#acebug.txt

“What would happen if i’d kiss you right now?”

[Name] turned slowly to Todoroki Shoto, looking confused by the statement. It was rather unusual of him, to come out so strongly with something.. like that.

“What..?” He just stared back, completely serious with his statement.

“Is that not something you ask someone you like..?” He whispered it so lightly. [Name]’s cheeks warmed up at that confession, heart going a mile a second. It was quiet and awkward for awhile.

To lost in their head to realize, Todoroki lifted his hand up to [Name]’s forehead.

“You feel hot, are you sick?” [Name]’s eyes widened and shook their head.

“No- no i’m not sick.” Shouto nodded. It went quiet again for a few beats.

“I would kiss you back.”

“Mm?” Todoroki tilted his head.

“To your question, I would kiss you back,” [Name] said, this time being the serious one, “..Is there a specific reason you asked?” They scooted closer to the half n half boy, inches apart.

“One of Sero’s mangas.” They stifled a chuckle and smiled.

“You like romance?” They watched his eyes glance to their smile, a small redness of his own cheeks formed.

“Yes.. should I not?”

“No no, I just didn’t really expect, you to like it. There’s nothing wrong with liking romance.” Todoroki nodded again. The silence returned, although a bit less awkward than before.

“Can I kiss you, Todoroki?”

“Shouto” [Name] blinked, “please call me Shouto.”

“Oh, then. Can I kiss you, Shouto?” He smiled, a smile that just made their heart melt. Again he nodded.

Shouto reached to [Name]’s face, holding it, although a bit nervously and kisses them. His lips were soft, they tasted of vanilla with a minty aftertaste. They did kiss back like they said they would. Even for a short kiss, which turned to two, then three and four, and then into more.

[Name] would to have to thank Sero personally for lending Shouto that manga tomorrow.

Thinking about skincare with Shoto Todoroki…

Shoto doesn’t really know what skincare is. Honestly, he was just kinda born with good skin? It was never too oily, or too dry, etc etc. So he’s never really needed or been concerned about it.

He’d maybe seen a few products from when Fuyumi and Natsuo—though the later always had it worse—were going through puberty.

But only briefly.

So when you invited him over for a ‘spa day’ he was pretty clueless on what he was getting into.

That’s how he found himself here, siting on your bed, letting you this creamy substance to his face. You had called it a face mask? saying it was to help hydrate and clean his pores? It felt a little cool and a little weird but also quite nice.

“Andddd, done! How’d you feel?” Your face smiling with a childish excitement.

“It’s.. quite nice?” He watched your expression as he spoke. You looked quite proud of yourself.

From there, you applied your own face mask, re adjusting your position to snap a silly picture of you two. Giggling about it after, showing him the wonderful—and outright silly—picture. He smiled a little, letting you enjoy your shenanigans. From there, you went over a few other products you wanted to test out on him, and what they are supposed to do. He found your knowledge quite intriguing, soaking up every last word.

After removing the face masks, and you go to start applying the different products. He’d watch you constantly apply each product to his skin, while soft words were exchanged between you too. And Shoto gave his thoughts as you asked with every new product you used.

The next morning his skin felt softer, and smoother, then it had previously. He was quite satisfied.

And Shoto—enjoying this experience—would ask to do it again. You, being you, obliged.

RAPHAEL helps you decorate the trees hard to reach places.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: when the temperature drops, the white cold flutters down from the sky, and you finally pull those dusty boxes from closets or basements or attics to decorate for all to see.. or at least those you invite in. And this Christmas was very special, as a pair of new hands were partaking in the traditions [Names] family repeated every year, ever since [Name] was young, and their parents were young, and theirs, and many more young before them. The itinerary of today was full but motions they completed countless times before. The first thing and least favorite of the steps; taking those dusty boxes from storage. [Name] had always chosen watching over helping as a kid, because they would rather do the fun-looking stuff.

As [Name] dragged the very last box in from the hallway, they landed on the floor, huffing and suctioning in the air to slow the pounding in their chest. Sweat dripped down their head and clung to their brow and down their neck and clung to their hair and down their back and clung to their clothes. Maybe [Name] was exaggerating just how sweaty they were but their storage closet was no joke. That might be the first thing they deal with come the new year.

There’s laughing behind them and then two big, green, three-fingered hands plucked them right up. And [Name] was back on their feet, steady and grounded.

“I’m almost done with the tree, [Name].” The voice smiled big and toothy. And [Name] barred one too.

The tree stood tall and proud, a bit under fluffed which, Raphael whose eyes shone as he finished fluffing the tree, looked to you for approval. All it took was a quick nod for him, too, to be proud of his task. [Name] wondered how different their Christmas’ were. What kind of traditions and decorations did they have? Maybe they could even incorporate it next year?

