Chapter 7

'Okay, the porch light is on, so that's a good sign!'

Kirishima swallowed hard as he pulled up in front of Bakugo's house. He put the truck in park and waited, all the while trying to remain calm. He was both nervous and excited to see Bakugo and go on this date. He had been anxious all day, and he was ready at least an hour early, so he had to wait around. Then, he wondered if he should pick Bakugo up at his door. No, on second thought, Bakugo likely would hate that. Chivalry would be lost on someone like Bakugo. So, he decided to wait for Bakugo instead.

Bakugo looked out his window to see Kirishima waiting for him. There's no reason he should be this nervous about going on a date. Granted, he hadn't had a date in a very long time (not counting his ex). He looked down at his outfit, debating on whether or not to quickly change. He had on a white button down shirt, black slacks, and a jean jacket. Casual but not too casual. He didn't know where they were going, so he went with an outfit that was in between casual and fancy. But he did have a choice to make right now. Would he go out this door and try his hand at a date (and possibly another relationship) or should he turn off the porch light and forget the whole thing? He thought for a long moment, took a deep breath and made his choice. He looked at Shoto, who was watching him from the dog bed.

"This had better not be a bad idea, or I'm blaming you." he said to the dog and finally opened the door.

Kirishima was thrilled to see Bakugo come out of the house and his heart rate immediately skyrocketed. The love candle must have worked! Bakugo had decided to go on a date with him! This was really happening! But he had to keep himself together and play it cool. He didn't want Bakugo to see how nervous he was about the date.

Bakugo got into the truck and closed the door and put on his seatbelt. He didn't say anything to Kirishima, and Kirishima didn't say anything either. They both sat in the truck in silence, probably waiting for the other to speak. After a few moments of awkward silence, Kirishima broke the ice.

"So, um, you look nice,"

"Yeah." That was Bakugo's response.

"So, um, the place we're going to is in town. It's casual dining."

"Then I'm dressed for it," Bakugo said.

"Yeah, I should have told you where we were going, so you would know how to dress."

Bakugo glanced over at Kirishima to see that the redhead chose a red button down shirt much like his own with a black jacket. Bakugo had to admit to himself that the red worked well on Kirishima because of his hair and eyes. The black accented the red very well. Kirishima seemed to have put a lot of thought into his outfit.

"Oh, before we go, is Shoto okay alone?"

"What do you mean?"

"If he gets lonely, you can bring him over to my place to keep company with Deku?"

Bakugo looked at the house, then back at Kirishima. "He's fine. He's a dog that likes to be alone. He doesn't need canine companionship."

Kirishima put the car in drive. "Well, the offer stands," he said. "Let's go eat! I'm starving!"

They didn't talk much during the drive because both were anxious in their own way. Kirishima was worried about messing the whole thing up, while Bakugo was debating whether or not to accept Kirishima's courtship. Kirishima made some small talk; talking about the weather and how chilly it was getting as well as some things he did around the farm. Bakugo kept his replies and answers short, still looking out the window as they drove.

They arrived at the restaurant and went inside. Bakugo wasn't surprised to see that the place looked like a log cabin with campy materials and designs. There was a fire in the fireplace and various baskets and other items hung from the ceiling rafters. It gave him a sort of cozy feeling, though he started to notice people looking at them. Bakugo frowned, wondering if they had walked into a country bumpkin place that disapproved of gay men. But the people went back to their dinners, and the hostess sat them at a small table by the fire.

"So, what do you think of the place?" Kirishima asked.

"I feel like Davy Crockett should come in that door at any moment," Bakugo replied, looking at the menu. It definitely wasn't a city place, for the food was fairly simple and plain. "Do they have a wine menu?"

"Yeah, right here," Kirishima handed him the tall, narrow menu from the holder. "I could go for a nice merlot. I prefer red wine in the cold seasons. How about you?"

Bakugo closed the wine menu, settling on a merlot, the same as Kirishima. "I like red all year round," Bakugo said. "White wine is often too sweet for my tastes."

"I like whites," Kirishima said "But I can see what you're saying."

They ordered their wine and again sat in awkward silence until their glasses were brought to them.

"So…um…how do you like the country life?" Kirishima asked.

"I don't hate it," Bakugo replied. "But it is way different than the city."

"Are you still thinking about getting a horse?"

"I feel like I need one if I'm going to live here," Bakugo said.

"We can go for rides together!" Kirishima said. "That would be awesome,"

Bakugo was silent for a moment, then he asked, "Don't you think it's weird that we're neighbors and are on a date together?"

Kirishima raised a red brow. "What's wrong with that?"

