Chapter 4

The pair headed into town with the dogs in the back seat. Kirishima had rolled the windows down, so the dogs could stick their heads out. Deku was happily sniffing the air while Shoto just sat on the seat, staring out at the passing scenery.

Kirishima was nervous about being next to Bakugo again. He liked the time he was spending with Bakugo. He had been alone for a bit too long, and it was nice to have another person, a human, to spend time with. When Bakugo wasn't being cranky or yelling, he was an attractive man. Kirishima couldn't help but want to gaze longingly at Bakugo, taking in every feature of the blonde. Maybe he was just starving for human attention, but he was seriously considering asking Bakugo out on a date. He remembered that picture of who could only be Bakugo's ex boyfriend, so maybe Bakugo wasn't ready to go on a date. Perhaps he should wait a little bit longer.

"You're awfully quiet," Bakugo said, laying his elbow outside the truck window. "I'm not complaining, just stating,"

Kirishima chuckled. "I'm just enjoying the early morning ride and that fresh autumn air!"

Bakugo had to admit, the crisp autumn air was nice. "So, are we going to the gyms first, or to sell your produce?"

"I'm going to sell my stuff first, then we'll go to the gyms."

"I need to get back to working out," Bakugo said. "Ever since I've moved, I haven't had much time, even with the home gym."

"Well, I'll give you a new gym membership when we get there," Kirishima said. "If you want it."

"I'll think about it."

Bakugo fell silent again and stared out the window as they drove into the outskirts of town. He had only ever seen a farmer's market in the city. The ones in the country, he noticed, were very different. It resembled more of a flea market. The farmer's market he had gone to in the city only sold the very basic fruits and vegetables. This one was hustling with people!

"Okay, we're here," Kirishima parked the truck in the parking lot, unbuckling his seatbelt. "The selling part is boring, so if you want to go check out the stands, we can meet back here in a bit."

"That's fine. And you're sure dogs are allowed?"

"As long as they're on a leash, it's fine,"

Kirishima and Bakugo put leashes on their dogs and exited the parking lot. Bakugo asked if Kirishima needed any help unloading the produce, but the redhead declined. Kirishima said the people he sells them to will pick them up. Kirishima didn't have a produce stand of his own, as he didn't sell that much. He would have others sell his produce for him, then collect the money later.

'He's much too trusting,' Bakugo thought.

Bakugo looked around the market at all the produce and item stands. Country bumpkins, he thought. Kirishima appeared to be friends with almost everyone. People were shouting his name and waving to him. He would wave back with that stupid grin of his, Bakugo noticed. People seemed to become animated when Kirishima was around. He was clearly a guy that was near-impossible to hate. Bakugo felt his cheeks flush a bit, but Kirishima didn't see.

"Why don't you and Shoto take a look around while I do business," Kirishima offered.

"Fine." He had to look away from Kirishima's stupid friendly face. He could use some fresh ingredients for dinners. He was thinking about making a meaty stew. Stew was always good for cold weather.

"I mean, you can follow me around if you want," Kirishima grinned. "I don't mind the company."

"No, I'll do some shopping," Bakugo said. And then, for no reason at all, he added. "Why don't you come over for dinner?" 'What the hell was that!?' Bakugo's mind shouted at him. It took all his strength not to blush.

"Tonight? Yeah, sure! That sounds great! What are you making?"

"Just beef stew."

"Aw man, that's awesome! I love beef stew!"

Bakugo had to get away quickly before he revealed himself. He turned away from Kirishima and tugged at Shoto's leash. The dog hadn't been paying attention. Shoto was sitting calmly when Bakugo tugged him. They walked away from Kirishima and Deku.

"This is so stupid," Bakugo muttered to himself. "Don't you go falling for that mutt, Shoto. You're getting awfully chummy with him." A man walking by stared at him, and Bakugo realized he was talking to his dog out loud. "What the hell are you looking at?" He shouted at the man, who panicked and hurried away. "Jerk." he looked down at Shoto. "Don't make this into a Disney movie, got it? No spaghetti with that mutt!"

