"I FUCKING HATE YOU, KIRISHIMA."

It comes out of Bakugo's mouth before he can really process the thought, his throat scratchy. Tears are pouring down from the fierce red eyes faster than he can blink. He's in his defense stance - bent down, arms open wide and palms facing upward. But they're not as

strong or sturdy as they are in battle when Bakugo's about to defeat villains. He's barely managing to to keep himself standing. He feels so goddammit weak.

"I hate you, I-" Bakugo wipes the snot from his nose and sizzles. "I fucking hate you. I hate you so much."

Though Bakugo's feet are taking him closer to Kirishima. Closer, and closer, and closer until he collapses in Kirishima's arms, gasping for air from the constant sobbing. "I hate you, I hate you, I hate you..."

"Bakugo..."

"I hate you, Kirishima. Please."

"'Please'?"

"Please," Bakugo hiccups. "I can't take it any more."

"What do you mean?" Kirishima's voice softens into a comforting hum, arms wrapping around Bakugo's back as he sobs into Kirishima's chest. He squeezes the boy gently. "Can't take what anymore?"

"..."

"Bakugo, talk to me."

"I..." He sniffles. "l..lo..."

"Lo-"

"I fucking /love you/, Kirishima!" Bakugo tries screaming, but his throat is dry and clogged, so instead it comes out as a loud whisper; a desperate cry for help. "...please."

"Bakugo."

"Please..."

"Bakugo!"

"Please, please pl-"

"Katsuki!"

Bakugo looks up to make eye contact with the red head, crimson eyes matching his own staring back at him lovingly with a warm smile.

"I love you, too" Kirishima whispers, grabbing the back of Bakugo's head and pressing it against his chest.

"I love you so, so much."