[over and over, a quiet rhythm caressing through denji's hair. strands pull along the insides of his digits, on the small webs between his fingers, knots breaking with gentle encouragements, bangs carded backwards to bare his forehead before falling stubbornly into place over his brow once more. sensations capable of lulling the other boy to sleep as effectively as denji's able to send bakugou into slumber with a shoulder massage. he's tempted to melt this boy into his side until sleep comes. he returned not long ago from an all night shift after all. listening to his lungs easing breath into a soft pattern of in and out. nothing needs to come into this room for now, a respite without interruption for however long they want. it might be nicer to let denji find his rest and do a present review later. but someone's a stubborn brat and wants to stay awake long enough to have his challenge. fingers grip at his knee, playing marks and shapes into the material over his leg. and then there are times when denji is less puppy, more kitten. cat, given his lazy motions right now.]
Oy- [muscles cord and cable on his surprised grunt as he's all but clotheslined the softest way possible. wall becomes ceiling, rotating until his back connects to the sheets with a whump of bedding and long arm thrown across his belly. tch. denji might have come in from an all night job, but bakugou just woke up! he better not expect the blonde hero to go back to bed for a full "night" sleep beside him! yet denji settles beside him, slotting to his body in a familiar pattern that sees his warmth seeping into his ribs, obliques, hips, thigh, shoulder... warm boy. captured between two clingy arms, legs snared between two searching limbs. dammit. fine. a few minutes. once the half-devil's good and slumbering, bakugou will figure an extraction and go about his day.]
Without snoring. [taunt taunt. calling denji out on being both tired and a clingy menace to trap him in bed. good thing it's cold out there, making a warm bed and boyfriend far more tempting an indulgence than frozen jogs. ugh, so much sugar. denji's lucky he's a half-devil with regenerative health. cavities would be his stupid bane. slowly by slowly, his eyes fade, lids drifting downward with the lulling drone of his boyfriend's tired smiling voice. with no protest as blanket rises and falls over their bodies like the night settling over the city. fine... a few more hours. denji earned it.]
Che. That's cheating and you fucking know it. [said without heat or snarl. the half-devil's won both present popularity and a sleep in.] Next year, you're not gonna be on some shitty patrol either. [they'll be spending christmas night/morning together because their schedules are aligning tightly starting january. more "them" time.]
[ of course he didn't expect bakugou to spend the next 8 to 9 hours by his side, considering he had his share of sleep; he simply wanted them to enjoy their mornings with each other. there is something heartwarming about those hours that denji couldn't explain. the small space beneath the heavy quilt felt more like a sanctuary where those nasty thoughts could not shadow him. he lay on his side, muscles slack with exhaustion but taut with the ache of their physically demanding job. the winter months made it more troublesome— nothing but a blur of fluorescent lights and cold air slapping his face through the spaces between tasks. with that, denji deemed himself entitled to coax the hero into indulging him, a self-reward after working so hard. it was a luxury to shift a bit and squish his face against the curve of bakugou's neck, where it was extra warm and smelled extra nice, his breath brushing soft and shallow against his skin. ] Next year, we'll plan it better. I'll make it more special. I promise ...
[ the words sounds too damn forgien. when did he ever plan something so far into the future? he never even had the opportunity to have something that belonged to him that long, aside from his relationship with pochita. it felt like something out of a dream, nothing close to his reality. he curled closer, a sigh slipping from him without meaning to. his fingertips reached lightly to the curve of bakugou's hip, a touch that claimed rather than teased. he just hoped his hand wasn't freezing cold anymore as it slid up, brushing over the worn fabric of his boyfriend's shirt until his palm rested flat against his toned abdomen. the ardor beneath his fingers was soothing; it felt very human and real. he let his thumb graze absently over the skin with a touch so light it could have been accidental, though it wasn’t. ]
Thank you ... for staying.
