College Sweethearts (KiriBaku x Deku, Anthro au)

[LovelyBones]

Izuku could hardly believe it, standing on the campus of his dream school, where he had always wanted to learn the ways of an accountant, and make a good living for himself, as well as take good care of his mother once he'd graduate!! It was a hard, tearful good bye, but he had to eventually leave to become a man!! Well.... as much as one could, when he couldn't build muscle worth a damn, no matter how hard he tried. All it did was make him hungrier and hungrier with no payoff. He gave up in junior year, and had accepted his fate as a petite bull. Even his childhood friend had outgrown him, and he was a ram. Rams aren't supposed to be bigger than bulls!! And it seemed Izuku never would hear the end of it whenever Kaachan was around, always making fun of him for it. He was as tall as the other's chest, and it had been a topic of ridicule the first time he walked face first into soft, nice-smelling pecs in the halls sophomore year. He hated how flustered he was as he ran from that situation.

But, that wasn't important!! Today was club and fraternity and or sorority sign up day!! Sure, he had a dorm room on standby if none of them worked out, but it's worth a shot, right? He couldn't miss out on being in a fraternity if he had the chance!! Sure, some tables were more intimidating or pickier than others, but Izuku was determined!! Luckily, the last table he visited had a bored looking feline and an energetic fancy rat, and their list seemed small, but promising!! Denki, the rat was called, was eager to invite him over to sign their roster for initiation that weekend, and assured the small bull he was more than welcome. Shinso, the cat, warned the greenette, however, that if he craved a behaved and or quiet frat house, this wasn't it. But, Izuku signed up all the same, putting in his number and tentative dorm address should he need to be contacted. Possible frat house secured, he happily signed up for a few clubs, and made some nice friends in a sweet hamster girl, a greyhound with a stress on following the rules, an oddly neutral yet friendly frog, and lastly, a young man with chimerism, being half snow leopard and half Tibetan tiger.

Izuku was excited, his nicely kept tail swishing back and forth as he soon partook of some of the free snacks and drinks, seeing many different people from all sorts of places, eager to have a good time at college. It was comforting, meeting many new faces left and right. Though, he had to admit that there were some unpleasant glances aimed his way, some pitiful, and others mocking. He hated it, really, but he was used to it at this point. Guess he can't escape that sort of judgement, even here in a bigger, more inclusive place. But, he focused on the good, and was soon exploring the town, finding the best places to eat and hang out when not studying the night away, or hanging out with friends and roommates. Sure, most of those places were a bit of a jaunt, but he was fine with that!! If all else failed, he did have a car he could use for getting groceries in!!

Though, when initiation day came, he was rightfully nervous. He's heard stories bout this frat being particularly hard and or embarrassing for some, though he wanted to be brave. He can't run from this, not when Denki had assured it wouldn't be bad at all, despite what some others had said! 'They are all hating cuz they couldn't join our club-- you'll do fine, man!' God, Izuku hoped so. He was surprised to see a bat girl and a flamingo girl among the group of newbies, though, his eyes fell on a familiar shock of dusty blonde and healthy, thickly curled horns. Kaachan. Kaachan was here?! Izuku swallowed thickly as he looked forward quickly when a rather large, beautifully built shire horse stood before them all, bearing a blindingly bright grin. Poor Izuku looked tiny in comparison, almost being half the other's height. Was he a senior? He had no clue, and his mouth was too dry to even dare asking, shooting a glance to Denki who stood near the back of the current frat group, who gave the nervous bull a thumb's up.

God, he hoped he wouldn't embarrass himself in front of these people, only to walk away in shame afterwards.

[cryptidchalupa]

Another year, and at least this one was a return. The campus familiar and comfortable, rather than unexplored territory. How many door frames he had walked into, quite literally, in some of the buildings that were not meant for species as tall as he was. This time, so far anyway, he remembered them with ease. No headaches to start the day. Or rather the first few days or so. He had managed to settle right back in like he had never left at all, same frat, same room, all of it. Only difference was the fact that he was asked point blank to take over most of the frat responsibilities, as one of the best returning members for the year. 'It'll be fun. You remember last year? Besides you actually followed the rules.'

All the new, smaller, students running around was another story. Stepping on someone's tail on his way to the initiation gathering wasn't planned but unavoidable. At least it wasn't hard, and the lemur understood once she got over the shock of of it and scurried off, staying a little higher than the ground level. All leading up to him and a few others to meet the freshmen, plan in mind to send them off across campus to some of the other houses and locations. The stack of lists in his hands felt weirdly heavy, but he supposed that was nerves.

A few were still walking over and gathering around, so he was waiting patiently (though likely looking very impatient himself) for everyone to assemble close enough--

"Just get on with it already!" The blond ram nearby barked out, weight shifting from one leg to the other. Bakugou was having none of this shit. Yeah sure first day, blah blah. Why did they all have to be here. Couldn't one of the frat guys fucking yell over everyone? At least one of them looked loud enough...