'I'm not sure what that means, but alright,' Shoto said.

Kirishima had finished all his business and his produce was properly spread out among the vendors. He made a stop at the meat shop, where the owner always had a few scraps of lunch meats waiting for Deku. It was usually the ends of the meat, as people didn't like to buy the round ends. But Deku greeted the man happily and ate the spare pieces. However, Deku kept one piece of spare meat in his mouth, not wanting to eat it. He was saving it for Shoto.

"Alright, ready to go back to the truck? Is that meat for Shoto?" Kirishima asked Deku, who made a happy sound. "Oh, I should pick up some fresh bread for dinner tonight!" He said. "It would be rude to show up with nothing," He found the bakery stand and bought a fresh round loaf. "This is perfect for beef stew, don't you think so?" Deku wagged his tail in agreement. "Let's be heading back." He stopped along the way to get some barbecue cubes of meat on a stick. One for him, and one for Bakugo.

When they returned to the truck, Bakugo was already there with Shoto, waiting.

Deku approached Shoto with the meat. 'Here, I saved this for you! It's meat!' He dropped the thick slice in front of Shoto's paws. 'Go ahead, eat it! I promise it's really good!'

"Hey, Bakugo! Look what I picked up for you! I promise this stuff is REALLY good. The sauce is homemade!" He handed the meat on a stick to Bakugo.

Bakugo and Shoto both looked at their meat. Shoto looked up at Bakugo. Bakugo looked down at Shoto, both wondering 'are we doing this?' They both ate the food given to them. Shoto really liked the rich taste of the lunch meat, and Bakugo couldn't get enough of the barbecue chicken.

"See! I knew you'd like it!'

'See, I knew you'd like it!'

Both Kirishima and Deku said in unison.

'It was…good.' Said Shoto.

"Not too bad," Said Bakugo. "I would like the recipe,"

"Ah, it's a family secret," Said Kirishima with a wink. "Old Man Jones will never give out his recipe! I know, because I've asked," he laughed. "Well, ready to go to the gyms?"

Bakugo nodded and secretly hoped his ex wouldn't be there.

The ride to the first gym was uneventful with Kirishima doing most of the talking. Bakugo held his breath for a minute as they pulled up to the first gym, and then was relieved to know it wasn't the one he and his ex went to.

They left the dogs in the truck with the windows half down. This gym was identical to the one Bakugo went to. The gym was pretty full with an aerobics class behind a big glass window. Bakugo stood there while Kirishima made his rounds. Bakugo thought about all the times he and his ex would go to the gym together, spotting each other, running side-by-side on the treadmill, and even seeing who could go the longest on the elliptical. Those were better times. He didn't miss his ex, not even in the slightest.

"Okay, all done here," Kirishima said. "Are you sure you don't want a membership? This one is closer to our houses than the other one."

"I'll stick to my home gym for now," Bakugo told him.

"Well, okay, but the offer still stands. Just let me know."

They got back in the truck and drove to the other gym. This one was not as active as the last, though there was a decent handful of people. Bakugo's eyes looked around and immediately noticed his ex over by the crunches machine. There was another man talking with his ex. The man was tall and slight, a total twink, the complete opposite of him. Bakugo frowned when they kissed.

"Hey, Bakugo, you doing okay?" Kirishima asked when he noticed the sudden change in Bakugo. His handsome features turned grumpy, and he had a deep frown. "Bakugo?" He followed Bakugo's stare and looked at the two men kissing.

"Come here!" Bakugo grabbed Kirishima by the front of his shirt and pulled the redhead into a kiss just as his ex turned to notice him.

Kirishima turned bright red, but he didn't break the kiss. This was something he wasn't expecting! Bakugo's lips were smooth and soft. He was disappointed when Bakugo broke the kiss.

