Beyond The Blast (Bkdk)

Navigating Uncharted Territory

The events of the training room hung heavy in the air as Izuku and Bakugou walked side-by-side towards their dorms. The malfunctioning headband and All For One's chilling revelation had shaken them both.  Yet, amidst the turmoil, a newfound understanding simmered beneath the surface." That was..." Izuku started, searching for the right words. "Crazy?" Bakugou cut in, his voice gruff but lacking its usual bite.  He wouldn't meet Izuku's gaze, a faint blush dusting his cheeks.
Izuku chuckled, the sound a nervous exhale. "Yeah, crazy.  But also... kind of cool, seeing how our connection works."
Bakugou scoffed, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.  He couldn't deny the thrill of their synchronized attacks, the way their movements flowed in perfect harmony.  It was unsettling, sure, but undeniably powerful.

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, a stark contrast to their usual bickering.  This newfound ease, born from shared vulnerability, felt strangely... familiar.  Izuku stole a glance at Bakugou.  The fiery blond seemed lost in thought, his crimson eyes gazing at the distant horizon.  There was a vulnerability in his expression Izuku had never witnessed before.
Suddenly, a flicker of concern shot through Izuku.  He remembered the raw fear and self-doubt that had flooded his mind during the malfunction.  Had Bakugou experienced similar negativity?  The thought sent a pang of worry through him.

"Hey, Kacchan," Izuku started hesitantly, using Bakugou's childhood nickname.  It felt oddly fitting in the quiet solitude of the evening. Bakugou flinched at the familiar yet unusual address. He turned, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "What, Deku?". "About the headband..." Izuku continued, his voice barely a whisper.  "Did you see... feel anything bad too?"
Bakugou hesitated. 

He wasn't used to sharing his inner turmoil, but something about Izuku's genuine concern cracked his usual facade.  "Yeah," he admitted gruffly, "stupid doubts, insecurities..."  His voice trailed off, a blush creeping up his neck.
Izuku's heart pounded in his chest.  He understood.  He had experienced the same negativity.  But for the first time, he wasn't alone.  He had Bakugou, someone who shared his burden, someone who understood.

"We can figure it out," Izuku said, his voice filled with newfound confidence.  "Together."Bakugou met his gaze, his crimson eyes holding a depth of emotion Izuku had never seen before.  A beat of surprised silence stretched between them, the air thick with unspoken words and burgeoning feelings.  Neither of them had ever considered that their rivalry might blossom into something more, but the raw honesty they'd shared had sparked a new kind of connection.

Just as Izuku was about to speak, a boisterous voice shattered the peaceful moment.  Kirishima rounded the corner, a wide grin plastered on his face.  "Hey guys, waiting for me?  Ready to—"  He stopped short, noticing the stunned silence and the intensity in their gazes.
"Uh... did I interrupt something?" Kirishima scratched his head, his grin faltering.

Izuku and Bakugou exchanged a startled look.  The blush that had crept up Bakugou's neck deepened, while Izuku felt his own cheeks burning hot.  They quickly broke eye contact, the weight of the unspoken moment suddenly awkward.
"Uh, no, Kirishima," Izuku stammered, forcing a smile.  "Just... heading to our dorms." Bakugou grunted in agreement, his voice gruff.  They both turned and walked away, leaving a bewildered Kirishima staring after them.

As they walked, the comfortable silence returned, but this time it held a different meaning.  They were no longer just rivals, but something more – teammates, confidantes, perhaps even... friends.  And maybe, just maybe, that friendship could blossom into something even deeper.  The future was an uncharted territory, but one they were now determined to navigate together.  The path ahead might be filled with challenges, but with their connection growing stronger and a newfound spark flickering between them, they were ready to face them, side-by-side.

Authors note:
You guys are probably wondering: "oh Faith, why was it weird for Deku to call Bakugo, Kacchan?" the nickname holds a certain level of intimacy, by using it in that moment of shared vulnerability, Deku is unconsciously bridging a gap between them. Yes my name is Faith don't question it.    -Faith/The author