Archive of Our Own ^beta

“To have everything and do whatever you can to keep it; he knows the feeling all too well. But to have everything and be okay with losing it. He never thought he’d understand that.”   

»»————-　🏆　————-«« 

“Midoriya, pass the ball!” 

Kaminari was running towards the 3-point line, waving his arms towards Midoriya who was currently stalled by two opposing players. Kirishima was about to provide backup, but this team knew exactly how to move. It didn’t help that being the popular team they are, their equally popular plays are all online to view and study. Like hell they were going to lose right before the qualifying match though. Midoriya grit his teeth and tossed the ball to Kaminari.  

The sweat in Kaminari’s dyed hair blocked his field of vision, making it possible for the opposing team to steal the ball. Kaminari groaned and ran after them. Iida pat his back in a way to show encouragement as they switched to playing defense. A player on the opposite team was about to make a shot, when almost out of nowhere, a blonde-haired dynamo jumped and blocked the ball. Bakugou flashed his signature grin and he maneuvered past their opponents and made his way to the other side of the court. 

It was all in this moment now. With ten seconds left on the clock, he was going to make a perfect shot and win the game, like he always does. The court seemed to grow bigger and longer the more he ran. His legs were stalling on him, he felt their weight all the more and the sweat on the court was threatening to trip him. The squeaks of his shoes were the only things reminding him that he was still playing, he’s still in this. He stopped by the 3-point line, getting in position. He could hear the shouts of the crowd and his teammates yelling for him to pass the ball. But he had this. He could do this, he’s number one after all. In the corner of his eye, his coach, Yagi Toshinori, had a pained look on his face. As if Bakugou wasn’t going to make this shot. He could, and they all should know it just as much as he does. 

With three seconds left on the clock, Bakugou jumped a little and shot the ball from the 3-point line.  

And in those three seconds, plenty happened. His coach bit his own tongue in excitement. Midoriya, Iida, and Kirishima, the ones shouting for him to pass the ball cheered. The opposing team fell to the court floor in defeat, the crowd went wild. The cheerleaders on their side jumped for joy. 

And Bakugou? Grinned as usual. He knew he would make it. 

“Bakubro! Holy shit!” 

“Kacchan, that was amazing!” 

“Bakugou! I am impressed with your skill!” 

Bakugou scoffed as he caught the towel thrown to him by Kaminari. “Of course, I was amazing.” Bakugou looked over at Midoriya, “Your passes suck Deku.” 

Midoriya chuckled nervously as they walked towards their coach. “Sorry, sorry.” He was about to continue but got sidetracked by Uraraka, a cheerleader, calling out to him. His cheeks got red, but he would later blame that on his adrenaline rush, as he all but ran over to her. Bakugou rolled his eyes as Kirishima did the same thing with Ashido. 

Kaminari sighed giddily, “If only Jirou was a cheerleader. Then I could kiss her right after I score a shot.” 

Bakugou bristled, “So you’d never kiss her.” 

Kaminari barked out a retort as they stopped in front of their coach. Iida doing his ritual of telling the coach all the things he believes they did well, and all the things he thinks they could work on. Bakugou wasn’t paying attention, he always does spectacularly. And for the past year on the team, he’s always made at least seven shots that meant something, for every game. So, he doesn’t need anyone to tell him how to improve, he’s been great for a year and will continue to be great. Even some seniors on the team couldn’t best him last year. 

Their coach, who they liked to call “All Might” (save for Iida, who liked to be formal about everything and called the man by a formal “-sensei” honorific) because of his own history in the sport, smiled at Iida. He waved Midoriya and Kirishima over for the play-by-play, given by him. It was always something to hear the living legend tell them how to improve. They gathered around him with eager faces. Bakugou’s eager face only being a scowl. 

He placed a hand on Iida’s head, something he liked to do when giving feedback. It was a little silly, considering how tall Iida was, and at a different point in All Might’s life he was taller than the boy, but he’s grown older and a bit decrepit over the years. All Might grinned up at Iida. “Young Iida, your defense has vastly improved. You take charge and the speed you display on the court helps when assisting your teammates. However, keep your focus. You can’t let your legs take precedence. Remember, basketball is about your entire body. You can’t lose the ball while chasing for it.” 

Honestly, it gets harder and harder every day to understand All Might’s words, but they’ve got it down to a science by now. All Might put his hand on Kaminari’s head next. Kaminari positively beamed. “Young Kaminari, your shots this game were spectacular! I couldn’t believe you shot that first one!” Kaminari snickered, “Although you had excellent shots, you need to box out. Rebounding will help you to get even better shots.” 

For some reason, even though Bakugou was next, All Might skipped over him in favor of Midoriya. Bakugou scowled but dropped it once Kaminari elbowed him with an envious smile. Right. He probably skipped him since he got the winning shot. He was the star of the game after all. Bakugou scoffed and crossed his arms, hiding his shit-eating grin at the prospect of getting the praise he so deserved.  

Midoriya looked like he was making mental notes of all the feedback he was receiving and sighed when All Might mentioned his passes weren’t the best, as Bakugou had before. Next, Kirishima. Bakugou grimaced at Ashido’s loud squeal in the background when she saw All Might praising his way of being a good teammate. But Kirishima also needed to focus on when he could also be a good team member for himself. It’s a team sport, and that includes you too. Kirishima was a selfless bastard so it’s not surprising he never noticed that before. Sometimes it made Bakugou want to gag. 

Finally, All Might looked at him. His smile grew to be a bit more forced. Less happy than it was for the others. His blonde mustache curved into his top lip as he scratched his scruffy beard. He placed his hand on Bakugou’s head gently, tightening his hold on his hair a little before sighing. Must be hard to tell Bakugou anything to improve on when he was already so great, he thought.  

All Might cleared his throat. “Young Bakugou... I am at a loss for words, to be frank. You were as great as you usually are, your shots all made their target goal, no rebounds necessary. You remind me of me when I was younger.” Bakugou couldn’t hide his grin. He could see Kaminari mocking All Might and making gagging noises next to him, Iida elbowing him to stop. Midoriya was grinning along with Bakugou, happy that he was happy, which would disgust Bakugou any other day, but he wasn’t focusing on him right now. Kirishima was making eyes at Ashido and only half-listening to Bakugou’s feedback. 

“But...” All Might went on. He looked like he didn’t know what to say. He sighed and cleared his throat again, before patting Bakugou’s head one last time. “You have much to work on, my boy.” At that, Bakugou’s smile dropped. All Might removed his hand from his head and told the team to make their way to the bus outside. It wasn’t a home game so they had to head back to the school, where their rides home would be waiting. Bakugou felt numerous pats on his back as everyone grabbed their things to leave. His left eye twitched. 

I have a lot to work on? Me?  

»»————-　🏀　————-«« 

On the ride to school on the bus. 

In the car ride home with his parents. 

All night, all morning. 

Now here in Aizawa’s class. He couldn’t understand it. What does he have to work on? Bakugou silently tried to recall everything he did in the game, and what he could've done wrong. But nothing came to mind. He was perfect. His shots, his defense, especially his offense was all great. All Might even said he reminded him of him, which is the highest praise he’s gotten yet. So, what is it? What does he have to work on? What, what, what. That’s all he’s been thinking about. 

“Bakugou, fondle your pencil in a different class.” The class snickered from Aizawa’s comment. 

Bakugou growled as he finally snapped his pencil out of frustration. Soon enough the bell rang, signaling the class had ended. Aizawa told them to wait before leaving, that he had something to announce. “As much as it pains me, we’ll be having a new student here by the end of the day. He’s scheduled to arrive by lunch and will be joining you cretins.” 

Ashido jumped up, “Ooh, it’s a boy? What’s he like? Is he cute?” Kirishima guffawed. “Oh relax, if he’s cute, I have to change my cute-boys-of-the-school chart.” Kirishima nodded as if that was normal. 

Aizawa rolled his eyes, “Anyways. He’ll be sitting next to you, Yaoyorozu. Iida, as class rep, make sure to give him the rundown.” Both Yaoyorozu and Iida shouted their “yes sirs” and the class was dismissed. 

Bakugou angrily grabbed his things right when Deku turned around. “Kacchan? Are you alright? I can practically hear your teeth grinding.” 

“Fuck off shitty Deku.” 

“Okay, but do you want to eat lunch with me?” It really annoyed Bakugou how much Deku isn’t as scared of him anymore. If anything, he’s as cheeky as ever. Deku smiled at him, “Are you sure you’re okay? Is it about the game yesterday? Because you did great! I mean, you could've passed more, but – “  

“What? What did you say?” 

“Um? You could've passed more?” 

Bakugou widened his eyes. Passes! He tried to remember if he passed to anyone the previous day. But he didn’t. He made a shot every time the ball was in his hands, even if it seemed rudimentary at times. Bakugou laughed, almost maniacally, Deku looked like he was having flashbacks as Bakugou grabbed his bookbag with force. “Fucking passes, that’s what the old man meant.” It seemed stupid in retrospect. He has a lot to work on? Hell no, it’s just passing. He could master and conquer that easily. Bakugou never felt the need to pass before, because he can always make the shot. Always. 

Bakugou grabbed Deku’s wrist, “We’re going to the gym Deku.” 

Deku squawked and called out to Uraraka to tell her they were headed to the gym.  

»»————-　🏆　————-«« 

As they walked towards the gym, they could hear the distant sound of a ball dribbling and the sound of a ball going in the basket. They both assumed it was All Might. They’d caught him here on multiple occasions, tossing the basketball and making it as if he was still in his heyday. When asked, he’d always say he was reliving the glory days. It was sad, what happened, but they never talk about it. It was almost like an unspoken rule. They rounded the corner and saw a pair of clean shoes on the ground outside of the court. They both looked at each other before jogging into the gym. They didn’t see their coach but saw a whole new figure. A new face.  

He was freelancing all across the court and making shots Bakugou has never seen before. A layup, a 3-pointer, a 2-pointer, and bounding across the court again. He wasn’t wearing his shoes, only socks and it made it seem like he was gliding across the court with ease. His sleeves were rolled up and his school blazer was thrown somewhere on the bleachers. He made one last shot before sighing. He seemed to finally notice there were others around before he turned and saw them. He made a small “oh” sound before Midoriya rushed over to him.  

“Wow! Those were some shots; I can’t believe it! You must have scored four times in like five seconds, or not, I don’t know, but that was terrific! Do you play basketball? Well of course you do! Or, at least, you should! I’m Midoriya Izuku by the way. I’m still in awe, my eyes are like bwaaah. Haha, seriously! Playing without your shoes seems weird in hindsight, but doing that really made you glide. Do you normally do that or...” Midoriya finally seemed to notice he was rambling before chuckling nervously. He scratched the back of his head. 

“Sorry, hehe, I get carried away a lot. Um. What’s your name again? I don’t think I’ve seen you around the school before.” 

