Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Aaaarrrgghh!”

Ashido slammed her hands onto her desk in exasperation. “But they promised! At least a foot of snow by the middle of the month!”

Yaoyorozu sighed and gazed thoughtfully out the window onto the snow-less courtyard. “The weather reports have been wrong on occasion, but it is disappointing…”

“You’d think there would at least be one person employed there who has a weather-sensing quirk, kero,” Asui added. “But who knows?”

“Oh, I really hope it snows in time for the holidays,” Hagakure said wistfully. “It always looks so pretty!”

“Don’t forget how much fun it is!” Kaminari piped up. “Snowball fights, snow forts, I’m so excited!”

“Yeah!” Kirishima pumped a fist into the air. “When it does snow, I bet they’ll talk about our snowball fights in generations of baby heroes to come!”

“Shut up Crazy Hair,” Bakugo scowled up at the red-haired boy. “They said it would snow last week and guess what? Nothing. Not that it’d matter anyway. I’d wipe the ground with all your asses in a stupid snowball fight.”

Uraraka turned to Izuku. “Deku, what kinds of things do you like about the snow?”

“H-huh?” the green-haired boy looked up from his notebook to see half his class looking very expectantly at him. “Oh! Well, my mom makes hot cocoa and we watch the snow come down every year together. She says when I was little I would make a bunch of small snowmen and pretend they were villains and…” Izuku flushed red. “Ah...I would dress up in my All-Might costume and knock them down.”

“Awwwwwwww Deku!” Uraraka beamed at her friend. “I bet you were just the cutest thing!”

“Ah...yeah,” Izuku stammered, searching for a way to get the attention off of him. “Uh, T-Todoroki-kun?”

Todoroki looked up from his reading. “Oh, I’m sorry?”

“What do you think? Ah...I was thinking since you have an ice quirk you might enjoy the snow?”

Todoroki thought to himself for a second. “I do enjoy the snow. It reminds me of..something safe. It’s nice.” He turned back to the book in his hands, absentmindedly flipping through the pages.

The others nodded in agreement and moved on to other conversations, but Izuku hesitated for a moment. Lately he had found himself wanting to talk to Todoroki more often, despite the fact that they already hung out frequently with friends. He looked over at his classmate, who seemed engrossed in his book now, a few stray strands of snow-white hair falling in front of his eyes. Izuku suddenly felt a strange desire to walk over and brush them back into place. All of a sudden, his thoughts were abruptly interrupted.

“Everyone! Class is about to start, please be seated!” Iida’s voice rang out through the classroom, and with a few mutterings here and there Class 1-A settled down as the bell rang and their haggard homeroom teacher stalked into the room.

“Today we will be planning something special,” Aizawa said, stifling a yawn. “Each homeroom class is having a holiday party in two weeks, as a sort of prize for how well everyone has been doing this month.”

The class was immediately set abuzz at the words “holiday party,” and it took a few seconds before Aizawa was able to get another few words in.

“Personally I think we should spend the last week before the winter break working on your pre-algebra. But it also means I get to sleep through it, so I suppose it won’t be too bad.”

“Sensei!” Sero’s hand shot into the air. “Can we have a tree in the classroom?”

Aizawa sighed. “It’s your party, you plan it. I couldn’t care less.”

With that the pro-hero shuffled off to the side and pulled his sleeping bag over his head.

Iida jumped up and sped to the front of the classroom. “As Class President and Vice President, Yaoyorozu and I will organize this event! Let us discuss what food and decorations we desire, and who will be responsible for each item!”

“It also might be fun to talk about activities for the party,” added Yaoyorozu, joining Iida and picking up a piece of chalk.

“Ooh, oh! We should have cookies! And I can make a cake! You all seem to love my baking,” Satou said.

“Some gorgeous lights would add a good dose of flair, non?” Aoyama added, striking a pose in his chair.

“I think a Secret Santa activity would be fun,” Ojiro ventured. “We used to do it at my middle school.”

“Dark Shadow can help hang decorations,” said Tokoyami.

“Everyone please slow down!” Iida was frantically moving his arms all over the place. “We cannot write all these things at once!”

“It’s no problem Iida, really,” Yaoyorozu said, blushing. In fact, when the class turned their attention to the board, they were met with a neat and orderly list of each and every suggestion.

“She must be some sort of wonder woman,” murmured Jirou. Behind her, Izuku nodded. Organization, he had noticed, was one of Yaoyorozu’s strong points. It was an excellent skill to have in hero-work.

“Right then,” Yaoyorozu turned back to the board. “What’s next?” 

Chapter Text

“The vote has been cast, no live reindeer,” Iida declared, to some mutterings of disappointment. “Now,” The bell suddenly rang and Aizawa began dragging his cocooned self to the door. “just make sure you’ve written down what you are responsible for! Let us attempt to get all decorations in the classroom two days before the party so we have time to set them up! Oh and make sure to prepare for Secret Santa!”

In the few minutes before the next teacher showed up there was quite a bit of conversation about the party.

“I got Tsuyu-chan for the Secret Santa,” Ochako whispered conspiratorially to Izuku. “Who’d you get?”

“Iida,” he whispered back. “I wonder who got ours?”

Suddenly the very student in question appeared at their side. “Uraraka-san, you should get to your desk soon, Yamada-sensei will be here shortly!”

“Oh, Iida! Deku and I were just talking about Secret Santa,” Ochako said, beckoning him closer and lowering her voice. “Who did you get?”

Iida pushed his glasses up the bridge of his knows, the light glinting off the lenses in a oddly dramatic way. “I’m afraid I’m not at a liberty to discuss that, Uraraka. You shall find out with everyone else on the day of the party of course.”

“Aww,” Ochako feigned a pout. “So formal!”

Izuku smiled as his friends bantered, feeling a warm fondness for the both of them.

Two rows back and one desk to the right of Izuku, Todoroki Shoto was fidgeting with a small piece of paper, the name Midoriya written neatly on it in Yaoyorozu’s elegant handwriting. To say he was agitated would be a pitiful understatement. Shoto himself would say that a better choice of words might be painfully, utterly, and irrefutably screwed.

