"I can't get rid of you, can I?" Sunny smirked at Bakugo from across the kitchen island. He sat on one of the stools, bouncing his leg and tapping angrily away on his phone. He was trying his best to ignore Sunny, however, occasionally he would shoot her a dirty look.
Apparently now was one of those times, and he spared a glare at her.
It was later into the evening now, and Sunny had just said goodbye to the rest of their friends, except Bakugo hadn't made any move to leave. He just sat there scowling at her like a judgemental shadow.
Sunny pouted at him playfully when he didn't respond, "Come on, baby, don't be so grumpy. I'm not going to see that happy face of yours for a whole week!" She teased further, padding around the kitchen and opening cupboards absentmindedly.
Sadly, much to Sunny's dismay, Bakugo was no longer wet and topless. She had lent him a pair of her baggy sweatpants and an oversized white tee. Much to her surprise, he had refused the pink crop top and lace knickers she had originally offered him.
She had made a huge fuss about him borrowing her clothes, not that she actually cared, but she complained that it was supposed to be her pinching his clothes. He had ignored her, still somewhat annoyed that the top he had worn over was now in her bin, seeing as she'd ripped it to shreds with those talons of hers.
"What do you want for dinner?" She asked him, taking a quick glance over her shoulder, "I am assuming you're staying for dinner. It would be nice to spend some time with you – just us, you know."
Sunny watched Bakugo grit his teeth and clench his fists around his phone.
Okay, he had her attention now.
She turned to him, quirking her brow. Maybe this wasn't your average Bakustrop.
"What's wrong now?" He was such a prima donna. She turned to him fully now, letting out a huff and popping her hip out. She folded her arms over her chest while her tail swished impatiently behind her.
"Just say yes, damn it." He finally scoffed out. He put his phone down and flexed his fists against the white marble countertop. Sunny heard his knuckles pop and crack.
"Say yes to what?"
"Being my girlfriend."
"Why are you so suddenly hellbent on that? I didn't realise you cared so much about labels, Katsuki," Sunny responded curtly with a huff, turning back to her foraging.
"I don't."
"Then why does it matter?"
"If it doesn't matter then why won't you say yes?"
Sunny hooted and wagged a finger at him, "Well, you've got me there."
"I don't understand why you won't just say yes."
Sunny sighed, and fought the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose. She knew why he had become fixated on it, and that was because she kept saying no.
Whatever Katsuki Bakugo wanted, he got.
"Why do you want me to be your girlfriend so badly?" She asked coolly, once again turning her entire attention to him and coming to stand across from him, placing her hands flush against the chilled worktop.
Bakugo blinked at her for a moment, lip curling defensively, "So no one else can have you."
Sunny knew that was pointed at Todoroki specifically. She knew exactly why Bakugo felt that way; her and Shoto had grown close over the last few days, but all that happened before Katsuki decided he wanted Sunny all to himself. She wasn't going to start pieing Todoroki off just because Bakugo's precious little feelings got jealous – for no reason at all, other than the fact he just didn't like Todoroki, because, you know, testosterone and alpha male shit flinging.
And besides, it's not like they've even had a conversation about taking their relationship further! Bakugo called her a slut and then grovelled for a bit and licked his wounds, and then started snapping his fingers at her. Hardly the courtship every girl dreams of.
Sunny rolled her eyes at his comment, totally unimpressed, "Is that all?"
Bakugo straightened up, "So only I can have you."
Same thing, different phrasing. Sunny let out a puff of indifference.
Bakugo grit his teeth once more. He didn't understand why this was such a big deal. He hated that he was so invested. And he hated it even more that she kept rejecting him. He didn't like not being in control, and with Sugawara he definitely was not in control of anything.
Across from him, Sunny continued to frown. Obviously, that wasn't the right answer either.
"Oh, how romantic," She scoffed sarcastically, "I feel so wooed."
Bakugo grit his teeth harder, feeling the familiar ache in his gums from the pressure, "I don't know what you want me to fucking say. I can't read your goddamn mind, you know." He huffed and paused for a moment, straightening his back, and rolling his shoulders, "But I'm going to keep asking you until you say yes."