“That’s because he’s new.” Bakugou acclaimed before stalking right next to Midoriya, “You can tell by the new uniform, shitty Deku.” Deku pouted. “Right?” Bakugou grunted towards him. The other boy nodded slowly, still kind of blindsided by Midoriya. 

“Aah, by chance, are you the new kid Aizawa was talking about? So nice to meet you! Again, I’m Midoriya Izuku! And this is Bakugou Katsuki! We’re both on the basketball team, so watching you was super cool!” 

“Don't speak for me, Deku.” Bakugou snuffed and looked at this new person up and down. He looked weird, to say the least. His hair looked like some half-done dye job and Bakugou has no idea what kind of person dyes perfectly fine red hair to white on one side. His eyes were weird enough to match. One dull and gray, the other a fine teal. Or light blue, or whatever is on the color wheel that resembles what he sees before him. His skin was pretty pale and Bakugou thought Sero was whiter than white. Sero was pale but no, this guy took the cake. The scar he had on his left eye... really contrasted his skin. He was begrudgingly taller than Bakugou by a few inches. And maybe if Bakugou wasn’t constantly slouching then he wouldn’t seem that much taller by comparison. But he’s got an image to uphold, damnit. 

Deku snorted. He pointed at Bakugou with his thumb and held up a hand to whisper over to the new guy, it wasn’t subtle at all, because he could still hear him. “Don’t worry, he means well. We all can appreciate a good player.” 

“What was that, Deku?” Deku leaped. 

“Haha, nothing! Anywho, what’s your name stranger?” 

It seemed like Midoriya was a whirlwind because said stranger blinked once then twice before he looked at the two of them and back at Midoriya. “Todoroki Shouto. A pleasure.” 

Deku widened his eyes, “Oh! Pleasure’s all mine!” Great, a fucking charmer here. Bakugou can’t stand fuckers like him. Todoroki bowed politely before looking at Bakugou to do the same with him. 

“Fuck off with that,” Bakugou spoke before he could bow. Todoroki only hummed, not really seeming to care either way. He went back to looking at Midoriya like he already decided that Midoriya was the better one to associate with. It only pissed Bakugou off more. Midoriya chuckled nervously and apologized on behalf of him, which wasn’t necessary because he wasn’t sorry. 

“You said you were on the basketball team?” 

Midoriya perked, “Yes! Would you like to join?” 

Todoroki looked past Midoriya this time, rather than right at him. “I have to make sure I don’t have conflicting schedules first. Where’s your coach?” 

Midoriya looked gleeful, “You have prior obligations?” 

Todoroki nodded. “I’m planning on joining tennis and baseball too.” Bakugou scoffed, only losers play those sports over basketball. If Todoroki noticed his scoff, he didn’t mention it. 

Midoriya rocked back and forth on his feet, “Wow, you're really something Todoroki-san!” 

Todoroki’s brows furrowed a bit, “Just Todoroki is fine. Your coach?” 

Midoriya nodded, “He’s usually here by now! But hey, if you swing by after school you can catch the whole team at practice!” Todoroki looked like he was making a mental note. 

“Time?” 

“Immediately after school, here! Don’t worry, I have friends on the tennis and baseball teams so I know those schedules don’t conflict. What luck, huh?” 

Todoroki walked over to the bleachers and grabbed his blazer, swinging it over his shoulder. “If you don’t mind,” Todoroki looked over at Midoriya, “Could you let me know where certain clubs are?” 

Midoriya only smiled, “Of course! What're you looking for?” 

“Chess, Art, Photography, and Archery.” 

This time, even Bakugou widened his eyes. “Holy crap!” Midoriya exclaimed, “You're a real superstar, huh?” Bakugou looked down at Midoriya. Superstar? Hell no. That’s his moniker only. So, what, the bastard plays a bunch of sports and is in a bunch of clubs. While this guy wants to be the jack of all trades, Bakugou prefers to be the master of one. Which is basketball, the best sport and the sport he will always excel at. He will always be good at it. “Well, Photography got combined with the Art club two years ago, and Archery is in a different building. I’m not sure we’ll make it before lunch is over... but Chess is pretty close by here! Just follow me.” 

Midoriya looked over at Bakugou and clasped his hands together before bowing, “Sorry Bakugou! Let’s play another time, okay? See you in class!”  

Bakugou watched the two leave the gym. The bad hair dye bastard slipped his shoes on and put his blazer on properly. Midoriya was giddily telling him about their game the previous night and some cool plays he wanted to try out with the practical stranger. Bakugou scowled. His shots were okay. But it’s not like Bakugou can’t do the same damn thing. Bakugou looked at his shoes before kicking them off, deciding to play without them today. 

»»————-　🏀　————-«« 

He landed on his ass a good five times before he just decided to wear his fucking shoes. Bakugou groaned as he made his way to practice. Fashionably late as always. Only ten minutes. Had to make the extras wait, but not for too long. He reveled in being the last one to show up. The star of the show should always arrive last. Bakugou grunted. 

The new kid. He’s fucking annoying, to say the least. Every girl in class was fawning over him (including fucking Kaminari which was weird enough as it is) and the teachers seemed to love him. Aizawa was actually impressed with his track record in school, which was a hard feat to pull off. An impressed Aizawa? Now he’s seen it all.  

The school found out about his clubs and sports pretty quickly and Bakugou has been hearing word on it all day. Apparently, he beat even Tokoyami in chess and Bakugou has seen Tokoyami play. He’s good. His tennis skills had Yamada-Sensei screeching all throughout the last period, and Kirishima said it was fun to pitch to him when he showed up for baseball. Ojiro also praised his skills in archery. It was weird as hell to hear someone like Jirou say his photo gallery and drawing was cool, considering she never compliments anyone. Including her sort-of-here-and-there boyfriend Kaminari. Ashido put him at the top of her cute boy chart or whatever after seeing him for all of two seconds and Bakugou was over it honestly. 

A new boy comes into town and suddenly we all have to stop what we’re doing to gawk over him. 

Whatever. Bakugou never cared about extras before and he’s not going to start now. He rounded the familiar corner and walked into the gym. The sounds and smells giving him peace for the first time today. “Bakubro!” He turned his head to see Kirishima. 

“Hey man, you should've come in earlier, we could've played together! I’m off to baseball, I gotta help coach with something, but have fun without me!” Kirishima pat his shoulder and made his way out of the gym. Bakugou could see Midoriya and Kaminari practicing passing the ball to one another, Kaminari making a shot after Midoriya passed it. Clearly focusing on what the coach had told them. Iida was doing suicides, something he did for fucking fun. The weird bastard. Sero, Sato, and Shoji (the three S’s Kirishima liked to call them) were practicing on the other side of the court. They sat out on last night’s game. Sero was on academic probation, Sato had a baking contest (but Sato was fickle in basketball anyway), and Shoji just got over an injury.  

All Might was sitting in the bleachers, doing that thing where he pretended to be all buff while barking at them what to do. Bakugou trudged over to the locker room to begin changing. Upon opening the door, he saw someone removing their shirt and tossing it in their locker. They turned around when they heard the door shut. Bakugou was greeted by those mismatched eyes and scowled. He showed up late every day because he was the star, and he hated getting undressed around a bunch of extras. The half and half bastard looked him up and down and it made Bakugou’s lower back twitch for some reason. 

“Bakugou, right? Hello.” Todoroki turned back around and put on his jersey. He slipped on his shoes and sat on the bench to tie them. Bakugou snuffed. He had to assert his damn dominance. He was still the star of the show, even though everyone and their mother was talking about this guy and his looks and his skills and his grades instead of talking about Bakugou and his game-winning shot last night. He wasn’t going to have his perfect star life be ruined by some newbie who only knows how to play basketball with his shoes off (which is so stupid by the way, and no Bakugou isn't only saying that because he can't manage to not slip) and blazer tossed. Bakugou is the best. Always has been. 

Todoroki stood up and made his way to leave the locker room. Bakugou grabbed his shoulder before he could and pushed him against the lockers. “Listen here, half and half, I know you're new, but I don’t give a damn. This is my turf, my school, my court, and my team. That’s something you're gonna have to get if you wanna survive here.”  

The other boy blinked, “Half and half?” Bakugou guffawed. He just fucking – basically threatened his life and that’s what he focuses on!? 

“Fucking pay attention to the right thing!” Bakugou shoved him, “I’m the star of the team, got it?” 

Todoroki huffed before he removed Bakugou’s hand from his shoulder gently. “I always used to think there was no I in team.” 

“Do you think I fucking care about what you think?” 

Todoroki mulled it over. “No. Not really.” 

“Then fucking pay attention to what I’m saying, asshole.” 

“You're exactly how Midoriya described you.” Bakugou furrowed his brows. He’ll kill the shitty nerd. 

“The fuck did you say?” 

“With you so close to me, I’m sure you heard me right.” Bakugou was about to retort until he realized he was really close to him. He backed away with an angry blush on his cheeks. Todoroki used it as an opportunity to leave. Bakugou growled. 

“Fucking – get back here you bastard!” 

 »»————-　🏆　————-«« 

After doing suicides for being late, which he didn’t mind because suicides were easy, All Might had the team run around the school ten times (five more than usual because of Bakugou. All Might said “it’s a team sport so the team will be punished together” he was pointedly looking at Bakugou when he said that) with the track team, to which Iida excelled. Then they had a match. Bakugou, Midoriya, and Sero on one team. Sato, Shoji, and Iida on another. Todoroki was instructed to watch from the bleachers since he was fairly new. They played until 15, and Bakugou’s team won. 15-7. Practice was almost over, at least, All Might said he had a date so he was cutting it short. (They were all very happy for him.) 

They gathered around him as he spoke, “Okay men!”  

“Oh, he’s doing that thing again...” 

“This is really sad.” 

“J-Just pretend I’m buff alright!?” He cleared his throat. “As you know, we’ve got a new team member with us! Young Todoroki?” Todoroki stood from the bleachers and bowed towards them. Bakugou suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. “Young Todoroki, I know you’re new, but your coach from your previous school had only great things to say about you! So, I’d like to see you play.” He looked back towards the team (the real team, Bakugou silently admonished). “Hmm. Any of you want to go one on one with Todoroki?” 

Midoriya volunteered, as did Iida, but All Might seemed to already make his mind up on who he wanted to play against him. “Young Bakugou. How about you?” 

“I don’t play against extras.” 

All Might hid his grimace with a smile. “Think of it as regular practice youngster!” 

Bakugou groaned, which was basically a yes, and Todoroki began to stretch before they made their way onto the court. 

Thus, their match began. 

»»————-　🏀　————-«« 

They were playing until six, and Bakugou was annoyed to say the least. With his shoes on, he was just as good if not better. He could so easily steal the ball, and he dribbled while gliding across the floor like it was ice. He shot the ball with one hand regularly and it pissed him off to no end. The game was nearing its finish and Bakugou doesn’t even know how many times he scored. 

