#bruna

Weaving your feet through the gifts on the ground, you placed the star on top and were suddenly more grateful than ever. This year was your best year to date when it came to the Hero Rankings. You were a breakout hero, nearly changing your rank almost every few weeks. Your ranking boosted at the Hero Gala back in August after sensing a disturbance outside of the banquet hall. Hearing changes in frequency and feeling vibrational disturbances was your quirk. Certainly not the most flashy or something to brag about, yet giving everyone inside the banquet hall at least 30 seconds warning before the attack, made everyone fawn over you and many lives saved.

Stepping back and taking in the tree and your entire living room in its entirety, you chuckled to yourself, remembering that not only your fans had the capabilities of swooning over you. Pro Hero Hawks was the only hero you knew of that was not too subtle when it came to interactions with you. You’ve been told by other heroes that he was a common flirt, amongst heroes and fans, but with you, it was different. A few heroes like himself had been keeping tabs on you and honestly, who wouldn’t? A young, beautiful hero making her way within the “manly” field and giving them a run for their money?

Containing your mixed thoughts about the winged hero and other men, you began to put away the other decorations. Organizing them well, you whistled gently to match the tune of ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’, taking small sips of your hot chocolate with a little mint liquor dribbled in. It was something to warm the soul on a frosty night since you were alone. You didn’t mind being alone. Your hard work was your love and the pay off, both monetary and the pleasure of helping people any chance you could was something you wouldn’t trade for the world. Although, an occasional kiss here and there wouldn’t be the worst thing you absentmindedly spoke to yourself.

Somewhere outside in the distant air, Keigo was soaring gently and keeping patrol in the quiet city. He wasn’t the only hero that was out tonight, yet somehow, he still felt lonely. Keigo didn’t mind patrolling on a holiday eve. He enjoyed that his work would protect family’s bonding and holiday cheer. It was just difficult to enjoy his work knowing that any other day, Keigo had no one to come home to.

Keigo had stopped a few petty thieves in the night and he was close to finishing his patrol, noting only an hour left until midnight. Swooping and swerving higher in the air, Keigo had noticed you in front of your balcony window. He snickered to himself, joking how people really don’t fully understand when it’s nighttime, an open window reveals all sorts of things that you don’t want anyone else to see. He took his time bringing himself closer to the window, bringing his jacket collar closer to his face due to some wind chill.

He made eye contact with the top of your tree first. Keigo studied its unorthodox look. A white tree with silver garland, multicolored Christmas lights and if one more decoration was added to your tree, there was no doubt it would have collapsed on itself.

“Needs a little work, but still beautiful..” Keigo smiled and muttered to himself. Flying closer, you had just finished packing your leftover decorations. Hoisting the box up, you walked in front of the tree, blocking Keigo’s view. But really, more like adding to it. Keigo’s eyes became soft within his goggles and his heart provided more heat than it had all night. “No. It’s perf-”

As Keigo began to talk louder, you stopped walking. You heard something change in the air. It was different from the easy screams of the wind in the night. It was familiar yet unwarranted. Keigo’s mind was stunned, pushing through his adoration and remembering what your quirk was. He was sure he outed himself as being somewhat of a peeping tom. Whether he stayed in place mid flight or rushed away, he knew he was done for. So Keigo did what came most naturally in a situation of infatuation. He forced himself up and over your balcony to hide away and perch.

Before your eyes lifted to your balcony door, nothing was there. It was just the deep night, soft trickles of snow and you questioning your own thoughts. But as the newest number four hero, you knew better than to ignore your instincts. Setting the box of decorations down, you shimmied up a blanket from the couch, draping it over your shoulders as you face the glass door. Your breath could be seen on the door as you scanned the outside. Nothing out of the ordinary stuck out to you, until you began to turn away.

