[He's accepted he's made friends. There are people back home and in this stupid world who he cares about and would fight to the bitter end to keep safe. Denying it (he will, vocally, most times) is pretty easy for anyone who knows him to see through. But he's gotta keep that tough guy image! Not even his friends can take advantage of him! So he says... No, he's unable to write off those close to him anymore.
As for self-depreciation, he's handled plenty from the villain. When Bakugo said he didn't want people knowing about his feelings for Dabi, the man instantly asked if it was because Bakugo was embarrassed of him. ... What the hell?! He's repeatedly reaffirmed his loyalty and protectiveness, stuck with him and bared pieces of himself. Yet so often Dabi remains at arm's length, never entirely trusting his words, always quick to assume the problem or worthlessness is him, never allowing himself the chance to believe someone actually cares about him... for him.
Bakugo's come to accept that as well. Damaged too deep. Of course he wants to save Dabi. Not as a hero, but as a friend. Yet he's been forced to realize, some people simply don't want to be saved. They stopped believing they can be, or deserve to be. So Bakugo leaves his hand in the fire, letting it burn to a blackened skeleton. Ready. Waiting. Even if Dabi never reaches out to truly take his hand... and least it will always be there for him.
Just in case.
That's how he's chosen to love him.
Anyways, Esikko has the right idea on how to handle this. No choice, no options. Dump it right on his doorstep and tell him it's coming. They can knock him off his feet later on the day of their choosing. And make sure Dabi's not alone for the holidays. (Unless he wants to be. Bakugo's not gonna shove himself into the man's life when he needs some fucking personal space. He would be pissed if people dragged him to parties and shit too.) It'll be fine.]
No shit. Don't underestimate everything you've done for him in the past. Some people won't admit they feel good because they're scared it'll stop if they do. That bastard's stubborn as fuck even if you cram proof down his throat.
[So they'll keep cramming.]
Fine. When we do this, we're gonna make sure he's so fucking stuffed he explodes!
[You know, stuffed with care, but hell if he's gonna say something that stupid sappy!]
( Esikko's love for Dabi takes its own angle, loud and selfish. The sort of insistence that allows no room for doubt, that embarrasses and causes trouble and twists itself around things and gets in the way, that doesn't leave any room for shying back or away. He's felt that same reluctance from Dabi, the refusal to take his hand— and even if Esikko is far more the type to reach out and grab it forcefully anyway, he's not one to drag him anywhere he doesn't want to go. He'll be annoying, he'll be sappy, he'll say all the things he feels are worth saying.
He's seen that Bakugo and Dabi are close in a similar way. More history, but the same reluctance to accept a hand extended his way. Bakugo's extended hand is warm and consistent, and by recognizing that, maybe that's why he doesn't feel the pang of jealousy from watching those two get along that he does when he hears Dabi speaking about Fuuta...? Maybe it's because he trusts Bakugo, or because he's fond of him more each day, too, or because he's a far more reliable presence. Or maybe it's just because with the different ways they offer love, it feels like he could still have a place himself alongside either of them. He tries not to think about it too much.
It's nice hearing from him those affirmations that Dabi is always too embarrassed to give, though. That he's done things for him, or impacted him in some positive way... That it's been noticed at all. So after a pause, he replies. )
I knew I could count on you for this. Thanks, Katsuki.
( It's going to be fun. It's probably going to end up in a christmas bang. )
That's the spirit~ Let's set off our own big firework, hehe. I'll let you know what day it's going to be, and we can stay in contact about setup.
[Normally it's not in Bakugo's nature to be reserved or hold back. He always thought, on the off chance he ever did want to get in a relationship, it'd go one of two ways. One, the other person would have the balls to come up and tell him to his face. Wishywashy non-committal half-hearted bullshit's not gonna get anywhere from him. Would he yell at them for being so forward? Probably, if they caught him off guard. Two, he'd be the one bluntly saying he liked them and letting the victim do with the information what they would. "Hey shitty extra, let's go out." Would he be red-faced and flustered about it? .... HE FUCKING HOPES NOT!