Todoroki stopped near the sideline and dribbled towards the goal, making a layup as swiftly as possible and just like that All Might shouted that the match was over. The team ran over to Todoroki, all excited and cheering at him like he just won them a real game. All Might was patting his head furiously with a grin that didn’t look fake. Todoroki looked out of his element but accepted the praise nonetheless. 

Bakugou turned his head towards the bleachers, ignoring his sweat-soaked hair slapping him in the face in the process so he could find the score that was being written down by Sato. Bakugou’s eyes widened, and his heart stopped dead in its tracks. The score was horrendous, deplorable at best. He couldn’t believe his eyes. 

6-0.  

»»————-　🏆　————-«« 

Bang!  

“Katsuki!” 

Bang!  

“Katsuki!” 

Bang!  

“Katsuki! If I hear you punch the wall one more time, you're going to sleep outside!” 

Bakugou growled, “Fuck off, old hag!” He dropped himself on his bed and punched the air instead. He could hear his father calming his mother down and stopping her from climbing up the stairs and bursting into his room. Like he cares, he doesn’t. All he could think about was his fucking defeat against some stranger. How? How could he lose? He hadn't even scored any points either. Not even one. The guy beat him so easily and he doesn’t know how. Bakugou growled, about to force himself to sleep when he heard his phone ding. He grabbed it off his nightstand as violently as he does everything and opened the new message. 

Group Chat: the basketbROS  

shitty hair: hey !! Guys, kaminari just had the best idea  

pikachu: yaaass give me my credit  

tape face: ew , never saw yas again kaminari  

pikachu: jirou said it was cute (▰˘◡˘▰)     

shitty deku: LOL, who taught you how to use thoe emotes???  

pikachu: ashido!  

tape face: so it’s her fault. She's unleashed a blight upon this world  

pikachu: you’ve been reading medieval shit again havent u?  

four eyes: EVERYONE. KIRISHIMI HAS AN ANNOUNCEMENT.  

tape face: dude... your capslock is on again... ●﹏●  

shitty deku: LOL u too??  

tape face: (¬‿¬) 

explodo-boy: fucking get on with it. And WHO THE FUCK CHANGED MY NAME?  

pikachu: we ALL literally have names u gave us bro  

shitty hair: OKAY SO. Theres a basketball court next to the old tennis arena out by kamino so we should play there on the weekends instead of sneaking into the school (sorry iida)  

shitty deku: that’s a great idea!! We should invite todoroki too!! Like as a welcom to the team party!!!  

pikachu: oh lmao I got his number btw, lemme invite him  

pikachu added the contact “new guy” to the basketBROS Group Chat  

new guy: oh. Hello.  

shitty deku: hi todoroki !!  

four eyes: WELCOME!!!  

tape face: capslock is still on and yoooo todoroki  

explodo-boy has left the basketBROS Group Chat  

»»————-　🏀　————-«« 

It’s not like Bakugou cares about how much popularity that half and half bastard has gotten after being here for not even a full day. He couldn’t care less. That type of stuff has never mattered to him before and it’s not going to start to matter to him now. He’s always been great at the things that mattered. Basketball is the one thing that no one could defeat him in. Then this half and half guy shows up and glides across the court, beats him indisputably, and everyone fawns over him. Big deal. He won a one on one. It’s not like he’s better than Bakugou. He isn't and never will be.  

Bakugou is the best in all his classes and in this sport. Always has been, always will be. Bakugou wrapped his fingers around the basketball in his hands angrily and threw it. He relished in the swish noise it made as it went through the goal and grit his teeth. Walking over to the bleachers, sitting down. He balled his fists on his knees. He just needed to keep reminding himself that he was the best, and everything else would follow suit. He could hear the distant chatter of everyone walking towards the gym. He thinks the girls were also here to practice their newest cheer for them. He never really cared about the cheerleaders. The first ones to round the corner were Midoriya and Uraraka. Midoriya was clearly shocked to see Bakugou there and dressed out already. 

“Kacchan! What a surprise!” 

“Oh, hey Bakugou!”  

The couple was annoying to deal with at the same time. Bakugou stood. He glanced around and furrowed his brows when he finally saw him. He was talking to Yaoyorozu. She hadn't been with the cheerleaders ever since Mineta looked up her skirt. She quit the team and he’s been suspended since. Which everyone heaved a sigh of relief for. Mineta was the bane of the school’s existence. But she was doing just fine on the girl's tennis team, which would explain her friendship with Todoroki. There were a few other extras there. Ones Bakugou didn’t even see once he noticed him. He walked over to him with a purpose, ignoring everyone's confused stares. 

“You. Play me one-on-one. Right now.” The court grew silent. Yaoyorozu backed away from the two of them, a little perturbed. Bakugou could hear Iida shouting about waiting for All Might, but he didn’t care.  

Todoroki’s eyes glossed over with something Bakugou knew all too well. Competitiveness. Determination. “Sure.” 

Kaminari gulped, “Hey, hey, we should probably wait for All Might to get here.” 

Ashido wrapped an arm around Kirishima’s shoulders, “Nonsense! He’s not here yet, so what's the harm?” 

Kirishima chuckled, “The harm is that he isn't here yet.” 

Ashido hummed, “Let’s put a little wager on this, shall we?” 

Iida guffawed, “Bets are not permitted on school – “ 

She waved him off, “Think about it,” she removed Kirishima from her hold and walked up to Todoroki and Bakugou, “Todoroki, the cool new guy with all the skills in the world! Versus Bakugou, our resident explodo-boy and the self-proclaimed star of the show! Sounds good, no?” 

Bakugou scoffed, “Do whatever you want, you extras. Go change halfie. Meet me on the court in five.” Todoroki walked off just as everyone started placing their bets. 

»»————-　🏆　————-«« 

It was the same as the match they had two nights before. The familiar faces in the crowd. The shouting and the cheers. They were tied because Bakugou is awesome like that. Like hell, he’s going to let one loss define everything he’s worked hard to build. He’s better than Todoroki and it’s time everyone else notices that too.  

Bakugou was so close to scoring the winning shot when – “Young Bakugou! Young Todoroki!” Everyone in the court stopped cheering and stopped shouting when All Might appeared, not looking too happy. “Girls, go practice your cheers. Boys, suicides. Now. Young Todoroki, Young Bakugou. My office. Everyone who isn't a cheerleader or a player on the team leave right this minute.” 

The girls scurried off. The guys began their suicides with a fuss and everyone who wasn’t on the team ran past All Might and shot their apologies and goodbyes towards everyone. Bakugou threw the basketball down and followed All Might to the office. 

It was weird, being called into this office with someone else. Bakugou used to get called into here by All Might all the time the previous year. But things changed because he changed. He got better at the game and better at staying out of trouble. But of course, yet another thing Todoroki ruined. 

All Might struggled to sit in his office chair, placing his cane to the side and scratching his beard, a habit of his when he was thinking. He didn’t tell the two of them to sit in the chairs across from the desk, so they stood. Bakugou was tapping his foot impatiently, and Todoroki stood there, stoic as ever. All Might sighed. “Young Todoroki, you're new so you don’t know, but on this team, we don’t play one-on-one unless instructed by me.” A rule that was given to them because of Bakugou challenging everyone and goading about it afterward. 

Todoroki nodded minutely. All Might smiled and dismissed him. Bakugou spluttered, “What the fuck!? So, you just let him off with a warning – “     

“He is new.” All Might stood now. “Young Bakugou, do you know why I said you have a lot to work on?” 

Bakugou shoved his hands into his shorts. “’Cause I don’t pass the ball and shit.” 

All Might huffed. “Much more than that. You don’t pass, you don’t cooperate, you don’t even allow yourself to coexist on this team. It’s unbecoming of you.” 

Bakugou glared up at him, “All Might, I don’t see what the problem is here. If I know I can make the ball, why shouldn’t I?” 

“It’s not just that!” All Might steadied himself, “It’s not just that...” All Might sat back down and held his head in his hands. He chuckled bitterly and rose his head. “When I used to play... before this,” he held his wounded knee, “I had a friend just like you. Enji... we used to call him Endeavor, I’m sure you’ve heard of him? He was great, a real basketball pro. He knew how to play the court and his opponents. There wasn’t a basket he couldn’t make. But he never passed the ball. Not when we played together, not when we played against each other. Never.” 

All Might leaned back. “The Titles came quicker than ever. We were in the finals against each other. His team versus mine and it was brutal. He had the basketball and he could've made the shot or passed the ball. He chose to shoot. And shoot he did. He... he missed. By a longshot. I remember him as a friend, one of the best players I know. But anyone else will only remember him by that losing shot... he worked so hard on his career for that to be his parting memory.” 

All Might finally looked up at Bakugou. “I haven't spoken to him since. It’s been decades. I always wondered where he was until today. Todoroki is his son.” Bakugou felt like it was the universe flipping him off that Todoroki was the son of a famous pro. “Todoroki plays a lot like his dad. He’s got his fire, and there's something else there too. I’m not exactly sure what it is, but it’s there and it’s strong. Bakugou, Todoroki has something you don’t and that’s why you want to beat him. But, we’re on a team. There’s a lot you could learn from him, and vice versa. I think you two should – “ 

“This is absolute bull.” Bakugou removed his hands from his pockets, “He’s been on the team for like two days and you're already praising him! He’s not as good as me! I don’t need to pass the ball if I can make the shot! And I always make it. I’m not Endeavor, and I’m not his bratty son either. I’m Bakugou Katsuki and the world is gonna know my name.” Bakugou left the office and slammed the door shut behind him. 

He missed All Might’s distraught face on his way out. 

»»————-　🏀　————-«« 

The weekend came and went quickly. Practice was lax these days. All Might saying they needed to relax a little before qualifiers. Midoriya was using it as an excuse to woo Uraraka, ask her to the Winter Dance that Yaoyorozu had been planning since the previous year. Kirishima had a baseball game that Bakugou didn’t go to. Because if it wasn’t basketball, then he didn’t care. Kaminari kept posting about Jirou’s band to help her advertise all over SNS. And Iida was preparing for future track meets. 

Practice was cut short today. All Might saying all he had was an announcement. He walked into the gym and smiled at his team. Walking over with his cane and making sure to avoid their bags scattered across the floor. Midoriya, as usual, ran over to his side and giddily talked about all the new basketball videos he watched and All Might only smiled. Iida bowed politely as Kaminari did his signature “yo” over to him. All Might stopped in front of the bleachers to speak, Midoriya retaking his seat. He had to shoo Kirishima’s legs before finally giving in and sitting on them. Kirishima only stuck out a tongue and said his butt was warm anyway. 

All Might cleared his throat. “Okay men!”  

“Dude, this buff thing is getting out of hand.” 

“Super unmanly of you All Might.” 

All Might sweatdropped, “Anyways. I arranged for something terrific with the Shiketsu High basketball coach! We’ll be having a friendly match here next week. It’ll be good practice for the qualifiers.” They began to chirp excitedly before he shushed them. “They’ll be bringing their starting lineup and a couple of subs. They are also going to the qualifiers so it’ll be a good way to scout your future opponents.” 

