TEAM BUILDING EVENT #3

[synfluxmods]

TEAM BUILDING EVENT #3

CONTENT WARNINGS: medical content

▶ 001. WELL DESERVED REST.

With no sign of upcoming city-level threats, LILITH has made the decision to provide Outsiders with a well-deserved break: there will be no official missions for the month of December. Outsiders are free to roam the city, continue their usual civilian jobs or take a holiday to any of the locations available via data portal. During this period, LILITH leadership will also be taking time off and any attempts to contact them will be met with an ‘out of office’ return email unless it is an emergency. (Dr. Spim is still around, but … he is a cat and doesn’t answer anyway... unless he feels like it.)

That isn’t to say it’s going to be a completely quiet month, of course. Our players have kindly prepared several player plots that anyone is welcome to join. Please refer to the top level here for links to the relevant plots. An updated quest has also been listed here.

Additionally, the Outsiders Program has successfully finished its first year! LILITH will be giving all Outsiders old and new a thank you bonus of 500,000 KRYPTOS (approximately 3230 USD) to spend freely on their holiday. Try not to spend it all on pachinko!

▶ 002. LET IT SNOW.

Starting December 1st, the temperature in Neo Tokyo will take a dive as the country enters into winter. The first signs of snowfall will occur on December 1st, and as it continues, the city will be transformed into a winter wonderland. The shops and restaurants of Neo Tokyo are capitalizing on the approaching festivities, putting up Christmas lights, Christmas trees and decorations. Many stores are having sales on warm clothing and popular gifts. Isn’t it the perfect time to find some nice gifts for your friends?

While only a suggestion, it is encouraged to support the integration of the orphans from Transylvania by taking them out on a winter adventure.

Winter activities found in Neo Tokyo include:

- Christmas Winter Illuminations. Certain parts of the city will be lit up in Christmas lights and holographic, winter-themed illuminations. Stop by at the right time and there might even be a drone show to watch.
- Ice sculpture building. Artists have gathered in Yoyogi Park to showcase their latest ice sculpture creations. Outsiders may view the attraction or join in on the ice sculpture contest. Winners will get prize money.
- Ice-skating. The Yokohama Red Brick Ice Rink is open again and characters are free to go skating with their friends. As a part of its latest attraction, the ice has been fitted with microscopic nanobots that light up when touched, causing the ice to glow or showcase striking colors as people skate across it.
- Playing in the snow. Even under threat of kaiju, the people of Neo Tokyo take the time to have fun when they can. Through the streets, there are people making snow angels or pelting each other with snowballs.

Characters may visit Las Vegas, Kyoto or Okinawa using the data portals. Kyoto and Okinawa continue to be uninhabited, but they can camp there if they wish. They are free to book a hotel and enjoy their holiday in Las Vegas too, where the city will have its own brand of winter activities (winter illuminations, Christmas shows, ice-skating and holiday-themed Vegas shows). While the weather is still cold, it will be snowing in Kyoto but not in Okinawa or Las Vegas.

▶ 003. SNUGGLE UP.

All the lights and festivities happening in the city are putting some strain on the power grid, and this leads to occasional bouts of power failure during the month of December. These seem to be happening in the base and throughout the city of Neo Tokyo, and they last for a few hours each time. With hospital equipment running on back-up generators, it isn’t a huge cause for concern, but it certainly is an annoyance; especially with the weather so cold.

LILITH robots will be offering Outsiders on the base extra blankets (traditional and emergency foil blankets) along with heat packs to get through the cold. Starting a fire within the base will not be allowed since it is a hazard, so those who still need the extra warmth will need to find other creative ways to obtain it. A snuggle never hurt anyone, right? There is one operational fireplace in the Library, and Outsiders may notice an influx of small tables throughout the base with self-serve hot beverages on battery operated kettles, such as tea, hot cocoa & artificial coffee. As Outsiders congregate around the base, snuggled up in their new festive blankets, perhaps now would be a good time for some classic party games such as Never Have I Ever and Two Truths and a Lie.

▶ 004. TAKE YOUR MEDICINE.

Dr. Spim takes regular cat naps anyway, so he doesn’t see the need to take a holiday. As a result, he has continued to work tirelessly on finetuning the cure for the vampiric disease. Throughout the month, he will make several requests for volunteers (those with and without the vampiric disease) to participate in the ongoing clinical trials.

The serum he is testing will not cause harm to the body, but it might result in any of the following side effects:

- Dizziness, fatigue and difficulty coordinating movement.
- Fever, chills and a desperate need for warmth.
- Mood changes, which can present as euphoric or depressed or both.
- Hallucinations or delusions.
- Increased hunger, thirst or other physical needs (interpret as you wish.)
- A ravenous need for blood (for vampires.)

Certain volunteers may encounter no side effects at all, while some may experience all of them. Luck of the draw, really. The side effects are not permanent and last for a few hours. As always, Dr. Spim will explain the possible side effects and get consent before administering the medicine.

By the end of the month, a stable cure will be finalized and LILITH robots will deliver it to all those affected by the vampiric disease (if your character was already a vampire, don't worry about it). It is highly encouraged to take the medicine! Dr. Spim has no time to chase down the people refusing to take their medicine, so he might pay some of their friends to do it for him. He is a cat. He has better things to do (such as knock this beaker off the table….)

As an OOC note, please do not let your character remain a vampire unless they are already a vampiric character. The vampire event in Transylvania was meant to only have temporary effect.

▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our third team building event! All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards December AC.

We have a lot of player plots this month, and are using this log to encourage players to participate in the player plots since the event itself is light. As a reminder, the mod team will be taking a break during the month of December and will not be answering any questions at this time.

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. WELL DESERVED REST: Outsiders enjoy a quiet month with no kaiju attacks, but are provided plenty of things to do (via player plots) and they are welcome to use the data portal to travel to Okinawa and Las Vegas at this time.

2. LET IT SNOW: Heavy snowfall turns Neo Tokyo into a winter wonderland with many snow related activities to participate in such as ice skating, ice sculpture making, etc. LILITH encourages the Outsiders to allow the misplaced orphans to participate in some of these activities.

3. SNUGGLE UP: The power outages strike again, this time from too many festive lights that overheat the generators. LILITH provides Outsiders with emergency blankets and hot beverages during times of outages.

4. TAKE YOUR MEDICINE: Dr. Spim trial runs an antidote for the vampiric disease that struck Outsiders during their mission in Brasov. He takes volunteers who are both vampires and not. Finally, a cure is made, and all Outsiders are asked to take it (please do not let your character remain a vampire unless they are already a vampiric character.)

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Comments

[blastedass]

Then I'm gonna yell at you. [blanket warning for life. sharing more experiences with denji slots itself into his goals for life. as ridiculous as it sounds, he's find himself thinking about his boyfriend during moments he did something alone. from walking the streets in seoul to being on a high speed chase in neo tokyo to buying a roasted yam at one of the shrines while he practiced ice skating. things he wants to experience and share with denji. another reason he dragged his boyfriend out to the carnival during november once yato introduced katsuki to winning a 3D printing of yourself. no way was he going to let that opportunity pass denji up, screw if he was still dealing with trauma. he could weather it for figures.

each pass of his fingers through mussed tresses plows his boyfriend's hair in lazy waves before they fall right back as they were like his hand never passed by. yet it's hard to feel anything but good as their softness caresses around his fingers, stubborn locks twining slightly and bouncing away once he gets too far. pretty eyes lingering on his own through a flushed face, lopsided grin showing sharp teeth as gentler feelings finally settle over previously-raging currents. denji's a beautiful guy, and katsuki's aware of his own luck in winning the half-devil's heart. hell, took a while to even realize he was in the proverbial running. but once he figured it out, and accepted it... he nips once more at denji's lip. no, he doesn't expect the half-devil to lose all fear, settle all doubts, leave his heart perfectly pristine. life doesn't work like that. so long as he's willing to trust him and give things a chance to be better, that's good enough for katsuki.]

