synflux | KAIJU FIGHT #4

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KAIJU FIGHT #4

KAIJU FIGHT #4

CONTENT WARNINGS: natural disaster, acid rain, destruction of city, blood, gore

▶ 001. BE READY.

Despite having two targets, LILITH struggles to get a trace on them. Reports of sightings come in and often follow the same trend: They always appear before heavy rain, can be spotted dipping in and out of the heavy clouds, and always disappear by the time the sun comes out. Gradually, they can paint a more accurate idea of what they’re dealing with as more witness reports start to come in.

What starts off as reports of a large serpent-like creature in Seoul and Busan evolves into definitive reports of pair of dragons. Both are reported to be blue in color before they seem to fade to a dark gray or green color into the clouds. Based on reports, LILITH believes they may be able to camouflage themselves which would explain why they have been difficult to track.

However, LILITH’s Korea branch announces that by tracking the weather patterns and tracing them with residual rift energy, they can predict when the kaiju will appear next. All agents are told to be ready to mobilize at any moment. This means practicing timed emergency drills and sleeping in shifts so they can be ready to move out at any moment.

LILITH Korea decides to save time and reduce workload, they’ll have their own military assist with civilian evacuations. They will work with LILITH Japan’s agents to track the kaiju and provide support while the “specialists” (Outsiders) take care of the main threat.

▶ 002. KAIJU FIGHT - SEOUL.

In the early morning hours, agents in Seoul will wake up to an alarm telling them that an anomaly weather pattern has been detected and a kaiju is due to appear at any moment. Because the kaiju is airborne, they will be sent to one of the highest points in the city: Seoul Tower on Mt. Namsan and Lotte World Tower in the center of the city. Outsiders will be granted permission to go up to the rooftops to strike the dragon.

LILITH Korea will provide air support through nearby Incheon Airport and Seongnam Airbase. Should any Outsiders want to join in, they are welcome to if they can provide credentials… or manage to take a plane.

Eventually, the kaiju will be downed. It will crash into the city and deal heavy damage to buildings as it thrashes around on the ground at first. It will begin to run across the city at high speeds and climb whatever buildings it can. Anyone stationed at Lotte World Tower will have to evacuate quickly as it tries to bring the entire building down. However, it looks like the city is so densely packed, there’s no room for it to take off into the air.

█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: IMUGI ♂
HEIGHT: 1000 feet across, 30 feet high
WEIGHT: 2000kg
CLASS: Extremely Dangerous
LOCATION: Seoul, South Korea
ABILITIES: Control over weather conditions, including summoning of heavy storms, lightning strikes and hurricanes. Can fly up to 1000 feet. By flying amongst the clouds, Imugi releases chemicals into the atmosphere that bring about acid rain. Armored scales, sharp teeth and claws.
WEAKNESSES: Piercing it in the gaps between its impenetrable scales. There is also a particularly weak spot under its chin that will deal significant damage if pierced.
EXTRA NOTES: Despises humans and hunts them for food and sport. The scales on the male Imugi also seem to have a different color sheen to their scales, but only under a specific type of light.

* Due to its appearance in Japan, as well as Korea, it does have other names in the database.

▶ 003. KAIJU FIGHT - BUSAN.

Meanwhile, Outsiders in LILITH will have to deal with less assistance from LILITH Korea. With the railway out of commission and their air forces focused predominately in Seoul at the moment, there’s just not enough to share with Busan right now.

All seems quiet for now. Civilians and agents tune into broadcasts for updates from Seoul. As they learn more and more about the growing destruction in the capital city, everyone can’t help but wonder… There are two kaiju, right and one of them was last seen in Busan… so where is it?

Finally, around evening, the kaiju appears not in the sky but in the mountains outside Busan. It’s strange but LILITH will order the Outsiders to move out. If it’s on the ground, it may be injured so exercise caution. The mountains are difficult to travel through but eventually, they will find the Imugi.

It is extremely violent and will thrash out at anyone who gets close to it. It downs trees, spits acid, and summons lightning strikes to keep the Outsiders away. It uses it’s camouflage to escape into highway and railway tunnels. Outsiders may be able to infer that despite being unable to fly, it is trying to travel to Seoul.

To make matters worse, Outsiders may run into… traps. It looks like someone has tried to set out hunting traps out here. They drop electric nets, shoot tranquilizer barbs, and more. Is this what has been keeping the Imugi down? Who put them out here?

█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: IMUGI ♀
HEIGHT: 1000 feet across, 30 feet high
WEIGHT: 2000kg
CLASS: Extremely Dangerous
LOCATION: Busan, South Korea
ABILITIES: Control over weather conditions, including summoning of heavy storms, lightning strikes and hurricanes. Can fly up to 1000 feet. By flying amongst the clouds, Imugi releases chemicals into the atmosphere that bring about acid rain. Armored scales, sharp teeth and claws.
WEAKNESSES: Piercing it in the gaps between its impenetrable scales. There is also a particularly weak spot under its chin that will deal significant damage if pierced.
EXTRA NOTES: From its initial appearance and behavior, specialists believe that this female Imugi could be in preparation to give birth or may have recently given birth. This appearx to be the female counterpart to the kaiju in Seoul— despite them both being the same type of kaiju, likely derived from the same rift, this kaiju seems slightly more agile and openly aggressive.

▶ 004. NO TIME TO REST - SEOUL.

It’s a two-front battle in Seoul and Busan.

Finally, in the late evening hours, the Seoul Team will successfully defeat the Imugi. Lotte World Tower collapses to the ground, bringing down more buildings with it. The water systems in the city are damaged and the streets begin to flood, mixing water with kaiju blood and turning acidic. Some of the evacuation centers were attacked in the chaos so Outsiders will have to rush to evacuate them again.

While it all seems like a standard aftermath, there is no time to rest. Scavengers emerge and try to plunder goods from the destroyed stores. They go into dangerous areas to retrieve luxury goods and expensive electronics they can resell for more Kryptos later.

However, some people have come and are trying to pick the Imugi corpse. They collect blood, rip off scales, hack off claws, and try to take whatever they can get their hands on. They may try to bribe an agent for an organ or to just look away while they pick at the remains. Some agents accept the bribes and others seem to be participating for themselves.

There has always been a black market for kaiju but this is a dragon. Anything they can get will surely sell for a lot of money.

▶ 005. NO TIME TO REST - BUSAN.

Meanwhile, in Busan, since the battle started later. It is still ongoing. Fortunately for them, they don’t have to worry about buildings collapsing on them. However, around evening, something happens. Everything goes still in the mountains. The air becomes electrically charged, the clouds grow darker, and suddenly the kaiju takes off into the air.

It lets out a loud, high-pitched screech that summons a sudden heavy downpour of acid rain and the sky flashes with lightning that touches down all around the outsiders. The air becomes heavy and some Outsiders may recognize it as a Rift opening up. They may also notice that the Imugi in the sky… is growing? It grows longer and larger and it looks down on the Outsiders with glowing eyes before it disappears into the Rift.

The female kaiju has escaped.

The mountains have been heavily exposed to the Rift which means characters can fall to Rift poisoning. Exposure to the Rift can result in increased headaches, vertigo, irritability and impulsiveness. They will be ordered to retreat for their own health and safety.

▶ 006. DECISION.

With the fight in Seoul completed, and the other Imugi having escaped, all Outsiders will be prompted to return to Seoul in order to regroup. Agents in Busan will have to tend to themselves and make do with what they have until help arrives. With the rail destroyed, aircraft will arrive from Seoul to provide aid and pick up agents in Busan. They will swiftly return to Seoul. With parts of Seoul devastated by the attack, there won’t be much time to relax in leisure, especially as the higher-ups within LILITH seem to be under several discussions on their recent failure in allowing the second kaiju to escape. While it is the Outsiders who risked their lives on the front line, it isn’t to state that they’re only met with appreciation from the general public.

The branch in South Korea seems to be firm on the Outsiders and all borrowed LILITH operatives to remain in the city and help. Not only has the kaiju left ruin to a lot of the infrastructure in the city but crime has skyrocketed as a result of people trying to capitalize on the destruction. Without assistance, the entire city could fall into anarchy. On the opposing end, the Japan branch wants to prioritize tracking the kaiju while they are still able to, especially considering the Imugi's natural ability to camouflage and move stealthily from one country to another. They fear not acting swiftly will result in losing whatever trace they have.

…

A few hours after team Busan touches down in Seoul, all Outsiders will receive a message on their oculars. It will briefly explain the current situation and ask each Outsider to cast a vote on their next steps. There are two options that will be settled before them, either to: ASSIST the city of Seoul as best as they can before moving onwards, or to immediately CHASE after the recently escaped Imugi.

While that is happening, Seok Dang will have also disappeared. Considering his long history in the country, he naturally has the most connections. As a result, he is ordered to go out and seek specific pieces of information that the Japan branch isn’t privy to as a whole. While he’s firm on publicly stating he is staying around for a specific idol event (that is most definitely canceled), it’s clear he is attempting to look into the LILITH operatives that have been found dead in South Korea.

While those Outsiders in Busan were hit heaviest by the rift effects, the instability of the dual nature of two kaiju coming and going from Seoul and Busan have led to the presence of rift poisoning in Seoul as well. Because of this, Outsiders will be prompted to sit tight and await further orders while their peers recover.

▶ 007. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to fourth kaiju log!

Below will be two choices available, either to stay and ASSIST the city in its efforts to stabilize, or to CHASE after the escaped kaiju. Both results have their own pros and cons. Please keep in mind, this would be an IC decision, and so please keep that in mind before casting a vote. If you have multiple characters, you may cast a vote with each character. Additionally, while this does impact the aftermath or the following log's contents, it will not impact the general schedule. Voting will close at 12:00 AM GMT on August 22nd, to allow mods enough time to draft the next log.

As there are two kaiju, please comment below in the correct thread to get your hit in! In fairness, since only one kaiju is defeated, the final hit winner will be from Seoul, while two of the heaviest hitter will be from Busan, and one from Seoul in order to keep the numbers even.

All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards August AC.

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. BE READY: The kaiju have been identified as a pair of dragons. Outsiders must participate in training drills to be ready at a moment's notice.

2. KAIJU FIGHT - SEOUL: Outsiders must take to the air or other high places to bring down Imugi (male). If they can use it, they may have access to aircraft. When the Imugi is brought down, it will take down Lotte Tower with it. The battle will proceed on the ground.

3. KAIJU FIGHT - BUSAN: Outsiders will track the Imugi (female) to the mountains outside Busan. It will not take to the air but Outsiders will run into odd traps that may deter their progress.

