We'll Be Counting Stars
A/N: Did I write this fic to avoid writing Chapter 5 of My Mind? Yes. Do I regret it? Nope.
In all seriousness; Chapter 5 is coming soon. I've just had a horrible combination of writer's block and wayy too many sidestory ideas.
As always; credit to Yuzuya on Youtube for the wonderful inspiration!
"This looks like a good spot! It's nice and open, and the grass is short, too. What do you think?" Kirishima said; placing down the blanket he had packed in his car.
Mari nodded. She'd been looking forward to this all day. As much as she enjoyed her girls day with the other girls from class; it was nice to just hang out with Kiri and relax; turn her brain off for a bit. She knew logically that she didn't have to mask around the other girls; but it was a reflex for being out in public like they were. Now though; she could just let it drop, be comfortable for a bit.
Kiri smiled at her. "Perfect! Let's get comfy." He put down the basket of snacks he had brought; and then sat down; patting the blanket next to him. "Come on; sit down. I won't bite." He flashed his shark teeth at her, clearly joking.
Mari rolled her eyes and sat. "I probably wouldn't taste very good anyway. I'm all sweaty." She ran her hand across her forehead. "That hill was steeper than it looked."
"Nah; you'd still be fine." He joked.
"I would like to remind you; Kiri, that that's what we call cannibalism, which is frowned upon in most cultures." Mari nudged him
They sat in comfortable silence for a while; just listening to the sounds of the crickets and enjoying the night air.
Mari laid back on the blanket; putting her hands behind her head. She closed her eyes; content.
"You comfy; Mari?"
Mari opened one eye to look at him. She didn't mind his use of her first name. They'd gotten close enough where they were okay with the informality; at least in private.
"Not really; there's this rock right under my head." She shifted, trying to get comfortable. "Nope; no dice."
"Well; guess you'll just have to cuddle with me then." The redhead opened his arms and she slotted herself into them. "There we go. Is that any better?"
Mari smiled up at him. "Much better." She laid her head against his chest.
"Good. I'm glad I could help." Large calloused fingers ran their way through her hair; scratching the shaved part.
They were quiet for a while longer; until Kiri let out a low whistle. "Oh wow. Look up, Mari"
She did. The sky was pitch black except for the pinpricks of light of the stars. "Isn't it beautiful?" She whispered. "They're so bright out here."
"It's easier to see them out here." Kirishima whispered back. "We're away from all the city lights; so there's less light pollution."
They were quiet for a moment. Then Mari spoke up. "Nothing beats this."
She could feel his head nod in agreement. "I agree. I love being in the city; there's always something going on. But this… This is definitely my happy place."
"I agree; I love the city. But getting to just go to the middle of nowhere is nice. Especially considering the company." She grabbed his hand and squeezed. "Granted; I'll take any reason to spend time with just us. But out here, you can see every single star. It's so peaceful."
Her face lit up. "Kiri! Look! That's the Scorpio constellation. That's my birth sign."
"That's right! Isn't your birthday coming up?" She nodded. "I've never really understood astrology; but I can appreciate how cool it is."
"I'm not terribly into it either. I just read my own horoscope; and sometimes I'll read my friends too." Mari shrugged.
Kirishima tightened his grip. "I guess we should thank the stars for making the night better."
"Very true." Mari smiled at him again.
"We've both been super busy these past few months; you especially. But I really do appreciate these little moments we get to spend together."
Mari nodded. "Most of that was you and Bakugo helping me study. Now that I don't have that on my plate anymore; the only real thing is our interning. And school of course."
"Well; that's good. Because I have so many places I want to show you. This is just the beginning!"
Mari chuckled. "If you start singing "A Whole New World", I'll walk back to the car."
"Fair enough. But I've been told I have a lovely singing voice." Kirishima said.
"I don't doubt it. We'll have to do karaoke night soon."
"Maybe we can do that for your birthday!"
She turned to look at him. "My birthday's on a Wednesday this year; Kiri."
"Well then; we'll go on a Saturday! Maybe the Saturday after."
She hummed; turning back around to look at the sky.
"Seriously though; I have so many ideas!" The redhead gushed. "Hiking; swimming; camping. There's just so much for us to experience."
