Chapter Text
Kirishima was already unbelievably tired from packing his all his stuff into the moving van from his old apartment.
He wanted rest! His shit was heavy!
But, unfortunately, he now has to drive almost 20 miles to his new city, new apartment, new life.
It was definitely nerve wracking, but he was tough. He wasn't gonna let this one bump in the road stop him from moving on in his life.
So, he pulled himself up into the huge van and buckled himself in.
The journey begins.
~0~
Road trips weren't exactly action packed. He realized that after about 30 minutes of driving on the interstate, which was very cramped with other busy people.
Even if he was surrounded by many other people, he felt rather lonely.
His music pumped through his speakers and he tapped his fingers against the wheel along to the beat.
He craved human presence.
He was someone who was fueled by being social. Yeah, it got tiring after a while, but it was nice to communicate with others.
He sighed longingly but continued to drive and drive. He was about 10 minutes away from his new home, finally off the interstate, when his phone began ringing.
He swiped answer eagerly.
"Wassup, bro? All packed up?"
One of his best friends, Tetsutetsu. They had shared the apartment for a while after graduating high school, but about a year later he moved in with his girlfriend Kendo, which he'd been dating since their second year of high school.
Kirishima was happy for them, but it was harder to pay rent with how little his job had paid him.
And now here he was in a moving van.
"Bro," Kirishima began. "I've been packed for about two hours now. I'm almost there already!"
"Oh, damn. Has the drive been cool? Seen some extraordinary sights?" Tetsutetsu asked.
Kirishima sighed and frowned. "Oh yeah, totally. The interstate is lovely this time of year."
Tetsutetsu chuckled. "That sucks, man. But hey, at least you're almost there."
"Yeah! Then I gotta unpack all this crap! I'm so excited!"
"Hey, dont give me that sass bro."
Kirishima sighed even louder. "I'll just take out my bed and one of every dish. I'll get the rest later."
Tetsutetsu's voice got firm. "You better, man. It'll be a bad new beginning if you don't."
Kirishima waved him off, even if his bro couldn't see. "Yeah yeah. Don't worry I can take care of myself."
"Alright bro," Tetsu said with a voice of finality. "I'll talk to you later man. See ya."
"Yeah, see ya."
Tetsu hung up, and Kirishima couldn't help the feeling of loneliness that sank back in. Oh well, it wouldn't matter.
He was here now.
He pulled up into the small driveway of the apartment complex and finally parked. After taking a deep breath, he hopped out and slid open the back door of the van. He pulled himself up to walk into it, and looked around.
The sun was already setting against the horizon, the last Ray's of light of the day were hitting the apartment building directly. It give it a nice, warm, and welcoming look. The nip of cold air was already prickling at his exposed arms.
He sighed and peered back into the van.
Where would he even start?
Suddenly a voice spoke up behind him.
"Hey, man. You need help?"
A man with straight black hair and narrow eyes was looking up at him with a kind smile. Beside him was another man, but with blond hair and a streak of black, like a lightning bolt. They both looked overly happy about Kirishima's presence.
Kirishima turned and smiled, rubbing the back of his neck nervously as he looked back at his stuff. "Uh, I think I got it. Dont worry-"
The man with the lightning bolt in his hair pulled himself up into the van as he laughed. "Dude, dont be so humble! This is a shitload of stuff. You are gonna need help if you want to get this done tonight."
"I wasnt planning on getting it done tonight." Kirishima whispered. He was glad these guys were offering, but he'd feel bad about asking random people to help him unload his stuff.
The man with the straight black hair pulled himself up next. "Okay, to ease the tension a little, I'll say me and my friend here both live in those apartments. We're also a little too enthusiastic when it comes to making new friends."
The man with the blond hair nodded his head quickly with a wide smile on his face. "And," the blond took up. "We should introduce ourselves. I'm Kaminari Denki. This here is my bro, Sero Hanta."
They both offered their hands. Kirishima took them kindly, giving them both a firm squeeze and small shake.
Sero smiled and looked at Kirishima curiously. "Wow, dude. Quite the handshake." He said rubbing his hand.