4. NO TIME TO REST - SEOUL: After being defeated, scavengers will try to raid the destroyed buildings and remains of the Imugi (male). Some law enforcement, including LILITH agents, seem to be involved.

5. NO TIME TO REST - BUSAN: A Rift opens and Imugi (female) escapes. Characters may be effected by Rift poisoning.

6. DECISION: Outsiders in Busan will sit tight until aid comes by air from Seoul. Busan Outsiders will be transported back. LILITH South Korea wants the Outsiders to help with recovery and keep the peace. LILITH Japan wants to pursue the Imugi (female) while they still have information.

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[the word "impossible" doesn't exist in his vocabulary. any promise he makes is one he's going to do his damnest to keep, no matter how illogical or ridiculous it may seem. katsuki's not one who makes rash vows (death threats, that's another story). he takes his time to review the options, then comes up with the best decision going forward, even if that happens far faster than a lot of people can do. denji shouldn't feel gross to rely on katsuki's willingness to carry the burden and protect him. that's what heroes do, and he decided to become a hero a long time ago, accepting the vices and virtues that came with it. but that makes it difficult to let someone else protect him. a hero who can't protect can't uphold the promise he made. a hero who can't isn't a hero who can win. why would anyone have faith in a hero who can't win to save them... yet katsuki's learned through experience it's not that black and white. there are people who will protect him, just as there are times he needs protection, even if he's loathe to admit it. if denji wants to be one of those people, katsuki trusts his boyfriend's strength and resolve to do exactly that. no questions asked. he won't be one more body on the pile of corpses that lie in denji's past.

amid the whirling thrum of the chopper and the twisted blow of smoke, dust, debris, katsuki accepts the embrace, leaning into denji's chest as he moves his arms around his body. it's hard to actually hug him with his grenadier bracers on, so they end up bumping against his back and butt, but katsuki refuses to leave the other boy hanging at the moment. other times he'd growl about a hug, lean his head away with a grumbling gremlin grimace, eventually wriggle and shove to escape, but never refusing it. physical connection's important to devils, right? and katsuki, for all his distance, takes comfort in denji's touch as well. a reminder he's alive, he's here, he's breathing and well. squeezing him against his chest. ripcord pushed tight to his collarbone. damn height difference. as always, the temptation to bite it is there. hopefully the anxiety and worry spiraling around denji earlier has gone down. arms slide away from his body and fall to the side, though katsuki stays close to his boyfriend's side as the world's noises start to sharpen again.]

Duh. [katsuki approaches the edge of the roof alongside denji and looks down at the war-torn and ravaged block. the kaiju wrecked so much of this place. even now, the screams and cries of the wounded and suffering haven't yet made their way through the war zone, stuffed full of military, vehicles, outsiders, scientists, lilith operatives, and more. yeah, they'll get called down to help soon. search and rescue, clean up, more shit. he doesn't agree with denji 100% on lilith not caring about the outsiders (though that opinion's going to tank some in the future) consider how much the organization actually does for them. but right now... it's all people. in danger, struggling, needing to be helped and saved. that's what a hero does.

he lifts his head and turns it to look at his boyfriend over his shoulder, red eyes meeting tawny gold. there's still so much grief in them, worry and concern, perhaps too weighty for katsuki to ever completely remove. but he won't stop. denji's smile and rest are worth every effort each time. they can argue morals later. it's part of a relationship.]

Aa. You wouldn't be human if you weren't. [even midoriya, the most selfless person katsuki knows, can be selfish at times. whether it's wanting a piece of hero merch or being frustrated over losing out on the top score. selfishness isn't a bad thing. people should care about themselves at least somewhat.] But that's fine. It means you know you're worth it.

[ correct. physical connection is important to devils— words can be empty, can be lies, or misunderstood, while it's more difficult to fake a loving touch, a soft kiss, and long hours of holding each other under the warm blanket, sharing space. it might be the only approach to tame a nervous soul, and while devils are unpredictable and can be traitorous, they still genuinely yearn for physical validation. strange, isn't it? bakugou is a smart young man and he understood it right away, which is something denji will always appreciate and be thankful for. he just hopes— he can return the favor one day, and give bakugou something that he wants. hmm, perhaps supporting his ambitions is what he can do for him, help him get stronger, and be a better hero. he keeps in mind to track down his boyfriend's training schedule and make sure to volunteer more often.

but then, something changed. denji lost the smile; his expression reflecting on mild shock, eyes a touch wider, but not dramatic. he stares like a curious feline, with his head tipped to the side. ]

... Worth it? [ doesn't that come with self-love? something denji doesn't have. is he this anxious because he believes he deserves bakugou's attention or the other significant relationships he made in this city? the more he thinks about it, the more it fails to connect with such a concept. the feeling is off, foreign, and not right. no, he's not being selfish because he thinks he's worth it - it's for a whole other reason. despite all of it, the air is light between them, full of warmth and denji's tone is calm as he speaks. he's learning day by day to let bakugou in without feeling ashamed of himself. ]

Maybe one day I will feel this way, right? I'd want to. I always loved how confident you are. I think that was one of the first reasons that made me attracted to you. I wish I was more like you, in many ways, but my selfishness is for other reasons which I'm not proud of. [ he then shrugged- ] I just ... want to protect myself from pain I know I can no longer handle. Does ... that make any sense? I just can't see you get hurt.

[ for the sake of lightening the mood, denji leaned over to nudge their shoulders together— no, he will not turn this into a sappy confession session, hoping those simple words can give the hero a taste of the intensity of denji's devotion towards him. it's more than a crush, whether it's mutual or not, denji didn't mind. he will strive to show it by action, learn to be a better partner, learn to give more, and hope to make this experience worth fond memories when they finally part ways when LILITH sends them back home. however, denji is still a menace and it's easier to drop those bombs when it's more comical and faced with a snarl once they return to their base and recover; it makes it easier to confess. otherwise, it's scary, isn't it? to say it out loud, unprepared. how did he in such a short period grow such an attachment to katsuki? no idea, but that's his reality. ]

Oh. Besides, this guy might come out - if I lose it. [ he points at his chest, specifically gesturing to the cord as it sways with the breeze. did they ever talk about pochita and the chainsaw devil? not really. not that denji figured there was any reason to bring it up. then again, if anyone does show up from his world and he finds out about nayuta's faith— yeah, maybe he should warm bakugou a little. they do get a text, but denji is quick to brush it off. he's pretty sure he's being called to start chopping open the kaiju for further sample collection, surely other outsiders can work a fucking knife. ]

Pochita will never hurt you, though.

[he found that out soon enough. with denji being someone who leaned into his physical space without thinking about it earlier on. he always had a need to be close during battle, after katsuki made their partnership clear, checking on him and being nearby when momentary breaks happened. even more obvious when they began to spend more time as a pair, sitting beside him at restaurants as often as he sat across from him or curling up next to katsuki on the bed to nap while the blonde read or worked. he responded well to a hand on the shoulder or the occasional ruffle of his hair, but it's when he got intimate with denji that really opened the need for closeness. he thought it was only because the half-devil didn't have much closeness growing up. but it's more than that. and he's fine with it. katsuki's grown used to denji's love for physical connection, as denji's gotten used to dealing with katsuki's prickly nature. good partners compromise on things.

he's not surprised the comment lands an impact in his boyfriend's chest. self-worth is something denji's sorely lacking. it's not the selfless heroism that midoriya or itadori possess, that insane mentality that never thinks about himself. it's a void of someone who never thought they were worth anything, because the world told them the same message every single day. the only one who ever thought denji was worth something more than a tool or bother was pochita. explaining the comment is difficult to do, even on a calm day with nothing going on. right now, he doesn't have the time or patience to explain how someone's selfishness means they put themself above something else, for good or bad reasons. not complex on the surface, but goes deeper as it's peeled apart. he'll talk to denji about it later if it comes up again. right now, katsuki nods in response.]

You're you, Denji. And you're still growing into you. I've seen your confidence and your feelings develop. [he reaches over and rests his hand against his boyfriend's chest.] I like you the way you are, changing and improving as you go. I'm not gonna tell you I won't get hurt again- [he's a hero, danger comes with that life] -but I promise you I won't leave you. Even if I have to claw my way back from hell.

[it might not lighten the mood, but it's said to slam that determination home. he'll bleed, he'll break, he'll even cry (in private) but he's not going to lose. denji included. the shoulder bump makes him rock a little and katsuki lowers his arm, though not before flicking the half-devil's ripcord because he'll never resist the urge to play with it. denji's words mean a lot to him. if this boy looks up to him so much, then he can't do anything to betray that trust or admiration. it's fine if his boyfriend wants to be inspired by him; katsuki was inspired by all might as well. he knows denji won't ever strive to emulate his entire being, there's too much denji likes that "being katsuki" would impede. and there are things about the hunter katsuki is inspired by as well, namely his own internal strength and his willingness to grow. if denji's standing strong, there's no way katsuki can allow himself to buckle. rest assured, it's far more than a crush by now.]

Hm?

[he glances at denji's chest. yeah, he knows pochita is the chainsaw devil and serves as denji's heart. does he know about the real chainsaw devil? nope! he's never asked because that's personal information and he has a feeling a lot about denji's personal past is... unpleasant. not something he wants his boyfriend to dwell on given the shit show every other month this place takes on. katsuki catches denji by the back of the neck and pulls him in, head tilting as he fits his mouth against his boyfriend's. salty, coppery, wet, a kiss in the battlefield. smartly, he doesn't keep it long; there for a second and gone again. he knows it'll kick denji in the dick if it's more than chaste.]

Doesn't mean I won't blast him to get you back.

[ 'i like you the way you are' — another, deep-rooted core memory right here.

bakugou kept talking, and denji kept smiling; even if it was faint, timid, cheeks warm, and eyes glossy. yeah, what did katsuki expect would happen when he dropped such a dangerous acknowledgment? of course it would get to him. denji didn't know what to say. instead, he followed every little touch, lashes lower over his eyes, staring at the hand against his chest, blushing a bit as the fingers toyed with the cord. bakugou continues to be honest, careful not to feed the half-devil any lies, only promises he truly believes he could keep. a soft chuckle under his breath follows, as if someone like bakugou would ever get dragged to hell, to begin with. that place belonged for the likes of himself and not a bright hero in rising. words continue to feel heavy on denji's tongue, quiet and more calmed by staring at the other, and then— a kiss. ah, bakugou is trying to end him and make everything hurt again. he leaned into it, inconsiderate of the gore smearing his face from the chainsaw piercing through his skull earlier. the hero isn't easily shaken and he'd abuse it as he kissed back, mindful to clean up after himself by licking the stains from his boyfriend's lips afterward. it ended too fast, and while bakugou pulled away from it, denji didn't. he stayed where he was for a few seconds before relaxing his back. right, they had an unspoken law of not getting a certain someone all riled up in the middle of a mission, but ... it might be too late. for once, it wasn't lewd. he longed for something else, more personal, more intimate.

still overwhelmed by it all, yet denji will always be himself. unapologetic and shameless— selfish. if it's given to him, he will take it, dig his dirty claws, and hold on to it with sealed fists. bakugou said he wouldn't leave him, and that's exactly what he wanted to hear. that right here. ]

... Katsuki? [ one more thing. one last request. if he's allowed. ] Let me in a little ... okay? Can you promise me that, too?