Ironically it's far easier for him to talk about someone else's feelings than his own. Those are private. If Esikko can't tell his previous actions and presence around the villain are appreciated, that's on his own pessimistic nature. Both prince and villain are similar, never believing either of them is worth someone else's time or care. Dismissing kindness with doubt or guilt or cynicism. How people can get through their lives not giving a shit about themselves is something Bakugo will never relate to. He's always been proud of himself and valued his own worth, screw what anyone else thinks! He'll make them think he's worth it! Even if that means smashing them in the face with proof.]
Hmph. As if I'd give you shitty advice.
[He'll let things play out. Dabi likes going to parties and getting lost in hedonism. Might be a good change of pace to kick back and do fuck all with his friends.]
Big talk. Let's put some real stakes out there, then?
A number of games for me to learn, and once I've learned, we set a number of matches to be called the "winner." If I win, I get to pick something for you to wear.
I wouldn't worry about that. You're part of the surprise. Let me put a little ribbon on those spikes of yours.
But really, I didn't say it would be just me, but I didn't say you'd be there, either. I said I had plans for him. It's vague enough he should expect more than just some solo date, since he knows me well.
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Date: 12/4/25 21:29 (UTC)As for self-depreciation, he's handled plenty from the villain. When Bakugo said he didn't want people knowing about his feelings for Dabi, the man instantly asked if it was because Bakugo was embarrassed of him. ... What the hell?! He's repeatedly reaffirmed his loyalty and protectiveness, stuck with him and bared pieces of himself. Yet so often Dabi remains at arm's length, never entirely trusting his words, always quick to assume the problem or worthlessness is him, never allowing himself the chance to believe someone actually cares about him... for him.
Bakugo's come to accept that as well. Damaged too deep. Of course he wants to save Dabi. Not as a hero, but as a friend. Yet he's been forced to realize, some people simply don't want to be saved. They stopped believing they can be, or deserve to be. So Bakugo leaves his hand in the fire, letting it burn to a blackened skeleton. Ready. Waiting. Even if Dabi never reaches out to truly take his hand... and least it will always be there for him.
Just in case.
That's how he's chosen to love him.
Anyways, Esikko has the right idea on how to handle this. No choice, no options. Dump it right on his doorstep and tell him it's coming. They can knock him off his feet later on the day of their choosing. And make sure Dabi's not alone for the holidays. (Unless he wants to be. Bakugo's not gonna shove himself into the man's life when he needs some fucking personal space. He would be pissed if people dragged him to parties and shit too.) It'll be fine.]
No shit. Don't underestimate everything you've done for him in the past. Some people won't admit they feel good because they're scared it'll stop if they do. That bastard's stubborn as fuck even if you cram proof down his throat.
[So they'll keep cramming.]
Fine. When we do this, we're gonna make sure he's so fucking stuffed he explodes!
[You know, stuffed with care, but hell if he's gonna say something that stupid sappy!]
no subject
Date: 12/4/25 21:58 (UTC)He's seen that Bakugo and Dabi are close in a similar way. More history, but the same reluctance to accept a hand extended his way. Bakugo's extended hand is warm and consistent, and by recognizing that, maybe that's why he doesn't feel the pang of jealousy from watching those two get along that he does when he hears Dabi speaking about Fuuta...? Maybe it's because he trusts Bakugo, or because he's fond of him more each day, too, or because he's a far more reliable presence. Or maybe it's just because with the different ways they offer love, it feels like he could still have a place himself alongside either of them. He tries not to think about it too much.
It's nice hearing from him those affirmations that Dabi is always too embarrassed to give, though. That he's done things for him, or impacted him in some positive way... That it's been noticed at all. So after a pause, he replies. )
I knew I could count on you for this. Thanks, Katsuki.
( It's going to be fun.