What kinda shitty boyfriend would I be if I didn't? [he gave denji plenty of lax and spare during his recovery, but refused to abandon him completely to poor coping mechanisms. stay in bed all day, but after the first week, he pulled his boyfriend out of bed to walk in the chill air during the afternoon. didn't even have to say anything, so long as he was outside in the sun and moving beside him. movies binged throughout the night, but eventually a hand caught over his eyes and katsuki did his damnest to make sure denji at least got a few hours of sleep. he stayed awake beside him, sitting with a hand on his chest or in his hair, or lying next to him with an arm around his boyfriend, tactile promising to be there and fight off the nightmares. junk food permitted, even in the bed, but post week one, katsuki began introducing healthy things again. even if it meant cauliflower "pizza" and caramel apples to compromise the desire for junk. of course he refused to let denji go out on police work for at least two weeks, and never pushed him to return until the hunter felt good and ready. even then he simply patrolled or helped denji with some office work rather than actively engaging in stopping crime. and finally dug him out of his room, albeit at the cost of his vampiric malady being a jealous kick in the ass to really pull his boyfriend from his flunk. all through, he focused on denji's needs alongside his wants. balancing them out as best he could until the half-devil was able to move.]

Che! As if this crap could wear me out. [katsuki steps through another clump of snow, leaving an imprint of his boot beside denji's as they make for his car across the parking lot. everyone else has already left, returned to base via carpools, public transport, or simply used their abilities to travel.] You can drive if you want to.

[and unlocks the car once they near it, heading around to the passenger's side while leaving denji to the driver's. ever the tough guy, he won't admit to being tired at all. unless he's complaining about something and someone's getting in the way of his rest. go figure. katsuki trusts denji's driving skills as easily as anyone else's now. he's really come a long ways since his first beat as a cop.]

[nutkick]

[ and denji hopes that one day he can repay such kindness; not that he'd wish for his boyfriend any harm or emotional distress so he could take care of him, instead he'd want to work on himself and show bakugou his efforts did mean a lot. they weren't futile or forgotten, but a core memory that will always bring solace to his heart. a sleek, freshly washed vehicle sat parked by the curb, its glossy surface slowly but surely getting covered by snow by the time they reached it. he'd wait for his boyfriend to dig through his pockets for the keys; a faint beep echoed as the locks clicked open, and a quick flash of the car's headlights accompanied it. stopping by the passenger side of the car, denji glanced briefly toward the other, one step ahead for a reason. with an easy motion, he reached for the door handle, pulling it open for bakugou. he then gestured towards the open seat, a subtle bow and a smile to match, charming and knowing. he knew the look, the hiss and snarl coming his way, but at this point in their relationship, it would not discourage him. if he can't be sappy with bakugou then who else is supposed to get this kinda attention from denji? tough luck, hero.

he'd wait and watch his lover settle into the leather interior. gently, he closed the door behind him, taking care not to let it slam. rounding the front of the car, he fixed up his jacket, smoothing it against his frame before opening the driver’s door. denji got in, the seat cradling him as he adjusted his posture, the faint sound of a click followed as he fastened his seatbelt. to be fair, this is bakugou's car, and he tends to be the one driving it around, not that the half-devil ever complained about being the passenger princess, loving the freedom to munch on something along the ride or enjoy his show— but, when he does get the chance to drive, he'd make an effort to enjoy it. to make it his own. they do have two different driving rituals, after all. for starters, denji would start by lowering the seat and then switching on the music. gotta open some tunes, yet he chose to keep the beats low, more of a background noise in this night drive. he shifted the car into gear, the tires rolled forward with a quiet crunch against the gravel, and the car slipped into the nearby road. ]

Can we please sleep in tomorrow? It's getting waaay too cold for you to sneak out for a morning run, ya know.

[ these are the winter months. the cuddle months. denji, like a selfish bastard, wants to abuse them to the max before the summer slips in and strips him away from their intimacy. as they get into the highway, the city pulses with neon life, a kaleidoscope of colors reflected on every surface. the half-devil was sprawled in the driver’s seat, leaning back, the seat reclined to an almost lazy angle. one arm rested casually on the door, his fingers occasionally tapping the window ledge in rhythm to a slow beat playing faintly from the car’s speakers. his other hand draped over the steering wheel, fingers loose, unbothered to speed his way through traffic, taking it easy this time, on the slower lane. ]

We could relax and then maybe ... do some christmas shopping. [ what? too early? isn't it the theme of december? buy, buy, and buy more gifts to all your loved ones and empty your savings, with something religious in the mix. denji figured they should do it together. ]

[blastedass]

[he never would have invested himself in denji if he thought the other boy was a lost cause. wasting his time and energy on someone who won't try to amount to anything? fuck no. yet in such a short time, he realized denji wasn't some listless lump with nothing to offer. he had a good heart, a strong drive, and a kindness to him despite his scruffy jaded outlook. he has no regrets for their path or how things turned out. these memories, experiences, relationship... he'll keep them close to heart and guard them ferociously. hope that vehicle wasn't too freshly washed or they'd be chipping ice off it. katsuki had the option to tie his car directly into his ocular and forgo the physical keys, but hell if he was ready to lose that tangible pleasure. passing the keys off to his boyfriend as he simultaneously slid into the passenger's seat. denji gets a wry stink eye for the valet bow, but nothing verbal this time. mostly cause he's a charming dork and the explosive hero knows it won't do a damn thing to dissuade denji from doing it again. katsuki sinks against the seat, head dropping on the rest and eyes closing for a few seconds. fuck... he'll sleep well tonight. after they're done fucking. because there's no way that's not going to happen after the exchange in the greenhouse.

denji's arrival in the car heralds a click of seat belt and husky zip of the strap going back into place as katsuki stretches his legs and presses his back to the seat. as long as his boyfriend doesn't leave chip pieces or cheese + lettuce bits from tacos all over the seats, he's free to eat in katsuki's car (it took a month to earn that privilege). gone are the days he'd watch denji like a hawk when puttering his car around in the parking lot. hell yes he made him practice with their police car before letting the guy take a single touch of his personal car's steering wheel! but improve denji did, and impressively so, earning himself the right to that steering wheel. now katsuki's completely confident in his boyfriend's skill, enough he's even taken naps in the car while the half-devil does the driving. for all his life of control and demand, there's something utterly relaxing and relieving to trust someone else to handle... everything. denji's one of the few, very very few, to ever seen the quiet expression of katsuki's face as he sleeps in the car. not that he's sleeping now. settling in comfortable as denji makes his adjustments and heads out onto the road. there's a way to set the car's setting to profiles, adjusting the seat, mirrors, wheel per profile, but he hasn't messed with that option yet. he thinks denji likes the "changing of the guard" ritual.]

Like hell it is! I come back warmed up each morning. [no, denji's right. it's fucking freezing out there and katsuki gripes about it every time he meets the rare person being too chipper in the morning. look, just because he gets up early doesn't mean he's a morning person! but at the same time... he gets where denji's coming from and acquiesces with a grumpy-] Hmph, fine, but only cause you got up on time this morning.

[sure, pin it on denji. boyfriend privilege. you know how hard it is to get out of bed in the cold morning and slip away from the half-devil's warm embrace? very. he'll shift his morning routines to later. working out on a full stomach is bad though. neon lights distract from all else and katsuki peers through the windows at the decoration and signs sprinkling christmas cheer and material consuming through the city. he kicks his legs up on the dashboard, one ankle over the other and knees splayed on either side like a punk, seat tilted back enough he can look out the glass with no problem. hands behind his head for comfort. sounds like denji's planning out tomorrow. meh, he's got a point. katsuki needs to do some shopping around too...]

