Chapter 8

Todoroki cried for what seemed like ages, and Bakugou could hardly take it. All he wanted to do was go to the gym and rip into a punching bag until it exploded into pieces. But he couldn't leave Todoroki's side. He knew that.

When he finally tired himself out, he had bags under his reddened eyes and he slumped over into a tired daze. Bakugou helped him to his feet and to the bedroom, insisting that Todoroki take the bed. But he refused and took the futon on the ground instead.

"Just… get some rest, okay?" Bakugou said.

"Mmn," Todoroki grunted. Before Bakugou could pull away, Todoroki snagged his sleeve. "I'm sorry, Bakugou. That you have to do all this."

"Stop it," Bakugou said, gently swatting his hand away. "You don't have to apologize for this. Didn't I tell you that, idiot?"

Todoroki sniffed and turned his head into his pillow, hiding the scar on this face. His hand squeezed the blanket.

"I'm still sorry," Todoroki said.

" 'Thank you.' "

Todoroki startled, looking up at Bakugou sharply. "What?"

Bakugou folded his arms across his chest. "Try saying thank you instead of sorry. It sounds a hell of a lot better. For me, anyway."

Todoroki gave a small, lopsided smile that only lasted for a second, and then he pulled the blanket over his shoulder.

Bakugou paused and left the room to brush his teeth, thinking that he'd just be better off going to bed, too. He wasn't sure how comfortable Todoroki would be alone in his room. Especially on a night like tonight.

Bakugou sighed as he entered the bathroom, bracing himself on the vanity counter and staring at himself in the mirror. His own eyes were a little red although he did not shed a tear, and his frown was more pronounced. He could hear his mother's words echoing in the back of his mind, You need to smile more! You look like an ugly old man!

Damn that woman. But he hated to admit that maybe she was right.

Bakugou paused, twisting his lips together as he thought it over. With a low groan, he pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed the first contact on his list. Impatiently, he waited as the dial tone rang three times.

"Oi, my stupid son of mine! Do you realize what time it is?!"

"Shut up, old hag!" Bakugou complained. "Geez, I thought you told me I could call any time I wanted!"

"Well, yeah, but if it's nearing 10, you know my policy!" his mother responded.

"Come on, dear. You know Katsuki hasn't called in a while." Bakugou could hear his father in the background, which meant that his darling mother put him on speakerphone. Great.

"Yeah, yeah, I guess you're right," she said. She sighed, calming a bit. "Well, fine. What's up, punk? I'm assuming you're not just calling to chat."

"I'm… not," Bakugou said, feeling the slightest bit guilty.

"Oh. Are you in trouble?" she asked.

"It's not about me."

"But someone you know is in trouble?"

"…Sorta."

His mother took in a deep breath and sighed, groaning a bit as she shuffled about.

"All right. Let me make some coffee."

"The hell? You're makin' coffee this late?" Bakugou asked. "You'll never sleep at this rate."

"Shut up, boy! I am an adult and I do what I want!" she said.

"Well, while she's doing that, can you maybe give us a rundown on what's going on, Katsuki?" his father asked, sounding closer to the phone now.

"It's… complicated," Bakugou grumbled, hesitating a bit.

"Just try to explain. We'll try to help where we can."

Bakugou sighed and left the bathroom, abandoning brushing his teeth for now. He moved down towards the bedroom and peeked inside, seeing that Todoroki was lying still on his futon, his chest rising and falling softly.

"Well, I… I met someone recently," Bakugou said quietly as to not wake Todoroki.

"Ohhh is it a boy?! Who is it, Katsuki?!" his mother screeched.

Bakugou rubbed his eyes. He was going to regret this.

"Yeah, he's… His name is Todoroki Shouto."

"Todoroki, eh?" his mother pondered. "That name sounds familiar."

"Yes. It's the same family name of Todoroki Enji, the owner of Endeavor corp," his father said. He paused for a moment. "Is there any relation?"

Bakugou took in a breath through his nose. "Yeah. He's Enji's son."

