“I’d really like it if I was the person saying that to you everyday.”
Eijiro Kirishima x Plus Sized Reader
(Hello, readers! This is a self indulgent fic because I am a BIG BITCH and all the fics I read nowadays are for petite baddies. Not today, I say! Enjoy.) (Also also, I hardly proofread this. Apologies for any typos.)
.✦ ݁˖ TAGS: mutual pining (you both liked each other in UA but never made any moves), reader is plus sized and gender neutral, hurt/comfort for body related issues, confession/getting together, it’s real fluffy in dis hoe, Eijiro Kirishima is a king! slight violence? it’s against Mineta though so do we really care?
@n0bodykn0wss :) thanks for convincing me to write again, this was really fun!
Ah, Y/F/N. The American exchange student, the one with the (YOUR POWER HERE) quirk. Never the popular one in school, never the one getting love confessions, just an afterthought. Well, at least that’s what you’ve thought of yourself for nearly your entire life. (Hey, reader. Just popping in to say; you’re a total cutie. Stop all that negative self-talk! Go drink some water and tell yourself some positive affirmations or else.)
You’re plus-sized. Not by just a bit, either. You’ve been quite the chubby thing since you were little, and despite the intense hero training at UA, you kept the weight. What? You liked to eat! Was that such a crime?
If you’d asked teenage-you where they saw themself in five years, they’d probably answer with something humble. Moving back to America, saving cats from trees, helping old women cross the street, setting examples for anyone else wishing to become a hero. You’d never imagine that you’d choose to stay in Japan after graduating from UA.
But it made sense, you know? The friends you’d made, the impact you had on the world, the copious amounts of trauma bonding—it was life changing. It took some serious convincing to your family, but when you graduated at age twenty; you officially became a Japanese citizen.
And now, here you were; at the gates of the building that Class 1A was hosting their party in. It started at 9PM, but you showed up at 9:30PM because you respect no authority!
You wore a baggy, black sweater, with stylized grey sweatpants that had cool designs on the legs. Sneakers, some accessories, just light aesthetics. It was always something like this; cool but consuming. Something that swallowed your form and hid it away from prying eyes. You were comfortable like this.
It was a decently sized venue; music and lights streaming out through the tall windows. You’d been invited by your long best friend, Mina Ashido. And, despite your nerves, you showed. You were twenty-one now, and in that year, you’d hardly been able to keep up with everyone. Hero work is taxing, and it gives you barely any time to hang out with friends.
Or, in your case, any time to hang out with your crush. Oh, yes, you did have a crush. On whom? Oh, dear friend, on the manliest man to ever be masculine; Eijiro Kirishima.
Context time? Eijiro was a sweetheart! Back in UA, he was one of the few people who just seemed to… Ignore your weight. It’s like it wasn’t there to him. He never peeked at how your shirts clung to your rolls, or how your shorts rode up the insides of your thighs when you walked, or how you liked to hide your occasional double chin in your hoodie collar. He was a gentleman. In fact, any time someone insulted your weight, he was quick to bud in and defend you. He was a firm believer in the idea that a person’s looks doesn’t affect their character. I mean, shit, he interned with Fatgum! Why the hell would he care about weight?
And that’s why you were smitten throughout the entirety of your studies together. Because, without fail, Eijiro was there for you. Training, studying, providing motivation in every aspect of your life. You needed help with anything? Eijiro is on the way. You want a pick-me-up? He’s bringing snacks and a movie to watch. You’re feeling insecure? He’s going on and on about how amazing of a hero you’re going to be. Who in your situation wouldn’t fall in love with that? A living green flag.
You walk inside the venue, and your eyes find him without fail. His hair is so long now, so starkly red against the dim, color-changing lights of the party. He’s in a black compression tank-top with some dark cargo pants, accompanied by some heavy-duty boots. He’s laughing with Denki and Hanta in a corner, nursing a plastic cup that is, presumably, filled with alcohol. He’s as beautiful as the last time you saw him. Gods above, you’re absolutely floored.
You’d been mostly alone since graduating. Sure, you had the occasional date and even managed to snag the occasional fuck, but never anything that managed to pierce your heart the way Eijiro did. You wanted him. Though, of course, you could never say that. Insecurity rears its ugly head, and you realize that you don’t have the confidence to approach him yet.