[ he knew the hero didn't like to be vulnerable around anyone, and denji tries to be respectful of it and allow his partner to grieve in his own ways, giving him some space when he retreats to his room, for a few hours or maybe a day at most. however, he didn't want his boyfriend to find comfort around someone else. denji didn't want to ever give the impression he was too fragile and demanded every single day to be nothing more than positivity and foolery; he's here for the hard times, too. he wants to be there for bakugou at his best and his worst, always. he wants to be his first option to call and lean on when things go south. perhaps it's denji's fault for appearing as disinterested or unsympathetic to most tragedies they encountered so far — which he is, with strangers or other outsiders he's not technically close with. bakugou is special, though. denji hurts when he hurts.

gently, he brushed the back of his fingers over the other's cheek, closing in and catching those lips in another soft kiss. the fact they're standing over the roof, close to the edge, and out in the open for anyone to see might earn him some yelling later on, especially when they're in the middle of a war zone and a country under flames. denji promises this is the last one. finally, he steps to his side, gently leaning on the other, shoulders pressed, as they regard the rescue attempts below. ] Heh, just saying. If you see a tall, big creature rocking five chainsaws and devil horns, you know who it is. I know you'll fight him ...

[ he says it fondly because bakugou is bakugou, and— because pochita isn't really an adorable lil pup when he's pushed that far; their moralities will clash in an ugly way. he's not worried for his boyfriend's safety in this one. they did pinky promise (him and pochita) that bakugou is off limits, among a few other names. worst case scenario, the hero would be forced into a hug or a date by a four-armed creature. ]

[above all, katsuki doesn't want denji to think he has to change for him. they may not agree on many things, have different moral tolerances, and priorities don't match all the time, to say nothing of wildly different background, yet katsuki feel for denji despite all of that. he knows very well what he's doing as he talks to the other boy, short words that offer acceptance and understanding on top of a quiet rebuff of any guilty urge to think denji's not good enough. the half-devil is a nice guy, thinking katsuki's done nothing to earn a trip to hell, but there are elements in the young hero's life that definitely fall into a dark place. offhandedly telling someone to commit suicide because they're worthless is hardly a heroic trait, to say nothing of how much he looked down on other people and slotted himself as superior to everyone beneath him. worth a trip to hell? depends on who you ask. he knows he's atoning for those sins when it comes to midoriya... not something to get into right now while he's leaning in for a quick kiss on his boyfriend's lips above the burning wreckage of the city block. maybe it's not really time for a kiss either, but the hell with it. he feels it's a worthwhile moment for a reassuring touch. dammit, denji. one of these days, a kiss isn't going to be the cause of your pain. even if this kiss tastes very coppery and the half-devil's lips are a little tacky from dried blood. bleh... boyfriend or not, dried blood in the mouth is gross. at least he lets denji chase away the remnants with his tongue before they separate.

oy! he kept the kiss short and sweet to avoid getting denji all riled up! sheesh... as much as he'd like to stay next to denji for a bit more intimacy, they have a job to do. with the action below swarming closer to containment and control rather than battle, their attention is going to be pulled from each other quickly enough. if denji wants to be selfish right now, he'll have to hold it until later. it was he who decided to date the responsible grenade in human form after all. (then again, katsuki chose to date the emotional revving saw blade, so...) abut he's not going to leave him; they'll tackle what comes next together.]

Hm? [he looks to the side, shoulder shrugging to rub under his chin. "let me in," he says. that could be taken many ways, to several depths, and katsuki finds himself wondering just how far the guy means. not wondering enough, however.] All right. I'm not gonna promise it'll be easy for me.

[old habits die hard, his instinctive urge is to keep people out so they don't see the problems and weakness he has to deal with from time to time. wanting to stay the shining, strong hero who can save without a single doubt. it's not that he thinks denji is too fragile to handle his pain; it's that he doesn't want denji to think katsuki's too broken to handle his. how many times has a hero pushed forward to smile despite his sorrow, to reach out and grasp another's hand despite his broken bones and bleeding cuts, to promise everything will be fine in the face of his own fear pounding in his heart? some people say learning those things instills faith heroes are human just like them, yet others say it erodes their trust heroes can do everything they say. it was hard in vegas to discuss with denji about his hurt because doing that tormented the man he cared about the most. and it's hard to get his head around someone caring so much for him when it seems like he cares so little for other people. denji is special, enough that katsuki forces himself to grapple with that unfamiliar dichotomy rather than ignoring it. one of the reasons why he reached out to him during this battle to affirm he was safe rather than forcing denji to trust him in silence.

and yet... denji's right. he does need to be more open with his boyfriend, even if it's uncomfortable. katsuki leans into the kiss, letting the half-devil draw him in this time. no, this time it won't earn him any yelling. because this is who katsuki chose to be with. if anyone else has a problem with it, they can fuck off. but this is the last one because they do need to focus on the people they're here to help. as denji leans back, katsuki gives his boyfriend's hand a light squeeze, shoulder firming when the half-devil leans against it. he's so warm... it feels reassuring and promising at once, reinvigorating his exhaustion.] Is that creature Pochita's true form?

[dammit, don't drop this suddenly on him in the middle of a mission! he has questions, dammit! and now he has to wait on them. fuck. doesn't mean he wouldn't fight him. he already clashed with denji once, but that reminder's kept silent, knowing the memory is painful. but if he has to deal with a rampaging devil to get his boyfriend back, he'll nuke pochita in the face as many times as it takes. that or watch the most awkward hamburger date in the history of dating...]

Let's go. [and promptly hooks an arm under denji's arms, cups his ribs, and drops both of them right over the edge of the building. an explosion blasts behind them, taking the pair forward at an angle before another one explodes to check mark upward. then down, bouncing in arc waves to descend into the hell below.]

[ he doesn't expect it to be easy on someone like bakugou, yet denji doesn't understand why. is it pride? shame? is he embarrassed to be vulnerable? well, around strangers the hero had every right to be as reserved, but not with a person he chose to start a relationship with. nothing can change denji's mind about him. bakugou, without any doubt, is the strongest, most reliable person he has ever seen, in heart and mind. an unshakable force, and even if life knocks him down and makes him stumble on his feet, denji had no doubt he'd get up, give it the middle finger, and move on. it's just— he wants to be the one to catch him when he's down, help him back on his feet, and stand next to him. he didn't want someone else to be that person to bakugou. after all, jealousy does run deep under his blood. the heart of a devil isn't so gracious to anyone who is trying to take what belongs to them.

in the end, if someone is trying to atone for their sins, did they still deserve to burn in hell for all eternity? denji knew there was something a lot more profound that had happened between his boyfriend and midoriya, what he saw was a brief glimpse of a deeply rooted animosity. whatever it might've been, considering bakugou's habit of spitting insults here and there, what happened with midoriya must be a special case— something more extreme. it's hard to take a guess, especially when they seemed like they were on good terms. then again, isn't he and aki acting like life is perfect and all is forgotten too? hmm.

and hey! he's riled up in another way. not the 'i wanna fuck him over the kaiju's corpse' way but more of the 'i wanna buy him flowers and call him pookie' way, which is far worse in bakugou's perspective but it's his damn fault for shoving too many heartwarming feelings down his throat. he just wanted to hold him, shower his face with soft kisses, breathe in his scent and curl up against his body and listen to his heartbeats. it's all oh so very-

are they falling to the ground now? when - did they ....

the initial rush of wind and the sensation of free-fall is beautifully refreshing, with everything below them blurring into a chaotic swirl of colors and shapes; denji's heart pounds, and adrenaline surges, heightening his senses. instead of keeping an eye on the ground approaching rapidly, time seems to slow down as he regards his partner, fully trusting him to take care of him as he secures his arms around his shoulders. a loud sequence of calculated blasts keeps them steady, stalling down their land, and they drop on the rubble. he then pulled away, not before giving his partner a pat on the shoulder as a 'thank you'. they're immediately getting swamped by the busy scenery, the crowd rushing around them and denji reaches out to hold onto his cord as they walk ahead. ]

Yup. The chainsaw devil. You've only seen him as a cute pup, right?

[ one might argue if pochita looked cute or just super weird, but he's adorable to denji. they're quick to get interrupted by senior officials, law enforcement, or members of the rescue team. chainsaw man was more fitted to help collect specimens as the large corpse is fated to take days to dismember and dissect, which is time they can't afford. gotta collect those parts while they're fresh. that's some villain-like thinking, huh? denji sticks his tongue out, visibly uninterested in this shit but he will do it because bakugou wouldn't want him to be a lazy slob. there was one particular official that was too loud and borderline rude, which made him the perfect target to get hit with a blood shower when denji tugged on the cord. ha. ]

You might wanna find another spot, Dynamight.

[ this will be messy and the hero will most likely get dragged to assist elsewhere. ]

[it's something that denji will likely never be able to understand. just as there's no way for bakugou to completely understand the background his boyfriend came from. someone who never had anything as he grew up is alien to the strange struggles of someone who had everything. denji didn't grow up wanting the world to look at him as the strongest hero known to history. didn't live under the self-inflicted expectations to be amazing at everything so anyone who saw him would praise him for his ability, strength, and power. for bakugou, winning was everything. the strongest heroes, the greatest heroes, were the best because they won. he walked through his childhood and into his adolescent years with the understanding he went towards a world where people he didn't even know would rely on him to keep them safe. amid the fame and glory he originally desired along with his hero status, he understood (to one extent) the responsibilities a hero held. so much of his arrogant pride and stubborn determination revolved around his ability to "win" against anything that rose in front of him. be it an enemy, a new skill, an academic test, a quirkless little boy who always seemed to be even more heroic than bakugou could ever be...

people lost because they were weak. people lost because they made a mistake. people lost because they were injured. people lost because they were vulnerable. people lost because they weren't "enough" to prove to others they were worth the trust and support those others gave them. because they weren't able to do "it". all of that built up on his shoulders, his perfect record, his amazing results, his impressive grades, his clean slate, his powerful quirk, as building blocks to become the hero bakugou told himself he had to be in order to secure his dream of being the greatest hero of all.