[ he knew he tends to be clingy and needy, yet he couldn't help it. he lifts his head up and stares at a closeup of bakugou's profile, his sharp jawline, relaxed brows, and half-lidded eyes staring at the ceiling above. there's no desire for sleep behind them, he's a hostage — which should make denji feel guilty, but the little shit is smiling instead. he stayed there, staring some more, waiting until the hero blessed him by meeting his gaze, turning his head and expecting a 'what?' only for denji to lean in to kiss him. there is no rush to end this one; they're both nestled in their cozy cocoon. it remains soft but heavily intimate in its slow pace. ]
[nasty thoughts have no fucking place in their bed. with an arm around denji's stomach, or the other man's arm around his own, being together's bakugou's way of warding off the haunting images and thoughts seeking invasion in denji's mind. can he control his dreams or influence their images? no. but he likes to believe he can, as ridiculous as it is. sleeping beside denji in the cold mornings is far easier than waking up to his body sticky with sweat from a clinging warm body plastered to him under the covers. considering said warm body is almost half a foot taller than him. fucking giant. bakugou shivers from a chill nose nuzzling into the heat of his neck, instantly cranking his head to the side and pinching said nose in his neck's curve. a hiked shoulder helps clamp denji's face within the heat until bakugou's body warmth and the half-devil's breath chases chill from his pointed cherry. a grumbles something into his boyfriend's temple-]
Shut up. You made it special enough.
[next year's already taken care of the second bakugou levied their station with schedule changes. no, it was not a request; it was a notice. only two days a week are they working separate shifts, if needed. the rest of the time, bakugou's working alongside his boyfriend. they take their time off together for the majority of the week. simple as that. if they want more coverage, hire more outsiders or improve the police force's efficiency. as denji curls closer, bakugou settles against him, relaxing under the covers in the warm glowing beneath their blanket. ironically his fingers aren't as icy as his nose, so there's no blasting or grabbing to keep his digits off the hero's hips. wearing sweatpants helps. not so much as his hand settles on his abs instead. colder than his hips. he claps a hand over denji's, lacing fingers to keep said digits fisted in his own and off his skin until they're comfortably warmed up. hmph.]
Yeah, yeah. Go to sleep. [bakugou tilts his head and nuzzles a kiss into denji's hair, never minding shaggy sandy ruffling at his nose and mouth. over time, he's adjusted to his boyfriend's clingy nature, slowly permitting occasional elbows on the shoulder, later accepting a hug when he's busy, followed by draping, and ultimately accepting octopus clings during nighttime sleep. as their heads tug apart, he ducks his chin and turns his head to the side, red eyes lingering on his boyfriend's visage. tch, little shit doesn't feel a shred of guilt for trapping him.] Mhn-!
[kiss. brat. jaws, brows, eyes, everything relaxes into denji's mouth, sinking their touch and relaxing as he settles beside the other boy. this is fine. a welcome christmas morning.]
[There is a box wrapped in paper made to mimic the starry night sky. Or a galaxy. It’s set on Bakugo's writing desk, since the sender has been crashing in his room pretty regularly lately. Inside is a pair of bright orange thermal gloves, equipped with similar technology as Bakugo’s hero uniform. The idea is to let the hero have access to his quirk in a casual setting without having to don a whole outfit in the winter cold. Dan Heng would figure out how to commission something like this, heck if I know lol
A small bag of spicy popping candy is also in the box. Like pop-rocks but spicy.
As well as a small note written in very careful, meticulous calligraphy.]
Happy winter holidays, Bakugo. I meant to have these finished earlier, but I seem to have lost track of time. ((read: winter keeps knocking him out)) Thank you for everything. Hopefully these make the cold less terrible for you.
[Something about the paper quickly pings familiarity and memory, leading to a guess as to who the gift is from. Very likely a certain dragon who keeps hibernating, by invitation, in his room lately. That heat lamp has come in use quite a lot recently. To say nothing of blankets and the like. Bakugo settles in his desk chair, fingers working the wrapping seams to chunk one piece of tape after another.
