Chapter Text
“For Toshinori,” Nedzu said, raising his large glass of red wine, “May your continued recovery bring you the comfort and joy you so deeply deserve.” The rest of his fellow peers raised their drinks and cheered. Toshinori tentatively brought the sweet alcohol to his lips. This is the first alcoholic drink he has had since his accident many years ago. The drink was sweet on his tongue but stung his throat. Toshinori tried not to make a face, but after another few sips, he had gotten used to the burn. A long line of his friends formed as they all took turns congratulating him personally. It was a big deal after all.
Two years ago, a new hotshot doctor approached Toshinori claiming he could be the one to restore him to his former glory. It took many months to convince Toshinori to even make an appointment and even more to book the first of six surgeries. Over the next twelve months, Toshinori spent most of his time in a live-in care facility to ensure there were no complications to these experimental surgeries. Despite the year of pain and fear, Toshinori was thankful for how much they were able to recover. He once again had a stomach and the rest of his organs had at least partially regrown. The Doctor suspects they will be fully formed within the next couple of years. In the meantime, Toshinori was able to live a much more normal life. His energy levels had increased, and his brain was no longer fogged by a lack of nutrition. He was even able to train once again. The Doctor had even boasted about the chance that Toshinori could once again become All Might. It was a cruel hope. A hope that flipped Toshinori’s brand-new stomach. It will be a long time before he would even tries such a thing.
Toshinori was only half aware of the conversations happening around him. He nodded and said thank you at the right places, but the steady stream of people was none the wiser. It was something Toshinori had gotten extremely good at over his years of hero work. Much to his relief, Aizawa announced that it was time to leave Toshinori alone to enjoy his evening before walking him over to an empty booth. Now seated between a wall and Aizawa, Toshinori filled his now fully functioning lungs and exhaled slowly. He might have been fully recovered, but that didn’t mean he was back to full strength.
“Thank you,” Toshinori said eyeing Aizawa who seemed completely aloof. He opened his mouth to speak, but Aizawa’s two rambunctious friends clattered into the booth across from them. Hizashi and Nemuri laughed loudly as they slid another beer over to Aizawa.
“Don’t worry Toshi,” Nemuri purred, pulling her luscious red lip into her mouth, “Your drink will be coming out any second now.” The whole UA teaching staff had this running joke since Toshinori’s return. Just how drunk can we get the former number-one hero now that he was allowed? That was one part of his old life that Toshinori had missed. Despite being the number one hero, Toshinori wasn’t as confident as he seemed. His self-esteem only dipped more after the accident. He missed the warm heat in his belly and the mask it allowed him to put up. The mask that he thought was fully in place. That was until his drink showed up.
“Here is your extra large sex on the beach, Mr. All Might, sir,” The starry-eyed busser set down an obnoxiously large cocktail in front of him. Toshinori had no idea what a sex on the beach was, but the name alone had Toshinori’s face the color of Red Riot's spikey hair. Aizawa shooed away the busser and slid his gaze over to Toshinori’s.
“Sex on the beach, huh,” Aizawa tore his gaze away from Toshinori to land on the boisterous blonde across from him. “Couldn’t pick something a bit less obnoxious?”
“Not for the returning number one hero,” Hizashi cheered making many others around them whoop in response, “Besides, I’m sure Toshinori is ready for a bit more sex on the beach, eh?” Hizashi wiggled his eyebrows.
“Yeah, tell us one of your wildest stories,” Nemuri winked as she brought her martini up to her lips, “I say one because I’m sure the list is looong.” Toshinori’s face heated in embarrassment and shame. Little did they know just how small that list would be. Non-existent if he were being honest. Toshi caught Aizawa giving him sideways glances and his heart began to pound. Just as Toshinori was going to excuse himself outside, Aizawa stepped in to distract the others from the current topic of conversation.