You gonna get me a list or something? [a grin teases on his lips as he rolls his head aside, eyeing his boyfriend with a taunting expression.] Or an essay explaining why you aren't naughty.

[nutkick]

[ the wry stink eye, the silent judgment but acceptance, he can't get over how spicy this boy is. it might be bakugou's biggest charm, and he can't explain why. with great minds thinking alike, denji is already set to add 'fucking' to the to-do list for the night; the emotional fatigue of expressing his fears left him a bit too hallow and empty. he craves to feel something, to get his blood running and lose himself in that ecstasy. he's in no rush to hide behind it, but denji knew he wouldn't be able to have a decent sleep without it. unaware kastuki has shared interest, so he plans to persuade his lover when they reach the base. for now— relaxing with bakugou is another therapy for his heart. the windshield wipers slid back and forth, clearing a thin layer of melting snow from the glass. with his gaze on the road ahead, denji carried a lazy smile, one that stretched into a toothy grin when bakugou complied with the morning cuddles. jeez, he wouldn't even bother to hide it. it's a win that he will proudly take and abuse the hell out of it for as long as he can. ]

I haven't been naughty enough this year, if I'm honest ...

[ taking a lighter note, he will dismiss the more serious fucks up throughout this year and center his attention on other entertaining aspects; they deserve a bit of fun after that conversation in the greenhouse. his lashes lower a bit, cheeks warming up. just in time, a tunnel loomed further ahead, its entrance framed by harsh white lights that cut through the vibrant glow of the city. denji pressed the accelerator gently, the engine’s low growl echoing off the walls. inside, the world narrowed, the neon reflections replaced by stark shadows and the occasional flicker of fluorescent bulbs. it felt like an endless drive under those visuals, the type of vibe that really set the mood right in denji's head. he reflects on this year— the first few months, they were mere outsiders sharing a unit, friendship ensued, and a few more months passed before an unexplained one-sided attraction blossomed. what followed was an experiment that progressed without any further planning in denji's head, but he knew he was very cautious. careful not to overstep boundaries while making sure he was comfortable himself. the year ends with them learning what feels right and what doesn't, falling in love and trusting one another, and with it comes more confidence in expressing themselves. so, no, it wasn't as naughty as playing every kinky fantasy in his head, but denji doesn't regret how they handled it. if anything, he's glad they both had enough time to experiment and have started to be more bold. bakugou (whether it's intentional or not) is taking the lead on this one, catching the half-devil off guard a few times, which is sexy as hell. it's now safe enough to think about - kinks. what are his kinks? what is bakugou's? have they figured it out yet? who knows. wait, they're talking about christmas shopping .......... ]

I'm already working on the most perfect gift for you. It's so amazing. You might even cry. [ he chuckled, cheeks still a bit reddish. ] Ah, but I meant we should shop for our friends ... we're supposed to buy gifts for them, right? I figured we could do it together. Wrap them up and hide them somewhere until it's time to hand them out.

[ they finally reach a red light; that's when denji glanced at the other boy, hand reaching out to rest on his knee, then down bakugou's thigh. the touch felt far too casual to come off as something improper, deliberate somehow, but it was still a bit of a questionable sight for their neighboring cars, especially with the way bakugou was settled, legs resting on the dashboard and spread apart. just when others might assume denji is whispering sweet romantic lines- ]

... If I dress up as Santa, will you still find me attractive?

[blastedass]

[denji can take things hard. often so resilient to bounce back from physical things, emotional damage sticks with him. yet he never gives up. how much effort did it take to say those things? how long has he spent holding onto that fear, sorrow, and bittersweet gratitude? carrying it for weeks. finally venting all of it would leave anyone feeling gutted in the good way. and hollow. exhausted with a hole to fill. emotional. physical. two very entwined things when it comes to devils, right? katsuki wants to reciprocate in both ways tonight. feel the beat of his heart, drink in his lurid smile, hear his voice molten amid panting breaths and pleasure. denji feels good. it's important to him. even if it can definitely leave the blonde a soaking mess and sore in the morning. not that the half-devil escapes without his own scratches, bite marks, and occasional light bruises.

don't abuse the morning cuddle privileges. he will and has left his boyfriend tied up in the sheets while he either got up or snoozed in the blanket all to himself. each swipe of the windshield wipers becomes a sonorous metronome, threatening to lull with the music denji's got flowing through the car already.]

Hmph. Does that mean you've been nice?

[glad denji took the ligher route katsuki intended with the tease. it's only between them, how nice and naughty the half-devil's been this year. or himself for that matter. their world vanishes behind the mouth of a serpent, neon lights blinked into darkness with only passing flashes off illumination in drab mustard. it passes across denji's face with the regularity of a scanner pulling documents into itself. repeatedly wiping his handsome visage in light and shade. lowered lashes play alternating in the strange light, bangs contrasting black shadow against illuminated skin, timed with the rhythmic thump of tires over concrete and asphalt. if anyone told him he'd have a boyfriend by the end of the year, katsuki would've told them they were insane. and now, he's sitting beside a very real, very loved, very complex and wonderful boyfriend who drive him up the walls as easily as he can settle him down at night. for all the times he's rushed into things, katsuki's glad this one took as long as it did. giving him space to accept and grow into something as weird and detailed as relationships and dating. sex... well... not... not as complex. even if that's seen them both evolve, from accepting a public fuck in the bathroom to letting some guy tongue your ass. guess naughty and nice aren't so mutually exclusive.]

Che! I don't cry. [he can't even remember a time he cried in front of denji! or ever since he got here. minus all those times denji's fucked him good enough to have katsuki angrily scuffing his hand against the corner of his eye to wipe the damn tears away. those don't count, dammit! it just felt good! that's all!] So long as you don't tell people what they're getting.

[does he think denji will? not really. an accidental slip or whetting the appetite? maybe. katsuki glances down as a warm hand rests on his knee, then slides to his thigh. red eyes flick to denji's profile, curious if has a question, simply touching for comfort, or trying to get frisky while he's driving. one of them will earn a smack.]

Not if your face's hidden behind some shitty beard.

[nutkick]

I think I've been super nice! Well, more careful ... you know? I was still trying to learn your body language. When I can go for a kiss, touch you and stuff ... [ he leaned back against the driver's seat, one hand loose on the steering wheel as the other tapped idly against bakugou's knee. the traffic light ahead glowed an unyielding red, its reflection faint on the car's hood. denji mulls over his words a bit, going quiet before admitting. ] I guess I was a little nervous too.

[ when feelings slipped into the mix, he found himself yearning to make the experience more special instead of what he originally wanted to do when he walked into the city, before getting too close to bakugou, all he ever wanted was just casual sex. he just wanted to feel anything but utter crap to the point he didn't care who'd be willing to entertain him, and— thinking back, he's fucking glad it didn't go that way. he really is. he was glad it was bakugou, and it will always be one of the most memorable experiences in his life. he then glanced at the other boy, the corner of his mouth quirked up, unbothered at the way a few strands of hair twirled rebelliously over his eyes. he could almost predict the smack coming his way, the unspoken silent threat. how can anyone look so menacing and calm at the same time? it's so damn sexy. as much as he wanted to test his lover's boundaries, go in for a proper grope, denji wasn't too fond of letting someone else catch a glimpse of their moment together. a hand on the knee and thigh is fine; anything more felt like an invitation to a bored neighbor to enjoy a free show. with that, he pulled his hand away, joining the other. ]

I'm not going to be nice next year. Just saying.