You find Mina’s side inside and start the night off right. How? By taking three straight shots of Malibu coconut rum, of course! Yes, you’re built like that. And thank god you are because the moment that third shot goes down, you hear that familiar, rough tone.
Eijiro is already approaching before you can think, “Y/N!” he drags out your name with a cheerful grin—the way he used to greet you back in UA. Always happy to see you.
“Eijiro!” You call back happily, sitting your shot glass down with the most minor of fumbles as that usual bashfulness creeps into your soul. Thankfully, he doesn’t notice. Christ, was he always this tall? No, he’s hit some sort of growth spurt. How big is he now? You’d guess… 6’3?
“I missed you!” He says he holds his arms open for a hug. He doesn’t move, though. Always the sweetheart, he’s waiting to see if you want it. Consent is so sexy!
You step forward and hug him gently, your arms around his neck. His arms go around your waist, and he gives you a little squeeze. God, you could die in his arms and have a big grin on your face even as they lower your coffin into the ground. AGH—snap out of it, Y/N! It’s just a hug—a typical hug!
However, you are a little freak. You’re trying to nonchalantly get a good whiff of him as the hug begins. When your nose presses into his neck, you give a little sniff. He smells like booze and expensive cologne. Yummy.
“Missed you too,” you pull back to look at his face, breaking the hug, “how have you been?”
Eijiro lets go instantly, hands finding his hips, “Oh, just peachy! Did you see the news? I’ve ranked up to the 12th most popular pro hero in all of Japan!” He then does that cute little pose where he crams his knuckles together. You have to hold back the urge to squeal.
“I did!” You laugh, nodding, “I’m super happy for you, Eijiro. I can’t wait to see you continue to rank up! I bet you’ll be at the number ten spot by the end of the year.”
Eijiro rubs the back of his neck a little, eyes looking away, “Oh, geez, you really think so? I dunno.”
You smile warmly at him, “Of course I do! You’ve always been an amazing hero in my eyes. Hell, I could easily see you getting even higher than the number ten spot!” you’re practically glazing him at this point, but who cares? Certainly not you.
“Gahhh, Y/N, you’re too nice to me! Thanks.” Eijiro flashes that big, toothy grin he’s always been known for. You try to steady your heartbeat as your eyes drag over his sharp teeth—how they glint in the ever-shifting color of the party’s lights.
“So,” Eijiro tilts his head a bit, his long, shaggy red hair draping to the side, “How have you been, America?”
Ah, right. America was his nickname for you, ever since you met as teenagers. The familiar phrase warms your heart. The alcohol helps.
“Ah, same old same old. Hero work, paper work,” you shrug your shoulders, “I’ve managed to place 20th in the hero ranking. Hoping I can catch up to you!”
Eijiro laughs at that, hearty and full, “Are you kidding? Of course you can! You’re great! I’m surprised you aren’t ranked even higher than that!”
Your heart tumbles in your chest, smacking against your ribs with a frivolous energy. If he were any sweeter, you think you’d develop a stomach ache.
The night continues on. Though, against everything you imagined, Eijiro stays with you. Either he’s in the same room, watching from the doorway, or directly by your side. You chalk it up to his friendly nature, his happiness to see his good friend again!
Little do you know? Oh, Eijiro is tore up. Back in UA, he always knew he had a little crush on you. What? He couldn’t help it! You were a good person. In his eyes, you had the heart of a hero; like he did. He never chased after his feelings, though, knowing what the future held. You were an American Exchange student. When all this was over, you’d go home.
But you didn’t. You chose to stay after graduation. And now? Well, now Eijiro had all the time in the world to act on what he had buried. The alcohol was flowing, the music was booming, and you looked even more gorgeous than you didn’t back then. Yes, Eijiro knew you were bigger, but his mothers taught him that a person’s beauty comes from within—not what they outwardly appeared as. Don’t get him wrong, he thought you were fine as hell regardless, but on the inside? You were so gorgeous.
That’s why he’s following you around. Getting you drinks when you ask, holding your things when you want a hug from one of your fellow classmates, joining you on the dance floor when a song you like comes on. His heart is hammering in his chest. He’s halfway convinced he might have a heart attack if you get any cuter than you are right now! You both go back to the punch table after you’re done dancing for the third time tonight.
