Unbeneficial

by LuckE1

Todoroki Shouto, right wing on UA's hockey team and usually stoic college student with no emotions, was sitting at the counter with reddened and glassy eyes. The slump in his shoulders gave away his exhaustion. Todoroki looked completely happy last night. But now? It was like his world had flipped upside down.

Bakugou rolled over to one side and sighed, staring into his dark dorm room. He felt his brow twitch as his eyes meandered over to his alarm clock, the red letters flashing 05:00 back at him.

Ugh, damn his sleeping habits. He can't even sleep in properly on a holiday.

"Screw this," he muttered as he got out of bed. He moved to grab his workout clothes but sighed as he heard his coach's threat before the weekend arrived.

"No exercising this week. You need to rest your ankle before the tournament."

"Tsk." Bakugou clicked his tongue and shoved his hands into his pockets.

Sure, he might've twisted his ankle during the last practice, but that was only because he tripped over Kaminari's stupid hockey stick. He landed on his own blades but not without awkwardly catching himself first. He had been so ready to deck that guy in the face! And especially since they were going to play Shiketsu University first in the tournament!

Damn him, Bakugou thought as he left his dorm room and headed down to the common area. He might as well get some coffee and start reading up on their opponents. He had to be prepared for what was to come. His body was itching for any kind of exercise, but his coach was right. He had to take it easy or else his ankle would never heal properly.

He made his way to the kitchen area, a yawn already creeping up in his throat, but he froze in his tracks at seeing another human being sitting at the bar counter. Two-toned hair and a stupid turtleneck sweater. He would recognize that combination anywhere.

Todoroki Shouto, right wing on UA's hockey team and usually stoic college student with no emotions, was sitting at the counter with reddened and glassy eyes. The slump in his shoulders gave away his exhaustion. Had he been in here all night? In fact, Bakugou was pretty sure he saw Todoroki wearing that stupid turtleneck the day before when he and stupid Deku were hanging out.

That was also a huge difference; Todoroki looked completely happy last night. But now? It was like his world had flipped upside down.

Bakugou sighed and rolled his eyes, making his way into the kitchen. Whatever pity party this asshole was giving himself had nothing to do with him.

He strolled right over to the coffee pot and started on the school's disgusting instant coffee, not saying one word to his sullen teammate behind him. After he poured water into the pot, he turned his head and looked at Todoroki out of the corner of his eye.

Todoroki was holding something in his hand, barely even paying any attention to Bakugou. Did he even notice Bakugou was in the room?

The coffeemaker chirped, making Todoroki jump and look up. Bakugou could see the pain in his eyes.

"Bakugou," Todoroki rasped, and Bakugou felt his heart do a treacherous leap.

It sounded like he hadn't used his voice in a while. He looked down at the item that he was fiddling with—two small pieces of paper. Upon further scrutiny, Bakugou could see that they were movie tickets to the new hero movie that just came out.

"Sorry. Am I disturbing you here?" Todoroki asked.

Bakugou rolled his eyes and turned back to finish making his coffee.

"Tch. This place is just as much yours as it is mine," Bakugou said as he poured some coffee into a mug.

"Ah. Right."

Bakugou took a long sip of coffee and quirked a brow at him, observing him carefully. He was still fiddling with those tickets. Bakugou wondered if he was giving them to someone. Or… if he was going to ask someone to go with him.

But wouldn't that normally make him excited? Why did he look like someone ran over his puppy?

Ugh. He was really going to ask, wasn't he? Curse his stupid heart. Feelings were shit.

"Who pissed in your coffee?" Bakugou asked, taking another sip of his own coffee and trying not to think of his own analogy.

Todoroki jumped again and looked up at Bakugou with a look of surprise.

"Sorry?" he asked.

Bakugou nodded towards the tickets in his grasp and then gestured to the black aura that was currently surrounding him.

"You. You're oozing depression over there," Bakugou said. "Either that or just sleep deprivation. Actually, were you here all night?! Haven't you ever heard of freakin' sleep?"