"Maybe we could start a scrapbook of our…outings." Mari said, actively trying to avoid the word "dates". She and Eiji both agreed this wasn't a date; but it wasn't quite not a date. They were in a weird place; and they both knew it. But neither wanted to address it; dancing around the issue.
"That'd be awesome! That we can document everything!" He squeezed her again; tighter this time. "I'm so excited." He hummed, the sound vibrating next to her ear. "Don't get me wrong; I love adventurous…outings like that ("There's that word again…" Mari thought) but I also like our lazy days in the dorm as well. You know; the days where we get to just chill, watch movies and play video games?"
Mari hummed in agreement. "I think that might be MY happy place. I still have to beat your high score in Smash Bros. though."
He laughed. "No one's beaten my high score. It's been there since the beginning of first year. Anyway; as long as we get to do this" he motioned to how they were sitting "I'm good."
Mari snorted. "You're such a sap sometimes; Eiji." She squeezed his hand again; gently this time.
They were quiet again for a while, until Kirishima sat up quickly; jostling Mari. "Whoa! Did you see that?" He exclaimed.
"What was it?" Mari asked, looking up.
"I just saw a shooting star! And another!" He exclaimed.
"You're sure it wasn't an airplane?" She quipped; repositioning herself.
"No! I'm sure! I know there was supposed to be that eclipse tonight; but I didn't know there'd be a star shower!"
It was true. They had come here to watch the lunar eclipse; seeing how it was the last one of the year. But somehow in their excitement, they must have missed hearing about the star shower as well.
"I just saw another! This is amazing!" Mari said; finally looking up.
They sat in silence watching the beautiful display; hands locked together on the blanket.
"Wait; what's that saying again?" Mari looked at him; quizzically. "You know; about making a wish on a shooting star?"
"Oh; that one!" She smiled. "Supposedly if you wish on a shooting star; it'll definitely come true!"
"Does each one give you a wish?" He cocked his head in thought. "Because we could make tons of wishes right now!"
Mari laughed. "I don't think it works quite like that; Kiri." She shook her head.
He tapped his finger on his chin. "Let's see… I wish to be a great hero someday. For all my friends to have wonderful lives." He blushed. "I also wish for more times like this."
Mari shook her head. "As sweet as that is; you're not really supposed to wish out loud. If someone hears it; it won't come true."
"Oops. Well; who knows? Maybe speaking them aloud will put them out in the void. Help make them come true."
"I thought you didn't believe in astrology…" She teased.
"I don't. But this is different… I believe it'll happen, just with a little help." He looked at her. "I'm going to keep working hard to make them come true anyway. I'm gonna make sure they happen!"
She smiled at him. "They definitely will; Kiri."
She closed her eyes, making her own wish.
When she opened them; Kirishima was blushing and suddenly looking anywhere but at her.
"You good; Kiri?" She asked.
He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "Do you think it'd be weird if I got a little closer?"
She laughed. "I don't see how you could! I'm sitting in between your legs!"
"I know that; but I mean, like if you actually sat on my lap?"
Mari blushed; red as his hair. "Umm… no that wouldn't be weird. I mean; I've fallen asleep on you so many times. I think I even drooled a couple of those times."
"Alright; let's just scooch you closer then." He lifted Mari up like she was nothing; placing her back down on his crossed legs. "There; cozy?" He asked.
Mari nodded. She didn't trust her mouth to form words right now. If Mina were here; she'd be having a field day. They'd never get her to stop.
She shuddered, running her hands up and down her arms.
"Are you ok? You're shivering a little…" Kirishima asked.
Mari nodded. "I just got a weird chill."
"Hold on; let me grab something." He turned to the basket; which had been sitting on the blanket, half forgotten.
He turned back; another blanket in hand. "Good thing I thought to bring this; just in case. Let me wrap this around you." He draped the blanket over Mari's shoulders, and she pulled it closer around her. It smelled like cinnamon; and something else. Something distinctly Kirishima that she could never quite pin down. "Aren't you gonna use it too? There's more than enough room." She asked; her head tilted.