Shoji rose his hand quietly. “Who will be playing at the match?” 

All Might hummed. “Young Midoriya, Young Iida, Young Kirishima, Young Sero, and... Young Bakugou.” Bakugou grunted. As if there was ever any doubt. 

Iida rose his hand, “Actually Toshinori-Sensei! I have a track meet next week, so I won’t be able to play.” 

All Might nodded, “I see, then... how about you Young Todoroki? You’re still new so I wasn’t sure about playing you, but you seem to work well with everyone on the team.”  

Todoroki blinked as if he didn’t expect to play so early. “Oh,” he says that a lot, “Thank you. I’ll do my best.” All Might grinned. 

“Alright, men! Dismissed! Do your best next week!” 

 »»————-　🏆　————-«« 

“Bakubro, what’s the answer to this one?” 

“Hey, hey, Bakugou is helping me!” 

“Ugh, I give up.” 

“You guys wanna go for pizza?” 

Bakugou twitched. He hated helping these self-proclaimed bakusquad idiots with their homework. They were always failing at something and inviting themselves over to his house to get help. His mother, happy that he had friends at all, always let them in with open arms. She’d make them snacks and dote on Katsuki right in front of them, which was the worst. His dad would make himself scarce which is one of the reasons he’s the better parent. Bakugou furrowed his brows. 

“You damned idiots! Shitty hair, I’m not telling you the fucking answer so figure it out! Pinky, help your fucking self! Pikachu, I swear to God I’ll never help you again if you just sit there and Tape Face! Eat my shitty old hag’s snacks or die! No pizza, it’s disgusting!”  

Ashido snickered, “Mommy Bakugou strikes again.” 

“Fuck off Racoon Eyes!”  

Ashido groaned, “I stay up all night one time.” 

Sero sighed wistfully, “You think you have it rough? I fall asleep in class and Kaminari puts tape on my face. Suddenly, I’m tape face.” They laughed. 

They fell back into their work with idle chatter surrounding them. Bakugou huffed and continued what he was doing previously. He felt an elbow in his side and turned to shout at whoever caused it until he saw Kirishima’s frown. “Hey Bakubro, you doing okay?” 

“The fuck kind of question is that.” 

“Just... you’ve been off, I guess. Is it about what All Might said when you were called into his office with Todoroki?” 

Bakugou hates how observant Kirishima can be when he tries. Before he could respond, however, Ashido perked. “Did you say Todoroki? He’s something else, isn't he?” 

Kaminari whistled. “I know, right? He’s scary good at basketball. And I saw him play baseball too, that was something else.” 

Sero sighed. “I can’t believe he beat Tokoyami at chess. Tokoyami only laughed too! They been playing like that every lunch period.” 

“Oh, oh, Kiri! Didn’t you pitch to him at baseball? What’s that like?” 

Bakugou stood from the living room floor abruptly. He shoved his hands in his pockets and left the room. He ignored them shouting after him and asking what was wrong. Bakugou grit his teeth as he went into the restroom. Shutting the door with a bit more force than necessary. Bakugou stared at himself in the mirror. Why is this pissing him off so much? It’s not like it changes anything. He does whatever he can to keep his stardom in basketball and he’s been doing that for years. 

Then this bastard. Todoroki – or whatever his stupid name is. 

Pretty faced bastard with his dumb hair and even dumber skill set. Who plays tennis and then basketball? Fucking losers, that’s who. Bakugou resisted the urge to punch his mirror. He smirked instead. It didn’t matter anyway. He’s going to win the Shiketsu match and prove to him. And prove to everyone he’s the best. Always has been. 

Always will be. 

»»————-　🏀　————-«« 

It’s a home game. Shiketsu against them on their own turf. All Might told them to keep things friendly as this wasn’t a serious match, just practice. Todoroki seemed to keep his distance from Bakugou ever since he “asserted his dominance” and he was glad for that. The bastard better know his place. As a form of sportsmanship, they had to shake hands before the game could start.  

One huge guy practically turned into the sun once he saw Todoroki, “Shouto! We meet again!” 

Midoriya cocked his head to the side, “You two know each other?” 

“He used to go to Shiketsu!” 

Kaminari’s jaw dropped, “Shiketsu is the school you’re transferring from? No wonder you can do everything!”   

The giant guy laughed boisterously, “Haha, Shouto certainly is impressive! Are you still taking photos?” 

“Don’t mingle with the common folk Yoarashi.” Some purple-haired guy spoke as he walked around said Yoarashi guy. “We’ve gotta warm up.” The guy walked away and Bakugou already decided he hated him. 

“Haha, please don’t mind him! Shishikura-san means well! See you all on the court! Bye Shouto!”  

At that, he was gone like the wind. Bakugou rolled his eyes and went over to All Might, as did the rest of the team. All Might was excited about this match, but Bakugou only saw it as an opportunity to prove to them who the hell he was. With thirty-two minutes on the clock, they began the game. 

»»————-　🏆　————-«« 

“Defense! Defense!” Bakugou doesn’t know why Shiketsu brought along their cheerleaders. One annoying girl whose name was Camie (he only knows because she told everyone to call her by her first name) kept bounding up and down the court every time the ball got stolen. He smirked in satisfaction when she tripped after getting dizzy.  

Midoriya was in the free throw lane with the ball in his hands. He just stole the ball and was being surrounded. Or more so, that giant bald guy was blocking him. The dude was huge and there's no way he was old enough to be in high school. Bakugou wasn’t surprised when Todoroki mentioned in the locker room that he also plays American Football when Sero asked what he was like. 

Bakugou felt a gust of wind by him and turned to see Todoroki rushing to Midoriya’s side. He stopped by the 3-point line and motioned for Midoriya to pass the ball. Midoriya grinned and did. Once Todoroki had the ball, he maneuvered around the Shiketsu team to get to the other side of the court. Bakugou followed the movement of the ball, as did everyone else.  

(Including Camie, she followed like an idiot.) 

Todoroki was up to the center line when he was getting blocked off and instinctively passed it to Bakugou. Bakugou wasn’t surprised or anything, he just thought they would have to end this game with that bastard scoring. So Bakugou went forth to score. He didn’t check the clock but he knew there wasn’t that much time left. He made it to the other side of the court by their 3-point line and knew he could make it. Despite Yoarashi right in front of him and the odds of him missing. Bakugou steadied himself and prepared to shoot. 

The Shiketsu cheerleaders were still cheering defense. Bakugou’s teammates were in the background and yelling at him to pass, like always. Except one voice pulled his thoughts away from throwing the ball. “Bakugou!” He looked over and saw Todoroki with his arms raised, telling him to pass the ball. Bakugou doesn’t know why, but it pissed him off. Actually, he knows why. Todoroki is fresh meat. And Bakugou has already made it clear that this was his turf. As if he was going to pass the ball to some idiot. 

Bakugou steeled himself and threw the ball. He smirked, already knowing the amazing swish noise it'll make when it goes in. He looked over at All Might with the same smirk, waiting to see the mirrored look of satisfaction on his face. But All Might wasn’t looking at him. He was looking at the ball. And he held his head in disappointment when it landed on the court floor. Bakugou looked at the ball slowly rolling back over to him. Then at the scoreboard. His heart dropped. 

He missed.  

For the first time in a long time. He missed. The Shiketsu cheerleaders began cheering per their namesake, the team running over to their coach with grins on their faces. His own team walking over to All Might, a little downtrodden, but not completely since it was only a friendly match. All Might sighed before he told them to go change and then he’d give feedback. Bakugou was barely listening though, only being tugged along by Kirishima. Kirishima had a smile on. He was disappointed, but like the rest of them, not entirely. It was only a friendly match. 

The locker room atmosphere was filled with small regrets and some reflection. Bakugou ignored all of them and angrily changed. None of them spoke to him, noticing his foul mood. He made his way to leave when a hand grabbed his shoulder. He turned around angrily. The face he saw angered him more. “The fuck?” He voiced. 

Todoroki let him go and furrowed his brows, “Why didn’t you pass the ball?” 

Bakugou ground his teeth together, “Who the fuck are you talking to, halfie?” 

“Why didn’t you pass the ball?” He repeated in that monotone voice of his. 

“Because I don’t pass to fucking extras!” 

Todoroki sighed, the same way All Might sighed. “I could've made that shot.” 

“I don’t fucking care what you think you could do, asshole! I shot because I knew I could make it!” 

Todoroki rose a brow. “But you didn’t.” 

“The fuck did you – “ 

“Guys, guys!” Midoriya interrupted. “It was only a friendly match, right? It’s all good!” 

Kirishima perked up next to Midoriya, “Yeah bros, don’t sweat it! We’ll get ‘em next time!” 

Bakugou ignored them and grabbed Todoroki by the collar. “The fuck is your problem, huh? Didn’t I fucking tell you where you stand?” 

Todoroki looked unimpressed, “As a matter of fact, you didn’t. All you’ve shown me is your ego is twice the size of the basketball court.” The room went silent. So silent that you could hear Sero’s frantic breathing. 

Bakugou gripped his collar tighter, “What kind of fucking game are you playing at?” 

“Basketball. Apparently, everyone but you is playing together.” 

Midoriya took that as a cue to grab Bakugou’s other wrist before he could swing. Him and Kirishima hauling him out of the locker room. Todoroki flattened his shirt before he grabbed his bag and walked out behind Sero and Kaminari. It was a silent agreement to not let All Might know about the almost-scuffle the two had in the locker room. The gym was quiet. Shiketsu had left and All Might was waving goodbye to their coach. He saw his team appear and sighed into a smile. 

“Good job out there boys! Very impressive! How about we catch up on this game on Monday?” 

It was weird. To not receive feedback from All Might once a game was over. But All Might looked tired despite his smile and they didn’t press him. They left the gym, a bit weary and ready to just go home. Midoriya and Kirishima tried to perk everyone up by talking about the recent pro basketball game. Sero was talking along, but more so to lighten the mood. Bakugou stalked off to the train station, he and Todoroki going opposite each other. 

»»————-　🏀　————-«« 

“What the fuck was that half and half!?” 

“A shot.” 

“You missed asshole!” 

“Well, you were in my way.” 

“Shut your goddamned mouth!” 

All Might sighed and fell onto the bleachers. Practice had been constant bickering between Todoroki and Bakugou ever since their match against Shiketsu. The qualifiers were in three days and their fighting had put a real damper on the entire team’s mood. Midoriya and Kirishima’s tag team of positive energy wasn’t even working. Kaminari didn’t have the strength to joke around like usual and Sero’s sarcasm had dropped immensely. Even All Might seemed down. All Might rose his hand and told the team to gather around. “All right guys,” it was even normal now for All Might to just talk and not do his little buff thing which was admittedly not normal. 

“After this week, I’ve made the starting lineup for the qualifiers.” All Might pulled out a notebook and flipped through a couple of pages. He was about to show them when he looked back up at their faces again. He smiled weakly, “Now this lineup isn’t final. You can change it if you prove to me you can do it.” He glanced at Bakugou a little longer than usual and showed them the notebook. 

