***Warnings: Language, sexual language, crowd violence, rioting, naked Bakugo, some humor***

Chapter 4: Stripped

Bakugo has his cards in a death grip while the rest of his body sits ridged even though he is freezing. Each hand they played alternated losers, and it is this final hand that will determine the winner. Both he and Kirishima sit only in their pants with the redhead wearing a smug look that could either be a bluff, or a win. Bakugo couldn't afford to lose. If he fails, then he will have to, regrettably, do what is right. Glancing at his cards, they are nothing. He has a losing hand unless Kirishima's cards are lower than his.

And why isn't that asshole cold like him?!

"Are you ready, Judge Bakugo?"

"I was born ready!" Bakugo slams his cards down to reveal a pair of sevens. His eye and upper lip twitch in unison as he watches the sharp-tooth smile grow into a grin. 'Damn it! Damn it, damn it, damn it!'

Kirishima lays out his cards. "Two kings and a ten."

"Fuck!"

Kirishima folds his hands behind his head and crosses his legs, rocking back on the chair. "You know what to do, Judge. Off with the pants!"

Bakugo snarls and grips the edges of the table. He can't believe he lost! He never fails at cards! "You cheated!"

"How could I have cheated? I'm not wearing anything to hide cards," Kirishima says. "And cheating isn't a manly virtue." Seeing how upset and frustrated Bakugo is, Kirishima fears that one, the man will bite his dick clean off, and two, he still has to appeal to the judge. In most circumstances, he wouldn't accept giving up when he is in the right. But he needs to keep Bakugo happy. With a sigh, he says, "Would you like me to fold my hand instead?"

"NO! You idiot! You do that, and I'll box your ears!" Bakugo stands up from the chair and removes his pants. The room is too cold, and once that chill hit the last part of his body that was warm, he shivers. "T-There! Now undo your pants and let's get it over with!"

"Wait! Judge Bakugo, you don't have to do this," Kirishima says. "Since I won, I want to change my reward from our first deal,"

"What is it? Make it quick!"

"You're not used to the cold, are you?" Kirishima chuckles. "Your manhood is retreating so far into your body I can barely see it." Bakugo sneers at him, nearly frothing at the mouth. "So, since I won, why don't we go to your bed instead and get warm under the blankets?"

"W-what?"

"Yeah! You're not afraid, are you? Real men like to cuddle!" Kirishima flexes his muscles. "I'm here to serve you, remember? A man is not supposed to go back on his word, but they can swap for something different. You're cold, and I won," Kirishima gives him a serious look. "I want to be in your bed, Judge Bakugo."

"In…my bed? You want to get in my bed?"

"Together," Kirishima stands up from the chair. "No one has to know."

"Are you suggesting this because you don't want to do chores to pay off your debts?"

"No. I will do whatever you ask of me,"

Bakugo glances towards his bed and shivers with the cold. The sun has set, and the fire is burning low. He doesn't want to suck Kirishima off since he has never done it with another man before. After all, he is a judge, a respected city official appointed by the king and the people. To lower himself to perform a sexual act with a peasant (wherein he is not the dominant one,) is socially unacceptable. He may have agreed to the challenge, but he was also confident that he would win. Instead, he lost. It's not in his nature to go back on his word in a challenge. But as Kirishima pointed out, the reward can be changed, so long as it's honored. Letting Kirishima lay in bed with him is, at the very least, and equal act.

"Alright, fine. Get in the bed, but keep your pants on!"

Kirishima chuckles. "I promise to keep my hands above the sheets as well." As he goes over to the bed, Kirishima takes a moment to admire the massive size of mixed furs that make up the main blanket. He runs his hand along the fur, taking in the texture and colors; browns and grays. "Wolf furs," Kirishima states. "Did you hunt them yourself?"

"No," Bakugo goes to the other side of the bed. "It belonged to my grandfather; then it was passed down to my mother, and now to me."

"A family heirloom," Kirishima's smile slowly slipped to a frown. He remembers all the family heirlooms he had to sell to keep the tax collectors off his back. "You must really treasure it to keep this long. It's great quality fur. It shows signs that it's been well-cared for after so many years of use."

"Deku got the good silver; I got the fur blanket," Bakugo slips under the covers and the furs. "Well, hurry up, you moron," he notices the solemn look Kirishima's face. "What's the matter with you?"

