Sorry about the strange formatting last chapter!
I fixed it as best I could!
Chapter 12
Pausing, we all thought about this and I decided to take notes on our conversation, making it easier to talk about at a later date if need be.
"Obviously, big developments in our relationship should be decided together and we should spend more time as a trio than as duos." Shinsou mumbled, giving us both a questioning look.
"Look, fuck, I'll be the one to say it. For any firsts, we should all be together even if we don't all… participate in whatever it is." We all blushed, knowing exactly what he was talking about.
"I fucking agree with more time as a trio but that isn't always going to be possible. Plus, it will be good for us to get to know each other on a one-on-one basis. I seriously don't like the idea of missing out on a date though…"
"Well," I stammered, writing down his thoughts. "Right now, our course loads will be easier, so I say we take advantage of that and have dates together. We'll have to work ahead like we did today and if it interferes with our work, then we pull back and spend time without one another."
"Veto," they stated simultaneously. They shared a look before Shinsou started talking.
"If the dates interfere with our work, then we stop the dates. But stopping our time together would probably affect us more, we should just study in the common room if it becomes an issue." I laughed at their antics but didn't protest.
"Okay. If we distract each other too much then we start working in the common room." I hummed and started tapping my pen against my chin.
"On a slightly different note, I kind of talked to the girls to get an idea of how all this works and they gave a few good pointers. Don't worry! I did what we said and told them that we're not soulmates, just good friends who like each other."
Bakugo scoffed and crossed his arms, my eyes instantly noticing the tug and pull of his muscles.
"Like we need any of those fucking extras in our business. I swear I'll blow someone up if they try the shit they pulled today."
Shinsou quickly explained that the boys had wanted to know if we were dating and how the whole conversation had spiraled into idiocy. While I was curious about that conversation, I chose to redirect our thoughts.
"Riiiiigghhtt. Anyways. The girls said it would be good to set some ground rules first, which I totally agree with! Then, to get to know one another better, dates planned by each of us. I really like this idea. It would be fun to plan a surprise date. But be warned, I've never been on a date sssooo, I might mess it all up."
Bakugo pushed the computer into my lap and pointed at the screen. "You two read this stuff first and add it to the notes, shorty."
I rolled my eyes and moved the computer so Shinsou could see it better. He lazily put his head on my shoulder and started fiddling with my hair, murmuring the key points so I could write them down quickly.
"Poly soulmate relationships are much more difficult yet usually stronger than regular bonds. Harder because communication is needed doubly as much and stronger because usually there is someone to play middle man, like a peace keeper."
I wrote furiously, trying to ignore how my blond soulmate was wrapping his arms around my torso and resting his head on my other shoulder. Two heads buried in my neck and a deep voice in my ear. I'm gonna freaking lose it.
"Many of these relationships have an added bonus, like stronger emotional ties or raised libidos. Poly pairs often have higher levels of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone."
I paused in my writing, looking over at Shinsou's now beet red face. We locked eyes and he pulled away from me.
"Well that actually explains a lot," he murmured, burying his face in his hands.
I knew my face was just as red as his but it didn't stop me from glancing at Bakugo, instantly regretting my decision. He had leaned back, picking a leg up to rest his arm over his knee. He gave us both a shit eating grin and started chuckling.
"How are you not embarrassed by this, sparky?" Shinsou pouted and I thought it was the most adorable thing I'd ever seen.
"I mean, you're my soulmates. Why would I be embarrassed? We've each made it abundantly clear that we are interested in one another and, eventually, sex will enter the picture."
He said it so nonchalantly while I squeaked and jumped up, not even sure what I was doing. Thankfully, Shinsou caught the computer while I tossed my notes on the tabletop.
"Though, that doesn't mean I won't take every chance to make the two of you flustered." I picked up one of the pillows and threw it at him, grumbling when he easily caught it.
"Oi, stop being dramatic! It's basically your fault that all this is going on with us, being all attractive and shit." He mumbled the last part, a pink tint glossing over his cheeks.
I burst out laughing, clutching my stomach as the two of them gave me odd looks. Taking a deep breath, I wiped tears off of my face and threw my hands on my hips.
"First of all, blasty, it takes more than one to make a bond, so this isn't just me to blame here. Secondly," with that I stuck my tongue out and blew a raspberry.
He rolled his eyes at my childishness and smacked me in the face with the pillow he was holding. I gasped loudly and fell to the floor, acting like I had been hit with a bullet.
