The Two Types of Wingmen [Bakawks] - Part 9

[Click for Ch8] 


“Oh look, there’s new merch out.”

Katsuki looked up, watching as Kirishima diverted his course to take a look. The front window of the merch store was full of new releases, and Katsuki’s eyes immediately honed in on a flashy new Hawks figure. The wings were the most detailed thing he’d ever seen, every individual feather sculpted out perfectly, and he couldn’t help but stare at it longingly.

The price tag was the only thing that kept him from marching himself through that door, his wallet burning a painfully thin hole in his back pocket.

“Those figures are incredible,” Kirishima said knowingly, crouching down to look closer. “I wish they made a Crimson Riot one, that would be awesome. Not that I can afford it. How does anyone buy those things?”

“At least I have the original,” Katsuki grumbled to himself, folding his arms. “That’s better than a dumb figure anyway.”

“You have limited edition merch?” Kirishima asked, blinking up at him in surprise. “That’s cool bro, show me some time.”

Eyes widening, Katsuki stared down at Kirishima’s encouraging expression, tripping over his words as he tried to speak.

“All Might stuff?” Kirishima prompted. “I bet you and Midoriya have a lot of that. They don’t seem to make it much anymore.”

“Y-Yeah,” he agreed awkwardly. “I uh, yeah.”

“Oh! You meant Hawks stuff!” Kirishima grinned, catching on quickly. “I forgot about your Hawks collection. You eyeing up this figure?”

“Way too expensive,” Katsuki shrugged, looking away. “I wish I could afford that kind of shit.”

“Yeah, mood. But you have limited edition stuff? That’s cool.”

Katsuki grimaced, digging his phone from his pocket rather than respond, thumb tapping idly at the conversation he’d left open when he last locked the screen.

Do you have any prototype or unreleased merch shit you don’t need?

He hit send before he could second guess himself too much, gnawing at his lower lip as he flipped his phone in his hand. If all had gone to plan, Hawks would have finished his patrol about fifteen minutes ago, so he should have been on his way back to the agency. Katsuki would know – they were meant to meet up after he showered and changed. His phone buzzed, and Katsuki almost dropped it as he fumbled it upright, opening the message in a hurry.

I have these really awful little stuffed toys I made in home ec class as a kid, do you want one?

Yes, that’s perfect.

He could practically hear Hawks laughing at him, but somehow he didn’t mind the thought too much. As infuriating as it was to hear people laugh at his expense, something about seeing Hawks so genuinely happy made it worth the embarrassment.

I’ll drop by and grab it on my way over. Dinner?

Sounds good.

He tucked his phone away when Hawks gave him a little thumbs-up emoji to confirm, nodding faintly when Kirishima gave him a questioning look.

“All good,” he assured him. “Heading out for dinner in a bit, just confirming plans.”

“Oh cool! You seem to be going out a lot lately, you make a new friend?”

“Yeah.”

“A new… More than friend?”

“Yeah,” Katsuki repeated, unable to keep a tiny smile from creeping across his lips.

“That’s so cool! I mean, we all suspected, with the texting and the going out and how chill you’ve been lately, but I’m glad to hear it’s going well! Do I know them?”

“Sort of,” Katsuki shrugged, looking away. “I uh, I’m not… Ready to talk about it yet.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t pry! But if and when you want to talk, you know where to find me!”

“Yeah,” Katsuki nodded faintly. “Um, thanks.”

“We’d better head back so you can get ready! Thanks for coming with me, you’re so much better at finding good deals.”

Katsuki just shrugged, hitching his bag of groceries up on his forearm and following when Kirishima began to walk. He knew his friends never needed his help to go shopping or do their homework – well, Kaminari aside – but he supposed he appreciated them framing it as if they did. It was much easier to hang out with people over an activity, especially one he needed to do anyway, than to just sit around awkwardly in the same room. He’d never understood how the rest of them could just lie around in the common room together and talk, he needed to be moving or something.

“Do you want to tell me anything about them?” Kirishima asked, when they got closer to the dorms. “Like… What pronouns I should be using, or something.”