Gloves? Thermal gloves. He narrows his eyes at their make, finding something nostalgic about them. It takes a few turns and inspection to realize the similarity in their make to his own hero costume gloves. How Dan Heng managed to commission a pair like this is beyond him, but the smart little smirk on Bakugo's face is impressed, amused, and grateful.
While he can use his Quirk without gloves, obviously, going around with his hands bare in this shitty weather sucks. Same with blowing up whatever gloves he does actually wear. Dan Heng's going to see Bakugo wearing them pretty much immediately when he goes outside again. Amazing.
As for the spicy pop rocks... a certain dragon's gonna be treated to chocolate cookies later on. Ones that have a spicy popping crunch to them when bitten into and leave a candy crackle on the tongue even after swallowing.
Tch, Dan Heng has immaculate handwriting. As expected of a bookish guy. He slots the letter with the others he's gathered and gives the sleeping dragon a small knuckle nuzzle on the jaw without waking him.
[One night, at ass o' clock in the morning, Bakugo gets a call from his favorite (?) god. Were not for caller ID it might be difficult at first to tell it's him, because there's nothing but giggling the whole while. Like something out of a horror film. Yeesh.
Then it's as if Yato finally realizes the damn thing is on and speaks up, drawing out most words far longer than they should be. Except for Bakugo's name. Which he seems instead to simply like the sound of.]
Katsuki! Katsuki! Hey, Katsukiiiiiiii~! You got a minute~? Or three! This might take three.
[Normally Bakugo's the one getting up at ass o' clock in the morning, going out for exercise or morning jogs by 6am. But in this fucking hell froze over weather? Denji wins the war of keeping his boyfriend in bed. Doesn't mean he likes being woken up by someone else though... especially when it's ringing in his goddamn head.]
[One of the woes of being an immortal god is that time is relative. Sure the sun goes up and down, but often it matters precious little when you don't have a schedule. Hence why Yato figured it'd be a good idea to give Bakugo a call several hours before a normal person might wake up.]
Huh? Nooooo, you can't do that! Not yet anyways. I'll let you know when you can, okay? But first I gotta huuuuuuuuge favor to ask you!
[That's right. He called now to ask for something. Can he really get more dumb than this...]
[just this. Why couldn't he have texted it so Bakugo could ignore it until morning? How the fuck Yato doesn't have a schedule is beyond him. Dark is for sleeping. Light is for doing shit. Like talking. Or whatever this shit is. Killing soon enough. Denji might laugh at Bakugo getting a taste of his own medicine, but that's for the half-devil to deal with. Bakugo's trying not to wake him up with Yato's bullcrap.]
[Texting was far too impersonal for such an important ask in this case. Hence the call! He just... should've picked a better time. And preferably not after he'd had a drink or two too many. But his nerves needed the boost. If only there was something that boosted brainpower, too, he might have taken that as well. As is, it's just a drunk god assaulting Bakugo's head at an ungodly hour.]
Is it? [He sounds surprised by this. Last he checked, it was just getting dark out!] Oh. ....oh. Ah-- Well, you're up now, so it's all good, right??
[Should've. This is Yato's last worldly request, so he'd better make it good. What the fuck?! He's drinking too?! THIS GUY DRUNK DIALED HIM FOR A SLURRY FAVOR AT THIS TIME OF NIGHT?! HE'S GONNA WRING HIS SCRAWNY NECK WITH HIS OWN GODDAMN SCARF AND STAKE HIS BOW UP HIS FUCKING ASS FOR THIS!!
He's switching this to a thought-only transaction because otherwise he'd be screaming at Yato and wake Denji up.]
LOOK AT THE GODDAMN TIME BEFORE YOU CALL SOMEONE!! YOU BETTER BE DEAD OR DYING OVER THERE!! SP0IT IT OUT OR I'M HANGING UP!!