Another pillow hit me in the stomach and I shot my eyes open, seeing a very entertained duo standing over me. I threw my arms up, hoping they would take the hint. They grabbed me and I instantly regretted my decision when Bakugo purposefully yanked up too hard, making me crash into both of them.
All three of us groaned at the impact and I grabbed my nose, trying to fight the tears that filled my eyes.
"Why do you always have to go for my nose?" My nasally voice had both of them tilting my head up, trying to get me to release my face.
"Let me suffer in peace!"
"Ren, let us see if it's bleeding." Shinsou met my eyes, giving me a look that said he wasn't going to back down.
"Ugh, fine." I released it and, of course, it was slightly bloody. Bakugo growled and mumbled something about always breaking things. I rolled my eyes and smacked him.
"Hush it, blasty. You just have to remember to catch my face with something other than your chest."
He had walked to the bathroom and grabbed a hand towel while I was talking, handing it to me as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Sorry about that. I'll have to learn to be gentler, I'm not used to holding back." Shinsou rolled his eyes and chuckled.
"You mean you haven't had too many interactions with the opposite gender?" Bakugo lunged and put him in a headlock.
"That's not what I meant, asshole! I just haven't been around people who I didn't actually want to hurt! I mean… you two make me want to be the best version of myself."
"AAAAWWWWEEEE," I yelled and wrapped myself around his waist, my nose already forgotten.
"Deep, deep down you're a big softy, Bakugo!" Releasing Shinsou's head, he grabbed my chin and forced me to look up.
"Don't fucking confuse my meaning, shorty. I am anything but soft however, I don't want to be a complete asshole to the two people who actually see me. I don't do the boyfriend shit either."
"But you do the soulmate ish!" I garbled back, barely able to speak with my cheeks being smooshed in his hand. Shinsou laughed at us.
"Enough flirting, you two. Let's get ready for bed." I instantly latched onto him and asked if he was jealous, making him turn an adorable shade of pink. Rolling his eyes, he gave me an icy glare, trying to intimidate me. But of course, me being my stubborn self, I just hopped into his personal space and stared right back.
"It's… hard to describe," he mumbled, earning an elbow from Bakugo.
"Eh, speak up, zombie." He shoved the other boy back and ducked his head.
"I get jealous when the other guys in class talk to you but… it's not like that when I see you with Bakugo. I... like watching you together." If he got any redder, he was gonna pass out and I now understood why Bakugo was laughing earlier.
"I get that. I can't stand it when shitty hair hits on Ren but, watching you flirt with her just feels different. It feels right or some shit like that."
I laughed at them and grabbed both their hands, asking if they needed to do anything to get ready before we went to sleep. They both stated they were fine and we all crawled into my bed, me climbing the short ladder first because of some rule about ladies going first.
Liars. I can literally feel them staring at my butt. I whirled around and caught them red handed. Neither of them even tried to look embarrassed.
The next few days were a blur, classwork and training exercises had the entire class exhausted. We tried to all eat dinner together that first week, really getting to know one another. It was clear Bakugo was trying but he was almost at the end of his rope after Midoriya pulled Shinsou away for the third time in one night.
Then, Friday, we were in for a treat. "Alright class, suit up in either your gym clothes or your hero outfits. We have a field trip today. You'll be doing some rescue and survival training. The bus is out front, head there when you're ready but for the love of all that's holy, don't take forever."
We all raced to get changed, excited for a change of scenery. Oh, this is so exciting! I can't wait to use what we've learned in actual practice!
Changing quickly, we girls hurried out and had to hold in our laughter as Iida was setting people up in a specific order. I stood next to Shinsou with Bakugo ahead of us next to poor Midoriya. The boy kept shooting looks at the blond and I could see a snap waiting to happen.
"Hey, Midoriya! How has your training been?" He turned around and started excitedly talking about the theories he was working on and how he wished he had more time to put it into practice.
Bakugo nudged him roughly and he turned around, walking into the bus first. Bakugo stepped onto the bus and I followed him, not expecting him to whirl around and grab my chin.
"I know you're trying to fucking help me not explode," he yell whispered. "But don't fucking talk to Deku when I'm right there. I'm trying really fucking hard not to blast his ass but you make it absolutely impossible when you give him attention."
I nodded quickly, feeling Shinsou reach around and smack Bakugo's cheek lightly, soliciting a snarl from the angry boy.
"You're holding up the line, sparky." He whirled back around stomping forward, making a beeline for a seat in the back that would hold three. Midoriya looked absolutely giddy that the seating arrangements for the bus were changed because of the layout.
I shot him a small smile and Shinsou put his hand on my lower back, speeding us up before Bakugo could catch me.