Todoroki glanced around the kitchen until his eyes landed on the clock on the oven, the time flashing back that it was nearly 5:30 in the morning.

"Oh. I…" Todoroki ran his hand through his hair, causing his red and white strands to mesh on top of his head. "I guess I stayed down here after…"

After…? After what?

But he never finished his sentence. He only made a pained face that made Bakugou's chest constrict a bit. He'd never seen those expressions on Todoroki's face before.

He tried to think of what happened the night prior. He remembered that the rest of his team wanted to go to the mall to get some food and watch the game. Todoroki seemed fine. He and Deku were being their typical gross selves by being "best buddies" or whatever stupid crap they were saying.

He also remembered something about joining up with the women's hockey team to hang out. Kaminari had been annoyingly excited about it for some reason. Bakugou immediately passed, sticking to his usual routine of turning in early. That was the last he saw of all of his teammates. They all seemed okay, but…

Bakugou rolled his eyes and poured another cup of coffee, grumbling about wasting his coffee on the stupid half 'n half bastard, and then he thrust the mug in Todoroki's face.

"Here. You look like shit, so drink," Bakugou said.

Todoroki stared at the mug for a moment and then took it from Bakugou gently.

"Thanks, Bakugou," Todoroki said softly.

He made no move to actually drink the coffee, though, but he seemed to like the feel of warmth on his palms. It would normally be a cute scene, but the reddened bags under his eyes made it much less enjoyable.

"Ugh, so tired."

"Ooh, is that coffee I smell?"

Bakugou turned his head to see Kirishima and Kaminari dragging themselves into the kitchen, both looking a little tired.

"Oh! Morning, bro! Todoroki!" Kirishima greeted, looking quite sleepy.

Kaminari was right behind him, the skin under his eyes dark. He headed straight for the coffee and helped himself.

"You look like shit," Bakugou commented.

"Ugh, so loud," Kaminari complained.

"Did you go out drinking? You idiots!" Bakugou shouted. "You could be training today!"

Kirishima nudged him. "Oh, don't be so grumpy, bro! We deserved a break," he said. "And besides, we only went to a karaoke lounge. Denki is the one who drank the most."

"And I'm feeling it now," Kaminari said. He sat down at the bar next to Todoroki and pointed at him. "He didn't drink at all!"

Bakugou quirked a brow at Todoroki, who said nothing and only stared at his coffee instead of speaking.

"Well, at least some of you dumbasses have a sound mind. You need to be thinking about the tournament!" Bakugou said. "We need to stay in shape, and I'm not going to lose to those loudmouth bastards at Shiketsu because you all wanted to party!"

"Yeah, yeah, calm down, Bakubro," Kirishima said. "The team is still planning to train this afternoon."

Kaminari let out a heavy sigh. "Well, most of us should make it on time."

Bakugou lowered his brows at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Kaminari leaned on his fist. "Well, not everyone on the team is single anymore, bro. They'll be going on dates now."

At his words, Todoroki's hands clenched around his mug. Bakugou squinted at him and watched as he slowly lowered his head, seemingly trying to disappear from the conversation altogether.

"Ah, yeah. I guess that might be true," Kirishima said. "Izuku really was brave last night, huh?"

"Brave?" Bakugou asked. "What the hell are you talkin' about?"

"What, you didn't hear?" Kirishima asked.

"Man, Izuku's so lucky!" Kaminari said.

"Why am I lucky?"

Bakugou turned to the new voice coming from the kitchen entryway, and there was Deku standing in his pajamas. He looked softer than usual, and well-rested, damn him.

"Oh, there he is!"

"The lucky guy himself!"

Deku tilted his head to the side, his brows rising in curiosity. He looked around the kitchen and his eyes landed on Bakugou.

"What are you all talking about?" he asked.

"Tch, beats me. They're the ones blabbing over there," Bakugou said, nodding towards the other two.

