Beyond The Blast (Bkdk)

Shared Meals, Shared Lives

The dust settles after the slime villain incident. News outlets, fickle as ever, have moved on to the next big story, leaving Midoriya and Bakugo with a strange sense of normalcy. However, this normalcy comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it involves navigating the uncharted territory of... cooking dinner together.

The idea arises from a simple invitation. Walking back from school one afternoon, Midoriya suggests they skip the dorm cafeteria and make curry at his place. Bakugo, surprisingly, doesn't immediately dismiss it. Instead, he grunts a noncommittal "whatever" that Midoriya interprets as a hesitant agreement. The journey to the grocery store becomes an unexpected adventure. Midoriya, ever the planner, diligently follows a recipe, while Bakugo haphazardly throws ingredients into the cart, convinced his "superior taste buds" can compensate for any culinary mishaps.

Their bickering about the merits of red bell peppers versus green ones and the appropriate amount of chili flakes creates a chaotic symphony in the aisles of the store. Despite the noise, a comfortable companionship settles between them, a familiarity that extends beyond the hero training grounds.

Back at the apartment, the kitchen transforms into a battleground of flour spills and flying vegetables. Midoriya, with a cheerful determination, tries to follow the recipe while dodging stray bits of chopped onions launched by Bakugo's overzealous chopping technique. Amidst the playful chaos, a moment of quiet settles between them. Bakugo, surprisingly focused on chopping a carrot, asks a question that hangs heavy in the air.

"Hey, Deku," he starts hesitantly, "do you ever miss... the way things were before?"
Midoriya pauses, stirring the simmering pot of curry. "Sometimes," he admits honestly. "But this... this unexpected turn of events... it's not so bad, is it?"
Bakugo considers this for a moment, then a begrudging smile cracks his face. "Yeah, I guess not. Having someone to yell at while cooking actually makes it kind of... fun."

Their laughter fills the small apartment, echoing through the open window. As the afternoon sun bathes the kitchen in a warm glow, they finish preparing the curry, a dish that somehow embodies their relationship - chaotic, messy, and surprisingly delicious. Dinner is a messy affair, punctuated by playful banter and stolen glances. They eat with gusto, their laughter blending with the clinking of spoons against bowls.

As the last bite disappears, a comfortable silence settles between them. Bakugo, who usually makes a hasty retreat after meals, lingers this time. "Hey, Deku," he says, avoiding Midoriya's gaze. "Maybe we could try making... something else next time."Midoriya's face breaks into a wide grin. "I'd like that, Kacchan."

The future might be uncertain, filled with villainous threats and hero training challenges. Yet, as they stand side-by-side in the kitchen, the sweet aroma of curry lingering in the air, they find comfort in the unexpected normalcy of their relationship. They've learned to navigate the chaos, both in the world and in their own kitchen, their bond growing stronger with every shared meal, every playful argument, and every laugh that echoes through the small apartment.