“You know the number one hero would never kiss and tell,” Aizawa scoffed, sipping on his dark beer, “If you two perverts want to divulge all your scandalous stories then be my guest, but leave All Might out of it.” The lively pair across from them exchanged glances before shrugging and getting into a “who can tell the best sex story” competition.
Toshinori tried his best not to show his horror as the two ran through encounter after encounter. From their embarrassing first time all the way to some of the kinkiest things Toshi has ever heard. There were a few things Toshi had never heard of, and he made an embarrassing mental note to look them up later. If there was one thing the former number-one hero hated, it was being ignorant. And unfortunately, there was one area Toshinori was never able to indulge in learning. The truth of it was he simply didn’t have time, and the longer he waited the less he wanted to. It was an easy thing to push aside when the world depended on you when you were prepared to die any second if it meant saving a life. Now he is retired from hero work and healthier than he had been in the past ten years, and his clear lack of intimate knowledge has begun to plague him.
Toshinori must have been deep in thought because he barely noticed Hizashi pull Nemuri onto the dancefloor yelling something about this being his “jam”. As soon as the pair left his line of sight, Toshi felt like he could finally breathe. And as he took that deep inhale, he realized just how intoxicated he was. He should probably call it a night soon. Toshi turned to say goodbye to Aizawa just to meet the man's intense gaze. Aizawa had turned his whole body to face him, trapping him between the wall and his broad shoulders. Why was he thinking of how hot Aizawa’s shoulders were?
” I’m sorry about my friends,” Aizawa said tenderly, “They mean no harm, but they also have zero filters.” Aizawa looked away for a moment to pick up his beer, tipping it back to finish it off. “Still, they should know better than to pressure you into spilling your secrets,” His words were not filled with anger, but a fondness that made Toshinori’s heartache.
“There are no secrets to spill,” Toshinori confessed before he realized the words were leaving his mouth.
Aizawa’s eyes widened and then narrowed, “There is nothing to tell as in… You haven’t had as many outrageous stories or…” The younger man hesitated, seeming not to want to offend him.
“As in there are no stories,” something inside of Toshinori needed the truth to be out, at least to someone he trusted, “There is little time for intimacy when you’re the number one hero.” For a moment Toshi braced himself for the astonishment and pity to fall onto Aizawa’s face, to see this man feel sorry for him. Instead, Aizawa took a moment to collect his thoughts, his face emotionless. Toshi couldn’t help the smirk that pulled on his lips. Many years as an underground hero have given Aizawa this useful talent no doubt.
“Alright, so you’re a virgin. That’s no big deal,” Aizawa’s words were soft so only the two of them would hear, “Sex isn’t for everyone. There are other ways to be intimate. Kissing, cuddling, sleeping next to one another.”
With every word that left his mouth, Toshinori felt his stomach sink, “Sure, but I’ve never had time for those things either.” He was sure Aizawa could see the tears well in his eyes. How much of his life had he lost without even knowing? “I would like to experience those pleasures in life one day,” Toshinori said, the alcohol emboldening him, “If there is anyone out there who wants this washed-up dying hero.”
“Anyone would be lucky to have you,” Aizawa said with an intensity that sent heat right to Toshinori’s core, “but let’s get you home before you get alcohol poisoning. I’m sure you are way drunker than you want to be.” Toshi nodded meekly and Aizawa chuckled, “I figured once you started spilling your guts to me that you were in too deep.” There was a flirty undertone to his words. Or at least that’s how Toshinori’s drunk mind interpreted it.
Without saying another word Aizawa navigated the two of them through the tightly packed bar. They said their goodbyes to a few friends they passed on the way out, Aizawa taking the lead in the conversation. Soon they were out the door and the cold night air hit their face, sobering him up the slightest bit. Much to Toshinori’s surprise, an uber pulled up no more than three minutes later. A strange emotion stirred in his chest, somewhere between gratitude and longing. There was no doubt Aizawa had ordered this rideshare at least half an hour ago if not more. The two of them rode in silence, though it was a comfortable silence. Toshinori’s stomach churned with each quick turn the driver made, and he squeezed his eyes shut. Willing the feeling away.