It's probably going to end up in a christmas bang.)That's the spirit~ Let's set off our own big firework, hehe. I'll let you know what day it's going to be, and we can stay in contact about setup.
no subject
Date: 12/4/25 22:29 (UTC)Ironically it's far easier for him to talk about someone else's feelings than his own. Those are private. If Esikko can't tell his previous actions and presence around the villain are appreciated, that's on his own pessimistic nature. Both prince and villain are similar, never believing either of them is worth someone else's time or care. Dismissing kindness with doubt or guilt or cynicism. How people can get through their lives not giving a shit about themselves is something Bakugo will never relate to. He's always been proud of himself and valued his own worth, screw what anyone else thinks! He'll make them think he's worth it! Even if that means smashing them in the face with proof.]
Hmph. As if I'd give you shitty advice.
[He'll let things play out. Dabi likes going to parties and getting lost in hedonism. Might be a good change of pace to kick back and do fuck all with his friends.]
Aa. You know how to play card games, right?
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Date: 12/4/25 23:22 (UTC)I knowww... poker? The cards I'm used to are a bit different from these. Teach me a few more games, so I can be prepared.
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Date: 12/4/25 23:26 (UTC)Yeah, yeah. Should be fine with poker.
I'll shove a few more down your throat.
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Date: 12/4/25 23:30 (UTC)If I beat you at any of them, I should get a prize.
how the hell did i miss this?
Date: 12/8/25 23:59 (UTC)Yeah? You think you've even got a chance?
your inbox must always be so full so I can imagine it's easy to miss things!!
Date: 12/9/25 00:05 (UTC)Since it's an even playing field where my frail body can't possibly get in the way? Obviously, I do.
I want to see the furious face you make when you lose. Hehe.
no it's pretty droughty right now thanks to life
Date: 12/9/25 00:08 (UTC)I don't lose. No matter if it's fighting or card games.
I'll wipe the fucking floor with you!
time to singlehandedly fill it up then!! ✨
Date: 12/9/25 00:13 (UTC)*fingerguns* until life interferes~
Date: 12/9/25 00:19 (UTC)kicking life into submission (temporarily)
Date: 12/9/25 00:29 (UTC)A number of games for me to learn, and once I've learned, we set a number of matches to be called the "winner." If I win, I get to pick something for you to wear.
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Date: 12/9/25 00:34 (UTC)Oh? And if I win, you're wearing whatever you fucking pick.
[So Esikko better choose carefully.]
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Date: 12/9/25 00:38 (UTC)( HIS PLANS... Is he still going to risk it? Absolutely. )
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Date: 12/9/25 00:47 (UTC)Serves you right! I bet your face is hilarious right now!
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From:god idk how to play cards, bear with my vagueness
From:s'all good! vagueness is the name of the game.
From:( later on, after messaging dabi )
Date: 12/8/25 23:07 (UTC)That work for you?
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Date: 12/9/25 00:00 (UTC)no subject
Date: 12/9/25 00:09 (UTC)But really, I didn't say it would be just me, but I didn't say you'd be there, either. I said I had plans for him. It's vague enough he should expect more than just some solo date, since he knows me well.
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Date: 12/9/25 00:12 (UTC)Hmph. Good. Didn't think you'd fuck it up. I've got the ingredients for soba when we need them.
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Date: 12/9/25 00:17 (UTC)Soba is like naengmyeon, right? It's going to be even more delicious made fresh. As long as you're in charge, anyway. You'll have to keep us in line.
( There's going to be buckwheat flour everywhere. )
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Date: 12/9/25 00:21 (UTC)Aa. Noodles.
I'm not making the noodles from scratch! We'd never get it done in an evening!
[Those things take time to combine, press, cut, and dry! No, these will be packaged.] Text
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Date: 12/9/25 00:31 (UTC)How should I know that? Well, as long as they're good quality, it's fine.
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Date: 12/9/25 00:37 (UTC)Sides, he knows Esikko would start throwing flour, or Dabi would smack a white hand on someone, and a flour war would break out. Hmph.]
I'm not gonna serve you two shitty quality. You'll be drooling by the time it's served up.
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Date: 12/9/25 01:03 (UTC)I'll be counting on you, then.
I can handle decorations.
( He doesn't know Christmas, but that's not the focus of it, anyway. Reds and golds and greens and whites, classy and pretty. He can manage that. )
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Date: 12/9/25 03:23 (UTC)What decorations?
[*blink blink*]
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