[At least it'll be a worthwhile one in his books. Perhaps not quite so much once he's spinning like a weather vane on his bow for all to see, but what can you do now that the deed has been done? He's awakened the Bakugo monster, now he has to live with the consequences.
It may be audio, but there's a slight shift in Yato's tone after being scolded; he's a touch more sober and definitely focusing harder on communicating in a more succinct manner. There may be a bit of mumbling from him trying to apologize ala hands pressed firmly together against his mouth.]
Right! Right! I gotcha! ...guess I should've noted it was AM rather than PM, huh...
Anyway!! You see, me an' Hiyori are gonna be getting married here in a few months' time, and while we've got Eresh as maid of honor and Vash for a bridesmaid - don't ask, it's what he wanted - and I've got an idea for an officiator, there's still one important role that's left to be filled and I was kind wondering and hoping you might deign to do me the honor of being my best man??
[The real question's going to be whether he learns from this or not. Bakugo rubs the side of his face as he sits up in bed, trying not to dislodge the pair of arms clinging to his stomach. Fuck, and he'd been so comfortable too. Sound asleep. Yato's gonna pay for this dearly.
At least that shocked some stupid alcohol out of him. Bastard. Bakugo should've clicked out the second he heard his lisp. He's not such a nice guy as to help someone who shot himself in the foot. But... he is a hero. Unfortunately at times like this. Great. Yeah, that apology counts for shit.]
Why... why the fuck's Undercut a bridesmaid. He's not a girl. [Ugh, goddammit, Vash. He better not say he wants to wear a dress or some bullshit like that. Yato's listing off shit and he has a feeling what's coming. Honestly, does the god thinking waking someone up to ask him to do THIS is a good idea?
... Bakugo's been to one or two weddings before, always as an audience. Being in the actual ceremony? Great, Yato lands on something the hero doesn't have a clue how to do. It leaves him blinking, both in surprise and embarrassment. And kinda touched Yato would even ask him, but that's unsaid.]
This couldn't have waited. [Is that a question or a statement. Who knows. He drags his hand down his visage. Be Yato's best man. After he threatened to kill the guy. That works.] I'm not wearing a shitty tie.
[He proooobably will? Bakugo's very good at teaching lessons, even over the network. His fury is just that inspiring, honestly. And frankly the threat of Doom looming over Yato's head has an impressive sobering effect on him.
Yeah, maybe it would've been the more sensible thing to have noped on out of the conversation from the moment Yato spoke, but now that they're both committed to the discussion, where is there to go from here but up? One hopes. And he'll apologize properly later, likely with a gift of some sort. Bakugo can expect a treat of some sort later this week.]
Dunno. I think it's the flowers. They're rare where he's from, I gather. [Strangely (or perhaps not, knowing who's involved), Yato didn't think to ask for clarification on the whys. He's more worried about the current dilemma and what'll happen if his request is denied. He'll probably cry, most likely, the idiot.
It's out of the blue and a big favor, hence the liquid courage. But truthfully there's nobody better he could ask than someone like Bakugo who always has his back both emotionally and physically. Who's been supportive from day one without mincing words or coddling him. Someone trustworthy. Honorable.]
I.. guess it could've. Should've. But I was so afraid you'd say no... [Although in hindsight, picking a more opportune time to ask would've increased his chances exponentially.
And yet it's not a negative that he gets...! That response is enough to immediately brighten Yato's face and voice, to the point he almost starts yammering again.] Of course! Whatever you want!! You can even come dressed however you like, if you prefer your hero getup! I don't mind!
[He's just happy enough having him there, truthfully.]
[And all the times he's yelled at Yato over the network and gone to bed on time hasn't taught Yato Bakugo values his sleep? Slow learner. But lucky for him, asking the blonde to be his best man kind of dropkicks his irritation a few levels, leaving Bakugo a bit flushed and awkward over the connection.