"Yeah! Tell us about your date, Izuku!" Kirishima said.

"Did you go back to Uraraka's place last night?" Kaminari asked as he wiggled his eyebrows.

"W-What?!" Izuku squeaked. "N-No, no, no! W-We just went for ice cream!"

Ah. So that was it. That idiot asked out Round Face. And apparently, she accepted.

But then why was Todoroki…

Ah.

Bakugou glanced back at Todoroki and noticed that he had set down his cup of coffee and opted to curl his fingers into loose fists. His head was tilted down to avoid all opportunity for eye contact.

It all made sense now.

"Tsk," Bakugou clicked softly, taking another sip of his coffee.

"Is ice cream a euphemism for something?" Kaminari asked, nudging Deku's side.

"W-What? No! That was it!" Deku stammered.

"Really? No kissing action, huh?" Kirishima asked.

Deku flushed a deep red, and he fiddled with his fingers and looked down at the floor with a nervous smile on his face.

"W-Well…" he stuttered.

"Oooh!"

"I knew it! Get it, Izuku!"

Bakugou turned away from them and instead watched as Todoroki's shoulders tightened up to his ears.

"C'mon, guys! It's… It's really not that big of a deal," Deku said, taking a seat next to Todoroki at the bar.

Kirishima slung an arm around Izuku's neck and leaned on him. "Don't be so modest! Be proud of having a girlfriend!"

Deku blushed again and twiddled his crooked thumbs. "I… Yeah, I guess. Um, can we just change the subject? This is way too embarrassing!"

He glanced over to Todoroki, smiling in that same stupid way that he would do when he looked at his friends. How dense could he possibly be?

"How was your night, Todoroki? You said you wanted to talk to me about something, but… well, I got distracted," Deku said, rubbing the back of his neck. "What was it you wanted to say? You have my undivided attention now!"

Bakugou bit his tongue, wanting nothing more than to tell the little twerp off for even suggesting it. Stupid. Idiot. Freaking moron!

Todoroki only spared Deku a quick glance before he stood up from the barstool. He slid over the tickets to Deku.

"I was… given these, but I'm not too interested. You can take them for yourself and… and Uraraka," Todoroki said.

Deku looked down at the tickets in awe, his green eyes sparkling as he took them from Todoroki's hand.

"Wow, that's… that's amazing, Todoroki! Are you sure I can take these?" Deku asked.

Todoroki nodded silently, and Deku reached forward and grabbed Todoroki's hand, shaking it in giddy fashion and bowing his head like a maniac.

"Thank you so much, Todoroki! I didn't think I would be able to even get these! I think they were sold out a while ago!" Deku said all in one breath.

Bakugou growled lowly in his throat. That half 'n half idiot probably pre-ordered them in preparation for this. Ah, damn it, Deku. He was usually a perceptive little shit, so why couldn't he see what he was doing right now?

"It's no biggie," Todoroki said softly. He gave Deku a smile that didn't even come close to his eyes and then turned away, his feet leading him to the elevators. "I'm going to get some rest before practice. See you guys later."

"A-Ah, okay! Thanks again, Todoroki!" Deku called. "Wow, this is incredible! What an awesome guy."

"Yeah, very manly of him!" Kirishima said, sliding over to sit next to Deku on the stool. "So you excited? Does Uraraka like these types of movies?"

"Oh, well she…"

Bakugou tuned them out, his eyes instead drifting over to Todoroki's back as he retreated. He was hanging his head and looking completely lost.

Ah, shit. Bakugou hated feeling like this.

He chugged the last bit of coffee in his mug and slammed it down on the counter once he was finished, relishing in the burning sensation that crept down his throat. He started off in the direction of the elevators, hearing the inquiries of concern from his teammates.

"I'm going to rest or some shit," Bakugou lied. "See you idiots later." He meant that one. They were all idiots, especially that green-eyed shrimp.