"Just act like my lover," Bakugo whispered harshly to him. He didn't want his ex back, but he did want to show the bastard that he wasn't pining for him.

"Uh, okay," Kirishima was at a loss for words, so he just followed Bakugo.

Bakugo had liked that kiss more than he thought he would, but it was worth it to see the look on his ex's face when they locked eyes. Bakugo smirked triumphantly at him and stayed beside Kirishima as they walked around the gym. When they were finished, Bakugo took one last look at his ex, and noticed the man was staring at him while the twink beside him kept trying to get his attention.

As they got back in the truck, Kirishima asked, "So…what was that all about?"

"I saw my ex," Bakugo said, crossing his arms. "He was with someone."

"Ah. So you wanted to make him jealous?"

"I wanted to show him that I didn't need him and I don't miss him,"

Kirishima turned on the truck and started driving. "Okay, but…do you miss him?"

"No. But I'm angry at him. I don't want to see him again, if I can help it."

"I'm sorry I brought you here,"

Bakugo shook his head. "It's fine."

"Um…if I may ask, what happened between you two?" Kirishima asked after a few moments of silence. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to,"

Bakugo let out a small sigh. "He dumped me after he cheated on me,"

"Wow. That's…rough, man."

"He dumped me before I could dump him," he added. "Our relationship was already on the rocks,"

Kirishima glanced over and noticed Bakugo's fingers were digging into his arm. Though he had only known Bakugo a few days, he could tell that Bakugo was mad that he wasn't in control. It was kind of cute, in a strange sort of way.

"Sorry that happened, bro. I was dumped in high school, so I know how you feel. Everybody goes through it at one point in their life."

Deku was listening to their conversation and turned to Shoto.

'Do you miss your master's boyfriend?' Deku asked him.

Shoto snorted. 'Not at all. He was much like my master, and they would often fight a lot. He would start things with my master, and he would try to kick me when I barked at him. He hated dogs, and let it be known.'

'That's terrible,' Deku said. 'I used to live with an elderly man who raised me from a puppy. But when he died, I ended up in the shelter until my new master found me. It was sad and cold in the shelter…I only wish all the dogs and cats in them could find forever homes. My master would NEVER give me up! So, I won't give up on being his constant companion! Is that how you feel about your master?'

'I…have a fondness for my master. He did take me when no one else wanted me because of this scar. I am grateful to him, and I will remain by his side for as long as I can.'

Deku wagged his tail. 'You're a great dog for your master!'

Kirishima dropped Bakugo off at his house and said that he would return for dinner at six. He set to do some much needed chores.

He thought about the kiss they shared as he was brushing Iida. He wanted to kiss Bakugo again. But they haven't known each other for long, and yet he felt himself drawn to Bakugo. As in, if Bakugo randomly asked him to go steady, he would say 'yes.' He blushed at the thought of finally having a boyfriend, and he started to picture himself being with Bakugo.

'Is there something wrong with the master?' Iida asked Ochaco, who was perched nearby. 'He's been brushing the same spot for a while now. He'll rub my flesh off!'

'He looks like he's deep in thought,' Said Ochaco.

Iida stomped his back leg to get the master's attention.

"Oh! Sorry, boy. I spaced out there for a moment. I was thinking about the new neighbor. You know, the one you bucked into mud?" he chuckled.

'Ah, so the master fancies the other man with yellow hair. I see. I see.' he nodded his horse head. 'Everyone needs a mate.'

Deku then came into the barn and sat at the stall with Iida and Ochaco. 'Wow, did I have a busy morning! How are you guys?'

'We're talking about the master being in love," said Ochaco with a dreamy sigh.

'The master? In love? With who? OH! You must mean Bakugo,' Deku said. 'I saw them kiss at master's gym!'

'He seems preoccupied with this mate of his,' Iida said, stomping his front hoof. 'He should find ways to impress his intended mate. And we should help him!'

