Work Text:
Bakugou Katsuki was overworked as shit. Being a pro hero wore him down to the bone until he had nothing else in him. His life was filled with carrying injured people to safety, fighting shitty bad guys that didn’t have anything better to do with their lives except ruin innocent civilians’ days, and paparazzi all up in his damn business. And then, if it wasn’t any of those things, he was training and working out for hours that left him so sore he could barely stand. Coming home after being sucked dry of all his life force was like coming home to a paradise that he was always ready to indulge in, ready to sleep away for a whole week. But duty always called the next day, and the cycle would repeat.
That’s why Bakugou needed his free time. He would go mountain climbing alone when he had his days off just to enjoy the satisfaction of getting to the top and quite literally being on top of the world. He would meal prep every night before work, and sometimes even made a little extra for Kiri if he was feeling nice (he always made Kiri’s dish less spicy). Sometimes he’d even visit his parents just to let the old hags know he still thought of and cared for them. Above all, Bakugou’s favorite pastime, was reading. He read from every genre, and browsed through every aisle at the bookstore. He’d never tell anyone about it, though. People would probably mock the Katsuki Bakugou, known for being abrasive and loud, for having such a peaceful hobby like fucking reading out of all things. God, he could just imagine his friend’s faces if they saw him peacefully enjoying one of his romance novels.
“Bro... you know you could just- like- get a girlfriend, OR BOYFRIEND, instead of reading that stuff y’know?” Kirishima would say, to which Bakugou would respond with a shove of the head. “Mind your business, shitty hair.”
Bakugou read a lot from that genre- romance. Whether it was a manga or a novel, he didn’t care. He was a sucker for a good love story because he was never able to get that in his own life; too caught up in work and training to ever have a proper dating life. There was no one good enough for him to even fathom smooching in high school, and that still applied to his job. Sometimes civilians would flirt with him after he saved them, calling him their saviors and shit. Bakugou didn’t care for that. He just wanted a love that was pure, and a love that wasn’t for a shitty extra that didn’t care about him other than his status. So Bakugou read as many love stories as he could, with wishful thinking that one day he could feel a crumb of what these characters felt.
Today, Bakugou had his day off and god knows he needed it. Bakugou stretched the fatigue off upon waking up from a restful, much needed sleep, and started to get ready for the day. His body ached from his patrol yesterday after taking a hard punch in the gut from a shitty villain with a strength quirk. When he was done getting ready, he hopped in his car and headed to the bookstore for some Bakugou Time.
This was his usual spot for buying books and he had grown familiar with it. The shelves were short, and the store was fairly small. There were the basic aisles of books with the most popular genres, along with some old used books that were sold for cheap (some of Bakugou’s favorites were the old ones). Bakugou was also familiar with the people who worked there, since they’d always welcome him with a friendly nod or wave. The first time he came here, he remembers the cashier asking for a Dynamight autograph and he hyperventilated about how big of a fan he was (this was a norm for him). Today was different. There was a new boy working there, and he didn’t greet Bakugou. The cashier didn’t greet the pro hero Dynamight! Bakugou scoffed at this, but was happy that at least he could get some true peace and quiet during his time at the store (at least that’s what he told himself). Who cares if the nerdy dude with a green mop for a head didn’t greet him?! Tons of people would kill to be in his presence so why should he care about this stupid extra that didn’t even so much as look up at Bakugou when he entered the store. Whatever.
As he strolled through the aisle of books with the little label on the top of the shelves saying Fitness, Bakugou picked out another book with to purchase. With three books in hand, he made his way in line.
Bakugou eyed the new cashier as he waited for the person in front of him to pay for their things. The new guy spoke with a kind tone in his voice, and had big apple cheeks that he couldn’t help but imagine poking. He also couldn’t help but imagine poking the guy’s freckles and counting each one because geez this guy had a lot. Bakugou’s thoughts of cheeks and freckles and poking were put to a stop at the words, “Next customer,” from the green dude with way too many freckles that Bakugou had some weird interest in. Why am i thinking of this dude’s freckles so damn much?? He clearly isn’t any good if he didn’t greet me when I came in so why should i even care about this turd. Bakugou shook his head and headed over to the stupid cashier to pay.
“Ooh fitness books huh? Are you like a trainer or something?” Freckle Dude asked, still speaking with that sugary sweet tone that Bakugou decided couldn’t be genuine, because who the fuck is actually that friendly all the time unless they were being paid (which Freckle Dude obviously was, since this was his job after all).