There, the perfect night is rudely halted when a familiar, snotty tone cuts through the air.
“Y/NNN!” Minoru Mineta sleazily pads over, stumbling with a cup in his hand.
“Minoru!” You greet back, words slurred. You were three shots in, along with whatever was in your own cup. You didn’t think to ask Kyoka what she put in it when she passed it to you, you trusted her mixing skills.
“How’ve you been, baby?” Minoru climbs onto a chair to try and match your height. It kind of works, but only a little because he’s quite short.
Eijiro manages to hold his scowl in at the sound of Minoru calling you baby. He hates it, probably more than he should. That’s his future partner he’s talking to!
“Been pretty good. How about you?” You respond, bringing your cup to your lips for another delicious gulp.
“Oh, the usual. Attending parties, saving hotties, working my way up the ranks,” he shoots you a lopsided smirk, “you look good. Grew into those curves, I see.”
You bristle. It’s a compliment, but it’s entirely unwarranted and more so unwanted.
Eijiro is standing behind you, eyes narrow and irate. He sits patiently like an attack dog. If you need his help, he’ll know it. However, he trusts in your judgement—your actions. You’re manly in your own right.
“Uh...” You can’t help the way your face contorts to show your discomfort. The alcohol silences your inhibitions. You don’t have to pretend to be fine with it, so you don’t.
Minoru’s eyebrows furrow, “What?” he asks with a flat tone.
“Nothing, just-… I’d appreciate it if you didn’t talk about me like that.” You answer as steadily as you can.
“Are you serious?” Minoru scoffs, “it’s just a compliment, no need to be a prude about it.”
Your mouth pulls into a thin line, “I’m not-!” You stop yourself. You don’t need to explain anything to him. “Ugh, just… Go away, Minoru. I’m not interested.”
Eijiro hears the magic words and immediately moves from behind you to your side. Even in the chair, Eijiro towers over Minoru. He crosses his biceps over his chest, muscles fighting against the compression fabric as he tries his hardest to appear intimidating.
Minoru hardly acknowledges Eijiro in favor of griping, “Jesus, Y/N, you’re still a total basket case. If I were you, I’d be happy I was getting any action at all.”
Eijiro’s fingers curl into his biceps. He still doesn’t speak though, even as the liquor in his stomach sloshes and barks.
You feel your chest tighten, “Excuse me? What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“It means you’re pretty,” Minoru takes a swig of his drink before continuing, “y’know… For a tubbier person. Not everybody is okay with that like I am.”
You can’t stop the way your face falls. Your demeanor shifts, and you pull into yourself a bit.
Eijiro’s scowl drops when he sees it. For a moment, he’s taken back in time to UA. He sees that younger you, the one constantly affected by comments and stares. Teenage you, crying in the locker rooms as you struggle into your hero suit. You, hiding away in your dorm while everyone else went out to swim in the pool past curfew.
The liquor jumps into his throat, and he moves without considering the consequences. From his elbow to his fingertips, his arm hardens. He grabs the collar of Minoru’s white button up, and lifts him from the chair.
“Shut up. Genuinely, shut the hell up.” Eijiro forces out through clenched jaws as his crimson eyes burn into Minoru’s.
“What the hell, Eijiro?! Let me down!” Minoru squirms.
You watch in awe, mouth slightly agape at the sight in front of you. He’d defended you in the past before, but you’d never seen him get so mad that his quirk manifests. It’s… nice. Really nice.
“You listen to me,” Eijiro growls, nearly nose to nose with Minoru, “you’re going to apologize to Y/N, or I’m going to have Hanta tape you to the ceiling by your balls. Do you hear me, Minoru? Apologize. Now.”
“Agh—! No, no, don’t! I’m sorry!” Minoru finds your eyes with his own, “I-I’m sorry, really! Horrible comment, shouldn’t have said it!”
No rush of pride comes to your chest. You’re not even looking at Minoru. Your eyes can’t find the will to leave Eijiro’s face. He’s staring at Minoru like his gaze can kill. He’s doing it for you. Even after all these years, Eijiro Kirishima is still fighting to make you comfortable in your own skin. You feel as if you could cry at the notion.
