365 Days of TodoDeku

Hello everyone! It’s been a very long journey indeed! Here is a recap of the entire event! Special thanks to those who volunteered to fill more than five dates - this will not have been possible without all of you.Thank you very much for sticking around this far, and I hope you have an amazing 2020!

See you again next time,

Admin Cherry ❤️

Author: Doodles

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New Year’s Tears

Izuku Midoriya has never been so nervous in his life except for when he applied to UA, asked Shouto out, telling Bakugou about One for All….yeah okay he has been nervous before but, not like this. He requested the day off so he and Shouto can celebrate New Year's together. He made reservations at the restaurant Shouto has always wanted to try but, they're always booked leaving him disappointed. He also got a great spot to watch the ball drop yet another thing Shouto could never do due to crowds  til crazy schedules. “Now I just need to get my suit from the tailor and the flowers from Rinzu….” He mutters as he walks into the bank checkering his watch seeing that it's just past 5:30 pm. “I still have plenty of time to get this done. He doesn't get out until 6 and our reservation is at 8:30.” He's almost to the front when the man in front of him pulls a gun.

“Everybody down or you lose your heads!” A  warning shot is fired and everyone screams panic erupting. Another few rounds are fired and woman is shot in  the foot before everyone cowers in the middle of the Capitol Bank.

Izuku crawls to the injured woman, “Here take my scarf and apply pressure once I take your shoe off okay?” She nods and he removes her ruined shoe and blood soaked sock. She applies pressure once he carefully pulls the bullet fragments out using the tweezers from his utility knife. She curls closer to her husband whimpering as Izuku crawls toward the counter. He really can't pull the hero card right now seeing how delicate the situation is. He is about to hit the alarm when one of the villains spots him,

“What do you think you're doing baby face?” She says cocking his gun.

Damn it I didn't want to do this today! He thinks to himself as the villain makes him stand up. He sighs and turns socking the villain in the face the crunch echoing in the quiet room.

“You mother fucker!” With that shout the fight begins chaos following shortly after as the people scatter to avoid getting caught in crossfire.

“And in other news tonight Capitol Bank robbery apprehended by a mysterious man that has a striking resemblance to our beloved #1 hero…”

Midoriya runs through the park panting knowing he's late.

You already missed dinner...some date you are! Why would he even bother with the park after you stood him up?!

He skids to a halt spotting Shouto standing in their chosen spot as the final countdown begins.

10!

“Shouto I... I'm so sorry….” He says tears beading in his eyes. “I ruined our evening…”

9!

Shouto walks over to him with a sigh, “Must trouble always find you?”

8!

“I'm so sorry! I know you've been looking forward to this for months…” Izuku hiccups tears dropping off his chin.

7!

Shouto looks away, “When you didn't show up to dinner I didn't know how to feel honestly…. you've never stood me up…” He takes a shaky breath a few tears escaping down his cheeks their breath clouding in the cold air.

6!

Izuku sniffles hanging his head in shame, “I didn't want to stand you up…”

5!

“It still hurt Izu…you got me all excited for tonight only to leave me disappointed.” Shouto says turning away as the ball drops lower.

4!

“There's no way to make this up to you is there…?” Izuku asks more tears falling.

3!

Shouto shakes his head the wind ruffling his bangs as they stand crying in the park. Izuku turns to go his shoulders shaking knowing he messed up horribly and that Shouto probably wanted to be alone.

2!

Shouto grabs his arm pulling his boyfriend back toward him. Izuku looks down at him tears still falling from his eyes. The remorse in his eyes broke Shouto's will to stay mad at him, “I'm glad you're safe. When I heard about the hold up at the bank I was so scared that you might have been shot.” Shouto says holding onto Izuku tighter. Izuku hugs him tight mumbling soft reassurances. Shouto sheds a few more tears glad to be safe in his boyfriend's arms.

1!

“I love you Shou.” Izuku says nuzzling his boyfriend's hair before tilting his chin up and pressing their lips together.

Artist: Sie

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Artist: MysticEmerald

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Author: Kenyoda

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People always act like fate is a stone maze from which no man can escape. But the truth is that reality is the maze and fate is a collection of runaway bullets that ricochets off one wall into a person before bouncing off another wall and breaking another one. People can choose to bow to it and await their end or continue on to see what havoc it has wrought until their time is up. In this world full of mysterious and wonderful Quirks, the people living in it are not exempt from this truth. In fact, in this realm, those bullets can split into pieces that can have long lasting consequences.

One of the more fascinating paths is the one involving All For One and his brother.  A man was born in Japan during the most tumultuous time of Quirk manifestation. He had a powerful Quirk that could change the face of Japan or even the world for good or ill. Unfortunately, ill became his mark as he succumbed to the lure of power. The man nearly bent Japan and possibly the world under his foot, but he made a mistake. He split the bullet by forcing a Quirk onto his younger brother. From then on the two pieces raced in parallel to one another bouncing from incident to incident, person to person. The Quirks within his brother being cultivated into One For All, a Quirk that could change fate...

It was again split when the two collided with a heroine named Shimura Nana. The brother’s bullet splits, a piece ended up with the son she abandoned for what she believed was his own good and safety… the other in the hands of a young man named Yagi Toshinori. He later goes on to become All Might, one of Japan’s Greatest Heroes. Meanwhile, her son let his part turn bitter and brittle. He ends up launching it at his family, his son Tenko specifically. It would lead to an incident that would leave Shimura Tenko alone, broken, and vulnerable. 

Easy pickings for the embittered All For One. 

While the villain was poisoning his possible replacement into Shigaraki Tomura, Yagi was plowing through rankings and villains, barely able to function around the injuries he had sustained in his final clash with the villain. His bullet also split, half ending up in the hands of his bitter rival, Endeavor. When the time finally came that he had to give One For All up, he was drawn to another young Quirkless boy with an impossible dream. 

He gave the other to the boy when he passed down All For One. 

Midoriya Izuku clung to it like a lifeline. Training to wield it effectively as he could. His journey to UA would put him in the firing range of Endeavor’s pride, his son Todoroki Shouto. The boy was forced to hold the bitter piece of the projectile by his father. Midoriya, by choice, gives him a piece of his to free him from his father’s folly. The two combine in the boy bring the shards back down to 4. 

At the moment our story begins, there are 4 shards of fate that are on a collision course for one another and in the middle of them was the fate of Japan. So what will happen? After all, a handful of choices have lead to this point.

Another possible divergence point is brewing on the horizon, All For One, Shigaraki Tomura, Todoroki Shouto, and Midoriya Izuku all holding onto a piece of fate... what will they choose? 

It turns out, one decides to listen….

Shouto was panting and sweating. Bakugou was an opponent that was miles above his other opponents, including Midoriya. He was not going to be able to rely on his ice for much longer. He was already starting to flag horribly, but Bakugou was just getting more and more wound up and his explosions were getting more and more powerful. It was the worst match up possible. 

As he continued to shield himself using his ice, Shouto thought he could hear someone calling out to him over the noise. Ganbatte Todoroki-kun! It’s yours! You can do it! Shouto blinked. Midoriya. Was he right? Could he really make this fire his own and not become him? Was it right to do so? The uncertainties were singing through his veins making him shiver… or was that his ice slowly freezing him to death?  But he refocused. He was not sure about the fire or anything else but what he was sure of was that his… friend?... had given up his chance to be where he was to help Shouto.