He had waited long enough for this day, let alone to just get in and be done with it. Whatever little bullshit test they were going to put everyone through, for traditions sake, he'd finish it and just be done with it. Immediately. The thing stopping him was the paper-gatekeeping, tallest horse he's ever seen in his fucking life, and he was somehow pretty. For someone that looked that big. Like some sort of sporty jock with a long mane he clearly took care of-- ... okay getting away from the point. The guy was pretty but he was taking FOREVER.

Kirishima looked over at the comment, sharing a raised eyebrow with his friend to his immediate right. Who just shrugged.

Okay then. Well if everyone was eager to get started...

"Good morning ev--!"

"It's afternoon."

"Shut up."

"Fucking make me!"

Sighing, because he'd seen this before. It was normal, honestly. He tucked the lists under his arm to free up his dominant hand to use to produce a sharp, loud whistle. The silence that followed was a blessing, and he still gave it a beat before continuing.

"As I was saying, good afternoon," he did not miss the startled blush from the sassy ram when he looked over pointedly at his correction. He wasn't expecting that. "First off I want to personally give you all a warm welcome." And went forth with a small speech about the house itself, the college grounds, fairly rehearsed stuff that was just part of the deal. Call him a show pony, he'd own it. Near the end of it he started passing around the lists, so everyone got one as he finished up explaining their tasks: to go around to various vaguely listed spots and bring back something significant of that location. And not to worry it was all planned out, they wouldn't be stealing from other houses or anything. There was something in each spot, and they would know when they saw it. Just a scavenger hunt to keep them all busy for a little bit. Nothing too difficult. And resulting failure? Well... that was still up for debate.

[LovelyBones]

The small bull was, naturally, rather fidgety as the small group showed their eagerness and impatience, seemingly mirrored by the shire horse leading the gathering. There was so much anxious energy-- his tail whipped back and forth as if it were swatting at persistent flies-- and he was just glad the blonde was near the front, while he, the middle-back.

He wasn't surprised when his former childhood friend had piped up, making his displeasure known to the group and those running the initiation about how long it was all taking. The bull ducked his head out of reflex, worried that a greater disturbance could be caused if he didn't make himself smaller than he already was. Though, he jumped, startled when a whistle was blown, drawing everyone's attention back to the horse. Now, Izuku was pleasantly surprised by how well the leader gave his speech, and.... wow, he had a really, really nice voice. He had the appeal of a handsome jock, yet the care he took with his mane showed that he had patience and seemed to want to be perceived as well-kept and approachable. Which, really, worked quite well!!

He was brought out of his thoughts when the tall equine stood before him, offering a list to take, and the poor bovine had froze up as he reached for that slip of paper, blushing terribly. Yeah, this stud was massive, he'd easily break him in half-- No. Get those dirty thoughts outta here!! This is not the best time to start fantasizing!! God, how could Izuku not, though? Swallowing thickly as he finally forced a shaking hand to take a list, he held the paper closely, ducking his head in embarrassment.

'Nice first impression, Deku. Way to look like a loser.' He shook his head of those thoughts, before looking at the list. This seemed easy enough, right? All he had to do was find a few things, and come back!! Simple!! At least, that was the hope. He looked around at the others, wondering if they all had the same list or not. If they did, that may complicate things.... it would mean there's elimination involved. The house seemed big enough for them all-- then again, there was a chance that there were more upperclassmen than there were present, meaning competition for rooms.

Was Izuku going to be able to do this? He really hoped he could-- if Kaachan saw him, and knew the bull failed, there was no doubt he'd mock the smaller male like he always had ever since middle school. God, he hoped they wouldn't have too many classes together, even if they were core classes. It's bad enough that Kaachan would see him here....

No!! He had to be determined!! Izuku clenched his free fist, before looking at his list again. He had to try-- he had to!!

[cryptidchalupa]

Most of the others scattered as they were handed their lists. A few lingering behind, even pairing up before running off. That wasn't against the rules so he didn't say anything as they all slowly left.

He had paused when he had given the list to the small bull, noticing the hesitation he had and mistaking it for anxiety. It kept him in his orbit a bit longer, offering him a genuinely kind smile. "Hey listen if you get stuck, I can write down my number and you can text me okay? No one really loses at this." maybe gets put on a lower tier of the pecking order, but they weren't eliminating people from the house. He made a show of patting his pockets for a pen or pencil or anything to write with even if he wasn't entirely sure he had one, it was just lucky that there was actually a ballpoint pen in his deep pockets.

He didn't get to actually take the list back and write said number down, just about to reach for it when it was snatched right out of the bull's hand. Looking over to see the cocky ram from earlier staring them both down while eating the paper. Whole. Just crammed it in his mouth and it was gone. Kirishima was positive surprise was written all over his face at that. Who just...does that? It was becoming apparent that this year's group of new students were all going to be interesting.