[ the light turned green, and the car rolled smoothly onto the highway, merging with the flow of traffic. a bright exit sign loomed in the distance, and denji flicked on his turn signal, moving into the right lane. he could almost taste that delicious burger already, starved after that long hike and intense workout, so he plans to spoil himself tonight. he scoffed lightly at bakugou's comment, but he kept a certain thought in the privacy of his own mind. listen, how can he confess that bakugou looked good like that? with tears filling each corner of his eyes? overwhelmed, flustered, and a little sprinkle of pleasurable pain? it would come off like a confession of a sadist. he's comfortable with this boy now but not that bold! (yet). ] Ah, I was teasing. But I hope you like it. I had fun planning it.

[ denji takes the turn, the off-ramp curved gently downward, pulling them away from the rush of the highway and onto a quieter stretch of road lined with fast food chains and gas stations. the familiar glow of the burger spot's sign came into view, and considering how popular it is, the waiting line of the drive-through is a testament. snow fell in lazy spirals around them, the flakes illuminated briefly in the glow of the headlights before disappearing into the darkness. shit. if this keeps up, they might wake up in a new winterland. denji is still unsure if he's ready to deal with this and what it might trigger. ignoring it, for now, he's more content to shift his attention to his boyfriend instead. ]

The beard is a big part of Santa's personality, though. [ nothing is serious about this conversation, and it's evident. ] Okay, but ... here's a fun question. Are you into that kinda thing? Dressing up?

[blastedass]

You don't have to say it out loud! [dammit, he could've left it at "super nice" or even "careful" and it'd be fine! crimson staining his face, katsuki slouches lower within the seat's crux, hands shoving into his pockets and lower jaw jutting out in a scowl of pure embarrassment. dammit, this guy, saying that kind of crap. even in the confines of the car, no one else but denji and himself, words sound loud, voice too intimate, and touches his heart in ways it's still getting used to. he knows denji's adjusting to his limits. didn't need to put it out there... mattaku...

they really are different as fuck, huh. katsuki had zero intention of getting close to anyone in neo tokyo. slamming the door against the rest of everlight, snarling at his forcefully-assigned outsiders to listen to him and stay out of his way, refusing to cooperate with lilith until it was in his best interest to do so, and rebellion terrifically in the face of their attempts to encourage socializing and bonding between the kidnapped group. yet in the middle of that, this boy stood at his side. a simple question "are you my partner" from a laid-back smile and tired eyes... turned into this. he shifts his peripheral, encompassing denji's profile awashed in ruddy glow from traffic lights and shadows. charming in his annoyance, a lop-sided smirk katsuki's grown used to over the months, such a casual expression all over his face yet a nervous throbbing heart full of sappy emotion and love inside. denji makes it so damn easy to simultaneously want to take his hand when katsuki "has to" smack it away for being a pest. tch... it slides off without further messing around. some day, they're gonna end up in the car...]

Then you're getting shit for Christmas next year. [just saying. luckily katsuki's none the wiser to such perverted ideas wandering about his boyfriend's head. he's no saint either. a dick's only so much at feeling. no, it belongs to denji, adding each thrusting plunge into the concoction leaning over him or arching under him. scruffy hair tossed on the pillow or swinging in the air, lips open in heady panting breaths as saliva gleams on his sharp teeth, tongue lolling in pleasure or slicking across his mouth before gasping for air, sweat glistening droplets down his skin, expression alternating between sex-glazed grins and fucked-out orgasms... how the fuck is katsuki supposed to say denji looks anything but "amazing, hot, beautiful, good, etc" during their trysts? well, he doesn't say it. (often.) rather save it for a sucker punch in his ear en passe and leave his boyfriend grumbling for another hour or two.]

Planning? [wait a second, is this going to be a hugely involved thing? katsuki eyes denji with a mixture of wariness and curiosity, wanting to ask if he needs to know something before hand. but he forces himself to bite his tongue and lets his man have the satisfaction.] Better blow my fucking mind then.

[no pressure, babe. he pulls his legs off the dashboard and tucks them to the floor as seat recline becomes seat upright, lifting his body into a normal sitting. a low mutter rumbles in his throat as a caterpillar of cars leak out from their drive-through destination. damn. expected for a late evening burger run. glad the car's heaters are top notch. you can be assured katsuki's keeping his damn window up while denji makes the orders. snow licks the roof of the car and whisks past the windshield in telltale evidence of plunged temperatures outside their protective metal shell.]

You heard me. [burying himself beneath layers of white-fur-lined crimson felt and shoving a snowy mass of hair all over his face is not katsuki's idea of attractive when it comes to denji. ergo, resolute non budging on his answer. the follow up question, however, crimps his face in confusion.] What way?

[because he abhors dressing up fancy for stuffy events and parties. he gripes about donning weird costumes for halloween like a stupid little kid. he even refused to participate in the costume-swap classroom project back in his own world! katsuki wants to be comfortable in his clothes; who doesn't?! why has denji not figured this out already? ... unless he means something else, which is probably just as embarrassing.]

[nutkick]

[ gosh, that reaction is everything.

he knew his boyfriend was no maiden, as past experiences proved otherwise in the most erotic ways, so it's amusing denji's raw honesty could get him a bit riled up at times. to be fair, the half-devil hasn't been this vocal before, it's one of those sides of him he was careful with — and is still mindful of it even with their progress. being sappy is a more socially acceptable manner of courtship, but sharing just how he'd often (and on the most inappropriate occasions) sexualized his boyfriend might not be received well. bakugou snarling at acts of affection like buying flowers or pulling him in to slow dance in the privacy of their room is one thing, but to openly talk about his physical perks when they're not in the heat of the moment will come off more disrespectful than flattering. so this was a bit of a social experiment, and it proved him right. was it discouraging? hell no. he loved the way the hero kept him on edge, finding his reaction more endearing than anything else.

the car idled in their wait, the drive-through’s menu board illuminated the interior, casting fleeting shadows across the dashboard. a few cars had moved already, promising them they wouldn't be stuck there for too long. denji stole a glance at his boyfriend, who was sulking in the passenger seat, watching him as he stared at the patterns on the window’s fogged glass. the glow from the their surroundings softened that flustered scowl of his; lashes fluttered as bakugou's eyes traced over nothing in particular. denji shifted in his seat, hunching slightly against the steering wheel as his gaze lingered. the world outside, the line of cars, the impatient revving of an engine somewhere behind them - faded into nothingness. he then reached over, coming to rest a hand on bakugou's lap; a faint smile played at the corner of his lips as he captured the other's attention. he can see all the warning signs, but— sometimes the heart yearns too much. a kiss on the cheek will do for now, and denji leans into it, closing the space between them. maybe the people in the car behind them can make up what is happening from their silhouette, but is it really too scandalous to share a smooch on the cheek? surely not.

he straightened in his seat as he inched the car forward; his hand found the other's, fingers interlocking. bakugou will only taste freedom when the food is here, and denji will need both his hands to munch that massive burger down. he noticed that wary side-eye, and he did nothing to ease katsuki's doubts. nothing more than a very questionable smirk. ] I will ♥

[ danger.

regardless, the half-devil had to accept that a white beard was no longer a welcomed option, not that he was honestly planning to seduce that boy dressed up as fucking santa. if he plans to take that route, he'd certainly put an effort in a more interesting outfit. the question was another warning sign that denji was aware of but happily dismissed. ] You know ... the sexy nurse? Maid outfits? A police officer ... a superhero. [ hah. ] Some people are into it, and I'm asking if you're one of them. [ he's not trying to embarrass anyone here; he keeps the flow of the conversation lighthearted, leaning into a more playful vibe, and of course, bakugou didn't need to answer if he didn't want to. ] I'm not sure if I fall into that category myself. The outfits that would interest me aren't so ... scandalous.