Kaminari placed his hands on his hips. "I have a good feeling about you, man! Now then, let's get you moved in. Let's go, Sero!" Kaminari shouted while pumping a fist into the air.
Sero looked embarrassed at Kaminari's behavior, but they headed further into the van and began grabbing boxes.
Kirishima was shocked. These guys just came out of nowhere and offered to help him, he wasnt used to this. Besides from Tetsu, no one in his other town really offered help to people in obvious need.
"Hey, what's your apartment number dude? Oh, and we never asked your name." Kaminari said as he hefted up a huge box.
Kirishima stepped further in with them and smiled at them thankfully. "I'm apartment 214. And I'm Kirishima Eijirou. It's nice to meet some cool guys like you. You caught me off guard."
Kirishima was picking up his box of kitchen supplies when a subtle shoulder bump distracted him. "Dude! You're right down the hall from me! When we're done we can have a few beers at my place, maybe?"
Kirishima smiled a genuine smile. "Yeah, that sounds awesome."
Kaminari's smile was electrifying and contagious. He was a guy with a lot of personality, definitely. Sero seemed more dialed down, chill. But still super fun. Some guys Kirishima could definitely get used to.
They all grabbed a box and hefted it out of the van and Kirishima followed Sero and Kaminari through the side door. They're were sadly a few flights of stairs to go up until they got to their floor. Kirishima was thankful for the good condition the apartment complex seemed to be in, he didnt really look into it online when he booked his new home.
He just wanted to get a new job and home as quickly as possible. You can only go without money for so long. Maybe Kaminari or Sero know of any jobs? He'll make a mental note to ask later.
Kaminari walked them up to a white door with gold plated numbers, 214, on the door. "You know," Kaminari started as he placed his box down. His eyes gleamed with mischief. "The last person that lived here, she was killed in this very apartment~" Kaminari wiggled his fingers as to put emphasis on the spookiness. Kirishima raised a brow, curious. "Is he being serious?" He asked Sero, who was standing beside him looking unimpressed.
"No. The crime rates here are actually incredibly low. It's a really nice place. Hence, why we approached you without hesitation."
Kaminari opened the door and shrugged. "Hey, it was worth a try. I shoot my shot when the opportunity appears."
Kirishima eyes widened at how the door had just /opened/. "Woah, don't you need a key?"
"Your key should be sitting on your counter for future use. Like I said, crime rates are low. Who would break into an apartment with nothing in it?" Sero answered him.
They all stepped inside and Kirishima appreciated how nice it looked. It was mostly white, not unusual for apartments. His hardwood floor was a dark brown and his carpet was a fluffy off-white. In the kitchen, his cupboards were a light brown wood and his counters were gray marble. It was more than he could ask for.
Kaminari and Sero smiled at Kirishima's reaction. "Nice, right? Anyways, were do we put this stuff?" Kaminari said moving his box in his arms around for emphasis. Kirishima placed his box on the kitchen counter and began directing Kaminari and Sero around as he examined the apartment. There was an off bedroom. Master bedroom, he guessed.
His bathroom was rather small, but well decorated, and he had two different light switches. One for just the tub and the other above the mirror.
His apartment was still rather empty, of course lacking furniture and decorative materials. A couch would be necessary in the future, he thought as he looked at the spacious living room.
After about another hour or two, Kaminari, Sero, and Kirishima had unloaded the entire van and had things placed where they would be unpacked. Sero had helped Kirishima put together his king sized bed while Kaminari unpacked a few plates and cups, etcetera.
Kirishima was proud of all they had gotten done, and very thankful to his new friends. They all walked down the hall to Kaminari's place, which was quite the jumble of a lot of different things, from comic books to animal print curtains. Kaminari waved them into his kitchen, which was about the same makeup of Kirishima's kitchen, just fuller. Dishes piled up in the sink and the counter had a couple pizza boxes stacked up together.
Sero sighed. "Man, I told you to clean up in here. Now you have company and it looks terrible."
Kaminari rustled through his fridge. "Nah it's all good! I'm showing my true colors. Not gonna pull fake crap in front of a new friend." Kaminari shrugged and pulled out three beer bottles. He handed one to both of them and they popped them open. "I guess I can see the logic in that?" Kirishima questioned as he took a sip of his beer. Sero drooped his shoulders. "Dont support him."