Bakugo took a sip of wine. "It feels weird,"

"I don't think it's weird at all!" Kirishima said. "I like being neighbors, and I also like you," he blushed softly and glanced away from Bakugo.

"Are we only having this date because there is no one else for you around?" Bakugo asked. "Am I an easy date for you because I'm right next door?"

"No! Not at all!" Kirishima nervously sipped his wine. He cleared his throat softly, then felt his face heat with a dark blush. He might as well tell Bakugo how he really feels. "When I first met you, I was attracted to you, then got to know you better. I'm not doing this because I think it's just easier, I'm doing it because I really like you."

"You've only known me for a few days," Bakugo pointed out.

"That's why we're having this date," Kirishima said with a sheepish grin. "So, we can get to know each other better. I don't expect you to suddenly go out with me- I know we have to get to know one another better, and that goes for you, too. Not just me,"

"Oh, I think I know enough about you already," Bakugo said. "You're not exactly a mystery,"

"But you are," Kirishima sipped his wine again. "Tell me more about yourself, what kind of things you like or don't like,"

Bakugo didn't have much to say about himself, but Kirishima babbled on about himself. He was fine with letting Kirishima do most of the talking as they waited on their dinners. Kirishima was a talker, but Bakugo didn't really mind it at all. The redhead was doing all the talking for both of them.

"Hey, Bakugo, can I ask you a serious question?"

"Go ahead."

"Are you hesitant about dating because you had a bad breakup?"

Bakugo raised his eyes to Kirishima, narrowing his gaze. "I don't want to talk about it."

"I just thought you could tell me, so I know what not to do," he grinned nervously. "I mean, I want to be accepted by you. And from what I know about you, that last guy lost someone great,"

Bakugo felt his heart skip a few beats, and it was his turn to blush. "How can you say that? You barely know me! Love at first sight doesn't exist, you know,"

Kirishima nodded. "I know. But I want to make 'us' happen." He took a deep breath. "I don't care, I'm just going to ask. Bakugo, will you go out with me?"

Bakugo just stared at him. He knew this was coming, and he didn't know how to respond. He had sworn off relationships after he was dumped. However, when he kissed Kirishima in the gym in front of his ex, it made his ex annoyed and jealous. To be going out with another man would make him twice as jealous, and then he can gloat. So, should he go out with Kirishima? The man was staring hopefully at him with what could only be described as puppy-dog eyes. Kirishima was more like a loyal dog than a man. Bakugo took another sip of wine and made his decision.

"Fine. We'll go out."

"Yes!"

"But no lovey-dovey stuff. Like, don't buy me chocolates or teddy bears. I'll have to punch your lights out."

Kirishima just laughed. He was thrilled to be dating Bakugo, and the man had accepted his offer!

They finished their dinner and paid the bill, exiting side-by-side. Kirishima said they should go for a walk through the town. He wanted to hold Bakugo's hand, but he wasn't sure if the blonde would let him yet. He got the feeling that Bakugo wasn't a hand-holder. They stopped at the coffee shop to get some hot beverages. Bakugo ordered plain coffee, and Kirishima ordered a pumpkin spice latte. Bakugo had playfully scolded him, calling Kirishima a 'nerd' for getting something so obviously fall. Pumpkin spice screams autumn.

As they walked back to the truck, Kirishima asked Bakugo if he wanted to come over and watch a movie, or go home. Bakugo said he would decide in the car. Kirishima had butterflies in his stomach the whole way back, and the two didn't say anything. It was an awkward silence.

When Kirishima pulled up to Bakugo's house, he hoped Bakugo had made his decision.

"Um, so, you want to come over and watch a movie? You can bring Shoto."

"...fine. Just give me a few minutes."

Kirishima almost squealed in delight, but he kept as calm as he could. He waited anxiously for Bakugo to return. When he does, he has Shoto by his side.

"I'm going to pop us some popcorn and make hot chocolate!" Kirishima said when Bakugo and Shoto entered the truck.

"I don't think those two go together," Bakugo said. "And you should lay off the sugar."

Kirishima laughed. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Just popcorn then. Hi Shoto!" He reached into the back of his truck to pat Shoto's head. Though the dog was sitting down, Shoto's tail wagged, slowly.

When they got to Kirishima's house, Deku was excited to see Shoto and ran to him with full butt and tail wagging. Kirishima told Bakugo to take a seat on the living room couch while he got a fire started.

'Isn't this great, Shoto? Our masters are getting along!'

'I suppose it is good,' Shoto said. 'I do think my master is warming up to yours, though my master can be very stubborn at times.'

