The next day, he woke up to at least twenty texts from Mina and Todoroki.

Fucking shit. Why did Mina have to go blab about that shit? It was none of her business and he's fine now. Sure his eyes are still slightly puffy and his nose is red because he kept blowing his nose, but he's fine now.

It was a well needed cry.

He blocks Mina's number, not caring to see what she had to say and opens up Todoroki's.

_______________
IcyHot

Bakugo, are you okay?

Mina said she saw you at the store and you
were crying.

Please tell me you're okay.

Hello?

I am going to your house in the morning.

I hope you are okay with that and that you
don't get mad.

Have a good night.

I'm on my way. Almost there.

_______________

Bakugo scrambles out of bed, noticing the last text came in ten minutes ago.

Fuck.

He quickly goes to the restroom, brushing his teeth and all that shit. It's nine in the morning. That damn asshole woke up that fucking early just to come to his house?

How annoying.

Hopefully his dad is sleeping like a log and won't mind the noise. Not that Todoroki ever makes any noise.

It's when he's changing that he hears the knock on the front door.

Shit.

In a rush, he heads to the door, not wanting the other to knock again. His dad used to be a light sleeper. He hasn't been like that for a while, but things change.

Once he's at the door, he opens it to face the other teen who is just standing there. His face had changed when he saw Bakugo, eyes softening.

"Can I come in?" Bakugo nods and motions for him to do just that. He doesn't say a thing, not wanting to get himself worked up or anything.

The blond just takes a few breaths and turns around, facing the other.

"You can't stay long. I'm busy."

"Oh okay. I'll be gone, soon, but first I really hope you're doing okay. Mina was really worried."

At the mention of the girl, Bakugo rolls his eyes.

Right now, he really doesn't want to hear her name. His life is none of her fucking business no matter how worried she feels.

"I don't give a shit about her. Just- I was having a bad night, okay? I'm fine now," he answers, giving Halfie something so he can back off and go away.

"Are you sure? Bakugo, I hate to be annoying, I really do, but I'm worried too. You look like you've gone through hell and back."

It feels like it.

But the words mean more coming from Todoroki. For some reason, he kind of likes the attention from the idiot and knowing he's worried about him makes him feel cared about.

It's probably fucked up, but he just wants comfort and someone to hold him. Literally anyone who's willing, and Todoroki is definitely willing to comfort him. Even if it's not a hug that he gets, the care is enough.

Just thinking it is embarrassing for him and makes him feel horrible inside. He feels weak and scared. The fear of losing someone grips at him, even through the many sessions of therapy, he still struggles with that.

He knows it's a slow process, and he has gotten better about that shit, but he still can't help that horrifying knowledge that he's going to lose everyone around him.

"I-" he honestly doesn't know how to answer him. He feels stuck. "You're not annoying. I'm fine now. I'm not lying, okay? It just really was a bad night for me."

In usual Todoroki fashion, he awkwardly opens up his arms, giving Bakugo an opening to hug him. The sight has Bakugo longing,

If he weren't so prideful, he'd jump in those arms right away and let himself fall apart.

Unfortunately, Bakugo's pride is second to none, so he doesn't take Halfie up on that and just turns around, feeling somewhat bad for leaving him hanging like that.

"I'm very sorry about your horrible night. If you're free later and want to talk, my house is always open. My dad is on a business trip and my sibling aren't home anymore. I'll text you my address."

Bakugo's guilt returns and he nods, feeling rude for giving Todoroki a hard time when all he's doing is giving Bakugo exactly what he needs; comfort.

For some reason, the blond feels different about Todoroki than his other friends. He's not sure what it is, but it's there and it makes Todoroki stand out.

"Alright, Halfie. Thanks or whatever," he says, trying to brush off the 'thanks', "now get your nosy ass out of here. I got shit to do."

The other smiles and turns with a nod, heading out the door.

Before it closes, Todoroki pops his head in the house and waves at him.

"I'll see you soon. I wish you the best."