"Well, Kirishima? Why did you decide to move to our lovely town?" Kaminari asked as he leaned against his messy counter.
Kirishima sighed. "I couldn't afford payment with my other apartment. My job didnt pay enough. So, I'm here for new beginnings."
"Ah," Sero joined in. "Looking for a job?"
Kirishima nodded and Sero sipped his beer in thought. "Well, maybe Ashido can help you? She helped me get my job as a waiter in this nice restaurant downtown."
"Ashido?" Kirishima looked at them both curiously.
Kaminari nodded. "Yeah! She's one of our bestest friends. You'll love her, trust me."
Sero smiled widely. "I can totally invite her over tomorrow if that's cool. I'm sure she'll be happy to help you, man."
Kirishima nods and takes another sip. "That would be great. You guys are helping me so much. I really appreciate it."
Sero held out a fist for a fist bump. "Anything for a friend, man."
Kirishima smiled widely and bumped fists with him.
~0~
The next morning a knock on his door woke him from his lovely sleep. He rubbed at his eyes, thinking maybe the bumps were just a part of his dream.
The next round of knocks sadly convinced him it was real. He looked over at his digital clock with tired eyes. After blinking the sleep away, he saw the clock read 12:21PM. He rolled off of his warm and comfy bed and began dressing himself.
"Hold on! I'm coming!"
After making himself look a little presentable, he trudged over to his door and opened it.
Kaminari and Sero waved at him from the other side. A girl with fluffy pink hair stood beside them, wearing a brightly colored animal printed crop top and leggings. Black boots tied the look together apparently, and her bright yellow eyes shined as she smiled kindly.
"Good morning, sleeping beauty! How'd you rest?" Kaminari asked taking it upon himself to walk into Kirishima's apartment.
Sero apologized as Kirishima let the rest of them in.
"Could've been better. What're you doing here?"
Sero smiled slyly. "Well, it is 12 in the afternoon. And, we said we would introduce you to Ashido, right?" He said as he motioned to the girl beside him.
The girl stuck out a perfectly manicured hand. "Ashido Mina! It's nice to meet you."
Kirishima took the hand, offering a kind smile. "Kirishima Eijirou. It's nice to meet you too."
"I heard you were looking for a job, Kirishima? I've been looking around ever since these little birdies told me last night." Ashido said pulling out her phone and bumping Sero on the shoulder.
Kirishima smiled and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I'm sorry, I hope it wasn't too much pressure on you."
Ashido waved him off. "Oh, never! I love doing this, dear.
Makes me feel good. Sadly I couldn't find a lot of options. I didn't want you working at a sad fast food restaurant or something terrible like that. So, I talked with my friend that runs this club downtown-"
Kaminari jumped in. "Are you talking about Stardom? That Midnight runs?"
Ashido nodded excitedly. "Yeah! And she said they're looking for bartenders! Are you good at mixing drinks, Kirishima?"
Kirishima had mixed drinks for him and Tetsu for a long time, ever since Kirishima learned how in high school cause he was bored. Tetsu says he's the 'God of Caribou Lou'.
"I guess you could say that." Kirishima said with confidence.
Ashido hopped in place. "Yes! Okay, Midnight said that if you were interested that I bring you there tonight so she can see what you got. Sound like a plan?"
Kirishima smiled confidently and pumped his fist. "Yes. I'm ready to show Midnight that I got what it takes!"
Kaminari, Sero, and Ashido all cheered and wished him luck, then they all exchanged numbers so they could meet up at Stardom at 9PM. Kirishima was ready for his new beginning.
~0~
He rode with Kaminari to Stardom, which already had a good line in front. At the doors was a burly looking man with kind eyes. Ashido was standing beside the bouncer with Sero, both dressed nicely for partying. He followed behind Kaminari up to the doors, the people in the line not all that happy about random people getting to bypass the line.
Ashido ignored them and gestured to the bouncer. "This is Koda! He's the bouncer here at Stardom." She then leaned in close and covered her mouth so no one beside them could see. "He's actually a really nice a shy guy." She whispered.