“He’s a guy.” Katsuki huffed a little laugh. “And he’s a bit older, not in school, so… Yeah, people find that strange I guess.”

“Hardly,” Kirishima shrugged. “We graduate in less than six months anyway.”

“Yeah, people are just… Weird about it.”

“It seems like he makes you really happy.”

“Shut up, don’t start the sappy shit.”

“I’m serious! It’s really nice! We’ve all noticed, it’s good to see you smile and stuff!”

“That’s it, I’m breaking up with him.”

“Nooooo!”

Katsuki couldn’t help but laugh when Kirishima fell on him dramatically, barely keeping them both upright as he fought his way out from underneath the dead weight.

“You’re such a pain,” he complained, even as he continued to chuckle. “I’ll tell you more when I’m sure it’s gonna last.”

“You don’t think it will?”

“I just don’t want to jinx it.”

“Alright,” Kirishima smiled softly. “I’m glad you’re happy, bro.”

“Thanks, I guess.”

They made it back to the dorms just as Katsuki got another text, letting him know Hawks was on his way. Kirishima took the grocery bag from his hand knowingly, and Katsuki gave him a little nod of gratitude as he headed for the stairs. There was no time left to shower, he’d just have to spray on some extra deodorant and hope for the best, but he would make sure he had time to at least change out of his uniform. It was bad enough that he showed up in it to use the gym – Hawks didn’t even see him arrive most of the time anyway – but going on a date in it was just unthinkable.

Of course, he also had no time to stress about what to wear, and that was a bigger problem. He’d learned his lesson about his hair, no longer bothering to try to tame it, but clothes were a different story. Where were they going to go for dinner? Somewhere casual? Somewhere nice? Should he wear the jeans Mina always told him to wear? Or nice trousers? Sweatpants so Hawks wouldn’t think he tried too hard?

I’m at the gates!

Katsuki swore under his breath, throwing his phone at the bed and grabbing the Mina-jeans. If Hawks wanted to go somewhere nice, he’d just have to wait while Katsuki came back to change. Would serve him right for not giving Katsuki any warning.

His faded old Hawks shirt went over top, with the red wing logo printed on the front. Hawks would laugh, but at least Katsuki wouldn’t have to stress about how he looked because of it.

On went the deodorant, his phone and wallet stuffed into his pockets, and then he was gone again, hurrying back down the stairs. He didn’t stop to acknowledge the greetings and the “what’s the hurry?”s, stomping past to the door, only Mina and Kirishima giving him knowing little smiles as he passed.

“Have fun, Blasty!” Mina called at his back. “Be good!”

“Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do!” Kirishima added with a grin. “Have a good time!”

He chose to ignore them rather than waste time on an argument that would just make them laugh anyway, hurrying out to the school gates where they always met. Hawks lit up the moment he saw Katsuki coming, and for a moment Katsuki was surprised and pleased – he never expected anyone to look that happy just to see him coming. Then Hawks grabbed the front of his shirt, grinning down at it, and Katsuki rolled his eyes. He should’ve known it wasn’t about him.

“Look at you!” Hawks beamed, holding a fistful of the old shirt and kissing Katsuki’s temple fondly. “Aren’t you the cutest?”

“Should’ve known this was a bad idea,” Katsuki huffed, cheeks burning. “It was supposed to be a dumb joke, not some sappy bullshit.”

“Well, I love it anyway! You look good in my merch!”

“Get me more, then,” Katsuki snorted, gently prying the hand off before it could wrinkle his shirt too much. “Your shit is expensive.”

“Is it? I didn’t think it was any worse than- Ohhhhh you saw the new figure, didn’t you?”

“Maybe,” Katsuki huffed, eyeing Hawks’s bag. “You promised you’d bring me a dumb one-of-a-kind plushie.”

“And I did,” Hawks assured him, shifting the bag slightly to keep it out of his reach. “You collect my merch?”

“Fuckin’ obviously,” Katsuki grumbled, craning his neck for a peek at the bag. “Is it a big plushie? You never carry a bag that big.”