"It's nothing," Kirishima settles into the bed, marveling at the plush softness the mattress and pillows. "Oh, wow…this is soft! I bet this is what clouds would feel like!"

Bakugo rolls his eyes. "You have the mind of a child! How long do you plan to stay in my bed anyway?"

"Until you're warm," Kirishima grins.

"I'm warm now."

"Then why is your bottom lip quivering?"

"It's not quivering! I don't quiver!"

Kirishima laughs at that. "I won't tell anyone,"

"I DON'T QUIVER!"

"Okay, okay! Geez, there's no reason to scream like that."

The two fall silent and stare at the ceiling with ample space between them. Kirishima wants to move closer, but that wasn't part of the agreement. Bakugo agreed to the bed, but not to cuddling. Baby steps with Judge Bakugo. It's impressive that he is in bed with Bakugo at all. Maybe the man is warming up to him?

"Hey, don't you have a lamb to slaughter? For my brother's birthday celebration. You said you would do it tonight."

Kirishima rolls over to face Bakugo. "You want me to leave already?"

"I'm warm now, so your services in this bed are no longer required. Finish your chores."

Kirishima sighs. "Alright." 'So much for that,' he gets out of bed and dresses, then throws wood in the fire. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Judge Bakugo."

"Whatever."

Bakugo waits until the door closes and Kirishima is gone before slaps his hands to his face. The look on the redhead's face when he told him to leave was that of a hurt puppy. Kirishima should have been born a dog, or at least one of those mixed breed wolves. The only trait he and Kirishima have in common is brute strength. Bakugo will admit that Kirishima is a bit more rugged than he is, but Bakugo grew up in the city, while the redhead lived in the woods. Kirishima is used to hard labor, and though Kirishima's body is strong, his brain and heart are soft. The bastard is in this mess because he holds manly values and morals over reality.

"What a stupid, stupid man." Though his mouth said the words, his brain thinks the opposite, and now Bakugo's annoyed. "Damn it all! Might as well get dressed and get some paperwork done!" In truth, he wanted to stop thinking about Kirishima, so he set to catch up on some much-needed document signing.

He broke three quill tips.

The next morning, Kirishima is drawing water from the well when he notices Bakugo and Matsu heading into the stable. Bakugo's dressed in his judge robes, so Kirishima assumes he is going to the courthouse. Kirishima hurries to the stables to catch Bakugo before the man leaves to ask if anything specific needs to be done today. He places the bucket of water beside the grain barrel just as Bakugo is mounting a horse. Their eyes meet, and Kirishima gives the judge a friendly smile. He wishes Bakugo would smile for him, at least once. Not that cruel smile, but a genuine one. The judge would be stunning!

"Good morning, Judge Bakugo," Kirishima greets him. "Off to the courthouse?"

"That's why I'm wearing my robes, dummy," Bakugo answers back.

"Have a safe ride then," Kirishima says. "Oh, before you go, I wanted to ask if there is anything specific you need me to do today. I slaughtered the lamb last night, so the meat is ready."

"Hmph. Think I can trust you to get a gift for Deku if I give you money?"

"Yes, you can trust me to do that," Kirishima says. "What does your brother like?"

"He likes wine," Bakugo takes a few coins from the pouch on his belt and holds them out to Kirishima. "Go to the winery and get him a bottle."

Kirishima takes the coins and pockets them. "You can count on me!"

"Good. That's one less thing I have to do for this stupid celebration. I'll be home after dark as well."

"Is anyone going with you?" Kirishima asks. "Need me to accompany you? I'll be your bodyguard! We can get Sheriff Izuku's gift together!"

Bakugo scoffs. "I don't need a bodyguard. I have errands to run after court anyway,"

"Judge Bakugo," Matsu interjects. "I think it is a wise idea to have Kirishima accompany you. Just as an extra set of strong hands and eyes. There have been more riots on the streets recently as the city is in a state of unrest. As a political figure, they look to you for help, but many might see you as an enemy. I fear for your safety, Judge Bakugo."

"Matsu is right!" Kirishima agrees. "It's dangerous for you to be alone right now. I'm a common man the same as the people in the city. I'll be able to talk with them if approached."

Bakugo's eyebrow twitches.

"Judge Bakugo, let me prepare the carriage instead?" Matsu offers. "That way, Kirishima can drive it, and you'll have an extra layer of protection."