What could he possibly get Midoriya that would accurately express the fondness Shoto had for his friend? Something from the All-Might brand? No, Shoto was quite certain that his fanboy of a comrade somehow owned any and all merch from his favorite hero’s line of products. Some sort of hero training equipment perhaps then? No, no the last thing Midoriya needed was more of a reason to overwork himself. For the love of-

“Nnnnnnnngggggrrrhhh,” Shoto slumped forward, bi-colored hair hitting the desk with a soft poomf . Next to him, Yaoyorozu tilted her head in concern.

“Todoroki? Everything alright?”

“M’fine,” Shoto mumbled into his English textbook.

He hoped he could think of something soon.

 “So I was thinking the four of us could go to the mall together this weekend?” Uraraka proposed as the group made their way to the cafeteria. Izuku nodded, Iida’s present already formed in his mind. He’d just have to ask if they might be able to split up so that his friend didn’t find out.

“That sounds like fun!”

“Ah,” Iida spoke up, “I’m afraid I can’t join you this weekend as I will be helping my family set up our own holiday decorations.”

“That’s too bad, I guess we’ll just have to eat an extra pretzel in your honor,” Uraraka declared solemnly. Iida smiled.

“Some other time, Uraraka, I promise.”

“I’ll hold you accountable to that. Todoroki-kun? You’ll be able to make it right?”

“Oh. Yes of course, I’m sure it’ll be fun.” Shoto said, giving her a small smile. Perhaps he might be able to find something Midoriya liked while shopping together.

Uraraka’s face broke into a blinding grin. “Yessss! Now come on, Lunch Rush is serving eclairs today and we have to get there before Mina does!”

“How do you know today is an eclair day?”

“I’ve memorized the entire dessert schedule, of course.”

“And yet somehow you still forgot what day the history quiz was on.”

“Iida!”

Chapter Text

Momo was surprised at how empty the halls of UA were a mere ten minutes after the last bell. She had only needed to check out a few books from the school library and yet as she ambled down a barren corridor, the only sound was of her feet against the floor.

Suddenly, her ears caught the sound of someone singing. It was a jazzy sort of melody, and she caught herself twirling slightly. Poking her head into the open doorway, she saw none other than her classmate Jirou Kyoka perched on a windowsill, one earjack connected to her phone, the other swaying back and forth as she sang. Momo’s breath caught in her throat. The last few rays of sun cast part of Jirou’s face in shadow, giving her a kind of soft radiance.

When the song ended Momo momentarily froze, but found herself applauding enthusiastically. Kyoka whipped her head around, startled to see her there.

“Momo!?”

“Ah! I’m so sorry to disturb you, but I was just at the library and heard music and…” Momo felt her face burning and she trailed off. “You’re a really good singer….”

Kyoka flushed pink. “I’m not...well alright, I suppose I’m not too bad.” She pulled out her her earphone jack and waved Momo over. “I was putting together a playlist for next week’s party, come listen.”

“Oh! I-Um, okay!” Momo stammered as moved closer to her, an upbeat yet festive sounding tune floating out from Kyoka’s phone. It was quite nice, and Momo began tapping her shoes on the classroom floor to the beat. Seeing this, Kyoka turned up the volume and set the phone on the table. Momo turned to her, a questioning look on her face.

Silently, Kyoka stood up and extended her hand to her. After a moment’s hesitation, Momo reached out and took it, and was pulled into a quick, energetic dance.

They spun and swayed in time to the rhythm, Momo’s nervousness quickly giving way to exhilaration. Every mistake they made, every awkward stumble, only led to a great burst of laughter. By the time the song changed they were completely out of breath, and still giggling uncontrollably.

As their breathing slowed, Momo became acutely aware of how close they actually were. She could feel the warmth of Kyoka’s breath on her face, and tentatively reached out to run her hands through the shorter girl’s purple hair. She inhaled sharply and Momo pulled back, uncertain.

“No, no it’s okay,” Kyoka murmured, cupping Momo’s face in her hand.

Momo smiled, all uncertainty suddenly melting away. She closed her eyes and leaned in. 

Chapter Text

“Deku! Todoroki! Over here!”

Izuku turned to see Uraraka waving at him from the other end of the clothing store. She was holding up a blue sweater with a cute green frog sitting on a lily pad.

“What do you think?”

Izuku nodded appreciatively. “I’m sure Asui-san will love it. You’re quite good at this, Uraraka.”

“You think so? I mean, I know she loves frogs since, well, her quirk you know? But I also wonder if maybe I should get her that lily pad pendant we saw in the jewelry store window, but then again I’m kind of on a budget and oh no you don’t think I’ll look cheap do you? Tsu-chan is such a good friend and I think she would look so cute in this but then what if-”

“Hey, take it easy,” Shoto had come up without the two of them noticing. “You sound like Midoriya when he’s muttering about some special hero move.”

“T-Todoroki-kun!” Izuku stammered. “I don’t…!”

At that Uraraka began to giggle. “Oh...I do sound like Deku, don’t I? Ah, you’re right, I shouldn’t worry so much. Are you guys getting anything else from here?”

Izuku shook his head. “Nope.”

“Same,” Shoto said. He had been trying to catch notice of items Midoriya was considering, but all he had purchased thus far was a necklace for his mother and a blank t-shirt that was entirely too big for the green-haired boy. When Shoto had asked about it, Midoriya had only replied that it was “A kind of thank you to someone important.”

“So,” Uraraka said as they exited the store. “You guys want to grab a pretzel?”

“Actually,” Izuku said, “I need to go pick up a custom order from the shoe store on the other side of the shopping center, is it okay if I meet up with you guys at the pretzel stand in a few?”

“Oh sure, I’ll text you if you’re not done in ten minutes, okay?”

“Thanks!” with that, Izuku ran off leaving Shoto with Uraraka.

“Let’s head over to the food court,” Uraraka said to Shoto. As they walked past a hero-merch store he realized something.

“Uraraka?”

“Yeah?”

“I was wondering...would you happen to know what Midoriya might like for a Christmas gift?”

“Oh!” Uraraka’s eyes lit up. “You’re his Secret Santa!”