[blastedass]

[cause it's fucking embarrassing to have that kind of sappy soft shit thrown at him all of a sudden! forcing him to confront his own feelings, knowing full well BOTH of them know he has them, and doesn't want to ruin his "tough guy" image by saying tender touchy stuff. at least not out loud. something denji has no damn qualms about doing. he isn't telling him to shut up purely because katsuki knows it's rare, even hard, for his boyfriend to confess such things. working through his own feelings deeper than surface-level affections and arousal. denji's emotions run further still, something katsuki's come to understand over their time together. earning the blonde's ire and admiration in different degrees. at least he's gotten used to denji's sexual view of him. look, of course katsuki thinks his boyfriend's hot as hell, sexy as fuck, and he has his own trouble dealing with steamy moments when denji walks into the room fresh out of the shower, towel around his waist, other towel scuffing at his still-damp hair--!! stop thinking before it becomes a problem and slouch lower in the seat with a grumpy face. maybe that'll shut denji up. haha, fuck no. the guy's probably taking his reaction as reward for his playful teasing.

good, they're keeping a steady clip in drive-through traffic. courting his own mental gymnastics, katsuki's disturbed from internal revving as a hand settles on his lap. not his thigh, no, right over his damn pad. red eyes flick sideways, half drawing his head along the ride. muscles twitch, eyelids separate wider, jaws tense- shit, he knows that expression! backlit by the illuminated menu, shades of white, yellow, and orange highlighting the edges of denji's hair in glowing color, only reflected light from the windows reveals his boyfriend's gaze. lingering on him intently, strong shoulders rounded over the steering wheel, arm draped across with a doe-eyed hold splashed cross his visage. smitten, amused, and intending to do something about it. wordlessly promised via one quirked-up corner of his mouth. warning, warning, warning... dammit, he should kick him right out the damn door! but he doesn't. instead, katsuki bristles as lips find the burning warmth of his cheek, branding a tattoo of his boyfriend's kiss on his flushed skin. blood rushes across the bridge of his nose, even over the crest of his ears. fuck...

their shadows meld away, the silhouette of two boy's kissing mouth to cheek morphing into a quick lasso of one black arm looping about the other's neck and hauling him right back across the center console. he should bite his ear, bite his cheek, bite him right on the eyebrow-! instead, their faces combine again with lip to lip, mouth to mouth, quick and warm and deep. only a second and it's past, denji freed to return his shoulders to the seat behind him. guess he can keep his stupid hand.

hey, if denji wants to dress up as santa, he's more than welcome to. but don't think katsuki's going to find it attractive, and he'll probably skulk off to pout on the couch while denji has fun playing santa with the other outsiders. not gonna touch that shit with a twenty foot pole. as for the other question... of course it goes down that stupid hole. katsuki rubs the side of his head. how many times is the half-devil intending to embarrass him during this car ride?! tch, he has to give an answer.]

How the hell should I know? You're the first person I've ever fucked. [yeah, he found kirishima's hero costume pretty hot, but hadn't looked at his best friend back home in a sexual way. denji doesn't wear a hero costume, though katsuki would be lying if he said he didn't find his boyfriend attractive in his police uniform or casual formal. but...] I don't see the point; we're gonna get naked anyways.

[why dress up with the intention of stripping all that time and money right off?!]

[nutkick]

[ another kiss, soft and proper - yet, this one is certainly leaving behind its influence in contrast to the ones they exchanged in the greenhouse. maybe it's the mix of their conversation, the aftermath of heavy emotions and resolve, or it's simply the atmosphere of a cold winter night in the colorful city, and being around the person he loves is really setting off the right mood. the hand on bakugou's lap wasn't even a conscious move, more of desire beating his other senses. considering the thick winter clothes— it wasn't much of a sensual touch, but he'd depend on his memory on how it would've felt naked and skin-to-skin. they're holding hands, pretty innocent, he thinks. except, it wasn’t the warmth denji noticed first, but the coarseness— the faint scars, the places where time and hard work had toughened what once must have been smooth. the center of such a powerful quirk. denji ran his thumb gently across the other's palm, catching on the calluses near the base of his fingers. the same hand that reached out to him when he needed him the most, strong and reassuring. the heat of bakugou's skin seeped into him like a quiet flame, grounding him in the moment. ah, this is one of those nights, huh? where his mind is desperate to seek comfort, a shelter to rest in, far more eager to fixate on the only source of ease within reach. however, maybe — for once, he's coping in the right way? by expressing affection to those who care for him instead of chasing cheap thrills. where a simple kiss, holding hands, and coexisting together is the healing his soul craves the most. so, yeah, denji will allow it. let it out of his system. unleash the fluff and smoke it out, making room for the sins when they're back in the base.

yeah, he will still dress up as santa. he will still flirt with bakugou behind that massive white beard and fake big belly, fully aware that will get him nothing and he's fine with it. he loved riling up the hero in silly, harmless ways. as for that answer, denji nodded with a light chuckle. ] That's a good point. Even though I think part of that kink is to keep the clothes on, somehow. But I get it. As I said, it's not my thing, too ... but I wouldn't mind getting intimate with Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight. I kiiiinda have a crush on him.

[ he teased, but denji is 100% honest as well. while bakugou's winter herosuit had an upgrade due to the weather change, the summer fit remains superior for obvious reasons. he glanced ahead, noticing the red taillights glowing in the dim evening light, illuminating the back of the SUV in front of them as it inched forward. they are close enough to glance toward the menu board, his eyes skimming over the bright photos of burgers and fries, but he didn’t need to read it. he already knew what he wanted, and for the sake of not sedating himself with a heavy meal, the fantasy to inhale three burgers will have to wait for another night. he'll grab one with a large soda and fries this time. the line moved again, and he eased his car forward, the tires crunching over scattered gravel. the window was just a few feet away now, the speaker perched beside it.

the scent of fryer oil and grilled meat hung in the air, carried with a harsh chilly breeze that ruined the buildup warmth of their small intimate touches in one second. fucking hell. whatever. it was their turn. denji pulled up to the speaker and rolled his window down further, the mechanical whine of the speaker sputtered to life. he leaned slightly toward it, resting his arm on the edge of the door as he placed his order, then turned towards bakugou so he could pick his meal. as they waited for their food, denji closed the window again, shivering a bit and looking mildly annoyed. his skin prickled as the cold gripped him, threading through the fabric of his jacket and undershirt, sinking straight to his bones. it left his body instinctively tightening against the intrusion, his hands pulling the edges of his sleeves down over his knuckles while still holding into bakugou's. ] Ugh, let's hope our heating systems won't fuck up anytime soon ...

[blastedass]

[as unassuming and germane as hands might be, katsuki's are obviously important to him. his quirk originates from his hands, his quirk factor, and obviously beyond that, the sheer amount of actions he can take with them. leaving one in denji's touch, a guy who can produce a chainsaw from his arm, should be crazy. yet, people don't even think about that, do they? a handshake, a fist bump, hands swinging by their sides without a care. and he's not thinking much about it now, only the quiet hum of the moment as his boyfriend runs his thumb and fingers across his palm, knuckles, sides. he's held denji's hand so many times since that first meeting. from supporting him in trying moments to swinging him towards a target during a fight to clinging to his heated grip in the throes of sex to resting his hand in denji's grip as he nodded off to sleep or read in the comfort of a lazy afternoon. once more, they're together, letting their feelings and emotions seep between each other with a simple connection. a kiss passed, nuzzled forwards separated, yet their hands remaining connected over the central console. what saps.

hey, if denji wants to dress up, go for it. katsuki's going to give him the stink eye when he tries to flirt with him in the getup. if he's even at whatever christmas party. something he's not going to look forward to in the slightest. never been fond of dressing up in anything but what he wants to wear (and that changed and evolved a lot as he grew up). denji's got the idea in his head now. dammit. guess he'll find out at the party.]