"Seriously, the both of you are pissing me off," He looks at Kirishima. "Okay, fine. Get the carriage ready, but only because it's too cold to travel by horse anyway!" The old man isn't wrong. The city is becoming violent and has been for the last couple of months. With winter here, people will be hungry as well as angry. "Don't keep me waiting!"

Bakugo's carriage is small with a seat for only two people. He gets inside and closes the door, putting the latch down to lock it. He pulls the blinds down over the windows but pauses at the last one to stick his head out and ask Kirishima if the idiot even knows where they're going. Kirishima gives him a thumbs up and says that he does. Oh well. Bakugo doesn't mind being late to the court. Tokoyami and Momo can handle it until he gets there. He growls when the carriage rocks as Kirishima climbs up onto the driver's seat. "Sounds like a fucking water buffalo!" Bakugo grumbles to himself and the carriage jerks into motion.

Kirishima has never driven a carriage before, but it can't be that different from a mule and wagon. He knows how to handle horses, and this carriage only needs one sturdy horse to pull it. Bakugo didn't see them do it, but Matsu handed Kirishima a club to keep for protection. Kirishima hopes he won't have to use it. His fists and boots have yet to fail him in a brawl. While he cannot blame the people for being angry over the high taxes and harsh laws, Kirishima doesn't believe that violence is the answer.

As Kirishima turns the street corner that leads to the courthouse, he quickly pulls the horse to a stop when he sees a crowd of people gathered outside. He can hear their angry shouts from where he is.

"What's all that racket?" Bakugo opens the blind of the window to look out and sees the crowd. "What the fuck?"

"It's not safe for us to go there," Kirishima says. "We should turn back."

"Wait," Bakugo notices Momo's carriage parked alongside the courthouse. "Shit, that's Yaoyorozu's carriage! I bet she's barricaded inside!"

"What do we do, Bakugo? We can't leave her in there!"

"Where the hell is Deku?! He should have broken this crowd up by now!"

"I'm sure city guards are on their way," Kirishima says. "This crowd is too large and loud to go unnoticed!" The courthouse is in the center of the city where activity and traffic are heavy. "You can't go over there, Bakugo. Let me go instead. Tell me if there is another way into the courthouse!" Kirishima is startled when the horse suddenly rears and lets out a panicked cry. He looks towards the crowd to see that the people have spotted them, and they're throwing stones. "Bakugo! Stay inside!"

Kirishima tries desperately to calm the horse who is getting hit with stones. The horse finally panics and takes off towards the crowd. Kirishima tugs and yanks on the reins to control the horse, but the animal ignores it. They ride straight into the crowd, but the horse stops and rears again when its surrounded by so many people. The carriage and Kirishima jerk forward at the quick, sudden stop. Kirishima doesn't hesitate to lift the club to hold over his head as a warning to anyone who may try to jump him or the carriage.

"ALL OF YOU! BACK OFF! THIS ISN'T RIGHT!" Kirishima shouts at them. At the moment, some of the people have unbuckled the horse and are force leading it away. "THAT'S NOT YOURS!" Kirishima stumbles when the carriage starts to rock violently. A group of people are attempting to tip the carriage over. They must know that Bakugo, or some other city official, is inside. "BAKUGO! DON'T COME OUT!"

Inside the carriage, Bakugo tries to open the carriage door but the latch is stuck. He lets out a loud curse, regretting the fact that he had the chance to get this latch fixed a long time ago but kept putting it off. Now he's stuck! He's slammed forward when the carriage begins to rock. Bakugo hears the shouts and curses from the people outside as well as Kirishima attempting to control the crowd. Bakugo tries to steady himself inside the carriage as it keeps rocking. He feels the carriage tipping more, and then it topples over onto its side. The door is against the road, trapping Bakugo. During the fall, he hit his head on something hard, and his vision is blurred. Placing a hand to his head, he pulls it back to see bright red blood on his palm. He glances up to see hands reaching in through the window, trying to grab at him. The carriage makes a hissing sound as it starts to slide along the road with the weight of the people pressing against it.

Bakugo feels for the knife at his belt, pulls it out, and starts slashing at the hands. The hands pull away but come back doubled. If it weren't for the blow to his head and his foggy vision, Bakugo would have started breaking arms instead of slicing at them.