Looking back to the boxes, [Name] began to pop open lids or untuck box flaps, revealing the countless decorations spanning generations. Even then something still felt missing. They had: a tree, boxes of ornaments, garland and wreaths, and space for decorating everything, [Name] was even wearing a cute Christmas sweater. But, still, something was missing. The room was t quiet, only filled with the rustling and the footsteps of each other. That was it! quickly [Name] turned and rushed up to an electronic device whispering into it and within seconds the familiar joyous tunes erupted from the device. Now, it was perfect for decorating.

Looking amongst the boxes for the string of green pine, and strings of silver and gold. Bunched up in her arms, Turning to the tree and the mantle deciding where to put what.

“Hey red guy, can you put the silver and gold on the tree for me?”

“You got it, boss.” The silver and gold were plopped into his arms and they turned their separate ways. [Name] laying garland atop the mantle adding little figures and fake candles to keep it from sliding and falling. While Raph wrapped and tucked the silver and gold garlands around the tree, it was nothing perfect but that’s what made it work. [Name] toon a bit longer with readjustments, one end was too short, and then there was too much garland on one spot, she even threw on tiny fairy lights to see if that would add anything (it did). But that led to readjusting. Eventually, it was perfect and they showed off their work, Raphael agreed.

“Those fairy lights are too cute!” [Name] smiled at his words. He got up close, admiring the meticulous arrangement of the garland and fairy lights.

“Thank you, red. You did a good job with the tree garland.” He smiled back, his big toothy smile. [Name] bent down to pick up a few statues and other Christmas nick nacks that were to be placed around their living room. Raphael was setting up wreaths on the hooks she put up earlier. Everything was coming together, a warm silence only deafened by the melodies of christmas. [Name] felt giddy and warm as they moved on to the next part of business: The tree!

This was always their favorite part, each ornament had a story, no matter how silly or small or sentimental and lengthy. Plenty of memories flashed by as they rummaged, but there was one in particular they were looking for.

It was one of the first Christmases they could remember. On Christmas eve their parents sat them down and handed them a box.

“An early Christmas gift” They told her, Inside the box was a snowflake ornament, It was weighted but beautiful. Inscribed on it was ‘To your 4th Christmas, Love mom and dad.’ Their parents helped her hang it on the tree. It stood out to them, it was hers and it was all she looked at.

Now, holding it: It was lighter, worn but recognizable and still produced a warm feeling of it being theirs. [Name] went to put it on the tree, in the direct center of it. It looked back at her.

“It’s beautiful, [Name].” Raphael said standing beside her.

“It is.” They replied.

They continued with decorating the tree, sometimes with [Name] sharing some of their stories to Raphael. He laughed at some and just listened for others, and eventually all the ornaments were on the tree, some memories relived and two people standing proud at their accomplishments. Till one pointed out how there was only one unopened back.

“The Star!” [Name] exclaimed, They would pull out this multicolored star from the box.

“Hey Red, do you mind helping me get this on?” He nodded and fumbled a little bit, not sure how to help. Before he ended up just picking her up and onto his shoulders. It made them jump before settling in. [Name] leaned forward to get the star on just right. Hands out framing it.

“Perfect!” Till she felt herself slipping, she leaned forward from her perch and the next second landed in Raph’s arm. The pair bursted out laughing, and when [Name] opened her eyes she caught a glimpse of a green and red plant dangling from a pile of wood and string.

“You know what they say about mistletoe?” Raph gave a cheeky smile.

“C’mere big guy.” [Name] rolled their eyes and pulled him into a kiss.

From outside, Leonardo cheered as his plan worked.

MICHELANGELO has the perfect secret santa gift for you.

The last of the group had arrived. Rushed in from the flurry of stale and frozen air outside and into the warmth of a crackling fire and friends and laughter. [Name] shrugs off their coat, hanging it up along the others and hats and scarves and earmuffs.

“[Name]! you made it” they turned to be greeted by the youngest of the turtles—and their favorite—Michelangelo. Their arms wrapped around each other. Others began to appear in greetings, Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello, Cassandra and Casey Jr, April and Splints. They all greeted each other with hugs, fist bumps, how are yous, did you have a safe trips, etc.

There was hot chocolate, cookies, candies, and snacks all spread out on the table for them all to enjoy. Blankets and pillows about, because today, today was secret santa! [Name] was so excited for it, they’d spent ages making sure their gift was perfect for who they had.

The night winded down and it was getting closer to giving out the gifts. There was a circle by the tree of pillows and blankets, and everyone began to take a seat trying to all guess who had who. Until it was time to actually pass out presents.