He turned the corner and hurried to the elevator as quickly as he could without hurting his ankle and smacked his hand in between the doors before they could shut. The doors forced back open and Bakugou was face-to-face with a surprised Todoroki, who was leaning against the elevator wall.

"Bakugou?" Todoroki called curiously, and damn, his eyes were red. Had he been crying? "Weren't you getting up for the day?"

Bakugou huffed and walked inside, leaning against the wall next to him and shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Coach says I have to rest, so there's no point in staying awake now," Bakugou said. He reached and punched out the floor for his room, noting that the number above his was lit, signaling Todoroki's floor.

Todoroki hummed and looked down at the ground, seeming satisfied with his answer.

They rode up a floor or two in silence, Bakugou itchy and anxious. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Todoroki's hand move up to his eyes a few times, most likely wiping off tears.

Ah, dammit.

"You know, you deserve better," Bakugou said, making Todoroki look over at him. "Deku's an idiot, anyway, so… find someone who can make you happy."

He lost any other words to say and bit the inside of his cheek, feeling foolish all of a sudden. Why did he even try? He was the worst at comforting, especially when it came to this crap. He didn't have time for this anyway.

The elevator came to a stop and dinged, signaling Bakugou's floor. He heaved a sigh, knowing that with his lousy mouth he wouldn't be able to say anything to Todoroki to make him feel better about the situation. It would just have to be something that he would have to get over on his own.

Bakugou pushed himself up from the elevator wall and gave a brief nod to Todoroki as he started to leave. Damn it, that idiot was going to go to his room and cry himself to sleep for the day, wasn't he?

He sighed and stepped off the elevator, mentally preparing himself to do some kind of training this morning before he did his homework.

But before he could even make it two steps, he felt a hand on his wrist, and suddenly, he was hauled back into the elevator, his back colliding into a firm chest.

"What the hell?!" Bakugou shouted. He glanced back to see Todoroki standing behind him, his eyes glistening and wispy. "Todoroki? What are you—"

Todoroki cut him off by pressing his lips against Bakugou's, making him gasp and stutter. His anger was doused immediately as confusion took over. In any other circumstance, this would be a dream come true, but… Wait, what the hell was going on?

He put his hands on Todoroki's shoulders and gently pushed him away.

"What are you doing?" Bakugou asked, and he was surprised that he was so winded from just a kiss.

Todoroki's lips were wet and his cheeks were slightly red. "You said to… find someone who can make you happy."

Bakugou blinked at him. "And, what? You're just wanting to use me as a rebound?"

Todoroki flinched back as if he were burned. He took a step back and looked away, looking as if he wanted to flee but had nowhere to go.

"Sorry, I… I didn't mean to—"

Bakugou rolled his eyes and reached out to grab him by his waist, and damn, he felt so good. He yanked Todoroki close and kissed him, cutting off his self-deprecating ramblings before he could spiral.

"As if I give a shit," Bakugou said after he pulled back from the kiss. He leaned and mouthed around Todoroki's ear. "Use me, then. I'll make you feel good."

Todoroki shivered and pressed back into Bakugou, his hands finding purchase on Bakugou's slim hips. Bakugou shuddered when he felt Todoroki's fingers press into his flesh.

He knew Todoroki was upset about stupid Deku dating someone else. He knew that meant Todoroki's heart belonged to someone else.

But if he could just squeeze in there, just a little… then he could be satisfied with that.

Please. Just give him this opportunity.

"I can be a distraction," Bakugou said.

"A distraction?" Todoroki said.

"Yeah."

"...How... How do we do this?"

The elevator dinged and the doors opened to Todoroki's floor. Bakugou broke away from Todoroki's lips and grabbed his wrist, pulling him off of the elevator.

"Come with me. I'll show you," Bakugou said.

They ended up in Todoroki's room, a tangled mess of tongues and hands as Bakugou pushed them both to the bed in the corner. He landed on top of Todoroki, his lips sucking at Todoroki's tongue.