Midoriya Izuku  

IIda Tenya  

Mezo Shoji  

Kirishima Eijirou  

Kaminari Denki  

There were groans of disappointment, whispers of excitement, and some playful goading here and there. The one person who wasn’t quiet about the outcome –  

“What the fuck!?” Bakugou stood. “Why am I not in the lineup?!” 

All Might sighed as if he saw this coming. But then, Todoroki rose his hand slowly. “Actually,” he started, “Why am I not in the lineup as well?” All Might cleared his throat. 

“Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I was going to make this decision considering you're new and I’m used to Bakugou picking fights. But the entire team is suffering as a result of recent events so I had no choice.” All Might steeled himself and looked both boys in the eyes. Which was probably difficult since they were separated by three guys sitting between them. A safety measure at best. “Young Todoroki, Young Bakugou. It feels like you're the only two in the room unaware, but the atmosphere around here has been heavy due to your constant bickering. So, until you two learn how to play on a team, you'll be sitting out.”     

“But the qualifiers are – “ 

“In three days. You have three days to prove to me you're worth playing.”  

“But – “ 

“You and Young Todoroki are prohibited from being in the gym at any time until you play like a unit.” 

“...How the hell are we supposed to learn how to play together if we can't be in the gym?”  

All Might smiled. “You’ll just have to figure that out, won't you?” 

Bakugou groaned right as All Might ordered the starting lineup to start doing suicides and the others to practice passing the ball. Bakugou thinks that was a purposeful jab right at him. Todoroki sighed and stood up from his place on the floor to go to the locker room. Bakugou glared daggers at him, opting not to change today if it meant being stuck in a room with him. Right before he left the gym, however, he realized that he wasn’t going to let Todoroki stop him from doing whatever the hell he wanted to do. He turned on his heel and into the locker room. He ignored Midoriya’s worried glance sent his way. 

He slammed the door open to see Todoroki changing rather quickly. He didn’t want to be stuck in here with him either. But fuck that, Bakugou had shit to say. “Fucking halfie,” he waltzed other and turned him around. Pushing him against the lockers. Bakugou recalled their practice match that day and Todoroki not passing the ball to him and acting like he wasn’t even on the court. “Why didn’t you pass the fucking ball?” It sounded ironic coming out of his mouth. 

Todoroki rose one hand, his right one, and gripped Bakugou’s wrist, curling his slender fingers around him. His hand was cold and it made Bakugou wince when his nails dug into his skin. “For starters, my name is Todoroki, not halfie or half and half.” He removed Bakugou’s hand from his shoulder. “And that’s the second time you’ve pushed me against the lockers.” 

Bakugou shoved him before turning his back on him. He growled while pacing around the room, before finally glaring right back at Todoroki. “You're doing this shit on purpose, aren't you? The team didn’t have a problem before you came around! We were doing just fine!” 

Todoroki snuffed, “You mean you were doing just fine. You were doing fine because no one called you out.” 

“Because – “ 

“Because what? Why do you even have a problem with me? Because I’m better than you?” 

Bakugou ground his teeth together. “You’re not better than me, bastard.” 

Todoroki huffed. “Right.” He grabbed his book bag. “I’d like to play in the qualifiers. So, if you could just tell me the truth so we can get this over with, that’d be nice.”  

Bakugou laughed bitterly. “You want the truth asshole?” He walked towards him slowly, “You come here, playing basketball in my gym, without permission by the way, and you flaunt all your academic winnings and how many clubs you're in and what sports you play. You have everyone wrapped around your stupid finger, except me.  You’re just some bratty kid, son of fucking Endeavor – “  

At that, Todoroki twitched. Finally showing emotion on his face. “Shut up.” And his voice. 

“Oh, who can't hack it now? What? Don’t want to be reminded of everything that’s been handed to you?” 

“Shut. Up.” 

“What're you gonna do? Cry home to mommy?” Todoroki widened his eyes in fury and Bakugou felt a twisting feeling in his gut that made him happy to see some emotion on the guy for once, “I’m better than you,”  he continued, “And the sooner you realize that the easier this’ll be for both of us.” Bakugou scoffed and turned around, muttering the last part, “Better listen or I’ll give you another scar to cry about.” 

Bakugou was shocked when instead of walking away as he intended, he was pulled back and shoved against the lockers this time. He couldn’t see Todoroki’s face because his head was lowered, but he could feel the other boy shaking angrily, his other hand balled. Bakugou wanted to say something coy, but he hadn't expected for Todoroki to lash out about his scar. It’s just a scar. Todoroki took a deep breath and released Bakugou. He looked back up and that emotionless face was back. 

“Whatever. You’re not worth it.” Before he left the room. 

Bakugou let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. 

»»————-　🏆　————-«« 

Bakugou didn’t expect to actually be kicked out of the gym after school. All Might was there in the morning and during lunch so Bakugou didn’t even try. After school, everyone was there. Midoriya smiled at him and told him he was sorry, but All Might instructed to not let Bakugou or Todoroki enter the gym. It infuriated him to no end. This never happened before. He was never stopped from playing basketball for anything. All Might has never made that punishment before. Sure, do suicides until practice is over. Run around the school until the current people playing are done. Dribble one hundred times on each hand, but never did he stop him from playing basketball. Bakugou was mostly angry because this was the halfie’s fault. And because he was already after school. 

(Bakugou takes a train and then walks home from there. But the trains don’t run until later when practice is over. 

All Might did offer to have his granddaughter Melissa drive Bakugou home, but he refused.   

Mainly because the other guys would be jealous since she’s apparently attractive to them.) 

Bakugou started to walk around the school in random directions, he saw a couple of people. Uraraka and Ashido practicing cheers in the halls. Yaoyorozu looking for spare tennis balls. Aizawa was sleeping in his yellow sleeping bag, nicknamed “old dusty” by Kaminari. He could hear Yamada-Sensei screeching about something from the tennis court. No wonder they called him “Present Mic.” Bakugou checked the time too many times and sighed that the trains weren't even close to arriving yet. He thought about going to the convenience store down the street when he saw Jirou putting up a poster. 

She waved when she saw him, “Hey Bakugou. Why aren't you at basketball?” He groaned. Jirou used her elbow to hold up one end of the poster and fiddling with tape with her other hand. She clicked her tongue at Bakugou. Tilting her head towards her poster and motioning for him to come and help her. He rolled his eyes and walked over, holding the poster up with his left hand, other hand in his pocket. Jirou sighed and brought out her tape. “Sick photo, huh?” 

Bakugou looked the poster over. It was a photo of Jirou and her band. Advertising themselves. He grunted as a response; it was a good photo. 

“Todoroki took it.” He regretted his response. “He’s got a knack for everything, man.” 

“Not you too.”  

Jirou only laughed, “Chill, I don’t think he’s a God or anything.” She tore the tape, “But he is talented. It’s almost annoying.” Bakugou was glad someone else thought so.  

She stepped back from her handiwork as dad Bakugou. He scowled, “It’s crooked.”  

Jirou sighed, “I can see that, Einstein. No more tape on me though and I doubt what I put is gonna hold.” She hummed, “Can you go to the art room and get some more tape for me? I sent someone, don’t remember who, but they never came back so.” She left the rest in the air. Bakugou groaned and slouched further, walking towards the art room. Anyone else and he’d say no. But Jirou was pretty cool and not worse than any of the other extras so he’d tolerate her. 

She yelled a thanks his way and he just flipped her off. He turned the corner and saw the obnoxiously pink and blue art room sign that Kirishima helped make last year. It was ugly honestly, but Kayama-Sensei (They liked to call her “Midnight” because of her hair) said it showed character so they kept it. Bakugou noticed the door was opened and silently berated all those first years for not being careful with leaving doors open. 

He walked inside the room and wanted to scream at who he saw. He runs into this half and half everywhere, like the universe, along with All Might, wants them to be friends. Maybe All Might was the universe. That’d explain a lot. Something about Todoroki was odd though. He was holding a bottle of something, a water bottle on the desk in front of him, and two blue drops of something in his hand. Bakugou couldn’t believe his eyes and clearly, neither could Todoroki. Bakugou scoffed and trudged over, “I knew there had to be a reason you could play like that. Fucking steroids, seriously?” He snatched the transparent bottle out of his hand. “I can’t believe how desperate you are.” 

“Bakugou, give those back.” 

“Wow, I knew you were a sad person, but this is too... much.” Bakugou glanced at the bottle and immediately stopped talking when he saw the black and white label that read Anti-Depressant Supplements.The bottom line reading that they were prescribed for one (1) Todoroki Shouto. Bakugou didn’t know what to say when Todoroki snatched the bottle back, picked up his water bottle, bookbag, and left the room. His eyes were glossed over when he left and Bakugou didn’t know if that was from being sad or from being angry. 

He could hear Jirou thanking Todoroki for finally bringing her the tape. 

»»————-　🏀　————-«« 

Bakugou spent the remainder of his time after school searching up some dumb things on his phone. 

why do people get depressed  

how often do people take anti-depressants  

does depression last forever  

It was dumb and the answers he got were all from “professionals of reddit” so he just turned his phone off and went to sleep in some random clubroom. The Classics Club he thinks. It was dark out when he woke up. He jumped with a start and checked his charging phone on the floor. He kicked some random desk and ignored his foot yelling at him when the time was way past when he should've left and the trains were going to stop running soon. He grabbed his bookbag and ran outside of the room, down the stairs, and towards the front door. He almost tripped when he pushed the door open with too much force. He sighed at the cool air outside, signaling it was probably going to rain, and wished he brought an umbrella. He was about to run when he saw someone tying their shoes whilst sitting on the curb. They turned their head and looked up and wow.  

When is he going to stop running into Todoroki?  

This time was different though. Bakugou didn’t say anything and only scratched the back of his head. He held in a groan and walked away right as Todoroki went back to tying his shoes. Bakugou didn’t feel like running anymore, it was going to rain regardless so he’d just buy an umbrella at the convenience store. Bakugou heard someone following him and turned around. He stopped moving once he saw the two-toned bastard behind him. “Why the hell are you following me?!” 

Todoroki half shrugged. “I’m not. It’s going to rain and I need an umbrella.” Todoroki kept walking and got ahead of him. Bakugou growled this time. 

“Well, walk behind me asshole!” 

“What?” 

“Walk,” Bakugou took one large step to get ahead of him, which looked kind of silly (it’s not his fault Todoroki has such long legs) but he played it off by glaring back up at him. “Behind me.” 

Todoroki huffed and walked slower just to appease Bakugou. They made it to the convenience store and there was no one but the sleeping teenager at the store counter. Bakugou went to where he knew the umbrellas were and watched Todoroki go somewhere there weren't umbrellas. He felt the urge to yell at him that he was going in the wrong direction but suppressed it. Bakugou grabbed a black umbrella (“just like your heart explodo-boy" a voice like Ashido said in his head and he promptly told it to shut up) and walked over to the counter. Before he placed his umbrella down, he looked around over the shelves in the store and didn’t see Todoroki. Not like he was waiting for him or anything. 