As each went giving out to who they had, loving the gifts whether genuine or joke. Until it finally got down to [Name], to which Mikey pulled out this thin rectangle wrapped present. Trying to make a couple guesses as it dipped down a bit near the center, there were ridges and divots too. Eventually giving up and began ripping it open.

Only to be met with familiar eyes, smile, nose, ears, hair- face. It was a painting, Michel-freaking-angelo painted a portrait of them. [Name] wanted to cry so bad, but instead they tackled him into a hug. They laughed when a piece of green tickled them. Above them was Leo! holding a mistletoe and the cheekiest little grin.

“You’re such a doofus.” Was all [Name] said before pulling Mikey in for a kiss.

DONATELLO takes you on your first Hamato family snowball fight.

[Name] was far from prepared, you could say they waited till the very last second to get ready. They’ve had this plan for weeks, their first ever Annual Hamato Family Snowball fight, and they are getting ready now! You can picture it now: they were scrambling through their closet and drawers for any warm article of clothing they could find. Then could be seen sorting through what they’d need. Hat? check! Scarf? check! Gloves? check! Coat? check! Long insulated pants? check! warm socks? check! and finally, boots? check!

Shoving everything on as they went, then doing a double, no triple check once everything was on. It was a bit too hot for this in the apartment but in the future they will thank themself later. They wouldn’t need to bring a bag or anything, it was just going to be a snowball right after all.. where would they even put it without it getting soaked by ice and snow.. They let out a breath they’d been holding in relief now ready to go.

And at that moment, their phone buzzed. A message from Donnie popped up.

‘Ahem, I have arrived!’ [Name] shook their head with a laugh. They found the way he texted quite endearing. Then a second text came through: ‘Please proceed outside so we arrive on time to the park.’ [Name] sent back a quick ok. Seeing the text be marked as read they were reminded they didn’t need another check. Once that was done, they waltzed on out to greet the turtle so often clad in Purple.

“Hello! All ready to go, Don!” [Name] was far from surprised to see him cover—head to toe—in purple.

“Excellent. As this is your first Annual Hamato Family Snowball fight, and subsequently snow day. I will warn you, be prepared.” They flashed them a grin, confident that it can’t be that bad, seriously, it’s a snowball fight? Today was a perfect day: the sun was high, it was chilly but not out right freezing, the snow looked pretty fresh and there were still don flakes scattering in the wind, and it didn’t seem that busy out, minus the overly energetic kids and parents who looked like they were still asleep. That’s rough.

“I can’t wait to see that look on your face when I beat you.”

Donnie was the first to speak, and it easily peaked [Name]’s interest.

“Oh yeah? Well I'm gonna make sure to hit you enough you become a wet noodle!.” They replied, their cheekiness being brought up to the surface with a smile.

“We shall see” Donnie gave a wide grin in response. His scheming brain began plotting their snowy demise.

“We shall see indeed.” [Name] gave a good ole poke to his shoulder. Brainstorming up a plan themself too.

It was not long before they found themselves at Bronx Park. Where the others stood waiting, albeit, rough housing with one another as they do. Till Mikey noticed their presence and started waving, enthusiastically. [Name] waved back too, running up to their friends. Don’t reluctantly run up after them.

“If everyone’s made it,” April smiled, catching their attention, “Do we all remember the rules?” which was followed by a blank stare from [Name]. The rules were promptly explained and the excited chattering amongst them as they planned out teams began. Making offers and bargains for allies. Eventually—after many chores, snacks, and cooking bribes—they all split into three teams: Donnie and [Name] vs. April and Leo vs. Raph and Mikey.

And with that, without warning, all out war broke loose.

Snowballs went flying, there were split attacks, and team ups, and even a time where Raphael got targeted. There wasn’t much Mikey could do for him.

[Name] ducked down dodging a snowball thrown by April. They laughed at her failed attempt to strike her. When their mouth and face got stuck, cold. [Name] shook their face spitting out any extra snow, Leo found it rather funny that he got some in their face. [Name] met Donnie’s eyes, and they both smiled, they snickered as Donnie began making multiple snowballs with his hands and shell. Passing one to them.

“Fibonacci!” and the snowballs went flying, sticking April and Leo with all they had. They got the last laugh that time. High fiving each other in their success, even if they started out planning on opposite sides. This was sure as hell much more fun. The game goes on, the snowballs continue to be thrown. Playful insults are thrown, they target Raph once more. The game would die down but not without one more play.

[Name] had been hiding snowballs, because they intended to keep that promise of making him a wet noodle. And now it was time.

“Heyyy Dee!” Their voice had a sing songy tune to it, Donnie became skeptical at that.