Who the hell asks that?! He knew Yato was getting married, but best man is very important! And he's asking him to... well... fuck that's a rare thing. Best men usually stand there beside/behind the groom and wait, witnessing the entire event, right? Dammit, now he's brain's awake and he was hoping to go back to sleep!
Bakugo runs his hand through his hair, floofing it up in a weird bedhead that's somehow wilder than normal. He wouldn't have a problem telling someone "no" to being their best man, but that's if he didn't know them well enough. And if he didn't know them, why the fuck would they ask?! Yato's not shallow like that. The only reason he's asking is... tch...
Damn Bakami. He's angry because he's kind of happy right now. Ugh, the worst.]
Yeah but does he know a bridesmaid is a girl? [Vash might've just heard "flowers" and went "YAY" to accept. He isn't aware of normal human traditions. Ren probably never got to fucking marriage with her son. Damn, does he tell Vash or let him do it? Probably B. Vash has a lot of friends and they likely won't care that he's a bridesmaid. Bakugo doesn't want to be that guy and ruin his fun.] Never mind. He can do what he wants.
[Anyways, back to his own commitment. Hearing Yato break into a grin across the connection is kinda cute. He makes the corner of his mouth quirk up a little. Such an excitable guy. Bakugo's not a dick enough to decline.]
Shut up. I'll wear a damn suit. [He's not gonna tromp up there a look like an idiot in his hero costume. Maybe in his world, that would be cool, but in this one, nope!] You're gonna announce this later?
[Written invitations are more traditional, personal, and private, but considering the Outsiders and the base, Yato could just as easily invite everyone over the network. Generate a lot of chatter, but would it cheapen the special? He has no idea. Leave it up to Yato.]
[Very slow learner. But he tends to get there! Look how many tries it took for him to grasp that his public Hiyori worship was out of control. But he got there! And now he's learning how to not irritate Bakugo in the morning at unholy hours.
Having only viewed a few weddings from a distance, Yato's grasp of what each person's role does tends to be rather limited. But he knows best man is the groom's most honored assistant, and for that there was only one person in mind to be his, explosions or no.
He knows it means entrusting the rings to him during the ceremony, which - for a god who tends to be perpetually broke - is a massive show of faith. That it likely includes other duties he isn't even aware of means he'll be counting on Bakugo immensely to help make the event a good one.
It's proof that Yato sees him as something of a best friend, really. Not that he's gonna say as much. Too much sap for them.]
Not sure! Guess we better ask him that first before he commits himself to the idea. Though he did kinda rock a dress that one time. [So if he wants to go ahead and dress the part, who is he to argue? They're in a weird situation anyway, being away from home and a mortal marrying a god. They can buck a few more rules without worry.] Heh, yeah. I'll check just in case, at some point.
[For saying that he'll even go for a suit makes Yato even more delighted, and the giddy clapping he does comes over the connection. Sometimes it is like dealing with a kid. So easily pleased.] Oh boy! Thanks Katsuki! You're the best!
[He nods, momentarily forgetting they're audio-only. Then there's a soft "whoops" and a laugh.] Uh huh! We're still deciding on a solid date, but we're in agreement on telling everyone once our close friends all know.
[He has no clue that things are traditionally done via written invitation rather than word of mouth, so between that and the more advanced world they're in, it sorta makes sense if their invites are digital or audio. He's already did kinda blab to people before confirming it with Hiyori, but that's Yato for you. Overeager and excitable.]
thank denji for making bakugo get dressy for some fancy dinners
[Learn more. Live longer. Bakugo will likely be looking up "grooms man" tomorrow to start researching his role and what to do during the wedding. He'll go over things with Yato closer to the date, making sure he's perfectly prepared and won't fuck anything up for his friend. Except wear a tie. A new suit, fine, but he's not putting that damn noose on.