He leaves right after, Bakugo just standing there as he wishes he would have taken him up on that hug.

~~~~~

The next few days go just like that first full day of break. He stayed away from his dad by visiting his mom all day, went to the store for groceries, and made dinner for the both of them to eat separately.

His dad had not once reached out to him first.

The only times they communicated was through text and that was just for when the food was done.

Bakugo just wanted his dad back already.

It's selfish, he knows. He's trying to work on that, but that's his dad. His dad should at least acknowledge him.

The only times he had acknowledged him was those first two days when he thought he was Mitsuki.

God that was the worst. He started wearing beanies around the house just in case his dad did happen to come out or whatever. He was even thinking about going as far as to dye his hair a different color.

Just so that his dad wouldn't get confused anymore and he could let go smoothly without having to get pushed back by the tricks his mind plays.

Halfie had been texting him basically nonstop (just once a day).

It was getting damn annoying if you ask him.

But also, he liked the other guy. He was nice, caring, selfless, and attentive. It was like when Bakugo was talking, nothing else was important other than Bakugo.

That bullshit had him thinking about dumb shit.

He feels like such a loser though. Getting attention from someone making him feel important. Damn he just really needs his dad to stop ignoring him.

Then maybe he'd have an ounce of self respect and not find attention so appealing.

Ugh.

Then he gets a text a couple of days before Christmas. Of course, it's from Halfie.

_______________
IcyHot

Come to my house today.

Please.

Be here by 2.

_______________

He stares at the messages for a long time. Just sitting on the edge of his bed. Thinking.

Honestly, he's not feeling it.

Getting himself to do anything feels impossible. Hell, he's not even technically out of bed yet because he hasn't gotten the motivation to start his day.

It feels like a stab in his gut. It's dull and full of dread.

But he should probably try. It's just Halfie's house. Knowing that idiot, he just wants to watch a movie together because he's bored or something.

For that, Bakugo doesn't blame him. The poor guy probably got used to being surrounded by their classmates all the time after living his whole childhood in solitude.

Sure, Bakugo grew up an only child, but his parents were always there for him and he was allowed to socialize. Halfie cannot say the same for his childhood, even though he grew up with siblings. It's different for Halfie because he was forced to stay away from them and vice versa.

And Halfie's parents weren't around. When they were, they were hurting him.

That's not the same at all.

So he obliges.

All he texts back is a quick 'die' before he gets another text back with an address.

Stupid IcyHot.

It's already noon, so he should be getting ready. He should have made breakfast for his dad earlier, but now he has to make lunch.

He should have been doing a lot, but instead, he's stuck sitting on his bed, not wanting to move.

Really, the only move he wants to make is to get back under the blanket and go back to sleep. Even if his sleep is filled with nightmares like it has been for a while. It's not every night, but there are enough nights to have him dreading sleep sometimes.

Right now is not that time because he's just tired.

If he's being honest, though, he's not sure sleep will fix the kind of tired he is.

Around one, he finally forces himself to get up in a rush, hurrying to do everything and get to Todoroki's house by two.

Impossible, but his anxiety forces him to try and do everything in that time. He has forty minutes to do everything at home. That includes getting ready and making lunch for his dad at least.

He's in and out of the shower in ten minutes, brushing his teeth while washing his hair. In the rush, he accidentally got shampoo in his mouth, but it wasn't too bad. He didn't really care for how he looked, so he just threw on many layers. It was cold as fuck outside.

Honestly, he was cold now so he put everything on already, even doubling his socks.

Then he went to make lunch. Some vegetables and a source of protein should be good enough for his dad.

It shouldn't take long since he'd taken out some pork to defrost yesterday.

In his rush, he's done right on time and leaving his house, making sure to lock it behind him before he sets off, texting his dad about lunch being ready.

Masaru had been really good about eating, so Bakugo hasn't been worried about that.

It's one thing off the huge list of things Bakugo feels guilty about. Again though! He's working on it. He swears.

It's at exactly two that he knocks on Todoroki's door. It opens immediately as if Todoroki was waiting there for him. It's sweet, really.

"Bakugo," he smiles, pulling him inside. "I'm really excited you're here."

Funny because he says this with a monotone voice.

"What did you want me here for?" He asks, not really wanting to have him know he's kind of glad he invited him over. If it weren't for that getting out of bed shit, this would've been great.

The other shrugs at the question.

"I missed you and I wanted to spend time together. Is that okay?"

His heart beats faster. Stupid Halfie.

"Whatever, what do you wanna do?" He asks, looking away as he feels his cheeks warm up.

This asshole is so embarrassing. Especially after that whole weird feelings thing Todoroki thought he had. Now it has Bakugo overthinking things and making him feel like he has feelings for Todoroki.

Which he doesn't by the way.

There's no way he likes this guy. It's just him overthinking and enjoying the attention.

"Please teach me how to cook. Please," the other starts, and when the blond turns to look at him, he's pouting and holding his hands together in front of his face, "I've seen you teach your friends and you're always so nice and supportive."

Bakugo scoffs.

"You're fucked up if you think I'm nice and supportive to those idiots," he says, shaking his head.

Because really? Bakugo is not nice or supportive.

"Bakugo," the taller teen deadpans, "You actively go out of your comfort zone to compliment your friends when they do well. And if they mess up, you don't make them feel bad. That's a good teacher."

The blond shakes his head.

"What do you want to learn how to make?" He asks, trying to change the subject because fuck this guy.

"Soba."

He didn't even miss a beat.

Of course that's what he wanted to learn.

