Chapter Text
In the dead center of winter, a series of blizzards swept into Musutafu and put U.A.’s students into a fog of snow-fueled laziness. Even the most gung-ho of students took the snow pileups as a sign to take it slow for once. Normal training and studies were kept up with, but the usual “Plus Ultra” had been phased out for a temporary reflection and cooldown period. This blanket of slowness came at a price for some, however, as the cold didn’t agree with everyone the same way. One such person was Ibara Shiozaki – a person who hated Winter and who Winter hated back. With her powers being based around her plant-hair, the cold put a strain on her that could be worked through, but would sap her energy like nothing else.
After a week of hard work, Ibara awoke on Saturday long after the sun had come up. At first, she stayed under her many blankets for a long while, but eventually, she willed herself into motion. I shouldn’t be so slothful, she told herself while sluggishly going through her morning routine. I should be dressed by now. I hope Lunch Rush still serving breakfast. Eventually, Ibara took a seat at the foot of her bed and checked her phone. Tetsutetsu had texted her not long ago, asking how she was doing.
Ibara: The cold has taken my strength as I’ve stated, but I’ll be just fine.
After responding, Ibara looked over to her dresser. Time to get dressed. It was at that moment she took in how comfortable her nightgown was. The thick green material covered her whole body, reaching the floor and creating a seal of heat around her. The long sleeves went past her wrists and keep her hands warm as well. The thick scarf worn over her vines also felt incredibly cozy at that moment as well, and as she tightened the knot under her chin, she contemplated how important changing really was.
Suddenly, there was a knock at her door, snapping her from her daydream. “Who is it?” she asked, now embarrassed to still be in her bedclothes.
“It’s me!” Hearing Tetsutetsu’s voice beyond the door put Ibara at ease and she went to open up, comfortable with him seeing her still in pajamas. Once she opened up, she saw her boyfriend on the other side with a big smile. “Finally awake, huh? I brought you some breakfast!”
“Oh?” Ibara looked down and saw a tray with granola, a bowl of fruit, a multigrain roll, and orange juice. “How thoughtful. Give me a moment to change and I’ll come downstairs—”
“No, y’see, I brought it so you can eat it in bed!” Tetsutetsu’s toothy grin let Ibara know just how proud he was about the idea, but she was unsure.
“No, I couldn’t.”
“C’mon,” he urged. “You’ve been working super hard to keep up since the snowstorms began, and you said you were super tired. I say you should spend the day relaxing!”
“I can’t keep myself cooped up all day. I should train or go to the library to study or—”
“You can do those whenever,” he told her. “Lemme get you set up and see how you feel then.” Ibara took a moment to think, but the cold air leaking into her room from the hallway and a rumble in her stomach made her concede.
“If you insist.” She opened the door wider to let Tetsutetsu in and then closed it. As Tetsutetsu fixed her blankets, Ibara took a quick look at the heavy snowfall just outside. A single glance was enough send a chill throughout her body and she opened up her dresser for something to warm her further. Grabbing a heavy wool shawl, she wrapped her herself in it and knotted it at her chest as Tetsutetsu finished his preparations.
“OK, get in bed,” he instructed. Once Ibara climbed into her bed, Tetsutetsu leaned over and tucked her in tightly. “Comfy?”
“I am, but… I’m still unsure. It feels greedy to have you do so much.”
“Well, you didn’t ask. I’m kinda strong-arming you into relaxing.” Ibara chuckled at his excuse and he placed the tray before her. “I’ve got homework to do, but I’m gonna go grab it and do it at your desk so we can hang out. If you need anything, just ask. I want you staying warm and comfy all day today, OK?”
“I suppose,” she giggled. Tetsutetsu gave her a big smile and thumbs-up before exiting the room. Pulling her warm clothing tighter around her body, Ibara crooked her neck back to peer out of her window. The snowfall seemed less violent than moments ago, now easing into a flurry. Perhaps this isn’t so bad.
Later in the day, Ibara was still planted firmly in her bed, drifting in and out of sleep. Her time awake had been spent reading leisurely or helping Tetsutetsu with his homework. Coasting back into consciousness, Ibara took notice of the lack of typing and opened her eyes to see her desk empty. He’s still gone? Checking her clock on the wall, Ibara saw he had been away for nearly a half hour despite saying he wouldn’t be gone long. She reached out and grabbed her phone from her nightstand, seeing that no texts had been sent to her.
Could he have really tried going out in this snowstorm? Or did he simply get distracted. I’ve been sleeping the day away, so perhaps he’s gone to play video games. Ibara wanted to text him, but couldn’t think of the right words to type. I don’t want to seem demanding to him. If I ask where he is, it may sound like I need him to do something for me. With a heavy sigh, she put her phone back down and pulled her covers closer. I was enjoying this more when he was around.
She closed her eyes and went back to sleep, but not long after, she was awoken by her door swinging open. Once she lifted her head, she saw Tetsutetsu lumbering inside wearing snow-covered clothing. “Did you go outside?” Ibara asked worriedly, taking a quick look outside to see the snow still coming down harshly.
“I needed books from the library,” he told her while shedding his layers and shaking the snowflakes from his hair. “It wasn’t that bad.”
“Come here.” Tetsutetsu did as she instructed and Ibara cupped her hands around his red cheeks. “You’re ice cold!” she scolded.
“It’s fine! I’m cold-resist… ACHOO!”
“You fool.” Ibara pulled her covers open and scooched over before patting the open space. “Well? Get in. You’ll catch a cold if you don’t heat up.” It took Tetsutetsu a moment to understand her demand, but once he did, he smiled and finished taking off his snow-covered layers.
“Alright, if I gotta,” he laughed while climbing onto the snug mattress. Ibara pulled the covers up over him and she wrapped her arms over his chilly body.
“…My little fool,” she cooed while pulling him close.