"Ah—" Todoroki's little gasp went straight to Bakugou's groin. He twisted to the side and started sucking at Todoroki's neck, and even his sweat tasted sweet.

"Todoroki," Bakugou babbled out in a haze.

"B-Bakugou," Todoroki whimpered back.

Bakugou's lips traveled down Todoroki's neck until his shirt stopped him from going further. He clicked his tongue and then quickly got to work on Todoroki's buttons.

"Hah..." Todoroki breathed, watching Bakugou with one eye open.

Bakugou nibbled and traveled down as each new inch of skin was revealed, and soon enough, Todoroki was gasping underneath of him.

"Geez, I knew you were ripped, but damn," Bakugou grumbled as he sat back up. He ripped his own shirt off in one fluid motion and then leaned back down, making Todoroki gasp again. "Deku doesn't know what he's missin'."

"Bakugou..." Todoroki groaned as Bakugou bit into Todoroki's abs. He arched into Bakugou as he sucked another hickey next to his belly button. "Ah!"

"Oh? Is it too good?" Bakugou asked. He used his tongue to trace down Todoroki's lower belly until he hit his jeans. He paused for only a moment and then reached for the button, popping it open with ease.

The movement made Todoroki jump and gasp, but it wasn't a good sound. It was panicked and sharp. And then, Bakugou felt Todoroki's hand latch onto his wrist.

"Wait," Todoroki said breathily.

Bakugou stopped immediately but didn't remove himself from Todoroki's space. He looked up at Todoroki and quirked a brow.

"What?" Bakugou asked plainly. While he was annoyed, he didn't want to push. Especially not when Todoroki looked so vulnerable and uneasy.

"I, uh…" Todoroki croaked, pulling his shirt around him and averting his eyes. "Sorry. I don't think… I'm ready."

Bakugou blinked at him, raising a brow. "You a virgin, or somethin'?"

Todoroki's cheeks went a little pink, and Bakugou's chest went cold. Ah, dammit. Was he really about to take this guy's virginity? He wasn't sure if he should be upset or relieved at the situation.

"Okay. Fine," Bakugou said roughly, leaning up. He got up and fetched his shirt, pulling it back over his frame. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and headed to the door, frowning like a child. "Well, let me know if you change your mind, I guess."

He had no right to be upset, Bakugou knew that. But he still couldn't help the disappointment that sat heavily in his chest. It was just another reminder that Todoroki loved that idiot Deku and nothing would change that fact. He needed to accept it and move on with his life, and find a freaking better person to fall for.

Bakugou's hand was on the doorknob when he heard Todoroki call out to him.

"Ah, Bakugou, wait!" Todoroki said, his hand reaching out.

Bakugou stopped at the door and turned his head back enough to see Todoroki out of the corner of his eye. He was sitting very still on his bed, his hair still mussed and his clothes wrinkled. He looked so small sitting there by himself, quite opposite of what Bakugou saw underneath his clothes just a moment ago.

"I, uh… You don't have to leave," Todoroki said softly. "I mean, we… we can just sleep here. To start with."

He looked like he wanted to avert his gaze so badly, but he managed to keep his two-toned eyes locked on Bakugou's, not moving them even for a second.

Bakugou's stomach swooped and then settled high in his chest, making his heart rattle.

"To start with?" Bakugou echoed.

What the hell did that mean? Did he want to establish a friends-with-benefits contract with him?

Todoroki gulped, his face falling to show his embarrassment. Then, he lowered his gaze into his lap.

"I think you know what it means," Todoroki said.

So it was true. He wanted to use Bakugou to fill the Deku-shaped hole in his heart. While he didn't mind giving himself over physically to the one guy he had the hots for…

Bakugou huffed. "What's in it for me?"

Todoroki blinked at him, pondering over the question seriously. He swallowed and leaned over his knees.