"Wow! You're in the presence of some real power there, Katsuki!" his mother teased. "Did you ask him out, yet?"

"Mitsuki," his father admonished.

"What? Katsuki hasn't dated anyone in ages! I'm eager to meet someone!" she said.

"Shut it, old hag! And no, I haven't asked him out," Bakugou said. He sighed, long and slow. "The guy's married."

"Ah—married?" his mother echoed. "That's too bad."

"Yeah. Well… It ain't working out so well," Bakugou said.

His parents let out soft noises in surprises. "Oh! Well… I mean. This is… good for you, right? Because you like him?"

"Mitsuki."

"Whaat? I'm just saying! This could be his chance!"

"Sheesh, would you just calm the hell down?!" Bakugou snapped. "Yeah, I do like 'im. But I can't ask him out. He's heartbroken."

"Oh. That's… What happened?" his father asked.

Bakugou sighed. "It's… a long story. I just… need to know what I should do." He paused and bit his lip, his free hand curling into a tight fist. "He's staying with me right now. And his husband, well… he basically admitted that he doesn't love 'im anymore. And… I want to be there for him, but… how do I do that if I also…"

He let the sentence fade into thin air, not willing to admit this embarrassing fact to his parents. But he figured they would understand.

There was an understanding hum over the line as both of his parents paused, probably to look at the other.

"Well, son, you should start by being his friend first," his father said.

Bakugou rubbed his thumb against his forefinger. "And how do I do that?"

"Oh, Katsuki. You know how to be a friend!" his mother said.

"Tch. Tell that to Deku," Bakugou spat bitterly. Damn it, was he really getting worked up over this?

"Sweetie, you really put yourself down too much. You're a great friend," his mother said.

"Just be yourself," his father added.

Bakugou peeked back into the bedroom, seeing that Todoroki was still fast asleep.

"But what if that's not enough?" Bakugou said. "What if he needs more than just… me?"

"Son, he wouldn't be staying with you right now if he depended on someone else."

His father's words made him suck in a sharp breath through his nose. He swallowed hard, feeling his heart fluttering. He paced down the hall and leaned against the wall, staring up at the ceiling. Did this really mean that Todoroki needed him?

"Katsuki? Does this help?"

Bakugou sighed and closed his eyes, letting his heart hammer away in his chest. There was still a glimmer of hope there. Even if it would take a while, he wasn't going to give up.

"Yeah. Yeah, thanks," Bakugou said.

"Good. Now promise that you'll bring him home once you've got him back on his feet!"

"Will you shut your damn mouth?! Nosy woman!"

Bakugou sighed as he finally laid down in his bed. His mom talked for almost an hour, begging him to come visit and catch up. It was so annoying. But the feeling he got after speaking with both of them left him light and at peace. Even if the whole world turned on him, he at least knew he could count on his parents. Even if they were annoying as hell.

He closed his eyes and sighed, letting himself drift off into a deep sleep that was filled with dreams about blue and silver eyes and red and white hair. It was so peaceful and relaxing.

But there was a soft whimpering that dragged Bakugou awake.

His eyes snapped open to the darkness that still surrounded his bedroom, and he strained his ears to comprehend the noise that was filling the room. He glanced around, trying to decipher it, but he realized that it was coming from his floor.

He whipped his head to the ground to see Todoroki, curled up into a tight ball. He had sweat sliding down his face and neck, his skin glistening in the dim light. A soft, yet strained whine escaped his throat, and his face scrunched up as if he were in pain.

"No…" he begged in his sleep. "Please… stop."

Bakugou's heart did a giant leap in his chest.

"Shit," he whispered, and he tore the blankets off of his body and jumped from his bed. "Todoroki. Hey."

Todoroki flinched at his name and curled up tighter, his whole body tensing. It was just like the other night—another nightmare, perhaps—but this one seemed much, much worse.

"Hey, wake up," Bakugou called, grabbing his shoulder.