“Yes, and I truly have no idea what I should get him. He probably already has all the All Might merchandise ever made, and I really don’t want to give him something generic or anything. Midoriya deserves something really meaningful.”

“Awwww,” Uraraka was positively beaming. “That’s so sweet Todoroki-kun...maybe you could get him a book? Deku loves learning about Hero history.”

“That’s true…” Shoto considered it, holding his chin thoughtfully. “Although I’m not sure if there is a book that comes close to rivaling Midoriya’s knowledge of Heroes past and present. Thank you though, I’ll keep it in mind.”

Uraraka smiled warmly at him. “Heh, you look so serious...I’m glad you’re Deku’s Secret Santa.”

“A Secret Santa who hopes you can keep him a secret…”
“Of course I can!”

Izuku walked back with much less energy than he had speeding to the shoe store, a large box balanced in his hands, a shopping bag dangling from his arm.

As he made his way past a store with pearly white streamers hanging in the display windows, he paused, catching sight of a familiar bespectacled boy at the counter.

“Ah, a wonderful choice,” the clerk said to Iida as she rang him up. “Is it for your girlfriend?”

“Um...No, just a friend, thank you.” Iida replied. Izuku swore he could hear the blush in his friend’s voice despite how formal he was. Didn’t Iida say he couldn’t make it today though?

“Midoriya-san?”

“O-oh! Hi Iida!” Izuku moved to wave hello but was stopped by the package in his arms shifting precariously. “Uh, I thought you were putting up decorations with your family?”

Iida gave him a guilty look and glanced around quickly. “I’m terribly sorry for my dishonesty, Midoriya. You see, I did not want a certain companion of ours to find out what I would be purchasing. Please forgive me!”

Izuku blinked in surprise. “Um, it’s no big deal Iida...so you’re Uraraka’s Secret Santa?”

Iida nodded. “She isn’t with you right now is she?”

“No, but I’m going to meet up with her and Todoroki-kun right now, want to come? We’d love to have the whole group together, and you could pass it off as your family letting you take a break!”

Iida considered it for a moment. “You know, that does sound nice. Although, would you mind if I put my purchase in your bag? Uraraka is, to say the least, rather observant.”

“Oh, no problem! Let me just…” Izuku trailed off, realizing that he was holding a box containing a secret gift for the very friend looking down at him curiously.

“I can get that for you,” Iida offered, taking the box from him. Izuku had to suppress a squeak of protest welling up inside him, awkwardly taking Iida’s small wrapped box and placing it in his own shopping bag.

“Uh, what is it anyway?”

“A necklace. Do you remember Yaoyorozu’s birthday party?”

“Oh yeah, that was fun! Tokoyami swears he still has glitter in his feathers...what about it?”

“Well…” Iida lowered his voice. “I heard Uraraka-san compliment Yaoyorozu on the bracelet she got from her parents. She said that she didn’t have a lot of jewelry herself, and I think it’s because her family...well, I just thought that Uraraka puts so much effort into helping everyone else feel that they really shine, so she deserves something sparkly of her own.”

“That’s so nice of you, Iida-kun,” Izuku said, grinning at him. “Uraraka will be so happy!”

“I hope so, now shhhhhhh,” Iida admonished. The anti-gravity hero herself was now only a few yards away looking at an array of pretzels with Todoroki. They glanced up and Uraraka immediately started waving at the two of them.

“Iiidaaa! You made it!!”

“Yes, my family can manage without me for a little bit, and...I was starting to miss spending time with you,” Iida said, smiling.

“Dawww,” Uraraka grinned. “Group hug! Now!”

Izuku hesitantly moved forward but was quickly pulled in by his three best friends. Shoto smiled at him from behind Iida, and for a moment, he felt incredibly warm in the face.

Shoto chuckled. “Are you alright Midoriya?”

“Todoroki...you’re laughing!”

Uraraka gasped. “The legendary laugh of Prince IcyHot, said to melt glaciers with its cuteness!”

“Oh stop it,” Shoto shoved her gently, and she punched him back. Izuku felt his heart fill with warmth to see his friends joking together.

“Heh, it is really cute though,” he said. Shoto blinked.

“Ah, thank you. Although...I believe your laugh is infinitely cuter, wouldn’t you say?” he countered with a grin. Uraraka and Iida laughed heartily as Izuku flushed pink.

“He’s right Deku, you’re the cutest of us all!”

“Aaaaa you guys! Stop it!”

“All right, all right. Now,” Uraraka turned back to the pretzel menu. “Regular or cinnamon sugar?”

Chapter Text

“Nee-chan?”

“Onee-chan! Wake up!”

Tsu groaned and rolled over under her covers. “Satsuki, it’s too early for this…”

“But it’s past 8:00 and you always make chocolate pancakes on Sunday…”

Tsu lifted her head. Her little sister was looking at her with the widest eyes she could muster. She had to admit, it was adorable. Reaching out, she ruffled Satsuki’s hair.

“Okay tadpole, I’ll get up. But only for you okay?”

Satsuki giggled and scampered out Tsu’s door. The Rainy Season Hero pulled herself out of bed and reached over to check her phone, yawning as she did.

GravityGirl: Morning Tsuyu-chan! I was wondering if you’d like to hang out with me at the park later today?

CallMeTsu: I’d love too, but unfortunately my parents won’t be home until dinner and I have to watch the little ones.

GravityGirl: So you’ll just be at home all day?

CallMeTsu: Looks like it. But don’t let my absence stop you from having a good time!

GravityGirl: Fiiiiine, I won’t. Don’t forget to take care of yourself, okay?!

CallMeTsu: I promise, Ochako-chan.

GravityGirl: :)

A few hours later Tsu was washing up the dishes from lunch when Samidare and Satsuki entered the kitchen and started poking her in the side.

“Tsuyuuuuuu,” Samidare deadpanned. “We’re booorrrred.”

“Kero, turn on the TV then.”

“There’s nothing good ooooooooon.”

“Come play with me Onee-chan!” Satsuki pleaded.

Tsu sighed. “I’m sorry, but I have to finish this up and then do the laundry.”

“Will you come play after that?”

“Um,” Tsu mentally scanned through her list of chores. “I might have some time in a few hours, tadpole.”