In a matter of moments, the hands reaching for him all disappear, and shouts of terror fill the air around him. Bakugo hears the horn of the city guards, as well as the unmistakable sounds of cracking bone. He takes this time to lift himself out of the carriage window to observe what's happening. The blood has leaked into one eye, hindering his vision. The city guards on horseback did not hold back with breaking the crowd. They freely use their swords, spears, clubs, and horses to force the people to retreat. Some people didn't make it, and as Bakugo watches the crowd scatter, he sees a dozen fallen bodies on the road. They have either been trampled to death or killed. Bakugo then sees Kirishima standing guard of him, club in hand, with dark blood on the wood and three bodies around the carriage. Kirishima is panting heavily, and Bakugo can see him trembling, too.

"Kirishima?"

"Bakugo! You're hurt!" Kirishima says when he turns around and sees the blood. "We need to get inside the courthouse!"

Bakugo just nods as he lets Kirishima help him from the damaged carriage. Bakugo stumbles when his feet hit the road, and Kirishima wraps an arm around his waist to support him.

"I got you, I got you," Kirishima keeps repeating as he guides Bakugo to the front courthouse doors. He bangs on the door with his free hand, shouting for anyone to let them in. The door opens, and it is a guard who recognizes Bakugo and ushers them both inside.

"Katsuki!"

Kirishima and Bakugo see Yaoyorozu hurrying towards them with Tokoyami right behind.

"How in the world did you make it through that crowd?" Tokoyami asks.

"The city guards came. Bakugo needs his head looked at!" Kirishima says. "Are you both alright?"

"We're fine," Says Yaoyorozu, motioning for Kirishima to follow her. Tokoyami helps Kirishima to steady Bakugo. "We got here before the crowd arrived," She says. "Once it grew larger, the guards shut the doors and locked them for our safety."

"We've been trapped in here for more than two hours," Tokoyami says, letting Kirishima help Bakugo into a chair in one of the spare office rooms. "We had a messenger sneak out to warn the city guard."

"Where the hell is Deku?" Bakugo asks, knocking Yaoyorozu's hand away when she tries to hold a cloth to his head. He does it himself.

"We received word from Shouto that Izuku isn't feeling well today," Tokoyami answers. "Not that it would have mattered. He couldn't control that crowd by himself. We are lucky to have had more guards here today. The day might have ended differently if they weren't."

"What a fucking shit-show this has turned in to," Bakugo says.

"But we knew this would happen eventually," Says Yaoyorozu. "Just not this soon."

"It's winter," Kirishima says. "People are hungry and cold,"

"As the three Magistrates of this city, we have a duty to the people," says Tokoyami. "It pains and frustrates me to know that there is only so much we can do to help these people in these hard times."

"But you still get paid," Kirishima points out. "You're all paid to enforce the laws placed by the king that oppresses the people…and that's what makes you their enemies."

"We are quite aware," Says Yaoyorozu. "But the three of us have done a lot of charity work for the city, as well as dipping into our own funds to help. There is only so much we can do when our hands are bound by the king's rule and royal council."

"And we work anonymously as well," Bakugo adds, pulling the cloth away to measure the amount of blood on it. He places a clean spot of the cloth back on the wound. "If the bastard asshole king knows we're secretly helping others, we could lose our positions."

Kirishima raises a curious brow at Bakugo. "Help others? You were ready to have me tossed out on the street!"

"Adults like you should be able to handle yourselves!" Bakugo glares at him with one eye.

"What Bakugo means is, he puts money towards orphanages and workhouses," Tokoyami says.

Kirishima smiles at Bakugo who turns away from him with a grunt.

"I support the unwed mothers' houses," says Yaoyorozu. "The king has banned all funding for them, and now they depend on volunteers to support them. If the king finds out I'm going against one of his personal morals, I could be imprisoned, and then who will help them?"

"Both Bakugo and I donate to the soup and bread kitchens," Tokoyami adds. "But I donate more money to the local schools. Yes, we get paid, but we give the extra funds we make away to others who need it more."

"You have to let the city know this," Kirishima says. "If they know you're doing your best to help, they won't be attacking like this!"

"Didn't you hear her, Kirishima?" Bakugo hisses at him. "We could lose our jobs or be imprisoned for secretly going against the king! Nothing can get done if we're behind bars or end up beggars on the street!"