And Shouto was going to be damned if he squandered it. 

Flames leapt from his fingertips, just as eager as they were during the match with Midoriya. He hits the pillar with it and the arena is instantly covered in smoky steam. Shouto quickly darts around the pillar. Hitting it with another burst of fire. He strained his ears to try figure out where Bakugou was. He then heard the sound of ice cracking. He turned and noticed he was directly behind Bakugou. The orange glare of Bakugou’s Quirk shining like a beacon on a lighthouse in a sea storm. Shouto slammed his foot down and then suddenly the sky darkened and the explosions stopped. As the wind blew the fog away, a smaller glacier than the one he trapped Sero in, was before him and the crowd. He cautiously worked his way around to the other side. Once again, his opponent was encased in ice unable to move. Bakugou’s heated glare was a far cry from Sero’s defeated one.  

The crowd cheered as Shouto moved to free his classmate from his prison. He resolutely ignored his gloating father’s roaring. Once Bakugou was free, he bowed and left. His normally volatile classmate, silent for once. Shouto stumbled on numb legs to the 1A waiting room and collapsed onto a vacant bench. 

He did it.

He used that bastard’s fire to win. He broke his promise again. What other promises would he break? His vow not to become mindlessly violent? His vow not to be like his father? How long before he was excusing all of that, too? It’s mine. Said a small voice. It’s mine and I can do with it what I want… Shouto shuddered. He knew what he didn’t want to do with it at least. The rest was still foggy in his head. He sighed miserably. A familiar, tinny sound echoed through the room. Shouto stood up and retrieved his phone from the locker he stashed it in. He looked at the device.

There were several texts, most of them from Fuyumi. All of them were nice and encouraging, although she did scold him about the glacier and Sero (Someone could have lost an eye, Shouto! Be careful!). Then there was a single one from Natsuo. The most Shouto knew about him was that he was going to medical school and that he openly hated their father as much as he did. They did not talk much otherwise. 

It had been a simple congratulations text. It was the most recent. He replied with a simple thanks and asked as he was busy. Shouto was not sure why he wanted to know. When he answered that he was not busy. Shouto found himself hitting the call button.

“Hello, Shouto?” Natsuo greeted. 

“Hi… I hope I didn’t disturb—”

“You didn’t! So, congratulations on your win!” 

“Yeah thanks… I guess,” 

“You don’t sound very excited.” 

“I honestly… I don’t know how to feel,” Shouto said, surprised to feel the prickle of tears in his eyes. 

“Is it about the fire…?” 

“How did you know?”

“Fuyumi has mentioned more than once that you refuse to use it.”

“Yeah… I used his— my fire to…”

“To win a school competition, Shouto. It’s not like you burned the arena down and killed people with it.” his brother’s voice a weird mix of amused and exasperated. When Natsuo put it like that, Shouto did feel a bit silly. But there was so much history tied to his Quirk that it was difficult to separate it all.

“I know that in my head, I guess. I am just so used to hearing about how he gave me power and…” 

“I know, kid… trust me, I know. He had a fit when mine manifested. He almost… never mind. Shouto your power is your own and your life is your own and you can do with it what you want. Ok?” 

“He won’t see it that way. He will make me train with it more…”

“Of course, you need control over it. You have a good handle on your ice, but even that can slip at times,” Natsuo cautioned. Shouto winced as he remembered the first glacier. He was right as much as Shouto hated to admit it. He did need to learn to control it, before he did hurt someone. But he did not want to learn from him… but he may need to. 

“You’re right… I just don’t know if I want to learn control from him…” Shouto sighed. “ I don’t think he knows the meaning of it.” Natsuo laughed at that. That made Shouto smile. 

“You may not have to, there are plenty of heros that have powerful abilities that require focus and control. Fire Users don’t have to train with fire users… while studying with one could probably lower your learning curve. But that is all, it’s up to you.” he said. 

“I guess I have to think about things. I just don’t know what to do or feel?” he said. “Midoriya said the same thing that its my power… that I can choose what to do with it… but it can’t be that easy.” Shouto said, a single tear making its way down his face. 

“Yeah, I know the feeling. You question if you can change things that easily. But I can say the first attempt is always the hardest. After that, it gets easier! You made a pretty big one today. Don’t beat yourself up too much! Take your time and do what you can ok?” Natsuo said, he could hear the smile in his voice.  Shouto found himself smiling, too. It had been awhile since he really spoke with any of his siblings, truly talked with them. He should probably do it more often. 

“Thanks, nii-san… It was nice talking to you.” he said awkwardly.  There was a soft chuckle from the other end. 

“You, too! When I get settled at my internship, I will send you the address! We can hang out sometime. Of course, you can always give me a call and if I don’t pick up, I will call you back as soon as I get a chance. I promise,” Natsuo said. “I love you, little brother. I am sorry I never said it as much as I should have.” Shouto was thrown but touch nonetheless by the sentiment. 

“Same. I will talk to you later then?” he asked, slightly affronted at how eager he sounded. Natsuo’s immediate confirmation made him feel happy and warm. The two said their goodbyes and Shouto hung up. He still felt conflicted, but it did not seem so heavy in his mind anymore. The sound of footsteps brought him out of his thoughts. He was tense, expecting to have to deal with his father, but the footsteps sounded far too hesitant. He relaxed completely as Midoriya Izuku opened the door. 

“Ah! I thought I might find you here.” he said softly as he shuffled into the room. Shouto winced at the state of his classmate. His arm was still in cast and he was wearing a leg brace. 

“Should you be walking?” Shouto asked, concerned. He then winced at how tactless it sounded. Midoriya laughed. 

“Probably, not,” he said sheepishly. “But Recovery Girl said I was fine as long as I didn’t over do it.” Shouto gave him a weak smile. The action still felt a little foreign on his face, but the beam he got in answer from Midoriya lit him up from the inside out. 

“Did you need something Midoriya?” he asked, wondering why he was looking for him. 

“Oh, well not really… I was just worried when you left. You did not look too happy…” he said. Shouto blinked. They were practically strangers and yet Midoriya was asking about his well being. This was definitely different.

“I am still— conflicted about some things. I am still ashamed of the way I treated Sero, and Bakugou was—” he tried to explain.

“Trapped in a glacier, too. Yeah, I could see how that would be a little awkward. But I am glad you did your best, though,” Midoriya said sincerely. Shouto nodded. “And I also wanted to apologize. I know I was being rather pushy during our fight.” The smaller boy scratched at his cheek self-consciously. Midoriya’s nervous disposition was rubbing off on Shouto as he unconsciously shuffled his feet as he stared at the ground. 

“I don’t think you should apologize… I needed to hear that. I want to apologize as well. There was no reason for me to come after you the way I did. I took a personal problem out on you and that was not fair.” Shouto said, bowing. He was adamant that he would not become his father, but today had shown him that denying part of himself while still behaving like him was not the way to go. So, it was paramount that he start by humbling himself and apologizing to the classmates that he had been unjustly rude to. 

Midoriya’s eyes grew wide and his face turned pink.

“Oh! I— you really don’t need to—” he protested. 

“No, I do. I meant what I said. I don’t want any part of the man that my father is. That means accepting who I am and the consequences of my actions. I behaved abysmally towards you and others in our class today. I owe you an apology for that.” said Shouto, slowly. It was not easy but it’s as both Midoriya and Natsuo said, it was his life and he can choose what to do with it. 