“Oh...okay.”

Suddenly a loud chime rang through the Asui household. Tsu looked down at her sauce crusted apron and bright pink dishwashing gloves, allowing herself a small internal scream.  

“Samidare, will you go see who it is?”

Samidare nodded and went to peek through the front door, Satsuki following close after him in excitement. He called back to his older sister, much louder than Tsu thought necessary.

“It’s one of your classmates, the girl with the pink cheeks?”

Huh? What was Ochako doing here, Tsu wondered. “Well, invite her in and be a good host, won’t you?”

After finishing the dishes, Tsu walked into the living room with a tray of lemonade and cookies to see Ochako sitting on the floor with Satsuki and several stuffed animals. To her surprise, Samidare was watching intently from the couch.

“Muahahaha!” Satsuki giggled, holding up a lion plush in front of her face. “You will not defeat me, Rainy Season Hero!”

Ochako waved a stuffed frog back at the youngest Asui. “That’s what you think villain! But I, Froppy, am not only one of the strongest heroes you will ever meet, but also brave and smart and pretty! And with my amazing quirk, I shall bring you to justice!”

“Having fun, kero?” Tsu smiled, setting her tray on the coffee table.

“Oh no! It’s a second Froppy!” Satsuki leapt at her. “You cannot foil my evil plot!”

“Oh, I think I can,” Tsu said, scooping her sister up in her arms. “You see villain, I know your secret weakness!” She began peppering Satsuki’s face with kisses.

“Noooooo!!!” The little girl giggled, shoving at Tsu’s face. “Stop!”

Tsu laughed and set her down. “I thought you were going to the park, Ochako?”

Ochako nodded. “But I decided I’d drop by your place instead! I hope that wasn’t rude of me?”

“Oh, no, of course not,” Tsu said. Ochako beamed back at her, and Tsu felt a small flutter in her chest.

“Um, I’m really sorry Ochako but I have to go take out the garbage, I hope you won’t mind waiting with the little ones a little while longer?”

“I’m not little!” Samidare protested. Satsuki nodded.

“You said so Onee-chan, I’m a big girl too!”

Ochako tilted her head to the side. “I’d love to, but are you sure you don’t need help?”

“I’ll be fine, trust me,” Tsu insisted, turning around. “Enjoy the cookies!”

Five minutes later Tsu slowly stumbled back into the front hall, t-shirt dripping icy cold pools of water on the floor. She sneezed violently, and was suddenly falling into the warm embrace of Ochako’s arms.

“What happened to you?!”

“No...noth...ing. Fell...pud...puddle…?”

“You’re frozen! Why weren’t you wearing a sweater?”

“For...got...whoops. Can’t...move...c...cold...”

Tsu’s arms and legs felt stiff as boards. How could she have forgotten to put on something warmer? And while it was so cold out? Ochako was looking at her with a face full of concern.

“Oh dear, let me help you out!”

“Get...Sami...help?”

Ochako shook her head and scooped her up bridal style. As cold as she was, Tsu couldn’t stop a faint blush from spreading across her face. Right, Ochako could toggle the effect of gravity, forgot that. Perhaps the cold had also numbed her brain?

Tsu closed her eyes and sighed, leaning into the warmth of Ochako’s embrace. She felt herself being set onto something soft, and felt herself drifting into sleep.

“No,” she murmured. “Still need...chores…”

And then she was dreaming.

Tsu’s eyes blinked open. She was lying down on her own bed, two thick blankets neatly tucked around her, with a small body pressed into her side. She gently pulled away from her sister’s sleeping form and realized that she was wearing the pink sweater Ochako had had on when playing with Satsuki. Before she had time to process this information, the time on her bedside clock caught her attention. 5:32?! Her responsibilities! Quickly she sprinted barefoot down the stairs and ran straight into Samidare, colliding with her brother in a soft thump.

“Tsu? What are you doing out of bed?”

“What do you- I need to vacuum the living room! Defrost chicken for dinner! Kero kero! oh gosh where’s the laundry?”

“Tsu.”

“Clean the bathroom-”

“Tsu.”

“Set the table, oh maybe we can still have pizza? We had it two days ago but I think there’s still leftovers-”

“Tsuyu!”

Samidare grabbed his sister’s shoulders.

“Everything’s fine, Uraraka-san helped!”

“...What?”

“I said everything’s fine! I vacuumed the living room, and Uraraka is in the basement getting the laundry out of the dryer. She already put dinner in the oven and all three of us scrubbed the bathroom until it sparkled. Well, me and Uraraka scrubbed, Satsuki mainly just got soap in her hair.”

Tsu was in shock. She slowly slumped to the ground, Ochako’s pink sweater bunching up around her neck.

“You mean all the chores are-”

“All of them, done. Complete. No need to worry.” Samidare actually looked quite sheepish. “I’m sorry I don’t help as much as I should...all of this is really hard work and you always do so much for me and Satsuki, you look so tired all the time.”

Tsu chuckled. Her little brother, being responsible. What a day this was turning out to be! “It’s okay,” she said. “Although I’m feeling much better now. Why don’t you take a break and me and Ochako will fold the laundry?”

“But Uraraka-san said you should rest!”

“Uraraka-san should know me well enough to understand I won’t take no for an answer, now go, kero!”

Samidare hesitated, then quickly hugged his sister before running off to his room. Tsu blinked in surprise, then smiled to herself.

Ochako looked up from the load of laundry she was handling as Tsu made her way down into the basement.

“What are you doing up?” she asked.

“Heard you were down here and thought I might help out. These are my responsibilities you know.”

Ochako sighed. “Are you really sure you’re feeling better?”

Tsu nodded vigorously and Ochako smiled softly. She beckoned her closer and the two of them began folding the still warm laundry.

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay for dinner?” Tsu asked as Ochako began putting on her coat.

“Nah, my parents are expecting me, and anyway, I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“You can’t possibly think that I’d consider this a bother after everything you did, kero!”

“I’m just happy you’re okay, honestly it was nothing.” With a warm smile, Ochako closed the door behind her, leaving a still slightly dazed Tsu standing in her living room.