He didn't miss the twitch at the corner of Sunny's lip, and the glint that appeared in her eye, "And I hope someday I do."
Bakugo huffed again, "And I'm going to call you my girlfriend anyway. You're always fucking hanging around me, so you might as well be."
Sunny's face fell into a scowl again, but she blew out a soft huff, "Whatever, just don't go pissing on any of my stuff in an attempt to mark your territory."
Bakugo mimicked her scowl, "I'm not a fucking animal."
"Well, stop acting like one then," Sunny taunted, reaching over the countertop and flicking at his nose. She let him catch her hand just as it reached his face, however, and she squealed when with a strong grip on her wrist he pulled her across the counter surface.
Immediately, she wrapped her arms around his neck to pull herself closer to him, and rubbed her cheek against his affectionately, purring loudly.
"You drive me fucking mental." She heard him mutter.
She kicked her legs happily in response. The work surface was cold against the front of her body, despite the fact she too had changed and was now wearing some cloud print pyjamas.
"But you love it," She added, her purr growing louder as he growled in response and shoved his face into the crook of her neck. He wrapped his arms around her, sliding her further across the counter and into his chest more. He squeezed her tightly.
"You better text me back this week." He grunted.
"I'll video call you every night," In one swift movement, she pulled his top up and put it over her head, wiggling her face against the prickly skin of his chest.
"Ah!" He cried out, but he didn't push away and instead let go of her as Sunny continued to scoot and slither over the counter, pushing her head upwards and squeezing it through the neck of his top. It was tight around both of them, pinching at the sensitive skin at the back of their necks but Bakugo couldn't muster up the energy to complain when he saw the proud look on Sunny's face, purr strong and vibrating pleasantly across his chest.
"Tsk," He huffed, shifting on the bar stool, but his eyes boggled when Sunny continued. Apparently, she wasn't quite finished.
It was a good thing she was so flexible because she practically snapped herself in half adjusting herself over the counter. It was a tight squeeze in the shirt, and Bakugo found himself gasping and wincing a few times as she continued to wiggle about. Eventually, however, she managed to swing her legs off the counter and settle herself onto his lap, legs either side of his as she straddled him, her feet hooking around his carves.
"You finished?" He grunted, flinching when her cool hands made contact flush against his chest.
She nodded excitedly.
Bakugo blinked slowly at her, settling awkwardly back into the stool which definitely was not big enough for two people. Fortunately, Sunny seemed to be balancing herself perfectly on him, distributing her weight evenly.
Sunny felt Bakugo relax against her, and she went to slide her hands under his arms to hold him around the back. But just as her fingers grazed across the sensitive skin of his sides, she felt him physically seize up with a grunt of frigid breath.
Sunny's eyes suddenly sparkled, "Are you ticklish, Suki?"
Bakugo actively avoided her eye contact, "No." He grunted a little too forcefully.
Immediately, Sunny's face split into a devilish grin.
"Don't you fucking – Ah!" Bakugo wheezed, stifling a high-pitched cry as her fingers danced with featherlight touches across sensitive skin. "Fuck off! Sunny!"
He was wiggling too much, and they were literally tangled together. The top they were both wearing pulled and groaned against the force of them fighting. Suddenly, everything began to tip as Bakugo struggled away from her intrusive fingers.
"Sunny!" He shouted once more as his arse slipped straight off the stool.
With a squeal from Sunny and a yell from himself, they both went tumbling towards the floor. Sunny landed heavily on her back and let out a loud 'oof!' when Bakugo's weight winded her.
She then started laughing.
"I fucking hate you!" Bakugo seethed, raising his arms to prop himself on his elbows either side of her grinning face.
"O-Ouch!" She pined through a laugh, "My h-head!"
Bakugo frowned, "Well it's your own fault you hurt yourself," despite his words, he grabbed the top of her head and gently turned her face, inspecting her to make sure she wasn't too injured. "Where does it hurt?"