~~~~~

He ends up falling asleep while they watch a movie. He really didn't mean to. They started the movie right after eating soba, so it wasn't even close to being late.

Bakugo did have to be home by eight to make dinner, though, so falling asleep was the last thing he wanted to do.

Especially because he woke up in a panic, nightmare still fresh as he fought for his breath.

"Bakugo?" A tired voice calls.

In a panic, the blond's head whips to the voice, getting ready to attacks when he realized who it was, and immediately, he put his hands down, embarrassed by the fact that he was going to attack a classmate.

"Shit, I- I gotta go. I have to make dinner for my dad," he says, getting up on shaky legs.

His throat is dry and his eyes burn.

It's hot, but he's shivering as he searches for his phone, mind scrambling to latch onto one singular thought, but it's running at a million miles a second.

Just as he's about the take a step away from the couch, Halfie is up and wrapping his arms around him tightly. Securely.

It has Bakugo's mind halting and all the noise stops.

Just like that, he can breathe.

"What-"

"You're okay. I'll have a driver take you home. You'll make it in time to make dinner. It will be delicious. You will be okay," Todoroki says calmly, reassuring him and calming him down exponentially.

Bakugo raises his hands to hold onto the arm that's wrapped around him.

"Thanks," he rasps out, getting himself in control.

He's surprised the lunch hadn't come back up all together because his stomach is in knots and heart is still beating really fast. He wonders if Todoroki can feel it.

"It's no problem. I'm sorry this happened."

"It's fine. I'm working through it."

Todoroki nods as he lets go of Bakugo.

"That's good. Just remember if you have any setbacks, that's normal. Don't let it get you down, okay?"

He's holding Bakugo's face in his hands.

Bakugo just nods at her looks at him, his face being two different temperatures.

That's when Todoroki leans forward, and Bakugo's eyes widen. Is this going to kiss him? As his eyes flutter closed just like Todoroki's are, he relaxes, not opposed to the idea at all.

But all he gets is a forehead kiss.

It still has his face flushing red, but it's not the same. He is grateful, though. It was a comforting action and it made Bakugo realize that maybe he shouldn't have shut Todoroki down a while back.

Todoroki is a good guy and he would never say he was ugly.

"I'll call a driver. I have been meaning to get out of the house, so I'll go with you to drop you off. Is that okay?" Todoroki asks as he pulls out his phone.