It wasn’t until Samidare pointed it out at dinner that Tsu remembered she was still wearing Ochako’s sweater. With a small kero of surprise she quickly scrambled for her phone.

CallMeTsu: I’m still wearing your sweater! Are you going to come get it?

GravityGirl: Aaaaaah whoops, oh well! It’s a little late, but you can give it to me at school tomorrow! You look cute in it by the way!

Tsu blushed and let out a squeaky kero . Across the table, Samidare raised his eyebrows at her.

CallMeTsu: Ah, thanks. I’ll take care of it!

GravityGirl: <3

CallMeTsu: …

CallMeTsu: <3

Chapter Text

Two days before the party and Shoto couldn’t stop thinking about how he still didn’t have a present for Midoriya. He had considered Uraraka’s suggestion of a book, but when he offhandedly mentioned hero history to Midoriya the other boy offered to lend him a copy of Heroes Through the Ages:Volume Seven, so perhaps it wasn’t such a good idea.

Midoriya himself had been incredibly excited about the upcoming celebration, chattering on and on as they walked back to class about how this would be the first Christmas party he would attend with friends, which Shoto found a bit sad, especially given Midoriya’s stories of being alone and isolated from his peers in middle school since his quirk hadn’t yet manifested.

“...And then I’m going to wrap my parents’ presents too! What are you guys doing after school?” Uraraka asked the three of them.

“Going for a jog around the lake,” Iida replied.

“Baking cookies with my mom!” Midoriya said, grinning. “You guys are going to love them, I just know it.”

“Not much, probably going to read some more,” Shoto answered offhandedly. Maybe he still had time to run down to the mall and purchase an All-Might laptop cover or something.

Midoriya looked even more excited, if that was possible. “Oh, want to come over to my place?”

Shoto blinked. “Wh-oh, no I wouldn’t want to disturb your time with your mom-”

“Aww that’s not possible, she loves having my friends over! And you can bring some cookies home too!”

“Well…” Shoto thought to himself. Maybe the answer to his conundrum had been standing in front of him this whole time. Who else would know Midoriya better than his own mother?

“Alright, I guess we can go to your place together after school?”

As Midoriya nodded enthusiastically, Uraraka flashed Shoto a sly grin from behind the green-haired boy’s back. Shoto felt something akin to embarrassment fill his stomach, but quickly swallowed it and managed to shoot his friend an annoyed glare in return. She simply giggled behind her hand.

“You sure have a lot of All-Might merch, don’t you?”

Izuku nodded as Todoroki poked at an All-Might brand talking action figure sitting on the kitchen counter

“It’s fine now. Why? Because I am here!”

“You know it. There probably isn’t a single All-Might item I haven’t once owned. Now, I wonder where Mom is?”

At that moment, Inko Midoriya bustled into the room, a guilty look on her face. “Izuku honey I’m so sorry, but I just remembered I forgot to send the Christmas cards and the post office is closing early today for the holidays! Will you boys be alright without me?”

Izuku gave his mother a reassuring peck on the cheek. “Don’t worry about a thing Mom, we’re heroes in training! A pesky cookie recipe is no match for the two of us!”

“Okay, well have fun! Lovely to have you over again, Todoroki, I was so pleased when Izuku told me!”

“Thank you for having me, Mrs. Midoriya,” Todoroki replied, sounding oddly disappointed. “I wish you luck on your Christmas card journey.”

Inko gave both boys a quick hug before bustling out the door, muttering all the while. Izuku wondered if that was how he sounded when he was worried or had lots of things on his mind.

“So,” he said cheerfully, holding up a wrapped stick of butter. “Let’s get to it! Shouldn’t be too hard!”

Izuku tossed two sticks of butter into a mixing bowl while Todoroki carefully measured out the sugar, bent over in such concentration that Izuku couldn’t help but snicker to himself. Once everything was in the bowl and stirred up, Izuku dumped the floury, buttery mess onto the counter and despite the lack of rolling pin, managed to press it flat.

“What gave you the idea to put our biology textbooks on top of the dough?”

“They’re the heaviest things I could think of that didn’t include my dad’s ego.” Todoroki answered with the most deadpan look on his face.

Izuku laughed and immediately Todoroki’s face softened, gently accepting the tree-shaped cookie cutter Izuku handed him.

As Todoroki slid the tray of only just slightly misshapen cookies into the oven (as it turned out, you needed to flour the cutters before using them) Izuku began tidying up. He had just picked up the flour and turned to put it away in the cupboard when suddenly he tripped over Todoroki’s leg as they moved in opposite directions. Accompanied by a grand clatter of spoons being knocked off the table, a great puff of flour filled the kitchen and Izuku braced himself to hit the hard floor, when suddenly something caught him around the waist.

As the flour settled, Izuku found himself gazing into the eyes of what looked to be a powdery blue and grey eyed ghost, the two of them caught in an awkward pose that made it seem as if they were ballroom dancing and Todoroki had just dipped him dramatically. Izuku could see the rise and fall of Todoroki’s chest as he breathed in, and felt his own face heat up. He staggered to his feet, pushing Todoroki back.

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t see where I was going-”

“No, no it’s not your fault-”

“I should have been more careful-”

“Midoriya!”

Todoroki coughed, a small cloud of flour rising from his face. Izuku winced.

“It’s okay, Midoriya, just a little accident. Although my clothes seemed to have gotten the worst of it…”

“Oh, yeah…” Izuku noted the chalky appearance of Todoroki’s jeans and shirt. “We probably should have worn aprons.”

“Probably should have. I think I’ll go wash up-”

“Uh, you could change into some of my clothes-I know we’re not the same size, but Mom would kill me if I let you go home like that.”

Todoroki blinked at him. “That...would be nice. Thank you.”

Fifteen minutes later the cookies were cooling on the counter and Todoroki walked out of the bathroom in an All-Might t-shirt and clean jeans, hair still wet from a brief shampooing. Izuku tried not to notice how the t-shirt was just a little too tight on Todoroki’s chest.

“S-so!” He stammered slightly, holding up an unopened tube of red frosting. “Help me wrestle this open?”

Todoroki looked bemused. “Midoriya, your quirk is super strength.”

“Strength doesn't equal dexterity!”