Author: Liz

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Season of Giving

Todoroki quietly unlocks the door to the small apartment, tip toeing around scattered shoes and jackets. Removing his hero boots, Todoroki lets out a tired sigh. He rubs his eyes and stifles a yawn, taking a look around the living room. The tree is unlit, the room incredibly dark. It’s saddening to see as Todoroki remembers the last minute mission he was sent on Christmas Eve, leaving his boyfriend home for two days. His heart squeezes as he continues looking around, eyes falling to the hall leading to the back of the apartment. He breathes out a laugh at Midoriya’s costume on the floor, piece by piece left in a row towards their bedroom. 

He hangs his jacket on the hook by the door before following the clothing trail to his shared bedroom with Midoriya. He considers taking his boyfriend’s idea and removing articles of his hero costume as he walks down the hall, but holds back so there is only Midoriya’s dirty clothes to clean tomorrow. 

The bedroom door is cracked, indicating Midoriya didn’t shut it all the way when he got home. Quietly pushing the door open, Todoroki smiles fondly at the sight of his lover, lying on top of their comforter in only pajama pants, soft snores falling from his slightly gaping mouth. He’s curled inwards, like he’s trying to find warmth, facing the middle of the bed.

Without a second thought, Todoroki’s socked feet walk to the edge of the mattress and leans over Midoriya’s back to press a light kiss to his cheek. Midoriya’s nose twitches in acknowledgement before he lets out a content sigh, body looking a bit more relaxed as though he knew his lover was home. 

Sending a last, loving smile at Midoriya, Todoroki makes his way to the adjoining bathroom and takes a quick shower, scrubbing at the dirt and dried blood on his body. He winces whenever he puts too much pressure on a forming bruise before moving onto the next part of filthy skin. 

Less than ten minutes later, Todoroki has a towel wrapped around his waist as he shuffles through his dresser drawer, searching for something to wear to bed. 

“Sho?” A deep, sleepy voice calls out behind him in the dead silence, causing Todoroki to jump out of his skin. He quickly turns around, finding Midoriya beginning to sit up, scrubbing the sleep from his vibrant eyes. “You ‘ome?”

Todoroki huffs a quick breathe. “Yeah,” he whispers, holding the towel against his body and walking to meet his sleepy boyfriend. Midoriya twists so his legs are dangling off the edge, feet just touching the floor, leaving Todoroki a space to sit beside him. 

The fire and ice user immediately takes a seat, wrapping his free arm around the smaller male, drawing him closer. The two sit there in comfortable silence for a couple moments and Todoroki thinks Midoriya had fallen back asleep, but was pleasantly surprised when he felt soft lips come in contact with his cheek. 

“Get dressed and meet me in the living room.” Midoriya whispers before standing and walking out of the bedroom. 

Todoroki doesn’t get to reply and only sends a questioning eyebrow in the direction where his boyfriend went. Once he realizes his lover wasn’t returning, Todoroki sighs and stands, going back to the dresser, continuing his search for something to wear. 

His hair brushed and lower body dressed, Todoroki makes his way to the living room. He doesn’t notice until he’s in the room itself, but the small bulbs are brightly shining on the tree, the only source of light coming from the Christmas tradition. Midoriya is bent at the waist, rearranging gifts that had been left by friends and family for the lovers. Todoroki clears his throat and Midoriya snaps up straight. 

With a shy smile, he beckons Todoroki over, holding out his left  hand for the other to grab, while his right is hiding behind his back. Once Todoroki is standing beside his freckled love, Midoriya looks into his eyes. 

“Merry Christmas, Sho.” Todoroki feels an item placed into his free hand and when he looks down, he finds a neatly wrapped square, with a tag hanging off with To Shouto written on it. 

Todoroki smiles before releasing Midoriya and walking around the back of the tree, picking up a small Christmas bag and coming back to give it to Midoriya, who takes it with a beaming, yet tried smile. 

The two sit on the couch, facing inward towards each other. Without another word, they open their gifts together. 

Midoriya is the first to gasp as he pulls out a figurine with the two heroes, back-to-back in fighting stances. He brings it closer to his face, taking in every little detail: his own freckles, Todoroki’s scar, green lightning surrounding his plastic body and small bits of fire and ice coming from action figure Todoroki’s hands. He sets it in his lap and looks up, ready to thank his boyfriend with glossy eyes, but stops when he sees small tears sliding down Todoroki’s cheeks. 

Midoriya scoots closer, body radiating with nervous energy as he takes in the unusual stay of his partner. Feeling eyes on him, Todoroki finally glances up at Midoriya, a slightly watery smile fitting across his face. 

“Sho-”

“We’re going to America?” Todoroki interrupts, amazement shining in his eyes, as well as confusion and love. 

“W-Well, yeah. You had mentioned when I came back from there that you wished you could’ve came, that you’d like to visit there one day. And we’ve been working so much, so I got to save up, and I thought we could maybe use the break. So I spoke with the agency a while ago and got us two weeks in January to go across the seas, visit a couple monumental places,” Midoriya rants, explaining how this all came to be while Todoroki stares between him and the tickets in surprise. “B-But we don’t have to! I can probably get a refund for the tickets and let the agency know we don’t nee-” Midoriya’s anxious mumbling is cut off by Todoroki’s lips on his. They stay like that for a long moment, before Todoroki pulls back a little, resting his forehead against Midoriya’s. 

“It’s perfect, Izuku.” Midoriya smiles and Todoroki gives him another sweet kiss. “I can’t wait.”

Author: Karma

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Under a sea of lanterns and firework jellies (I see your dragonfly heart take flight, ignite)

“Have fun! Be safe! LINE me when you get home.” Izuku sighs as his friends disappear into the crowds.

Ochako had promised Tsuyu some goldfish, and Kaminari and Iida had a whole date itinerary planned out. The Kendo-Pony-Momo-and-Kyouka quartet were already off on their own double date.

Leaving Izuku as the lonely, singular wheel wobbling down the road. It’s a better existence than the unnecessary third or fifth or even ninth wheel, but being extra always stings at gatherings like this.

Izuku would go home, but there are fireworks to be had, and a surplus of sparklers to light and watch die out.

Heaving the bucket with him, Izuku walks for a long while, until he reaches the old Hachiman shrine that’s leagues away from all the festivities. The worn, faded white torii is settle atop one of the scarce hills in the middle of town, and as such it is always Izuku’s preferred firework viewing spot. He climbs up the grassy incline, clutching his yukata and sparklers close, and slips only once on the wet grass as he goes; he thanks the god of the shrine for the green color of his festival-wear. Finally, Izuku settles well above the line of most buildings, and the world with its busy routines and individual stories passes him by makes him feel small and invisible in the best of ways. His spot, being as far away as it is from the festivities, is completely unoccupied except for himself, and he relishes in, at least, the solitude that the area grants him.

If Izuku weren’t feeling so damn lonely and miserable, he might even feel giddy over the fact that he gets this view to himself.

As it stands, he’s just counting down the minutes until the light show starts.

Start it does, with a few test shots to draw Izuku out of his own head.

The light show is fantastic, as it is every year. Fireworks launch to musical numbers and themes, and two shows even do the same song, a Halloween classic if his American friends are to be believed.

