"You go first," Bakugo says, motioning to a small pile of presents.

Unfortunately, with the little amount of time he had yesterday to shop for Todoroki's presents at the mall, he was only able to get a few things, which looks like nothing compared to the amount of things Todoroki got him.

It's dark out already and they've both gone through at least one mug of hot chocolate.

It started snowing on their way back from visiting Mitsuki, so Bakugo had to take a hot shower to help get rid of the congestion.

Bakugo has no clue where his dad is, he realizes as he watches Todoroki open up present after present. From his small reactions, Bakugo can tell he likes them. None of them were really anything much, but he guesses just the fact that Bakugo got things that Todoroki is interested in was enough.

It's a little sad and Bakugo feels an ache in his chest for Todoroki as he watches as the taller teen's eyes widen with excitement and happiness after each thing.

He's never had this.

After, it's Bakugo's turn and he feels guilt as he thinks about how he should have gotten more things for the other so that he could have seen more of those happy reactions. So that Todoroki had more excitement.

The things he opens are obviously pricey, but they're things Bakugo likes. They're like the presents Bakugo got Todoroki.

Pricey, but not only was the value in the price, but in the fact that they knew each other enough to know that the other would like it.

After the presents, they clean up and put their new stuff away, Todoroki putting his stuff in a random bag Bakugo found in his room. He didn't bring anything other than himself and his phone when he first came over. He'd bought himself some clothes so he could stay over longer without having to use Bakugo's clothes when he went shopping for Bakugo.

Other than that, Todoroki didn't really have anything here at Bakugo's house.

They talk before they start the movie marathon.

"If you're not sure you want to be with me, I understand, but I'll wait for you to decide. However long it takes."

The truthfulness behind the words only solidifies Bakugo's decision. It really didn't take too long to think about. Not after everything Todoroki has done for him.

He's still terrified about him being ripped away by the inevitable force that is death, but his feelings for Todoroki outweigh the fear. He wants to be close to him and learn more about him.

Bakugo wants the care that Todoroki gives him and he wants to return it to him, too, because he deserves it. Todoroki deserves to be cared for and to be thought about. Because even if Bakugo didn't want to admit it, he does think about Todoroki.

When he's studying or training or talking to his friends, he's thinking about Todoroki and whether Todoroki is studying, if Todoroki is training, if Todoroki is talking to his own friends.

Would Todoroki like mochi today? Does he want soba really bad today and if he makes him soba, will he love it?

Is Todoroki at home and wishing he was back with his friends? Does Todoroki think of Bakugo all the time like Bakugo thinks about him?

It's all these things and more. So as he stares back at Todoroki, he finds himself smiling at him again. Because recently, in the last couple of months, Todoroki has been the only person who's been able to make him smile.

These last few months Todoroki has been the only person to see him.

"Let's date," the blond tells him.

And Todoroki's face lights up brighter than it had when he was opening up his very first Christmas present.

In an instant, Bakugo is wrapped in an extremely tight hug. As soon as he realizes, he's hugging him back, squeezing him tight, too and realizing that he's smiling really big. So big his face hurts.

His mom would be happy about this.

Happy about the fact that he's found someone to make him smile despite his grief. That this loser who had the nerve to embarrass him in front of his mom's grave was the one who got him to be okay with forming relationships with people again.

Because he's terrified. He's beyond afraid of death.

But even though he's scared, the wanting he has to be close to people again is even stronger.

After they break the hug, Todoroki is holding his hand and tugging him to the living room so they could start watching movies.

"I'm happy you like me. Let's be boyfriends, okay?"

Bakugo nods.

"You made it impossible to not like you, asshole. Of course we're boyfriends," he scoffs, feeling his face heat up with the words.

Halfway into the first movie, while Bakugo and Todoroki are holding hands and they're resting their heads on each other, wrapped up in a thick blanket, it hits Bakugo.

He and Todoroki are dating.

How the fuck?

Yesterday he wasn't even thinking about anything other than getting over being sick and today Todoroki revealed that he still had feelings for Bakugo and made Bakugo decide whether or not he was going to want to pursue anything.

Now it's fucking eight at night and they're watching some Christmas cartoon all cuddled up after agreeing to be boyfriends.

What the fuck?

His eyes dart around the room to check if he's in an alternate reality and somehow missed it.