“Oh.” Bakugou turned around and saw Todoroki holding a candy bar and a white umbrella. “You didn’t have to wait for me.” 

Bakugou furrowed his brows, “I didn’t fucking wait for you!” His shouting awoke the teenager behind the counter and he slammed his umbrella on the counter. Todoroki calmy waited behind him as his total was being calculated. Bakugou looked in his pockets and felt his heart drop when he didn’t feel any money in his pockets. He groaned and was about to just put the umbrella back when Todoroki walked up from behind him and slid a black card onto the counter, giving his items to the cashier as well. “Don’t you fucking – “ 

“It’s my dad’s credit card anyway. Think of it as some pro basketball player paying for you.” Bakugou scoffed and snatched his umbrella from the counter, walking out. Todoroki followed suit and as they predicted, it was raining. They lifted their umbrellas and began to walk towards the train station. 

Bakugou walked quicker to make space between him and Todoroki, but he eventually didn’t even feel the boy's presence behind him anymore. He turned around and saw him crouched down in front of something. He shouted after him, “What the hell are you doing!?” 

He walked over to see him petting a stray cat. Seriously? “That’s fucking gross.” 

Todoroki almost looked offended. “She’s adorable.” Bakugou felt his stomach twist at Todoroki’s face while looking at the cat. He looked up with a glimmer in his eyes, “Do you like cats, Bakugou?” 

“No, I fucking don’t and you're going to miss the damn train.” 

Todoroki looked at his expensive watch and got up from his crouching position. “Oh. Right. Thanks.” 

“Fuck off!” They began to walk again, Bakugou yelling at him to walk behind him and Todoroki longingly looking back at the cat. Bakugou... felt weird, to say the least. He felt like Todoroki should be angrier with him than what he was currently displaying. Bakugou had been yelling in his face since he got here and even took his anti-depressants from him. The boy did get mad before, but he was acting like it meant nothing now. 

“Are Ashido and Kirishima dating?” 

Bakugou spluttered. “Wha – the fuck kind of question is that!?”   

Todoroki shrugged. “I’d always wondered. They seem so close.” 

“Are you blind along with being stupid? Of course, they are!” 

He hummed. “And Midoriya and Uraraka?” 

“Yes, dumbass!” 

He blinked like that one shocked him. “Really? I always thought that...” He stopped himself. “What about Jirou and Kaminari?” 

Bakugou groaned, “You’re fucking stupid. They’re all dating!” 

Todoroki switched his hands from holding the umbrella, “I see.” They were quiet for some time and Bakugou relished in it, until Todoroki opened his mouth again, “What about you?” 

“Do you fucking think I’m dating somebody?” 

“No, but I thought I should ask.” 

“Fuck off! I don’t have time for that shit!” He balled the hand that was in his pocket, “You're fucking nosy. What would that Momo chick think?” 

Todoroki tilted his head to the side right when Bakugou looked back and him. Bakugou felt his stomach do something peculiar and it was probably because of this dumb conversation. “Yaoyorozu? We’re just friends.” Bakugou rolled his eyes, “She’s dating Kendou anyway.” 

“What!?” Bakugou stopped moving and gaped up at him. It had been speculation on whether or not Kendou from Class 2-B and Yaoyorozu were a thing. Everyone placed their bets and made their wagers but they never got solid proof. “You know that and not about the others!?” 

Todoroki shrugged and kept walking, “She told me.” 

“She told you!? And walk behind me jackass!” 

Todoroki huffed and Bakugou thinks that if he saw his face he’d be smiling. But that’s preposterous. They fell into a somewhat comfortable silence when they arrived at the train station. Bakugou mentioned that the bus he takes will be there in fifteen minutes and Todoroki’s in twenty. Todoroki called it “creepy” that he had the bus routes memorized and Bakugou almost strangled him. But some old lady sitting on a different bench was looking at him and he didn’t feel like traumatizing her. There was only one bench and Bakugou begrudgingly sat on it with Todoroki. They stayed far from one another, but could still talk if they wanted, which they didn’t. There was a good five more minutes before Bakugou’s train would arrive and Todoroki finally spoke. 

“I’m not mad at you, you know.” Bakugou looked over at him. Todoroki was looking at the night sky. He shrugged, “They’re just pills, not like it’s a big deal.” Bakugou felt like he didn’t really mean that. Todoroki turned to look at him. The look in his eyes Bakugou couldn’t decipher. “So, I’m not mad at you.” 

“That’s... bullshit.” Todoroki did that head tilt thing and Bakugou forced himself to not look away. “If you’re mad, just say you’re mad, don’t lie about it.” 

Todoroki huffed, “Maybe that’s easier for you. You’re pretty open with your emotions.” 

Bakugou sucked his teeth, “The fuck does that mean?” Bakugou was about to go on a tangent, but his eyes caught Todoroki’s and they crinkled a little in amusement. The corners of his mouth tilting up a tad and Bakugou wasn’t sure if he could call that a smile. But a rain droplet hit Todoroki’s cheek and it slid to his neck and – Bakugou gulped when Todoroki began to speak. 

“It means I’m bad at social interaction.” Todoroki looked back to the sky and Bakugou’s gut twisted again. “And that I’m not mad at you. I’ve always thought about telling someone about it... Midoriya or Yaoyorozu,” he shrugged, “but you’re fine too.” Bakugou gulped again. Todoroki looked at him one last time, “So don’t worry about it. Okay?”   

Bakugou felt his heart thump and gripped the umbrella in his hand tighter. “Okay.” Why was he whispering? Bakugou noticed that barely-there smile again. 

“Your train is here, Bakugou.” 

Bakugou jolted. He stood up and grabbed his book bag. “Uh.” He started eloquently. “Fucking – go to the restroom to take your pills or something or somebody else will walk in on you.” 

“Noted.” Why were they whispering? Bakugou all but ran to catch his train. And if he looked back to see what Todoroki was doing, only he and the old woman watching them knew. 

»»————-　🏆　————-«« 

Bakugou already resigned himself to the fact that they weren't going to be in the lineup for the qualifiers. There was only one day left and he’s good, but he can't learn all the new plays that quickly. Midoriya kept trying to cheer him up in class and by the sounds of it, Yaoyorozu was doing the same thing with Todoroki. Bakugou knew he’d be turned down from going into the gym so he just decided to go home on time today. 

At least he would have. But Tokoyami invited him to the Chess Club after school and his life is a bore without basketball so he said yes on a whim. He was prepared this time though; he knew Todoroki was in the Chess Club so he waited until he saw him go to Archery before entering the club room. Not like he was watching him or anything. He played against Tokoyami (he didn’t mind his loss since the guy was good) and against Koda too. Koda was always silent and shy, but he really came out when playing Chess. Bakugou lost against him too but won when they played again. Tokoyami ordered food and they ate in the club room while watching whatever Koda played on his laptop. Jirou swung by eventually and played something for them on her bass before giving them sodas and saying goodbye. 

Tokoyami cleaned up with Koda, telling Bakugou to relax since he did invite him here. Bakugou had never hung out with Tokoyami like this before, but he had to admit it was fun. Guess there was more to life than basketball. Bakugou skimmed through his phone when he heard a familiar “Oh” come from the doorway. He looked over and saw Todoroki. He was wearing his Archery uniform but had his sneakers on. He had a black headband on along with the uniform that had a white stain on it that looked like chalk. He was carrying a navy duffel bag on him with Ojiro standing next to him. 

Ojiro peeked in, “Oh, hey Tokoyami! Koda, Bakugou. Jirou said you guys had food so we came by.” 

Tokoyami pointed towards the mini-fridge in the corner, “There are some leftovers in there, we ate all the lo mien though.” 

Ojiro pouted, “Aw man.” He went over to the fridge and crouched down. “Ooh, you have coke though so I’ll let it slide. Gotta grab one for Hagakure...” 

Tokoyami snorted, “What would you have done otherwise?” 

Bakugou tuned out the chattering while Todoroki took a seat across from him. He set his duffel bag down and caught the coke Ojiro tossed to him. Bakugou shifted his feet awkwardly. “I didn’t know you play chess Bakugou.” 

Bakugou fiddled with his fingers, “I fucking don’t, I – “  

The sounds of a basketball hitting the ground below them halted him. He forgot the Chess Club was right above the gym. He was able to ignore it for the majority of his time spent here, but he couldn’t without Koda’s laptop on or Jirou’s music playing. Todoroki began setting up the Chess pieces, ignoring the gym noises. “Wanna play?” Bakugou scoffed. 

“If you’re fucking ready to lose.” Another barely-there smile from Todoroki and Bakugou looked at the Chess Board rather than at him. They began to play. Bakugou slowly realized Chess was a lot like basketball. Playing your opponent. Todoroki was as good as everyone said he was. He beat Bakugou two times and Bakugou almost won the last time, but Kayama-Sensei poked her head in to tell them after school activities were almost over. Tokoyami and Koda left first. Saying their goodbyes while Ojiro stole more coke from the fridge and running after them. It was only Todoroki and Bakugou now. 

Somehow exactly what Bakugou didn’t want to happen, happened, but he wasn’t as mad about it as he thought he would be. Todoroki stood and put the chess pieces away before grabbing his duffel bag. Bakugou didn’t say a word as he stood as well. “You’re pretty good at Chess, Bakugou.” 

Bakugou grunted, “I’m fucking good at everything.” Todoroki was slowly starting to understand that Bakugou cursed as a way of speaking rather than meaning any harm all the time. Bakugou shoved his hands in his pockets, “You’re not bad either.” 

Todoroki hummed. “Thank you.” Neither one of them moved. They could hear All Might telling the team to grab every basketball before leaving. “Did you... want to go to the station together?” 

Bakugou widened his eyes. He licked his lips before putting on an angry front, “Just make sure you walk behind me, halfie!” 

Todoroki gripped his duffel bag tighter and pushed in his chair. His barely-there smile growing a little. “Okay.” 

»»————-　🏀　————-«« 

Bakugou stared at his room’s ceiling. The basketball print his mom had gotten for him when he was nine mocking him. He nearly blew smoke out of his nose. He sat upon his bed and groaned. The qualifiers were today. All Might had said he and Todoroki could come if only to watch, but he refused. It pained him to admit it, but he was sad. Sad that the team seemed to be doing just fine without him. They all were getting on great like they never needed him to hog the ball or not pass in the first place. 

And Bakugou was just starting to believe that maybe that was the truth. Maybe they didn’t need him. He growled and grabbed his hoodie. Throwing it on. He jumped out of his bedroom window, not before grabbing the basketball under his desk, and ran off. Kamino shouldn’t be too far out of his way. He hasn’t been able to play basketball in forever and he knows no one will be at the court right now. They are at the qualifiers after all. Bakugou ignored the cold air hitting his face and kept licking his lips to fend off from them becoming chapped. 