You wanna fuck while I'm in costume? [hard to pinpoint his voice on that one. surprised, wry, pissed, intrigued, amused, incredulous, it's a bevy of things. not even sure how he feels about it. on the one hand, it's kinda hot. especially because denji said he has a crush. (look, he knows it's silly, but that's sappy and attractive.) but it's his costume, dammit! serious stuff happens when he puts on his hero costume! it's not some cheap sexual thrill! ... then again, he knows denji would never see something of his as cheap, especially not that. an honest attraction. kinda like how katsuki's not gonna lie about thinking chainsaw man's got his own charm.] I'll think about it.

[he'll give him that. katsuki leans forward and eyes the menu. burgers and fries are an uncommon thing for him, as his diet was usually japanese and tended to avoid the american inundation. but he's a teenager and hamburgers are hamburgers. does he want a gut bomb this late at night thought? ... not really. never trusted a fastfood fish sandwich either. guess he can get a chicken salad like an absolute dork and steal some of denji's fries while he's at it. proper boyfriend behavior. that's what he's passing on to the half-devil to pop into the speaker box. no point in making the girl try to decipher two voices, with one further back. done, he sinks into the seat again, content to rest in the car's warmth as the window seals back up.]

No shit. [katsuki turns the heater up in the car and pushes the vents towards denji, sending three hot rushes of air onto his boyfriend's fingers, chest, and cheeks. he's got one on his side and it's fine. spared the coldest breezes since his window stayed up.] If it goes out again, we'll be making a fucking fire in the common room.

[nutkick]

Yeah, I do ... only if you're okay with it. [ jeez, not being able to read bakugou's tone was lowkey stressful, made denji swallow the other confession that he wanted to spit out because he's unsure if he's pushing it right now. well, he most likely is. that was a lot of bombarding for one night and while his loving boyfriend is being tolerant, it didn't mean he should keep running his mouth. he kinda wanted to do it straight after the mission — for reasons, but even someone as bold as him felt a bit too shy to expose how filthy he could be. there's something super attractive about bakugou being covered in dirt, blood, and sweat; full of adrenaline, and feral after so many kills. taking a shower after all of this glory does tame it all, and denji is not sure if it's the herosuit itself or bakugou's untamed aura when he puts it on that brings this mini kink to life. hmm, he will have to think about it later. ]

... or we can take my advice and rent a hotel room. Let the others figure it out while we sleep in a warm space. [ an idea he cleverly suggested during that stupid heatwave, but they both agreed to proceed with other methods. this time, instead of setting the base on fire, he'd book a room for them for a night or two until the issue was resolved. a few minutes later, through the driver’s side, the worker approached the service opening. with a grunt, denji had to lower the window again, and he prepared himself for another slap of cold wave; the smell of food hit first, a sharp contrast to the air inside the vehicle. a paper bag appeared in the window, its edges crinkling as it was handed over with a casual greeting from the employee. soon after, a drink followed— the cup slick with condensation, leaving faint droplets as it was settled onto the tray beside the driver. denji thanked the lady, and she wished them both a good night before they finally drove off. since dinner was secured, the mission was a success, and they had no reason to be outside anymore - the next destination was the base. he actually considered asking if they could have a quick meal in the car, but he knew the burger was loaded and heavy with sauce. if he makes a mess, even a single drop, bakugou will never forgive him. so, nope. they will eat in his room.

by now the snow came down in thick, relentless waves, the headlights cutting short tunnels of visibility through the drive back. the windshield wipers worked tirelessly, a rhythmic squeak and thud accompanying the low growl of the engine. it wouldn't be a long drive, but denji couldn't speed through it either. inside the car, breath fogged against the glass despite the heater working at full blast. he gripped the steering wheel, the hand holding bakugou's flexing occasionally to fight off the numbness before squeezing a bit. finally, they made it. the muffled howl of the wind filled the void outside, and denji had only one fucking concern -

his dinner. only his dinner. bakugou's salad will be fine. huff.

will it freeze during the brief walk from the car to the entrance? who knows. (there is a microwave in the kitchen, but that somehow will ruin the authentic taste of the meat. don't ask why.) with a sigh, his shoulders dropped as he switched off the engine, lights off. finally he released the other's hand so he could grab the bag and his drink. ] Let's make a run for it.

[blastedass]

[he said he'd think about it. no teenager in his world of heroes would have gotten through life without being attracted to someone in a costume. or thinking a costume was sexy. hell, midnight-sensei designed her costume to be provocative on purpose. denji wanting to fuck in costume isn't strange, but... it's weird. two different feelings about it clash inside, one part flattered and turned on his boyfriend though his costume sexy enough to want to fuck in it, one part irritated because his costume is special and means being a hero! not some damn thrill! yet they've kissed on missions, he's had denji grind against him while he wrapped and arm around his boyfriend's shoulders in full costume before, he grumbled or smirked at the half-devil's flirts while they were cooling down from a fight. perhaps it'd be better to encourage denji to do it after the fact, when they were both hot and bothered in more ways than one. at least it'd be less awkward than deliberately gearing up... to fuck.]

If the power goes out in the base, we're gonna have to find a running hotel. [which is not that hard at all given the size of the city. a block would have to go out to knock the base's power down. leaving the other outsiders to hole up warm in a hotel isn't a bad idea. probably get a number of them in agreement too. katsuki will agree to denji's suggestion if the power goes. no point in freezing for no fucking reason. warm heater air switches with savory and salty aromas of fast food bags. he reaches for the bag, paper sliding against his fingers as he trades it for emptiness in denji's grip to free his hand for he drink. a light squeeze from the cupholder sheds a ring of droplets around the cup, but holds it without a problem. katsuki sets the tray on his lap for security while the other boy handles driving the car. if denji wants to eat in the car, they're stopping. while katsuki would forgive his boyfriend for making a mess, he'd definitely be forcing him to deep clean the whole damn seat, or wherever else it ended up.

damn, more snow, more winter, more cold. katsuki holds a hand out to the heater, opening and closing his fingers to warm them up again. he can feel his sweat drying on his palm. weakness. which is worse, driving through the rain or the snow? he pulls denji back so he's not lurched forward in the seat to peer out the window. if the visibility's so bad he's fogging up the damn windshield trying to look, then they're pulling off the road and waiting for the snow to pass! when denji squeezes his hand for some warmth, katsuki hoists it up and holds them both in front of the heater to warm his boyfriend's fingers. he's more than happy to shut the door behind him and lock his car up tight against the cold outside. shutters roll down over the garage, blocking the vehicles from getting snowed over during the night.]

You run, you're gonna slip and crack your fucking head open. [then how's he going to enjoy his burger? now, they'll fast walk/stalk towards the building against the snow and reach it before everything turns winter hell. katsuki pulls the door open, ushering denji in first (even puts his foot on his butt to "kick" him inside) and follows his boyfriend soon after. grumbling and cussing about the cold and snow as the door shuts behind him. goddamn weather! luckily none of their food was ruined. rather than visit with any outsider happening to linger in the common room, katsuki tugs his scarf free as he stomps off towards his own room, not wanting to talk to anyone right now. he put a lot of tolerance out today handling the mission. his "people" meter isn't just depleted; it's running on negative.

doesn't even bother stopping at his room; he goes right to denji's and shuts the door behind him, as if that seals off the entire day with a solid thud.]