“Good. Now, scram!” Eijiro drops Minoru, and the grape-headed bastard scurries off. He turns back to you, sighing, “What a prick! Sorry you had to hear that, Y/N, he was-,”
He’s cut off by the sensation of your body lunging into his. The hug is tight, warm, and so, so plushy. Eijiro wastes no time putting his arms around you so he can get a squeeze at your soft form. Is this heaven? It might be.
“Thank you.” Is all you can manage to say as your nose buries deep into his neck.
“For what?” Eijiro chuckles breathlessly, trying to steady himself.
“Are you kidding?” You break the hug and pull back so you can stare into those red-hot eyes of his, “for that!” you make some wild hand gestures to emphasize.
“That? Oh, Y/N, it’s nothing. I can’t stand by and watch someone I care about get insulted like that. You’re beautiful, inside and out! And no, not for a tubbier person like that little pervert said. I think you’re gorgeous!” Eijiro gleams.
You feel fireworks pop in your spine. He’s serious? Oh my god, he’s serious! You feel a blush burn onto your cheeks as the fire in your heart has gasoline poured atop it. Eijiro Kirishima isn’t human; he can’t be. Perhaps he’s an angel, or some sort of other mythical guardian sent to Earth for you.
You manage to squeak out, “Really?”
Eijiro, although nervous, nods anyway. He’s a man, he can do this. He can woo you! He licks his lips and replies, “I mean, yeah! I’ve thought you were a total catch since we first met in UA.”
It’s not a full confession, but it’s a start. Eijiro curses himself mentally for having trouble with this.
You, on the other hand, feel like you’re flying. You sit your drink down and turn back to him, “That’s-..! I mean, wow, thank you! It really means something to me to be complimented by you like that. I, uh… I always thought you were cute too. The cutest in our class.”
What? We’re all being honest.
“Haha, you mean that? Oh, geez, that’s really great to hear!” He rubs the back of his hair sheepishly. Then, he forces himself to lock in. He has this. He can do it. He begins again, “you know? I thought you were the cutest in our class too.”
You can feel your soul begin to ascend, and you have to mentally wrangle it back into your body, “What? The cutest? Come on, Eijiro. Momo is right there.” you gesture meekly to the gorgeous woman you called your classmate. She’s standing in the corner with Ochako, looking as radiant as ever.
“Yeah, sure, she’s cute, but… I dunno. Only really ever had eyes for you.” Eijiro soft launches his confession to see how you react. He nearly swoons when he sees your gaze break away from his, accompanied by that usual nervous little shuffle he’s seen a thousand times.
He can’t let the moment slip away. He capitalizes with a casual stretch, “Mm! How about you get your drink and we go out on the balcony? It’s getting a little toasty in here, I could use the air.”
You meekly nod, grabbing your cup as Eijiro does the same, “Oh! Uh, yeah, sure! Lead the way.”
Eijiro wades through the venue. You follow him as best you can, pushing through the bodies of your former classmates. It’s pretty easy, though, because he’s rather tall amidst the crowd and his stark, red hair is like a beacon.
Eijiro holds the door open for you, being the man that he is. You smile warmly at him as you pass by. He has to stop himself from reaching out to touch you. When you’re fully out of the way, he closes the door behind him and joins you at the railing.
“Pretty night, huh?” Is the first thing Eijiro says as the two of you look out onto the city. The city is lit up like a damn Christmas tree as far as the eye can see. It’s considerably quieter out here. The ambience blankets the two of you.
You nod your head, “Yeah. It is.” your heart is fizzing and popping inside your chest again, desperate to escape. You wish you could rip it out and give it to Eijiro so it can say all the hard words for you.
Don’t worry, though, because Eijiro has already beaten you to the punch. Metaphorically, he rips his own chest open and holds out his heart to you, “Hey, Y/N. I, uh-… I’m sorry you had to see me like that earlier. I think the alcohol made me get a little out of hand.”
You turn to look at him, eyes glimmering, “Oh, Eijiro, don’t. Don’t apologize.”
Eijiro could dance out of pure joy at your answer. Though, for now, he settles for just smiling, “No, seriously. I don’t like to get that angry, especially in front of people like you. I don’t ever want you to see me in that light. That-… scary light.”
You shake your head and put a gentle hand on his shoulder, “What? No, no, Eijiro, come on. I didn’t think it was scary. I thought it was…” you trail off as you think of the right word. It comes to you like a lighthouse in a storm, “manly. You were acting very manly.”