He rushed past a bunch of trees before he saw the court. It was pretty big. The goal had vines tangled in it and it looked like it hadn't been cleaned in ages, but Kaminari spotted a good one for once. He remembers Kaminari suggesting they go to the senior citizen's place to play before. Idiot. Bakugou dribbled over to the goal and shot. He smiled when it went in, something he hadn't done in a while. 

Bakugou jolted as he heard someone else coming from the trees. He turned around in a defensive stance. But then he saw that hair and sighed in relief (annoyed that he sighed in relief after seeing him). Todoroki blinked over at him. “Hi.” He breathed out as if he ran all the way over here. 

Bakugou kicked a rock. “Why're you here?” Todoroki brought up a basketball in his hands, a duffel bag on his shoulder. 

“Same reason as you.” Bakugou bit his bottom lip before looking away. Todoroki walked towards him. “Want to play?” It was weird. The last time they played against each other, Bakugou had asked and he meant it as a challenge. This time was different, Todoroki was asking as a way of... a friendly battle? Duking it out to see who's the best seemed to be the last thing on his mind. Bakugou scoffed. 

“If you're – “ 

“Ready to lose,” barely-there smile, “I know.” 

Bakugou ignored the way his cheeks felt warm all of a sudden, “Yeah, whatever! For your information, I was going to say ‘prepared’ asshole! We’re playing with my ball, by the way.” Todoroki said okay and they began to play. They didn’t specify how long they were going to play and they didn’t seem to care to count the score either. Todoroki took his shoes off and Bakugou commented on how gross it was since they were outside and the court was filthy. Todoroki only shrugged and rolled up his jacket sleeves.  

They play, and played, and played. Bakugou didn’t know what time it was and they eventually started to just shoot free throws and see who could keep going without missing. Bakugou laughed when Todoroki missed two in a row. It was fun, to say the least. Bakugou tried to block him and didn’t even realize how wide he was smiling when he pushed him away from the goal and they both fell to the floor. They landed in some puddle, with Bakugou on top of Todoroki and Todoroki holding the ball up over his head. 

Bakugou was laughing, but... he stopped when he heard someone else’s voice. He watched as Todoroki laughed. His eyes crinkled and his teeth blaring. The sound was so, new. Different and something Bakugou had never heard before. Todoroki’s voice cracked at the end of a giggle and his nose scrunched up at the sound of his own voice. His eyes slowly opened and he looked back up at Bakugou. He slowly stopped laughing and looked into his eyes. 

Bakugou felt like the world stopped moving. He noticed Todoroki’s eyes before, but never like this. They were so bright, so open, he felt like he could see the stars in them. Todoroki cleared his throat awkwardly, “Uh.” Bakugou moved off of him in a hast. Todoroki stood up slowly and still had that amused air around him. He tossed the ball to Bakugou. Bakugou fumbled a bit before having a grip on it and Todoroki huffed at him before walking over to his duffel bag and beginning to rifle through it. 

Bakugou gulped, looking at the basketball in his hands. What was that? Felt like he could see the stars in his eyes? Get a grip,  Bakugou. It was true Bakugou didn’t feel like he hated Todoroki anymore (even though hatred was always unwarranted) but it’s not like they were best buddies or anything. Maybe a little friendlier now, but walking to the train station twice together and playing Chess and basketball now didn’t change that Todoroki was still someone he had to beat.  

Well. 

Midoriya has always been someone he had to beat. So has Kirishima. And they're his friends, even though he would never say it out loud. Bakugou gripped the ball tighter. Maybe he and Todoroki could be friends too. Friends sounded odd to Bakugou though. Friends? He felt like it was small and he didn’t know why. 

“Oh no.” Bakugou perked, “No, no, no, no.” 

“What is it?” He walked over to Todoroki. Todoroki stood up and ran a hand through his hair. “Halfie, what’s – “ 

“My pills. I think I left them at school.” Bakugou widened his eyes. “I don’t... I thought I had them.” 

Bakugou dropped the basketball. “Relax. Maybe you forgot them at home.” 

Todoroki shook his head. “No, I know I didn’t. They weren’t in my cabinet so I figured they were in my duffel bag, but they're not, and...” Bakugou watched Todoroki slowly unravel. He looked in Bakugou’s eyes and their worry was being mirrored. “I just need them, Bakugou. I can't... I need them.” Bakugou breathed in through his nose. 

“Okay. Okay, relax. Where do you think they are?” 

“Aizawa’s class maybe...” 

Bakugou smirked, “Lucky for you, I can get you into the school easy. We’ll have to hurry though. The late buses are going to stop running in, like, seven minutes.” Todoroki nodded minutely, still shocked that he even forgot them somewhere so open. Bakugou bit his inner cheek and grabbed Todoroki by his shoulders. “We’ll get them. So, stop being all jittery halfie.” Some tension left Todoroki at that. 

“Okay.” 

»»————-　🏆　————-«« 

Bakugou hadn't snuck into the school in a while and doing it with someone who wasn’t Kirishima or Midoriya or Kaminari was weird. He had to show Todoroki the ropes. They hopped off the late bus and went to the back of the school. Bakugou revealed their hiding spot for a makeshift key that Aoyama made for them in Crafts Club. They had to change the hiding spot a bunch of times because of Mineta trying to use it to get into the Girl’s Locker Room while they were changing. Seriously, Bakugou was so glad he was suspended. They got in through the back and went through the Art hallway and to Aizawa’s classroom. From experience, Bakugou knew Aizawa doesn’t lock his classroom door and they went right in. Todoroki made a beeline for his desk and sighed when he saw the pills, pulling them out. 

Bakugou motioned for him to take them. Todoroki blinked, “I forgot my water bottle.” 

Bakugou rolled his eyes, “We’ll find a water fountain.”  

They did in fact, find a water fountain. Todoroki complained about how unsanitary it was and Bakugou told him he should remember he wore no shoes at the basketball court so he can't talk about being sanitary. It was an unspoken agreement to just begin walking through the halls. “I’ve never been in a school at night.” 

Bakugou grunted, “Never been to a school dance, then?” 

Todoroki shook his head. “No. No one ever asked me so I never went.” Bakugou scoffed at that. As if. “What?” 

“Nothing, jackass.” 

Todoroki hummed, “Have you ever been to a school dance?” 

Bakugou shrugged. “Once. Was fucking lame. A bunch of losers that didn’t know how to dance at a fucking dance.”  

Todoroki titled his head to the side. “Can you dance?” 

“’Course.” 

“Can you teach me?” 

Bakugou stopped walking and felt his heart thump loudly. He swallowed thickly. He was tempted to say yes. “Can’t dance without damn music and the band room is locked.” Todoroki nodded like he didn’t care either way and was just talking. Dumbass.  

“How come you're not in any clubs?” 

Bakugou snorted, “As opposed to you, in every damn club?” Bakugo shoved his hands in his pockets, “I bet you’re not even that good.” Todoroki looked at him, a challenge in his eyes. 

“Want to test that theory?” 

They started to visit everything Todoroki does. They went to baseball first. Bakugou could recognize Kirishima’s hat in the corner of the locker room and scoffed at how dirty it was. Todoroki began to hit all the balls Bakugou pitched to him (“Can you pitch?” “Who the fuck do you think I am?”) and Bakugou has a wicked throwing arm. Then they went to Chess just cause. Bakugou finally won and Todoroki smiled at him when he goaded all throughout the room. When they went to Tennis, Bakugou made fun of the dumb outfits they had to wear and ignored the feeling in his gut when Todoroki laughed. Photography/Art was next. Bakugou was impressed, Todoroki really could draw. He drew a basketball and Bakugou almost choked on his spit when Todoroki said he thought of him when he drew it. He wasn’t as nervous about the comment though. Todoroki took a picture of Bakugou when he was off guard too (“Hey! Delete that!” “No thank you. I like taking pretty pictures.” “Fucking –”) and goaded about that as he did with Chess. 

When they went to Archery, Bakugou thought he’d explode. Todoroki put his hand on his waist and shoulder to help position him to fire the arrow. When he felt Todoroki’s breath on his ear he fired by accident (“Oh. You missed by a longshot.” “Fuck off!”) 

They ended up on the roof somehow. Their legs dangling off and the sounds of cars all they could hear. It was late, but Bakugou didn’t really care. Todoroki didn’t seem too either. Todoroki would swing his feet like a kid and every time their legs brushed Bakugou’s fist would ball up a little more. “Why do you play basketball, Bakugou?” He randomly said. 

Bakugou made a grumbling noise. “Because I’m good at it. Always have been, always will... well. ‘Cause I’m good.” Todoroki looked at the stars like they were going to answer all the questions in the world. 

“I never really wanted to play.” Bakugou snapped his neck to look at him. “I always played because my father wanted me to. He’d always say I had to continue his legacy. I hated basketball.” Bakugou swallowed. 

“Hated?” 

“Yeah, I...” Todoroki looked down at the cars. “I have fun playing here. With Midoriya and Iida, and everyone else. All Might is a funny coach.” 

Bakugou scoffed, “You never even laugh.” 

Todoroki huffed, “I laugh on the inside, Bakugou.” Cheeky fucker. Todoroki opened his mouth and closed it, not sure if he should say what he was thinking of saying. Until he finally gripped the edge of the roof with his hands and looked at Bakugou. Bakugou’s heart stuttered at the look in his eyes. “And, you too Bakugou. I have fun playing with you too.” Bakugou gripped his pants tight. 

“I – uh. Me too, I guess, halfie.” He smiled. Bakugou looked away. 

Todoroki sighed and moved back, standing up. “We should head back.” 

Bakugou felt his palms get sweaty and his heart pick pace. “Yeah.” 

»»————-　🏀　————-«« 

Group Chat: the basketbROS  

shitty hair: we won, we won, we won!! we're going to NATIONALS!!!!!  ヾ(＠⌒▽⌒＠)ﾉ 

four eyes: YES. WE’VE SUCCEEDED.  

tape face: this is the only time your all caps is acceptable.  

pikachu: guys, I just wanna say... I love yall  ◕3◕ 

shitty deku: lol kaminari , nooooo not the emotes  

shitty hair: BAKUBROOOO TODOBROOOO we know it sux u couldn’t play but youll be back in soonn  !!  

shitty deku: yeah!! Keep your chins up!!!  ≧◡≦ 

explodo-boy: fuck off. And who keeps changing my FUCKING NAME  

tape face: I admit nothing.  (^з^)-☆ 

half-n-half: congrats  

shitty deku: THANKSS!! who changed your name-  

pikachu: bakugou, obv  

four eyes: BAKUGOU. IT ISNT GOOD TO CHANGE NAMES ACCORDING TO ROOD NICKNAMES.  

tape face: did he just say “rood”  

half-n-half: i don’t mind  iida .  (•‿•) 

shitty deku: TODOROKI?? YOU TO?? LMAO I CANT-  

explodo-boy: who even added me back to this stupid groupchat  

»»————-　🏆　————-«« 

Nationals were vastly approaching. All Might had finally let Todoroki and Bakugou into the gym. They weren’t playing with the team; All Might had them constantly practicing passes and memorizing the plays they used at the qualifiers. It was annoying to practice in the same vicinity as the team and not be with the team. All Might had noticed and commented on Todoroki and Bakugou’s weird new friendship and how they were bantering rather than arguing. Which made Bakugou yell and Todoroki do that “oh” thing. Midoriya always smiled knowingly at Bakugou when he’d catch him staring at Todoroki and it made him bristle. 