“If you say so,” Todoroki said, taking the frosting from Izuku and twisting off the cap. When he tried to ice one of the cookies though, nothing happened.

“Hmm. Do you think it’s stuck?” Izuku took the frosting and squeezed it, trying to peer into the tube, when suddenly cherry red splattered onto his face.

“Whoops.”

Todoroki laughed, and Izuku was sure that one quite possibly one of the sweetest sounds to be hearing when one has just made a fool of himself. In a sudden burst of spontaneity, he squeezed some frosting onto his hand and shoved it into the other boy’s face.

Todoroki froze. He slowly blinked at Izuku, then while holding his gaze grabbed the tube of red frosting and smeared it onto Izuku’s forehead. The two boys started laughing, throwing sprinkles and reaching out to mess up their festively colored faces even more. When they finally calmed down enough to stop laughing they found themselves looking at each other with stupid, exhausted grins on their faces. Izuku thought that despite the smears of green and rainbow sprinkles all over his face, Todoroki still looked better than any model he had ever seen on a magazine cover passing the newspaper stand on his way to school.

“Beautiful,” he murmured.

“What?”

“Nothing! I, uh…” He reached up and scratched his chin.

“Here, let me get that for you,” Todoroki reached out and tried to wipe the frosting off of Izuku’s face, but only succeeded in smearing it.

“Oh, um hold on…” he grabbed a towel and with one hand cupping Izuku’s face he gently wiped off the offending, but festive splotch. Izuku’s face was definitely on fire, he decided.

“Boys?”

Todoroki pulled away sharply, and for a second Izuku felt an acute sense of disappointment.

“We’re in the kitchen Mom!”

Inko clapped her hands over her mouth as she surveyed the carnage of frosting. She looked as if she was trying to stifle giggles.

“Oh. Oh my!”

The boys glanced at each other guiltily.

“We were uh…”

“Just trying to frost the cookies-”

“The tube wouldn’t open so-”

“And then-”

Inko suddenly burst into laughter, tears forming in her eyes.

“Why don’t you two go wash up, and I’ll frost the cookies?”

Izuku found himself nodding, and turned to head up to the bathroom. “Todoroki, are you coming?”

“Uh...I’ll come up soon, I’d like to help your mom tidy up a little.”

“Oh, okay!”

“Mrs. Midoriya?” Shoto was awkwardly shifting on his feet, but this was quite possibly the last chance he had to find the best present for Midoriya. Inko smiled at him with such sweetness and light that Shoto had no doubt of her relation to his fluffy haired friend.

“Yes Todoroki dear?”

“Well I was just wondering...wait. What is that?”

Inko had just pulled a wrapped rectangular package out of her shopping bag and was moving to slide it behind the fridge.

“Oh, don’t tell Izuku, but I got him a special pack of the latest Rookie Hero action figures, my goodness they come out quickly don’t they?”

“Not All-Might?”

Midoriya’s mother chuckled. “Oh no, he has seven of those alone! But Izuku has always loved keeping up with the new up and coming Heroes and all their merchandise. When he was little he would tell me that once he became a hero he would buy an action figure of himself just for me, his first fan…” She looked into the distance and sighed. “When we got the diagnosis for his supposed quirklessness, I couldn’t bear to think of telling my baby there would never be an action figure of him. But now he’s chasing his dreams and he has you and all these friends and I’m just…” Inko began tearing up. “I’m sorry, but I’m just so happy for him.”

Shoto smiled and patted Inko on the shoulder. “He’s so lucky to have you, Mrs. Midoriya. You’re a wonderful mother.”

Inko sniffled and took out her wallet, which had a picture of a tiny Midoriya in an All-Might onesie, hugging an All-Might action figure in his little arms.

“He’s grown so much!”

“Awwwwwwwwww.” Shoto couldn’t help but marvel over how small his friend had been, eager and hoping to one day present to his mother his own-

Wait a second.

“That’s it!” Shoto gasped. Inko looked at him curiously.

“What’s it, dear?”

“Oh, I-”

Suddenly Midoriya appeared, wiping his face with a- yes, an All-Might brand face towel. Shoto was impressed with his fanboy dedication.

“I’m all done in the bathroom, Todoroki.”

“Oh. Thanks.” Shoto shuffled past him, having momentarily forgotten about the frosting caked on his face. In his mind though, he was planning out the perfect gift.

Inko made sure Shoto didn’t leave without a few cookies as well as a big, Midoriya hug. The boys had explained to her the flour incident (leaving out certain details about ballroom dancing) and it was understood that Shoto would return the clothes to Midoriya when they saw each other at school the next day. When Shoto got home he gave a quick hello to his sister, threw his floury clothes into a tub of water to avoid creating paste in the washer and then sped out the door. Fuyumi called after him in confusion.

“Shoto where are you going?!”

“Art supply store, I’ll be home in time for dinner!”

“Alright but hurry, okay? Dad’s going to be home from Hero work soon.”

“Screw that old man!”

“ Shoto !”

“I’ll hurry!”

Chapter Text

“Wow just look at everything!” Uraraka spun around under the colorful streamers and lights hung from the ceiling. Glittering snowflakes were stuck all over the classroom walls and some of the desks had been shoved together for a buffet line of cookies and cakes. “Aoyama was right, the lights reflecting off of the snowflakes looks positively magical!”

“Did you ever doubt me, ahuhu?” Aoyama struck a pose against the side of his desk.

“Well,” Mina put on a serious face. “There was that one instance-”

“Hey!”

“Everyone, please! It is time for the presentation of gifts!” Iida announced grandly.

Students began to shuffle out of their seats, boxes pulled out from under desks, when Todoroki suddenly stood up and faced you.

“Hey Eru,” he said as he gave you a little wave. “This might seem a bit odd, but Bird wanted to give you kind of a little shout out and decided that a little fourth-wall breaking from your favorite character would be the best course of action. You know how she is,” he shrugged. “Anyway, she wants to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and for me to say that you’re one of the most amazing artists and most wonderful friends a disaster princess could have.” Todoroki cleared his throat. “She also wanted to give you a hug but unfortunately I am literally text and that would be a bit difficult, not to mention breaking several laws of physics. So a hug in spirit I guess. Have a wonderful day, by the way.”