Still left somewhat reeling at the forehead kiss after a roller coaster of emotions, Bakugo just nods, not sure he won't make a fool of himself if he tries to talk. Stupid Halfie idiot. He must know he's attractive.

Especially with how smiles at Bakugo as he puts his phone up to his ear. Not only that, but he's one of the kindest people is the entire universe.

The blond just sits back down. His legs are still shaky and he feels like he might throw up if he eats anything, so he's hoping that feeling will go away once he gets home.

Sure, he's never really hungry anymore, but he has to eat to keep up his figure.

A minute later, Todoroki is sitting right by him, thighs pressing together although the couch is quite big.

Then all of a sudden, Todoroki is holding his arm and leaning on him, head resting on his shoulder.

"I'm glad you came over," he says, voice low.

He says it as if it's a secret. It feels intimate because no one is here, so there's no reason for him to be whispering.

"Me too," he replies, voice just as low.

He lets himself rest his head on the other, too. Sue him if he allowed himself this after the crazy last few minutes he just had.

But nothing was going to change.

~~~~~

It was two days before Christmas, his dad still hadn't said anything, and he fell sick.

Todoroki had invited him over a lot after that, but Bakugo only went once more because he liked visiting his mom all day. It made him feel better.

But here he is stuck in bed, shivering so hard and full of exhaustion, body aching and throat hurting like a bitch. He fucking hates sore throats when he's sick. It always hurts so much.

He texts his dad that he won't be making food today because he doesn't even think he can get out of bed.

His head is pounding and it hurts to move his eyes.

Fucking shit, fuck being sick. Stupid immune system. Is it because he's been outside in the cold for hours at a time recently?

This fucking sucks because he was going to go to Todoroki's today. He even told the other last night while they texted. He only gave in because he actually wanted to go and he wanted to give his mom a break from him for at least a day.

A cough wracks through him and he winces in pain because that shit hurt his throat.

Blindly, he looks for his phone because he needs to tell Todoroki he won't be making it and he doesn't want to open his eyes yet. It really does hurt.

When he finds the device again, because he just used it to text his dad, he forces himself to open his eyes, and, immediately, a wave of nausea rolls over him. He takes a deep breath, willing away the feeling.

He swallows to try and get through it, but the feeling that he might actually throw up has him shooting up, running to the restroom to hopefully make it to the toilet.

As soon as the seat it up, he's doubling over as vomit forces its way out of him, causing him to convulse. Before he can take a full breath, he's throwing up again. It absolutely burns and he just knows his throat is going to hurt way more after this.

He's there for five minutes before he finally stops and he's able to sit down, back against the wall as he flushes.

His head is resting on the wall, eyes closed as he tries to breathe through the splitting headache.

Once he's back to normal- mostly- he stands, using whatever he can to help himself up. He immediately brushed his teeth twice. He throws away his old toothbrush after the first time and uses a new one the second time.

Back in his room, he texts Todoroki and sees that his dad only liked the message he sent, not even wishing him well or saying he'd make him soup or something.

On top of the horrible feeling of being sick, his dad makes him feel worse about himself.

That is until Halfie texts him back.

_______________
IcyHot

I understand. It's okay.

What happened, though?

_______________

He didn't tell him why he wasn't going because he didn't want to make it a thing and for Todoroki to feel bad.

For a minute or two, he contemplates whether or not he should tell him and ultimately decides to do it. Why not?

_______________
IcyHot

I got sick. This shit sucks.

Are you okay? Are you getting enough
fluids?

I'm fine. I actually just lost fluids, but
don't worry about that shit. I'll do that
when I'm up for walking

What? Why isn't your dad helping? Is he
at work? I can come over and help.

He's busy. I just said not to worry, asshole

I'll get up in a bit

I'm on my way. Is your door unlocked?

Fuck you. No. It's not so fuck off and stay
away before you get sick

Do you have a hidden key somewhere?