Bakugou kept up his staring contest until the list was all gone, one hand on a hip and the other swinging out to point at the bull instead. "Good luck, you'll need it." There's a brief moment where he cocked his head up to look at the equine towering over them and tried to keep up the bravado, but it cracked under the pressure of a rather calm (if a bit awkward) smile from the taller beast. He couldn't let him see it, and Deku was right there as well... he'd sooner die. So when he dropped the look, he did so with a snort.

"That's not cool." Kirishima told him easily, smile never wavering. If anything, it went a little taunting at the edge if you squinted. He knew what the big ego types were in for. He could easily make him regret acting out, as HOH. But he wouldn't, not yet. He was nice... and the ram was... well... Not going down that path yet. Maybe later, when he was alone.

Said ram went a little pink, and with a huff, actually shoved his own list down to the same fate as Deku's, which earned a laugh from the tall horse. Stubborn streak making him lash out in a bizarre fashion instead of just even admitting to himself that he found their new housemate attr--... Mid-chew, he reached out to catch his notfriend by the arm and start leading him away towards one of the locations he had seen on the list before literally eating it. "C'mon, dork. I don't need a fucking list for this." He'd make him carry the stuff anyway.

Just as they started off, Kirishima was quick to offer the bull another copy of the list before he was out of reach. "Don't let him eat this one~!"

[LovelyBones]

Izuku saw as others began to scatter, pair up, or both, feeling his heart race. He was already behind, what was he doing-- Izuku jolted when Eijiro spoke to him again, his cheeks growing pink as the other offered to help him out, even offer his number to the greenette!! But, the fact no one really lost was a relief-- so, it was more likely a case of first come, first serve on the rooms? "I-I would like your number, please--" he smiled shyly, and tried to offer his list, only for it to be snatched away, and eaten by Katsuki. "K-Kaachan, what the hell--" the poor bull exclaimed in a scandalized tone. Why did the ram have to always ruin his chances at potential happiness?!

"Y-you always do stuff like this-- do you really enjoy being horrible to me all the time?!" Izuku asked, embarrassed, upset, and wishing he had enough spine to smack that cocky look off of the other's face right now. How was he going to even get in now? He'll probably end up with a crawlspace as a room at this rate!! Though, he did feel a bit of hope when Eijiro had called Katsuki out subtly, and though he wouldn't admit it, he was amused by the ram's reaction. Doesn't feel good, being called out for your terrie attitude, huh? Some days, Izuku wondered why he still let the blonde bother him like this-- why he put up with so much with no reward at the end of the day. Did he really think he'd get his childhood friend back in college? Wholly unlikely, with how this interaction was going.

When his arm was snatched, he yelped sharply in surprise, before looking downright worried. WHY WAS HE BEONG DRAGGED ALONG, NOW?? Of Katsuki shoved him into a dumpster, or otherwise unpleasant spot to keep him out of the activity, he was going to cry. He shoved the list into his pocket when it was given to him, but alas, he wasn't given any time to thank the horse, sadly. Halfway through campus, towards the frat and sorority houses, Izuku finally tried to pull away. "L-let go, Kaachan-- I don't know what you're playing at, but I want none of it!! I'm not going to let you ruin my chances at a decent room at the frat house!! I worked hard to get here, no thanks to you--" He huffed, rubbing where the other had been holding him sorely. "And I don't want you ruining anything else for me, got it? And you're a ram, not a get-- why the hell did you eat our lists?? It makes no sense!!" The poor bull was exasperated, before he began to try to walk away. "Bye, Kaachan. Have fun sabotaging someone else!"

[cryptidchalupa]

"Because fuck you, that's why!" he blurted when Izuku rounded on him, shocked by his little streak of confidence.He had half a mind to try and take his new list from him too, but figured that would definitely get physical since it was securely away in the asshole's pocket. He knew damn well that wouldn't end well.

"Could you eye fuck him any harder?" was quick behind the rest of that, fluster making him a little more verbally aggressive than earlier, and it was far better than grabbing the bull and headbutting him. Like he wanted to. Very badly. "You're so obvious it's fucking embarrassing." As if he hadn't been doing the exact same thing, just in a more subtle way. He would sooner die than admit that he had been staring much lower than the Shire's face.

When he realized Deku of all fucking people was walking away from him it really riled him up more. "Oi! Where the fuck do you think you're going? Especially after suddenly growing balls like that." go ahead, walk away. He just followed right behind him with angry little stomps. This whole ass little test was going to suck, and he was well aware he made it more difficult, that wasn't the issue. He was surprised the other had summoned the nerve to talk back, and not just... accept it like he had in the past. This was both intriguing and rage inducing, the part of him that had grown up with him was proud. The rest of him really wanted to bash his face with his head.