“Fibonacci!” they yelled throwing those scared secret snowballs like they were going outta style.

“That’s my line!” it came out dramatically as he fell back, snowballs soaking his coat and hat.

“Haha! Wet noodle.” The others were holding in their laughs.

“Ok– ha- ok, let’s head back to warm up?” April suggested. To which they all agreed. The group took the shortest route they knew: through the sewers, which might not have been the most ideal but it was better than possibly dealing with humans who aren’t fond of mutants.

Back at the layer they bundled up and drank hot cocoa to keep warm. And after some convincing, Splinter even let the boys out on Christmas movies. Everything was just perfect now. Even when green leafy vegetation with little red berries hung over them and Donnie. Oh, it was mistletoe, before they both could think, [Name] placed a quick kiss to his lips. Giving a little smile.

Leo, was leaning on top of Raph to hold over the mistletoe. His smile, still proud.

LEONARDO and you go Christmas shopping together.

The mall was packed, but all a glow: Christmas lights, trees, wreaths, lights, little setups all around. With festive music from above all adding to this whimsical carefree atmosphere, for the most part. Because when Christmas comes to town, so does the Christmas shopping stress. Lucky for you though, you already got all yours done. Leaving time for some fun browsing. Tagging along, was Leo, how? you may ask? A gift: a cloaking brooch. They were all given one and earlier christmas. A gift for what all they had gone through during the Kraang incident.

Well, it was useful for when the boys wanted to go out and do more adventurous, longer outings like right now. Well except Leo decided against the use of his cloaking brooch today. Which was his choice and his alone to decide.

Surprisingly, and thankfully, most of the world just ignored them as they went about. I guess it would be fair that most of New York City is desensitized to mutants by now.

They stopped at various stores, like a candy store. They spent a good thirty minutes there, looking at all the candies and sweets, even the weirder concoctions that people come up with. Eventually leaving both each with a bag of candies, would’ve been more but there’s still a ton of shops left to look at.

Like a toy store, as they each got distracted by their own various interests, Leo by all the Jupiter Jim merchandise while [Name] was by all their merchandise of choice. Laughing when they saw each other again, Leo cracked a joke or two and [Name] cracked one right back.

Then there were the clothing stores, random miscellaneous ones, a jewelry store, even a book store you dragged him to look at with you. Winding down, [Name] realized they were a bit hungry, Leo’s stomach grumbled two and they both headed to the food court, scouting out the options and cuisine for the best ones. In the end settling for pizza, but hey they aren’t complaining! It was nice and warm and perfectly cheesy and pulled nicely. Not too much grease to it either. [Name] sat there savoring it and it’s delicious taste.

“Where should we go next?” Leo questioned, taking another bite of his second slice.

“Oo oo! Santa's village! I’d love to see what they did with it this year!” And that’s exactly where they went next. It was like entering a whole other world, there were few buildings but it was nice, they were even handing out free hot cocoa. But of course, they couldn’t come here without seeing Santa, even just a momentary glimpse.

[Name] encouraged Leo to go first, as this would be his first time they assumed. It was kinda hilarious to see a humanoid reptile sit on a Santa actor's leg and ask for Jupiter Jim merch among other things Leo probably mentioned. Then he came back triumphantly and seemingly more confident than before.

“Did it go well?” asked [Name].

“Oh it did..” Leo started rambling about what he said to Santa and asked for. [Name] just sat there and listened.

A couple of more stores ended up catching their eyes, agreeing to splint eats for now to look at the stores separately.

The Miniso was the same as usual, white walls that made the colors of the products stand out more, it drew [Name] and compelled them to look. Everything was so cute, the stationary, plushies, blind boxes. they couldn’t help but rummage around through the merchandise. Primarily it was all Sanrio but there remained other brands too. In the end [Name] left with only some new pens, and a smile in tow.

Bath & Body works to look at all the scents and pick up any last minute gifts or stocking stuffers too. By the time they were done sniffing candles, soaps, perfumes and body sprays, [Name] was all scented out. Securing the last of what they needed and now ready to leave the mall with the joyous atmosphere.

Meeting back up with Leo at where they last split off. [Name] showed off what they picked out for everyone. Leo nodded, a smile crept up his face.

“Oh before I forget, I have two surprises for you.” They grew curious as to what Leo’s surprises were.

The first one he pulled from his pocket., a piece of mistletoe that dangled over them. Seconds later they were pulled into a kiss.

“And my second present, here it is..” The next came from a box, it was a necklace [Name] had been eyeing earlier. She reached around to hug him, then turned ed to give space to put it on, and once securely locked away they pulled Leo into a second kiss.