Work Text:
Shoto moved methodically through the apartment, broom in hand and hair tied behind a bandana. Izuku and Touya were at the café today, and Katsuki was teaching Hitoshi how to make basic coffee orders behind the counter. Meaning Shoto had the entire apartment to himself. For hours.
Now, he could get things to a working order.
He clicked the radio on, tuned it to Put Your Hands Up Radio, as they were playing nonstop Christmas music all day, and got to work.
It’s however long later, he’s washed windows, scraped doorjambs, dusted all photos and walls and surfaces, and has also wiped down said surfaces with a damp cloth. Now, it’s time to sweep and mop, then he’ll take a break.
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
At the Christmas party hop
He’s finished the kitchen when the song comes on, and he can’t help the pep that comes into his step at it. He knows his dancing still sucks, but who doesn’t indulge in the freedom of movement with song?
Mistletoe hung where you can see
Every couple tries to stop
Mistletoe is the only real Christmas oddity that Shoto has an issue with. It’s a parasitic weed. Why would you want to kiss under it?
Though, why would you want to kiss anyone just because a plant dictates it anyways, regardless if they’re a weed or not?
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Let the Christmas spirit ring
Later we'll have some pumpkin pie
Hm, pumpkin pie is a bit much. Maybe bread? He’ll bring it up with Katsuki when he comes home.
And we'll do some caroling
Now, he may be shit at dancing, but he admits he can carry a note. So can Nii-san. He’s a natural crooner.
You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear
Voices singing let's be jolly
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Which is stupid because holly is toxic to the touch.
What if a leaf fell on someone’s head? Or their face?
That’s a hazard waiting to happen.
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone dancin' merrily
In the new old-fashioned way
At this point, Shoto doesn’t know if he’s “dancin’ merrily in the new old-fashioned way” or not. But he’s swaying to the beat, hopping on his toes as he uses the mop handle as a partner as he twirls around the apartment in his socks. The cleaning is almost done anyways, why not indulge a bit?
You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear
Oh, here comes the best part!
Voices singing let’s be jolly
He takes a breathe…
DECK, the halls with boughs of holly
Shoto grins as he slides through the apartment, a light feeling filling his chest as the music continues on.
Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone dancin' merrily
In the New
Old
Fashioned
Waaaaaaay
~.~
In the genkan, a few stanzas into the song, the rest of the Midori’s stare wide-eyed as Shoto traipses around the apartment in fuzzy socks, a cleaning apron, bright pink rubber gloves, and a yellow bandana as he sings along to an old pre-quirk English Christmas song.
No one dares make a sound. And no one brings up this moment again.
Though, it stays in their memory to let Shoto have a day to himself every now and then to just do… whatever that was…
___
2. Hippopotamu(th)e(th) like me too
I wanna hippopotamu(th) for Chri(th)-ma(th)
Chatter stops in the corner where Katsuki and Izuku sit.
They look over to where a certain pinkette is dancing slightly as she tinkers on a grandfather clock.
They think they imagined it.
Then she continues.
Only a hippopotamu(th) will do
Oh…
They didn’t hear that wrong.
Don't wanna doll, no dinky tink-er-toy
I wanna hippopotamu(th) to play with ‘n ‘joy
Shoto looks like he’s having a bluescreen error on the other side of the work table Mei is at, and Touya is trembling with the restraint to not laugh in the corner.
It doesn’t help that Mei’s lisp is heavy today due to her newly missing front tooth.
I wanna hippopotamu(th) for Chri(th)-ma(th)
I don’ think (th)ana Clau(th) will mind, do you?
He won' hafta u(th)e our dir’y chimey flu’e
Ju(th) bring him through the fron’ door
Tha(th) the ea(th)y thing ta do
Katsuki turns to stare at Izuku, confusion the only emotion in his eyes while Izuku stares bewildered at the pinkette.
She doesn’t seem to even realize she’s singing out loud.
… he doesn’t know if that’s a good thing or not.
I can (th)ee me now on Chri(th)-ma(th) mor’ing
The 8 year old pauses then, pulling her hands up to mimic a cartoonish sneaking posture.
Creeping down the (th)air(th)
Oh what joy and what (th)urpri(th)
She throws her arms into the air at that, making Shoto jump and Touya choke on his snicker.
When I open up my eye(th)
To (th)ee a hippo hero (th)tanting there
The worst part?
They didn’t know if she was kidding or not.
I wanna hippopotamu(th) for Chri(th)-ma(th)
Only a hippopotamu(th) will do
No crocodile(th), no rhino(th)ero(th)e(th)
Ouch…
She slowed down on that one.
I only like hippopotamu(th)e(th)
And hippopotamu(th)e(th) like me too
Is that right?
Touya is wheezing quietly in the corner, Shoto has just given trying to process and is back to his own present making. Katsuki and Izuku, though, are still watching, fascinated, as the girl keeps going with the occasional wiggle and hop to her step.
Mom (th)ay(th) the hippo would eat me up,
She sounds way to chipper about that.
But then Teacher (th)ay(th) a hippo i(th) a vegetarian
She sounds way to disappointed about that!
There(th) lo(th) of room for him in our two-car garage
I fee’ him there and wush him there and give him hi(th) ma(th)age
Katsuki is breathing weirdly, and Izuku looks down at him worriedly.
I can (th)ee me now on Chri(th)-ma(th) morning
He misses Mei’s acting again, instead focused on the strained look on Katsuki’s face.
Creeping down the (th)air(th)
Oh what joy and what (th)urpri(th)
When I open up my eye(th)
To (th)ee a hippo hero (th)tanding there
That’s when the blonde cracks.
In a sudden release of air, Katsuki stutters then cackles then howls as Touya follows his lead.
Soon the two are cackling hysterically as Mei looks at them, eyes wide and curious.
Then her own face lights up in a toothless grin as the cross-hairs in her eyes flare and she starts jumping in place.
I wanna hippopotamu(th) for Chri(th)-ma(th)
And…
Only a hippopotamu(th) will do
… the others join?
No crocodile(th) or rhino(th)ero(th)e(th)
Oh well.
I only like hippopotamu(th)e(th)
At least they’re all having fun.
And hippopotamu(th)e(th) like me too
And if Mei gets a pink stuffed hippo that’s half her size for Christmas that year?
Well, she names it Hammy Steven Jr. and it goes on to be her regular partner in crime in the workshop.
And Izuku regrets nothing.
___
“Get off the stage, Left-Foot Wonder!”
Katsuki’s head whips around so fast he nearly gets whiplash.
Shoto’s standing on the flashing red and green stage of the arcades DDR machine, looking over the railing at some kids who look up to absolutely no fucking good.
With a quick tap on Toshi’s shoulder and a click of a button, the blonde and purplette are making their way over. Katsuki’s lip curls as the extra sneers something else.
“Who the fuck let a klutz like you into the arcade anyways?”
“The owner, dickwads.” The trio spin, eyes wide, but then deflate when they see Katsuki.
And he bristles at the dismissal.
“Oh, you know this left-footer?”
“Come up with better insults, pissants.” Katsuki shoved his way past the so called ‘ringleader’ and stood in front of the platform, Shoto still standing by the railing. “And don’t fucking point those words at my fucking friends.” He grinned something malicious, palms glowing with heat, “I’ll fuck up your day.”
A cold, long fingered touch lay on his shoulder, and Katsuki looked over to find Hitoshi joining him. The boy was still loath to speak outside of the house, but the feral gleam in his eye still has the bastards two ‘friends’ backing up a step.
But the bastard just swallowed, then smirked, and opened his goddamned mouth.
“Well, if he’s so delicate, then maybe he shouldn’t be flaunting his shit skills for everyone to see.”
Katsuki can feel his quirk begging to flare, but something flashes in the corner of his vision, and he turns to look up at Shoto.
“You dumbass.” Shoto blinks owlishly down at him, and he hears a scoff from behind him. But Katsuki ignores the extras, pointing to the song selected on the machine, “You can’t fucking dance to that shit.”
Silently, Katsuki hopped up onto the stage, punching in a different code.
“Oi, what are you—”
“Can it, weasel face.” Katsuki feels the quiet presence of Hitoshi step up to his left, the flux temperatures of Shoto to his right, “If you’re gonna talk smack about my family,” he looks over his shoulder at the fucking assholes, seeing a crowd drawn by the commotion behind them. He grins ferally as he gets set in place, “then you better square the fuck up.”
And then he rolls his shoulders, joints popping from the years of strain from his quirk. There’s a murmur from the crowd. Hitoshi links his fingers, stretching his arms up and bending back to show off the lean flexibility of his torso. The unease grew from the weasel extra’s. then Shoto let out a huff, rolling his own neck while bouncing in place.
“Sorry, Katsuki. You know I’m not well versed in these things.”
“Then make it up by proving the bastards wrong.”
A smirk, “With much Christmas spirit.”
And an answering wolfish grin, “Sounds festive.”
And they got to work.
Quick sliding steps in the intro…
… a turn…
Rotate…
… around…
… around…
… step step slide
… spin pin pin…
… slide step…
… slide step…
… around around around
Hands linked
… spin…
… apart…
Dance between…
Stop
Spin…
Down…
Up!
Stomp
Turn…
… Spinnnnnn…
Tip toe…
Dance between…
Stop
Spin…
Down…
Up!
Shoto takes center stage…
Hark how the bells
Sweet silver bells
All seem to say
Throw cares away
Christmas is here
Bringing good cheer
To young and old
Meek and the bold
Ding-dong, ding-dong
That is the song
With joyful ring
All caroling
One seems to hear
Words of good cheer
From everywhere
Filling the air
The three put their hands together, stepping as one…
Oh, how they pound
Raising their sound
O'er hill and dale
Telling their tale
Gaily they ring
While people sing
Songs of good cheer
Christmas is here
Shoto and Hitoshi grip each others’ waists, turning in time together…
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas
On on they send
On without end
Their joyful tone
To every home
Ah ah ah
Hitoshi steps heavily, body bowing and arms raising…
Ding-dong, ding-dong
Ding-dong, ding-dong
Katsuki spies the extras during a spin.
And feel glee at their pale shock.
The best song to pick…
Hark how the bells
Sweet silver bells
All seem to say
Throw cares away
Hitoshi spins with pointed toes and flared wrists…
Christmas is here
Bringing good cheer
To young and old
Meek and the bold
Shoto steps with steady heels and powerful turns…
Oh how they pound
Raising their sound
O'er hill and dale
Telling their tale
The three step together to the center, arms crossed to hands on shoulders, steps in time and linked and powerful in their movements…
Gaily they ring
While people sing
songs of good cheer
Christmas is here
And they let loose…
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas
On on they send
On without end
Their joyful tone
To every home
Ah ah ah
Hitoshi spins and pirouette and slides around the stage, Katsuki and Shoto switching off as his partner with each pass.
A mix of tango and waltz.
A spinning moving swaying dance that spun and spun and spun…
Then a side step away from each other.
Shoto in the center, Katsuki and Hitoshi flanking him.
A curtsey.
And…
… end.
And the brothers can’t help but grin as the crowd erupts into applause.
Merry Christmas, fucking doubters.
___
Eraser knew his Christmas was going to be cursed the moment Punch showed up in a top hat and carrying a cane.
“Don’t you fucking dare.” the hero could hear his husband snickering behind him where he was sharing a thermos of cider with Jump. The vigilante themself was silent as they poured another cup, but Eraser called bullshit. He could see the light tremble in their shoulders, so knew they’d just muted their voice box to not give away anything.
Fucking coward.
Punch, on the other hand, just looped the hat around their hand, tipping it onto their head, and started fucking dancing
Have a holly jolly Christmas
They ducked under the loop of scarf Eraser immediately threw at them, continuing their jaunty tune as they skipped away.
It's the best time of the year
I don't know if there'll be snow
But have a cup of cheer
Eraser barely has time to duck before Punch is hooking one of their disposable coffee mugs with his cane and flinging it at his face.
Have a holly jolly Christmas
“A holly jolly fuck up is what you’re getting…” Easer muttered as he chased the green vigilante across the street.
And when you walk on down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
The hero grits his teeth as Punch gives him a mock salute, lifting their top hat marginally while their other hand keeps their cane neatly tucked under their armpit.
The fucker’s gonna die…
Oh, ho, the mistletoe hung where you can see
Wait…
Where’d they go…?
Somebody waits for you
Eraser spins in the direction of that damned voice, only to find Punch’s helmet in his face
Kiss him *crack* once for me
Hizashi howls with laughter as Eraser chases after Punch, forehead throbbing where the bastard headbutted him!
Have a holly jolly Christmas
Eraser can hear the laughter in their voice, but it still doesn’t make them stop.
And in case you didn't hear
Punch jumps down in front of Hizashi and Jump, throwing their hands up with a gleeful
Oh, by golly have a holly jolly Christmas… this year!
Then they do something that has Eraser’s hackles flaring.
They lean down and grab Hizashi’s hands, pulling the startled blond to standing before starting to dance erratically with him.
Have a holly jolly Christmas
They spin Hizashi out until only their hands are touching…
It's the best time of the year
They pull him back in…
I don't know if there'll be snow
And the spin the blonde again until Jump, the traitor, takes over!
But have a cup of cheer
At this point, Hizashi is giggling like mad, face flushed and hair falling out of the half bun he’s put it in as Jump dances around the rooftop with him. All the while, Punch grabs at Eraser’s clothes and scarf, spinning him and tripping him as the hero tries to make his way to his husband.
Have a holly jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
The cane comes up and snags on some of Eraser’s scarf, throwing it up and over the hero’s head to blind him.
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet
Eraser curses as he struggles with the stiff loops, stumbling more as metal covered hands grab onto him, spinning and tripping him around the roof blindly.
Oh, ho, the mistletoe
He’s not even listening anymore to the bastard sing.
Hung where you can see
Hands grab onto his shoulders, stopping his movement as more hands grab his scarf…
Some~body waits for you…
The scarf is whipped off his head, and hands shove him forward…
Kiss him once for me!
… to be met by his husbands awaiting lips.
And Shouta melts as the blonde’s long arm loops around his lower back, pulling him in close, bending him back, deepening the kiss so much the ravenette’s breathe is stolen from his lungs.
The blonde breaks away, red eyes warm and wide and so full of something that Shouta smiles back, cheeks heating even in the cold air as he’s led into a slow box step.
Have a holly jolly Christmas
They turn just enough to see Jump and Punch sitting together by the roof edge, holding hot cups of cider between them.
And in case you didn't hear
They hold the up the cups, heads tilted slightly in salute.
Oh, by golly have a Holly~
Jolly~
Christmas~
This year!
___
“Why do you insist on this torture?”
Katsuki growled as he shoved the wool knit hat further onto his brother’s head, “Shut your coffee addict ass up, Toshi.” He grabbed the purplette’s gloved hand and started to lead them away from the apartment building, breath tinting silver in the low winter morning light. “We agreed to do this, so we’re fucking doing it. Understood?”
Hitoshi yawns in reply, his red nose peeking briefly above the thick wraps of his grey scarf as a cloud drifts around his face. Shoto walks a bit further back and to the left, hands in pockets as he scans the deserted streets as they make their way to a nearby skate park.
They reach the gates in record time, and it’s only once they’ve wrestled the frozen latch open and entered the cold concrete playground that Shoto hums, “I agree with Shi-kun.” Katsuki looks at him, seeing the slight confused tilt to the boys brow, “Why?”
Heaving a burning sigh, because he knew he’d have to repeat himself to these dumbasses, Katsuki releases Hitoshi and turns to fully face Shoto with crossed arms, “Because there is no way in fuck am I being associated with your awkward snap-and-shuffle ass. Now,” he holds out his hand, “come here.”
Those heterochromatic eyes snap to Katsuki’s open palm like it’s a rabid animal, “I’d rather not.”
But Katsuki growls, and that prompts the boy forward. He tentatively sets his hand in Katsuki’s, and the blonde doesn’t hesitate to pull him closer, his other hand going to Shoto’s hip.
Awkwardly, the boy rests his free hand on Katsuki’s shoulder, apprehension starting to cloud his eyes as Hitoshi snickers from where he’s sitting on a high skate wall. But the blonde ignores his brother, instead looking Shoto dead in the eye as he speaks.
“Alright, I only have interest enough to teach you something easy.”
“Impressive.” Katsuki barely spares the purplette a glace as he snaps a quick “Zip” before continuing steadily, “This is something even your simple ass can learn, and it’s a skill we’ll need to know once we become heroes and go to Galas and shit.”
“Wow, way to be proactive, Suki.” This time, both boys turn to Hitoshi, one exasperated and the other pained, and Hitoshi relents with raised hands and a ducked nose, “Alright, I’m done.”
Taking a moment to make sure, Katsuki nods before turning back to Shoto and starts to move, “It’s a simple step two-three, slide two-three, and back two-three, then slide two-three, and again…”
And that’s how they go for the next half hour, a simple box step around and around and around the flat skate arena. The simple rhythm Katsuki’s set permeates the air, flowing with their bodies in time, only disrupted every so often by a curse or growl as careless boots step on toes or the motion staggered by a hesitate and wobble. The blonde doesn’t stop though. Nor does he snap. Instead, he keeps the simple pace going, keeps his grip solid, and keeps his eye on Shoto as he leads him around the skate park until the furtive glances up become more frequent and the rhythm as stayed steady for a few turns.
Katsuki stops, releases Shoto so the other can catch his breath and get a break, before nodding approvingly, “That’s as good as you’re getting without a lead.”
The red and green haired boy looks up incredulously, “I thought you were leading.”
Katsuki rolls his eyes as he fishes his phone from his pocket and heads to Hitoshi’s post on the wall, “I mean a music lead, idiot.” He hands the phone to his brother, song queued up, before moving back to stand in front of Shoto, “Toshi,” he nods once, “hit play.”
And the purplette grins, “Aaaaand off you go!” he taps the screen, then mutters low into his scarf to not be heard, “Fly my pretties, fly…”
And they start.
Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Shoto’s face goes from blank to deadpan, and Katsuki smirks as he leads him around.
Ring-a-ling
Hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day
“No it won’t, Christmas is a week away.”
“That’s soon, fucktard. Shut up and dance.”
City sidewalks
Busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
“Sweaters. He means sweaters.”
“You too, Cat Nap.”
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing
People passing
“… passing?”
“Don’t—”
“Like dying?”
“No, Sho. Like walking by.”
“Then why not just say that?”
“Because it doesn’t rhyme.”
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you'll hear
“But that doesn’t rhyme…?”
“If you don’t shut up and focus that won’t be the only thing that doesn’t rhyme.”
Silver bells, Silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling
Hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day
“You know I can’t rhyme already, right?”
*crunch*
“… ouch…”
Strings of streetlights
Even stop lights
Blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush
Home with their treasures
Hear the snow crunch
See the kids rush
This is Santa's big day
And above all this bustle you'll hear
“That doesn’t rhyme either, Suki.”
“You’re not helping, Shin-kun.”
The corner Santa Claus
“The creep.”
It's busy now because
“It's Christmas time in the city~”
“…”
“What? I can’t sing along?”
“Not with that voice, you can’t.”
“Offended gasp.”
“If you don’t shut up…”
Ring-a-ling,
Hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day
“soon it will be Christmas day~”
“That’s it!”
Katsuki released Shoto in exchange for chasing Hitoshi around the skate park, a wicked snarl on the blondes face as the purplette let out a peal of shrieking laughter as he zooms around ahead of him.
Shoto watched them for a bit, the old PQ crooner still trembling through the crisp morning air. He watched his breath cloud out into the sky, swaying along with the low melody.
City sidewalks
Snowy sidewalks.
Busy sidewalks
Void of any living soul.
Dressed in holiday style
Thin sweater, a wool hat, his right side keeping him plenty of warm in this brusque weather.
In the air
There's a feeling of Christmas
Izuku stressed about something they don’t know.
Touya spending more time in the café to make rent.
The girls coming over to drag them to the mall and out caroling.
Shoto’s snapped out of his thoughts by a shrill shriek, and he looks over to see Katsuki has Hitoshi on his shoulder, and he’s spinning the boy around and around and around while Hitoshi shrieks and laughs.
Children laughing
Katsuki stops, a grin on his face as he dumps Hitoshi, gently, and then starts wrestling with him.
People passing
Hitoshi has the biggest smile Shoto’s ever seen on his face, cheeks flushed with his laughter and the cold as Katsuki cackles above him.
Meeting smile after smile
And watching them, warm and content and with a sway in his step, Shoto couldn’t help but smile as well.
After all…
Soon it will be Christmas day
___
“Comfy?” Green Man looks up after tying the last lace into place. Hitoshi is warm, warmer than he’s ever been, and he likes it.
Before leaving the soft place, Red Man had pulled him into a puffy jacket so warm! Then he’d wrapped a grey scarf so soft! around his shoulders not his neck, never his neck or face or anywhere he might not like it and he has a choice in it before shoving a brownish yellow hat on his head. Or was it yellowish brown? Green tan? What did Spark Boy call it? Burnt something.
Like when those dumplings turned sweet brown around the edges, but before bitter black.
Warm fingers crooked bent scarred wrap around his hands, under light purple gloves that keep his fingers soft and Hitoshi breaks from his thoughts.
The Green Man smiles, gentle and kind and patient. Oh so very patient for stupid Hitoshi.
“It’s okay if you don’t want to come out. The boots are just in case. You can sit and watch if that’s more comfortable.”
Hitoshi blinks, gaze scanning scanning scanning across Green Man’s face for a lie, for disapproval, for anything, but finds nothing.
Nothing but soft soft caring gentle patience.
Patience.
He turns his gaze to the bright white beyond the half wall half window they sit behind. He hears a sharp tone that grates across his ears sharpening slickening glistening don’t touch me IT HURTS—
“Hey.”
Hitoshi blinks.
It’s Spark Boy.
“You need help getting up?”
Green Man smiles, gently releasing Hitoshi’s hands and standing.
Hitoshi braces.
Nothing comes.
His nose twitches at the scent of cold caramel.
“Come on, Toshi.” Oh. That’s him. That’s what Spark Boy calls him. It’s what they chose that one time together and— Oh. He should probably listen.
Tentatively, he reaches forward, setting his mitten in the bare hand of Spark Boy pop pop boom and fire and pain but not for him never for him and he sees something light briefly in his red red red eyes and for a moment Hitoshi fears but then it’s gone and there’s a smile and then…
He’s standing…
… on ice!
“Whoa, there. Easy.” Two hands press on him low back mid shoulder and steady him from his teeter totter clumsy stupid—
“Don’t stiffen too much, you’ll lose balance.”
Oh. That’s Double Boy. He’s always double, his hair, his eyes, his expression with words and actions and reactions and—
“You good?” Oh, yes, Hitoshi should be listening now, focusing, he doesn’t want to fall, falling would be bad because they helped him and if he didn’t listen then he’d be hit and hurt and oh how he doesn’t want this time to hurt—
“Since we’ve got the rink to ourselves,” Hitoshi looks to see Green Man drifting backwards in front of them, small smile on his face, and hands together, “I thought we might as well have some fun.”
Oh no, not fun. Fun’s not nice and it hurts and he doesn’t want fun not with two hands still on his back and his legs trembling to stay steady don’t fall and feet heavy these are ice skates Hitoshi very sharp don’t touch and the sharpening and slicing and bleeding—
A note rings out…
It’s gentle…
Hitoshi feels something… sway…
The hands leave his back, and for a moment he jolts, wavers, almost falls…
But then the hands claim his, one warm through fingerless and mittens, the other firm and grounding through the knit.
Red joins Green…
And they’re… off
Christmas time is here
What’s that?
Happiness and cheer
Is that what it is?
He doesn’t know.
They’re leading him in a wobbly circle around the ice.
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year
Does he have a favorite?
This might be it. wobbly and unsteady if not for the firm grip around his fingers.
He doesn’t know, since he’s never had the chance to find one…
Snowflakes in the air
Cold, so cold watching the ice float down to rest on his cold cold shoulders.
Carols everywhere
His father humming as he walked.
He’s happy about something today.
Meaning he won’t look at Hitoshi today.
Olden times and ancient rhymes
His mother…
… reading to him?
She must be having a good day too.
Of love and dreams to share
But they always had good days apart from each other.
A slap and a story.
A song and a must count to forty, Tomoe. Must must must one two three
A light pressure on his hand snaps him out of it.
Sleigh bells in the air
Oh yeah, he’s not there…
Beauty everywhere
He’s where he can see beauty, between two solid but gentle bodies.
Every time he wakes muzzle free…
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there
Maybe…
He can have some…?
Sitting under a blanket with one two three four people who don’t yell and hit and hurt…
Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
They never shied away…
Even when he asked for things, throat too tight to make words but enough to make sound…
If anything, they drew him closer…
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
Green looks back from where he skates with Red, hands linked, and smiles.
Oh, that smile warms something deep in Hitoshi’s chest.
He wonders what it is.
Sleigh bells in the air
He wants to hear what those are.
Beauty everywhere
He wants to see what that means.
Yuletide by the fireside
He wants to feel what that is.
And joyful memories there
Whatever those are, he wants them.
Oh, how he wants them…
Christmas time is here
His strides are unsteady, wobbly.
We'll be drawing near
His tongue is locked and throat raspy.
Oh, that we could always see
But when those hands in his squeeze his fingers, gentle and solid and warm and there…
Such spirit through the year
He lets himself be selfish, and squeezes back.
___
7. So Hurry Down the Chimney Tonight
There’s a growl from the living room, and Touya couldn’t help the flinch that runs through him.
It’s rare that Izuku gets pissed, but… this past month has worn him past his limit.
Peeking over the couch where he’s wrapping the boys’ gifts, he spies Izuku’s hunched form on the dining table, face twisted to something aggressive as he glares at the papers before him.
He’s been at it for hours now. It’s high time for a break.
Humming, Touya abandons his wrapping to crawl over to where Izuku is and pull at his leg.
The greenette looks down with a bewildered look, cracked reading glasses perched low on his face, hiding his freckles.
Touya doesn’t like that.
So, before Izuku can say anything, the redhead rushes to stand, grabbing Izuku’s hands in his own, and spins him around.
Izuku sputters a bit before laughing, eyes squinting as Touya hooks his glasses off and starts to dance with him. The radio is tuned to a Christmas station, and the current song is just peppy enough to sashay to.
Then a song comes on that has Touya grinning.
Izuku looks wide-eyed up at his partner, a flush creeping across his face, “No, Dabs, don’t you dare…”
Santa baby
The greenette sputters and giggles at Touya’s over the top sultry voice.
Just slip a Sable under the tree
He pecks Izuku’s apple cheeks.
For me
Been an awful good boy
Izuku lifts a brow at that, doubt written in his face but it doesn’t deter Touya one bit.
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight
Touya shimmies them again in place, and Izuku giggles.
The taller man spins his partner then takes hold of both wrists to start dancing again.
Santa baby, a fifty four convertible too, light blue
I'll wait up for you, dear
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight
This time, Touya crouches slightly, looking up at Izuku through his shaggy red hair, grinning wolfishly. Izuku is not stop laughing now, giggles interspersed with sputters and snorts, frustrations long forgotten as his partner serenades and tango’s with him in the empty apartment.
The next stanza begins, though, and Touya pulls Izuku close to him, murmuring the lyrics into the crook of his neck, as if singing a secret.
Think of all the fun I've missed
Touya doesn’t grin at the slight tightening to Izuku’s shoulders.
Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed
Doesn’t shiver at the warm breath huffed against the back of his neck.
Next year I could be oh so good
He definitely doesn’t swoon when Izuku leads to a rolling sway of their hips.
…
But he does nip lightly at the greenette’s earlobe at the next line.
If you check off my Christmas list
The next chuckle from Izuku is low, dark, warm in all the way cold honey is.
And Touya basks in the sound.
And he’s wonderfully surprised when Izuku takes up the song himself next.
Santa honey, I want a yacht and really that's not a lot
It isn’t. Not for his Izu.
Been an angel all year
Oh, the best angel Touya ever knew. Ever will know.
Santa baby
Crooked, scarred fingers tap his collarbone, walking goosebumps along in time the thin ridge of bone.
So hurry down the chimney tonight
They kiss, something soft and chaste and lingering.
Then Touya spins them around again, picking up the song with a goofy grin splitting his face.
Santa cutie, there's one little thing I really need
The deed to a platinum mine
Santa cutie, so hurry down the chimney tonight
Izuku giggles at that, cheekily, and takes the lead from his partner to spin them the other way.
He grins up as he sways in time and spins into Touya’s arms to rest his back to the taller man’s chest.
Santa baby
Touya chokes when Izuku sways his hips in front of him, a line of blue flames flickering across his brow momentarily.
And fill my stocking with the duplex and checks
Sign your 'x' on the line
Izuku traces a light finger in an ‘x’ on Touya’s cheekbone, looking up and back with a wide, warm, welcome smile.
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight
The next couple lines are lost to the redhead then, his gaze tunneled in on Izuku’s emerald eyes and the gold flecks hidden behind his pupils. He traces ancient constellations on the freckles of those smooth cheeks, marvels in the forest green lashes that fan out with every blink, wonders at the shiny peach of his full, gentle lips.
He ducks down, burying his nose in lavender and green apple curls as he stills their dance and gruffly speaks the next words.
I really do believe in you
Izuku’s breath hitches.
Let's see if you believe in me
The greenette takes a shuddering breath, a weary laugh, before turning in Touya’s arms. He looks up into hooded turquoise eyes, lifting a scarred hand to cup and cradle and caress the redhead’s tattooed cheek, tracing a light line over the dark ink as he marvels at the gleaming metal along the ridges of his partners face that seemed natural, normal, a part of him.
And he smiles something sweet as he croons gently along with his partner.
Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing
Both their hands fall to each others’ chests, to the twin metal ridges under thick woven sweaters.
A ring, I don't mean on the phone
Touya chuckles slightly, leaning so their foreheads press together, reveling in the warmth that ghosts his lips and cheeks and heart.
So hurry down the chimney tonight
___
“We’re home.” Shouta groans out as he shoves open his apartment door. Hizashi snickers behind him, pulling his scarf and jacket off to hang up as the ravenette kneels to greet their cats. They’d just returned from the regular faculty Christmas party, and Shouta’s worn out.
Hizashi, though, still has a pep in his step, and he’s soon traipsing around the kitchen gathering the things to make hot cocoa. Shouta, though, flops onto the couch, face down, and doesn’t move. Even as the cats curl up on his spine.
At some point, Hizashi’s switched the radio on, and now he’s humming along with each holiday song that plays, grin growing as Shouta seems to relax more at his voice.
Hizashi is just finishing putting a dash of cinnamon into his cocoa when Shouta drapes over the back of the couch, legs sprawled out on the cushions still, as he frowns at his boyfriend.
Blinking, the blonde stares back, “What?”
The frown grows, “You haven’t asked for anything.”
Hizashi blinks owlishly, setting his boyfriend’s cocoa down on the coffee table, “What?”
Shouta rolls his eyes, standing up to crowd the man’s space with a suspicious glint in his eyes, “For Christmas,” he taps light knuckles on the blondes chest, “You always ask for something three months before, and keep yammering about it until the day of.” He squints his eyes, as if the action would reveal some inner thoughts to him, “What do you want?”
Hizashi can’t help but warm up at the quiet frustration in his grumpy cat’s voice. He wants to take care of his partner, but doesn’t know how, and it frustrates him. Hizashi almost coos at how cute it is. But, seeing the warning in the man’s eyes, he decides not to and instead puts a finger on his chin, “Oh…” he pretends to think, keeping a gleeful eye on the ever tightening line of Shouta’s shoulders as he takes his time. He’s about to admit he doesn’t really want anything but cuddles this Christmas, when a song comes on the radio.
And it’s perfect.
A slow grin stretches Hizashi’s face as he eyes his partner, “I know what I want.”
Surprised, then suspicious, Shouta glances at the radio, the tune building up to the first stanza, and his eyes widen fractionally before snapping back to the blonde, “Zashi…”
I don't want a lot for Christmas
Shouta hisses as Hizashi starts, leaning back slightly, “Zashi, stop.”
There is just one thing I need
Shouta shakes his head as Hizashi boops his nose, “If you keep going…”
I don't care about the presents
“… you ain’t gettin’ it.” but the ravenettes gaze is drawn down, down, down to swaying hips and sliding feet.
Underneath the Christmas tree
“…… Yeah you’re definitely not getting it.”
I just want you for my own
A blush is rising, but Hizashi only grins further as he reaches for Shouta’s sweater front.
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
The blonde leans in close, breath tickling against the insomniac’s lips.
All I want for Christmas is you~
And Shouta shudders.
Hizashi grips onto his boyfriends hips, yanking him forward until Shouta has no choice but grab at the blondes shoulders or lose his balance.
The man grins at the flush rising in the usually stoic hero’s face as he starts dancing them around the apartment.
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
And I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
Shouta snorts at that, letting his body go to the rhythm Hizashi has set for their dance. He knew his boyfriend, and if anything, he lit up like the goddamned sun when he sees presents under the tree. The song is making him a liar.
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas Day
At that, Shouta raises a brow, smirking at Hizashi knowingly. The blonde sputters a bit, stumbling over his words as a blush floods his face and he finally releases the raven. Instead, he takes Shouta’s hands, spinning him, then pulls him back against his chest, arms looped around his torso as he sways their hips together and croons into his partners ear.
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
And oh, how no truer words were ever sung before.
Hizashi loves this man more than he can ever comprehend.
So much that even he is caught off guard by how fiercely he loves this deadpanned insomniac.
He spins the raven out of his arms, holding him out with one hand while the other presses flat to his chest.
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You, baby
And something smolders in Shouta’s gaze, making Hizashi shiver, and he’s suddenly being yanked forward. Heavy, lean arms wrap around his slender waist, and he’s dragged into an erratic dance around the apartment.
He can’t help but laugh in glee as he’s lead around. even more so when he sees the Cheshire grin spread across Shouta’s face.
He misses the next few lyrics.
Oh, I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won't even wish for snow
And I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeer click
Then Shouta is pulling him close, pressing gentle lips under his jaw, down his neck, then once to his collarbone before simply resting his forehead on Hizashi’s shoulder. The blonde giggles in response, threading careful fingers through his boyfriends hair as he starts back up.
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
Shouta’s grip on his waist tightens slightly, making Hizashi smile fondly.
What more can I do?
Baby, all I want for Christmas is you
You, baby
Shouta pulls back, one hand still firmly on his waist but the other pulls Hizashi’s up until they’re in a waltz position. This time, Hizashi lets himself be led into a soft rhythm with his boyfriend, singing along to the radio while Shouta mouths the words with him.
Oh, all the lights are shining so brightly everywhere
And the sound of children's laughter fills the air
And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa, won't you bring me the one I really need?
Hizashi doesn’t realize he’s crying until a gentle thumb rubs against his damp cheek.
He looks at his partner with wide, wet eyes, and meets a fond grey gaze that makes something warm and heavy drape over his bones.
How many Christmases has he spent waiting for Shouta to come back?
Won't you please bring my baby to me?
How many snow laden drives has he made to the hospital because of one mistake?
Oh, I don't want a lot for Christmas
How many times has he watched Shouta from afar, and felt so left behind, the lights on the tree faded to dull pinpricks of light?
This is all I'm asking for
And yet here they are, together, dancing in the dark like none of that matters.
Well, it doesn’t.
Not anymore.
And Hizashi smiles, gaze warming and heart swelling as Shouta smiles back.
But then, the ravenette takes up the song.
I just wanna see my baby
Standing right outside my door
Hizashi’s eyes widen as they gradually sway to a stop.
Oh, I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
A gentle hand caresses his cheek while the Erasure Hero fiddles with something in his jacket pocket.
Make my wish come true~
And then the world is spinning, warming, fuzzing at the edges while also flaring with so much light…
Baby, all I want for Christmas... is you
… as Shouta holds a small velvet box between them and sings the last few lines.
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas
Is You
___
It’s a week before Christmas, and Eraserhead is late to his meet up with Jump and Punch.
Usually, he’s not all that worried about keeping time with those two, as they’re periodically late themselves and never really complained when he’s running short on time.
But tonight’s different.
Tonight, Punch is leaving for the underground to try and flush a trafficking ring out before they leave the island. They’ll go so far deep, they won’t be able to patrol, and their civilian identity will be void.
Meaning tonight is the last night Eraserhead may see the green vigilante alive.
Stop thinking like that.
Eraser shakes his head, throwing out another length of scarf to scale the next building. Sucker Punch has been in the field for 5 years now, showing a skill and understanding for heroics the Erasure Hero is loathe to admit is missing in newer generations. They’ve got the skills, they have the experience, and if they’ve been with Jumpsuit for longer than the field… well, anyone who can wrangle that mess can deal with a few crime lords and villain kingpins.
Yes, Punch will be fine. He’ll see the bastard again soon, and they’ll go back to weekly rooftop meetings and police station pranks.
They’ll be fine.
Eraserhead is so lost in his head that he doesn’t notice the music until he’s already on their meeting roof.
He freezes in the shadows of the roof entrance, and focuses on the sound of it, trying to discern if it’s friendly or not.
He peeks around the entry shack, and realizes…
He shouldn’t be here.
Punch has Jump pressed close to their chest, their long arms wrapped tightly around the smaller figures shoulders, helmeted head resting on Jumps blue hood. Jump, in turn, has their arms around Punch’s waist, face pressed as close as their mask will let them against their partners shoulder.
Like that, they sway gently from side to side, bodies turning in a slow circle, dancing to the music coming from a small dented speaker in the corner of the roof.
All while Punch sings low and soft along with old, English, pre-quirk lyrics.
I'll be home for Christmas
And oh, Eraserhead shouldn’t be here…
You can plan on me
He shouldn’t see this…
Please have snow
… shouldn’t hear this…
and mistletoe
… shouldn’t witness this.
And presents on the tree
………… and yet, he cannot move.
He watches, hidden behind the cement box, as Punch runs a gentle hand up, down, up Jumps back, crooning along with a voice soft despite the modulator garbling their tone…
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
The hero knew there was something else about the duo’s relationship…
I'll be home for Christmas
… but they never went further than familiar touches and friendly quips.
If only in my dreams
And it’s painful to see.
If only because they deserve to be happy together, in all aspects of their life…
I'll be home for Christmas
You can plan on me
Jump squeezes Punch, something thin floating from their mask that gets Punch to pull back, only a little bit, to look down at their partner.
A metal gloved hand lifts up to cradle Jumps masked face, gentle and soft and oh so caring, no matter the barriers between skin.
Please have some snow
Eraserhead should leave…
and mistletoe
… he should really just leave…
And presents by the tree
The hero’s previous thoughts float to his mind, unbidden and harsh.
The vigilante is going deep underground tonight.
They’ll face off against a group of villain traffickers who’ve taken out ranked heroes.
Christmas Eve will find me
They’ll be masquerading as a criminal to get intel from them…
Where the love light gleams
Maskless…
I'll be home for Christmas
With no support…
If only in my dreams
If they’re caught in the raid…
They’ll be thrown away like all the rest…
And Jump…
Eraserhead shakes himself out of his thoughts, turning to look again at the duo, still slow turning to the crooners’ voice. Punch has their forehead pressed against Jump’s now.
The smaller vigilante is clutching the taller’s trench coat, their body pressed close enough Eraser can barely make out the shiver that runs through it.
The hero fears for his vigilante partner’s freedom.
What must Jump fear?
I'll be home for Christmas
Eraserhead finally turns, resolving to leave tonight where it is, and be there to support Jump however he can while Punch is under.
If only in my dreams
After all, isn’t that what friends do?