[LovelyBones]

"You're being such a dick!!" He barked back, his tail lashing a few times at the audacity the other had right now. "And so what if I was? You realize how, for the first time in my life, I feel like I might actually have a chance with someone?!" He yelled bitterly, anger and embarrassment roiling in his core in an almost sickening manner. "But if memory serves right, you're going to make it impossible for me, like you always do!! You ruin everything, Bakugo!!" He spat as he walked off, hooves thudding against the recently watered earth as he made an attempt at searching for one of the scavenger items. He didn't want the ram near him right now-- he needed to focus, and this petty bullshit will only make things needlessly difficult.

When the other called after him, he groaned, rolling his eyes. "I don't want to be anywhere with you right now-- because you only want to make me miserable, like you always do, and I'm sick of it!" He called back without looking behind him, his tail whipping again. He began to walk faster as the other obviously began to follow, and his ears flattened against his head in anger. "If you ruin even this for me, I won't ever forgive you, Bakugo." He warned, needing space if he even had a chance of trying to open the list without it being eaten too. "By the way-- if you're only following me for the list, throw yours up instead." He bit out, before beginning to jog off, try to put distance between them.

Why did Katsuki have to always make Izuku feel inferior? It's bad enough he's been screwed by his genetics-- he didn't need it brought up and rubbed in his face all the time. When did everything go so wrong? Why, even? What changed that made Izuku a fun target for his former childhood friend? He just wanted a decent room, not the best-- he just needed a room comfortable enough so he could earn money easily while still taking his classes, not falling behind!!

[cryptidchalupa]

Deku having the balls to give him lip, attitude, and fucking walk away was going to make him see red. And some smaller part of him was upset about it, but he stomped it down. He didn't care if the nerdy bull ever--

Bashing his face in sounded like a really good idea. And he stamped one foot like he was going to make very good on the urge and all his threats he had ever hurled towards him. But he resisted and just followed him insistently. That asshole used his family name, not even his name and he hated that. The bull knew damn well he hated it, far more than that stupid childhood nickname. Hearing that name just felt like a physical hit and even if he knew he had royally pissed the bull off he wasn't backing down. Ever.

"Yeah so what? Share the fucking list or I will--" A parade of ideas shot through his mind all at once. Fuck the shire first? Make sure Deku never got a second alone with him? Nothing was about his schooling or which room he got in the frat house. He could careless about that. This was about him, that stupid fucking huge, beautiful horse, and that was. Well fucking mortifying. He paused and dropped the initial threat because he was about ten seconds from embarrassing himself about it. "Just fucking share. I don't care about the room I just want this over with." And he wouldn't stop following him. This was a dumb game, and he kinda hated it. He would win just out of sheer spite though, you could be sure of that.

Stomping against the ground was the only thing keeping him from telling him that their HOH was out of his league. Some pretty jock wouldn't want anything to do with a bookworm, even if they had been making goo-goo eyes at each other for all of five seconds. He was looked at like that too (at least he thought, it could just be wishful thinking), and he wouldn't stand for it. The other could accuse him of always ruining everything for him, but he failed to realize that went both ways, at least when they were kids.

[LovelyBones]

"Or you'll what? Shove me around like you always do?!" He yelled back, absolutely pissed that the other was still, still following him. When will that damn ram realize how hard it's getting for the bull to put up with the other, bear the heartache and torment instead of simply giving up the stupid hope they'll have anything like they had before everything changed for Katsuki. That vain hope that they could at least be friends.... tears welled up in his eyes, and he furiously rubbed them away, needing to focus.

He had to win, dammit, and he won't let Katsuki ruin this for him, too.

"FINE!! I'll share the damn list, so long as you leave me alone, got it?!" He finally turned back to the ram, head angled in a threatening display if his horns. They may not be as large as 'proper' horns should be, but they were no less sharp, lethal if cornered. Izuku never, ever wanted to be reduced to such a feral threat display, but he was done, left with nothing else with how persistent the other was. "Because the moment you continue to be a fucking pain in my ass, I'm leaving you behind!!" 'Like you've always done to me.' Was implied by his tone, but he didn't have the heart to strike that low. Unlike Katsuki, supposedly, he actually cared about the other, despite everything.

Deep down, a part of him wanted to spit that venom, not give a damn about how the other would feel.... Not after years and years of cruelty and abandonment, always being purposely shown up, and put down, right in the mud. But, his stupidly treacherous heart would never allow it, no matter how badly shattered it gets. It clings like a parasite, impossible to be rid of.

Izuku unfolded the list begrudgingly once Katsuki came up to see, but he kept himself at a distance. He was hoping for distance when he came to this college, expecting Katsuki to go to some nicer school, another way to 'be better' than Izuku. But, clearly, that didn't happen.