When he finds nothing out of the ordinary, he exhales heavily and sits up, disrupting Todoroki's comfortable position.

"Okay, hold on," he says, feeling insane because what?

Todoroki sits up, too, and grabs the remote, pausing the movie and looking over at Bakugo with furrowed brows.

"What's wrong?" The taller teen asks.

Bakugo breathes a few times, finding himself breaking out into laughter as he squeezes Todoroki's hand.

"We're dating," he says out loud, a weird amount of joy in his tone, which causes Todoroki to stop frowning and slowly start smiling, finding it joyous, too.

"Yes, we are. We are dating," the other says out loud, wanting to hear it for himself.

Bakugo feels fucking giddy and all weird inside.

They're dating.

~~~~~

Bakugo wakes up the next day with Todoroki next to him, facing away from him, but back pressed completely against him.

He's dating Shoto Todoroki.

He doesn't even know if he's called Todoroki 'Todoroki' since they met.

The blond still feels sick, but a lot less sick. His throat doesn't hurt at all today. It feels wonky, but there's no pain. Maybe he can cook them breakfast and check if his dad is home yet.

Carefully and as quietly at possible, he gets out of bed and heads out to the restroom. All the mugs of hot chocolate have caught up to him and he really needs to pee.

After he's done brushing his teeth and all that, he goes to check on his dad, relieved to see he's passed out in his bed. Sure, one arm is hanging off the bed, clutching a bottle of whiskey. The man is snoring so Bakugo doesn't have to go check if he's breathing.

As quietly as possible, he shuts the door and makes his way to the kitchen, ready to make something amazing.

If he's being honest, his hunger lately has been nonexistent, so he's trying to cook things he used to enjoy all the time. It works sometimes, but then sometimes it doesn't, so he just does his best.

Breakfast doesn't take long and right after he takes a plate to his dad's room, he calls him on the phone, making sure he wakes up, but not wanting to see Masaru awake because his dad doesn't want to see him.

The man picks up on the third try and curses at him to leave him alone, creating a deeper pit in his chest with every word.

After he's able to tell him that he took him some food, the man hangs up without another word.

He stands in the kitchen for about ten minutes just biting his upper lip and wondering where he messed up so bad. After the ten or so minutes, he serves himself and Todoroki and heads to his room.

His hunger was completely depleted after the call with his dad, but he needs to eat anyway.

When he wakes Todoroki up, the other is not having it, saying there's no school and that he doesn't have to train, whining about not getting enough sleep.

"I brought food."

The speed in which he sits up should be studied, but he's out of the room and in the restroom in a second, leaving Bakugo to his thoughts.

Masaru had said to leave him alone 'until he becomes a real hero'. He's got his provisional license, but he guesses that's not a 'real hero' yet.

Was he throwing shade at him even more about his mom's death? Did he just not want to see him ever again? If that's the case, why doesn't he just say so? Why is he giving Bakugo hope that he can fix himself and finally be good enough for his dad?

The sound of Todoroki leaving the restroom snaps him out of his head and has him fixing his face, going for more of a scowl than a sulk.

"I really like the way your hand soap smells," he starts, closing the door behind himself and trudging over to Bakugo before pressing a kiss to his forehead.

That's when he takes a good look at the blond. It's probably that paired with the lack of talking that gives him away, but he can't help it. Why doesn't his dad love him anymore? Why is he left without any parents?

"Oh, Bakugo," Halfie frowns, putting his hands on his cheeks, "you can talk to me."

The blond takes a deep breath, shaking his head as he averts his eyes.

"Not now. Let's just eat for now."

If he starts talking, he might spiral and never get to eat. No matter how much he isn't hungry, he knows he needs the food. He's lost weight recently and has been feeling weaker overall. It's no doubt that it's the lack of food and exercise.

"Okay, come on," the other calls, pulling him to the bed so they can sit and watch something on Todoroki's phone.

Bakugo is angry at himself. Letting Todoroki see him like this and letting himself wallow instead of doing something about what his dad said. He should be outside training, not inside, sick, eating, and watching a movie. He shouldn't be relaxing.

As he sits with his boyfriend, both of them eating the breakfast he made, he's thinking about all of the things he should be doing. Studying to get ahead in class, reaching out to agencies, forming a real plan for after high school.

He's got so much he needs to do before he becomes a real hero like his dad said.

What if he's unable to accomplish that? Then he'd be letting both of his parents and himself down. He didn't think he even wanted to be a hero after his mom died, but now he needs to be one. He needs to have his dad love him again.