'But what can we do?' Ochaco asked.

'Have I missed a meeting?' Tokoyami said as he landed on the stall wall near the others.

'We're talking about helping the master and the other master get together!' Said Deku.

'Ah, I see. Matchmaking,' Tokoyami flapped his black wings. 'Does our master know any mating dances?'

'I don't think that's how humans get to know each other,' Iida said 'We have to get them together more often. Ochaco, I think you should go first. Bring the other master a token, like a mouse or a small bird-" Tokoyami cut him off with an angry 'caw'. 'Or a mole.' Iida corrected himself.

'Oh, I get it!' Ochaco flicked her tail. 'If I bring him enough tokens, he'll come over here to talk to our master!'

Iida nodded again. 'Precisely! Tomorrow, when the master takes me out for a ride, I'll go to the other house instead and proudly prance around. Our master will look very sophisticated, like a fine gentleman!'

'I'll talk to Shoto tonight about it,' Deku said. 'Maybe he can give me some ideas of what his master likes,'

'But we can only do so much as animals,' Tokoyami said.

'We'll just have to try our best,' Iida said. 'Tokoyami, please continue scouting the grounds. The rest of us will do what we can to bring the two together!'

Kirishima finished brushing Iida, and when he looked at the animals, they were almost in a circle. Sometimes he wonders if they talk to each other in an animal language. He chuckled at the thought. Of course they couldn't talk!

He finished up the rest of his chores, and then got ready for dinner with Bakugo. It took a dinner date to realize that most of the shirts he had were flannel or denim. He didn't have one dress shirt! All his clothes were for farming. He did have one non-flannel shirt, but it wasn't dressy enough. It was a beige button down. Kirishima supposed this was better than nothing. But when he put it on, it was a little too tight, but not enough to be uncomfortable. It was…form fitting. Would Bakugo notice? It showed off his broad shoulders and muscular chest. He didn't look half bad.

With Deku by his side, they walked over to Bakugo's place and rang the doorbell. Kirishima gulped, tightening his hold on the bread. He was getting nervous. The door opened and Bakugo was there, wearing a black polo shirt. The shirt was form fitting as well, just like his, and they both wore tight jeans. But the cutest part of Bakugo was the white apron he was wearing.

"You're three minutes late," Said Bakugo.

"We decided to walk over," Kirishima said, holding up the bread. "I didn't forget the bread,"

"Come inside," Bakugo said.

Kirishima and Deku went in and took a seat in the living room. Shoto came over to them, and Deku wagged his tail in greeting.

'Hi Shoto!'

'Hello again,' Shoto replied.

"Boy, that stew smells so good!" Kirishima said in the direction of the kitchen. "My stomach's rumbling! Need any help, bro?"

"You can slice the bread,"

Kirishima went into the kitchen and started cutting the bread into thin, even slices. His heartbeat kept drumming in his ear, and he peeked over to get a glance at Bakugo's backside in those tight jeans. Kirishima mentally cursed himself, and during this distraction, he accidentally cut his finger with the knife. He let out a yelp.

"Ow! I cut myself!" Kirishima had cut his thumb.

"Don't bleed all over my floor!" Bakugo said, quickly grabbing a paper towel and giving it to Kirishima. "Here. I'll get the first aid kit."

"Man! I've never hurt myself cutting bread before." His thumb wasn't bleeding that bad, but it would need a bandage. He suddenly had an image of Bakugo dressed as a sexy nurse caring for him and he flushed redder than his blood.

"Here, let me see," Bakugo came back with the kit and took the paper towel away. "You're pretty clumsy," he inspected the cut. "It doesn't need stitches." Bakugo cleaned it up and placed a thick bandage around Kirishima's thumb. "There. Now you won't bleed all over my kitchen."

Just as he was closing up the kit, Kirishima leaned forward and kissed him.

TBC