“Just a little plushie!” Hawks assured him, finally caving and reaching into his bag. “Greedy little dandelion, can’t wait five minutes, huh?”

“I want it,” Katsuki pouted, holding his hands out and hoping like hell that it came off as cute rather than just annoying. “Gimme.”

Hawks planted the squishy little felt toy in his outstretched hands, and Katsuki immediately burst out laughing. The thing was tiny and lopsided, one wing much bigger than the other, wearing what he assumed was an early attempt at a hero costume – covered in feathers, with claws on his boots.

“I love it,” he said quickly, when Hawks raised his eyebrows. “It’s perfect.”

“I’m glad you like it,” Hawks grinned, slinging an arm around his shoulders. “But I did bring you something a little more professional, too. If you want it, I mean.”

“Really? Hell yeah! Gimme!”

“Impatient hedgehog.”

He ruffled Katsuki’s hair, but reached into the bag again all the same, pulling out two little keychains wrapped carefully in plastic.

“These were limited editions, so I figured you might not have managed to get your hands on them. I got a few while they were getting them approved and manufactured and all that, so I figured I could spare a couple.”

“Yes!!”

He snatched them eagerly, but he knew Hawks noticed the secret care hidden underneath it. He made sure to protect them with his fingers as he grabbed them, curling his grip around them safely, and getting a good grip to make sure they wouldn’t fall.

He actually had one of them already, but like hell if he was gonna mention that. Duplicates were the best. Instead of debating whether to stick it on his keys or keep it in mint condition, he could have one of each!

“Do you want me to keep them until you go back inside?” Hawks offered, when Katsuki began digging in his pocket. “I know you don’t generally carry a bag.”

“But then I’d have to give them back.”

“Yes, yes you would,” Hawks laughed. “You want to keep them in your hand all night?”

“Mm… Tempting. Okay, can you carry this one, then?”

“Sure.”

He accepted the new one back, and Katsuki carefully slipped the duplicate onto his keys, shining bright with the smile he always wore on TV.

“Now whenever you miss my face, you have it with you,” Hawks teased.

“Who says I miss your face?”

“You do. Want me to find that text?”

“No, shut up. Where are we going for dinner? Do I need to go change?”

“No, you’re perfect.”

“Shut up.”

“You really want me to stop talking that badly? Then I wouldn’t be able to tell you that I cooked for you.”

“...You did?”

Hawks grinned, reaching for his bag again and tapping on the hard containers within.

“I thought we could eat in the park. Like a picnic, but maybe sitting on a bench instead of the ground, it’s a bit cleaner.”

“I already agreed to go out with you, you don’t have to keep seducing me.”

Hawks laughed louder than Katsuki thought he’d ever heard, and Katsuki smiled faintly, taking a little step closer to let Hawks wrap an arm around him again. He leaned in this time, Hawks’s warmth seeping into his side, enjoying the joy that swirled around them.

“You’re so cute,” Hawks gushed, ruffling his hair again before he planted a kiss on the top of his head. “Come on then, let’s go have our sanitary picnic.”

Katsuki reached for his hand, and Hawks accepted with no hesitation, lacing their fingers together as they walked. The park was only two minutes away, further down the street from the school – one of the places Hawks picked out to make sure Katsuki would make it back by curfew – but still it somehow felt like its own little world, miles away from the school where he knew people would raise their eyebrows at the budding relationship.

“It’s a little cold out, huh?” Hawks mused, as they found a bench to sit on. “You didn’t bring a jacket?”

“Didn’t think of it.”

“Well, it’s a good thing I brought you one, then.”

“You what?”

He glanced down at Hawks’s hoodie, at the wings protruding out the back, and Hawks laughed at him again. Somehow Katsuki didn’t mind it, when he did that. From anyone else he’d be annoyed, would take it as mocking or insulting, but from Hawks it just sounded like he was having fun, and Katsuki liked knowing he was the reason behind that.

“Believe me, I’ve thought about that,” Hawks teased, leaning in to shove him lightly. “But I think boyfriend hoodies are a lot cuter when I’m not the same size as you. I really need to grow a few inches so you can snuggle in my clothes. Plus, the wing holes wouldn’t do much for keeping the breeze out. So I brought the next best thing!”