( Announcer Present Mic Voice) And now back to your regularly scheduled festive shonen fanfiiiiiiic!!!! Brought to you by A Demon Masquerading as Bird, amateur writer and not-so-hot mess!

Eijiro was absolutely elated. Satou had loved the apron that he had gotten for his Secret Santa, silently applauding himself for managing to get ahold of an apron that said “Stud Muffin” on the front in large, elegant lettering. He cheerfully clapped Satou on the back as he put it on to model.

“Bro, you look ready to bake the day away!”

“Thanks Kirishima! This’ll definitely get a lot of use in the kitchen!” Satou grinned and went to give his gift to Koda.

Eijiro folded his arms in a proud stance of manly gift-giving success. He decided to search the room for Bakugo, maybe offer to share one of those manly looking last few brownies sitting sadly on the nearly empty buffet table, when suddenly a gruff voice behind him caught his attention.

“Crazy Hair!”

“Bakugo, my man!” Eijiro spun around and threw his arms wide, grinning. “Want to get a brow-hey what’s that?”

Bakugo grunted and shoved an immaculately wrapped box in Eijiro’s face.

“Oh! Hey man that’s so awesome! Can’t wait to see what it is!” Eijiro exclaimed, tearing off the paper excitedly. Underneath was a box containing a sleek pair of dress shoes.

“Duuuuuuude! These are gonna look so manly on me when I get a chance to wear them! Thanks so much, you’re manly as heck!”

Eijiro clapped an arm over Bakugo’s shoulder. To his surprise the explosive boy didn’t shrug him off as usual.

“You need some actual nice clothes to offset how crazy your hair is,” Bakugo mumbled. Eijiro laughed heartily.

“Aw, thanks man! That’s so considerate of you!”

“Fuck off.”

But Eijiro stayed, and Bakugo didn’t say a word about it.

Chapter Text

Izuku smiled as everyone began shuffling around, gasps of excitement and happiness chimed through the room over Jirou’s music playlist. Suddenly Uraraka tapped him on the shoulder and bent down to whisper.

“Wish me luck!”

Izuku nodded as his friend happily skipped over to surprise Asui with a soft package, the girl’s eyes widenin as she carefully tore off the frog-patterned wrapping paper.

“Ochako-chan you shouldn’t have, kero kero!” Asui cried, holding up the sweater.

“I thought you’d like it!”

The two girls embraced and Izuku walked over to Iida, who seemed to be waiting for Uraraka.

“Happy Holidays Iida-kun!”

Iida blinked, glancing from the cheerful All-Might brand wrapping paper covering the box on his desk to his friend.

“This was the package you had at the mall, wasn’t it?”

“Yep!” Izuku grinned. “Go on, open it!

Iida smiled and began to very meticulously peel the tape off the present. Izuku was a bit unnerved, but continued to grin as his friend lifted the lid off of a box containing-”

“Running shoes?”

“Yes, and custom made too! See?” Izuku showed him the silvery wing shapes on the sides. “Like your hero boots, only these can be worn casually!”

Iida was silent. He picked up one of the shoes and appeared to be examining it carefully.

“...Iida?”

Suddenly he looked up at Izuku with a strange expression. “T-Thank you, Midoriya,” he said, voice cracking. Izuku blushed a deep red.

“O-Oh, I’m glad you like it!”

“Woooow, Deku! That’s so thoughtful of you!”

“Ah, Uraraka!” Iida stood up, grasping a little pink box in his hands. Uraraka gasped, clapping her hands to her face. Izuku chuckled.

“I-Iida?”

“Merry Christmas, I hope you enjoy this gift.”

Uraraka lifted the little pink lid and let out a little squeal of happiness. Reaching into the box she lifted out a delicate glittering chain with tiny pink flowers and a stylized black U in between.

“It’s beautiful…” Uraraka looked as if she were holding back tears. “Ah, would you mind-”

Iida nodded. Taking the necklace, he gently set it around Uraraka’s neck and clasped it together. Izuku held up his phone so she could see herself in it’s camera.

“Oh,” she sighed, touching the pendant. “Iida it’s...I look…”

“Beautiful,” he finished for her. Uraraka’s eyes brightened and she turned to him, throwing her arms around his neck and giving him a quick peck on the cheek.

“Thank you, thank you thank you! You’re amazing I love it I love it aaaaaa!”

Iida’s face flushed red and Izuku started to laugh. He was quickly joined by a soft chuckle from behind. Turning, Izuku was met with the sight of Todoroki, holding a strangely lumpy package haphazardly wrapped in red and white paper and tied with a single red ribbon.

“Ah, Todoroki-kun! Isn’t this exciting?”

“Yes, I’m actually enjoying myself quite a bit,” Todoroki admitted. “Parties aren’t really my thing, but seeing everyone so happy feels...nice.”

Uraraka spotted the package in Todoroki’s hands and started jumping up and down. “Oooh, Todoroki! Who’s that for?”

Todoroki blinked. “Uraraka you-”

“Just kidding!”

Izuku looked back and forth between the two, confusion growing on his face. “What are you two talking about?”

Todoroki scratched his head. It was strange, Izuku thought. He almost looked...nervous?

“Um...Merry Christmas Midoriya.”

Izuku’s mouth formed an O of surprise as Todoroki placed the lumpy present into his hands. He looked at Uraraka.

“You...you knew about this?”

She just smiled at him. “Well come on Deku, open it up!”

“Okay okay!” Izuku pulled the ribbon off and gasped as the paper fell open, revealing a small figurine made of what appeared to be clay baked and painted with a steady hand.

“I-Is this…”

“Oh Deku, it’s you!”

In his hand Izuku held a six-inch high action figure of his own hero costume, stood confidently with one fist in the air. On the base upon which it sat were the words Hero Deku in gold ink.

“Rare first edition,” Todoroki said. Izuku looked up at him, tears forming in his eyes. His friends looked taken aback to see how emotional Izuku was.

