Chapter 6

The words just came out of his mouth without thinking. Kirishima couldn't believe he just asked Bakugo to go out with him. The look on Bakugo's face was one of annoyance and a hint of disbelief. Kirishima realized he had made a complete fool of himself. They have only known each other for a few days, but he was attracted to Bakugo regardless of the short time they knew each other. Embarrassed, Kirishima turned his attention to stuffing his mouth with the apple cider donut.

"Why would you ask that?" Bakugo asked him. "We literally just met a few days ago."

Kirishima almost choked on the apple cider donut, but he managed to swallow it in time.

"I'm…sorry I asked you randomly like that," Kirishima said, wiping some crumbs from the corners of his mouth. "But…I really like you, Bakugo." There was no point in making an excuse or trying to hide it now. "I understand if you don't feel the same way."

Bakugo wasn't sure how to answer yet, so he took a long sip of the cider, slightly burning his lips and tongue. He had just come out of a relationship, and he wasn't really looking for another. He moved out to the country to get away from people, especially his ex. He wasn't expecting to find and meet Kirishima. The redhead was handsome enough, though he was loud and overly friendly. Bakugo used to think those types of people were fakes, but Kirishima, he knows, is genuinely a nice person. But can he see himself being with another man after the breakup? He had to think of something.

"You know I just came out of a relationship," Bakugo reminded him.

"I know. I suppose I asked you too soon."

"Yeah, I guess you did."

Both men fell silent, staring at their cups of hot apple cider.

'That didn't go well,' Deku said to Shoto.

'My master still needs some time,' Shoto said. 'Your master is a kind human, and honestly, I would not mind if they got together.'

Deku was happy to hear that, and he licked Shoto's nose. 'You're right! I'm glad you think the same as me!'

'Please, do not lick me again,' Shoto said with a low growl. It didn't affect Deku, though, because the green dog just happily wagged his tail.

"Hey, Bakugo?"

"What?"

"Um…maybe you can…think about it? About what I asked…"

"...yeah. Sure. Whatever."

"Well, I need to go get ready for the pie eating contest. Are you still coming to watch?"

"I am, only because I've never seen one before and I think it's ridiculous."

Bakugo sat with the dogs, front row center, facing the small stage with a long table stretched along its length. Kirishima was one of five contestants, each sitting at a cream pie. The announcer said a few words and told a joke or two before turning attention back on the contestants. Whoever finished the pie first wins. The announcer counted down from three and shouted 'Go'!

Bakugo smirked in amusement at the five contestants sticking their faces into the pies. They had to have their hands behind their backs, using only their mouths. They all looked ridiculous, and Kirishima's face was covered in cream. If he had the need to be a part of this silly contest, he would easily win. But he has his pride and dignity, and wouldn't lose that to a pie eating contest.

The first person to finish was a plump man, followed by another man of average build and height. Kirishima finished in third, and he didn't get a ribbon like the other two. The contestants wiped their faces clean of the pies. Bakugo stood up as Kirishima came to him.

"You smell like pie," Bakugo said.

Kirishima chuckled. "Yeah, it's a bummer I didn't win, but third isn't too bad." He looked down at the dogs. "Hey, why don't we get some pup cups?" He asked the dogs and knelt in front of them. Deku became excited and licked his face. "I guess that's a yes!"

"A pup cup?" Bakugo repeated. "Is that like ice cream for dogs?"

"Yeah. The creamery owner in town has a kiosk here, and they make the most delicious homemade ice cream you've ever tasted! I'm sure Shoto will love it."

'Pup cup! Pup cup! We're going to have pup cups!' Deku was almost prancing with excitement.

'This better be as good as you say it is,' Shoto snorted at him.

Kirishima bought the pup cups and knelt in front of the dogs, holding out a cup to their snouts. Deku eagerly started licking the ice cream, but Shoto didn't seem quite ready. With some gentle urging from Kirishima, Shoto cautiously licked the creamy white substance. Then he licked again, and again, until he was eating the treat with the same energy as Deku. Shoto actually finished before Deku.

"I wasn't sure he would like it," Bakugo said. "Shoto tends to be a picky eater."

"Deku will eat almost anything," Kirishima said. "Well, shall we walk around more?"

"I think I'm done," Bakugo said. "I've seen enough 'country fun' to last a lifetime."

Kirishima only laughed, and they headed back.

Later that night, Kirishima prepared the candle and the spell. He turned off all the lights in the living room and placed the candle in the center of the coffee table. He had made a fool of himself earlier by asking Bakugo to go out with him. Hopefully, this spell will make Bakugo consider his request again.

He lit the candle and kept his thoughts on Bakugo as he spoke the spell outloud. When he finished the spell, he blew out the candle just like the instructions said. He was to think some more about Bakugo to ensure the spell would work. Afterward, he got up from the floor and went over to the window looking out at Bakugo's house. The lights were still on, and he wondered what Bakugo was doing.

