" as expected Todoroki is unfazed by his declaration so Bakugou continues "I'm serious I fucking hate you" no he doesn't "I barely tolerate you" another lie "but still I-"
"Bakugou are you okay?" Todoroki the bastard gets closer "Your face is red" he says while touching his forehead as if to emphasize his point.
Shouto would be the death of him.
"DON'T MAKE THIS ANY HARDER"
"What do you-"
"I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU OKAY"
Fuck it
Bakugou takes a step back and refuses to look at the idiot any longer instead, he focus his gaze to the sky instead
"I'm in love with you" he repeats, calmer this time "I'm not sure when it started and I didn't realize at first but" he sights "you're amazing Sho and idiot never forget that but an amazing idiot. You're dense as a rock but also so stupidly kind and… you're so fucking strong. And let's be clear I don't mean only your quirk, okay" he may be saying too much, still he doesn't care Bakugou needs this and Todoroki better understand how much he means to him "I hate how you're the one who has to clean your family's mess. They don't know how lucky they are to have you. Nobody does"
"Bakugou-"
"Look at me I needed a fucking apocalypse to realize it"
"Bakugou"
"So yes I love you and I will kill you if I have to say it again "
"Katsuki "
"What you fucking-"
Shouto kisses him.
Bakugou drowns with his own words because what the hell
Todoroki Shouto is kissing him
Bakugou makes an embarrassing sound of surprise. It feels weird at first since their lips aren't correctly lined up and clearly none of them know what they are doing. But then Todoroki pulls back for a second only to kiss him again and this time Bakugou feels himself relax under the contact.
He closes his eyes to get lost in the sensation and fuck it feels so good. Todoroki's lips are soft and Bakugou thinks he could get addicted to them, he wants to taste them even more so he pulls his arms around Shouto's neck (for once he's thankful for their height difference) and then Bakugou feels Todoroki's hands in his waist and it's ridiculous how desperate they are to get even more closer when that's not possible anymore.
Good to know they are on the same page.
It's always been like this for them. They somehow find a way to be in perfect harmony even without words.
One of Shouto's hands found its way to Bakugou's hair and it pulled hard enough to deepen their kiss. Bakugou lets a small moan out and he swears he can feel the other's smile.
It's not fair, how is the idiot so good at this?
They finally stop. Both gasping for air and their foreheads are touching, Shouto looks so happy and has a small shade of rade on his face. It's the cutest he has ever looked and it makes Bakugou want to kiss him again.
"I love you too Katsuki" he finally says and damn hearing his first name from Todoroki shouldn't feel so intimate, he is sure he's smiling like an idiot.
"I wanted to tell you after the war but you beat me to do it"
"You stole my first kiss so we are even"
Shouto laughs and it's beautiful "Yeah I guess you're right"
.
I'm in love with you Todoroki was paralyzed as soon those words left Bakugou's mouth, he was sure a part of his brain stopped working.
But then Bakugou keep talking and Shouto didn't know what to do
What was he supposed to say after that? He never was the best with words so Todoroki lets his actions speak for him.
So he kisses him.
He hopes Bakugou gets it, he hopes he doesn't reject him, he hopes he doesn't hate him.
And then Bakugou is kissing back and Shouto is happy. Is not perfect and it's definitely a little awkward but it's them accepting each other.
Yes the world might end soon and yes they are about to face the most important battle in their lives and yes there is a lot on his mind.
But right now Shouto's attention is on only one person.
I love you too
I love you and I didn't know how to tell you
I love you so much Katsuki Bakugou