Oh, if he didn’t have self control and basic common sense, he’d kiss you silly right then and there. However, he does, so he quickly finds his next words, “You really think so?”
You nod, taking your hand away, “I do. Do you know how rare it is for someone to stand up for me about something like this?”
Eijiro’s heart steadies just slightly as his resolve hardens, “I think everyone should stand up for you like that.”
You nearly stumble at his kind words, “Yeah, but they don’t. I’m not stupid. I know it’s because I’m…” you trail off again. The word bubbles in your throat as you speak it, “fat.”
Eijiro immediately cuts you off, turning and putting both his hands on your shoulders, “Hey. Don’t. Don’t say that.”
You’re taken aback. You manage to find your words, “What do you mean?”
Eijiro huffs, his fingers curling into the fabric of your sweater, “That word! Sayin’ it like it’s some curse; something ugly. It’s not, so stop talking about yourself like that, you got it?”
You tear your gaze away from him as his hands release your shoulders. However, he isn’t stepping away from you. God, you can feel the warmth of his body from this proximity.
You murmur, “I don’t-… I don’t know, Eijiro. I don’t know if I can stop.”
That makes his chest tighten like a coiled wire. Fuck, he despises this. Seeing your face pull into that familiar pout, the one you wore when you wanted to disappear. He can’t take it. He can’t let you slip away from him. Not again. He chases your gaze with his own, head dipping to find your eyes, “Hey. Come on, Y/N, look at me.”
You listen. How could you not?
Eijiro smiles. There you are. He softly speaks, “You are so, so amazing. And I don’t say that for pity, I say it because I mean it. I think you, Y/F/N, are one of the most gorgeous people I know. Your heart, your soul? I’ve seen it. I see it in how you carry yourself when you’re saving lives. I see it in how you lift other people up!”
You don’t know how much more of this you can take. Your heart is beating so heavily you can hear it in your ears—and he still isn’t stopping.
He’s smiling like he won a prize, “I need you to hear me when I say this, Y/N. You are beautiful. It doesn’t matter that you’re bigger, not to the people who really care about you. If anyone gives you shit about your body, then their opinions shouldn’t touch you. Don’t let them.”
Your entire body shivers. And, despite your silent protests, tears begin to stream from your eyes.
Eijiro nearly breaks, “Oh—oh shit! Y/N, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to make you cry! Damn it!”
You shake your head furiously, “No, no, it’s okay! I’m okay.” you rub the hot wetness on your cheeks away with your sweater sleeves. Then, you give him a big smile that quivers beneath the tears, “that’s just… That’s the kindest thing anyone has ever told me.”
Eijiro’s face softens once more. Phew, thank God, he was worried he’d upset you. He’d never be able to recover if he did. He tilts his head a little, “Seriously? Jesus, Y/N, that’s awful..! You should hear things like this all the time!” In just a split second, he’s going off the rails. His words come out before his brain can process them, “I swear, if I could, I’d tell you how wonderful you are every day!”
Your eyes involuntarily widen. Eijiro sees his mistake instantly, and his jaws clench together. However, that nagging thought in his head is louder than his fear. He likes you, he wants you. Time to man up!
You speak, voice barely above a whisper, “What do you mean?”
Eijiro sighs and looks out at the city again. It’s not very brave, but the lack of eye contact makes it easier. He breathes in, “I mean-… I’d really like it if I was the person saying that to you everyday. Like, maybe, uh-.. As your boyfriend? If you’d be interested?”
The world spins faster. It tilts on its axis, throwing you off balance. Are you hearing right? Did you just win the most coveted prize? You had to be dreaming. Surely, you took a nap before the party, and you’re imagining all of this.
You stare up at him, which forces his eyes back to yours. Eijiro nearly shudders at the sight; your expression so reverent—staring like he hung the stars himself.
You shakily speak, “Are you being serious?”
Eijiro chuckles breathlessly, nodding his head, “Yeah. Yeah, Y/N, I’m serious. I know this place,” he gets a little bubbly, “a cute restaurant downtown! We can go there this weekend! I’ll pay, of course. I’ll go the whole nine yards! Flowers, chocolates, a cute card!”