The one that steals his breath, however, is the one set to delicate piano music. Fireworks pop in place, then another, and the effect almost looks like a dragon chasing something in between and around the stars. Firework shells hover and float gently across the night sky, and at one point there are so many of these shells in the air that it seems like a group of fireflies have been unleashed, or like the stars are being brought unto the earth itself. It’s magnificent, it’s mesmerizing, the way the wind blows and curls the smoke around him makes his world feel small and foreign, exotic and the flickers of colored smoke that drift down from the fireworks only add to the mystique of the show’s magic.

Eventually, however, that show ends, and Izuku is left half-listening to the introduction of sponsors and themes for the next group.

Something soft tickles his nose; it seems like one of the parachutes that held the fireworks aloft had come to say hi.

It’s kinda cute, Izuku thinks, it almost looks like a jellyfish. A few bob on the wind in front of him, and he tells them, “A firework jellyfish! That’s what you are!”

As the wind picks up, more of these so-called firework jellies drift downwards toward him, and soon it feels like he’s ended up in some sort of jellyfish field. Some of them still carrying glowing embers and ashes, and the way the small lights from the mirage echo throughout the thin paper makes Izuku feel like he’s opened his eyes to a world underwater in the middle of the day. Lights dance and flicker like candlelight or sunbeams over the thin caps of the firework jellies, and each jelly picks up the light from the next, so that light is everywhere with no definitive source.

It’s only when the sounds of the festival change that he starts trying to escape from the sudden swarm. There’s a snarling nearby that makes Izuku think of the frequent warnings that have been coming about bear sightings, and for one second he’s terrified that one of the beasts has made it into the heart of town.

But as his sight clears and the swarm of jellyfish depart, he sees that the snarling thing is no bear at all. It looks like a flying worm, with a mane of furious red and white hair down its body and teal scales sprinkled in amongst the silver.

It looks almost like one of the dragons of legend.

Izuku hadn’t been aware that a dragon kite had been part of the parade. Or that they had been made so flexible and mobile in the past year.

Something splatters on his cheek, and pieces of paper whap him in the face as the dragon passes over head.

The liquid turns out to be blood, when he drags his fingers through the wetness to examine it, and the papers? Little people cut out of rice paper that take off into the air when he peels them off of him. One of them flutters angrily at him when he pinches its tail to take a closer look. He lets it go in fright, and it immediately soars off after its fellows.

“Ah! Sorry!” He calls after it, but it is impossible to see against the shroud of night.

Izuku peers once more at the blood, and frowns. Was the dragon real? Was it hurt?

Izuku decides, in the small part of his brain not currently occupied with screaming about the existence of dragons, that yes, it must be real, and yes, it must be hurt. That small piece of brain also concludes that it might be the fault of those paper men, and so Izuku hurries to grab his sparklers and lighter.

He sets a handful of them in a fan pattern, and yells for the dragon. “Mr. Dragon! Down here!”

By some miracle or breath of wind, his words are carried up to the dragon, and it arcs into the sky before nosediving at him. Izuku ignites his sparklers and holds them in the sea of papers that trail the dragons, and soon enough, the whole flock is aflame. The dragon hovers behind him and admires his handiwork.

When the sparklers have run their course and the little monsters not but soot and ash in the breeze, Izuku drops the spent impromptu weapons into the water bucket. He stiffens when he realizes that the dragon’s snout is now right behind him, and he can feel breath both searing and freezing through the back of his thin, sweaty summer yukata. His hair stands on end, but after a moment’s stillness, during which the dragon chooses kindly not to eat him, Izuku slowly turns to look into its eyes.

“Wow, even your eyes are two-toned…” Izuku mutters in awe. Because it’s true. Where the dragon’s mane is red and white, where its scales are silver and teal, the dragon’s eyes are brown and blue and striking. All fear is forgotten, even though teeth as big as Izuku’s forearm are hovering near his heart, and instead Izuku chooses to gawk awkwardly at the magnificent creature before him. Even when it opens its maw, the fear does not return, though Izuku isn’t sure if he’s been bewitched or is simply shocked stupid.

“Human.” Comes a soothing voice.

“Uh, ah, yes?”

“You have saved me.”

Izuku scrubs his head, and his hand comes away sooty. “Not really? I just, felt kind of bad that you were being attacked?” A huff of that hot-cold breath has him opening his mouth before he can think his words through. “You’re a dragon, and you can breathe fire, right? Why didn’t you use that to defend yourself?”

The mismatched eyes blink at him. “Because that is exactly what those infernal things were designed to do. I refuse to breathe the fire I inherited from my sire.”

Izuku quickly translates that into normal human speak. “But, but, your father isn’t the one breathing fire for protection here, you are?”

The dragon snorts, and gradually raises its massive head into the night sky, graceful and slow as any swan. “I wouldn’t expect a human like you to understand.” He coils like he’s preparing to launch into the dark shroud around them.

“Wait!” Izuku calls. The teal eye peers down on him. “You’re still hurt. Can I see? I may not know how to treat dragon wounds, but I’m still first aid certified, and I wouldn’t feel right letting you leave without having at least checked out your injuries, and I may not be able to help, but at least you’d know-“

The dragon cuts him off. “Very well.”

Izuku blinks. “Really? I mean, okay. Can you come back down here so I can get a closer look?”

The dragon swoops down once more, obligingly. “You’re a funny little thing, aren’t you?”

“I don’t know, I mean, uh, maybe?” Izuku busies himself with looking at the scrapes and paper burs on the dragon’s snout and behind his head. Some of the redness in his mane is from blood, and with a careful hand, Izuku scoops a small handful of water from his bucket and pours it carefully over the non-wounded but bloody parts. Eventually, the ruff of fur runs clean, and Izuku steps back. “All good, sir.”

“…Shouto.” His voice resonates deep like thunder, and comes out of nowhere.

Izuku jumps a little; they’d been silent for so long he hadn’t been expecting a response. He’d figured the dragon would just leave once he gave the all clear. “Shouto, sir.”

The dragon’s form… gurgles? It bubbles and rolls, and soon the dragon explodes into a thousand paper petals. What’s left is a man about Izuku’s age, with striking red and white hair, and eyes that are equally as mismatched. He stands primly in a kagirinu, and he stares in Izuku in way that can only be described as mystified. His voice, when Shouto speaks, is far less thunderous, but no less soothing and mellow. “How did you come to the spirit layer, Izuku?”

Izuku can’t recall having ever given the dragon his name. “I… don’t know? There were firework jellies and then…”

“Firework jellies?” Izuku sees Shouto’s lips and nose twitch.

‘Yeah? The little caplet things that float down after a firework has gone off.” Izuku feels kind of silly for naming them, now.

“No, no, I understand.” Shouto sighs, looks around, and holds out his arm to Izuku. “Would you… like to be shown around? I can give you a tour before you return to the human realm.”

Izuku looks around for the first time, and takes in the world. It is night here too, and a blood red, full moon hovers overhead, low and heavy and dripping into the shimmering black waters below it. The world is aglow in flickers of candlelight and red festival lanterns, and Izuku can feel the beat of drums and whistles of the flute inside his chest just as much as he can hear them. “Yes, please!”

Shouto holds out an arm. “Then, allow me.”

Izuku takes it delicately, and is immediately swept down into the heart of the town. The crowds milling here feel the same in energy, but appearance-wise differ so much that Izuku would have to be blind and dumb to miss it. If the dragon-human standing beside him wasn’t proof enough that he was in a different world, then the sight of these bird-headed, many armed, and multicolored peoples would certainly be proof. Several greet Shouto, and gaze curiously at Izuku, but they hardly stop to talk.

