[ironically it's times like these where it's hard to believe, despite seeing plenty evidence to the contrary in other moments. less intense moments, without so much potentially on the line. what's better here? to help denji forget, to serve as a distraction from the pain and misery, or to somehow help him confront those things he'd rather forget and avoid, to be a pillar of strength he can rely on for support as he faces his demons. he knows how much his boyfriend gives him when they're together, from putting up with his dutiful nature at their job to letting him have his study time and training. bakugo tries to give him similar time back, putting aside work to hang out or go shopping or hit up the arcade, having lunch together in restaurants or going on dates to movies or sports games. somehow, through all of it, he wants to be more than an anchor. of course he likes being able to shut those bastards up in denji's head, and throw back the negative ideas the other boy has about himself. but a hero can't be satisfied with hovering on the status quo. bakugo can't be. he's not the guy who wins the battle and is good with that; he wants to win the goddamn war! unfortunately, people aren't so simple as a war. maybe he'll never be able to convince denji he's worth being loved, valued, treasured, he doesn't have to be afraid if something happens, because they'll be together again.
yes, he sees how important he is to denji. but his pride and personal prowess like to shove his own high standards on other people. if all might says he'll be back, bakugo finds no reason to be afraid he'll never see his hero again. he trusts him implicitly to do what he says when he says it, one way or another. so to tell denji he doesn't need to be afraid, even if one of them is taken, because the other will get them back... and then see such fear splash across his face... fear is born of doubt. he doubts bakugo will hold to his word. he doubts he'll keep his promise to return and never abandon him. as a hero, he's aware he can't realistically promise his friends and loved ones he'll come back. but if he doesn't throw a giant middle finger to reality, stand tall and strong, and brazenly claim none of them need fear he'll never return, then what kind of cowardly pathetic hero is he? who the hell's going to trust someone who says "i might die" or "maybe i'll come back" or "this could be it" as their way of assuring someone they care about not to worry. fuck that! don't be afraid! why? BECAUSE I AM HERE! even if "here" is somewhere else while bakugo raises hell to get back to where he's supposed to be.]
You're not gonna lose me, Denji. Even if I'm not by your side for a little while, nothing in this shitty place is gonna keep me from coming back to you. [he lets their fingers curl and twist together. hell, he went back home and still returned, though he'll keep such a comment to himself since it's a touchy subject.] If something happens, trust me, and yourself, we'll find a way back.
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yes, he sees how important he is to denji. but his pride and personal prowess like to shove his own high standards on other people. if all might says he'll be back, bakugo finds no reason to be afraid he'll never see his hero again. he trusts him implicitly to do what he says when he says it, one way or another. so to tell denji he doesn't need to be afraid, even if one of them is taken, because the other will get them back... and then see such fear splash across his face... fear is born of doubt. he doubts bakugo will hold to his word. he doubts he'll keep his promise to return and never abandon him. as a hero, he's aware he can't realistically promise his friends and loved ones he'll come back. but if he doesn't throw a giant middle finger to reality, stand tall and strong, and brazenly claim none of them need fear he'll never return, then what kind of cowardly pathetic hero is he? who the hell's going to trust someone who says "i might die" or "maybe i'll come back" or "this could be it" as their way of assuring someone they care about not to worry. fuck that! don't be afraid! why? BECAUSE I AM HERE! even if "here" is somewhere else while bakugo raises hell to get back to where he's supposed to be.]
You're not gonna lose me, Denji. Even if I'm not by your side for a little while, nothing in this shitty place is gonna keep me from coming back to you. [he lets their fingers curl and twist together. hell, he went back home and still returned, though he'll keep such a comment to himself since it's a touchy subject.] If something happens, trust me, and yourself, we'll find a way back.