[nutkick]

Pfft, I won't slip ... [ he grumbled under his breath, only to realize the second his boot touched the ground, he was about to bust his skull open if he tried. fuck. the car doors slammed shut almost simultaneously, the sound muffled by the heavy blanket of falling snow. cold air bit at their faces, and snowflakes clung to their hair and clothes as they broke into a hurried walk, their breath visible in short, frosty bursts. once they make it in the base, denji could finally relax— content to walk in into a warm space, the perfect temperature for an invite to cuddle under the blanket. denji made an effort to offer any outsider they walked past a quick nod of acknowledgment but didn't bother to hold his partner back, allowing bakugou to retreat into his bedroom a few steps ahead and following him soon after - finally, locking the door behind them, starting off their night routine.

he stumbled inside, his footsteps echoing faintly against the floor before he kicked his boots to the side. the transition from the numbing cold to the heated indoors was comforting, and he felt he could breathe out a lot easier now, chest lighter. the half-devil's room greeted them with its usual imperfection —a mild cluttered mess of clothes strewn across the bed and his personal recliner armchair that harbored him most of those difficult nights, leaving an endless imprint. an empty mug balancing on the edge of the desk, and a pile of trashy magazines tugged lazily under his bed. bakugou has seen it before, but not as much since denji made an effort to clean up if he knew his boyfriend was coming over. tonight he wasn't as prepared. he watched as bakugou paced further inside his room, probably gathering the comments he was about to drop about the mess before him. he'd allow him, and with an easy smile— denji placed their dinner aside and reached out instinctively, brushing snow off his lover's shoulders as they stood in the center of the room. with a quick, gentle motion, he unzipped bakugou's jacket, easing it off his stiffened arms. snowflakes fell in clumps to the floor, dissolving almost instantly on the warm tiles. ]

I was with you from sunrise. Pretty damn good excuse not to clean my room, right? [ ah, he tried. denji then pulled away and hung the jacket on a nearby hook, pausing to smooth it out before turning back. he rubbed his hands together, the friction bringing a fleeting sting of heat to his numb fingers; shoulders hunched as he peeled off his scarf, tossing it aside before blowing into his cupped hands, the sound soft but urgent. the thought of a shower is haunting, but maybe he'd be more motivated when his body warms up and he fills his tummy with food. his bed, however, is something else. it was an inviting haven, layered with soft, plush blankets that practically begged to be climbed into on a cold night. the foundation was a thick, oversized comforter in a dark gray; its surface was slightly textured but soft to the touch. a wool blanket was layered on top, and at the foot of the bed rests an extra quilt, folded as a backup for those especially icy nights. there is an upgrade from his sad single pillow, which they had to share many nights, to having two firm ones for sleeping, flanked by a couple of larger, overstuffed ones for leaning back while unwinding. he truly built a nest, and it perfectly explains why he's not a fucking morning person, too. ]

Make yourself comfortable. [ whether bakugou wanted to get into something cozier or keep his clothes on — it's up to him. he's free to go through the closet and borrow whatever he fancies from his clothes if he wishes. as for denji, he's happy to get out of those thick layers, drenched in melted snow and the dirt of their morning hike; opting to slip into a white hoodie and cozy sweatpants. the damn winter kills the invitation to a slow strip tease, instead he seemed eager to cover himself up! ]

[blastedass]

[bakugou caught denji at the small of his back, braced in case the guy opted to take a plunge into the snow-covered concrete. once assured he'd be fine, he dropped the touch and barreled across the snowy lot to reach the safety and warmth of the base. and then the familiar comfort of his boyfriend's room. dodging any attempts to socialize or get drawn into whatever the fuck's going on in the common room. no time or patience for that shit right now; he spent all he had on the mission this morning and is tapped out, dry as fuck, running on empty, and any other pleasant way to put it. of course, being greeted with the sight of denji's unkempt room always irks him. especially because bakugou always feels as if they just cleaned it yesterday! sometimes they have, sometimes they haven't, but dammit, ripcord pecs, can't you keep your room clean for a single fucking day?! (yes he can and bakugou knows it.) his chest sinks under a heaved sigh, no attempt to chide him for his lodging's state; denji's had a rough past month. he'll let him have his mess. for now. new year's resolution, however, is to keep it cleaner than normal. sheesh. it'd give the boy something to focus on, if anything. he glances once at the pile of magazines peeking out from the bed's frame, and ignores them with a scowl. his stomach clenches and refuses all attempts at distractions.

one hand swings up, a shoulder lifting in preparation to shuck his jacket, before another set of hands fall on his shoulder. he glances over behind him, red eyes narrowed beneath snow-dusted ashen blonde bangs... then lets his arms fall and surrenders the disrobing efforts to his boyfriend. bakugou steps forward, arms pulling behind him to shred the jacket off his limbs, and simultaneously pop his shoulders with a satisfying "crack" sounds. lava drools down his limbs in a result. fuck that feels better.] Yeah, yeah. I'm not bitching at you.

[he gets off free for this one. bakugou's cleaned denji's room before, sometimes quietly on his own while the boy's off at work, other times noisily yelling at him for letting it get this cluttered so quickly. he tosses his scarf over his shoulder, landing it on the rack in perfect blind shot. could've hit his boyfriend... denji's bed is, as ever in cold weather, a sheer promise of heat and cuddles. so many blankets, thick and hot soon enough with the addition of body heat. times he slept over meant he brought his pillow rather than sharing the half-devil's, but as they got closer, that happened less frequently (and meant denji got griped at a few times for having a pillow flatter than a fucking pancake). bakugou was glad to see more pillows appearing within those mounds of blankets over time. he knows far too well the alluring trap this bed exudes on cold mornings. a very warm body slotted up to his own, even further devilish inhibits suggesting he stay and skip for the day.]

I'm getting a shower when we're done eating. [after spending all day tromping around in the woods and underbrush, then messing about in the greenhouse for another few hours, bakugou's avoiding denji's bed on principle. no one wants to flop dirty into their bed (or shouldn't, because that's fucking gross) when it's all nice and clean. he sheds his thicker pants after his boots easily enough, leaving him in leggings and a pair of athletic shorts to go with his turtleneck. black, of course. showering would see him in his usual sweats, but that'll have to save itself for later. he takes a seat on the floor by the bed, opting to eat in front of his boyfriend like a damn savage. look, sometimes denji rubs off on him too.] Sit down before your stomach eats itself.

[the meta irony.]

[nutkick]

[ he's glad bakugou decided not to chew him off for the messy room, calling it a win. regardless, it didn't mean he wouldn't be more careful next time. he's learning, slowly but surely, how to keep his environment clean - something about walking into a tidy space helps clear an anxious mind, less clutter on the eye and more minimalistic. alas, he's still a teenager, even when he's living his last year of using such an excuse, and will hit the big '20' next september. he will still decorate his wall with printed pictures, buy unnecessary items to fill up his shelves, and use his bed as the perfect hub to chill, play games, and watch movies. it didn't mean he shouldn't sweep the floors, wipe the surface and windows and maybe light a scented candle to freshen up the space. yup, he's learning.

a shower — of course. there's a subtle shift in his gaze as if he's eyeing an invisible audience behind a camera lens, inwardly cursing in his head. yes, he knows. it's fucking gross to bounce into the bed with frozen sweat and dirt clinging to your skin. it's just ... ughhh, it's so cold! he has to strip, bare his body to the mercy of those icy walls of perdition that is their bathroom, and hope the water heats up fast enough and stays fucking warm! there is a heating system in there, sure, but it can do so much to make this experience as comfortable as the summer months. honestly, this is shameful and disgusting, but if bakugou wasn't here ... he'd probably end up sleeping in his filth and make it tomorrow's problem. the only con of dating is carrying the responsibility of not repelling your partner. that's when he closed his eyes in silent defeat and accepted his fate. he will have to shower, too. for bakugou. for his love. he shall face the winter devil head-on and survive. ]

I'll shower, too. [ he wanted to say something about his boyfriend's choice of seating, but denji understood the reason behind it. guess that's a gentle reminder to buy extra chairs and a small table for his room. across from the bed, a large window stretched ahead, framing the city beyond. the lights blinked in slow rhythms, their reflections casting faint streaks across the glass. the skyline was rather dull tonight, masked behind all the snow; the pale glow of the city gave the room a calming atmosphere. on the floor, a neat spread of food waited as bakugou pulled along the two takeout bags. denji joined him and sat cross-legged, their silhouette softened by the amber light from the lamp and the subtle spill of the city’s luminescence. he unwrapped the burger, the scent of grilled meat and melted cheese quickly filled up the air, soon followed by a muted crunch that broke the silence. oh yeah, look at that sauce— that's one hell of a juicy bite. bakugou's car wouldn't have survived this affair without a stain or two. even when he's enjoying the meal, he's conscious enough to wipe his mouth with a tissue after each chomp. manners aki shoved down his system during their time living together. ]

I bet you're maaaaad about your salad now, huh? [ he teased. ] I take you to a burger place, and you pick some greens. This should be a crime punishable by law. [ jokes and being a menace aside- ] Heh, I'll forgive you, though ... since I had a good time today. I guess I needed to do something other than going to work or staying at the base ...