This shit where he just sits on his ass all day and does nothing is pathetic. Who gives a fuck if he's sick? He's not even a real hero.

And his dad knows. Masaru knows how much of a fuck up he is.

There's just so much to do and so little time.

He might fall apart and he has no idea how to even start doing anything.

"Hey."

Bakugo blinks, looking over at Halfie who's staring at him with those furrowed eyebrows.

"We should talk now. Come on," Todoroki says, turning to face him and powering off his phone.

Anxiety grows in Bakugo as the other teen looks at him and expects him to tell him about this shit. As if the overwhelming sense of failure and anger at himself is nothing. As if it's so easy to admit that he knows he's not a real hero and how he needs to change. He needs to get better and start saving people.

How can he just tell Todoroki about how weak he is?

"Whatever it is, it's important. Whatever you're so worried about is valid. I don't know what it is, but I won't judge you."

Maybe he won't because he knows Bakugo. He was there when he failed the provisional license exam the first time. Hell, he was right there with him. But the difference between them is far too wide. Todoroki failed because of someone else's fault. Bakugo lost on his own.

Todoroki has seen him at his lowest and he's still wanted him. He wants Bakugo even now after knowing how horrible he is and seeing first hand how destructive he can be.

Maybe it will be okay to tell him.

"I need your help in becoming a real hero."

It's all he can get himself to say. Todoroki is the definition of a true hero. Yeah, they're still in school, but Todoroki, from the get go, has exhibited nothing but heroic attributes.

He's strong, kind, and valiant.

"A real- what? Bakugo, what is this about? Did something happen?" The other asks, completely caught off guard by the plea for help as if it's preposterous that Bakugo doesn't see himself as a real hero.

How does he even know that something happened for Bakugo to want help?

"No, nothing happened. I just realized that I'm shit at being a hero," he half lies.

Todoroki shakes his head, unbelieving.

"No, you're acting different. Something happened. Someone hurt you. Who?" He realizes out loud, looking at Bakugo's face for confirmation.

The anxiety of telling him about what his dad said displays itself as anger and Bakugo snaps, "It's normal to see that I'm fucking useless in the field, okay? I know I'm a shitty person to work with and an even shittier hero. Just- I'm asking for your help and instead you're interrogating me."

Halfie takes a deep breath, shaking his head.

"No. You're not a shitty person or a shitty hero. You're the most heroic person in class whether you want to believe it or not. I understand wanting to improve, but this is different. Someone said something to you to make you doubt yourself. Was it online? They're irrelevant, don't listen to them, okay?"

The anger dissipates halfway through what Todoroki was saying, leaving Bakugo with nothing but anxiety.

The blond shakes his head at the other, "It wasn't online," he admits, "it was my dad."

The silence is deafening as Bakugo is unable to look up, feeling cowardly because of it.

It's only a few seconds before Todoroki places a hand on his shoulder and uses the other one to make him look up at him. It's weirdly intimate for a brand new relationship.

Bakugo can't say he hates it as he looks into Todoroki's earnest eyes.

"Your dad is stupid for putting you down. I have never seen anyone more capable of being a hero than you. You-" Todoroki smiles, "you are Katsuki Bakugo. Whatever he said to make you doubt yourself was dumb because I know that by the time we're Pros, everyone is going to know your name and all the villains will fear you."

This idiot believes what he's saying. There's no deceit in his eyes as he looks over Bakugo's softening face.

Even though his dad's words echo in his mind, they're buried under the loud voice of Todoroki telling him that he is a hero and one of the best ones at that.

"I- damn. I'm sorry," he finds himself saying, not liking how he snapped at his boyfriend.

"It's okay, you were just emotional. I understand, but I don't want it to happen again. I don't like when people yell," Todoroki says, rubbing his thumb against Bakugo's reddening cheeks.

They're so close and it's making Bakugo nervous to be looked at so closely.

"I'll work on it," he says, voice low as Todoroki's face seems to get closer.

With a smile, he kisses Bakugo on the cheek, completely throwing Bakugo off because he was expecting a peck on the lips.

The blond scoffs, pushing him slightly so they're not so close. His face burns and he looks away, feeling stupid.

"I'll be up for helping you train, it'll help both of us out. Just not now, okay? We have to wait for you to feel better. We can't have you passing out or anything."

Bakugo just nods as he finishes the last of his food, already cold, still reeling with embarrassment from before.

Stupid Halfie.