"I…" He paused, his eyes glazing over a bit as he stared down at his hands. His face started to go blank, and it set off a small flame in Bakugou's heart. He hated seeing that expression—or lack of expression, rather—on Todoroki's face. Bakugou saw it whenever Todoroki Enji was around, berating his son for his "poor performance" on the ice. It was as if Todoroki was leaving his body to avoid any kind of confrontation.

He hated that he was now the cause of that expression on Todoroki's face.

"Fine, whatever," Bakugou said with a huff, turning around and shoving his hands into his pockets. "We can go at your pace, half 'n half. But don't come cryin' to me about Deku shit, got it?"

Todoroki swallowed and then nodded silently.

"Good," Bakugou said, making his way back to the bed. He plopped down next to Todoroki, letting their arms brush. "Just tell me what you don't like, got it? We'll go slow."

Todoroki looked at him, nodding, and Bakugou couldn't believe this was actually happening. He reached up and brushed back Todoroki's hair from his face, making his cheeks flush slightly, almost matching his scar.

Then, with a deep breath, Bakugou closed the gap and pressed their lips together once again. He rubbed his fingers across the scar, eliciting a small gasp from Todoroki. Bakugou closed his eyes and pushed Todoroki back onto the bed, gently kissing until they fell asleep on the warm blankets.

---

When Bakugou woke next, sunlight was softly spilling into the room. His ankle ached and he was still dreary from sleeping all day.

Todoroki had left a note on his nightstand, letting him know that he went to train with the rest of the team. Bakugou was jealous as hell, but all the hickeys on his chest made him feel more satisfied.

He limped down to the common kitchen in the dorms, back to where he and Todoroki had met that morning, and he found Deku sitting at the counter again. Bakugou's good mood vanished in a split second just at the sight of him. He would go back upstairs, but he needed to eat something before taking his painkillers.

With his hands shoved into his pockets, he shuffled past Deku, noticing that he was staring at the counter intently, his brows furrowed and his lips twisted. He looked to be deep in thought. Not that he cared so much, but Bakugou was curious what he had on his mind.

"The hell are you moping here for?" Bakugou asked, and he internally screamed. He really couldn't help himself.

Deku flinched and glanced up at Bakugou, seeming to finally notice that he was standing there.

"Oh, Kacchan. I didn't even hear you come in," Deku said. Then, he sighed softly and tapped his finger on the counter. "It's... just something I noticed today. About Todoroki."

Well, that was interesting.

Bakugou's fingers paused on the loaf of bread, his brows lowering as he turned his head to look back at Deku.

"What about him?" Bakugou asked.

Deku paused, his cheeks suddenly flushing. The hell is he blushing for?

"It, uh… well," Deku paused, taking in a deep breath. "I just saw that he… had a… a hickey," he continued, whispering out the word.

Bakugou turned back towards the pantry, trying his hardest to resist a smirk. But he definitely felt the smugness burning inside.

That's right, Deku. It was a hickey. And I'm the one who put it there.

Bakugou cleared his throat and grabbed the cereal, wiping the smug look from his face and trying to school his expression back into nonchalance.

"What's that matter to you, dumbass?" Bakugou asked as he grabbed a bowl and faced Deku.

Deku tapped on the counter again and sighed, leaning his head on his hand.

"I guess I'm just confused. I feel like Todoroki would've told me if he was seeing someone," Deku said.

Bakugou poured the cereal into the bowl. Calmly.

"Oh, just like you told him about you and Round Face?" he quipped.

Deku inhaled sharply. "W-What?"

Bakugou slapped the box down, sending some cheerios flying. "You heard me. Why is it that you didn't tell him about that stupid girl you're sucking face with?"

"S-Sucking face?! Kacchan, Ochako and I aren't—"

"That's not what the whole university thinks," Bakugou said. He reached into the fridge to grab the milk and then roughly started pouring it into the bowl. "So, if you didn't tell him about her, why should he tell you about the guy he's seeing?"

Deku paused, blinking at him. "The guy he's seeing?"

Ah, shit. "Or girl. Whatever."