Die.

You do? Where is it?

Under the broken yellow pot asshole

See you in ten minutes

_______________

This guy is so annoying.

The only thing Bakugo has done to make himself presentable is brush his teeth, but that's only because he threw up.

Ugh. He is not getting up. If this asshole wants to come over and risk getting sick, that's on him. He just better make him some soup and some tea. anything to help him get over this shitty add sore throat.

Like why the fuck does it hurt his throat to breathe?

Bakugo spends that time that it takes Todoroki to get here crushing anything and everything.

Before he knows it, the idiot is in his room and doting over him, making sure he has something to drink at all times, giving him medicine, and even making him some soup.

Thank fuck because he was starting to feel a little shaky and weak after throwing up and the soup definitely helped him feel better.

His dad still hadn't responded to him and that really hurt him, but with Todoroki distracting him and being there for him, he was honestly doing a lot better mentally than he'd care to admit.

Just because he doesn't want to admit to anyone, especially himself, that Todoroki makes him feel better.

No way will he ever say that out loud.

So he basks in the care he hasn't gotten in forever and lets Halfie do whatever he wants. He doesn't protest when the other gets under the covers with him, too. Using his quirk as an excuse.

"My left side will help with your shivering."

Bakugo doesn't even reply, just letting it be as Todoroki puts on a movie on his phone, holding it up for the both of them. Bakugo didn't want to sleep, well, couldn't because he's too uncomfortable being sick, so he just opens his eyes every now and then to see what's going on in the movie.

Other than that, he just keeps his eyes closed, head resting on Todoroki as the movie plays quietly.

It's kind of strange to think about how Todoroki is just in his house right now. Earlier this year, Bakugo would have punched you in the face for even suggesting he'd be allowed on his block, and now they're practically cuddling.

Honestly, his quirk is making it better.

He's not shivering so hard anymore, which is the best relief ever. Especially with the insane headache he had, that shit was damn annoying.

As soon as the movie ends, Todoroki is out of his room and making some more soup. He's just glad his dad hasn't bumped into him because that would really suck.

Todoroki is back in no time and then they're both eating some nice, hot chicken soup.

"Am I imposing?" The taller teen asks.

Tch, too late to be asking that.

"No," Bakugo says. It's the first time he's really talked in hours and his voice is gone. How annoying.

"Should I leave soon?"

"No. You can stay," he finds himself saying, looking at the other to let him know he means it, "unless you have to go. That's fine."

The other immediately shakes his head.

"No, I'm not busy. I'll stay."

They don't say anymore after that, just finishing their food in silence and then they're laying down again with the lights off. It's already dark out as Bakugo goes back to resting his head on Todoroki.

After a while of watching another movie, Bakugo's throat becomes uncomfortable again, so he grabs Todoroki left hand and brings it up to his throat.

"Warm up your hand a bit," he instructs, really hating the pain there.

He can deal with vomit and headaches, but the one thing he cannot stand is a damn sore throat.

Luckily, Todoroki obliges and does what he's told, immediately giving Bakugo a bit more relief, which is honestly so much better than before.

It's probably the exhaustion finally catching up with him, but he finds himself drifting off, so he mumbles to Todoroki.

"Better not get sick."

And then he's out like a light, throat feeling slightly better with the continuous heat.

***
Word Count: 4080
Yippeee I finally got it to over 3000 lol. I got a concert on Tuesday and a party on Friday so I'm excited. Also!!! I'm doing one of those hear me out cakes with my friend on Friday before we go to the party I have. I already told him one of the ones I was gonna do and he judged me so hard 😔 I didn't think it would be that bad cause he's a person lol but no my friend was JUDGING. It was nebbercracker from Monster House OKAY hear me out 😭😭 he's loyal asf, loved his girl SO MUCH LIKE DUDE, AND—okay context: my friend was like "he couldn't break your back" and I was like "no but I could break his"— he's a cryer fs iykyk. ANYWAY LOL 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