“Tch, I’m a pro hero, I thought you would’ve noticed when I came in here,” Bakugou grumbled.
“AHH y-you are?! I’m sorry sir, i’m not very caught up with pro hero stuff, what’s your name?” Freckle Dude started waving his hands around, distraught because, oh god my boss loves heroes and he’d be so mad if I met this guy and had no idea who he was.
“It’s Dynamight, but you can call me Bakugou, at least that’s what your coworkers call me. I come here a lot,” the blonde explained. Freckle Dude, who upon closer inspection is named Deku, now that Bakugou could see his name tag, sighed with relief.
“B-Bakugou! Thank you so much for coming to our humble shop! I hope you liked what you saw!” Deku nodded his now red face up and down repeatedly, like a sloppy bow to show his apologies. Bakugou chuckled.
“Yeah yeah, don’t worry too much. I just wanna buy these books and go,” he said as he pulled out his wallet and fished for his card.
“Ah yes! That will be five thousand yen, please,” Deku’s blush calmed down as he started scanning the books. He peaked at Bakugou’s arms, still keeping his head down, and he could believe that the guy was a pro because wow he’s built. Deku blushed even more at the realization.
Bakugou insert his card and took it out swiftly, paying for his fitness books and already looking forward to all the things he knows he’ll learn when he gets home and reads them. He notices Deku still looks a bit embarrassed for not knowing who he is. “Hey, I wasn’t actually mad at you for not knowing who I was, Deku?” he squinted at the name badge.
“It’s a-actually Izuku, sir. My boss messed up writing my name tag, so everyone things it says Deku,” the moss haired boy laughed nervously.
“Well ima call you Deku, as your payback for not knowing who i was, Deku,” Bakugou teases, putting emphasis on the name. He realizes he likes teasing this guy, his reactions are so pure and you can tell he feels genuinely bad over such a small thing. Bakugou admits he may have overreacted but the guy is just so funny to watch unfold, and he realizes he wants to do it more often. It’s free entertainment he reasons.
“Oh! Yeah, sure- that works I guess,” Deku stumbles over his words. He finally looks at the blonde in the eyes again, and quickly retreats when he realizes how intimidating the man is. He’s built, a pro hero, and has an attractive face?! And Izuku didn’t even glance at him when he came in. Honestly how could he not? Bakugou wasn’t the tallest person out there, but his presence was overwhelming now that Izuku thought of it.
Bakugou rolls his eyes at the boy’s words. “Don’t take everything so seriously, it’s just a nickname, moss boy.”
“Moss boy is even worse!” Izuku gasps, and playfully puts his hands to his heart, feigning hurt. “Look, I’ll make it up to you, pick out any of those old books in the back and i’ll let you have it for free, deal?”
“Oi, I’m just messing with you, it’s seriously not that deep, don’t worry so much,” Bakugou chuckles but gives Deku a meaningful look. Seriously, can this shrub of a human take a joke? Was Bakugou coming off too mean? (Since when did Bakugou care if he came off too mean????)
“No, I mean it! Look, if you don’t pick one yourself, I’ll pick for you,” Izuku has a confidence in him now, sounding sure of his words now.
“Why should I listen to a guy who didn’t even know my name,” it was Bakugou’s time to put his hands over his heart, showing off how deeply hurt he was over the situation. Izuku sighed with frustration, to which Bakugou allowed himself to smile completely, in amusement. Man, he’s fun to tease.
“Okay fine, if you insist. Got any recommendations?” Bakugou continued.
“Oh! Uhh, I really like this one- hold on,” Deku scurried to the shelves to look for the book he had in mind, and returned swiftly. “It’s a romance novel- if you like that kind of thing.”
Bakugou frowned at the book shrugged. “Yeah whatever I’ll get this one.”
Deku clapped his hands. “Great! Would you like a bag for your books?”
“Sure.”
“Ok you’re all set. I’d love it if you came back when you finished the one I gave you so we could talk about it together!”
“I’m busy most of the time so I probably won’t come back for a while.”
Deku frowned at this. “Oh.”
“Tch fine, if it makes you happier, here’s my number,” Bakugou huffed as he jotted down his cellphone number on a random post it by the cashier. Deku’s face lit up at this, smiley cheeks making his freckles all the more noticeable. Bakugou put the pen down with finality and made his way to the door.