From the bag apparently stuffed with food and gifts, Hawks dragged out a familiar shade of pale brown. He held it up to show off a thick, soft-looking hoodie, with the same red logo on the front as his shirt. When he turned it around, though, Katsuki had to stifle a laugh – attached to the back were two little red wings, moving slightly in the breeze.

“This one is gonna be released,” Hawks explained. “But it hasn’t been yet, and it’ll be a couple of months probably, before it’s on the market. You want it?”

“Can I?”

“I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t want you to have it,” Hawks laughed. “Just turn it inside out before you wash it, they said the wings might get damaged if you don’t. If you’re sure you want it, that is.”

“I want it,” Katsuki answered quickly, not even bothering to protest the teasing. “Can I wear it now?”

“I’d like nothing more.”

He handed it over finally, and Katsuki pulled it on, glancing over his shoulder to make sure the wings were still safe. When he looked up, Hawks was staring at him like he was made of gold, and Katsuki just smiled fondly as he zipped the jacket up.

“How do I look?” he prompted.

“Perfect.”

“Good answer,” Katsuki grinned, elbowing him lightly. “You mentioned food?”

“Soon,” Hawks assured him, grabbing his phone and leaning in closer. “First you have to take a photo with me.”

“Now?”

“Yes, now! You look so cute, I need to record this moment.”

“But I’m always cute,” Katsuki complained, leaning into frame all the same. “Put your hand on my back, make sure the wing shows.”

“I hope you know I’m posting this, it’s gonna go viral in minutes.”

“What, we’re going that public already?”

“I wasn’t going to tell them it’s a date.”

“Fine, go on then.”

He snapped a couple of photos, swiping through them to make sure he got a good one before he let Katsuki move an inch. While he was distracted picking out filters, Katsuki swiped his bag, sneaking out the food Hawks had so painstakingly put together for them.

“Hey, what’s this?” he asked, when he found a cardboard box underneath. “More merch?”

Hawks attempted to swipe it from him, but Katsuki quickly pulled it away, grinning when Hawks pouted at him.

“If it’s not for me, just say so.”

“I was gonna give it to you at the end of the night!”

“What is it? I wanna open it.”

“You should wait ‘til you get home, keep it packed up safely.”

“What is it?”

“The figure you were talking about.”

Katsuki’s jaw dropped, his second hand quickly reaching to hold it more safely. He cradled it in his grip, staring down at the nondescript white box, and Hawks ruffled his hair again fondly.

“You’re right, they’re expensive,” he grinned. “But that’s the perk of having a Pro for a boyfriend, right? They can give you the expensive merch.”

“How did you know I wanted it?”

“Considering you wanted special merch that no one else had, I figured you probably like the fancy stuff too. I love these figures, they’re always so perfectly detailed, so I just assumed you’d like them too.”

“I can really have it?”

“Of course.”

“You’re the best boyfriend ever.”

Hawks hugged him a little tighter, and Katsuki felt his face growing warmer again, his lips trembling a little as he struggled to make his next words.

“Close your eyes,” he instructed. “For a minute.”

Hawks obeyed without question, smiling to himself, and Katsuki wrapped one arm around the box for safety, shifting the other hand to rest on Hawks’s shoulder. He moved slower than he’d ever thought was possible, leaning in closer, until his nervous lips left the tiniest peck on Hawks’s cheek.

“Thank you,” he squeaked. “I love it. All of it.”

“You’re so damn cute,” Hawks gushed, snatching him into a proper hug. “You’re welcome, I’m glad you like it!”

“I’m sorry I’m not great at all this affection stuff. I’m trying, I swear. But really, I love… All of this. I hope you know that.”

“I do, I know,” Hawks assured him, resting his cheek on Katsuki’s hair. “And you’re not bad at it, we’re just learning still. Together. We’re a team, right? It’s a shared effort.”

“I like the sound of that,” Katsuki admitted. “A team.”

“Me too.”


[Click for Ch10]