Kirishima let his mind wander, thinking about spending quality time with Bakugo as a pair. The blonde was not an easy conquest, but little by little, Bakugo was coming out of his shell. Thinking back on today, it appeared that Bakugo was considering his question, but then thought better of it. He couldn't blame Bakugo for wanting some time away from romance after a breakup. Kirishima knew he could wait patiently for Bakugo to give him a solid answer. And hopefully, this little candle will do the trick.

He looked out the window again and saw Bakugo's lights were off. The man must have gone to bed. He thought about sleeping beside Bakugo, and wondered if the blonde man was secretly a spooner or a cuddlier. Sometimes people are harsh on the outside, but sweet on the inside. Kirishima figured that, if Bakugo was any of those, he would have to be in charge. Bakugo would have to be the big spoon, or initiate the cuddling. Kirishima wouldn't mind Bakugo being in control.

"Well, let's see what happens," He said to Deku. "Ready to go to bed?" Deku wagged his tail.

Bakugo rolled over in his bed and felt the spot beside him in his sleep. The empty space slowly roused him from sleep. He must have been dreaming of someone sleeping beside him. He turned over to look at the clock, which read 3:30. Bakugo grumbled and got up, first to relieve himself, then to go downstairs for a glass of milk.

He poured himself a glass and went to stand outside on his back porch. He looked out at the darkness of the country around him, listening to the many nighttime sounds. The sky was littered with stars, which one couldn't really see in the city. But out here, there were thousands.

Bakugo heard rustling nearby and he moved towards the sound, figuring it was some kind of nocturnal animal. Expecting to see a possum or a raccoon, he instead saw Kirishima's round barn cat. She must be out hunting. She noticed him and gave a little meow and flicked her tail.

"Shouldn't you be back in the barn taking care of rodents?" Bakugo said to her.

'The barn is perfectly free of mice and rats right now,' She said and jumped onto the porch, doing a figure eight around his legs.

"I guess you hunting around here is a good idea. I don't want rodents in my house." He finished the glass of milk and went back inside, but the cat followed him. She slipped inside without him noticing at first. "What the- out!" He opened the door for the cat. "Out!" The cat only licked her front paw. "Why you little-" he picked her up by the scruff of the neck and placed her back outside, slamming the door. "I already have one furball, I don't need another!"

Shoto came down the stairs after hearing the commotion and looked at his master with a tilt of his head.

"Oh sure, now you show up," Bakugo said to the dog. "There was a cat in here,"

'Yes, the barn cat from next door,' Shoto said.

"I'm going back to bed. You coming mutt?"

'Right behind you.'

The next morning, Bakugo was having his coffee on the porch when he saw Kirishima out riding the horse. He had never been on a horse since a pony ride when he was a kid, and that one time he rode with Kirishima. He figured Kirishima would give him riding lessons if he asked for them. He decided he would ask to ride the horse; how hard could it be?

He smirked when Kirishima came riding over to him.

"Morning, Bakugo!"

"Think you can teach me how to properly ride a horse?" Bakugo flat out asked him.

"Huh? Oh, you want to learn to ride? Sure! I can teach you!" Kirishima slid off of Iida. "I'm not a great rider, but I know the basics." he smiled and beckoned Bakugo over to him.

'I promise to go slow,' Iida said as he watched Bakugo approach him.

Bakugo didn't wait for any instructions as he pulled himself up onto the saddle…and slipped off the other side. He landed on the cold ground with a thud and a curse. Kirishima helped him up and also helped him into the saddle. Kirishima told him how to hold the reins and what to do. To Bakugo, it didn't seem too complicated to operate the large animal.

Iida sighed. 'I suppose I'll humor him,' before he was given instruction, Iida started walking.

"Ha! That was easy!" Bakugo said. "How do I make him go faster?"

"Maybe stay just walking for now until you get used to being in a saddle," Kirishima offered, but Bakugo ignored him and did his own thing.

Iida rolled his eyes and took off into a slight trot. 'I'm doing this for my master,' he reminded himself. But Bakugo kept kicking him in an attempt to make him move faster. Iida came to a stop and snorted in aggravation.

"Why'd it stop?"

"Iida is a very high strung horse," Kirishima said. "And you're not really doing it right."

Bakugo grumbled under his breath and gave in, asking what he should do next. With Kirishima's instructions and Iida's patience, Bakugo was riding on his own. He was a fast learner, after all.

"You're doing great Bakugo! How's it feel?"

"Maybe I'll get my own horse!" Bakugo replied and kicked Iida into a run. He wanted to go faster.

"Bakugo! Wait! Slow down-" Kirishima sighed heavily and ran a hand through his red hair. "There's no point in chasing them…at least Iida is a good horse."