“Uh- see you next time!” Deku said awkwardly as he stared at the paper containing Pro Hero Dynamight’s phone number?!
He felt like he might faint, but alas he had a job, and continued checking out the next person in line.
——
After going to the book store and running a few errands, Bakugou got home and went straight to his bedroom to whip out his new books. He tried focusing on one of the fitness books he picked out, but his mind kept wandering to whatever book Deku had given him. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t curious about what that nerd liked to read. Ditching the chapter he was reading about “How To Work On Your Leg Strength,” Bakugou fished out the Deku book instead. It was small, and the title was almost unreadable from how old it was. The length was pretty short, Bakugou could definitely finish it in a couple days.
He immediately rolls his eyes upon the first chapter. It’s a cheesy romance story about some girl falling for a mysterious boy and it’s set in who knows how long ago. Whatever, he’ll continue reading for the sake of making fun of Deku and his shitty book recommendations. Bakugou could already imagine the nerd reading this and blushing about it. He can imagine Deku’s little squeals whenever something cute happened (he wished he could see it for himself).
Scoffing, Bakugou continued reading the shitty book about some shitty couple. He got a few chapters in and decided to go to sleep out of boredom. Upon closing his eyes, his mind was filled with Deku Deku Deku. Why was he thinking of that turd so much anyway? Is he that starved of human interaction other that Kirishima, that when he gets a smidge of social interaction it’s all he thinks about for the rest of the day? Bakugou thought about Deku and his blush whenever Bakugou made fun of him. He thought about Deku and his stupid stutter when he got nervous and didn’t know what to say. He thought about how badly he wanted to ruffle his curls and tell Deku not to worry so much. Most of all, he thought about how Deku didn’t know who he was.
Man, he really missed people not knowing him all the time. Everywhere he went it felt like getting interviewed. He loved it, he knew this would happen when he decided to be a hero, but he couldn’t help but yearn over the what if’s. What if no one knew who he was? What if he wasn’t smothered every time he tried to have a normal day? What if he had a normal life, not filled with people, on top of people, on top of people all the time? And Deku didn’t know who he was. He didn’t bombard Bakugou. He didn’t overwhelm Bakugou. Deku just treated him like any other guy in the shop, and Bakugou loved it. He almost wished he didn’t tell Deku who he was right away, just to get more of an idea of what it was like to have a normal life.
As he fell asleep, his thoughts were filled with freckles and blushes, and a boy named Deku that took up way too much space in Bakugou’s heart to understand.
——
8:34 p.m.
Unknown number:
Is this Bakugou??
Bakugou:
No shit. Is this Deku?
Deku:
I told you my name is Izuku, but yes.
Have you started the book I gave you?
Bakugou:
Yeah, it’s good but kinda cliche so far. You must like cheesy shit?
Deku:
It’s cute wdym :(( !!
Bakugou:
Never said it wasn’t
Deku:
Oh ok
Bakugou:
I’m going to sleep now. Bye.
Deku:
This early????
Bakugou:
You ask a lot of questions
Also yes this early, i’m a hero. Did you forget already?
Deku:
Sorry!
Ahh that makes sense tho.
Goodnight Kacchan :)
Bakugou:
Kacchan??????????
What the fuck
Deku:
If you can call me Deku I can call you Kacchan. We’re equal
Bakugou:
That’s not how it works
Deku:
Why not?
Bakugou:
I tease you and you deal with it, not the other way around
Deku:
Didn’t you say you were going to sleep?
Bakugou:
Yes and you’re wasting my time by calling me some stupid nickname. I was already falling asleep til you fuckin woke me up. Goodnight Deku
Deku:
I’m so sorry!
Ok, goodnight Kacchan <3
Read at 8:49 p.m.
Izuku set his phone down with a fond smile, unknowing that Bakugou was doing the same, in his own bed, as they both fell asleep with thoughts of each other.
——
The bell above the shop’s door jingled upon the arrival of another customer, to which Izuku lifted his head up from his book. He’s met with the sight of Bakugou in his hero costume, and immediately blushes. Bakugou looked- for lack of better words even though Izuku wasn’t fond of swearing- badass. If Izuku was a villain and saw this hunk of a guy lunging at him, he’d admit defeat. He couldn’t help but gawk at his arms and how toned they looked especially in the outfit, his head piece that just begged for Bakugou to be looked at by everyone in his vicinity.