Bakugou and Todoroki still weren’t in the starting lineup. Everyone expected them to fight again, but when they were in the locker room, Bakugou told Todoroki to hurry up so they could catch their trains, Todoroki hummed, they left together and Kirishima hasn’t looked at them the same since. 

Bakugou didn’t care. He’s admitted to himself that they were sort of friends now. Friends walk to places together so it didn’t matter. Friends play Chess together and friends text each other stray cat pictures (which Bakugou can’t get Todoroki to stop doing). So Bakugou didn’t see a problem. 

The first match of Nationals was rough. Shoji sprained his old injury but insisted that he was fine. All Might urged him to go to the nurse, and he insisted he was fine. They started to play a little worse by the time they made it to the Semi-Finals and Bakugou was impatient to play, but All Might hadn't said a word to him or Todoroki. Midoriya was getting tired and was switched with Kaminari. 

The Semi-Finals barely went by with them winning and everyone was beat. They were up against the best school in the prefecture. They felt lucky to have made it this far and had sort of decided it’d be okay to get runner-up. Todoroki and Bakugou felt differently though. All Might pat Midoriya’s shoulder as he sent him back out.  

They were tied and there were three minutes left on the clock before Shoji fell. All Might shot up like a bullet and called a timeout. Sero helped to carry Shoji over to the bench. His face was scrunched up in pain and All Might bonked him on the head for not listening before. “Sero, take him to the nurse.” The ref told All Might he had one minute to find replacements or they forfeit the match.  

Bakugou and Todoroki moved fast. “Put us in coach.” 

All Might broke his distraught face to look at them, “Us?” He said it as if he was shocked Bakugou could use pronouns other than I and me. 

Todoroki and Bakugou held their ground while they stared at All Might. He sighed and laughed quietly. “Okay. Okay, ref! We’ve got subs!”  

Any other day and Bakugou would be angry at being called a sub. But as he ran onto the court with Todoroki, he figured he didn’t mind all that much. Midoriya smiled at him and Kirishima said he was glad to have them back. The clock began to tick again and the match resumed. Everyone was on high alert. The opposing team was good and Bakugou was going to prove they were better. Huh. They. “Bakugou!” He perked and caught the ball Kirishima threw to him. He began to dribble to the other end of the court. 

He didn’t look at the clock because his inner clock told him what he needed to know. Not much time left. He stopped in front of the 3-point line. A tied game. One shot left. It felt all too familiar. Something he’s done hundreds of times and can continue doing too. He could hear the crowd, feel the floor, the ball, the sweat dripping off his forehead. He looked at All Might. The old man was gripping his cane for dear life and crossing his fingers. Bakugou steadied himself and prepared to shoot. That’s when he saw someone in the corner of his eye rush to the sideline. 

Todoroki. Bakugou gulped. Todoroki wasn’t looking at him. He was looking at the goal, preparing to rebound in case Bakugou missed. Ready to support him. Bakugou furrowed his brows and grit his teeth.“Todoroki!” He passed him the ball. He didn’t need to turn his head to know All Might dropped his cane and shouted in shock. Everyone was shocked. Especially Todoroki. 

But Todoroki took the opportunity quickly and shot the ball.  

Everything was silent until the basketball hit the court floor. Three seconds later and everyone was cheering. The cheerleaders were screeching, his team was crying and rushing up to hug him, and All Might was pretending to be buff again. And Todoroki... 

Todoroki was smiling. 

He watched him follow the ball as it rolled into some discrete hallway. Bakugou idly hugged Kirishima back and jogged to follow him. Kirishima was too winded to call out to him and they went over to their cheerleader girlfriends and All Might to continue crying and laughing. Bakugou could hear them get quieter and quieter as he went to follow Todoroki. Todoroki crouched and picked up the basketball before he turned around with the hugest grin Bakugou has ever seen. He chuckled. “We were great.” 

Bakugou panted and nodded slowly. He walked towards Todoroki and before he knew what he was doing he grabbed his face with maybe too much force because Todoroki’s right eye twitched, though his smile was still there. Bakugou really didn’t know what he was doing as his thumb ran over the scar on Todoroki’s left eye. He tiptoed and smacked his lips right into Todoroki’s. It was all sweaty and sticky and kind of gross with Bakugou’s chapped lips and his long nails stuck in Todoroki’s hair. When they separated, a line of saliva continued to connect them. Bakugou’s eyes stared into Todoroki’s dazed ones. Bakugou smiled, “You were great.” Todoroki was still holding the basketball and shaking from the game’s excitement and the buzz still on them. 

Bakugou released Todoroki’s face and ran off. He doesn’t know why he kissed him or why he thinks he can just pretend like he didn’t. But his grin as he went back out onto the court was greeted by the cheers of his peers. 

»»————-　🏀　————-«« 

Bang!  

“Katsuki!” 

Bang!  

“Katsuki!” 

Bang!  

“Katsuki!  I swear to God I will make you sleep on railroad tracks if you punch that wall one more time!”  

Bakugou didn’t even care to yell back at her as he fell onto his bed. The school was talking all about their win and he was getting pats on the back and compliments everywhere he turned. He would relish in it any other time. But all he could think about was that he fucking kissed Todoroki. Why he did it, he still doesn’t know. But Todoroki was smiling and he was smiling and he couldn’t help how attractive the idiot was. Bakugou groaned into his pillow and flailed his legs like he was some school girl. 

Tonight, was the Winter Dance. He only knows because the group chat kept blowing up with pictures of Yaoyorozu and Kendou since they finally admitted they were together. They asked him to come, but he declined in favor of catching up on his studies. Bakugou wonders if Todoroki went to the Dance. Maybe Yaoyorozu asked him to go, to support. Or maybe some girl told him she liked him or something and he went. Ashido probably forced him to go so all the boys of her cute-boys-of-the-school chart were present. Bakugou groaned again as his gut twisted from thinking of Todoroki going with someone that wasn’t him. Ugh.  

half-n-half     

half-n-half: hey  

Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Bakugou shot up on his bed and yelled at his heart to shut up. His hands shook as he thought of what to say. 

explodo-boy: what the fuck do you want  

Bakugou yelled at himself for not being, maybe cuter? What the fuck!? Cuter!? Bakugou flailed his legs again and hid his head under his pillow. Dreading for Todoroki’s response that came about a minute later. Bakugou let out a shaky sigh as he checked his phone. 

half-n-half: can we meet at the kamino basketball court? Unless youre busy.  

explodo-boy: whatever. Don’t show up fucking late asshole  

half-n-half: okay  ✿◕ ‿ ◕✿ 

Bakugou hated the dumb feeling he had in his chest when Todoroki would use the emotes Ashido basically forced on him. 

»»————-　🏆　————-«« 

He waited on the floor of the court for Todoroki. Bakugou threw a bunch of rocks to the other side of the court. He’d ran out of his house, ignoring the calls from his mother, and rushed to Kamino. He’s stupid for thinking Todoroki would already be here, he lives further than him. Bakugou let out a breath and watched the white cloud disperse around his nose. “Oh,” Bakugou jolted, “Hi.” 

He stood up slowly, “Hey.” Bakugou cracked his knuckles and looked everywhere but at Todoroki. He decided to look at his feet, a basketball rolling towards him. He glanced back up. 

“Wanna play?” Todoroki smiled. 

They played for a while; he thinks. He never checked the time when he was with Todoroki, he always got lost in whatever they were doing. They got tired quick, Bakugou thinks it was because they both rushed to get there. Todoroki sat on the floor and looked at him expectantly. Bakugou sat a little further from him. Rubbing his sweaty palms on his pants. He was waiting. Waiting for Todoroki to tell him he doesn’t like Bakugou like that and stop hanging out with him. But he never did. “Do you know how to dance, Bakugou?” Bakugou didn’t know what he was getting at, asking that again. 

“Yes.” 

Todoroki looked at him, a smile in his eyes. “Can you teach me how?” 

Bakugou scoffed when Todoroki pulled out his phone and played some random classical music off his speaker and stood up. He stretched his hand out to Bakugou. Bakugou took it gingerly, “Don’t step on my feet asshole.” It didn’t come out with as much force as he intended. Todoroki led him to the center of the court. He put his hands to his sides awkwardly while waiting for Bakugou to show him what to do. Bakugou cleared his throat, taking Todoroki’s hands and placing them on Bakugou’s waist. Bakugou put his own hands right on Todoroki’s waist and shoulder. He cleared his throat again. 

“Like this,” Bakugou started to lead and he felt weird that he was leading even though Todoroki was taller. They stayed like that for a while. Todoroki was breathing evenly as he tilted his head down to rest on Bakugou’s shoulder. Bakugou tried to slow his heartbeat and worked to not let his nervousness show. The music on Todoroki’s phone was stopped by some YouTube ad and his body rumbled from his chuckle. Bakugou rolled his eyes and slowly let him go. Their hands lingered and they locked eyes for a minute before Bakugou walked over to Todoroki’s phone and picked it up. “’Eight Hours of Classical Music,’ are you kidding me? Fucking idiot,” Bakugou scoffed. 

“Bakugou.” Bakugou turned around to see a quizzical look on his face. “Why did you kiss me?” 

Bakugou felt his breath hitch. “I – I don’t fucking know! We, just, it wasn’t to be... weird or anything. It just fucking – mmph!” Bakugou hadn't noticed Todoroki move to even get into his space. But now slender fingers were on his waist and soft lips were pressed against his chapped ones and Bakugou’s mind went blank. It was a much better kiss than the first sweaty one they shared, and Bakugou instinctively dropped Todoroki’s phone and kissed him back. His hands found their way into his hair. The kiss wasn’t great by all intents and purposes, but it was great for them. Their breath mingled and their cheeks reddened. And when Todoroki pulled away, that barely-there smile had his heart swelling. 

“It just felt right?” He finished Bakugou’s sentence. 

Bakugou’s mind had nothing on it. He panted and gripped Todoroki’s hair tighter. “I... dropped your phone,” Todoroki chuckled. He leaned further into Bakugou’s space, if that was even possible, pressing their foreheads against each other. 

“Hey Bakugou,” he closed his eyes, “I like you.” 

Bakugou shut his eyes tight. “I... like you too.” 

Todoroki chased after his lips again. 

»»————-　🏀　————-«« 

“To have everything and do whatever you can to keep it; he knows the feeling all too well. But to have everything and be okay with losing it. He never thought he’d understand that.”