Todoroki let out a pained gasp and shuddered away from Bakugou's hand. "Please…"

Bakugou swallowed. He had to stop this before he seriously spiraled into a panic attack in his sleep.

"Sh… Shouto," Bakugou said calmly. "Hey, can you hear me?"

Todoroki didn't react, but he also didn't flinch, which Bakugou took as a good sign. But the man still wasn't waking up, his body locked and trembling under Bakugou's palms.

"Shouto, hey," Bakugou said. "Calm down. You're just dreaming. Wake up."

Todoroki was still shivering and begging in small whimpers, "No, no, please." It was heartbreaking, and Bakugou was tearing up inside as how useless he felt. When he whispered out a soft, "Don't hurt me," Bakugou stopped thinking.

He curled in behind Todoroki and wrapped his arms around his middle, settling his hands on Todoroki's chest and stomach. He spooned him carefully, not wanting to make him feel trapped.

"I've got you," Bakugou said. "Just breathe."

"C-Can't," Todoroki rasped. "Please. Please, don't."

"Shouto, breathe with me, okay? I'll do it with you."

Bakugou pressed his palm flat to Todoroki's chest, feeling the man's heart hammering against his ribcage like a jackhammer. Could he be having a heart attack? Bakugou hadn't felt someone's heart pound this fast before.

"Nice and easy, alright, Half 'n Half? You're safe," Bakugou said, rubbing his chest slowly. His other hand stroked Todoroki's stomach tenderly. "I'm here. Nothing can hurt you."

Todoroki continued to shiver in Bakugou's arms, his whole body rattling against Bakugou's. Bakugou kept ahold of the other, whispering into his ear and rubbing him until he finally stilled, his body racked with leftover tremors that made him twitch.

"I-Izuku?" Todoroki whimpered.

Bakugou winced, feeling a sting of hurt, but he quickly swallowed it down.

"No, Sho—Todoroki. It's me," Bakugou said into his ear.

Bakugou held his breath and felt Todoroki's heart slowly start to come down. His breath hitched a bit and he began to pant, his body stiffening when he felt Bakugou's hands on him. He reached up and to touch Bakugou's hands, his fingers trembling and gripping onto Bakugou with an icy grip.

"B-Bakugou?" Todoroki said, his voice quivering.

Bakugou squeezed him from behind. "You know where you are, Halfie?"

Todoroki inhaled shakily. "U-Uh… Yeah, I... We're in your apartment."

"That's right." Bakugou leaned forward and pressed his nose into Todoroki's neck, letting his white and red strands tickle his face. "Just breathe, got it? I'm not going anywhere."

"Bakugou," Todoroki gasped, his body beginning to tremble. "I-I…"

"Don't," Bakugou interrupted. "You're safe, okay? Nothing's gonna hurt you. Not on my watch."

Todoroki shook and sniffed hard, and Bakugou knew he was starting to cry. But Bakugou held him tight until he calmed down and fell asleep in his arms.

The next morning, Bakugou managed to untangle himself from Todoroki's heavy frame and head downstairs to start making a pot of coffee. He got almost no sleep, his body twitching awake every time Todoroki adjusted or let out a soft sigh in his sleep. Damn bastard made him too paranoid to fall asleep.

When he got to the kitchen, he pulled out some fruit and bagels with cream cheese, hoping that Todoroki would up for something to fill his stomach before he went off to work. Bakugou wondered if Todoroki got some decent rest. At least he could go back to bed for a few hours after he left, but Todoroki still had to carry on for the rest of the day.

As Bakugou continued getting things out for breakfast, he heard slow footsteps shuffling down the hall. His ears perked up and he turned towards the doorway of the kitchen to see Todoroki standing there with slumped shoulders, his cheeks red and his eyes glazed.

Bakugou blinked at him. "You look like shit."

Todoroki gave him a weak glare and opened his mouth to say, "I do not," but it came out rasped and painful. He cleared his throat a few times and reached up to touch his neck, his face pulling into a wince.

