[ He's a little sleep hungover and groggy and kind of humming with this perpetual want for Bakugou that he doesn't really want to address right now. He wants to drag him up to bed and to take him apart bit by bit, piece by piece after they get something to eat but instead of any of that he's staring at Bakugou like a fucking idiot. ]
I'm sorry, you're- what?
[ He has to have misheard. Mr. Stark would have told him. Ms. Potts would have told him. Maybe she did; she's been smiling and secretive this whole time like she knew something he didn't and Midoriya had just sort of assumed that he was getting another gauntlet upgrade which would be cool. Not that his boyfriend was going to be moving across the world to come live and work with him and that apparently more than one person had been in on it.
If Bakugou's here then he's going to need a room here and Ms. Potts probably already took care of that. He'll also need a tour of the tower and they'll be on patrol together and he's going to get to meet everyone and yeah. Yeah, he's tearing up and throwing himself against Bakugou in a ridiculously hard hug, arms tossed around his shoulders, mashing his face into Bakugou's throat. ]
[The card barely gets into his pocket before Midoriya is jumping him. He grunts, parts his arms and glances hastily around. A few people are coming and going, but no one is really hanging around, and no one is really staring.]
Dammit, cut out the fucking waterworks. You always do this shit when we're in front of everyone.
[Both hands fold over the curve of Midoriya's back, holding. There's crying, but Bakugou feels good. Pleased in a very different way than he use to feel making Midoriya cry. This crying means he did something that he was supposed to do. Not bullying, not abuse. This is happy, relieved crying, and he guesses he can't shame that exactly.]
It's not like I did it for you or anything, dumbass. [His voice is a whisper by Midoriya's ear which probably means it's one of the biggest lies he could tell.] It looks good on a pro resume. [But he wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Midoriya.
Even being a sidekick, he might not have taken pro advice to go overseas, so this is definitely all because of Midoriya. One hundred percent.] I'm leaving when you leave. Don't make me fucking regret it.
[He doesn't need another room. He said he didn't. Pepper had only looked mildly confused. "There's only one bed," she had told him. And he had just stared at her, long and hard, without answering or explaining or making excuses, and she probably understood because she didn't question it. Only gave him the okay.]
[ The older he gets the more he starts to really realize that being number one is more a perception than anything else. There's plenty of heroes who exist on the top fifty list who make a good living, who save tons of people, who do right by the word "hero." With Endeavor holding the number one spot for so long, there's a part of him that thinks, well. It's not tainted but it certainly needs to be given to someone who actually deserves it. The culture about heroes here is different, too. Number one means something different.
Nothing has changed about what Midoriya wants; he still wants to be number one, wants to be the kind of hero that people can look at and feel relieved, can smile when they see but it's more than that. He wants to be able to be that for everyone, not just in Japan. Going here, a new place and learning from new people was the right choice a thousand times over because he feels more like he's got a handle on what it means to be a hero both to different heroes and to different civilians.
That Bakugou is going to stay here and finish out the last half of a year with him is a relief because he's been lonely, sure, but also because he feels like he is a better hero and it isn't fair if Bakugou doesn't get the same taste of all of this. This is what's fair, this is what will keep them on even ground going in. He should have known the moment he saw the card but he'd been distracted. ] You won't. I promise.
[ It takes a few minutes to get himself under control, laughing wetly into the curve of Bakugou's throat. He swipes his cheeks and dabs uselessly at Bakugou's skin with the cuffs of his hoodie to mop up tears and then swipes at his cheeks again. ]
Okay. I'm hungry and if I am you must be, so let's go get food and then you're going to tell me exactly how you ended up getting a job here.
[For a moment or two, he waits, and then, trying to hide it between them, he reaches up to swipe his thumb over one of the round, freckled cheeks to get rid of the dampness.]
There's nothing to tell, idiot. I called and told them I better have a job when I got there. Quit cryin'. I had enough of that shit from stupid hair when I left Japan.
[Honestly, it was less demanding and more a mutual kind of exchange. A request to be given a slot like Midoriya since they had been childhood friends--he used the word "friend" reluctantly, but he will never tell Midoriya this--and then U.A. classmates and graduates, and then... close semi-pro heroes.
Reviewing his work, his grades, it hadn't been difficult to get them to say yes, and he's glad he didn't have to beg the Japanese way (ass kissing) to be brought on.] Come on.
Stop blubbering and let's get something to eat. Are you eating out here with these losers or are you taking it back to the room?
[ Bakugou's going to stay here. It's such a silly little thing but he feels a thousand times better just considering it. While everyone here was wonderful and he appreciated how kind they had been to him there's still a piece of him that wanted to be back home with all of his friends, somewhere familiar. Having just a piece of that is endlessly appreciated but having that piece be Bakugou is something he doesn't have words for.
It's not just that: this can't be easy for Bakugou. Midoriya had offered him to come and he hadn't seemed enthused so he wouldn't press the matter. Out of the two of them, he sort of assumed Bakugou wouldn't want to come, not really. Not when there was so much to do back home. Now, they don't have to do skype calls together trying to line up schedules or try to coordinate around work in order to talk to each other. Making a big deal out of it in public isn't the right choice, though, so Midoriya grabs his arm gently and resists the urge to grab his hand and hold it. ] Stop making me cry and I will.
[ His cheeks puff in mock-irritation before he drags Bakugou into the thick of it, people milling about. Some are from the Tower, some are business people occupying the other floors; Midoriya seems to know a shocking amount of them, beaming and saying hello, though he doesn't force Bakugou into socializing. ]
Let's bring it up, if that's alright? Maybe it's greedy but I don't really want to share you right now.
[Without putting up a fuss or a fight, Bakugou goes along with Midoriya through the food court. He's still craving one of the phillycheese steaks, and that's probably what he'll get.
There is an Asianesque booth, but a cursory glance only brings him dissatisfaction. It's all... Americanized. There's not any ramen, any soba, and the sushi--not even sashimi--ends up being "California roll," and "tuna roll," and "spicy salmon roll," and that's it. Damn.]