"Then…why were the three of you so hard on me that day in court?" Kirishima asks.

Yaoyorozu sighs softly. "We don't mean to be, but we have to keep up the persona of a judge. We are city officials appointed by the king, after all. We have to work in the shadows if we want to do what is right."

"In the end, we are all just trying to live," Tokoyami says.

Kirishima understands and says, "Then I thank all of you for helping as best you can when many others won't."

"Keep in mind that things may get worse before they get better," Tokoyami adds. "I long for the king to agree to build a university where anyone can study and learn. Our last king and current one rather keep the people ignorant, thinking that is the best way to control them. As we've witnessed today, that logic isn't working."

"The bleeding's stopped," Bakugo says. "Regardless of our donations and charity, nothing is going to change any time soon. Although, I would look damn good on that throne."

Kirishima laughs at that.

Tokoyami says, "Bakugo, the last type of ego you need is that of a king."

"Hey, why don't you two make yourselves useful and figure out what how we get home," Bakugo says. "I don't want to spend all night here if we can help it."

Tokoyami nods. "I'll go speak with the guards. Yaoyorozu, why don't you make us all some tea? It will help to calm the nerves."

"Yes, I agree," she says. "Mr. Kirishima, would you like some tea as well?"

"If it's not too much trouble?"

Bakugo waits for the other two to leave before he turns to Kirishima. "You're not your normal self right now," he says. "What's wrong?"

"Bakugo…are you seriously asking me that? Those people tried to kill you! I…I had to…I couldn't stop them!" Kirishima clenches his teeth and fists. "They weren't listening! I didn't want to do it…but I…I just started swinging that club when I saw them grabbing for you! I didn't want them hurting you! I think…I think I may have killed some of them! I don't always know my own strength!" He brings his clenched fists up to rest his forehead against them, trying to hold back his tears. "I couldn't bear to see them hurt you! But I didn't want to hurt them either!"

Bakugo sighs heavily, and despite a raging headache, he reaches out to clamp a hand on Kirishima's shoulder to offer the man some comfort. "It was self-defense too, you know. They would have gone after you. It's unfortunate what happened out there…and you shouldn't feel bad for trying to protect me as well as yourself."

"Bakugo…I've never killed anyone before."

"You don't know if you killed them," Bakugo says. "Try to think of it as hunting. If those people were wild boars coming at you, you wouldn't hesitate to kill them."

"That's nothing like hunting, Bakugo," Kirishima whispers, though he understands that Bakugo is trying to make him feel better. "I hunt to survive. The wolf hunts the deer for food, and we do the same. I don't hunt and trap animals because I enjoy it, but because it's necessary to live. These people…they are just upset and frustrated. I didn't mean to hurt them!"

"Hey…I do understand how you feel about not wanting to kill anyone. I have the power to sentence people to death for committing terrible crimes. I've had to do it in the past. I didn't like it at all, and after the third person I had sent to the gallows…I stopped doing it. I've been fortunate to not have a death-worthy case come before me in more than a year. But I don't like doing it, and I will go out of my fucking way to avoid it. It's going to be hard for a bit, and it will weigh on your mind, but you have to learn to get passed it. You can't undo what you have done. And there is a chance that those people out there would have killed you. Think about that whenever this accidental deed haunts and fills your head with guilt. Okay?"

Kirishima sniffles a little, but nods against his folded hands.

"And…thanks for saving me out there, spiky-hair," Bakugo mumbles softly. "I guess I made the right choice taking you into my house."

Kirishima's eyes widen when he lifts his head to look at Bakugo. "You…you really mean that?"

Bakugo wouldn't look at him, crossing his arms and spinning on the chair to give Kirishima his back.

"Bakugo…thank you. Your words mean a lot to me,"

"Yeah, well, don't think you'll hear them again. And if you try to hug me or touch me, I will smack the ever-loving shit out of you. Got it?"

Kirishima wipes away his tears with a smile and says, "Yeah, I got it!"

Kirishima doesn't know what he's getting himself into, nor does he care. Bakugo just admitted that he enjoys, or rather tolerates, Kirishima's company. And that is more than enough for Kirishima.

'I don't know what it is about you, Bakugo; you crazy bastard! But I know I don't ever want to leave your side!'

"Wipe that stupid, silly smile off your face!" Bakugo shouts. "It's annoying!"

TBC