On the Run

Tips

58, 59, 60, 61...

Kirishima was in the basement, counting his pushups. He was on his 5th set of twenty and was proud of himself and his sweat. His biceps flexed with each push, and his legs shook slightly. Once he was done, he moved on to weights. 

You had the basics to an indoor gym down. You had an assortment of weights ranging from 50-pound dumbells to 300-pound barbells and weight plates. It was workout heaven for him.

He paused near the bench, before starting with one pair plate. Normally, he had someone to spot him during his bench presses. Be it either Bakugo or Midoriya, there was always someone helping him out.

He started slow, pushing the bar up and down. After a while, he increased the weights. From 50 to 100, to 150 and 200 hundred. He was in the zone.

He hadn't noticed your presence until you popped your head above him.

"Oof!" he grunted in surprise, losing his grip on the bar. It dropped on his chest. It knocked the air out of his lungs, and he wheezed in pain.

"Oops, sorry," you apologized, grabbing the bar. You pulled it up with one arm back onto the handle. Kirishima didn't fail to notice that.

"Didn't mean to scare ya."

Kirishima wheezed out a breath, coughing. "You're good. How long have you been here?"

"About 30 minutes? I was trying to give you space. I've done most of my routine already."

"I didn't even notice you were here!" he exclaimed.

"I was really quiet. Plus, you were in the zone."

"True."

You nodded, lingering awkwardly. Kirishima cleared his throat. "You need something?"

You hesitated for a moment. "You're pretty strong."

Kirishima straightened, breaking into a grin. "Thanks! I've been working on my arms." He flexed his biceps.

Your lips quirked up a little. "I was wondering if you could spot me?"

Kirishima perked up. "Really?! Sure!"

You rolled your shoulders. You laid on the bench, adjusting your position.

"How much do you want to start?"

"Lightest."

Kirishima nodded, grabbing two 25 pound weights. After locking them in, you braced your arms. You lifted the weights, doing two sets of 5. By your request, he added more, until it got concerningly heavy. 

"Woah! You're really strong!" he complimented.

"I've gotta be. I pick up heavy pounds of rock every day. I've gotta make sure I can handle it."

Kirishima nodded, helping you put the bar on the rack. A thoughtful expression crossed his face. You sat up, stretching your back. You made to leave when Kirishima called out to you.

"Hey (Y/N)?"

"Hmm?" you hummed, turning back.

"What's your routine?" Kirishima asked.

"Huh?"

"Your workout routine. I've been trying to strengthen my quirk, but it's gone nowhere. Any tips?" 

This was pretty brazen of him. Not much conversation happened between you two, not without a lack of trying on his part. Most times you weren't in the mood, and he understood that more than anyone. But he'd seen how you warmed up to the rest of the group, and couldn't help but feel left out. But this was his chance. It was a genuine request, with added perks. He hoped this would work.

You scratched the back of your head, your face devoid of any emotion. Kirishima plucked at the hem of his tank top nervously. 

"Give me a minute," you said, running out of the basement. Kirishima's shoulders sagged.

Better luck next time I guess.

He was about to get back on the bench and press his disappointment away when you returned. You had a mat under your arm, your phone, and a speaker in the other.

"What's all that for?"

"Some stuff for after I help you out." You sat on the mat, patting the floor in front of you for him to sit.

"So, you want help with your quirk?"

He nodded.

"How does your quirk work again?"

You listened to Kirishima explain all the aspects of his quirk. Your brain was already swimming with ideas.

"And that's pretty much it," he finished. 

"Ok. So-"

"You're already done?" he interrupted with surprise.

You paused. "Yeah, I'm quick like that. So, you said that your lungs also harden when you go into unbreakable?"

Kirishima nodded. 

"Do you know how to swim?"

He tilted his head in confusion. "What does that have to do with my quirk?"

"Well, swimming mostly involves breath control and proper form. Especially if you want to go long distances. It increases stamina and endurance."

Kirishima did not understand where you were going.

"Your lung capacity increases as well. You take in more air. You can hold your breath for longer."

"Oh! That makes sense," his face twisted. "But you don't have a pool."

"I know. That was one of the main things that I thought of. You can try singing?"

Kirishima scratched his head, glancing away from you. "I can't sing."

"It can't be that bad."

"Bakugo told me never to sing again."

"Bakugo's been a hater all his life. Don't take his words to heart."

"He threatened to end our friendship forever I sang again. And while he says a lot of things that he doesn't mean, he was adamant about this one."

"Ooh," you grimaced. "How did he say it?"

"He yelled at me."

"Damn. But it could make you a better singer. I'm not the best either, but I try."

He perked up at that. "Can you sing right now?" 

You shook your head. "We aren't talking about me. We're focusing on you."

He nodded, albeit awkwardly. Attention wasn't usually focused on him alone. 

"Those are the tips I have right now. I'm gonna guess you've already done conditioning and durability training right?"

"Yeah, mostly in high school."

"Well, the only other thing I can offer is strengthen your legs. They'll help you out."

Kirishima nodded, rising to his feet. He offered his hand to you, but you waved him off.

"I'll do some stretching down here."

Kirishima nodded, thanking you. He made his exit, a bright smile on his face. He learned new, helpful techniques to strengthen both his quirk and himself while being able to create a small bond with you. It was wonderful.

End. Sorry it took so long to make this chapter. I really don't have an excuse. The stuff I wrote might not be consistent with the information in the series, which I'm afraid of. I'll probably change this chapter once I catch up with the series. Thank you so much for reading. Don't forget to vote and comment. I appreciate you<3