[blastedass]

[no one said he had to strip until the bathroom's good and hot, dammit! let it fill to the brim with molten steam, coaxing with invitation and allure, then enter the improvised sauna and strip down. think ahead and they can even bring their night clothes with them, drying and dressing within the warm embrace of a completed shower. casting aside frigid walls to make their washing more enjoyable. bakugou's not about to call denji disgusting for sleeping in the mire of his own day's sweat and nature's dirt, but damn if he won't be dragging his boyfriend to the bathroom to wash off before getting in a clean bed with him.

granted, once upon a blue moon, the young hero's been so tired, he's collapsed in his bed or chair without passing through the shower's spray. but holy shit he's felt wretched upon waking up. washed off, stripped the bed, made the room fresh again before he returned to it at the following night. bakugou will make it his simple mission to lead denji through the art of showering in the winter without leaving the soles of his feet frozen to the floor or his skin two sizes too small from the frost as he races between doorways for scraps of warmth. this isn't the cruel outdoors, babe...]

Good. [bakugou isn't so prissy he hasn't eaten on the floor like some native in the fields. his own room isn't a welcoming aura of hosting if someone walks in. desk chair, bed, maybe an extra chair if he knows company's coming. only a few top-ranked outsiders get to chill in his room. denji, of course, has unlimited welcome in his room. with their meal unwrapped, he tosses the meat-topped salad a few times before adding dressing, letting emerald leaves and sage flicker amongst a tangy glaze with heated bite waiting within the film.

seasoned chicken strips may not be as juicy as denji's oozing burger catching skyline glows, but he'd much rather the tradeoff compared to putting a gut bomb in his stomach right before going to bed. shouldn't even be eating this late, dammit, but missions don't often square themselves away between the neat tucking of life. at least there's recourse to clean denji's tiled floor a lot easier than attempting to get stains out from bakugou's leather seats. his room's wooden floors at least have a protective covering over them, beyond what rugs exist.]

My chicken kicks the shit outta your burger, dammit! [don't taunt him for his choice to eat lighter before sleeping! hmph. bakugou rolls his eyes at the "crime" comment and shoves a spinach leaf toward denji's face on the tip of his chopsticks. he'll contaminate your burger with greens!] Aa. Take your strength back with force if you have to.

[nutkick]

[ fine. bakugou can teach him the art of surviving a shower in winter hell, but he'd still want to get out of it as soon as possible. after all, he didn't invest all his money in creating the perfect cuddle-friendly bed to be ignored that long. for now— denji settled on the floor with no complaints, leaning on bakugou's side a bit, with his back resting against the edge of the bed draped in a patchwork quilt. the floorboards creaked faintly as he shifted, unwrapping a burger from its crinkled paper, exposing more of the bun and meat for another bigger bite. steam rose faintly from the warm patty, a fleeting contrast to the chill that curled through the room. his gaze was steady, somewhere between present and distant, fixed on the same spot of nothingness that seemed to captivate him; the soft crunch of lettuce and the smear of sauce against his lip were the only disruptions to the stillness. and then, he could feel something picking at his half-open mouth as bakugou offered him a taste - whatever it might be, denji relaxed his jaw and kept staring at the view ahead, fully trusting his boyfriend and accepting the greens. outside, the wind howled faintly, shaking the glass, but inside, it was just them, the intimacy of a shared meal and the comfortable quiet of a trusted company.

take your strength back with force? hmm, he wonders if he really tried to be better or he got tired of feeling like crap. it's two different things, denji assumes. he shouldn't dwell on it; since he's able to be a productive part of society, then it's good enough. right? it's time to attend to the fries, dipping them in ketchup before shoving them inside his mouth. crunchy and salty - perfection. ]

We should ... kill the next kaiju faster. Surprise attack its ass and get it over with. They're getting too smart for my simple brain.

[ yeah, yeah. he knew there is a period of time where lilith has to examine the threat and share super important information with the outsiders, pinpointing their weak spots, issuing some warnings and such— guess what denji decided, though? to skip that part and start throwing hands. no thoughts behind each step, eliminate the threat, then think later. he's not wasting time collecting clues and shit. fuck yeah, he's smart. a soda bottle rested near his thigh, its condensation leaving faint rings of moisture on the floor. he tilted it back for a sip, the liquid fizzing softly in the quiet. ]

To be honest ... I'm a bit restless. [ he was never a fan of the training simulation, but - the idea is tempting now. ]

[blastedass]

[right. denji will want to bail from a hot shower into the cold hallway so quickly. bakugou calls bullshit on that. no one's telling him he can't get back into his bed nest! he's gonna get back in clean though. smearing dirt and dried sweat all over his nice blankets and pillows is gross. lettuce and spinach leaves crunch around the tines of bakugou's fork forcing itself through their surfaces. luckily he's not shoving a big leafy bite into his boyfriend's sharp-toothed mouth, keeping the larger mass of vegetation to himself. ever the control freak, he's carved the chicken with precision for a fork-wielding beast, laying out smaller chunks rather than strips, for even distribution across the salad. bakugou's not some wussy vegan. does it matter denji's sinking his teeth through a juicy burger beside him, meaty steam wafting up from a patty smothered in molten cheese and lettuce + pickle toppings? not really. if it weren't so late, he would've joined his boyfriend in burger bounty. but it is late, and denji's stomach is a cast iron stove.

red eyes flick to the window, lips pulling in a scowl not quite fitting with the slight puff of his cheek. fuck, how bad a blizzard are they having outside it's shaking the goddamn windows? the base might have to put down its shutters if things get worse. no one wants a frosty branch throw through their window... okay now fries, bakugou does lean over and battleship bump his boyfriend's head to the side before taking the dipped fry into his mouth. (relax, he doesn't do it until the third bite, so denji's free to enjoy two salty bliss bunches before he's invaded.)

back to the salad.]

Those bastards better take more time to assess their fucking abilities first before siccing us on them. And I'm not accepting orders to divide again unless we leave an anchor behind. [the fucking vegas worm and the romania wolf with their hypnosis and power nullification caught the outsiders off guard, almost fatally. they need to be more prepared for that kind of shit. and the korean dragons? yeah, fuck ever repeating that action. if it's kaiju or people, people first. they'll slaughter it later once the city is taken care of. bakugou has other issues with the outsiders being dropped off in the new location for two weeks while lilith scouts the threat (apparently undetected) and returns with their write up. fuck that! do the scouting on your own and send them in a day or two before the attack, dammit! it's become almost clockwork by now.

bakugou grabs the soda bottle once denji's done and takes a sip like an absolute heathen sharing spit on the neck.] Restless? As in you wanna fight something?