“You mustn’t stay longer than the dawn, but there’s much to be seen at this time of year.” Shouto whispers into his ear. They’re moving towards the water, Izuku can tell by the way the moon looms closer in all its red glory.

“That’s okay! I have to go back at some anyways, my friends will worry!” They settle onto some pavement with a view of the lake, or maybe it’s an ocean?

“Mm.”

More of the strange people flutter around, in the stalls and streets behind them, on the shore below, across the water. “Shouto, do you know why I’m here?”

The dragon huffs, and doesn’t look him in the eye. “No.”

“Are you sure?” Izuku leans forward to catch his gaze, to no avail.

“No.” The dragon nods to a feathered man who approaches them, who immediately backs away. “Maybe.”

“Maybe?”

“The show is starting.” Drums start pounding in unison rhythm, and they steal the breath from Izuku’s chest before he can continue with his line of questioning. It’s difficult to talk and even think, when the world trembles so under the weight of the percussion. Screaming whistles accompany shrieking burst of wind, and light filters slowly onto the water. Izuku is so mesmerized by the way the warm firelight interacts with the red light of the moon that it’s only when Shouto places a clawed hand under his chin and guides his gaze upwards that he notices where the secondary lights are coming from.

Ships sail across the water, shallow boats with large masts, but instead of being buffeted across the water by sheet sails, lanterns fill the spaces instead. An unmanned fleet of these pour into view, and they swirl once within the waters before heading to shore. As the boats reach the shallows and the ‘sails’ loom overhead, the wood flats morph into animated stick-like men, who pass the masts to waiting people before shambling back into the water.

The men carry their new acquisitions through barely-there paths in the crowds, and as Izuku watches them bounce along the road, embers spark and fly into the night sky.

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“Come on.” Shouto tugs him to his feet, and they join the ensemble of people who follow the impromptu parade down the road. As they move, music joins the layers of drums and flutes, and soon the lantern sails start swaying in time. The crowd’s moving gains a cadence, and soon the dancing begins. Izuku is dazzled by the swirling colors, but a hand on his elbow draws his focus back to his companion.

“May I?” Shouto murmurs, chin tucked into his chest.

Izuku feels the swaying at his back, and wants nothing more than to join the dance. “Please.”

Shouto takes Izuku’s hand in his, puts the other on his waist, and twirls them into the flow of parade, and Izuku decides to rely on the dragon to guide him and his steps.

Fireworks, small and intimate, launch into the air just overhead of the crowd, and when the cinders float down they don’t burn at all. The contrast of the dark ash and the glowing flickers in Shouto’s hair, with his multitude of colors, only heightens the brightness of his appearance, and the entrancing vision has him stumbling over his feet.

Shouto, thankfully, has quick reflexes, because he pulls the two of them immediately from the crowd and into a side alley, allowing the milling dancers to move past them seamlessly. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, you’re fine. I mean, I’m pretty. Wait, no, you’re pretty fine- Gah!” Izuku’s tongue trips, and he sinks to the ground in mortification.

Thankfully, the dragon doesn’t appear to be offended, because he joins Izuku on the ground, his lips twitching.

“You’re laughing at me.” Izuku moans.

“Perhaps a bit.” The dragon’s eyes crinkle. “You think I’m pretty, huh?”

Izuku groans, and curls into himself further. “You’re a bully.”

“I’m not hearing a no.” He rises to his feet. “Come on, there’s still a bit of time before you have to head back.”

Izuku peeks out of the shelter of his arms, to see a hand stretched out to him; his face lights up even as a grin splits his face. “Ugh, fine.” He remains hidden until he can school the grin off of his face, but the redness won’t go away.

The hand tugs him to his feet when he grasps it, and then the two of them move back into the crowd. The sails have long since moved on, but their light bounces back across every surface, so that the world remains aglow in fire. The dance has shifted, to something light of foot, and now there’s a layer of people dance through the sky above the ground. It makes for quite a sight, and also for a less crowded street.

Shouto must follow his gaze, or at least see the way Izuku can’t look away from the partiers above them, because he asks, “Do you want to go up there?”

Izuku feels his breath catch. “Could we?”

Shouto nods. “Give me a moment.”

Wind tugs at Izuku’s curls, gentle at first, then fiercer and fiercer, until the two of them stand in the midst of a gale. It steals the gravity from them, and weightless Izuku is carried into the sky. Some of the revelers around them shout in outrage, but others seem to enjoy the sudden onslaught of wind. The music swirls in the air around them, just as audible as ever, and Izuku wonders if there’s magic even in the sound here.

“Once more?” Shouto says. Izuku turns back to him, and his silly, hopeful eyes. Like Izuku can answer any other way.

“Of course.”

They dance their way across the night sky, above everyone else, the music and the sparks and the lights chasing their footsteps through the stars. But all too soon, the wind is letting them down towards the earth, and Izuku realizes that they’ve returned to the spot where Izuku first met Shouto.

Looking around, he can see that the eastern sky is indeed gaining some pink light, so distinct from the festive glow of the earth below them.

They delicately alight on the hill, Shouto still supporting him from their dance. They separate, and Shouto slowly, physically turns him, so that Izuku’s back is facing him. “Turn around, face the sun. Put your back to this world.”

Izuku does as he’s bidden, but he can’t just let the night end like this. “Will I ever get to see you again?”

A heavy breath whooshes over his hair, though it’s not enough to hint at a fully sized dragon. Which means that Shouto really is just that close. “I wished that someone would come. That they’d look at this droll, boring world of mine with new eyes and see as something other than my prison. Thank you, Izuku.” Something soft presses into his hair, and Izuku can hardly dare to hope. “Stand on this hill, the night of the full moon, face the west, and we may meet again. Now, close your eyes.”

Izuku does so, thankful that this isn’t a goodbye. That there’s more to come.

The sound of rustling paper returns, and when next Izuku opens his eyes, he’s back in his own world, facing the quiet of sunrise.

The kiss in his head burns and freezes, and Izuku knows it will follow him around until he next sees Shouto.

Artist: Kuro

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Artist: Seve

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Artist: Lillabullero

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Artist: Ani

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Artist: Misa

Author’s Note: "The peak of winter and the Oak King smiles fondly at his husband, taking the lead in their year-long dance once again. The Holly King is filled with the warmth of love and the approaching spring as they continue their seasonal waltz."

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Author: Liz

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Is You

Christmas is just five days away and Todoroki is freaking out. 

Every year, Midoriya blows Todoroki away with extraordinarily personal gifts, bringing loving tears to his eyes before he hands over a boring present of his own. Although Midoriya weeps every time, Todoroki knows it’s never as good as his lover deserves. 

So, Todoroki made a vow to himself that this year he would give Midoriya the best gift ever. But how can he can he do that? Todoroki has no clue, so maybe their friends would. 

-

“Aw, Todoroki!” Uraraka squeals as herself, Iida and Todoroki sit in a corner booth at the local cafe. “You know whatever you get him, he’ll be grateful and love it.” The smile Uraraka gives is almost reassuring. Almost. 

“I know,” Todoroki sighs, looking down at his half empty tea cup. “But I want this to be even better. Something that will amaze him.. He deserves it after all.” That last part was muttered, though the other two still heard it loud and clear. Uraraka and Iida share a secret smile before the speedy hero reaches a hand out, clapping Todoroki harshly on the back. 

“You’ll figure it out, Todoroki.” The ice and fire user looks up, meeting Iida’s encouraging eyes. 

“Yeah!” Uraraka chimes in. “I mean, he always says that ‘all he needs is you’! So anything you come up with, he’s bound to cherish it for the rest of your lives.” 

Todoroki swears he can still see hearts in his friend’s eyes as they part ways.

-

Todoroki sits in the small kitchen of Bakugou and Kirishima’s apartment. He isn’t sure why he thought Bakugou would know what to get Midoriya, but they were childhood friends, so maybe the blond has some sort of idea. 

“The hell? You think I know shit about what you should get for Deku?!” 

Or not.

“Chill out, babe.” Kirishima scolds his fiancee, though there is a bright smile on the redheads face, so maybe it can’t be called ‘scolding’. “Listen, man. Midoriya is crazy into you!” Kirishima’s enthusiasm is overwhelming to Todoroki, but he powers through. “All he talks about is you and how amazing you are and how he feels so lucky to have yo-” 

“Blah blah blah, all that sappy shit. You get it.” Bakugou rolls his eyes and returns to whatever he was furiously stirring in a bowl when Todoroki first arrived.

Kirishima chuckles softly before looking back at his friend in crisis. 

“Seriously, Todoroki. When you first started going out, I remember hearing Midoriya say ‘he’s all I’ve ever needed.” Kirishima sighs lovingly as though those words were spoken for him. Todoroki blushes, a small smile forming on his face. 

“Oi, shitty hair!” Bakugou turns around, finding his soon-to-be husband staring blankly into space. “You trying to say I’m not that sappy?!” Jutting out a hip, Bakugou crosses his arms in front of his chest in anchor. 

“No no no, babe!” Kirishima immediately jumps from his seat at the table to put out the fire that is his lover. “You express your love in your own special and perfectly you way.” The hardening hero takes Bakugou’s face between his hands, planting a small chaste kiss on slightly pouting lips. 

Todoroki took that moment as his chance to leave. 

-

There was one more person Todoroki had in mind who would know his boyfriend incredibly well. 

All Might.

“Young Todoroki!” All Might’s booming voice sounds through Todoroki’s cell phone. (The students were given their teachers phone numbers in case of emergencies.)

“Hello All Might.” Todoroki formally greets his teacher before clearing his throat. “I have a question to ask of you about Izuku.” 

“Young Midoriya?!” All Might’s voice is almost frantic with slight anxiety seeping through. “Is he alright?!” 

“Yes, yes, he’s fine.” Todoroki quickly reassures his teacher. “It’s about Christmas.” 

A couple beats of silence fill the receiver and Todoroki starts to think the former #1 hero had hung up on him. 

“Hel-”

“Young Todoroki,” All Might interrupts him, voice calm and collected. “Are you asking me what you should get Young Midoriya for Christmas?” 

Todoroki blinks, stunned. “Uh…” 

“My boy,” There’s a smile in All Might’s voice. “Why are you asking an old man, like myself, what to get your boyfriend for Christmas?” 

Todoroki huffs. “Well… I just, I don’t…” Upon his stumbling, All Might let out a soft chuckle. 

“Todoroki, you know him better than anyone. You’ve seen him at his most vulnerable, been at his side for, what? Five years now? You’re adults, taking on Japan as two of the top ten heroes. You’re obviously meant to be, Young Todoroki.” A beat passes before All Might speaks up again. “Let me ask you, what do you want out of this relationship with Young Midoriya?” 

Todoroki doesn’t hesitate to answer, “I want to spend the rest of my life with him.” 

“Then I think you know what you want to get him.” 

-

It’s here. Christmas day. Midoriya was sleeping peacefully on Todoroki, his breathe hitting the half-and-half male’s bare chest. 

Todoroki woke before the sun could rise, nerves raking his soul to the core. 

He tries to calm himself by combing his fingers through Midoriya’s green curls. He shuts his eyes tightly, trying to will himself to sleep, but to no avail. 

Before he knew it, bright rays filter through the window of their bedroom, framing Midoriya’s freckled face. The OFA user’s eyes scrunch at the sudden sunlight, a yawn escaping his mouth. Todoroki swears his heart stops at the sight, knowing full well what was to come. 

Once Midoriya gets his bearings, the smaller man looks up at his wide awake boyfriend, shooting him a sleepy grin. 

“G’morning.” His voice is gravelly, causing Todoroki to blush and smile at the sight. 

“Good morning, Izuku.” Planting a swift, sweet kiss to his lovers forehead. 

They slowly get out of bed and get ready for the day, the whole time, Todoroki feels anxious. His hands are sweaty and his heart is pounding. While they sit at the table to have breakfast, his foot taps quickly against the tile floor as he distractedly eats his eggs. 

“-outo? Shouto!” Todoroki jolts, turning to his left where he finds his boyfriend looking at him with concerned eyes. 

“Y-yes?” Todoroki clears his throat, pretending to be nonchalant. 

“Are you okay?” Midoriya sets his fork down, hand reaching out to hold Todoroki’s. “You’ve been distant all morning, what’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry,” Todoroki sighs. “Just, tired I guess.” Midoriya gives a small smile. 

“Let’s go back to bed than. Presents can wait and we don’t have to be at Kacchan’s until 3.” Intertwining their fingers together, Midoriya tugs at Todoroki to stand. 

“No, ‘Zuku.” Todoroki pulls the smaller man towards him, holding him closely. 

“But why not?” Midoriya looks up with big green eyes. Todoroki’s gaze flickers across Midoriya’s face.

“I, uh.. “ Todoroki stutters, causing Midoriya’s head to tilt in confusion. “I-I want to give you your present now.” Todoroki says each word slowly, tasting them on his tongue as though they’re foreign. 

“O-Okay! We can do them now!” Midoriya’s energy returns full swing as he drags Todoroki to their living room. Todoroki chuckles, forgetting his anxiety for a moment, getting lost in that blinding grin.

The two swap presents from their family members and friends that they had gotten in the mail. They always kept them under the tree, saving to open them for Christmas no matter how early they came. 

Then, it was down to the last two gifts: A medium sized present labeled Shouto, and a small plain brown box labeled Zuku. Like every year, Midoriya stands first to retrieve his gift, handing it to Todoroki with jittery fingers a wobbly grin on his face. 

Todoroki takes the present and begins ripping at the shimmering paper, revealing a plain brown box. Using his ice, Todoroki makes a small, pointy icicle to rip at the tape holding the package closed. He lets out a gasp when opening the flaps. 

Inside lay a black shadow box frame. Todoroki lifts it from the box and inspects the contents behind the glass. 

There’s a ripped out piece of notebook paper with a shriveled, yet still yellow dandelion. On the scrap paper above the flower, the words From Shouto in messy, high school handwriting clearly by Midoriya. The photo was black and white with a vignette around the edges. Todoroki was holding Midoriya on his back, the freckled teen was grinning so wide his eyes closed and Todoroki was looking up over his shoulder with a loving expression. It was clearly after hero training as both were in their hero costumes. 

“W-Where…” Todoroki was at loss for words as small tears fill his eyes. 

“Uraraka apparently took it after class one day.” Midoriya’s cheeks were bright pink as he bounced his leg. “She’s been holding onto it and decided to share it with me a couple months ago, so I thought…” Midoriya’s voice trails off as he bites at his lip. 

“It’s amazing, Izuku,” Todoroki whispers, finally looking up from the sweet gift and leaning forward to place a sweet kiss on Midoriya’s lips. “I love it, thank you.” Their foreheads touch and Midoriya giggles in delight. 

“I’m glad,” Midoriya responds just as a quietly. After a couple more moments, the two break apart and it hits Todoroki that it’s his turn. 

Standing a shaky legs, Todoroki goes under the tree and retrieves his small gift. Back to his boyfriend, he quickly pulls the small jewelry case out of the box. When he turns around, everything fades and all he sees is Midoriya. 

His best friend, his lover, sitting on their couch in their apartment. This place they bought together and share together. 

Together. 

“Izuku…” Todoroki whispers slowly walking to his boyfriend who scoots to the edge of the couch, body twitching in excitement. Once he’s infront of Midoriya, Todoroki looks down and suddenly, the words just come to him. 

“Izuku, you are my everything. You have saved me hundreds of times; from myself, from others. You are an incredible hero and person and I feel honored to be able to spend everyday at your side. You are an inspiration to all young heroes, your strong and passionate and I feel I fall inlove with you more everyday.” Midoriya’s lips quiver as pools of tears trickle down his cheeks. “When we’re apart, even for a moment, I find myself missing you. I know our jobs are unpredictable, but I never want to be without you. All I could ever need is you.” 

With that, Todoroki gets down on one knee, opens the ring case and holds it infront of Midoriya, whose jaw is slacked tears no longer falling. Todoroki tries not to choke up at the most important part. 

“‘Zuku, will you marry me?” 

Midoriya stares at the silver band. A hand comes up to cover his mouth as a harsh sob unexpectedly rakes his body. His eyes squeeze shut as streams of water descend quicker than before. 

Todoroki feels uncomfortable, unsure of how to console his lover considering he still hadn’t recieved an answer. Then, green eyes open wide and lock on mismatched ones. Midoriya’s scarred hand drops to his lap.

“Yes.” Midoriya breathes.

Todoroki freezes before asking, “Really?” 

“Yes!” Midoriya yells as he jumps from the couch. Todoroki stiffly follows up before he is tackled into a passionate kiss and loving arms. Finally breaking from a sort of trance, Todoroki wraps his own arms around the smaller man, holding him close, kissing him back just as intensely. 

After a couple little kisses, Midoriya pulls back with a wide grin before looking down at the ring still in it’s case. 

Todoroki flails slightly, scrambling to take the ring out, dropping the jewelry box in the process before taking Midoriya’s left hand and slipping the band onto his ring finger. 

Upon closer inspection, Midoriya sees the words engraved in cursive: All I need is you, with green, red and white jewels at either end of the phrase. 

Without saying another word, Midoriya pulls Todoroki in for another kiss, but Todoroki hears him loud and clear. 

All I need is you. 

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Author: Bel

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Pro Hero Deku is a beaming ray of sunshine on a cold winter’s day: stopping crime, shoveling roads, and bringing hope to citizens all across the country. On the other hand, Midoriya Izuku is cold and tired and sore from slipping on a patch of ice outside the train station, and is now clinging onto Shouto’s left arm for both balance and warmth as they finally head home for the night.

It’s quiet outside, save for the icy crunching of snow beneath their feet. Small flakes are still drifting down from the sky, and they glisten in the light each time they pass under a streetlamp. Izuku is quiet as well, perhaps too exhausted from work for his daily ramblings of the quirks he’d seen, or reluctant to disturb the serene landscape. He lets out a sigh, thinking about the fiasco of a store robbery they’d had to deal with earlier that day, and watches as his breath puffs out in a white cloud before floating off into the night. They walk on like this for a while longer, Izuku clinging closer to Shouto’s side each time a sharp wind cuts through them.

“Izuku.”

His voice is soft and low, and Izuku feels more than hears it. Izuku looks up and his breath catches at the sight that greets him. The way that snowflakes sparkle on Shouto’s eyelashes is mesmerizing, and Izuku is caught in a spell of winter storm grey and summer sky blue. He’s drowning in them, framed by moonlit whites and reds. Then, there’s heat enough as the two meet and exchange breaths, and Izuku is given another reason to hold on tight as his knees weaken beneath him.

“Hey, what was that for?” Izuku giggles when they separate, burying his face into Shouto’s shoulder as arms wrap around his waist. Shouto’s chest rumbles as he hums in thought.

“Thought you needed more help warming up.” There’s a slight teasing lilt to his normally even voice, and Izuku feels a mischievous smile pressed to the top of his head. Izuku just snuggles closer, more grateful for the warmth and affection than he’d like to admit.

It’s cold again when an icy hand snakes up underneath Izuku’s scarf and brushes against his neck. The culprit stumbles back from the resulting shove and accompanying shriek, bursts of his laughter echoing down the street. They chase each other all the rest of the way back to their apartment, dodging and weaving and occasionally letting themselves get caught by the other for a quick kiss or a handful of snow down the back.

By the time the two reach their door, they’re clinging tightly to each other, breathing heavily. It feels almost like the time Shouto walked Izuku home after their very first date back in high school, red in the face and hearts beating full of love. Shouto stops them then, turns so they’re facing each other, and Izuku loses his breath all over again at the way mirth and adoration dance together in Shouto’s eyes. They lean into each other, lips meeting briefly in a chaste kiss. When they pull away, Shouto reaches up and runs a warm hand through Izuku’s snow-dusted hair, letting the flakes cascade away. He rests his hand along Izuku’s jaw, caressing the freckled cheek with his thumb. He murmurs a soft “I’m glad you’re feeling better” before turning back to unlock the door.

Despite all the wind and snow, Izuku’s heart melts.

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Artist: Silvandar

Artist: Snow

Author: Kenyoda

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Behind the scenes

Izuku was rushing across the parking lot, cursing his luck. He was going to be late for shooting. He was never late! And on the first day, too! In his rush he nearly bowled over another person entering the building. He tried to stop but his momentum carried him forward anyway and he ended up pinning the poor stranger against the door, glass rattling ominously. 

“I am— so sorry!” he panted as he tried to regain his bearings. He finally pulled back, allowing the person to step away from the door and shuffle away from him a bit. 

“I-it’s fine,” came an equally strained voice. Izuku winced, he had already made a bad first impression. Oh no! Still running late! He sketched out a messy bow before racing through the doors with another apology ringing over his shoulder.  He made it to set with 3 minutes to spare for make up call. 

“Hey! You made it!” greeted a voice, enthusiasm on full blast. He looked up from being hunched over to see blonde hair and wild red eyes. 

“Morning Kacchan!” he gasped as he stood up. 

“You were almost late, ya dingus!” he huffed as he swept him under his arm for a noogie. 

“Ack! Kacchan no! My hair is a rat’s nest on the best of days! Don’t make more work for them!” he groaned. Kacchan just laughed and rubbed harder. 

“That is what they are paid to do anyway!” he chortled as he let Izuku go. 

“That’s rude, Kacchan!” Izuku hissed, mortified slightly as he watched a few of those makeup and hair people glare their way in offense.

“What? It’s the truth,” he stated, confusion evident in his tone. Izuku sighed, he loved his childhood friend, but he had all the social graces of an elephant in a china shop. Bakugou Katsuki was enthusiastic and well meaning but unbearably blunt. Most people blew him off as an airhead and rude. When he was actually quite intelligent and not prone to sugar coating things. Which in Japan, could easily be considered rude. His attention was caught when two deep voices reverberated across the set.