Kirishima didn't say anything. She silently wrapped it around them both. "You know if you got sick; Blasty would never forgive me…" She said as a halfhearted answer.
"That's fair. I can hear him now." They both chuckled.
"How are you feeling now? Better?" She nodded; leaning her head on his shoulder. "Good; can't have you getting sick either…"
She hummed. "I have fantastic immunity. I don't get sick."
He laughed again; then said "Getting to cuddle like this is nice. You're so warm." He squished her again.
After first transferring; Mari quickly learned that Kirishima was as affectionate and cuddly as she was. They had a sort of silent agreement that when one or both of them were feeling touch starved; that they would just hunker down and cuddle till they felt better.
"It is nice. And yeah; I'm warm now! Between the blanket and you as my personal space heater; I'm golden." She sighed in contentment. "I think I could stay here forever." Her eyes closed.
"If I'm being too mushy; let me know. I've been told I get like that sometimes." He squeezed her again. "It can just be difficult not saying what's on my mind; especially with you. You just make me happy; that's all."
Mari turned to face him. "I like it when you get mushy. Plus… you make me happy too." She smiled.
There was quiet again; a comfortable silence. Mari turned back to the sky to watch more of the star shower.
"Let me know if I'm getting too touchy or clingy." Kirishima said after a moment. "Honestly; I have a hard time helping myself sometimes. Especially around you." He blushed.
"Eiji; you know I don't think you're clingy. I get just as touchy as you do. Besides; I've already told you I think your hugs are the best. They feel like a nice weighted blanket." Mari said; not taking her eyes off the stars.
"I think it could be because I…um…I love you too much." He whispered; barely audible. Then louder, he said "Is that okay to say? That I love you?"
There it was. The "L" word. Sure she said it to all her friends; and the Bakusquad threw it around jokingly all the time. This though; this was different.
Mari turned her head towards him. She nodded again; not trusting her words. She could tell the atmosphere between them had shifted.
He continued. "I mean it; you know. I love you a lot. You're one of my best friends and I just…I can't picture my life now without you there. In any capacity."
Mari ran her hand through her hair; brushing back her bangs. "Eiji…I love you too. You know that. You are very special to me; you have been from day one." She chewed her lip. "I just…I don't want this to affect us." She pointed between them.
He sighed. "I know; and can you imagine if Mina found out?"
Mari groaned. "I'd never live it down. She'd be singing "I Told You So" for at least a week." She pinched the bridge of her nose.
"We could just…not say anything." Kirishima said.
"What, you mean like date in secret?" Mari said. "Come on; Eiji, be honest with yourself. You wouldn't be able to keep that a secret… You'd be too excited and need to share it with someone." She stared at him.
"You're right. But it's a thought."
She hummed. "A very nice one."
They sat for a bit. Then he turned to her. "Can you say it again; at least?"
"What? That I love you?" She asked. He nodded. "I love you; Eiji." She rested her head against his chest again.
He hummed. "I don't think I'd ever get tired of hearing you say that. You're so cute sometimes."
Mari scrunched her nose. He laughed. "Especially when you do that!"
She shoved him gently; breaking the tension. "If you say so; Sharky."
They were quiet again for a minute; then Kirishima said "Thank you for loving me back; Mari."
She turned to him again. "I'm just gonna sit this way; with the way this convo is going." She said; then she looked at him. "I want you to hear me when I say this; okay?" He nodded. "You don't have to thank me. Not for this." She brushed some of his hair out of his eyes. He had chosen to wear it down tonight; free from all the gel. Secretly; that's how Mari liked it best.
"I know I don't have to." He said. "But still…thank you anyway."
Mari sighed. She shifted so she was sitting next to him; and put her head back on his shoulder. "Well; you're welcome. And I guess; thank you for loving me as well. I really am happy I get to be with you like this."
The comfortable silence resumed. Mari started drawing invisible doodles on the blanket.
"Let's lay back down to see the stars better." Kirishima said after a moment. She resumed her previous position, intertwining their feet. Slowly; he laid them back, so Mari's head was now resting on his stomach. "There we go; you comfy?"