'Let's go lay by the fire. It's chilly tonight!'

'Indeed.'

The dogs both curled up by the fire on the braided rug, with Deku pressing up against Shoto. Kirishima offered Bakugo another glass of wine while they were waiting for the popcorn to pop. Bakugo accepted the offer of wine and Kirishima got himself a beer. They settled on an action movie to watch. As the movie played, Kirishima ate most of the popcorn while Bakugo had only a few handfuls.

After the movie, Kirishima turned off the tv, and both men sat in awkward silence again. It was only for a moment, though, because Kirishima decided that he would make the first move. He started with taking Bakugo's hand and holding it in his, hoping the other wouldn't pull away. Bakugo held his hand too! Kirishima grinned happily at Bakugo who only scowled and looked away from him. But Kirishima could see the light pink flush decorating Bakugo's hard features.

Kirishima wanted to try something, and it was something he has always wanted to do with a partner. He takes the blanket from the couch and lays it on their laps. Kirishima blushed when he asked to snuggle under the blanket. Bakugo at least looked relax, and surprisingly, he agreed.

They shifted their positions so Bakugo was laying against Kirishima, between his legs, with Kirishima's back against the couch's arm rest.

Bakugo couldn't believe he was doing this, but he liked the feel of Kirishima holding him. He never did this with his ex. It felt nice. It was a romantic scene, with the fireplace burning and the warm blanket. He felt sleepy he was so relaxed. This wasn't like him. Kirishima is making him feel things he didn't know he felt. However, his relationship with Kirishima was turning out to be a better one than his last. Kirishima is the exact opposite of his ex, which was a good thing. Bakugo yawned then and closed his eyes, leaning his head against Kirishima's chest and closing his eyes.

'Is he sleeping?' Kirishima wondered, not wanting to move too much in case he was sleeping. He cocked his head a bit to look at Bakugo's face and saw his eyes were closed. Kirishima smiled softly and he decided to let Bakugo sleep. He was tired too. He wrapped his arms about Bakugo under the blanket and closed his eyes to sleep.

'Don't even think about it,' Shoto said to Deku, who was trying to get closer to him.

'But we're friends,' Deku said.

'Yes, but we're not humans. Let them sleep. They both look very content.'

'Yeah, they do,' Deku yawned, and so did Shoto. 'I'm glad I met you, Shoto.'

'...and I'm glad I met you,' Shoto laid his head down and was about to growl at Deku for curling up next to him but he decided not to.

Bakugo stirred awake, momentarily confused as to where he was and why. He was in Kirishima's house. There was a blanket over him, and a soft snoring Kirishima behind him. What time was it? Bakugo looked at the clock on the wall that read 2 a.m. He rarely is able to sleep in any other position that isn't laying down flat on a bed. And yet he somehow fell asleep in Kirishima's arms.

"Mm…hi," Kirishima said, slowly waking up.

"I should get home," Bakugo said, standing up and feeling the cold air hit his warm body. The fire had died down to embers.

"You could…stay the night?" Kirishima offered with an awkward blush. "I have a queen size bed."

Bakugo shook his head. "No. I want my own bed right now. Shoto, let's go."

"Wait, I'll see you tomorrow, right? Maybe we can ride Iida together."

Bakugo thought about it, then nodded. "Yeah, that's fine."

"I'll walk you to the door,"

"I can do that myself," Bakugo said with a growl. "I'm not a prim and proper lady."

"At least flash your porch light when you get home so I know you made it home safe." Said Kirishima.

"It's not that far," Bakugo said, "And I can handle myself."

"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow then after I'm done my daily chores."

'Bye Shoto! I'll see you tomorrow too!'

'...yes. Farewell for now.'

"Hey, Bakugo?"

"What?" Bakugo just had his hand on the doorknob.

Kirishima didn't wait to ask but he planted a kiss on Bakugo's cheek. Bakugo just stood there, stunned.

"It's a kiss 'good-night'!" Kirishima said with a grin.

"...see you tomorrow." Bakugo said and opened the door, stepping out into the cold night air.

Kirishima let out a little sigh and then pat Deku on the head. "I'm going steady now, boy! Soon we'll be going on more dates and hopefully we can live together!"

Deku yipped happily and spun in a circle before jumping up on Kirishima to lick his face.

Kirishima laughed at Deku's antics and gave the green dog a kiss on top of his furry head. Then, he turned back to the door and stepped outside on the porch. He saw Bakugo hurrying to the house. It was cold out! Kirishima had to wrap his arms around his body to keep warm. He saw Bakugo go into the house and a moment later, the porch light flashes off then on. Bakugo was home safe. Yes, he knew it was a short walk, but still, it was late. He would have liked to be a gentleman and walk Bakugo home, but he had the feeling Bakugo wouldn't have gone for that.