... when bakugou loses... in anything... all of that is thrown into potential jeopardy.

no. he doesn't expect denji to understand that. even if he sat down and tried to explain it, denji's not the kind of person who would resonate with that ideology. just as bakugou could never resonate with the idea of saving a cat over a person. above everyone he knows, everyone he has here in this world, the people he cares about most, denji is the last person bakugou would ever want to appear weak, vulnerable, mistaken, hurt, worthless... because someone like that could never keep the promise he made to denji to always be there with him. and the idea of denji even once possessing a shred of doubt towards bakugou's promise to him... makes him sick to his stomach.

i will never... ever... be one of the bodies left being you in your past.

a traitor, a turncoat, an abuser, a manipulator, a mistake, those people who "couldn't" or "didn't" when it came to keeping their promises to be with denji. bakugou doesn't want to be one of them. and perhaps that fear has done some damage to his side of their relationship, making him afraid to show his boyfriend any reason to doubt his strength. denji has so much trust and loyalty in him, how can he risk shaking that? darkness and unknown exist in the half-devil's background, things bakugou doesn't know. as much as there are landmines scattered around the blonde's explosive attitude, he isn't sure of what pitfalls live in denji's mind. it's built up a desire to prove himself over and over to the other boy. to be perfect...

they'll need to talk about this at some point, and it will probably be ugly. bakugou knows denji will feel guilty over this unconscious pressure the hero has put on himself in their relationship. but right now, their focus is on something else. the next leg of their mission. time for this massive talk can come later. hopefully when denji doesn't want to call him "pookie" and get the nearest pillow stuffed down his throat for being so dorky embarrassing.

another explosion bounces the pair upward and bakugou lands on the ground with a grit of stone and debris under his boots. denji's got his legs under him too, hopefully reactive enough not to get whacked too hard on the landing. the arm around his shoulders are trusting and strong, without a single doubt the hero will get them down safely. and he does exactly that. no mistake made. once denji pulls away, bakugou checks on the tanks in his grenadier bracers. shit, mostly empty. he hasn't had time to refill them since unleashing the full blast. that little pat on the shoulder earns a small twitch at the corner of the blonde's mouth and he takes just enough a moment to clunk his ankle against denji's shin in a return gesture. time to get to work. this one's not going to be blasting the dragon corpse to burning chum.]

That's all you've described him to me as.

[denji was always ready to speak kindly and affectionately of pochita. adorable to the young man who loved him. this hulking monstrosity was not that description, but bakugou understands the reality of that situation. a devil is a devil after all. he glances up as the official return, other outsiders getting lost in a sea of activity and law enforcement. it's gonna be a busy scene. bakugou might take offense at people treating chainsaw man like a lumberjack, but then again... he's a chainsaw man. bakugou's been treated as a walking demolition body plenty of times. and if you do something best, you do something best. when denji sticks his tongue out in that wry face, the young hero whaps him on the shoulder with a scowl. stop it, dumbass. he'll treat you to a snack later.

and does not reprimand him for "accidentally" drenching the rude son of a bitch with blood. had it coming.] Call me when you're done, Chainsaw Man. I'll be nearby. [likely end up hauling chunks of hewn dragon meat, but at least the plugsuit will keep from from getting gory. with that, he checks in with another worker and takes a place a short ways east of denji, working there and keeping his partner in contact, texting or calling mostly, but making sure to be in sight every now and then so his boyfriend can see him.

i promised you i won't abandon you.]

[ and when they do have this conversation, not only will denji feel guilt, but that's one more reason for him to hate himself and this time— it might be well deserved.

he is aware of what he is doing. kinda. he is aware he is casting all his insecurities on bakugou's shoulders and depends on him more than he should; denji keeps comforting himself by saying the hero is strong enough to handle it, he will save him, he will fix him, patch him up and make it all better. "it's what heroes do" - that line is a toxic repetitive coping mechanism since he started getting cozy with katsuki. he is, whether it is intentional or not, adamant about finding all the answers to years of abuse, grooming, and neglect at the hands of his boyfriend, hoping that experiencing a normal life and being head over heels will cure it all. and, in a way, it is- ... helping. despite that, denji still wished to protect his boyfriend from the demons of his past and did his best to keep to himself, more content to build happier memories together. he would give all of himself for that boy; his heart, his soul, his everything just to keep bakugou happy because that would make him happy; a mindset that is equally selfish and sweet. nonetheless, there is an unspoken expectation between them, one that is doing more damage than good to their relationship. is denji aware of it? is he aware of the pressure his boyfriend is going through because of him? he honestly didn't. but, he should know. he must know before it gets worse

this is, without any doubt, the last thing he wants to make his loved one feel when they're together.

for now, in this new country, as they blend in with the mayhem and get assigned to their roles, denji had no leverage to notice anything off with his boyfriend. he notices the gesture and the promise of a treat if he cooperates, and that works like a charm in motivating him to tolerate listening to the long ass list of where to slice, what to separate and where he shouldn't strike— mainly being forced into looking behind a rough sketch of the kaiju's body and where they might locate key organs. it's a gross description that didn't faze denji per se, but he's happy bakugou isn't here to witness it. a team has already started on picking out those harsh scales, one by one, and the way they're being preserved is suspicious. whatever. denji starts with those horns, and when the kaiju isn't squirming around or trying to kill him, it is a lot easier to carve right through them. his chainsaws didn't stutter; a clean, quick slice with enough force to separate them off its head. he watched as the other teams coordinated by relocating the new goods, and then he was guided to proceed with other parts of the corpse, decapitate the head, and slice through the long neck in chunks that are easier to toss into the back of specialized trucks. denji worked fast, chainsaws revving loud and mercilessly, leaving multiple running streams of blood all over the ground. it wasn't as fun when the kaiju was alive and fighting back, it felt like kicking a small pup when it's down, more tedious and lame but denji didn't complain.

each time they get too close to an undamaged organ, there is an immediate request for chainsaw man to stop as the officials discuss whether it was worth the harvest or not, during those times the half-devil would catch up on bakugou; a quick call or a text, returning to work once he makes sure his boyfriend is okay. this is fated to last for hours into the night, the creature is huge and while denji's chainsaws could've chopped the fucker into tiny pieces ages ago— they were certain demands on how it should get done. ugh. this is why he hated the cleaning routine— they always had a system of doing things and god forbid if someone wanted the easy way out!

hours later, it ends with that massive tail, spinning blades dig through the thick, harsh flesh, leaving behind a violent outburst of red— one might think denji is exhausted by now, especially since the outsiders didn't get the chance to rest after their mission, but he's fine. if he survived fighting the eternity devil for four days straight, this isn't a big deal. he sends a quick text to let bakugou know he's finishing up here. ]

[THAT'S NOT THE POINT HE'S TRYING TO MAKE! dammit... bakugou's likely to approach the topic from a less blaming skew, even though it'll be difficult for him to explain it. if everything else is shoved away, all he wants is to never give denji a reason to doubt his strength, so he can continue to hold that promise of never abandoning his boyfriend. a lot of that "reason" side is more his own insecurities nagging at him. denji's already had so many people break and fall around him. why should the half-devil believe katsuki will be any different? how can he be different? he doesn't believe denji's a dog. not some dumb animal that happily wags his tail every time a new person treats him kindly, willing to forget the abuse he received from previous "kind" people. denji's a person, with an injured heart, who deserves to be treated with the same loyalty and affection he gives others.

bakugou's never once looked at denji and thought he could "fix" him, as if there were something "wrong" with the young man. he's hurt, he's had a bad life, and he's grown up with those experiences inside him, making him into the person he is now. not all of it agrees with bakugou's life, he accepts that, but none of it's worthy of abandoning him. if there's something he wants to do to denji, it's to save him. save him from what... is a good question. from himself? from the devils? from people who'd exploit and abuse him? from the world? he doesn't know. what he does know is having denji's hand in his feels good. the sight of his smile, the sound of his laughter, brings a warmth to his chest he enjoys. fighting alongside him is exhilarating and satisfying. he wants to protect denji, so they can wake up beside each other more and more.

katski's not professing to be a cure all, not even believing for a moment he can heal all the damage done to denji's mind, heart, and soul. there's simply too much. but he can help. one day at a time, one wound at a time, until the injures have scarred, until the scars begin to fade. is this a "normal" life? fuck no! denji wouldn't even have a "normal" life with bakugou if they returned to the hero's world and became pro heroes together. but he intends to give denji a good life. as much as he can.

but not even bakugou's perfect. there are things inside he'll have to contend with, and some will eventually come to light for denji to see himself. they can deal with that at that time. for now... this is the path they're on.

he watches over his boyfriend's work when he has the chance. despite the other guy's bristling under authority at times, he takes orders well when he's in the mood to listen. some people might think denji stupid, but there he is, cutting where the directions are to cut, cleaving through meat and bone most blades can't even breach. pulling back when directed, avoiding any mistakes, proving more and more why he's the one to wield those powerful chainsaws after so many experiences. of course, for all his efforts and effective handling, denji's the one that ends up a gory shade of red. workers stand back to avoid the spray and spatters, though two of them (younger by the sound of it) are eager to help in their plastic-covered suits. apparently chainsaw man has at least two fans among the clean-up crew... katsuki has to smile a little at the sight. it's how it should be. denji deserves to be appreciated for his abilities and effort. even if he's not the most patient or tolerant of higher ups.

dude... it's not a small pup. it's the corpse of a dead monster that would've killed them all if it had more time and less resistance. bakugou has sympathized with kaiju that didn't bother them, leaving the boars along despite lilith's orders, for example. but when a kaiju does this level of destruction for the apparent hell of it? ... die.

he gets that text tell him denji's done and responds accordingly.]

i'm at the decontamination site. it's at the front of the containment zone.

[you need a shower, ripcord pec.]