"Kacchan, do you know who it is?" Deku asked, sitting up and placing his palms on the counter. "Who is it? Who is he seeing?"

Bakugou scoffed and jabbed his spoon into his cereal. "Shut up, stupid Deku! It's none of your damn business!"

"Kacchan!"

"Shut it!" Bakugou called back, taking another bite. "Your mouth is so—"

"Ah. Um. Sorry."

Bakugou stopped in his tracks at hearing that familiar voice. He hated that it still made his heart leap, but seeing that hickey–a stark red against a pale throat–almost made him smile.

"Ah, Todoroki!" Deku squeaked.

Todoroki walked into the kitchen, giving Deku a brief nod before locking eyes with Bakugou. He tilted his head, his two-toned eyes flitting down to the bowl of cereal.

"Why are you eating breakfast food?" Todoroki asked.

Bakugou scowled immediately. "Hah? What's it to you, asshole?!"

Todoroki shrugged. "It's dinnertime."

"You ever heard of being an adult? I can eat whatever I want!" Bakugou said around another bite of food.

Todoroki hummed. "Yeah, I suppose you're right."

"Ah, Todoroki. I was wanting to talk to you," Deku said, standing to his feet. He swallowed and fidgeted in place, his crooked fingers tugging on one another as he hesitated. Todoroki gave another brief glance at him before looking at the ground, looking like a trapped animal.

Bakugou chomped down on another large bite of cereal, angrily chewing around the spoon.

"What is it?" Todoroki asked.

"Um… I was just… Well, this is going to sound a little strange, but…" Deku cleared his throat. "Are you… Are you seeing someone?"

Todoroki blinked at him, his fingers reaching up to lightly graze over the reddened bruise that spotted the column of his neck. His eyes flitted over to Bakugou, and Bakugou nearly choked on his food. His eyes were almost seductive, but there was also something about it that was making Bakugou go crazy.

"Maybe," Todoroki answered.

Ah, dammit, Bakugou was getting turned on! How was that bastard so good?

"H-Huh? R-Really?" Deku asked. "Um, can I ask who it is?"

Todoroki took another long look at Bakugou before finally tearing his gaze away to look at Deku.

"I'm not sure they want me to say," Todoroki said. "And it's not really official, or anything."

Deku furrowed his brows. "Wait, are you just… friends with benefits?"

Bakugou's heart hammered against his chest as he looked at Todoroki for an answer.

Todoroki twisted his lips and shrugged. "I guess."

Holy shit.

"O-Oh, uh… Well, I mean… As long as you're happy, right?" Deku said with a wobbly smile.

Todoroki hummed and nodded, his gaze traveling back to Bakugou. This time, his gaze was definitely trying for something in particular. A hint, perhaps. Something knowing. With a lot of heat.

"I'm going up to shower," Todoroki suddenly announced, his gaze holding Bakugou's for a moment before he left the kitchen.

"Oh, uh… Okay. I'll see you later, Todoroki!" Deku called.

Bakugou swallowed down the rest of his cereal and dumped his bowl in the sink. He could clean it later.

"I'm going back to bed," Bakugou announced to Deku as he sauntered past him with his hands shoved in his pockets.

"Huh? Didn't you just wake up?" Deku asked.

"Shut it, Nerd!"

He hurried to the elevators, hoping that he'd be able to get up to Todoroki's floor quickly, but was surprised to find that Todoroki was leaning against the wall next to the elevator, his arms folded across his chest.

Bakugou almost smirked. "So, friends with benefits, huh?"

Todoroki shrugged. "Only if you're into it."

Bakugou scoffed and reached out to grab at his collar. He yanked him down for a searing kiss that tasted like sweat. When they parted, Todoroki's eyes were glazed over and his lips were shiny and parted.

"Whatever you want, Half 'n Half," Bakugou said.

He tugged Todoroki into the elevator and kissed him again, the doors shutting as they tangled in each other's embrace.