Fine. I'd rather go back anyway. [Maybe he'll ease into being able to eat in a cafeteria setting in another country with people he doesn't know, but he prefers the quiet with Midoriya and, begrudgingly, the dog.] I'm getting one of these fucking cheese and steak things.
But tomorrow, you're going to find me a fucking place that serves something authentic. I know this shithole has to have something. Tonkatsu, or soba, or omurice. This is atrocious.
[His red eyes zip from person to person who Midoriya greets, practically giving them a scrutinizing once over. There's no indication he wants to attack, but more he wants to learn customs, how they react to Midoriya, if they say anything he should remember, or anything he can pick out.
Midoriya's English has become better, too. Fuck. He has so much catching up to do. He should have just come from the start. There's no way he can let this nerd get ahead of him.]
[ Truthfully, Midoriya will almost always eat what's put in front of him at this point. He needs to eat an absurd amount to keep building on what All Might started with his training regimen. It has the benefit of letting him be able to eat almost anything knowing he'll be able to burn the calories using One For All and the negative impact on his wallet. At least food sponsorships would be easy, he supposes. Glancing over the menu options provided, he goes with Bakugou's choice mostly because he hasn't tried it and it looks like a trainwreck. He's in.
In between standing and line and the greetings, Midoiya whispers little comments to Bakugou in Japanese. Most of them are charitable but a few he makes a face over and mouths later. ]
You'll get swarmed if we stay.
[ There's a vaguely apologetic note to his voice as he says it, eyeing the menu as they get into line. It takes everything in him not to grab Bakugou into another hug again and to keep from smiling like a lunatic but he can feel his cheeks hurting as he grins, cheeks warm, ducking his head every so often when someone passes by and greets them. Much as he wants his friends here to meet him, that's probably best not during a food rush and right when he's landed. Baby steps. ]
I'll ask for recommendations. I mostly cook if I want something really familiar.
[ He cooked before, but it's more frequent now, because Bakugou's right. Everything is Americanized and the few times he's tried things they haven't tasted quite right. Never outright bad, but it wasn't the same and homesickness was already something he had to deal with. ]
[Waiting is only painful because he can feel Midoriya wanting to be affectionate when they can’t, because he wants to reciprocate the affection when he can’t and when he’s too emotionally constipated to do it at all. Hell on earth.
All he can do is stand close, elbows touching, arms sometimes brushing, the weight of each other caught in their own gravity, neither drifting apart or crashing together. It’s a harmony he has never accepted until All Might told him the two of them could become the greatest heroes by filling the spots they lack. Now he struggles to be the best and to support Midoriya’s too.
It’s something he’s still working on.]
As long as they have the fucking ingredients around here. Fine. [He’s take their own cooking even over supposedly authentic restaurant food any day. No offense to ethnic-owned establishments. He just hates people equally.] This looks disgusting as hell. [But so delicious. The picture may be better than the actual sandwich.]
That thing. [He points at the wide expanse of the cheesesteak on the board in the back. Even if he’s having a hard time, he’ll be damn if he’ll let a language barrier get the best of him. All Might did it. He can too.] Philly cheesesteak. [The English sounds rough in his mouth, staggered by the inability to pronounce the Ls they don’t have and the Us they pepper in out of habit.] Three. [He holds up three fingers for thr cashier then points to the board. It takes him a moment to remember the word he’s looking for.]
Combination. [That’s not right, is it.] Combo. [There.]
[ He's the equivalent of a big, fluffy puppy who was told to sit and will sit because he knows how to behave but it's absolutely killing him staying still. The big eyes Midoriya gives him when he orders in english don't help, but he's this weird mix of proud and charmed and warm down to his toes with how much he loves Bakugou that it's ridiculous. The worker, however, is not as charmed; she gives Midoriya a long stare when he doesn't immediately follow with his order. ]
I'll have that and two drinks, please. Thank you!
[ If Bakugou goes for his wallet, Midoriya bats his hands away and slides his card, getting it back, scribbling. ]
I'm going to take you out for dinner anyway tomorrow, but they're, um, very enthusiastic about checking in on you at restaurants here.
[ It was something he got used to relatively fast but people quickly approaching from behind and in some cases touching him on the shoulder always made him jump a little bit, and he's not sure how Bakugou is going to take the first asshole who decides to spit curses at them vs a handsy waitress. Their receipt has their and Midoiya leads them off to the side, shamelessly pressing their shoulders together as he leans against Bakugou and the wall faintly. ]
I can't believe you didn't tell me. When did you tell the others? I can't believe they didn't tell me.
[ Their friends are the worst!! at keeping secrets!! He's impressed unless it was Bakugou telling them a few days before, which is also a real possibility. ]
[Midoriya... isn’t wrong to think that.] It’s hard for you to keep your damn mouth shut, but not for me. [Pushing his hands into his pockets, he settles back with Midoriya to wait on their food.]
I told them a week before I was supposed to fly out. You think they’d be able to keep their shitty mouth shut? Uraraka? Kirishima? Tch. I ain’t gonna let them spill my surprise before I can even get my fucking flights bought.
[Though he’s listening to Midoriya, talking, his red eyes are clinically jumping around the food court. Watching people, seeing how they act. Where they are coming from, where they’re going. It’s interesting. Americans are different than the Japanese... and yet... they are similar in a lot of ways, too. All human. Protecting that isn’t wrong.
Being a hero that will be a hero for everyone in the world, not unlike All Might.
When he’s here, he’ll keep that in mind hopefully. He’ll fall back on being a hero for the planet and not just for Japan. It will take a bit maybe. Bakugou is going to be another person when he goes back. Sort of like his growing stint in U.A.] Do you actually fucking like it here, Deku?
The city. This place. Would you go somewhere else if you could change it?
His communication with Bakugou is much more haphazard than with some of the others but there's still a consistency to it. Todoroki and Iida both like having calls scheduled in advance. Uraraka will text him intermittently throughout the week. The group chat will be busy for a few hours and then dead until someone says something and Midoriya's phone blows up again.
Midoriya wasn't going to forget him, and he made sure to have some kind of contact at least once a day. Sometimes it was just a picture, a pet he met on patrol, some cool graffiti, food, and sometimes it was a call at an odd hour when Midoriya wanted to hear his voice. Now, he laughs quietly at the response and fiddles with his zipper fond. He can show Bakugou all of those places and things. They'll get stronger together. ]
It's not home, but I like it. [ He actually gives thought to the question, not sure if Bakugou wants to know whether or not he wishes he'd picked a different city, or if he wishes he hadn't left Japan entirely. ] I won't ever know if I would have liked somewhere else more than here, but I'm glad I came here. I don't regret it.
[ Their number comes up and two bags are placed; Midoriya snipes both of them and gestures to soda machines. He fills his with coke, no ice, offering Bakugou his own cup to fill. ]
All Might was right. I've learned so much so fast that I never even considered would help. I might pick somewhere warmer if I were going to do it again? Maybe.
[Honestly, it’s the answer he wanted. It doesn’t matter whether or not the city turned out to be shitty. He doesn’t want Midoriya to regret anything, and he doesn’t want the desire to be the best, Number One, to diminish. He’s relieved. It wasn’t a mistake coming here after all.
Following Midoriya, he takes the offered cup. Dr. Pepper because he wants to taste the “spice” of it. A small amount of ice because he enjoys having something to bust with his teeth even if he hates when the drink is watered down. He’ll have to chomp the ice before that happens.] Alright.
Come on. Let’s get the hell out of here.
[In the future, they can go somewhere else. Somewhere in the heart of Scandinavia, lost in the woods and the snow and the pinch of sunlight lasting the whole day. The edge of India maybe, right at the crook of meeting Asia, the other side where it runs into the Middle East. France, maybe, or Spain. Greece. Turkey. Germany. The places he never considered because he was too full of nationalism.]
I still have to meet that Stark fuck. And everyone else, I guess. Who am I supposed to be worrying about? [His gaze falls completely onto Midoriya.] Oi. Who’s the strongest hero in their arsenal?
[ There are some things that he wants to talk to UA's teachers about because they could do with things like exchange students. More than that, getting other teachers looped in from other schools. There was a school here too, one that could exchange students and teachers and they'd both benefit from it. There were schools all over. Maybe it wasn't for everyone but All Might was absolutely right about this being something that would broaden his horizons as a hero. ]
It took me a few weeks to actually get a chance to talk to him. He's a little...abrasive sometimes? I mean, he's incredible and a genius and the Ironman suit is incredible but he's also... well, he's getting better! He actually didn't hire us either, Ms. Potts did, and you'll see her a whole lot more.
[ Her quirk is putting up with Mr. Stark is what she jokes; she hasn't stated what hers is, smiling it off every time Midoriya asks.
Back in the elevators, he takes a long pull off the soda and sniffs the bag. Fake cheese, he loves fake cheese it's so gross and perfect. ] It really depends what you think of as strong? There is someone who can channel electricity like Kaminari can. It's amazing, so long as he has something that's basically a focus for his quirk he's able to manipulate electricity and can even generate. He doesn't end up getting hit with it when he uses it, so I suggested to Kaminari that he tries doing something like that. He's also extremely strong; I haven't beaten him in an arm-wrestling match yet.
[The Americans had as much of an arsenal of heroes as they had in Japan. Now he has standards to look into. See how they all fit into his own, the ones he's use to seeing and following.
He's not sure if he can take Midoriya's words from the last several months. Not when Midoriya goes bonkers over literally every hero. It's one thing to save everyone, like Midoriya. It's another to win. Are they victorious? He'd like to know.
With the straw in his mouth worried between his teeth but not drinking, he watches Midoriya smell the bag of food. It wasn't terribly aromatic, like pizza, but enough to give the elevator a lingering scent of god-awful American congestive heart failure.]
Tch. With your shitty, shrimpy arms? [Which are not at all shrimpy? Bakugou.] Yeah, I can see why you lost. I'll take him later. [He'll at least put up a decent fight...
The real problem is he's an extremely sore loser unless they're giving it their all.]
[ Another ding, and then he's heading out of the elevator, flexing defensively. His arms are not in fact, small at all. The tshirt he dragged on underneath the hoodie stretches with him but barely, even if Bakugou can't appreciate it. Midoriya's fingers go against the hand scanner and the door whooshes open for them, Barkugou skittering to meet them. ]
If you do end up sparring I want to watch.
[ Partially because it's always incredible to see Bakugou fight and partially because Midoriya himself could barely lay a finger on Thor the first time. Maybe Bakugou would do better.
His food is settled onto the countertop and on his way to get plates, he scoops up his dog, murmuring nonsense to her as her tail wags excitedly. Plates are brought down, along with forks and knives just in case, and then he brings the whole paper towel roll over because they'll probably need it. ]
[Following Midoriya inside, Bakugou does the same with his own bag and drink, plopping them on the counter. The dog gets a cursory glance. The dog and Midoriya together get a longer cursory glance, but he waits.
Patient, up until the dog is again returned to the floor and decides to finally trot over to see what he's up to doing. For a moment, he seems undecided. A look at Midoriya, a look at the dog. To hell with it. He's tired of wasting his time trying to hide the bit of affection he's got for the damn thing.
Bending down, he scoops her up in one arm and lets her rest against his chest and shoulder. He gives what he hopes is a scratching to her chest, but he's not sure with all the soft fluffy, and then he scritches on up to the head and ears before he puts her down.]
I told you already. It looks good on a pro resume.
[It's easy to say when he has his back turned while washing his hands at the sink. Midoriya knows him too well (he knows this), and there's obviously more to him coming than simply the good look of having a background in overseas hero work. One of the reasons is standing right here beside him.
Slowly, he casts a glance over his shoulder to see if Midoriya is giving him a knowing, skeptical look, to see if Midoriya is even looking at all.]
[ Barkugou is significantly more social and people-friendly than her namesake, which means he's pretty sure she'll be easy to get adopted. Part of him hates the idea of it, but that's why he's fostering after all. It means shorter times with the animals, but they go to good homes and he gets the benefit of a pet without having to worry about things much. Once she's settled down and Bakugou's scooped her up, he putters around a few moments, doing his best not to stare at Bakugou in his kitchen, nonchalant like he belongs there.
He does belong there, though. ]
So does one in Japan.
[ He's not going to let it go that easily. While Bakugou washes his hands Midoriya comes over to do the same, looking up at him like if he just stares long enough he'll wear Bakugou down and get him to talk. ]
Are you staying in here or did they give you your own room?
[ A kinder version of the question he really wants to ask: is Bakugou staying with him, or does he need his own space? The apartments are massive, and the little office area that Midoriya's been using could probably fit a bed if they wanted but he's hoping...well. He knows what he's hoping for, but it depends on what Bakugou wants. ]
[Pressing him goes better than it would have if he were younger. Pressing him in a different way is better than pressing him in general. He makes room for Midoriya when he moves to dry his hands on a paper towel.
He's quiet for the time it takes him to throw the paper towel away.]
I'm staying here unless you annoy the shit out of me and give me a reason to get my own room.
[He can't!! just say!! it nicely, can he!! What a giant TURD. Midoriya doesn't deserve him, yet here they are. Awful.] Doing some runs in America looks better on paper than some shit work in Japan.
Besides... [He won't look at Midoriya as he digs into his bag to get the cheesesteak out, flattening the bag when he puts it on top. Stares at the thing like it's got a head and moos.] Someone has to make sure you don't fucking kill yourself trying to be a hero.
And you left without it, and I came to give it back to you because I told you I was tired of hauling it around. That woman, she...
[But he doesn't continue or clarify, instead cutting himself off by shoveling a bite of the cheesesteak he's sure will kill him into his mouth.]
[ He'll press here and there but knows better than to go too far. His hands are wiped mostly dry, meaning it's all the easier to press his hand up underneath the back of Bakugou's shirt, stroking over the small of his back. It's not a lingering touch, just idle affection as he passes by to start unpacking the rest of the way. He digs into the first one carefully, forgoing the fork and knife to try and take a massive bite out of one part of it to make it a little less of a disaster with limited success. ]
She what?
[ That's interesting. Midoriya had wondered if the more he used it the more he would contact the...well, 'ghosts' doesn't seem quite right but that's probably the closest approximation of what they were. Did he see All Might? It's a question he's dying to ask but knows better than to try, so instead he stuffs his face. The first one he kills in just a few bites. The second, he eats a little more sedately, giving up on wiping his fingers halfway through. ]
What do you think? I haven't had one before, but I had nachos when some of us went to the movies and they were actually pretty great. [ They're garbage. He loves them. ]
[The detour gives him time to think about what he wants to say, or, more importantly, how he wants to say it. Not often has he really given the two of them a chance to communicate decently... about anything. His fault entirely. Midoriya was and has always been more than willing to talk.
But being away for so long--even with the phone calls, the texts (easier), the video calls--has made him just a tad more bold. Or he thinks he can be bold. Being alone with One For All helped a little, too.]
It's disgusting. [He's eating it without really stopping much.] It reminds me of all the awful food back home at the festivals. [Therefore... not entirely bad even if it's horrible for you.]
That woman... [Again, he pauses, looking over the last remnants of the cheesesteak, taking a sip of the drink.] She said I should probably give it back. There's no reason someone as fucking young as you should be giving it up like that. [He doesn't say if this is what the woman told him, too, or if this is his own addition.]
I'm tired of seeing that weird shit. Especially when I'm trying to sleep.
[He wants to be Number One, but he never wanted the burden of having one of the best quirks in the world.]
[ They weren't particularly thrilled with his idea but they hadn't hassled him about it. Its purpose was still alive and it was a backup plan. It was more or less the only indication that Midoriya had given he might feel any sort of nervousness about leaving but he would never say that and blessedly Bakugou would avoid certain uncomfortable situations for the most part if he did pick up on it. [
I'll take it back whenever you want.
[ It's the least he can do. Especially since Bakugou's here, living and breathing and within reach instead of thousands of miles away. The idea is a little useless at this point, but Midroiya's still relieved he did it. It doesn't sound like it was ever necessary, but that's good. ]
Did you ship anything here?
[ It's an almost abrupt turn of conversation as he realizes that Bakugou had the backpack and the suitcase, sure, but Midoriya had shipped a few boxes to himself when he moved: decorations, extra clothes, a winter jacket, that kind of thing. It's 50/50 on whether or not Bakugou would send them or go between "don't need it" and "fuck it, I can buy it." ]
[Midoriya's not wrong... again. He opted, of course, for the "fuck it, I can buy it" route.] Just my uniform. I sent it before I even left, so it should be here in a few days. [The stupid gauntlets and the neck piece wouldn't fit in any of his cases with other things.
Aside from that, he's got enough clothes shoved in the large rolling suitcase and some in the duffle bag to last a week before having to wash, not including some winter outerwear.
He'll be fine.
The last bit of cheesesteak it popped into his mouth and consumed. He wipes his lips and chin with the back of a wrist in case there's stringy cheese or bread crumbs left behind.] I guess that means you're fucking shitting yourself to take me shopping or something. [Geez. There's a reason he skipped out on the mall trip when they had joined U.A. (He's Travis Willingham.)]
[ Bakugou must have spent so much money getting all of this here, including himself, unless Mr. Stark paid for it. Midoriya doesn't want to consider just how much money an unplanned trip would cost but it's absurd, he's sure. Still, he feels a little greedy being so happy about it. Bakugou's staying and Midoriya is thrilled to bits. ]
You can always borrow something of mine if you need to.
[ Winters are cold and summers are hot and Midoriya worries about him even if he knows Bakugou can handle himself. He polishes off the last of the cheesesteaks and starts to neatly put them back into their bags so he can toss them out, sliding a drawer out where the trashcan is hiding.
His hands are washed in the sink again but once that's finished, he's heading back over to Bakugou, settling on the other side of the kitchen island again to look at him. If he's smiling a little stupidly the whole time then, well, it's understandable. ]
I was saving all of the tourist attractions for my last month, but it might be fun to go the next day or two while we're waiting for your uniform to arrive?
[Summers are fine. Bakugou craves warm springs and hotter summers. He's a sweaty boy, and he loves to sweat because it means he has more nitroglycerin for his explosions.
Winters, on the other hand, suck. Even with the redesigned winter uniform, they still suck.] Yeah, show me how much more this city is shit. [He's only being disagreeable for the sake of being disagreeable.
When he starts seeing evidence of All Might's legacy peppering the place beneath the loud billboards of other heroes, he'll come around.]
Where were you planning on going exactly? The woman in the ocean? Uh-- [Hang on, let him butcher it with his accent:] Statue of Liberty?
[ It's meant as an answer even if it really isn't one. There are so many places that he's wanted to go but just hasn't for one reason or another. Having Bakugou in town means that he has the perfect chance to go see all those places with plenty of justification. There's an additional part of him that loves this - loves hearing the way he says Statue of Liberty], loves that he's making an attempt even if he is dragging everything that exists. ]
That's one of them. There's the Empire State building too, I promised Kirishima I would get him one of the figures of the gorilla on the building and send it back.
[ He can, of course, go get that from any shop around town but it's not the same if he doesn't get it from the place that it's supposed to be from. ]
Did you want to stay in tonight and just watch something on the couch or go out?
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2018-12-01 06:21 pm (UTC)I'm sorry, you're- what?
[ He has to have misheard. Mr. Stark would have told him. Ms. Potts would have told him. Maybe she did; she's been smiling and secretive this whole time like she knew something he didn't and Midoriya had just sort of assumed that he was getting another gauntlet upgrade which would be cool. Not that his boyfriend was going to be moving across the world to come live and work with him and that apparently more than one person had been in on it.
If Bakugou's here then he's going to need a room here and Ms. Potts probably already took care of that. He'll also need a tour of the tower and they'll be on patrol together and he's going to get to meet everyone and yeah. Yeah, he's tearing up and throwing himself against Bakugou in a ridiculously hard hug, arms tossed around his shoulders, mashing his face into Bakugou's throat. ]
Kacchaaaaaan!
no subject
Date: 2018-12-01 07:03 pm (UTC)Dammit, cut out the fucking waterworks. You always do this shit when we're in front of everyone.
[Both hands fold over the curve of Midoriya's back, holding. There's crying, but Bakugou feels good. Pleased in a very different way than he use to feel making Midoriya cry. This crying means he did something that he was supposed to do. Not bullying, not abuse. This is happy, relieved crying, and he guesses he can't shame that exactly.]
It's not like I did it for you or anything, dumbass. [His voice is a whisper by Midoriya's ear which probably means it's one of the biggest lies he could tell.] It looks good on a pro resume. [But he wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Midoriya.
Even being a sidekick, he might not have taken pro advice to go overseas, so this is definitely all because of Midoriya. One hundred percent.] I'm leaving when you leave. Don't make me fucking regret it.
[He doesn't need another room. He said he didn't. Pepper had only looked mildly confused. "There's only one bed," she had told him. And he had just stared at her, long and hard, without answering or explaining or making excuses, and she probably understood because she didn't question it. Only gave him the okay.]
no subject
Date: 2018-12-01 07:18 pm (UTC)Nothing has changed about what Midoriya wants; he still wants to be number one, wants to be the kind of hero that people can look at and feel relieved, can smile when they see but it's more than that. He wants to be able to be that for everyone, not just in Japan. Going here, a new place and learning from new people was the right choice a thousand times over because he feels more like he's got a handle on what it means to be a hero both to different heroes and to different civilians.
That Bakugou is going to stay here and finish out the last half of a year with him is a relief because he's been lonely, sure, but also because he feels like he is a better hero and it isn't fair if Bakugou doesn't get the same taste of all of this. This is what's fair, this is what will keep them on even ground going in. He should have known the moment he saw the card but he'd been distracted. ] You won't. I promise.
[ It takes a few minutes to get himself under control, laughing wetly into the curve of Bakugou's throat. He swipes his cheeks and dabs uselessly at Bakugou's skin with the cuffs of his hoodie to mop up tears and then swipes at his cheeks again. ]
Okay. I'm hungry and if I am you must be, so let's go get food and then you're going to tell me exactly how you ended up getting a job here.
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Date: 2018-12-01 11:31 pm (UTC)There's nothing to tell, idiot. I called and told them I better have a job when I got there. Quit cryin'. I had enough of that shit from stupid hair when I left Japan.
[Honestly, it was less demanding and more a mutual kind of exchange. A request to be given a slot like Midoriya since they had been childhood friends--he used the word "friend" reluctantly, but he will never tell Midoriya this--and then U.A. classmates and graduates, and then... close semi-pro heroes.
Reviewing his work, his grades, it hadn't been difficult to get them to say yes, and he's glad he didn't have to beg the Japanese way (ass kissing) to be brought on.] Come on.
Stop blubbering and let's get something to eat. Are you eating out here with these losers or are you taking it back to the room?
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Date: 2018-12-02 12:00 am (UTC)It's not just that: this can't be easy for Bakugou. Midoriya had offered him to come and he hadn't seemed enthused so he wouldn't press the matter. Out of the two of them, he sort of assumed Bakugou wouldn't want to come, not really. Not when there was so much to do back home. Now, they don't have to do skype calls together trying to line up schedules or try to coordinate around work in order to talk to each other. Making a big deal out of it in public isn't the right choice, though, so Midoriya grabs his arm gently and resists the urge to grab his hand and hold it. ] Stop making me cry and I will.
[ His cheeks puff in mock-irritation before he drags Bakugou into the thick of it, people milling about. Some are from the Tower, some are business people occupying the other floors; Midoriya seems to know a shocking amount of them, beaming and saying hello, though he doesn't force Bakugou into socializing. ]
Let's bring it up, if that's alright? Maybe it's greedy but I don't really want to share you right now.
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Date: 2018-12-02 02:56 am (UTC)There is an Asianesque booth, but a cursory glance only brings him dissatisfaction. It's all... Americanized. There's not any ramen, any soba, and the sushi--not even sashimi--ends up being "California roll," and "tuna roll," and "spicy salmon roll," and that's it. Damn.]
Fine. I'd rather go back anyway. [Maybe he'll ease into being able to eat in a cafeteria setting in another country with people he doesn't know, but he prefers the quiet with Midoriya and, begrudgingly, the dog.] I'm getting one of these fucking cheese and steak things.
But tomorrow, you're going to find me a fucking place that serves something authentic. I know this shithole has to have something. Tonkatsu, or soba, or omurice. This is atrocious.
[His red eyes zip from person to person who Midoriya greets, practically giving them a scrutinizing once over. There's no indication he wants to attack, but more he wants to learn customs, how they react to Midoriya, if they say anything he should remember, or anything he can pick out.
Midoriya's English has become better, too. Fuck. He has so much catching up to do. He should have just come from the start. There's no way he can let this nerd get ahead of him.]
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Date: 2018-12-02 03:15 am (UTC)In between standing and line and the greetings, Midoiya whispers little comments to Bakugou in Japanese. Most of them are charitable but a few he makes a face over and mouths later. ]
You'll get swarmed if we stay.
[ There's a vaguely apologetic note to his voice as he says it, eyeing the menu as they get into line. It takes everything in him not to grab Bakugou into another hug again and to keep from smiling like a lunatic but he can feel his cheeks hurting as he grins, cheeks warm, ducking his head every so often when someone passes by and greets them. Much as he wants his friends here to meet him, that's probably best not during a food rush and right when he's landed. Baby steps. ]
I'll ask for recommendations. I mostly cook if I want something really familiar.
[ He cooked before, but it's more frequent now, because Bakugou's right. Everything is Americanized and the few times he's tried things they haven't tasted quite right. Never outright bad, but it wasn't the same and homesickness was already something he had to deal with. ]
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Date: 2018-12-02 03:55 am (UTC)All he can do is stand close, elbows touching, arms sometimes brushing, the weight of each other caught in their own gravity, neither drifting apart or crashing together. It’s a harmony he has never accepted until All Might told him the two of them could become the greatest heroes by filling the spots they lack. Now he struggles to be the best and to support Midoriya’s too.
It’s something he’s still working on.]
As long as they have the fucking ingredients around here. Fine. [He’s take their own cooking even over supposedly authentic restaurant food any day. No offense to ethnic-owned establishments. He just hates people equally.] This looks disgusting as hell. [But so delicious. The picture may be better than the actual sandwich.]
That thing. [He points at the wide expanse of the cheesesteak on the board in the back. Even if he’s having a hard time, he’ll be damn if he’ll let a language barrier get the best of him. All Might did it. He can too.] Philly cheesesteak. [The English sounds rough in his mouth, staggered by the inability to pronounce the Ls they don’t have and the Us they pepper in out of habit.] Three. [He holds up three fingers for thr cashier then points to the board. It takes him a moment to remember the word he’s looking for.]
Combination. [That’s not right, is it.] Combo. [There.]
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Date: 2018-12-02 04:06 am (UTC)I'll have that and two drinks, please. Thank you!
[ If Bakugou goes for his wallet, Midoriya bats his hands away and slides his card, getting it back, scribbling. ]
I'm going to take you out for dinner anyway tomorrow, but they're, um, very enthusiastic about checking in on you at restaurants here.
[ It was something he got used to relatively fast but people quickly approaching from behind and in some cases touching him on the shoulder always made him jump a little bit, and he's not sure how Bakugou is going to take the first asshole who decides to spit curses at them vs a handsy waitress. Their receipt has their and Midoiya leads them off to the side, shamelessly pressing their shoulders together as he leans against Bakugou and the wall faintly. ]
I can't believe you didn't tell me. When did you tell the others? I can't believe they didn't tell me.
[ Their friends are the worst!! at keeping secrets!! He's impressed unless it was Bakugou telling them a few days before, which is also a real possibility. ]
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Date: 2018-12-02 04:42 am (UTC)I told them a week before I was supposed to fly out. You think they’d be able to keep their shitty mouth shut? Uraraka? Kirishima? Tch. I ain’t gonna let them spill my surprise before I can even get my fucking flights bought.
[Though he’s listening to Midoriya, talking, his red eyes are clinically jumping around the food court. Watching people, seeing how they act. Where they are coming from, where they’re going. It’s interesting. Americans are different than the Japanese... and yet... they are similar in a lot of ways, too. All human. Protecting that isn’t wrong.
Being a hero that will be a hero for everyone in the world, not unlike All Might.
When he’s here, he’ll keep that in mind hopefully. He’ll fall back on being a hero for the planet and not just for Japan. It will take a bit maybe. Bakugou is going to be another person when he goes back. Sort of like his growing stint in U.A.] Do you actually fucking like it here, Deku?
The city. This place. Would you go somewhere else if you could change it?
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Date: 2018-12-02 04:53 am (UTC)[Wait, when did he decide to do this?
His communication with Bakugou is much more haphazard than with some of the others but there's still a consistency to it. Todoroki and Iida both like having calls scheduled in advance. Uraraka will text him intermittently throughout the week. The group chat will be busy for a few hours and then dead until someone says something and Midoriya's phone blows up again.
Midoriya wasn't going to forget him, and he made sure to have some kind of contact at least once a day. Sometimes it was just a picture, a pet he met on patrol, some cool graffiti, food, and sometimes it was a call at an odd hour when Midoriya wanted to hear his voice. Now, he laughs quietly at the response and fiddles with his zipper fond. He can show Bakugou all of those places and things. They'll get stronger together. ]
It's not home, but I like it. [ He actually gives thought to the question, not sure if Bakugou wants to know whether or not he wishes he'd picked a different city, or if he wishes he hadn't left Japan entirely. ] I won't ever know if I would have liked somewhere else more than here, but I'm glad I came here. I don't regret it.
[ Their number comes up and two bags are placed; Midoriya snipes both of them and gestures to soda machines. He fills his with coke,
no ice, offering Bakugou his own cup to fill. ]
All Might was right. I've learned so much so fast that I never even considered would help. I might pick somewhere warmer if I were going to do it again? Maybe.
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Date: 2018-12-02 05:42 am (UTC)Following Midoriya, he takes the offered cup. Dr. Pepper because he wants to taste the “spice” of it. A small amount of ice because he enjoys having something to bust with his teeth even if he hates when the drink is watered down. He’ll have to chomp the ice before that happens.] Alright.
Come on. Let’s get the hell out of here.
[In the future, they can go somewhere else. Somewhere in the heart of Scandinavia, lost in the woods and the snow and the pinch of sunlight lasting the whole day. The edge of India maybe, right at the crook of meeting Asia, the other side where it runs into the Middle East. France, maybe, or Spain. Greece. Turkey. Germany. The places he never considered because he was too full of nationalism.]
I still have to meet that Stark fuck. And everyone else, I guess. Who am I supposed to be worrying about? [His gaze falls completely onto Midoriya.] Oi. Who’s the strongest hero in their arsenal?
I wanna know.
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Date: 2018-12-02 05:54 am (UTC)It took me a few weeks to actually get a chance to talk to him. He's a little...abrasive sometimes? I mean, he's incredible and a genius and the Ironman suit is incredible but he's also... well, he's getting better! He actually didn't hire us either, Ms. Potts did, and you'll see her a whole lot more.
[ Her quirk is putting up with Mr. Stark is what she jokes; she hasn't stated what hers is, smiling it off every time Midoriya asks.
Back in the elevators, he takes a long pull off the soda and sniffs the bag. Fake cheese, he loves fake cheese it's so gross and perfect. ] It really depends what you think of as strong? There is someone who can channel electricity like Kaminari can. It's amazing, so long as he has something that's basically a focus for his quirk he's able to manipulate electricity and can even generate. He doesn't end up getting hit with it when he uses it, so I suggested to Kaminari that he tries doing something like that. He's also extremely strong; I haven't beaten him in an arm-wrestling match yet.
They're all amazing though.
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Date: 2018-12-03 01:45 am (UTC)[The Americans had as much of an arsenal of heroes as they had in Japan. Now he has standards to look into. See how they all fit into his own, the ones he's use to seeing and following.
He's not sure if he can take Midoriya's words from the last several months. Not when Midoriya goes bonkers over literally every hero. It's one thing to save everyone, like Midoriya. It's another to win. Are they victorious? He'd like to know.
With the straw in his mouth worried between his teeth but not drinking, he watches Midoriya smell the bag of food. It wasn't terribly aromatic, like pizza, but enough to give the elevator a lingering scent of god-awful American congestive heart failure.]
Tch. With your shitty, shrimpy arms? [Which are not at all shrimpy? Bakugou.] Yeah, I can see why you lost. I'll take him later. [He'll at least put up a decent fight...
The real problem is he's an extremely sore loser unless they're giving it their all.]
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Date: 2018-12-03 01:53 am (UTC)[ Another ding, and then he's heading out of the elevator, flexing defensively. His arms are not in fact, small at all. The tshirt he dragged on underneath the hoodie stretches with him but barely, even if Bakugou can't appreciate it. Midoriya's fingers go against the hand scanner and the door whooshes open for them, Barkugou skittering to meet them. ]
If you do end up sparring I want to watch.
[ Partially because it's always incredible to see Bakugou fight and partially because Midoriya himself could barely lay a finger on Thor the first time. Maybe Bakugou would do better.
His food is settled onto the countertop and on his way to get plates, he scoops up his dog, murmuring nonsense to her as her tail wags excitedly. Plates are brought down, along with forks and knives just in case, and then he brings the whole paper towel roll over because they'll probably need it. ]
Kacchan, what made you decide to come here?
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Date: 2018-12-03 02:09 am (UTC)Patient, up until the dog is again returned to the floor and decides to finally trot over to see what he's up to doing. For a moment, he seems undecided. A look at Midoriya, a look at the dog. To hell with it. He's tired of wasting his time trying to hide the bit of affection he's got for the damn thing.
Bending down, he scoops her up in one arm and lets her rest against his chest and shoulder. He gives what he hopes is a scratching to her chest, but he's not sure with all the soft fluffy, and then he scritches on up to the head and ears before he puts her down.]
I told you already. It looks good on a pro resume.
[It's easy to say when he has his back turned while washing his hands at the sink. Midoriya knows him too well (he knows this), and there's obviously more to him coming than simply the good look of having a background in overseas hero work. One of the reasons is standing right here beside him.
Slowly, he casts a glance over his shoulder to see if Midoriya is giving him a knowing, skeptical look, to see if Midoriya is even looking at all.]
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Date: 2018-12-03 02:16 am (UTC)He does belong there, though. ]
So does one in Japan.
[ He's not going to let it go that easily. While Bakugou washes his hands Midoriya comes over to do the same, looking up at him like if he just stares long enough he'll wear Bakugou down and get him to talk. ]
Are you staying in here or did they give you your own room?
[ A kinder version of the question he really wants to ask: is Bakugou staying with him, or does he need his own space? The apartments are massive, and the little office area that Midoriya's been using could probably fit a bed if they wanted but he's hoping...well. He knows what he's hoping for, but it depends on what Bakugou wants. ]
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Date: 2018-12-03 02:24 am (UTC)He's quiet for the time it takes him to throw the paper towel away.]
I'm staying here unless you annoy the shit out of me and give me a reason to get my own room.
[He can't!! just say!! it nicely, can he!! What a giant TURD. Midoriya doesn't deserve him, yet here they are. Awful.] Doing some runs in America looks better on paper than some shit work in Japan.
Besides... [He won't look at Midoriya as he digs into his bag to get the cheesesteak out, flattening the bag when he puts it on top. Stares at the thing like it's got a head and moos.] Someone has to make sure you don't fucking kill yourself trying to be a hero.
And you left without it, and I came to give it back to you because I told you I was tired of hauling it around. That woman, she...
[But he doesn't continue or clarify, instead cutting himself off by shoveling a bite of the cheesesteak he's sure will kill him into his mouth.]
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Date: 2018-12-03 02:34 am (UTC)[ He'll press here and there but knows better than to go too far. His hands are wiped mostly dry, meaning it's all the easier to press his hand up underneath the back of Bakugou's shirt, stroking over the small of his back. It's not a lingering touch, just idle affection as he passes by to start unpacking the rest of the way. He digs into the first one carefully, forgoing the fork and knife to try and take a massive bite out of one part of it to make it a little less of a disaster with limited success. ]
She what?
[ That's interesting. Midoriya had wondered if the more he used it the more he would contact the...well, 'ghosts' doesn't seem quite right but that's probably the closest approximation of what they were. Did he see All Might? It's a question he's dying to ask but knows better than to try, so instead he stuffs his face. The first one he kills in just a few bites. The second, he eats a little more sedately, giving up on wiping his fingers halfway through. ]
What do you think? I haven't had one before, but I had nachos when some of us went to the movies and they were actually pretty great. [ They're garbage. He loves them. ]
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Date: 2018-12-03 02:49 am (UTC)But being away for so long--even with the phone calls, the texts (easier), the video calls--has made him just a tad more bold. Or he thinks he can be bold. Being alone with One For All helped a little, too.]
It's disgusting. [He's eating it without really stopping much.] It reminds me of all the awful food back home at the festivals. [Therefore... not entirely bad even if it's horrible for you.]
That woman... [Again, he pauses, looking over the last remnants of the cheesesteak, taking a sip of the drink.] She said I should probably give it back. There's no reason someone as fucking young as you should be giving it up like that. [He doesn't say if this is what the woman told him, too, or if this is his own addition.]
I'm tired of seeing that weird shit. Especially when I'm trying to sleep.
[He wants to be Number One, but he never wanted the burden of having one of the best quirks in the world.]
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Date: 2018-12-03 03:00 am (UTC)I'll take it back whenever you want.
[ It's the least he can do. Especially since Bakugou's here, living and breathing and within reach instead of thousands of miles away. The idea is a little useless at this point, but Midroiya's still relieved he did it. It doesn't sound like it was ever necessary, but that's good. ]
Did you ship anything here?
[ It's an almost abrupt turn of conversation as he realizes that Bakugou had the backpack and the suitcase, sure, but Midoriya had shipped a few boxes to himself when he moved: decorations, extra clothes, a winter jacket, that kind of thing. It's 50/50 on whether or not Bakugou would send them or go between "don't need it" and "fuck it, I can buy it." ]
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Date: 2018-12-03 05:09 am (UTC)Aside from that, he's got enough clothes shoved in the large rolling suitcase and some in the duffle bag to last a week before having to wash, not including some winter outerwear.
He'll be fine.
The last bit of cheesesteak it popped into his mouth and consumed. He wipes his lips and chin with the back of a wrist in case there's stringy cheese or bread crumbs left behind.] I guess that means you're fucking shitting yourself to take me shopping or something. [Geez. There's a reason he skipped out on the mall trip when they had joined U.A. (He's Travis Willingham.)]
I got enough for now.
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Date: 2018-12-03 05:16 pm (UTC)You can always borrow something of mine if you need to.
[ Winters are cold and summers are hot and Midoriya worries about him even if he knows Bakugou can handle himself. He polishes off the last of the cheesesteaks and starts to neatly put them back into their bags so he can toss them out, sliding a drawer out where the trashcan is hiding.
His hands are washed in the sink again but once that's finished, he's heading back over to Bakugou, settling on the other side of the kitchen island again to look at him. If he's smiling a little stupidly the whole time then, well, it's understandable. ]
I was saving all of the tourist attractions for my last month, but it might be fun to go the next day or two while we're waiting for your uniform to arrive?
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Date: 2018-12-05 03:04 pm (UTC)Winters, on the other hand, suck. Even with the redesigned winter uniform, they still suck.] Yeah, show me how much more this city is shit. [He's only being disagreeable for the sake of being disagreeable.
When he starts seeing evidence of All Might's legacy peppering the place beneath the loud billboards of other heroes, he'll come around.]
Where were you planning on going exactly? The woman in the ocean? Uh-- [Hang on, let him butcher it with his accent:] Statue of Liberty?
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Date: 2018-12-05 04:52 pm (UTC)[ It's meant as an answer even if it really isn't one. There are so many places that he's wanted to go but just hasn't for one reason or another. Having Bakugou in town means that he has the perfect chance to go see all those places with plenty of justification. There's an additional part of him that loves this - loves hearing the way he says Statue of Liberty], loves that he's making an attempt even if he is dragging everything that exists. ]
That's one of them. There's the Empire State building too, I promised Kirishima I would get him one of the figures of the gorilla on the building and send it back.
[ He can, of course, go get that from any shop around town but it's not the same if he doesn't get it from the place that it's supposed to be from. ]
Did you want to stay in tonight and just watch something on the couch or go out?
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From:them, leaving: do we... do we donate... the toys... to goodwill..........
From:midoriya wrapping them up in like, tshirts and sending them in their own box LMFAO
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