[ regardless, one side holding on to the logic that not all can be healed in the short amount of time they have with each other, which is true, while the other is convinced there is a quick fix. that alone is an issue in itself that will backfire on them in the ugliest way. there is a pressing urge to get that blurred area clarified. for now, he will remain blissfully unaware, and focus on his resolve to do whatever he can to keep his partner safe, moralities will clash at some point because denji isn't above getting his hands dirty if he has to; so long as katsuki is alive and breathing, it's fine. he figured since he made his intentions rather clear and he was honest— maybe when they would be able to work it out during tough times. they both desire to support their partner but in different ways.

bakugou wants to give denji the best life he could ever have and denji, aside from his selfishness and fear of burying another loved one, wants bakugou to keep on living so he can achieve his dream. he understood where the hero's happiness rests, what would truly, sincerely make him seek that fulfillment, and while — yes, it would be nice to think all the hero desires is to be harassed and smothered with fluff and someone doting on him, that's not true, is it? katsuki wanted to be the greatest hero, and for that, he needed to live. denji will make sure he leaves this city unharmed and he has no doubt dynamight's name will be all over the big billboards, on top of the charts, and admired by every-fucking-one.

denji wouldn't be there to see it, and that reality broke his heart, but he knew it would happen. why wouldn't it? bakugou is the strongest and most reliable out of all the outsiders. he had the hero aura from day one, from the lockers when they first met. denji will count the years until his graduation, even if they come from different timelines or different universes, he will still mark it down and hope that he lives long enough to celebrate bakugou from where he is. he just hopes by then, katsuki will still remember him and think of him.

denji didn't notice the two tiny fans of his; far too busy getting drenched in red and checking up on his boyfriend between jobs. it was only when he was cleared to leave the scene and bakugou shared his location, he was face-to-face with them. at first, he thought he'd get dragged into another job and he was ready to swing a blade to scare them off, but— that's not the case. between the limit of his devil form and their gear, their brief conversation was mainly body language which was oddly more endearing. the way one of them threw his fist up as if cheering for chainsaw man, the polite bow of gratitude afterward, and denji nodding his head almost in a timid behavior. gosh. is this real? is he being admired? this is like a dream and he's blushing so hard that a bit of steam puffed out of his engine.

right. he now feels like an ass for complaining so much earlier.

he meets with bakugou soon after, in all his glorious mess and he throws his arms up, chainsaws still attached. ]

They love me! Did you see that? I have fans. Me!!! I- [ ah. he's — getting yelled at to go start the decontamination at the earliest. denji is a walking hazard with all the kaiju's blood and flesh oozing out of him, and since bakugou wasn't as dirty or messy, they didn't want his nastiness to spread between outsiders. hey, it's not like he was standing too close to his partner. they can chill with the yelling. ] Don't be jealous, Kacchan! [ he teased, so childish. but, at least he seemed to return to his old, silly mood. he then gets in line so he can start the cleansing operation, getting rid of his suit, pulling back those weapons of his, and time to find himself a spot to rinse out all the gunk. then the fun part, getting sprayed on the face/body during disinfection. ]

[no matter what's said during that meeting, katsuki's top priority will be to keep his hand on denji's, holding tightly to prevent him from spilling backwards into a pool of doubt and guilt. it's frustrating that his boyfriend thinks this is a quick fix, desperately wants to believe good feelings and a kind person will magically erase those deep seeded traumas. they don't go away, they only get buried rather than dealt with. katsuki doesn't look forward to the day that naive, childish belief explodes in denji's face, but he's going to be there for him as best he can if/when it does. someone with his strength went so much of his life never believing he needed protection or assistance. but the past year has shown bakugou he's not immune to that kind of connection. it took a while, but he's more open to it now, trusting in denji to watch his back in both battles and in life, even if it means calling him out when he's being an asshole or reaching for him even when he wants to suffer alone.

katsuki refuses to die on denji's watch. even if he has to claw his way back from brutal injuries, he'll cling to his life with a stubborn rage because someone's waiting for him. his life isn't for some shitty kaiju to take. as painful as it is to know they'll have to separate at some point, returning to their homes with their memories gone, bakugou digs his heels in that his heart could be so easily wiped. he'll live, he'll survive, and when he stands at the end of the war (or lies sprawled victorious on the ground) he'll feel a tiny shred of encouragement inside him, urging him to live, to win, to survive. a shred from a young man who cares for him so much, time and space can't remove it completely. because denji makes him happy. so much that he knows his life isn't 100% complete even as a hero if he comes home to an empty room and doesn't see that familiar face, or hear his voice approaching... katsuki will be the greatest hero (he wants to) but he also wants to be denji's partner, friend, boyfriend, and more. somehow, if there's a way... he'll make sure they both can continue to do that together.

bakugou won't forget him. doesn't matter if saying that flies in the face of all reality and logic. he doesn't need that shitty pair if it means he'll forget the person he cares about so much. he'll remember denji. in the scent of jam on bread. in the sound of a chainsaw rumbling. in the morning light on his pillow. in the sound of a voice he may not place in his mind, but knows exactly who it belongs to in his heart. maybe he'll even learn his birthday.

dammit! why wasn't he there to see that puff of embarrassed steam coming out of denji's engine?! fuck you for making him miss that!! those two bastards owe him for stealing first sight!!

anyways, bakugou's nearby when denji returns to the entrance to the contamination zone. he's not the only one in need of a wash off. others got bloody from measuring the kaiju or helping with carving it up, collecting samples, walking through the gory streets. katsuki doesn't pay attention to that, too caught on denji's arrival in apparent triumph. what the hell's this jovial display about? he's like a kid who just won first prize... at the slaughterhouse or something.]

Haa? [they love him? what fa- ... oh! denji must've seen the two people katsuki saw admiring him. heh, good! he deserves to know there are some people who think chainsaw man is cool. cause he is. the blonde's already gone through the decontamination process, having his gear and costume cleaned while he got sprayed off and dried. sitting outside the yellow tape, he keeps nearby to his boyfriend's station, watching him wave his saws in elation. yeah, take those blades over to the cleaners, you famous fuck.] Why the hell would I be jealous? I got way more of you than they do!

[he's tired, so maybe his mouth is a little looser, but katsuki's genuinely happy denji's happy. it's nice to see his boyfriend validated and ecstatic over it. silly boy. and then into the tent he goes for washing off. the lights inside cast his shadow on the tent wall, so it's kind of erotic in a way. if you didn't mind some slop of gore flying off the silhouette as denji got sprayed down. the half-devil likes it more than the hero does. he'd rather get a normal shower than take a blast from the fucking hose. bakugou hangs out until denji can join him again. then they can make their way back to the base.]

[ bakugou can easily see a very flustered chainsaw man. come on, out of everyone in this city, he had the most influence over denji. it's a matter of when is the right time for it. probably it's best not to push it during missions, but since they will start training together more often— that is a safe space to fool around a bit. it's not life or death, even if they will take it seriously, but no one said they couldn't drop their guard when their session is coming close to an end. though, if he does feed denji fish blood he might not be in the mood to be a smitten kitten. just saying! that shit will taste awful and it will leave him grumpy for hours.

it's hella endearing how bakugou didn't take the bait of denji's childish taunt, and instead twisted it around to strike him in the heart. ngh. it made him go through such an annoying process of disinfection a lot easier because he was too busy enjoying the climax of getting appreciated. not that a bunch of strangers complimenting him had a bigger weight over his boyfriend, not at all, but it was still a rare — hmm, experience? denji did have fans back home; something he hasn't mentioned because they weren't really cheering for him, but for chainsaw man instead. in this city it was a bit different. those officials in their suits knew who denji was, they had seen him stripped out of his devil's powers and still approached him. yeah, that's one way to ease the mood after a heavy conversation with bakugou, even when he's getting assaulted from every corner, rinsing him clean from head to toe. the silhouette of a man who's taking it in silence— arms up and turning around when he needs to. if he knew bakugou was watching, he would've done something more, but let's be thankful he didn't and saved them both the embarrassment.

when he finally steps out a few minutes later, he goes through one last inspection before he is free to regroup with his teammates and call it a night. it is safe for him to mingle with the crowd now with zero risk of contamination. he glanced over at bakugou with a tired smile, giving him a slow twirl, as if showing off how clean he was. fuck yeah; a brand new man coming in. ]

I've been violated in every corner of my body so I am allowed to go straight to bed after we eat something. [ do not drag him for another shower, you. look at him! he's spotless and smells like victory. he waits for his partner to join his side, walking along with him, content to leave the busy site behind. ] How tired are you? wanna eat in, then? [ not that they had the option to dine elsewhere, right? the kaiju's rampage took out a lot of the nearby buildings, including the small facilities and most civilians are probably in hiding, leaving their business behind. the only available choices for them are whatever they can find in their temporary base. ]

[thing is, bakugou doesn't usually try to fluster his boyfriend when he's wearing his chainsaw-headed-helm. whenever the saws are out, business is happening, and denji knows the blonde's not one of those teasing flirty types, especially not when he's focusing on keeping people safe or fighting monsters. but denji's not wrong about the potential training sucker punch. if katsuki feels like he can get away with it and is in the mood, there's a good chance he might mess with his boyfriend. probably shouldn't do that in the simulation, since all that shit's being recorded and watched. like hell he wants someone seeing them messing around! that's private!

...not katsuki wondering what kinds of blood elicit what sorts of moods from his boyfriend...

good thing denji didn't do something more because he'd get a towel to the face once he got out. whether or not that's a good thing, considering how towels led to that heated bathroom exchange is up for debate. he's never been nice to anyone who wants to be his fan. yelling at them for being loud, grumbling when they wanted a picture, looking away as those brats jumped on him for a hug, and a host of other things. he hopes when he gets to be a pro, he won't end up with a bunch of shitty kids flocking to him like annoying rats. can't he have older fans, like teenagers and adults who know he's not some damn climbable statue? ~~how he's going to rue these thoughts in his canon future.~~ katsuki can't say he has any "fans" here, though he's well aware a number of cops on the force are on good terms with him and like working with him. none of them get to on the same level as denji though, and he still gets smirky cocky when they praise him for taking out a criminal quickly. so long as they don't fawn on him. then he gets angry... anyways, guess he'll watch his boyfriend get sprayed down in a risque curtain show. at least they kept his damn boxer briefs on. doesn't want some random scientist getting a full frontal.

bakugou pushes off the lamppost he'd been leaning against and heads over to denji once the other boy's out and free to move. that tired smile goes for both of them, though the spikey-haired teen is wearing his usual scowl. that little twirl gets a shoulder bump to denji's own for being an attractive brat.] Haa?! How the hell is getting sprayed off violated?! I thought you liked that part of decontam.

[he's not going to haul denji off for another shower. they're clean and the walk back isn't going to make them filthy unless something ridiculous happens. hands in his pockets, katsuki stalks along beside the other boy, aiming for their base. how tired is he? that's a good question. he's worried about their teammates, as they haven't heard the results of their battle, but nothing will come of fretting. physically exhausted from the fight, but not too injured asides from the welt at the back of his head. if they want to eat out, they'll be going pretty far away and dealing with evacuees.] Eat in.