"Very much so." Mari responded. For all his working out and training; not to mention his Quirk, Kiri's stomach made a very good pillow. Not too firm; but not too soft either. She had fallen asleep in this same position several times before and she could feel her eyes drooping now.
"Great; I'm glad." He turned his face back to the sky. "I can't get over how many stars there are. There's just so many."
Mari hummed; not opening her eyes. "It's the lack of light pollution. There just seems like there's more, but we're really just seeing them as they're meant to be seen."
"It's just really cool to see them like this." His voice got more excited. "Maybe when we go camping; we can go far from the city, farther than this even. They'd look even brighter."
"That sounds nice." Mari said, starting to feel sleepy. "Maybe the mountains; I love the mountains."
Kiri made a noise in agreement. Then he continued. "When I was a kid; my moms used to take me camping at this one spot in the mountains. It had a nice big river that I used to play in all day. Plus a waterfall; and I think there were cliffs that you could jump from."
"And let me guess; you would play "Shark Attack" and scare all the fish in the river?" Mari joked; her heart warming at the thought of little Eijirou pretending to be a big, bad predator.
He laughed. "You're close; actually. I would pretend to be a piranha."
Mari shook her head. "I bet you were the most fearsome piranha those fish ever saw." She hummed. "That sounds nice though. If they remember where it was; maybe your moms can let us know where it is."
"I can definitely ask them. It'd be a fun little trip. Maybe during fall break." He said.
Mari scrunched her nose again. "It'll be too cold for swimming if we go then." She said, "Although the leaves that time of year ARE beautiful…"
Kirishima nodded. "We'll figure it out. The cabin is big enough where we could invite everyone else too."
"That'd be nice. A nice family vacation." Mari joked. "Because I mean; come on, at this point we're your typical "We put the fun in dysfunctional family."
He laughed again; and this time Mari could feel the reverberations in his chest. "That's a very good point. Besides; we don't normally get to do things like that, so it'd be a nice change of pace."
"What about bears?" Mari said. "Or wolves?"
Kirishima hummed, "I mean; you always run the risk of encountering something while camping." He booped her nose. "But you don't have to worry; I'll protect you." Of course; he knew that Mari was more than capable of protecting herself. He'd seen her go up against Bakugo while sparring; and giving the blonde as good as he gave.
Mari giggled again; and pretended to swoon. "My hero! What would I ever do without you to protect lil ole me?" She joked; putting on an exaggerated accent.
They both laughed. "In all seriousness; I would never let anything like that happen to you." Kirishima said; wrapping his arms around her again.
She smiled. "I know you wouldn't; Eiji." She booped his nose in return. "Although; I don't know if you could take a full grown bear." She teased.
"I totally could!" Kirishima cried.
Mari rolled her eyes, teasingly.
"Are you doubting my strength? I could totally take down a bear if needed."
"I was messing with you!" Mari said. "I have no doubts that you could. And if things go wrong; I'll be there to ChronoLock it." She was very proud that she'd finally mastered and named her signature move. Now; she could freeze the time of an opponent for extended periods; even choosing to freeze the object itself or freeze the time around it.
Kirishima ran his hands through her hair again. "I know you would. We make such a great team." He smiled at her warmly.
Mari could feel her eyes closing again; the events of the day finally catching up to her.
"You look a little sleepy. Which is fair; you've had a long day." Kirishima said; still playing with her hair.
"Yeah; and what you're doing with my hair is making me more sleepy." The hand paused. "Didn't say stop. Feels good." She mumbled. "Luckily I get to sleep in for a bit tomorrow. I'm gonna need it; my internship with Traveler starts Monday."
"I bet you're excited about that; at least." He said, resuming running his hands through her undercut.
"Definitely! Traveler is one of the only Pros with a quirk similar to mine. It's really hard not to look up to her."
Kiri laughed. "You sound like me talking about Crimson Riot." He said. "It's kinda cute to see you fangirl like this."
"Yeah; well…hopefully I don't fangirl TOO hard. I still need to be semi-professional" She smiled. "But I promise to fangirl as much as I can when I get back that afternoon. It'll be nice to finally be able to do that with you." She closed her eyes again.
"If you want; I can drive us back to the dorm." Kirishima offered.