“We’ll be at your apartment soon,” Aizawa placed a reassuring hand on Toshi’s knee once again sending heat into his belly. The two men lived a few apartment complexes away from one another, Aizawa’s being a few streets down. When the driver pulled up to his building, Toshinori was prepared to stumble his way upstairs and fall into bed. What he wasn’t prepared for was seeing Aizawa slip the man some cash and ask him to wait by the curb. Toshinori tried to protest, but Aizawa simply got out of the car. He paused for a moment to breathe and get rid of the vertigo that fogged his head. Still full of surprises, Aizawa opened his door and offered him a hand.
“Thank you,” Toshinori whispered and gently took his hand. The warmth of their palms pressed together made his heart pound. He knew Aizawa was just helping an old drunk fool up to his apartment, but Toshinori couldn’t help but take a moment to pretend it was more than that. They stumbled their way up to the entrance and as Toshi lifted his leg to go up the first step, he tripped. If it weren’t for Aizawa wrapping his arms tight around his waist, Toshinori would have fallen right on his face.
“I am so sorry,” Toshinori apologized repeatedly, shame and embarrassment filling his body, “Just get me onto the lift and I can make it the rest of the way.”
“Nonsense,” was simply all Aizawa said as he took Toshinori all the way to his door. Toshinori turned and stood awkwardly, unsure of how to properly thank his friend for ensuring his safe return. “Toshinori,” Aizawa said firmly, bringing his attention to the warmth in his eyes, “I would like to kiss you goodnight…If that is something you would be interested in experiencing.”
“Yes,” Toshinori said breathlessly. He stood as still as possible given his inebriated state. Toshi watched Aizawa wet his lips as he stepped closer. His breath caught in his throat when the younger man's hands carefully reached up to caress Toshi’s face. As his eyes fluttered shut and his heart hammered in his chest, Toshinori leaned forward and met Aizawa halfway. It was a tender kiss, at first, a simple press of the lips. That was all it took to break Toshinori’s resolve, desperate for the sensation again he captured Aizawa’s mouth again. He had seen enough people kiss to know the basics, though his stomach flipped nervously when Aizawa’s tongue caressed his own. Toshi wasn’t sure who moaned first but it was the hottest thing he had ever experienced. Just as abruptly as their impromptu make-out session started, Aizawa pulled away bowed, and wished Toshi a good night before making his way hastily to the lift.
Mind on autopilot, Toshinori made his way inside and through his evening routine. Wallet and keys put away, check. Teeth brushed and pajamas on, check. A glass of water and a bottle of Tylenol…Check. Toshinori hadn’t checked his phone since getting home and was surprised to see two notifications from Aizawa. Nerves turned his already weak stomach and Toshinori took his time to plug the phone in and get himself situated in bed before reading them.
I’m sorry for leaving so quickly…I got overwhelmed. In a good way. – Aizawa 12:23 a.m.
I have an idea. Come over to my place after work. Dinners on me. – Aizawa 12:35 a.m.
The last message was sent just a few minutes ago, so the other man should still be awake. With fumbling hands and blurry vision, Toshinori sent back his reply.
Thank you for taking care of me this evening. In more ways than one. Can we order from that American place I like? – Toshinori 12:39 a.m.
Just keep an open mind for our chat tomorrow…. And of course, you want that place. Guess I can’t complain, you did just get your ability to eat back. Anyway…sweet dreams. – Aizawa 12:42 a.m.
Sweet dreams… Toshinori looked at those two words long after the message came in. When was the last time someone wished him sweet dreams? This warm feeling filled his chest and Toshi feared he might fall headfirst for Aizawa. The younger man was just being nice, his mind scolded him. Don’t read too much into the kiss… That kiss…that wonderful and sexy first kiss.