Sunny's laughing cooled, and through watery eyes, she gazed up at Bakugo. His eyes weren't on her, those warm, soft, strawberry hues were dancing around her hair, watching carefully for any sign of hurt.
His brows were furrowed in annoyance and concern, and his lips were pressed thinly together.
He was so gorgeous.
Without thinking, Sunny pushed her hand towards her face, poking it through the tight gap between them.
"Here…" She said softly, tapping her first finger onto her bottom lip.
Bakugo's eyes immediately snapped downwards, and for a short moment, he looked a little confused.
But then it dawned on him, and his lips slid into a soft smirk, "Oh?" His voice was so low the sound vibrated in his chest and travelled through Sunny, leaving her momentarily breathless.
"I suppose I should kiss it better…"
Sunny could have passed out then and there at the look on his face; eyes slightly hooded as he dipped his head to close the distance between them.
She audibly whined and closed her eyes when his slightly chapped lips brushed against her soft ones, and she whimpered helplessly when his hot tongue flickered out against her slightly parted lips.
"Shoulda, woulda, coulda!" He suddenly howled, disappearing through the neck of the top they were sharing and scrambling to his feet.
He grinned down at her, red eyes burning intensely with confidence and pride as he watched a flustered yet mortified Sunny still plastered on the floor.
She lay there for a moment, horrified that he'd just teased the living daylights out of her and then shot away. He stood towering over her, topless again, hands on his hips with feet either side of her.
Sunny screwed her face up and wailed loudly once it had dawned on her what just happened.
"Not nice, is it?" He cackled above her.
Sunny peered at him through watery eyes, suddenly ceasing her crying as her own shit-eating grin traced her features.
Bakugo's grin faltered when her eyes fluttered to between his legs. Where his own excitement was very obviously present. He could practically see the thought crossing her mind and he quickly cupped himself when her hand made a grab for him.
"Don't touch what you can't afford!" He yelled, quickly darting away from her as she scampered up off the floor.
She caught up with him quickly, jumping him and sending them both tumbling over the sofa.
"I want you to take me on a date," Sunny announced boldly, watching Bakugo as he took a big bite of the chicken drumstick he was holding. She'd chosen her timing perfectly, so he didn't instantly shoot her down – but that didn't stop him glaring at her around a mouthful of meat.
"What?" He deadpanned back; his mouth still full. He looked totally unimpressed with her announcement and he chewed slowly, sceptical eyes watching her closely.
"When we're back from work experience," Sunny continued, averting her eyes sheepishly, "I want to go on a date like normal people do."
Besides, how long had it been? Three, four weeks? Was that really all they'd known each other for? From the word go, they'd been fixated on each other; although, from Bakugo it was rage, and from Sunny it was playful teasing fuelled by that rage. But that had slipped into obsession, with the pair of them grabbing or snapping at or harassing the other at any opportunity. Hell, both of them could be accused of making opportunities specifically to get the others attention on them. They really were like a pair of school kids. But when did that obsession turn into passion? Were the two really that different?
She avoided Katsuki's lips as they split into a smug smirk, "Oh? Are you asking me on a date?" He teased.
"No!" Sunny huffed defensively, "I'm telling you to ask me on a date."
Bakugo dropped the chicken bone on his plate, wiping his hands in a napkin before leaning back haughtily.
"Fine." He replied matter-of-factly, much to Sunny's surprise and her ears perked energetically. He continued, "Will you go on a date with me, ya fleabag?"
Sunny grinned a little too widely, and she nodded eagerly, "I will, Suki." She purred happily, pearly white teeth flashing in the low light of the kitchen spotlights.
It was later in the evening now, and they'd worked up such an appetite wrestling around the living room Sunny had ended up throwing a whole chicken in the oven to roast – which they were now picking apart rather ungraciously.
"Where do you want to go?" Bakugo's lips were still in a teasing smirk, but his eyes danced happily.
"To the aquarium," Sunny replied, licking her fingers, "and I want you to buy me a stuffed animal from the gift shop. And then I want to go for sushi, and eat ice creams on the beach."
Bakugo's eyes widened a little, but his hands went behind his head cockily, "You've thought about this."