"The hell? Are you sick?" Bakugou asked, putting down the orange juice and approaching him.

Todoroki shook his head. "It's probably because of the nightmare from last night." His cheeks reddened even more and he averted his gaze. "I'm sorry you had to… deal with that, by the way."

Bakugou folded his arms across his chest and looked him over, taking in his hunched posture and reddened face. Was he really just that embarrassed?

"Do you get those often?" Bakugou asked. "The nightmares?"

Todoroki twisted his lips and leaned against the doorframe of the kitchen.

"Sort of. They're left over from childhood, I guess," Todoroki said. "They usually worsen with stress."

Ah, that made sense. He wondered how often Todoroki was trapped in a nightmare with no one there to help him. Or how often he woke up in a bed alone after a particularly bad nightmare and cried himself to sleep, or even stayed awake until the sun came up. How much had he done this alone?

The thought made Bakugou's stomach turn.

He shook his head and turned back to Todoroki, who was still slumped against the wall in his rumpled suit. He looked ready to keel over any minute.

Bakugou stepped forward and pushed Todoroki's bangs up, resting his palm on his forehead. Todoroki stared at him with a shocked look on his face but he made no move to push Bakugou away.

"You're warm," Bakugou said.

Todoroki frowned and furrowed his brows. "I'm okay."

"You're not," Bakugou snapped. "You need to stay here and rest."

Todoroki pushed Bakugou's hand away and turned away from him.

"I have to get to work," Todoroki said. "I can't just skip it like you can."

Bakugou grit his teeth, a bubbling anger rising quickly to his chest that made him explode.

"I left my job early because of you, you piece of shit!" Bakugou shouted.

Todoroki didn't even flinch, which made Bakugou feel even angrier. Angrier at himself, or Todoroki's shitty father, he wasn't sure which.

"You didn't have to, you know," Todoroki said, his voice slurring a bit. "You probably should've left me on that sidewalk."

Todoroki stumbled to the front door and shakily started to slip his feet into his shoes. Bakugou was hot on his heels, though, and stomped right behind him.

"Maybe next time I will, you jackass!" Bakugou shouted.

"Fine," Todoroki said, sounding tired as he stood to his feet and grabbed his briefcase.

"Fine!" Bakugou yelled.

Todoroki shut the door in Bakugou's face and was gone. The entire interaction left Bakugou reeling, his mind spinning in a million circles trying to process what just happened.

"What a baby!" Bakugou yelled, stomping back to the kitchen. He grabbed a toasted bagel and chomped on it angrily. "Who the hell pissed in his cereal?"

A small meow filled the room, and suddenly, there was a soft fuzz touching his bare calves. He glanced down and saw the same white cat from outside, its body curling up to Bakugou despite his yelling.

"Tch. Maybe you could calm him down, huh?" Bakugou asked. The cat purred in response and Bakugou rolled his eyes. "What, just because he's feelin' like shit, I should give him a pass?"

The cat left his legs alone and then arched into a stretch on the wooden floor.

"Yeah, he was running a fever, and yeah, he had like a night terror or some shit, but is that a reason to treat me like garbage?!" Bakugou asked.

The cat sat down and started licking its paws and rubbing its ears. And Bakugou sighed, the anger finally leaving him.

"Damn it. I'm going insane," Bakugou said, running a hand down his face.

He would just have to talk to Todoroki when he got home later. Force him to talk it out instead of running away scared. Yeah, that should work.

Bakugou nodded to himself, satisfied with his new resolve. In another life, he would have kicked the little bastard out for being ungrateful and rude, throwing away his dumb crush in an instant. But now, being much more mature than his younger days (and now with an excellent therapist), he realized that he could understand other people's feelings if he took the time.

He wasn't going to lose Todoroki. He refused to let this one go.

Bakugou nodded to himself again and put down his food, hurrying to the front door to chase after Todoroki and drag him back to the apartment if he had to. He stuffed his feet into a pair of sneakers and threw open the door.