Yato's trust in and feelings about their relationship isn't lost on him with the request. Bakugo's not even yelling at him anymore as he lies back in bed and lets the quiet warmth of this development wander across his mind and face. Ignoring the last part, dammit. He'll do everything he can to return the sentiments.]
You ask him. You should've told him when you talked to him. [Don't bring up that shitty dress fiasco!] That was a bullshit stunt and you know it!
[Ugh, no one should be shoved into a dress and held prisoner in it. Bakugo rues that day forever. Another reason he's glad he never got that stupid style chip implant. Vash is more than welcome to hold flowers or have one pinned to his lapel if he wears a suit. But... whatever, that's Yato's business. Vash should at least be told and then he can make his own decision.]
Tch. Make sure you tell everyone the dress code, theme, and color coordination if you have one. [Something Yato also needs to keep in mind as he and Hiyori plan the event. Weddings can be extravagant as fuck or as simple as crap.
Eh, considering they all live together, written invitations aren't really necessary anyways.]
[Something they'll both have to do, honestly, but thankfully there's plenty of time for that along with sussing out the details of attire and such. Although he's gotta love that a tie is where Bakugo draws the line in life.
Even in his slightly inebriated stupor, Yato's taken note of how the threats of violence and yelling have slowed to a dull roar. He hopes that's a good indication that Bakugo has taken the offer of best man for what it is: an expression of the the trust and value in their friendship. He knows that if there's anyone in Neo Tokyo he can count on, it's him.]
Hehe, yeah, maybe, but I can't say I haven't been there. [Because he has, quite deliberately. During his more egregious time stalking Hiyori so she wouldn't forget him.] But a funny one, you gotta admit!
[Somehow Yato got off scot-free with his style chip implant sadly, so he doesn't quite know the plight of being trapped in one's own attire. As for Vash's get-up, well, that's something they'll have to talk about. As a free spirit, Yato has no moral qualms about people wearing what they wanna wear. It's all good in his book.]
Oooh, gotcha. Yeah, the theme is going to be 'flower viewing' since we're aiming for a spring wedding, and I was thinking maybe light grey suits for us guys. It'll go well with the light pinks and blues representing Hiyori an' me. [This part he's put a surprising amount of thought into, because it will reflect on Hiyori as well and this is supposed to be her big day.
He'll save the fancy paper invitations for when they actually have a date set. Saves money that way.]
[He ended up wearing a tie in the last month or so of school before the war happened, but beyond that... Why the hell does a guy have to be considered presentable only after he's threatened to choke himself with some fucking silk?!
Yeah, he's accepted the best man offer with more seriousness than another kind of request Yato might've pulled. Something else would've ended up with "shut up" and *click* with sleep following. This one's gonna have him awake for a bit longer after hanging up. Kicking Yato's ass tomorrow for waking him up, and keeping him up, is gonna feel good.]
I don't wanna know. [Heading that off before the god regales him in a drunken stupor.] Like hell it was funny! That shit's gross!
[Boy's clothes, Girl's clothes! Mixing them is fucked up! Yeah, plenty of clothes are unisex, but there's still a difference! If anything, it should be a choice, not forced on someone with no shit given to preference.]
Hanami, huh. [Fitting for the spring. The sakura should be out once more. Last year the flowering trees ended up making people feel woozy, with some questionable side effects. Probably some similar shit will happen this year.] Not bad. You should go with off white as backdrop decor.
[Curtains, tablecloth, undershirts. Help bring the small pops of pastel pink and blue. Do NOT do white for the trail leading to the altar. It's tempting, but unless you're gonna roll it out immediately preceding the bride's walk, there'll be footprints on it. Or make it a thick carpet and ensure everyone's shoes are clean if they're gonna walk on it.
Yeah, this isn't Bakugo channeling his parents who work in fashion and design vocations.]
Last year, the blooms affected people weirdly. If you're gonna have this outside, you should try to ventilate the area.
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