Training had run late, and Bakugou was ready to call it a night. But as he looked around, he realized Todoroki had drifted off on one of the benches, his breathing deep and even, his usually composed face softened in sleep. Bakugou rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath about “damn ice nerds who don’t know when to quit.”

But still, he found himself stepping closer, watching Todoroki’s face for a moment longer than he’d admit. With a reluctant sigh, Bakugou crouched down and lifted him into his arms. Todoroki shifted slightly, instinctively leaning into him, his head resting against Bakugou’s shoulder. Bakugou’s heart skipped, but he tightened his grip, muttering something about “just getting him to bed and that’s it.”

He carried Todoroki all the way up to his room, knowing damn well he could’ve left him in his own, but somehow it felt… right. Gently, he laid Todoroki down on his bed, brushing a stray piece of hair from his face. For a second, Bakugou just stood there, looking down at him, feeling his defenses drop in the quiet of his own room.

Todoroki mumbled something in his sleep, his face turning slightly toward Bakugou as if instinctively seeking him out. Bakugou shook his head, a tiny smirk tugging at his mouth. “Yeah, yeah. Go to sleep, you idiot,” he whispered before turning off the light and slipping onto the other side of the bed, just to make sure he’d be there when Todoroki woke up.