He keeps rambling about how he’ll put an intense effort into your date, but his words are hardly reaching you. All you can do is stare at how his lips move, how they pull into an excited grin, how they glisten when he licks them out of nervousness.
“—How’s that sound? Is that okay?” He finishes. You finally meet his eyes again.
His expression pulls into an unsure, yet calm one, “Yeah?”
The alcohol gently nudges you in the right direction. You move forward, hands coming to sit near his shoulders. His body locks up tightly for a moment before he forces himself to relax.
You speak with a bit of a stutter, “Can-.. Can I uh..?”
Fuck! You’re losing your footing! Damn it, Y/N, do something! Move, speak, anything—!
“Kiss me?” Eijiro finishes your sentence, his hands rising up to gently hold your forearms. His calloused palms are warm.
Unable to breathe or even speak properly at this point, you simply nod.
Eijiro smiles. It’s soft and understanding; like just all his other smiles. He opens his mouth to speak, “I was gonna ask you first, but uh-… You sorta beat me to it.”
You can’t help the little giggle that fights its way from your throat. Eijiro beams a big grin at you.
His dominant hand leaves your forearm and gently tilts your chin upward a little further. You manage not to make an embarrassing noise that reveals just how awestruck you are in the moment.
He slowly creeps closer to your face. Your breaths mix, and your noses brush against each other like a silent plea for more.
Eijiro speaks one final time, “Is this okay, Y/N? You promise you want this?”
Your eyes begin to slowly flutter closed, “Yeah—I mean-… Yes. Please, Eijiro.”
That’s all he needs to hear. Your lips collide, and it’s like a puzzle piece clicking into place. His lips are plump, soft, and warm. They mesh with yours as if they were handmade for the sole purpose of kissing you.
Things quickly spiral. Your hands find his hair, his hands find the backside of your waist. He pulls you closer until your chests collide, effectively stomping out any bit of breathing room that was previously there.
Both of your minds race. How long had you wanted this? How many nights were spent pining? How many stolen glances, how many acts of service? Not that it matters anymore. You both have what you want; the person you care about most in your arms. Their lips on yours, their love blossoming in your heart.
Your wholesome thoughts are quickly halted when you realize your lungs are begging for air. So, with great effort, you pull away. Eijiro’s eyes quickly open, and he stares at you in a way you can’t describe. No one has ever looked at you like this.
Eijiro groans, “Y/N… We should, uh.. We should stop here.”
You frown, panting quietly, “Why?”
Eijiro manages a laugh, “Because my thoughts are getting really unmanly right now.”
You blush thickly, eyes wide in realization, “Oh-!”
Eijiro pulls away from you, but in some sort of apology he takes your hands into his, “You don’t deserve that treatment. The unmanly thoughts can wait. You’re getting at least three dates before I even consider them, you hear me? I’m not going to play about you.”
You smile and nod, curb stomping your own unmanly thoughts in response, “Yeah. Yeah, okay. I think I’d like that.”
Eijiro grins, big and wide, “Does this mean you’re agreeing to be my partner?”
God, he’s so adorable. You laugh and nod your head a few times, “Yes, Eijiro, I want to be your partner.”
Eijiro pumps his fist in the air in victory before he forces himself to calm down, “Great! Now, uh.. How about we get back to this party? Can’t leave our friends wondering where we went, now can we?”
Well, in all honesty, part of you wanted to put Eijiro in your pocket and escape with him. However, you doubt he’d fit in there and he seemed eager to hang out anyway. So, with a nod, you turn your head back to the balcony doors. Even through the tinted windows, you can see your lifelong friends partying.
“Lead the way.” You tell him with a newfound surge of confidence.
He keeps his hand happily curled in yours. And when you return to the party, Mina gives Eijiro and you a knowing look. You bashfully turn your body towards Eijiro, and he responds by unlinking his hand from yours to throw it around your shoulder like a shield. He gazes down at you in a different way now.
This was the start of something new. Something good. Something you both had wanted, but didn’t have the confidence to chase. You both had a lot to make up for, but Eijiro was anything but deterred at the thought.
He’d love away every insecurity life had placed upon you. He’d love you to your very core; reshape you, remold you. By the time he’s done? He swears to himself that he’ll erase every stain you’d ever worn.
And Eijiro Kirishima was a man of his word.