Only to almost trip over a body sitting just outside.

"The hell?" Bakugou said, stopping himself right at Todoroki's back.

Todoroki was sitting cross-legged on the floor with his head in his hands. He turned his head to peek up at Bakugou with one gray eye.

"Bakugou, I... don't feel so well," Todoroki finally admitted.

Bakugou put his hands on his hips. "No shit, Sherlock. But that's no excuse to be a dick to me, you know."

Todoroki winced and hid his eyes behind his palms.

"I was... embarrassed about this whole situation. I felt pathetic and... I took it out on you," Todoroki said. He sighed painfully. "I'm sorry."

The apology was small, but it was there, and it was genuine and sincere. It made Bakugou's heart flutter and then melt with that sickening fondness that he normally would scoff at. But here he was, feeling like a lovesick puppy.

Damn it. He was getting mushy.

"Whatever, it's fine. Your fever probably has turned your brain to mush," Bakugou said.

Todoroki lifted his head and pouted. His face made Bakuogu smirk at him.

"Now c'mon, Half 'n Half. Let's get you back inside," Bakugou said.

He extended his hand down to him, and Todoroki huffed as he took it.

"You going to take care of me, Bakugou?" Todoroki asked.

"Always."

Bakugou squeezed his hand tight, not letting go even when Todoroki was on his feet. He stared him right in the eyes, making Todoroki really look at him.

"I'll always take care of you when you need it," Bakugou said seriously.

Todoroki's eyes widened. "Bakugou..."

Bakugou felt his face burn. He let go of Todoroki's hand and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Alright, alright. Let's go inside. Get you back to bed," Bakugou said, leading him up back into the apartment and forcing him back into the bedroom.

Todoroki sighed as Bakugou pulled off his suit jacket. "But I have to work…"

"Gimme your phone. I'll call whoever to tell them your sick ass is stayin' home," Bakugou said, holding out his phone.

Todoroki pouted again (so cute) and handed him his phone. "Momo is my coworker. She'll tell my boss."

"Good. Now go! Lay down!" Bakugou pushed Todoroki into his bedroom and the sick man went to lay down on his futon. "The hell do you think you're doing?"

Todoroki looked confused. "Laying down?"

"Not on that, you're not! Get in my bed, idiot!" Bakugou said, pushing him towards the mattress. "Now stay there and lie still! I'll get you a wet cloth to help with your fever."

Todoroki hummed in acknowledgement and quickly got under the covers of the bed as Bakugou headed towards the bedroom door. He was about to leave when he heard Todoroki's raspy voice calling him back.

"Ah, Bakugou, wait."

Bakugou stopped and turned back to look at him, eyes locking. Todoroki tilted his head and gave a small smile.

"Thank you. Y'know. For everything," Todoroki said.

The butterflies were back anew and Bakugou felt himself clinging to hope even more.

"Son, he wouldn't be staying with you right now if he depended on someone else."

Right. He could do this.

"Yeah, whatever," Bakugou said, turning to leave.

"When… you get back, I'd like to talk," Todoroki said. "Um… if you're okay with that."

Bakugou took in a deep breath. "Yeah," he said. "Let's do that."

Todoroki gave a small smile and then flopped back down on the pillow, leaving Bakugou to head out to the living room to phone this "Momo" person to let her know that he wouldn't be in.

But just as he opened up a blank message, ready to send the text, the phone buzzed in his hand. Bakugou blinked down at it, and suddenly, his stomach churned.

From: Izu

Hey, I was thinking about yesterday and I was hoping we could talk? Please?

Bakugou frowned, feeling his chest constrict. He angrily opened "reply" and sent back a message of his own.

To: Izu

He's stayin' with me, Deku. Don't bother him.

Bakugou exited the message, feeling his fingers shaking, and quickly sent a text to this Momo person. As soon as that text sent, the phone buzzed again.

From: Izu

Kacchan?!

Bakugou tossed the phone away with a huff, hurrying back to the bedroom to be with Todoroki.