Sunny didn't miss his teasing tone, "Keep teasing and I'll ask Kirishima to come with me,"
Bakugo huffed and promptly dropped his arms, "Whatever, sounds expensive," His eyes suddenly sparkled mischievously again, "Especially with the amount of food you eat."
Sunny pouted, "I have my own money, thank you, but you can pay for your damn self."
Bakugo nearly laughed, "Fine. The Saturday we're back, we will go then."
Sunny grinned again, eyes large and full of joy and she nodded eagerly. Bakugo couldn't help but puff his chest out proudly knowing he was the reason she was suddenly so happy. He'd never seen her so happy, and the pride went straight to his head and ego knowing it was because of him.
A date seemed like a good idea to Sunny, after all, that's what normal people did, and she wanted to be normal people. Had Bakugo ever been on a date before? He was nearly eighteen, right? So, he probably had.
That annoyed Sunny a little, she felt a little bitter that he would have the audacity to have a life before she came along.
"What's that face for?" Bakugo's sharp voice pulled Sunny from her thoughts. She hadn't even realised she'd been pouting until Katsuki leaned across the table and pulled at her jutting out bottom lip.
"Have you ever been on a date before?" She asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
Bakugo's lip twitched slightly, but he did a good job of keeping a straight face for the most part, "What's it to you?" He countered back playfully, but his expression quickly turned sour. "Anyway, you've made it very clear you're not exactly new to all this sort of relationship shit."
"Huh? I've never been on a date before."
Bakugo continued to scowl, leaning forward in his chair, "What about all the other stuff?"
Sunny frowned at him in confusion, but then she realised what he meant, "Sex makes good currency."
Katsuki sneered from the other side of the table, but his face quickly fell soft when he noticed Sunny's sad expression drop to her plate.
Suddenly, he felt a little guilty as realisation dawned on him. Her entire life had been so filled with pain and aggression for so many years, and he would hate… he would hate to remind her of that. He knew he was hot-headed and aggressive, hostile even, and usually, he couldn't care less what anyone thought of him or how he made anyone feel. But, as he watched Sunny carefully from over the table, he couldn't help but feel something thick and unsettling start roosting in the pit of his stomach.
Was it anxiety?
Anxiety about ever making her feel the way others in the past made her feel. He didn't want that; he couldn't have that. Those people were criminals, villains who treated Sunny and countless others terribly. It made him feel slightly sick that she might ever associate him to them.
But, she couldn't feel like that? If he reminded her of those people, surely she wouldn't be able to stand being near him, right?
But familiarity breeds attraction.
Bakugo fell back into his seat, crossing his arms and sliding down a little.
His sudden retreat caught Sunny's attention and her large eyes swung his way. He was looking off to the side, brows furrowed in deep thought with his lips pursed thinly together.
"What's that face for?" Sunny's lips twitched playfully as she shot his own question back to him, but it went no further when Bakugo's eyes barely flickered her way before settling back to the corner of the room.
"Do I remind you of them?" He asked suddenly, catching Sunny's shocked face out of the corner of his eyes. His gaze drifted back to her to examine her alarmed expression; pupils blown wide and mouth slightly ajar.
"W-What? Who?"
"Those people, those underground criminals," His tone was flat yet hard as he struggled to get his words out. Sunny's eyes flickered to his fingers that gripped his biceps so tightly the skin around turned red. "Those people that hurt you."
Sunny continued to look bewildered, and then she looked upset. Her ears flattened against her head, disappearing into her wild hair. "Why would you say something like that?" She shook her head in disbelief, "What would even make you think something like that?"
Bakugo remained silent, his eyes trailed off Sunny again.
She cocked her head to the side. She couldn't understand why he would say something like that. Where did he get an awful thought like that from? She couldn't even begin to think of the words to say because she couldn't read what he was thinking. She hated that. She was so bad at social cues.
"You've never hurt me," She began, but then Bakugo's head whipped towards her and his gaze fell to the burn marks on her arm. They weren't that visible now, having scorched her several hours earlier by accident, but they were still there.
He still knew they were there.