Bakugou turned his head to look for Deku. “Hey, Freckle Guy, I finished that shitty book of yours,” he said when he caught eyes with the green boy.
“Shitty?! I thought you’d like it,” Deku exclaims, genuinely upset that Bakugou didn’t like the book he gave to him. Why did he feel so hurt about that?
“It was predictable as fuck, the chick dying at the end was uncalled for, and the guy was a piece of shit who never cared for her. I don’t know how you could stand it,” Bakugou complained.
“But their love was so explosive and passionate while it lasted, and for it to end was heart wrenching, was it not for you?!” Deku griped.
“I’m not surprised a sap like you would like it though, you give that vibe,” Bakugou clicked his tongue.
“I’m not a sap, I have very good taste in books! Also what are you even doing here, it looks like you’re still at work,” Deku asked.
“I finished your book while I was on my break, so I decided to come over here to smack you for making me read some shit that was a waste of my time,” Bakugou reasoned, but only half meant it. He did finish the book while he was on break, but he also couldn’t get the damn boy off of his mind so he thought coming here would make him stop thinking of the damn guy all day. Christ, even Kirishima noticed his performance was lacking.
“Hey man, are you okay? Your explosion missed by a couple inches right there and you were really close to the target, is something going on?” Kirishima asked, patting Bakugou’s back.
“Not a big deal, leave me alone.” the pouty blonde explained.
Deku sighed. “Maybe you just don’t understand love, Kacchan,” he got up in Bakugou’s face in a way to tease him. He pulled back with a giggle, unaware of how fast Bakugou’s heart started beating at the close proximity. Deku could say his heart was trembling a bit as well, but he just chalked it up to him getting a rise out of their competitive banter.
“It’s Dynamight to you since I’m technically at work right now, and I do now about love,” Bakugou was offended at this point. First this shitty guy made him read a terrible book, and now he’s telling The Bakugou Katsuki that he doesn’t know about love?! Bakugou knew everything about anything, thank you very much, especially when it comes to love. He read enough romance novels and shoujo mangas to know about love, right? Because that’s how people get information on things- reading about them. If anything, Bakugou knows more about love than anyone he knows.
“I doubt a guy as busy as you has time for romance, Kacchan, that’s why you don’t understand the beauty of this book!” Deku shot back.
“Yeah, well, I read a lot of romance shit so obviously I know more about love than you ever would, and I’m telling you that that book you gave me is a hot piece of crap-“ Bakugou regretted his words right after he spoke them. Dammit, he just revealed that he read romance novels for the first time ever. He looked at Deku, already fearing his reaction.
Deku couldn’t hold it in anymore. He laughed- no he didn’t just laugh. This fucker cackled. The cackle that made his ribs hurt and his eyes tear up. Deku was losing his shit.
“The scary pro hero Dynamight reads romance!” Deku wrapped his arms around himself to support his dying ribs while he lost his breath from his laughter.
“Hey shut the fuck up already, Deku! You’ll make a scene!” Bakugou whispered angrily, trying to keep his cool.
“Kacchan, have you ever been in love? Or dated anyone?” Deku gasped in between words as he tried calming himself down. Bakugou smiled fondly for only a moment as he admired Deku’s fading smile, before he forced a scowl on his face. He really had to get his shit together. Why does seeing this moss-for-hair smiling and laughing make him feel so soft? Why does he like it when Deku gets so red that his freckles disappear, and as he calms down they slowly reappear again and Bakugou counts them as they do? Why does he feel like this?
Bakugou cleared his throat, wiping his ever growing thoughts about stupid Deku from his mind like marker from a white board. “No, I haven’t but I already know my shit from books, isn’t that enough!”
Deku looked shocked at this. “Never?? Oh my gosh Kacchan what is wrong with you!”
Bakugou widened his eyes, Deku threw his hands over his mouth. “I’m sorry! That came off rude,” Deku apologized.
“Take it back,” Bakugou said seriously.
“I’m sorryyyyy!”
“No you’re not, you look like you’re gonna laugh at me again.”
“No no, I’m actually sorry! I’m not looking down at you or anything for never dating anyone! Everyone grows up at their own pace and it’s perfectly okay for you to not experience falling in love yet,” Deku rambled and Bakugou just watched in silence. It was a bit sad that he’s never found love, wasnt it? Never holding hands with someone he loved. Never feeding each other chocolate covered strawberries to the person he loves, like he sees in the movies. Never feeling butterflies for anyone ever. Hm... ever? Now that he thought about it, he does feel butterflies around Deku, despite only talking to him a few times. Interesting.