~~~~~

New years is much better if you ask Bakugo.

He's not sick anymore, his dad left for a business thing, and Todoroki was helping him talk more about his feelings and shit. It's hard sometimes after talking, like if he's experiencing all of the bad shit again, but then the days after feel somewhat lighter.

It's not the best, but it's the best he's had in a while.

They visited his mom earlier today. Todoroki really loves talking to her. It makes Bakugo feel valid and normal knowing that not only he finds comfort in it.

The only thing that's been bothering him other than his dad is the slew of messages he's been getting from his friends. It's mostly Kirishima and Kaminari who bombard him with worried messages.

Apparently Mina took her worries to someone other than Todoroki.

Which feels dumb because Todoroki even told her that he's doing good so there's no need for worry. She didn't listen to that and now these idiots have been bothering him nonstop.

He answered them immediately the first time, saying he was fine and that Mina didn't know what she was talking about.

But the messages just kept coming afterwards and it bothered him.

He would respond every now and then, telling them to leave him alone because he's fine, but he guesses whatever Mina told them made them really worried.

Other than that, things were pretty good.

Todoroki asked him on an official date for the day after new years, so they're going somewhere apparently.

It's a surprise he guesses because Halfie won't tell him what they'll be doing, but Bakugo isn't nervous. He's excited more than anything. Todoroki is really talking up the date and there's no reason for him to worry about the idiot liking him because for some reason, he really does.

He knows he's good enough as he is. He's been caring, considerate, and encouraging. He bought Todoroki flowers the other day, which he really fucking enjoyed doing because Todoroki's reaction was everything.

They talk all the time. It's so easy to do that with Todoroki because he's the complete opposite of judgy, and if he disagrees with something Bakugo says, he doesn't hide it.

It feels like a mutually respectful relationship. That's something Bakugo has always wanted. Sure, he never really looked for relationships and actually tended to avoid anything with dating, but Todoroki is perfect.

It's so cheesy, now that he's here looking at Todoroki who's looking at the sky, waiting for the 12 o'clock fireworks.

He wonders if they'll have their first kiss in just a few seconds.

What does Todoroki have planned? Will they just hug as they watch the fireworks or will this tall idiot finally kiss him?

Honestly, their relationship hasn't really changed from their previous ways. Especially their recent previous ways where Todoroki would hold him all night and they'd whisper secrets into the nights.

Now it's just out in the open that they like each other and there's this tense air when they're really close because Bakugo is waiting for a kiss and the other is oblivious.

He's either oblivious or waiting for the right moment.

Bakugo hopes he's just waiting for the right moment. He also hopes the right moment is now.

The first firework goes off, lighting the sky in a beautiful blue and yellow, before a couple of more go off. They're both looking up as tons more start popping off in the sky.

That's when Todoroki turns looks down at him and smiles, leaning forward and finally pressing a kiss to Bakugo's waiting lips.

Their eyes shut and Bakugo leans into it, feeling only a little embarrassed when he almost falls forward when Todoroki pulls away. His eyes open to see Todoroki looking back with a bright blush on his face, illuminated by the ongoing fireworks around them.

"Again?" Bakugo asks.

The other just nods dumbly and leans forward again, pressing their lips together once more.

It's everything to Bakugo.

This is his first kiss with his first boyfriend during their first new years together.

It's everything he could have asked for and more.

***
Word Count: 3501
Shorter chapter cause exams suck and also i got so fucking sick all of a sudden earlier in the week?? Like I almost passed out because I walked 20 minutes to campus and 20 back. I've never been so sick I feel weak and almost pass out. EVER like that's never happened it was so weird. Anyway I tried to make it up by adding official tdbk 🗣️ it's a little sudden but also not cause Bakugo's BEEN hanging w todoroki for months atp and seeing first hand what an amazing guy he is 🥹 Anyway x2 I hope y'all liked this chapter. Next one goes up next Sunday at 11:30 pm central time (before 12) and will be around 3000-6000 words. I love you all and tysm for reading<3