Sunny pursed her lips, "I can't correct you if I don't know what you mean…"
Bakugo shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "I don't want you to think I'm like them."
"Why would I think that?" Her own question was answered when she heard soft sizzling, and her eyes fell to his hands, still clasped tightly around his arms that were now emitting tiny explosions as he struggled to keep his emotions under control. His arms began to shake.
"Oh…" She whispered, but she quickly shook her head, wild hair floating everywhere, "Because you get all blasty?"
There was almost a teasing tone to her words, and Bakugo shot her a dirty look at her audacity to mock him at a time like this.
But then her face completely softened, and she offered him the nicest, most genuine smile she'd ever shown. Her entire face looked completely different, and Bakugo found himself completely unravelling at her gentle, kind expression.
"I actually find it… sort of comforting," She began, speaking softly, "I'm… I'm not very good with people…"
"Huh?" Bakugo grunted.
Sunny shrugged, "I really struggle to understand people sometimes and it can be hard work. I don't understand people's individual needs. I don't understand why someone would say one thing and mean another; I don't understand why people don't just say how they feel…" Her eyes trailed away from him, "If you're sad, cry. If you don't like something, say it. If you want something, get it. If you're happy, smile. If you're not, shout." She rubbed one of her eyes with the back of her hand, "Trying to decipher people's facial expressions, hand gestures, body language," She groaned, "Don't get me started on vocal tones… I don't understand them… I just don't."
"But…" Bakugo began, totally confused, "You're so good with people."
"Thank you," She said softly, eyes blinking slowly, "I want it to be easy to talk to people, but it's not always. I thought that was normal, that everyone struggled to read people and it was just part of being human. But Eraserhead said social cues allow someone to have an insight into someone's actions or intentions…I didn't realise that… Sometimes I really struggle..."
"What…" Bakugo began, but Sunny cut him off.
"- I'm lucky my quirk makes me extra perceptive, as I can use that to help me pick up on cues, and being able to predict someone's next actions really helps…" She trailed off, "But often I don't understand it, it never means anything to me." Her eyes finally finding Bakugo again, she took a deep breath, "It can be really overwhelming, having to think about someone's actions and their body language and what it might mean and then having to try and work out how to respond… But… But with you, I don't have to worry about that…" She rubbed the back of her neck with her hand, smiling coyly, "You're… You're really easy to understand." She sighed with relief.
Bakugo blinked at her for a moment.
There had been multiple occasions over the last few weeks when Sunny had acted… strangely. But… he'd never thought anything of it, no one had. Her constant zoning out, her obsession with lining things up on her desk, her unwavering routine, her blank, confused stares at jokes. These were just parts of her, habits, traits of her quirk leaking through into her daily life… Right?
Or were the years of neglect and unhealthy environments responsible?
Bakugo concluded he didn't care what the cause.
"So… You don't find me aggressive?"
Sunny suddenly perked up, grinning, "Absolutely," But Bakugo shot her a hard glare and her face quickly dropped, she began back peddling, "But I don't find you mean or scary. Not at all." Her face turned soft again, "You're nothing like those people. It's just…" She averted her gaze again, "You being all loud and blasty makes it really easy to understand you, and I like that." She shrugged.
Bakugo was a little taken aback by how much she'd shrunk into her seat. He'd always had her pinned as an extrovert, social butterfly, but maybe she was just as socially constipated as he was, but in her own way.
She obviously liked people a lot, that much was blatant from how close to people she liked to stand and how much she would chatter away to literally anyone. But that didn't mean she didn't have her own insecurities.
He found some comfort in that.
He also found some comfort in the fact his biggest flaw was her favourite thing about him.
Bakugo suddenly scoffed, grabbing Sunny's attention once more as her eyes drifted off to elsewhere in the room, "Maybe together, we make one socially acceptable person."
She grinned back at him, those teeth flashing brightly, and he couldn't help but offer back his own small smile.
So, I proof read this using words 'read aloud' feature and honestly it killed meeeeee
Thank you for everyone who has reviewed over the last week, your comments and feedback mean the world to me xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx