Work Text
Love Knows No Schedule
Living together before, in the dorms of UA High, felt different. There were common areas, personal rooms, curfews, and consequences for breaking the rules. Here, in their shared dorm room, it was like a honeymoon with no expiration date. No limitations, no prying eyes, just the freedom to spread out, sleep in the same bed, and simply enjoy each other's company.Bakugo would be the first to admit it wasn't sunshine and rainbows from the get-go. Sure, they each had their own side, but the room resembled a clash of titans: on one side, Bakugo's domain of stark simplicity – black sheets, a utilitarian alarm clock ticking away the seconds. Opposite him, a riot of controlled chaos ruled by Kirishima – camouflage bedclothes and a worn fighting bag that he refused to throw away.It was jarring, a clash of aesthetics. But like any challenge they faced together, they adapted. Despite their wildly different class schedules Kirishima learned to turn in early, respecting Bakugo's need for uninterrupted sleep. Bakugo, in turn, discovered the art of focused studying even with the rhythmic thump of Kirishima's fists pounding a nearby punching bag. It was a constant reminder of patience, sometimes accompanied by booming declarations of "manliness," thanks to the frankly ridiculous clock Kirishima insisted was peak "manly design." ridiculous, sure, but it was theirs..Even if their schedules were opposite, they still managed to find time and excuses to see each other.Sometimes, Kirishima would catch a glimpse of Bakugo's spiky blond hair through a classroom window, a secret smile spreading across his face. He'd wait by the door, a playful glint in his eyes, ready to bombard Bakugo with chatter and hand-holding on their walk to the next class. Bakugo, in turn, wasn't above his own brand of affection. He'd discreetly check Kirishima's schedule, making sure they could grab lunch together at least once or twice a week.But still. Even if they ended up sleeping in the same room every night, it didn't mean they hung out and enjoyed each other's presence every single day. Sometimes Kirishima would come back to his dorm late at night from his last class, only to find his boyfriend dead asleep on his bed. And Bakugo would wake up early for his classes, seeing his tired boyfriend sleeping on his bed, not wanting to wake him up. After all, Kirishima came back too late from his classes and Bakugo went too early to his, so it was a challenge finding time for each other. After all, college was a different battlefield than high school. One morning, Kirishima got fed up with him not being able to catch more than a few minutes with his boyfriend so he decided to take matters into his own hands. He set his alarm even earlier than Bakugo's usual wake-up call, determined to catch his boyfriend before he disappeared for the day.As Bakugo emerged from the bathroom, toothbrush half out of his mouth, a sleepy Kirishima materialized behind him, wrapping his arms around his waist in a tight hug."Katsukiiii..." he mumbled, voice thick with sleep and a hint of desperation, "come back to bed."Bakugo sighed, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips despite himself. "Go back to sleep, shitty hair," he grumbled, his usual gruffness softened by the sight of Kirishima's sleep-tousled hair. "You've got class later, and you know I don't. Come on, scootch over."Kirishima tightened his hug. "But I miss you," he whined, sleep clinging to him like a second skin. "Yesterday you were buried in textbooks, didn't even give me a goodnight kiss."Bakugo understood. He missed those stolen moments too, the quiet intimacy that seemed to be a fading luxury. But skipping an early class wasn't an option, not yet."Alright, alright," he conceded, leaning in. "Morning kiss it is, then." He pressed a soft kiss to Kirishima's cheek, followed by a gentle caress. "Now get some sleep, ya sap. I'm gonna be late if you don't budge."Kirishima groaned, a muffled protest laced with sleepiness. He mumbled something incoherent about early mornings and unfair schedules before burying his face back into the pillow. Bakugo watched him for a moment, a flicker of frustration and affection battling within him. He ruffled Kirishima's hair playfully before heading out the door.That day Bakugo recognized the need for dedicated time together. So after talking about it with a few messages they decided to take matters into their own hands. With the little time they found for each other that week, instead of using it for cuddling or going out, they sat down with their schedules and a large calendar, a determined glint in both their eyes. "Right," he conceded, leaning back in his chair. "Maybe we can squeeze in a couple of evenings for ourselves each week."Kirishima beamed. "Yeah, that sounds good. And we can plan some bigger dates once a month or so.""Agreed. Alright, shitty hair, let's start filling this shitty calendar and make this work."
Hours melted away as they scribbled, debated, and erased, finally emerging with a somewhat war-torn but victorious battle plan. The result: one guaranteed free night a week, potentially two with some strategic maneuvering, and a color-coded calendar that meticulously carved out space for their monthly dates. It wasn't perfect, a web of obligations still loomed large, but they made it work. The freedom of college life came with a price, but they were determined to pay it together, after all, they were a strong couple.With their newfound free nights, they dove into planning with enthusiasm. Katsuki eagerly proposed hiking, of course, while Kirishima's eyes sparkled as he thought how much he missed trying new restaurants with his boyfriend. Their calendar soon resembled a chaotic mix of markers and highlighter stains, a testament to their shared determination to make the most of their time together. And amidst the mess, they found joy in having a bit less chaos on their shared time.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Shared Seats
The semester's schedule shuffle threw Bakugo and Kirishima a curveball – a shared class, same time, same room. While Kirishima vibrated with excitement at the prospect of extra hours with his boyfriend, Bakugo remained cautiously optimistic. He wasn't opposed to the idea, but years of carving out their own space made him wary of how this new dynamic would play out.Their contrasting attitudes were on full display as they entered the class. Kirishima practically bounced in, a wide grin plastered on his face. Bakugo, ever stoic, kept his expression neutral, already mentally prepping for the lecture. Kirishima, the hopeless romantic, versus Bakugo, the resident nerd – their dynamic was a hilarious blend of sweet and explosive.Years had passed since they'd shared a classroom. For Kirishima, it was a wave of nostalgia. He remembered late-night study sessions at UA, Bakugo's frantic explanations met with Kirishima's exasperated laughter. He missed it, all those nights together past curfew…
Kirishima couldn't help but steal glances at Bakugo. The blond was a picture of focus, his brow furrowed as he meticulously filled his notebook. In that concentrated state, he looked...different. Not just handsome, as Kirishima always found him to be, but strangely captivating. It was a side of Bakugo he loved seeing, a reminder of the brilliant mind beneath the explosive exterior. Lost in his reverie, Kirishima didn't realize his gaze had lingered a beat too long. A playful jab from Bakugo, delivered in a voice barely above a whisper, shattered the silence."Quit staring like a dumbass, Shitty Hair," Bakugo muttered, a hint of amusement dancing in his crimson eyes. "Pay attention. Don't need you whining about failing the class because you were too busy drooling over your desk."Kirishima, startled back to reality, fumbled for his notebook, a blush creeping up his neck. "Hey," he protested playfully, "don't worry, I have a super smart and angry boyfriend who can explain everything I miss later."A smirk tugged at the corner of Bakugo's lips. "You wish, dumbass," he retorted, but the amusement in his voice betrayed his feigned annoyance. He flicked a glance at Kirishima, their eyes meeting for a brief moment before Bakugo turned back to the lecture.Sharing a class was great. Exam weeks brought back familiar memories of late-night study sessions at UA. With an air of resigned fondness, Bakugo would find himself tutoring Kirishima on the finer points of whatever material he'd missed while lost in a daydream about his boyfriend.Projects? Piece of cake. Years of working together had honed their dynamic to a razor's edge. Kirishima, the natural showman, took the lead on presentations, his booming voice and infectious enthusiasm captivating their classmates. Bakugo, the mastermind behind the scenes, ensured their projects were flawless. He'd critique Kirishima's drafts with a ruthless efficiency, their playful bickering punctuated by bursts of laughter. Their classmates watched in a mix of amusement and envy. Here were two people who not only loved each other but also functioned seamlessly as a team.One afternoon, after a particularly captivating presentation, a classmate approached them, a hesitant smile on their face. "Wow, you guys are amazing together! It's like you can read each other's minds." Kirishima chuckled, a playful glint in his own eyes. "Years of experience, We've been a team since way back when." He nudged Bakugo playfully. "Right,Blasty?"Bakugo, ever the tsundere, scoffed, a barely perceptible blush creeping up his neck. "Don't get all mushy, Shitty Hair. It was just teamwork." But a small, satisfied smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Sick Day
Bakugo's alarm ripped through the morning quiet like every other day. His head throbbed, a dull ache resonating behind his eyes. Every muscle in his body felt like lead, weighed down by a feverish heat radiating from within. He groaned, wanting nothing more than to burrow deeper under the covers, but even the slightest movement sent a fresh wave of nausea crashing over him. The incessant screech of the alarm continued its assault, but Bakugo lacked the strength to even lift an arm to silence it. Kirishima, stirred from his slumber by the obnoxious racket, mumbled a string of sleepy curses. "Katsuki, what the hell," he rasped, his voice thick with sleep. "Turn that damn thing off."But Bakugo remained unresponsive, had he fallen asleep again? the alarm didn't wake him up? Bakugo hated being late. He never slept past his alarm. weird. Kirishima thought a bit sleepy but worried. Throwing off the covers, Kirishima shuffled towards his boyfriend and turned the alarm off. Before he could fully open his eyes, worry gnawed at him. "Katsuki... wake up," he urged, his voice husky with sleep. "You'll be late... Come on..." His voice trailed off as he finally lifted his eyelids and his gaze fell on Bakugo's face.Bakugo was a mess. His breaths came in ragged gasps, his entire body slick with sweat plastered to his skin. A grimace of pain twisted his features, he was burning up, and all flushed and feverish."Hey," Kirishima murmured, his voice heavy with concern. He reached out a hesitant hand, brushing a damp strand of hair from Bakugo's forehead. "What's wrong, Katsuki?"Bakugo tried to respond, his lips parting in an attempt to form words. But the effort seemed to drain him further, resulting only in a string of incoherent mumbles."Shh, it's okay," Kirishima soothed, his voice firm yet gentle. "Don't force it. I'm going to get the thermometer. Stay put."The digital display on the thermometer flashed a temperature that sent a jolt of panic through Kirishima. "Shit, Katsuki," he swore, his voice laced with concern. "You're burning up…" He pressed the back of his hand against Bakugo's forehead, the heat radiating off him like a furnace.Bakugo, ever the stubborn one, cracked open an eye and tried to focus on Kirishima. "M' fine, shitty hair," he mumbled, his voice thick and sluggish. With a herculean effort, he attempted to push himself up. "I'll be late… so scootch…"But weakness washed over him, his body refusing to cooperate. He slumped back against the pillows, a pained groan escaping his lips. The fierce glint in his eyes was replaced by a vulnerability Kirishima had never seen before."No way in hell you're going anywhere," Kirishima declared, his usual playful demeanor replaced by a fierce protectiveness. "Get some rest, I´ll stay with you”A flicker of defiance sparked in Bakugo's feverish eyes. "we're both going to class," he rasped, his voice barely a whisper. "We can't…” he groaned in protest, the effort clearly draining him. " We can't miss class..."Kirishima chuckled softly and rolled his eyes, a warm sound that soothed the raw edges of Bakugo's discomfort. "Hey, relax," he said, his hand stroking Bakugo's hair in a comforting rhythm. "There's no 'we' about this today. You're sick. Your only job is to get better."Bakugo whined, a pathetic mew that tugged at Kirishima 's heartstrings. "But class..." he mumbled, his voice weak and laced with a sliver of his usual defiance as he tried to get out of bed. Even in his delirious state, his responsibility and stubbornness flickered.Kirishima quickly placed a hand on Bakugo's chest, gently but firmly stopping him from attempting to rise. "Hey," he said, his voice firm but laced with concern, "you can't even get up or form a decent sentence. You're staying in bed, resting, no buts Katsuki Bakugo!"Bakugo groaned, the effort stealing the last vestiges of his fight. His boyfriend was right. He felt like a lead weight, every muscle screaming in protest at the mere thought of movement. Defeated, he slumped back into the pillows, a sheen of sweat still clinging to his flushed skin.Seeing the worry etched on Bakugo's face, even through the haze of illness, Kirishima sighed. "Listen," he began, his voice gentling further. "I'll go to class and take detailed notes on everything. If falling behind is what worries you, I can even record the lecture. Just please, get some rest Blasty. You're burning up."Bakugo just nodded, feeling completely defeated by the illness and by his boyfriend equally. Kirishima, ever the attentive boyfriend, bustled around the room. He rummaged through the medicine cabinet, returning with a thermometer, some pills, and a damp washcloth. As he placed them on the nightstand, his voice was a soothing murmur."If you need anything at all, just call me, okay?" he said, gently tucking the damp cloth onto Bakugo's forehead. "Make sure to take these pills after a while, and promise me you won't even think about getting out of bed."Bakugo mumbled something unintelligible, his mind a swirling fog. He vaguely registered Kirishima's departing words, something about taking notes for him, but sleep, heavy and insistent, claimed him before he could fully process it.Kirishima, after ensuring Bakugo was comfortably settled, leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. "Get better, Blasty," he whispered, his voice laced with a tenderness that usually only Kirishima could elicit from the explosive blond.With one last lingering look, Kirishima dimmed the lights in the room, leaving Bakugo in a cocoon of soft darkness conducive to sleep. As he shut the door behind him, going to his lectures.As Kirishima scribbled notes during his lecture, his mind kept drifting back to Bakugo. The image of his boyfriend, flushed and feverish, played on repeat in his head. He knew Bakugo was tough, but the way he'd succumbed to the illness so quickly…it gnawed at him.Unable to resist any longer, Kirishima snuck a glance at his phone during a lull in the lecture. He sent a quick text:
9:35 a.m
Hey Blasty! how r u feeling? any better?
No response.No reply. He figured Bakugo was probably sleeping it off, which was good. Still, the lack of response sent a fresh wave of worry washing over him.By the time the next class ended, the worry had morphed into full-blown concern. He fired off another text:
11:28 a.m
Hey Kats, need anything?
Silence.The bell signaling the end of his last class was a welcome sound. Kirishima practically sprinted out of the building to the nearest pharmacy, grabbing a basket and filling it with essentials – medicine for fever and general aches, plenty of hydrating drinks, and a couple of ice packs. His next stop? Their favorite takeout place. He knew exactly what Bakugo craved when he wasn't feeling his best and he was making sure his boyfriend had a decent meal to lift up his spirits.Armed with his arsenal of care, Kirishima practically sprinted back to his dorm, a silent prayer on his lips for Bakugo's well-being. As he finally got to the dorm he make sure to open the door as silently as possible, not to wake him upBakugo lay sprawled out, a mess of tangled limbs and fiery blond hair damp with sweat. He was dead asleep, to Kirishima's relief, way more peacefully than when he left him.He set the bags of supplies down on the nightstand with practiced quietness. Picking up a cool, fresh cloth, Kirishima approached the bed and gently replaced the damp one on Bakugo's forehead. As he wiped away the sweat with a caring touch, Bakugo stirred, a low groan escaping his lips.His eyelids fluttered open slowly, revealing crimson irises clouded with sleep and discomfort."Eijiro..." he mumbled, his voice hoarse and barely audible."Hey Blasty," Kirishima replied, his voice a soothing murmur. "How are you feeling? Any better than this morning?"A weak nod was Bakugo's only response, his fiery eyes softened by a veil of illness. He held Kirishima's gaze for a moment, a flicker of something akin to gratitude passing through them before drifting closed again.Seeing the shift, Kirishima's smile broadened. "That's good to hear," he said, his voice warm with relief. "I brought you some medicine and takeout. You need to fuel up, Blasty." He gestured towards the bags on the nightstand.A low groan rumbled in Bakugo's chest as he attempted to sit up, his body protesting with every movement."Easy there," Kirishima cautioned, placing a hand on his back to offer support. "Here, let me help."With gentle assistance, Kirishima managed to prop Bakugo up against the pillows. "Here, take these," he said, offering a glass of water and a couple of pills.Bakugo grimaced at the medicine, but with a sigh of defeat, he swallowed them down, chasing them with a few sips of water. "Don't tell me you bought that bland hospital cafeteria stuff," he mumbled, a hint of his usual bravado returning.Kirishima let out a hearty chuckle. "No Blasty," he said. "Went straight to your favorite place. Now eat up, you look like a walking inferno threw up on you."Bakugo snorted, a weak chuckle escaping his lips. "How sweet of you, Shitty Hair," he mumbled, reaching for the takeout bag. Despite his protests, a flicker of warmth bloomed in his chest. Even with a fever turning him into a human furnace, Kirishima's care managed to bring a smile back to his face.A tired smile spread across Kirishima's face as he watched Bakugo polish off the last bite of his food. He waited patiently until Bakugo finished his water and then launched into a detailed, yet slightly dramatic, retelling of the lecture. He even mimicked the professor's dry voice, earning a weak chuckle from Bakugo.Just as Bakugo started to yawn widely, eyes drooping, Kirishima caught the telltale sign. He quickly rose from the bed, gathering the empty food containers and used supplies."What are you doing, Shitty Hair?" Bakugo grumbled, a hint of annoyance laced with his weariness.Kirishima smiled, his voice gentle. "Getting ready for bed, Blasty. You need to sleep some more. You'll feel better in no time if you rest properly."Bakugo scoffed, a feeble attempt to regain his usual bravado. "I don't need to sleep Shitty Hair."Smiling softly, Kirishima finished tidying up, the quiet hum of activity and a calming lullaby in the room. He slipped back into bed beside Bakugo, pulling the covers up gently over his boyfriend's feverish form. As Bakugo's breathing deepened into a peaceful sleep, Kirishima leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead."Get better, Blasty," he whispered, a silent promise hanging in the air as they both drifted off peacefully.