Kirishima nodded and offered and kind smile to Koda, and hand stuck out for a handshake. "I'm Kirishima Eijirou! It's nice to meet you!" He shouted over the sudden bass that was coming from inside.
Koda took his hand gently and gave a small shake and nod, then he stepped to the side to let them in.
Ashido thanked him as she stepped in, Kaminari, Sero and himself in tow.
The inside of Stardom was pretty dark, but lit with strips of neon along the walls and lights on the ceiling that fell down and gave off the effects of stars. The bass shook the floor and beat inside his chest. It felt good, it made him want to dance, but he continued to follow his friends further into the club. As he looked around his eyes fell onto a stage towards his left. A silver pole sparkled against the lights.
It made his heartbeat speed up.
Eventually they had pushed their way through the crowd to the bar. There, stood a lady in a suit, long dark and spiky hair flowed down hair back and over her shoulders. Her bright red glasses stood out against her other dark colors. Her expression changed immediately when she spotted their group, a wide and confident smile forming along her dark red lips. "Ah, Ashido Mina! And friends!" She shouted over the music booming through the building. Ashido grabbed his hand and pulled him forward hard, making him stumble, but he quickly straightened himself and looked up at the taller woman.
"You must be Kirishima! Nice to meet you, dear!" Midnight greeted.
"And you must be Midnight! You're club is amazing, ma'am!"
Midnight pinched his cheek. "Oh, look at you! You're so cute! Handsome!" She then released her grip on his cheek and gently grabbed his chin. "But can you get my customers fucked up?"
Kirishima taken aback by her boldness didn't answer for a second. Midnight laughed and shoved him playfully. "Let's see what you're made of, Red! Your uniform is in this room behind me!"
Kirishima nodded, got a thumbs up from his friends, then walked into the back room to get changed. The uniform was simply a suit without the coat, and a bowtie instead of a tie. He slipped out of his clothes and into the new ones, a little surprised by how well they fit, then stepped out. Midnight and his friends smiled in satisfaction at his look, then Midnight motioned him over to the bar.
A man was already there, whipping up drinks like crazy. He was quite big and had spiked back brown hair.
Midnight walked behind the bar with him. "That is Satou Rikido. He'll be your bar friend and assistant. Any further questions will be answered by him."
Satou waved then prepared another drink and took the money from the man he handed the drink to. "Its cool to have some help around here! Nice to have you on the team, Kirishima!"
Midnight patted his shoulder. "Alright, Kirishima. I'll be standing by and watching how you serve our customers. Do well and your hired. Do bad and...well, you know."
He nodded and put on a determined face. He can do this! He was going to do this!
Customers began practically throwing money at him, asking for strong stuff. He mixed and and served on the rocks and without. It was very quick paced.
Just then, hardcore rock began booming through the speakers. Lights pointed towards the stage with the pole, and the curtains opened to a stripper with spiky blond hair wearing a black mask over their face, a crop top with an orange X going across it. Black booty shorts hugged their hips and ass, and a belt hung off their hips with fake grenades on it. Black boots came up to their calves, and their body was toned with lean muscle.
As they strutted down the walkway to the pole, they were feeling their gloved hands up and down their body.
Fuck! He was supposed to fixing drinks.
Kirishima quickly caught up and began mixing again, but that damn blond snatched his gaze away again.
They were upside down on the pole now, only their powerful thighs and calves holding them up as their own hands roamed their body and teased again. Then they pulled themselves up and dropped down gracefully to a squat, where that ass was pushed out-
Ruby eyes suddenly locked with his. A dangerous smirk formed on their face, and they then stood back up and began moving their hips to the rock.
The crowd was throwing dollars towards the stripper, but Kirishima couldn't help but feel that this sinful dancing was not for them.
Cause those eyes had not left his own gaze yet.
Then the music completed its outro, and the stripper grabbed their money and retreated back behind the curtains.
A hand was placed on his shoulder and he was shaken out of his stupor. Midnight stood beside him, a curious look on her face. "You okay, Kirishima? You seem distracted there for a second."
Kirishima looked longingly at the stage for just a few more seconds. The he finally spoke. "Midnight, I need this job."
~0~