Deku wagged his tail when he saw Bakugo riding Iida. 'Look you guys!' He said to Ochaco and Tokoyami. 'This will get the masters closer together, I'm sure of it!'

'Are we certain these two are meant for each other?' Tokoyami asked. 'Our master is smitten, but will Bakugo feel the same?'

'I don't want to see the master get hurt by Bakugo,' Ochaco said.

'I've seen them more often than you have,' Deku reminded them. 'I'm going to see them get together! Our master will finally be happy to have another human to talk to!'

'Good morning,' Shoto said, coming over to join them. He sat next to Deku and watched his master riding Iida.

'Hi, Shoto!' Deku gently nudged the other dog with his nose in greeting. 'Doesn't it seem like our masters are having fun together?'

'Your master is very warm and kind,' Shoto said. 'It is what my master needs, in my opinion. He was hurt by his last breakup, and I know he worries about getting hurt again. But your master…there's something special about him that I don't think my master has realized yet.'

'Oh, that's easy,' Said Ochaco. 'They make a great pair!'

'Opposites attract,' Tokoyami chimed in.

'Hey, Shoto, I have an idea!' Deku said, wagging his tail. 'Let's walk side-by-side to get our masters thinking about getting together!'

Shoto looked at his front paws. 'I'm not so sure that will work…but I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try,'

'I think it's a great idea!' Said Ochaco.

'It looks like Bakugo is riding back,' Said Deku. 'Let's go now, Shoto!'

Kirishima took the reins when Bakugo finally came back, holding Iida in place. He noticed how proud Bakugo was to have been so skillful on his first real try. But on the other hand, Iida is a very good horse and likely wouldn't have let anything happen to Bakugo like before.

"So, how do you feel?"

"My thighs hurt from straddling," Bakugo said as he slid off the saddle.

Kirishima flushed slightly at the choice of wording. "Well, your body gets used to it after you do it for a longer period of time,"

Bakugo gave Iida a pat on the neck. "I'm seriously thinking about getting my own horse after that ride,"

"That's cool and all, but you don't have a barn," Kirishima pointed out. "You'd need to build one before you could actually get a horse."

"I'll just stick him in your barn," Bakugo said.

"Hey! You can't just use my barn as your own!"

Bakugo smirked. "You wouldn't say no if I brought a horse home right now,"

"Well, I-"

"Because you like animals,"

Kirishima turned away for a moment, then had an idea. He turned to Bakugo with a grin and said, "Alright, if you want to board a horse in my barn, then you first need to go out on a date with me!"

Bakugo's brows flew up in surprise, then he scowled. "That's not fair!"

"Come on, Bakugo! Just give me a try,"

"What exactly do you see in me? We haven't known each other for long,"

"I don't know. I just…like you," he flushed. "I think you're handsome and cool and manly…for being a city boy," he couldn't help but add that little bit at the end of his sentence. "I'll come by tonight, say around five, to pick you up for our date. If you want to go on a date with me, then be ready. If not…turn your porch light off, and I'll know your answer. I hope it's the first one."

Bakugo wanted to say 'yes', but he didn't want to give away his answer just yet. He wanted some time to think about it first.

"Fine. I'll think about it, but don't expect too much."

"Fair enough. What the-" Kirishima noticed Deku and Shoto coming towards them, side-by-side. They even sat down at the same time.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Bakugo asked with a little snort.

Kirishima chuckled. "I think they're trying to tell us something!"

"Tell us what- oh." Bakugo realized what Kirishima met and he narrowed his eyes at Shoto, who only flipped his ears back and forth. "I highly doubt that!"

"Animals can sense a lot of stuff, you know."

"Bye!" Bakugo blew him off and called Shoto to come to him as they went inside.

Kirishima looked to Iida, then to Deku, and said, "Well, I may or may not have a date today. Man…I'm going to be nervous all day!"

Bakugo paced in his living room as the time was getting closer to five. A part of him wanted to stay home and turn off the porch light. But a bigger part of him sort of wanted to go on the date with Kirishima. He plopped on the couch, and Shoto came over to rest his head on Bakugo's knee.

"This sucks," He said to the dog. "What do you think, mutt? Ears up for 'yes', ears down for 'no'." 'As if the mutt would even know-' he paused when Shoto's ears went up…and stayed up. "No way…that was just dumb luck!"

Shoto kept his ears up until Bakugo ushered him away.

"ALRIGHT FINE! I'LL GO!" He stomped up the stairs, muttering and mumbling angrily as he tore through his closet to find something to wear. He heard Kirishima's truck start outside, and he looked out the window to see the redhead driving up to the house. "NOT YET! I'M NOT READY!" he didn't know if he wasn't ready for the date, or just what he was going to wear.

TBC