[if he even bothers. he might just climb into bed with denji and fall asleep immediately.]

[ denji could argue that the fact they're being recorded and monitored does make it— more enjoyable. not that he's suggesting they be too obvious about it, but keeping it lowkey while slipping a few touches here and there wouldn't be the biggest crime on earth. then again, denji knew he was reaching for the sky with this one, dreaming way too big like the fool he is. he can almost hear the biggest 'fuck no!' coming his way; assuming bakugou wouldn't want to have footage of him getting fondled in some permanent record, stored years later for anyone to see. this might be the biggest reach, so unattainable he can only keep it in his fantasies. instead— he should focus on what is more achievable; the small advances that might be permitted to someone who isn't used to showing affection in public. baby steps. ]

I forced myself to like it because they decided it was the best way to get me all germ-free. I guess? Eh, it's not so bad ... violating, but not bad.

[ was it worth complaining about? not really. it saved him the trouble of scrubbing himself under the shower; a physical task that is far too exhausting after long hours of fighting kaijus. it allowed him to slip under the blanket without the fear of disgusting his partner with dry blood and foul stench, so— no whining. he'll suck it up. besides, they had other more pressing matters to think about, mainly their other teammates who were fighting in another location. it's almost a bit too concerning they haven't heard anything from them yet. denji sends out a quick text to aki, hoping he'd get something back— an update.

as he waited, he glanced at bakugou by his side, then down to the hands tucked inside his pockets. denji squints afterward, noting the common obstacle in his way. why did he always have a habit of hiding those gems where he couldn't reach them? it made it nearly impossible to sneak in and curl their fingers together as they walk. if he wanted it, he'd have to ask for it out loud, which kills the vibe, or shove his hand inside and fish bakugou's out— which also kills the vibe. eventually, denji decided he was too tired to be petty over this, exhaling softly with an easy smile. a few steps brought him closer, and he nudged his partner's shoulder, careful not to mess up their footing before he pulled away. ]

When will I have the honor to hold your sweaty hand as we walk? [ sometimes— you just gotta be bold and get it over with; kill the vibe because whatever. if any of the other outsiders heard him, denji did not care. ] I'm tired. Hold my hand, please. It's a long walk ...

[yeah don't argue that because then katsuki's gonna think (or find out) his boyfriend has a voyeur kink and he's not sure how that's going to go down in his own head. then again, there's a difference between kissing on the screen or doing something far more raunchy, which he kind of suspects denji wouldn't want to do anyways. the guy can be pretty selfish when it comes to bakugo, and the blonde finds it charming for the most part. doesn't mean he won't yell at denji with a flushed face for copping a feel in the middle of a fight! would the half-devil get away with it? yeah. unscathed? probably not. prepare for body slams! it's best if they don't think about the oculars recording things all the time because that's even more creepy. that said, denji has convinced katsuki to do things the blonde never would've thought he'd do, so he has a lot of sway over his explosive boyfriend.]

Ask if you can hold the spray yourself next time. They'll give you a sterilized glove.

[though it's a long shot, since the decontamination people prefer those long-handled nozzles to avoid getting close. but they're all covered up anyways, so whatever! it can't hurt to ask. or in bakugou's case, straight up demand. odds are, katsuki's going to haul denji into the shower tomorrow morning and scrub them both down, even if the cleanup team was so thorough, the half-devil felt "violated" by clean water. poor thing. how the hell could denji even think about getting under the sheets covered in gore and dried blood in the first place?! if he's that tied, he'd pass out before he even got to his room. ugh... if bakugou returns and finds his boyfriend in the bed in that state, damn right he's going to let him sleep until morning. at which point he'll be dumped in the bath to clean up while katsuki handles cleaning the room. what a responsible guy.

sorry, denji. pockets are for hands. it's a habit to shove them in there, whether he's stomping around like a delinquent or stalking off like a cool gremlin. but if he wants them, all he has to do is reach and tug the closest one out. katsuki hasn't pulled his hand back since they started officially going out. it's embarrassing, but he gets used to it. yeah, kills the vibe, but also secures denji a hand to hold each time. gotta make a choice. kasuki's someone who thinks walking beside someone is as close as holding hands, so it's a habit the half-devil's going to have to keep trying to break. the shoulder bump earns a quiet one back, as bakugou's gotten used to denji's need for physical contact. it's pleasant most of the time.]

My hand's dry, dumbass. [cue him tugging his hand out of his pocket and shoving his boyfriend's cheek with it. brat. why do people think he's got eternally-sweaty hands like some nervous preschooler?! he CHOOSES when to secrete his sweat! you think he wants to blow up everything during a hot day? katsuki takes denji's hand afterwards, resisting the urge to deliberately squish him with that dangerous liquid. but it gets the half-devil a hand holding.] You gonna make it or do you need a piggyback ride too?

[yes he's taunting him.]

[ bakugou trying to offer him other options to feel more comfortable is rather endearing. at times, the situation didn't beg for it, since denji can tolerate a lot despite minor whining sessions here and there, but he wouldn't reject if someone wished to take those misgivings more seriously than he does for himself. again, it reflects on the fact he's being heard, and his comfort matters, and that's a feeling denji will never get used to; almost every time it will warm up his cheeks and make his heart flutter without fail. will he ask to do it himself next time? yes, only because bakugou is trying to help. he will test it once and see if he'd prefer it over having someone get it done for him, whichever process is faster will be denji's preference in the end. regardless, he values the suggestion with a slow nod of his head. ]

Mm, I will ...

[ ngh. he gets a hand to his cheek a second later, just when he was feeling a bit too fluffy, waiting for a mini blast that never came; accepting his fate. when it was safe enough to assume he wouldn't get assaulted, denji glanced at their hands, watching their fingers embrace each other in a perfect curl; quick to slip into a cozy hold as they continued walking ahead. no, bakugou's hand was not sweaty and it was nothing more than a tease, but even if it was— it wouldn't bother him. denji didn't care if it was a hazard either. he'd still kiss every inch of it without a hint of fear. he rolled his eyes at the piggyback taunt, half-smirking. ]

I just said that so you would hold my hand. I'm fine.

[ it's not a lie, but a little nudge of pity so he can get away with some closeness. usually, they would use local transport to drive them back to their facility, but after everything that had happened and the wreckage post the intense fight— they didn't have the luxury to call in an Uber, you know. it will be a long, tedious walk, and the only way denji can survive it without being totally miserable is to have something to keep him distracted, and it worked like a charm. by the time the entrance to the base came into view, it was getting close to midnight, and while the majority had their mind focused on hitting the bed as soon as they stepped in, denji was thinking of something else. ]

Can we eat on the bed? [ the 'no crumbs on the bedsheets' rule — does it apply tonight? he had to check first. ]

Edited 2024-09-16 18:46 (UTC)

[for all denji's heart's fluttering and his face is heating up, katsuki's griping those options because he doesn't like hearing people whine about shit without offering some kind of solution to fix it. chalk it up to his ego, slapping down a quick action that person could do to shut the hell up and make life better. not that he's so crude in his thoughts to denji; it's more habit than anything else. so many villains bitch about their lives being hard, yet when challenged, admit they didn't do anything, or try harder, to make a difference. all they did was fall further down a path that wasn't working already. bakugo's not the kind of guy to talk to villains; that's the path midoriya and uraraka chose. is he the kind of guy to talk to his boyfriend and suggest improvements or things to do so he'll feel better? duh. yes. even if it's as simple as getting his own shower stick to clean off with next time. katsuki likes to see denji happy and comfortable.

fingers lace between their thighs, a comfortable hold with a slight sway. offering your hand to someone is ironically a large part of being a hero. whether it's giving comfort to a frightened child in the middle of a burning building, or extending a promise to aid someone after the battle is done, or even reaching for a villain to try once more time at convincing them it's not all lost... heroes continue to extend their hands to others. bakugo never thought much about holding hands with someone like this. it was always "mushy crap" dating/married couples did, or parents holding onto their kids. and now he's walking beside denji with his hand held together in the other boy's. not a hero's grip... just a boy's... who likes another boy very much.]

Don't make me body slam you. [he's too tired for that crap. despite his grump, an amused huff ghosts past his lips. denji can be a sneaky guy when he wants to be. there aren't any cars or taxis right now. katsuki's not blasting his way across the city. one day he's gonna ask if denji can "skate" on his chainsaws... what small talk and reflective silence passes between them carries the time away until they're once more entering the base. way too late past katsuki's usual bedtime. he grumbles at denji's question. how the hell can this guy be thinking about food right now? can't he eat the damn pillow in his sleep?] Go for it.

[get him an apple or something solid in one piece he can shove down his throat before crashing. he might even skip brushing his teeth tonight. a true horror.]

Edited 2024-09-17 05:11 (UTC)

[ mushy crap — maybe. but, it's also reassurance, comfort, and an expression of affection that might be far deeper than romantic confessions or 20 roses. it is simple and might be all denji needs after a long, exhausting day. an easy smile on his lips, lightly swaying their hands together as they walked, not the perfect time to be this content especially when they probably walked past injured civilians and wreckage. the scenery didn't fit denji's mood, yet he deemed it as acceptable so long as he kept it within himself. they had no reason to grieve (yet) — it was a successful mission. they can have this night to rest and celebrate. well, more on the 'resting' side since none of them had the stamina to do anything else.

he can tell bakugou isn't so keen to indulge in a late dinner. after spending many nights together, denji can almost 'see' the sleepiness creeping through those sharp eyes of his; it's an adorable sight, the mild stubbornness of not coming off as too weary, the glossy gaze from muffling a few yawns ... yeah, he will not keep his partner from the much-needed rest, but he still had to get some food in his system before passing out. they barely ate anything this entire day, well— bakugou didn't, denji enjoyed some of the kaijus flesh. as they enter the base, they part ways for a few minutes. denji allows his boyfriend to head to their room and get himself comfortable while he makes his way to the kitchen to see what options they have. it wasn't an extensive variety, and if the half-devil wanted a real meal, he'd have to cook it, and fuck that. he didn't have the energy or motivation for that shit. instead, he grabbed whatever he could find within reach, and fruits seemed like the easiest choice.

by the time he returned to their bedroom, denji stepped in with— the fruit bowl. yeah, he fucking took the entire bowl and left nothing behind for the other outsiders. to be fair, it wasn't packed, nothing more than two apples, an orange, a banana, and some grapes. it was enough to feed two fully grown humans and no one else, so bakugou shouldn't protest. he drops it on the mattress, like a proud hunter who is showing off his loot for the day. ]

I know you're sleepy ... but eat something first.