“This...I can’t even…” Izuku wiped at his face with the sleeve of his uniform. “I don’t know if I’ve told you guys this but,” he laughed, more tears falling down his face, “I don’t think I ever thought about the possibility of my own action figure after the doctor diagnosed me with quirklessness. I still dreamed of being a hero, but…” he sniffled. “Thank you, Todoroki-kun...this means a lot to me.”

Todoroki’s gaze softened, looking quite moved. Uraraka and Iida stood with the two of them as Izuku moved forward to envelop Todoroki in a hug, which the other boy reciprocated, gently patting the still-crying Izuku on the back.

As they pulled away, Izuku and Todoroki smiled at each other, and Izuku thought that if he had a time-freeze quirk he’d choose this moment to keep forever.

Suddenly, a scream broke the spell.

“OHMYGAWDEVERYONELOOKOUTTHEWINDOWWWW!!!!!”

The entire class turned to see Ashido and Kaminari with their faces pressed against the glass as tiny bits of white drifted downwards past them. Suddenly there was a mad rush to the windows as they all clamored to get a look.

“It’s so pretty!”

“Wow the whole courtyard is covered!”

“Oh look at the trees!!!”

“LOOK A BIRD!”

“Settle down, all of you,” Though tinged with fatigue, the sound of their teacher’s voice snapped all the students back into silence. “I get that you’re excited, but the screaming and the...excitement…” Aizawa sighed. “Just...can it until lunchtime, alright?”

The class nodded in unison. Suddenly, Asui stood up.

“Oh, Aizawa-sensei?”

Aizawa looked up from his fifth fruit-pack of the day. “What is it?”

Kirishima and Sero grinned. Going to the buffet table, they pulled out a large box wrapped in black paper and accented with a silver ribbon from under it.

“We all pitched in to get you this!” Yaoyorozu said. “We even wrapped the lid separate because it seemed most logical for ease of opening!”

Aizawa raised an eyebrow as he was dragged onto a chair and the gift presented to him. He lifted the lid of the box and pulled out what appeared to be an enormous beige sleeping bag. When he held it up though, it became clear that this sleeping bag had four long parts sticking out of its main body.

“What-”

“It’s a sleeping bag with arms and legs!” Shoji said. “We thought that maybe sometimes you’d want to get coffee or something but would have to get out of your sleeping bag, so this takes care of it!”

Aizawa looked astonished. He then promptly unzipped the new sleeping bag, shuffled inside of it, and then walked over to the corner and slumped to the ground, appearing to fall asleep. The entire class stared at their beige blob of a teacher.

“Mood.”

The entire class stared at Tokoyami.

Chapter Text

Shoto sighed as the snow fell around him, breezing past in tiny flakes that melted on his jacket. Despite the chill in the air he felt incredibly warm inside, and as Midoriya joined him on the bottom few steps of the courtyard, that feeling only intensified.

“Pretty, isn’t it?” he said softly. Midoriya nodded.

“You said last week that the snow made you feel safe?”

Shoto nodded. “When I was little I loved watching the snow come down, and my mother would sometimes use her quirk to keep it going just so she could keep that smile on my face. And whenever I was feeling bad or having a nightmare she would create a little bit of snowfall for me to watch...it always made me feel better.”

Midoriya’s face softened in understanding.

“Todoro-”

BLAM

A snowball hit Midoriya in the back with such force that the boy stumbled into Shoto, the two of them falling off the stairs and into a shallow snowbank. They looked up to see Bakugo, a triumphant look on his face. He was flanked by Ashido and Sero, both tossing snowballs in their hands, flashing the two snow-covered boys devious grins.

“You ready to get destroyed, Deku? Two-tone?”

Shoto spit out a clump of snow and leaves. “You’re on.”

Twelve minutes later Shoto and Midoriya were sent out for reconnaissance by Team Jirou. The general had said she suspected Team Bakugo had set up an ambush over by the cherry trees-er, the northwest quadrant.

“Do you think it’s clear?” Midoriya whispered.

“I thin-”

All of a sudden three snowballs came at them in different directions, accompanied by a shrill battle cry that sounded a bit like Kaminari. Team Jirou Elite Recon Squad Alpha ran for their lives, eventually huddling behind a corner of the school’s art building. Shoto was breathing heavily and Midoriya’s face was red.

“I think...I think we’re safe, Agent Todoroki,” Midoriya gasped.

“Sh...hah...Shoto.”

“Huh?”

Shoto braced himself against the wall. “I was thinking that since we’re pretty good friends now...that you could call me Shoto.”

“Oh. Then,” Midoriya suddenly looked a bit shy. “Then you can call me Izuku.”

“...Alright.” Shoto glanced back to make sure they hadn’t been followed by enemy agents.

“Um, hey you’ve got a little-”

“Hmm?” Izuku suddenly reached up and brushed some snow out of Shoto’s hair, his fingers momentarily brushing against Shoto’ cheek. He froze.

“Oh!” Izuku pulled back, blushing. “Sorry.”

Shoto shook his head, reaching up to touch the place where Izuku’s hand had been. “No, I...it feels...nice?”

Izuku blinked at him, eyes wide. Shoto’s face felt as if it were on fire. Or was it actually on fire?

“Am-am I on fire?”

Izuku reached up again, slowly this time. Shoto hesitated, then gently guided his hand to cup his face.

“Shoto…?”

“Yeah?” Shoto felt as if his heart was trying to leap out of his chest

“For a while now...I think I’ve wanted to say that I-” He coughed, face redder than Shoto’s own hair. “I...really like you.”

“I...feel the same way.” Shoto murmured.

“Do you just want to sit here for a bit maybe?” Izuku asked softly.

“Yes. That sounds nice.”

They settled onto the ground, and after a moment’s hesitation Izuku moved to rest his head on Shoto’s chest. Shoto gently moved his arm around Izuku, and the two of them watched the snow as it continued to swirl around them.

“You know something?”

“Hmm?”

“Earlier today, the moment when you gave me that present, I thought that that was a moment I wanted to save forever.”

“And?”

Izuku looked up at Shoto, and slowly moved so that he could look directly into his eyes.

“I think...that this moment is another one of those.”

Shoto would have thought he’d accidentally burn Izuku given the way he felt as the distance between them closed. But then their lips met and all he felt was warmth.