“I am telling you Toshi this is not a good idea!” 

“Calm down, Enji! Most of the show’s main cast are children! He will get to spend time with some of his peers. At least give the boy a chance.” Izuku looked up and about expired on the spot. Yagi Toshinori and Todoroki Enji were making their way onto the set. Between the two actors there were nearly 20 different acting awards from stunt work to acting. They were his and Kacchan’s idols!

“It’s— It’s Yagi-sama and Todoroki-sama!” Izuku couldn’t help but squeal in delight. Katsuki let out a gasp beside him.

“I know that, but you know how Shouto is,” Todoroki continued. 

“Yes, I am well aware of my honorary nephew’s tendencies. This will give him a controlled environment to practice in.” Yagi soothed. Shouto? As in, Todoroki Shouto, one of the few well known student directors in Japan? Son of the man himself?

“Yes, I know I said I wanted to get him out from behind his camera but I was thinking more of a school setting Toshi! Not a mid level production with him in a semi recurring role! This is his first one and you throw him in with sharks! Not to mention you know that Aizawa Shouta is set in his ways! Ways that make little sense to the rest of us mere mortals!” the man complained. Izuku’s curiosity is piqued. Todoroki Shouto will be acting in this production, not directing?

“I tried to find him something smaller but with a similar age range. There was nothing else!” Yagi protested. “Besides he insisted!” Todoroki sighed reluctantly. 

“Where is the boy anyway?” After a moment, another person shuffled onto the set, but Izuku’s attention was drawn by the director. 

“Midoriya! Bakugou! Get to make up. Now’s not the time to gawk we all have busy schedules!” barked Aizawa Shouta. Izuku squeaked in terror and rushed off to the other area.

 After a whirlwind of makeup and hair spray, Izuku finds himself scaling the fire escape of a low income building. He leapt onto the roof with the shadow of the thief ahead of him. 

He was now Valor, a parkour crazy sidekick that was on the heels of a thief with known ties to a cartel that he and his hero mentor were tracking. This was going to be his first capture, he was so close… 

An arch of lightning lit up the night before slamming into the would be thief. Valor slides to a stop as the thief slumps to the rooftop, unconscious. 

“The reward for this one should be good,” a smooth voice purred. Out from behind a duct vent came a lithe figure. They topped Valor by a head. Their streamlined shape and deep timbre suggested that they were male. 

A bounty hunter. 

They were vigilantes that exchanged villains with prices on their heads for money, rather than turning them over to the proper authorities. This was usually bad on the heroes end if they needed information or to retrieve stolen items or people. Because the bountied person usually was never seen again. 

“I can’t let you have him,” Valor called, stoutly. “He is wanted for questioning by the Heroes Alliance!” The hunter looked over at him and Valor could feel the smirk on the man’s face. He bristled at that. Two eyes flashed at him from a window in a hard mask. It was as dark as the rest of his clothing. The end of the staff in his hands arched with electricity. 

It was just his luck that he ran into a bounty hunter with backing! Just as he finished the thought, he had to dodge an arc of electricity. Instead of retreating he rushed forward, using his momentum to knock the weapon away with one hand while punching at the bounty hunter with the other. He fell with a grunt as his weapon clacked onto concrete before rolling away. Valor pinned the hunter’s legs with his own, before slamming the hunter’s arms above their head. 

“Who are you?” Valor barked. The masked figure laughed. 

“You ask me that after you straddle me?” he teased. Valor pushed the blush and embarrassment away. 

“I-I asked you a question first,” he ground out, frustrated at the slight tremor to his voice. 

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” the hunter sneered. Valor snarled in anger before pinning both arms down with one hand and ripping the mask from the stranger’s face. 

He gasped. 

Skin the color of porcelain housed thin pink lips and eyes the color of smokey quartz and turquoise. A bright red birthmark covering the left side. A halo of ruby and crystal hair fell around an angelic face, the strands having slipped free of a ponytail. 

Izuku froze and his heart stuttered violently. He could not recall another one of his lines. His entire brain had decided to devote all of its remaining firepower to committing such a lovely face to memory. The porcelain skin turned into rose gold as his co star flushed under his scrutiny. 

“Who— are you?” he found himself whispering. His co star gasped and began to struggle against him. Izuku pressed his weight down automatically. They stopped moving. 

“I’m— ”

“Valor! Valor, my boy!” Ever Bright’s voice snapped Izuku from his daze. Oh my god, I zoned out in the middle of scene!

“E-ever Bright! There is a— ack!” he cried out as the hunter gave a hard buck and finally unbalanced him. He landed hard on his side. By the time he got his barings, the hunter was on the other end of the roof, preparing to jump. 

“Halt, vigilante!” came Ever Bright’s booming voice. The hunter turned his head back to stare Izuku down. The well timed wind blowing a few strands of ruby hair across the piercing jewel colored orbs, obscuring his face. 

“Valor, huh? How fitting!” he taunted, before leaping off. 

“And cut!” came Aizawa’s voice. “Y’all aren’t useless after all! I might need to do some revisions.” Izuku sunk to his knees at the off handed praise. 

“Well done, young Midoriya! You are carrying your role well for your first day!” Yagi said as he patted his shoulder. Izuku felt light headed. He had been complimented by Yagi Toshinori! Even after monumentally screwing up a scene because his useless bi ass was floored by a pretty boy! “You too, Shouto!” Izuku’s head snapped up. 

The young hunter had come back onto the roof and was gathering the props to hand off to the assistants. He jerked up reflexively before turning crimson. One of the assistants took the items and scurried away. Once there was nothing in his hands, the boy immediately began playing with his fingers and looking anywhere but at them. He mumbled something unintelligible to the air.  

“Shouto, I have heard you be louder than that when you are giving stage direction!” chided Todoroki Enji as he made his way over. “But I agree with Toshi! That was excellent work, son!”  

Shouto shuffled in place, a small pleased smile tugging at his lips. 

“T-thank you, but was it really ok?” he asked softly. Izuku felt the equivalent of mental whiplash. This was the same person that was borderline flirting with him mere moments ago? It was had to believe it! It seemed that not only was Todoroki Shouto a talented director, but also a pretty talented actor, too. Not to mention just plain pretty. Most anyone ever saw of him was half his face hidden by a hoodie.  

“Ah! How rude of me!” Yagi cut in suddenly. “Young Midoriya, this is Todoroki Shouto! He is like one of my nephews! He will be playing the vigilante and bounty hunter, Nexus.” Izuku nodded, unable to speak and wrestle his inner fanboy into submission at the same time. “Shouto, this is Midoriya Izuku a newcomer that is already showing promise!”  

“H-Hi! I love your work, Todoroki-kun! I hope you don’t mind the -kun. Wow, the make up artists must be really good, your hair and eyes are really striking!” he said, babbling slightly out of nerves and butterflies in his stomach. The boy blinked at him, before his eyes went wide. Once again Todoroki Shouto turned bright red. He worked his mouth but no sound escaped. Izuku decided then and there that a strategic retreat was in order. He politely excused himself and bolted for the nearest exit. Just as he passed to the outer edges of the set, he heard Yagi-san’s voice. 

“Just as well he doesn’t know that these looks are natural, eh, nephew?” This was followed a weak whine that Izuku could easily identify as one of embarrassment.

“Toshi!!!” chided Enji. 

Yep, Izuku was going to go find a hole to crawl into. 

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