[ with that said, denji begins to get cozy and starts with getting rid of his clothes/boots, tossing them aside. as much as he wanted to bounce on the bed fully naked, he didn't. the closet is only a few steps away where a clean set of shorts awaits him. other than that, he didn't bother to put on a shirt before he slipped under the blanket, turning to face the other boy. ]

Did you get any updates from the other team? Aki didn't answer me yet ...

[it's the reassurance that he's come to understand a held hand brings about. whether it's reassurance of safety, acceptance, affection, promise, or agreement. for something so simple, the act means quite a lot. after all, hands are extremely important and valuable. trusting someone else to hold yours can be an very difficult thing. especially if they've been burned or hurt before. they better not walk past injured civilians or katsuki's going to break off and tend to them if they aren't already being loaded into an ambulance or dealt with by a police officer. he's a hero after all; ignoring someone is need isn't going to happen. there's an ugly element in hero life, however, that has had several serious villainous consequences... heroes can often hurt those close to them because they leave help people they don't even know. with his heart heavy over the battle's current cost and his body weary from the strain of the fight, katsuki would be worn down further if he went to help, so hopefully their trip home is alone and thus uneventful. denji may have to contend with that heroic stain at some point in the future.

as it is, they make it without incident and neither of them have to deal with further distraction. most people aren't going to be evacuating to an area relatively close to ground zero in the first place. oy, don't think he doesn't see the occasional dip of eyelids beside his, or how denji doesn't bother to muffle the one or two yawns that leave his sharp teeth bared and tongue curling feline like. maybe half-devil's don't get as tired as quickly as humans, that or denji got some food during the fight: blood and meat to recharge. then again, his boyfriend's usually got a slightly-tired or nonplussed expression on his face anyways. katsuki finds it cute. seems denji's always ready for a nap if he has the time to do so.

he's hesitant to let the other boy leave, but after a brief nod, departs to make for their room. boyfriend perk: always share a room on the excursion trips. one less room to deal with. the moon's already hanging in the sky as he steps out of his sneakers, drops his jacket, and strips his shirt and pants off off. a black tanktop falls over his head and bounces on his shoulders before katsuki falls face first into the bed, one leg dangling from the knee down off the mattress. this is comfortable for tonight. if denji found the energy to actually cook something right now, he'd be shocked.

only when the door opens does he bother to turn his head on the pillow, only enough for one red eye to glare out beneath the spiky shelter of ashen blonde bangs. denji's back. with a fucking fruit bowl. ugh. too tired to chastise him for that. he did it because he cares, so fuck growling about it either. it's fine. they can eat that between them. even if he'd rather eat sleep. there's a low groan of annoyance when the mattress bounces under denji's butt. so much for avoiding it. fine. he flops a hand over to fish around for an apple. good enough to starter with. crunch! watching denji strip down and change in the meantime is a fair bonus.

enjoy getting under the covers because katsuki's on top of them and at an angle. denji's gonna have to push him.] No. Haven't heard anything from Wolfie or Heisoku. Communication's down.

[ he's always ready to nap. it's the perfect way to shut down his brain aside from using drugs and alcohol; a healthy way to recharge. he does spend his day taking a few cat naps, here and there, which might explain why denji tends to stay up late during the night; especially when he's isolated. when he's around bakugou, it is a lot easier for him to be - normal. he goes to bed at a respectful hour, only because a warm body is pressed against his own, which helps him feel less on edge. it didn't mean he wouldn't wake up in the middle of the night at times, for reasons he didn't understand, but — again, turning around to watch over bakugou by his side, sleeping peacefully, is one way to get him back to snoozing. it's a lot harder when he's alone, but denji never complained about that. it's no one's burden but his own.

he's not surprised to catch bakugou already resting on the bed, seemingly ready to throw the white flag and give in to his exhaustion - but, that was no excuse for disrespecting the bed laws. how can anyone get cozy without curling up under the blanket? denji stood there, hand still holding into the edge of the cover, staring down as he, lightly, tugged on the piece, almost throwing hints at bakugou to move his ass. what happens next is— very kacchan. he didn't move, of course, instead he was munching on an apple with one side of his face pressed against the pillow. for starters, he appreciates his boyfriend accepting the offer and is now fueling his body with nutrients, but ... the bed laws. the idea of sleeping over the cover didn't seem right.

with a sigh, he grabbed the fruit bowl and set it aside, safe from what he was about to do. the good thing bakugou was not in the mood to wrestle, and it made it a lot easier for denji to roll him on his back before scooping him up like the maiden he tends to be; he smiled down at him, slow-blinked like a smitten kitten with no intention to disrupt his mini dinner by stealing some quick smooches. he then attempts to balance them both while using his foot to nudge the blankets to the other side of the bed; they will only lose their balance if the hero decides to swing at him. other than that, it was a smooth manhandling session that ended with denji gently putting his boyfriend back on the mattress. with that done, he threw his arms up with a muted 'ta-da!'.

why must he always do this to his boyfriend? he didn't know, but it was growing on him. it could be a thing- to bakugou's horror.

with a loud creak, denji dropped his weight on his side of the bed, tossed the blanket over them, and quickly snatched the banana as his property. he'd been eyeing it the second he walked into the kitchen and was hoping it wouldn't be bakugou's first choice; it was mature enough to be extra sweet and delicious. ]

Hmm, it's a good thing you're calm ... it's keeping me calm, too. I don't know ... something feels off. I could be wrong, though.

[for as puppyish as denji can be, he's got certain cat-like qualities as well. katsuki would've given him hell if his boyfriend wanted to use drugs or drink to relax. he'd suggest a 2x4. not one to criticize denji's nocturnal habits unless they interfere with his own sleep schedule (sex and special requests aside), he'll keep to his own slumber even if that means falling asleep beside his boyfriend scanning through the network or internet or whatever he's up late doing. though usually denji's curled up beside him and snoozing at a decent hour. one of the reasons the other boy is able to coax katsuki to stay up later when he wants to. give and take after all. he's come to sleep with denji most of the time by now, the last month proving just how comforting it can be to find rest beside someone you care for. unfortunately that means the hunter has to deal with the hero's rising at the butt crack of dawn to get his day started. katsuki's not giving up his morning exercise/run and will untangle himself from a clingy boyfriend as quietly as he can to avoid waking him up.

doesn't mean he's sweet. his momentary distraction via apple is skewered by a shadow falling over the bed. perturbed denji standing at the rim, looking down with wheels working in his head. what the hell's he confused about? he can get in the damn bed whenever he wants. maybe it's got something to do with katsuki more or less sprawled diagonally across the blankets and sheets. tch, if he wants him to move, he can say something. not like it's the young hero's problem to move his own ass, right? the little tug on the side of the blankets earn a grumble from the munching-blonde and he drags his leg over the half-dangle position to tuck it alongside the other one, rolling onto his side to give denji half the sheets. the other half remain trapped beneath a grumpy katsuki who doesn't want to move any further than that. you got your blankets, ripcord pecks. do what you wa-]

OY! WHAT THE HELL?! [did he expect anything less than katsuki's angry screeching? only a warning growl when he got rolled onto his back, but then getting picked up like a fucking princess?! of course he's gonna yell at him! bonk! a fist lands right atop denji's head, smacking him for daring to interrupt his rest! put him down, idiot! he was comfortable and you're ruining it! don't look at him with your smitten kitten face! ironically, he's looped his arm around denji's neck before flailing at him to make sure they're both balanced and won't fall over... katsuki's bristling and more awake by the time his boyfriend returns him to the bed. lips curling in a snarl, that silent celebration gets a foot *kick kick kick!* petulantly at his hips. what a monster boyfriend.] You coulda tugged them up!!

[because obviously not treating denji horribly when he manhandles him is the perfect way to encourage his boyfriend not to do something. face a flushed pink, katsuki sinks his teeth into the apple again, glaring embarrassed daggers across the small space between himself and the other boy. this damn guy... he really should kick him out of the bed. not let him flop down beside him with a flump of heavy body on sheets, the whuff of air rushing out from his broad shoulders and strong back, and the effortless snag of a banana. katsuki stretches out on the bed again, knee tented slightly with one arm thrown over his head, the momentary explosion passing like it usually does. replaced by his normal rbf quiet, albeit more tired.]

I don't like it either. [chewing on the next piece, he looks up at the ceiling.] But we've had radio silence before. You have to trust they'll be okay.

[ it's almost amusing how bakugou hasn't learned from past experiences. the silence and the staring should give him an inkling of what the half-devil is plotting. if anything— it should be taken as a prophecy whenever denji is not running his mouth and seemingly thinking to begin with, and under the right light, one could see his pupils dilating when the idea finally sinks in his noggin. whatever his brain is cooking is unlikely to be the hero's favorite outcome with those warning signs, so he should've known better and prepared himself. tsk tsk. instead, bakugou did nothing more than a little push, ass still planted on the mattress and unwilling to move, which is fine. hey, totally fine! his partner is tired and he's allowed to be uncooperative, and denji wouldn't push him into it— which is why he thought he was being helpful by taking the lead.

however ... he knew it will piss him off, too.

the outburst of energy was somewhat impressive, and he breathed out a soft scoff, almost as if he didn't expect bakugou to have it in him to resist as much as he did. not that it stopped him; all the screeching, smacking, and kicking - it's the spicy, feisty partner he fell for. he wouldn't change anything about him. he did, however, swat that foot away that kept jamming against his hip. bro! what if it missed and landed on his nuts for a change? denji wouldn't fucking allow this to happen even during playful wrestling. the family jewels are off-limits. when they're on the bed, denji stares with a sly smirk, one brow quirked up; watching as bakugou's breathing eases after a tantrum, chest rising and falling, cheeks flushed and angry munching the apple away. why did he find this cute? like, really cute? jeez. anyway, denji attends to his treat, peeling it off before taking a bite. he then - wiggled closer before sinking under the blanket, head resting on the pillow as he held the half-eaten fruit over his face, joining bakugou as they both enjoyed the bland view of the ceiling above.

he has to trust they will be okay, huh? that didn't work out so well in denji's life, the blind faith, even when it's the truth. considering their conversation earlier, it's fair to say those words did little to comfort him. then again, denji understood where to put his energy when it comes to words, and it would be in a conversation that would lead to an outcome, something bakugou could help him with. for now, they're both powerless and have no choice but to wait and trust their teammate's strength. if they wake up with no confirmation of the other team's status, well— maybe then they should worry. ]

You're right ... let's wait for them.