“Kacchan? Kacchan?! Hellooo?!” Deku is waving a hand in front of Bakugou’s face, trying to get his attention. Shoot, was he just staring at Deku the whole time without saying anything?
“Yeah whatever, Ive never been in love or any of that shit, who cares. I’m always too busy to spend time on all that. Plus, why would i waste my time on some extra who probably only likes me because i’m a hero or some crap. It ain’t easy being a pro, so I just live through these books to feel something I guess,” Bakugou looked away with a blush and a shrug. So what if Deku made fun of him for not dating? He had very valid reasons not to, thank you very much.
“Want me to teach you!” Deku’s voice cracked. They stared at each other in confusion.
“Ehhhhh!” Bakugou shouted. A few customers shushed him, clearly annoyed at his lack of manners in a book store.
“I’m sorry if that caught you off guard! B-but I meant it. You wanna go out on a date some time? I understand if you say no, this was very out of no where and I don’t think you even like me like that- I mean why would you? But anyways, if you say yes we can do all the stuff in the books and movies, and then you can finally understand what it’s like and you’ll understand why I like that book so much and-“
“Yes.” Bakugou cuts him off.
“Eh?” it’s Deku’s turn to be shocked.
“I’m saying yes, shitty Deku cant you hear?”
Deku blinked, mouth agape and at a loss for words.
“Oi, you heard me right? I said yes, we can go out on a date or some shit. I’m off this weekend,” Bakugou shook Deku’s shoulders, not completely sure if he was even alive or listening to him anymore.
“Okay.” Deku managed to speak out.
“Okay???” Bakugou stopped shaking him and just stared at the boy’s big green eyes, expressionless and confused.
“I mean- yes! That sounds wonderful,” Deku shook his head and suddenly looked alive and conscious again.
Bakugou took his hands off of him, albeit unwillingly. “O-okay. Sounds good then.”
“Okay!”
“Okay!!”
They stared at each other. “Do you... like me, or whatever?” Bakugou mumbled.
“Huh?” Deku turned his ear to face Bakugou in an attempt to hear him better. Bakugou sighed loudly, instead pecking the boy on the cheek and immediately turning his face away, cheeks turning bright pink. Deku wasn’t doing so well either, all hopes of functioning normally after Kacchan agreeing on the date flying out the window the second the blonde put his lips on his skin. They were like twelve year olds malfunctioning around their crushes; awkward and anxious, not knowing what to do next.
Bakugou huffed, trying to compose himself. “I said, do you like me?”
Deku was gone, but he forced himself to say what he wanted to say before he fainted. “I guess- I mean- yes I do like you! I just never thought you’d feel the same for me, or anything remotely close to it, if i’m being honest!”
Bakugou allowed himself to smile softly. Deku liked that look on him, face pink against his blonde hair, reminding him of a strawberry. Huh. Strawberry blonde. Deku liked the ring it had to it.
“Whatever. I’ll pick you up here on Saturday at 6 p.m. sharp, how’s that sound?” Bakugou blurted out roughly.
“6 works for me!” Deku said immediately.
“Good,” and with that, Bakugou turned around to head back to work. But, before he could leave, Deku grabbed his wrist.
“Wait!” he says, before giving Bakugou a quick peck on the cheek, just like he had done to him. It was Bakugou’s turn to stop functioning. If he was red before, he was a stop sign now. If you looked hard enough, you could almost see steam coming out of his ears. Deku smiled at this. “See you Saturday, Kacchan.”
Bakugou only nods stiffly, and makes his way out of the store. When he got back to work, he was even more distracted than before. All intentions of visiting Deku during his break so he could stop thinking of Deku went in the trash, as all Bakugou could think about now was Deku and Saturday, and falling in love for the first time in his life.
Deku was no better. He continued checking out customers and organizing books with a slip in his step and a happy tone in his voice. His thoughts were filled with soft smiles of Kacchan, when he thought Deku wasn’t looking. The way Kacchan said his stupid (cute) nickname. Deku immediately knew that his new goal was to make Kacchan understand love, and that he would do anything for the strawberry blonde to feel cherished. He wanted to give Kacchan a love much like the couple in the book he gave him, but this time make it last forever, but still as explosively and passionately. This would be their own love story.