She groaned. "I don't want to; but that would probably be for the best." She stood up slowly; popping her back and knees in the process. "Damn joints; if I'm gonna crack like a glowstick, at least let me glow like one." She muttered.
Kirishima laughed. "Now that would be an interesting Quirk…" He got up stretching as well.
Mari turned to him. "Eiji…when we get back? Would you…would you mind terribly staying with me? Just till I fall asleep. I just… I've been having trouble sleeping; and I really don't want to be by myself tonight." She blushed.
"Huh? Oh definitely. I'd love to stay with you." He stammered; realizing how that sounded. "At least till you fall asleep; that is."
She smiled. She knew they couldn't make a habit of this, but one night wouldn't hurt.
They proceeded to pack up their things. "We never even touched the snacks…" Mari said; handing him back the blanket that was wrapped around her.
"It's fine. They'll still be good tomorrow." He pushed the blanket back to her. "Keep that wrapped around you so you stay warm." He unfolded the blanket; placing it around her shoulders again. "There; nice and toasty."
They proceeded to make their way towards where the car was parked. "We should do this again." Mari yawned.
"Definitely; but maybe we'll wait till it's warmer. And when you're less tired." Kirishima added. He put his arm around her, steadying her while they walked. "You're practically falling asleep on your feet."
She yawned again. "It's only because I'm content." She countered; but it was hard to take her seriously when she talked through a yawn like that.
They reached the car and Kirishima proceeded to start packing their things in the trunk. She handed him the blanket. "Get in the car. I got this." He said; winking at her.
Mari walked to the passenger side, and got in; buckling her seatbelt. She rested her head against the glass.
Not even a minute later; the driver's side opened and Kirishima got in. "All set. Ready to head out?" He asked; buckling his own belt.
Mari nodded; then managed a "yes" through another yawn.
"Okay; let's go then."
The drive back to campus was quiet; filled only with the low sounds of the radio and the crickets outside.
They got back to campus and Kirishima parked the car in one of the "student spaces."
"Mari; come on. We're here. I'll help you upstairs."
She groaned. "Five more minutes…" she whined.
"We gotta get in before curfew. I can carry you if you want."
She whined a half hearted protest; but Kirishima had already hoisted her onto his back. "There we go. Just put your head on my shoulder. We'll be upstairs soon."
Luckily; the common areas were empty; everyone seemingly keeping to their own various rooms.
They stepped into the elevator; Kiri freeing one of his hands to press the button for the fourth floor where both of their dorms were.
Quietly; he made his way down the hall to Mari's room and fished out the extra key she had given him in case of emergencies.
He seemed to pause when he entered the room.
"Don't worry about my pj's." Mari said, reading his mind. "I'm comfortable enough in what I'm wearing. Just put me down on the bed."
Kirishima obliged; placing her down on the bed, then pulling the blankets over her. Finally; he laid the extra blanket on top as well. She pulled it up under her chin; then opened one bleary eye to look at him.
"Are you gonna stand there all night?" she whispered. "You can come lay down. Till I fall asleep; at least."
"Oh, okay." Kirishima replied. He slowly walked back over to the bed; and laying on top of the covers, wrapped his arms around her.
She sighed. "Much better. Good night; Eiji"
He smiled; knowing that in the morning, it would be back to formalities as usual. But for tonight, he simply held her closer; whispering "Good night, Mari" in her ear.
When Mari got up the next morning; she was alone, which didn't surprise her. She knew Kirishima would have slipped out once he was sure she was asleep; being extra careful not to wake her up.
However; the blanket from the night before was snuggly wrapped around her. She sighed and inhaled its smell again. It was just as strong as the night before; if not stronger.
Content; Mari rolled over and went back to sleep. At least for a few hours.
A/N: I hope you all like this one. This takes place after chapter 5 of My Mind; so Mari and Kiri have already had the talk in the elevator about "pretend flirting" to mess with Mina.
My Mind is still gonna be Kiribaku/Mari romance free though; as I don't intend for them to get together for a WHILE.
So in the meantime; you get some fluff to tide you over.
Hope you enjoyed it and I'll see you in the next one!