[ and then, he returned to his light dinner, unaware he stopped for a few seconds. despite his concern, denji couldn't deny how good that soft mattress felt against his aching back muscles, and how it helped him relax a bit, lids growing a bit heavy over his eyes. he's entering the trance of pre-sleeping thoughts, which is equal to a conversation between two drunks at three in the morning. ]

So, I have a fun question for you. Do you think if we met as kids ... we would be friends?

[ it's better than 'would you still like me if i was a worm?'. be thankful. ]

[hey! he thought denji would've picked up his side of the sheets and kind of rolled/slid him onto his own half of the bed. or at least he expected to get pushed close to the wall, not hauled clean off his ass like a fucking princess! and maybe he lets denji get away with more than he should. it's not like picking up that yelling, bonking figure gets the half-devil more than a few head smacks. no explosions, no elbows, nothing serious. why the hell would he learn any different? and he was busy munching on an apple, not completely focused on his boyfriend's eyes before the bastard went in for his devious plan. next time he's gonna lock onto those things and watch them very carefully. ready to react the second his pupils spark the internal lightbulb.

DO YOU DARE DOUBT HIS AIM?! he wouldn't ever kick denji in the nuts. (though the gods of justice are probably waiting for a montage of nut-related revenge to pour out on a guy who always goes for the nuts whenever he fights another guy.) there are other things he would do to denji's jewels, but he'll think and act on those ideas another time. not when he's trying to get to sleep after being prompted to pack a few morsels into his stomach. the kicking only lasts a few seconds before denji smacks his foot away and bakugou drops his leg on the bed. defused. going still once more. spark of energy now gone, he's back to gnawing on the apple and not getting any drops on the bed. ugh, unless he summons the strength to brush his teeth and wash his mouth after this, his mouth is going to be sticky as hell when he wakes up. gross.

as denji slides closer, he lazily nudges his leg over and drops the back of his ankle over top his boyfriend's under the sheets. it's not a trap that'll last, but it's a touch that leaves their arms free and they're not cramming shoulder to shoulder to get sweaty. for now. once the air conditioning kicks on, bakugou will return under the covers if he gets too cold. tch, this guy... picking him up, making him eat, looking at him with such a face, all things that would send him into a rage with someone else, yet denji's affectionate efforts resonate with him. chest warm, cheeks pink, heart settling, it feels good... all of it.]

Don't drop that on your face. [holding the banana above his visage like a weird yellow octopus. it could very well splat against him if he slips. no, he doesn't expect those words to be easy to accept or to comfort the anxious feelings in denji's chest. and yet, there's only two options the half-devil has right now. trust and try to relax. or lie there awake and continue to worry. which won't help him or their fellow outsiders. one of them at least lets denji rest. the other is pointless. now if they wake up and there's still not word, then yes, bakugou's going to get pissed off and demand action.

the other question... where the hell did that come from? ashen spikes scuff against the pillow as he turns his head and looks at denji, expression a mix of suspicion and curiosity. it's a strange question, and yet... he looks back to the ceiling. knowing what he knew of denji now, even as a teenager, there's probably a lot of it that was the same when he was a kid. still so much of denji is boyish despite his age, because of his background. would they be friends?]

Probably. If you were in my neighborhood and could play with the rest of us. [he's not going to deny the reality. an orphaned boy in the alleys likely would not have even had the chance to meet with bakugou back then. but if he was able to, that awe he holds for the blonde right now would likely translate to the same as a boy. and bakugou loved being looked up to and admired as a little kid. so yeah, denji would've fit right in with the rest of his posse.

provided he had a quirk, which is also part of that "if" assumption.]

[ well, bakugou will have a chance to react better as another stunt is fated to happen soon. denji will not let his partner go to bed without a quick bathroom trip, as he knows something as minor as missing brushing his teeth will warrant a rough morning, and the hunter didn't want their few times sharing space to be ruined by things they can easily avoid. so, hero, watch out for that predatory glance and win the next round. you've seen it a few times by now, so it should be easy to evade, especially with how close they are at the moment. every change in denji's expression is impossible to miss, and he's not smart enough to hide his intentions. and, yes, he will forever doubt anyone's aim when it's that fucking close to his dick and balls. there is a limit to his trust, you know!

why would he ever drop his precious meal? denji wonders as he finishes it off with another big bite. what follows is something, once again, bakugou should be aware of after sharing many meals — and it's the half-devil's odd obsession with leaving nothing edible behind; including the peel, which he chews on next with relative ease, thanks to the sharpness of those teeth of his. he then glanced at the bowl, all the way in the other side of the bed, grumbling inwardly. shit, he forget that he had to put the food in a safe spot when he decided to wrestle his boyfriend, now it's too far away for reach. being lazy as fuck, denji decided one banana is enough for a light meal before passing out. back to the question, denji takes a moment to think about it, idly staring over the edge of the bed, where he'd feel the weight of bakugou's ankle resting on his. he appreciates the gesture, the closeness, as simple as it is ... denji likes it.

— and then, there's a tiny bit of a curve of a smile; more bitter and less sweet. ugh, he knew he kinda dug his own grave with this one because now he's thinking about ... if his childhood would've been different if he met a younger, smaller version of the reliable hero. though, he knew nothing would really change aside from adding a few happy memories for him and pochita before they returned to serving the yakuza. ah, now that he thinks about it— no, they wouldn't even hang out even if they did share a timeline where they exist together. he wouldn't have the time, between trying to survive, paying the debt, and hunting for his next meal. but it's still a pretend scenario, there is no need to be too realistic and ruin the fun. bakugou said they might have a chance to, at least, share a few games and laughs. ]

Yeah. I think we would get along ...

[ he turns his head to the side facing the other, squishing his cheek against the softness of the pillow, which is dangerous. he still plans to drag them both to freshen up for the night, after all. maybe in a minute or two - no more than that. otherwise, he will pass out and ruin their morning together. it's not an option. ]

In case you haven't noticed, I like to keep my mind busy with random but happy thoughts when I'm worried about something. Since we're both tired tonight, it will be innocent and pure.

[what the hell?! when did you become the responsible slave driver, ripcord pecs?! bakugou's not going to like that prompting, already resigned to go to sleep with citrus teeth and sweet lips for the morning. he wants to go the fuck to sleep. it's only his care for denji that prevents him from crashing a hand on the guy's face and slamming him into the pillow for some shut up and shut eye. that would avoid the predatory glance now wouldn't it. that said, denji's risking getting cocooned in blankets when they get back to bed, preventing him from coming up with something else to further delay slumber.

bleh. eating a banana peel isn't the worst thing to eat. luckily he hasn't seen any of denji's grosser food habits, as he's generally avoided eating things with scraps. crab/shrimp shells, fat chunks, fish bones, the ends of broccoli stems, peanut shells, and the like. bakugou's not one for wasting food either. though he'd prefer to turn edible scraps into other forms for more palatable cuisine work. fish heads + guts can be pulverized into a past, the mixed with some flour and spices to fry in oil for fish balls, for example. hell, some people have tried to make vegetable noodles by shredding banana peels into strips and sauteing them in sauce, buuut... whatever. denji's eating a banana peel. that's denji. doesn't hurt that bakugou thinks his boyfriend's teeth are one of his charm points.

hearing denji agree they'd get along is sweet. thinking of "what if's" isn't a bad daydream. past regrets, wondering alternate futures, the ever-present desire to fix what happened and knowing it doesn't work that way. hindsight is 20/20, right? without knowing too much of denji's past, bakugou's left to think what would happen if they met. depending on the how and what happened, it might've gone down the route of bakugou wanting to see denji again, leading to a potential promise and potential meeting. a boy noticing his new friend is dirty and hungry, so being the hero he is, would've invited him over for a meal, because he can totally cook now! showing off in the kitchen while his mother and father realize something's off about denji's appearance. a private talk, maybe one or two things said, assumptions made, a phone call, the police arrive with a hero at a later date, denji's rescued and the yakuza branch is taken down. of course things could have been different... for so many people... heroes, villains, civilians alike. all tied up in the "if only" element.

if only i'd been there sooner.

the eternal regret of a hero.]

Che. You mean we're not gonna fuck to distract you. [bakugou finishes the apple (core and all) and rolls onto his side, looking at his boyfriend with wry amusement tugging one corner of his mouth upward. it's cute denji warns him he's going to try not to be perverted. he reaches over and brushes his fingers through a section of scruffy sandy-blonde bangs.] I'm glad I can be part of your happy thoughts.

[comment on his sappy and you'll be eating your pillow, dammit...]

KAIJU FIGHT #4

▶ 001. BE READY.

▶ 002. KAIJU FIGHT - SEOUL.

▶ 003. KAIJU FIGHT - BUSAN.

▶ 004. NO TIME TO REST - SEOUL.

▶ 005. NO TIME TO REST - BUSAN.

▶ 006. DECISION.

▶ 007. AFTERWORD.

no subject

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pukes all the words

and now i need them to have this talk somehow ...... maybe when they return to the base?

probably after they return to japan. katsuki wouldn't want to talk of it after the death toll...

yeah i figured during those days he wouldn't want to. poor baku, probably took it hard

not sure what was harder: this one or vega worm round 1

if he picked the chase option, this mission might outweighs the vegas cuz wow. those numbers ...

of course he picked the chase! but he also beat up his friends...

showing your buddies tough love while falling apart. kacchan pls ...

that's how he is...

even if they dont talk, assume denji was still checking up on him after that news

denji was probably the only/first person he let in after that news...

cries ... even if baku didn't want to talk about it, its ok, denji still wouldn't leave his side.

he'll take that compromise. don't talk, but stay with.

done ❤️

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KAIJU FIGHT #4

▶ 001. BE READY.

▶ 002. KAIJU FIGHT - SEOUL.

▶ 003. KAIJU FIGHT - BUSAN.

▶ 004. NO TIME TO REST - SEOUL.

▶ 005. NO TIME TO REST - BUSAN.

▶ 006. DECISION.

▶ 007. AFTERWORD.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

*pukes all the words*

and now i need them to have this talk somehow ...... maybe when they return to the base?

probably after they return to japan. katsuki wouldn't want to talk of it after the death toll...

yeah i figured during those days he wouldn't want to. poor baku, probably took it hard

not sure what was harder: this one or vega worm round 1

if he picked the chase option, this mission might outweighs the vegas cuz wow. those numbers ...

of course he picked the chase! but he also beat up his friends...

showing your buddies tough love while falling apart. kacchan pls ...

that's how he is...

even if they dont talk, assume denji was still checking up on him after that news

denji was probably the only/first person he let in after that news...

cries ... even if baku didn't want to talk about it, its ok, denji still wouldn't leave his side.

he'll take that compromise. don't talk, but stay with.

done ❤️

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

pukes all the words