"Alright Deku, that's our cue to go to bed," He closed the door and locked it. "I can't wait to see Bakugo tomorrow!"

The next morning, Kirishima texted Bakugo, asking if he wanted to come over and have breakfast. He waited eagerly for a return message, staring at the cell phone as if that would make Bakugo reply faster. His phone eventually dinged with a notification and it was Bakugo, saying that he will be over shortly. Kirishima immediately started gathering the ingredients for a simple, but tasty breakfast: Scrambled eggs with pancakes and sausage links.

Deku came up to him and touched his nose on his master's thigh, silently asking for a piece of the food. Deku had already eaten his dog food, but he was hungry for a bit of human food. Kirishima gave him a small piece of pancake. Just as he was finishing up making breakfast, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in, it's open!" Kirishima called towards the door.

'Shoto's here!' Deku ran to the front door to greet Bakugo and Shoto. Deku touched his nose with Shoto, who only stood there, waiting for his master to enter first.

"Hey, mutt." Bakugo said to Deku, patting him on the head a few times.

"Breakfast is ready!"

Bakugo walked into the kitchen and saw Kirishima standing in front of the stove, making what smelled like burnt pancakes.

"You don't have to make me breakfast, you know." Bakugo told him.

"I know, but I wanted to! Have a seat,"

Bakugo sat down and watched as the food was placed on the plate in front of him. Slightly burned pancakes, semi-burnt toast, dry scrambled eggs, and two overcooked sausage links.

"Go ahead, eat up!" Kirishima sat opposite of Bakugo at the kitchen table with his own plate of food.

Bakugo cut through his slightly burned pancake and took a bite. It wasn't bad, just a little…crispy. If it was anyone other than Kirishima, he would have had to say something. But redhead went through all this for him, and he didn't have to. His ex never did anything like this. He and Kirishima are a couple now. He agreed to it last night. Kirishima was gobbling up his breakfast and went for seconds. Bakugo had eaten most of the food and refused to have seconds, saying he was full. He didn't want to tell Kirishima that most of the food was burnt and not to his liking.

"Hey, since I got all my morning chores done, do you want to go for a ride?"

"...yeah."

"Great! Deku, Shoto, you guys stay here and be good," He booped both their noses. Deku wagged his tail at the boop, and Shoto looked slightly annoyed.

Outside in the barn, Iida was just finishing his breakfast, Ochaco was lounging on the stall wall, and Tokoyami was picking up some spilled pieces of corn.

'I hear the master,' Iida said.

'He must be coming back for something,' Tokoyami said.

'I hear someone else with him,' said Ochaco. 'I think it's Bakugo.' Deku had told them early this morning that their master and Bakugo were now seeing each other.

'Don't forget, they are mates now,' Iida said. 'We will show Bakugo the same respect we show our master! That's an order!'

"Hey there, Iida! Ready to go for a ride?" Kirishima said, grabbing the saddle.

Iida stomped his foot.

"That means 'yes'." Kirishima said to Bakugo.

"He threw me last time. Will he do it again?" Bakugo asked.

"I doubt it. That was just a fluke." He saddled up Iida and walked him outside the barn. He climbed onto the saddle and held his hand out for Bakugo. "Come on up!"

Bakugo usually would have said no, that he can do it himself, but he decided to let Kirishima pull him up. He sat behind the saddle, and he was forced to wrap his arms around Kirishima's waist.

Kirishima clicked Iida into a walk. "It's cold this morning, huh? I think we might get some snowfall early this year!"

"I've always lived in a city," Bakugo said. "We don't normally see snow like in the movies."

"Oh, the snowfall here on the farm is the best! Especially when you have nowhere to go! I like to make hot chocolate and bake cookies on the first snowfall."

Bakugo thought Kirishima was very child-like in mannerisms, but he was an all around decent man. Nothing like his ex. Just then, something darted out from behind the trees. It was a coyote, and it was coming right towards them. Iida panicked and reared when the coyote stopped in front of him and snapped its jaws. Bakugo was thrown off the horse. Kirishima tried to shoo the coyote away, waving his riding crop at the animal. Iida reared again and fought back, using his front hooves to step on the coyote. The coyote yelped in fear and turned tail and ran back into the woods.

"Bakugo! Are you okay?" Kirishima got off of Iida and rushed to Bakugo's side, but Bakugo wasn't moving.

TBC