A smirk was laid on your face, sliding the door open to step outside. The cold outside honestly felt good, taking a break from the oven that was your home. Closing the door and sealing yourself outside, you edged your way forward. Keigo could see you from down below, noting how serious your face was with scanning the area. He mentally applauded you. Even wrapped in a cozy blanket with slippers on, you were ready to fight and protect in a blink of an eye. It wasn’t until Keigo’s eyes fell upon one of his feathers, just before your right foot, that he gulped and wondered what he got himself into.

“The night is so calm..” You spoke to yourself, letting your hands rest on the railings, enjoying the silence within the night. The flurries were beginning to pick up, dressing the buildings in a soft coat of white, crystal fluff. You tried your best to contain your tiny smile, knowing that your secret admirer was still watching you, probably holding his breath to not make a sound. “Maybe Santa will come this year..” You spoke again, this time, in a playful tone to edge Keigo on from up above.

Your words did make Keigo smile but he knew he had stayed for long enough. The thoughts and imagery he had about you on this night was something he was willing to overlook. Keigo gently lifted his wings up to take flight, but he made the mistake of using his instincts to bring his feather on the ground to return back to him. A devious chuckle slipped from your lips as your right hand caught the feather mid flight, feeling it squirm before it relaxed. All you could hear was a defeated curse coming from Keigo’s mouth.

“Didn’t expect a little birdie like you to stay here during the winter..” You cooed, turning around and leaning up against the railing. You fondled the feather as you stared up at Keigo. He was perched in an almost defensive manner but the moment your eyes connected, he became gentle again, although his heart could have easily stopped within that moment.

“I have many urges as a bird but..” Keigo replied, facing his fate. He hoisted himself up only to lower himself gently on your balcony porch, letting some of the flurries that had accumulated rush up as he settled down on the ground. Keigo pulled up his goggles but still kept the lower part of his face buried under the collar of his jacket. “..migrating isn’t my thing. I like to stay in place here..”

“I’m not one to take in strays, especially those of the stalking variety..” You teased, holding out Keigo’s loose feather for him to take back.

Even through Keigo’s jacket, you could see his harsh blush. And it wasn’t just from the wind chill between you two. A man like him was always filled with words but being caught was something he had never experienced before. He was careful in all of his endeavors but with this, he really had set himself up.

“Me? A stray?” Keigo tried to let his cocky nature return to normal, despite his deep feelings. Bringing up his gloved hands, he simultaneously unzipped his jacket to reveal his full face and collect back his hostage feather. “All the names I’ve been called a hero, hearing the number four hero call me a stray was something I wasn’t expecting..”

“Well..” You brought your limb back to your body, wrapping yourself back up in your blanket. You held an easy smile but it was still filled with intent. You wanted to toy with Keigo. Why you wanted to toy with him was even unknown to you. Maybe due to the lonely nature of the holiday, being overwhelmed so much during this month and wanting a relaxing conversation, maybe out of Keigo getting a taste of his own medicine. “I didn’t expect the number two hero watching me while I was all alone. I could have you arrested, you know..”

“On such a holiday?” That familiar smile of Keigo’s began to slide through. It was him becoming his elemental. The light banter of connecting to a person. Keigo had only been in this type of situation with you a couple times through work, but alone and together like this? It had only bounced through his mind countless times. “I was just doing my job. And frankly, on a night like this..” Turning his head towards your door, he nodded to the littered tree, cheesing. “I say fire hazard trumps performing hero duties..”

Going to open your mouth to retort, you knew he was right. From a farther perspective, your tree was a hot mess. You tightened the blanket around yourself harder and sighed, letting loose your mental game with him and thinking back to your supporters.

“Well I..” You began. “I just didn’t want to leave anything left out. All the decorations were gifts and..”

Keigo turned his head back around to you. You didn’t mean to have such a somber face but he took it in. With your small explanation, he knew your care and admiration of your fans and supporters was serious. It only added more swelling to Keigo’s heart but less thoughts within his head.

Taking a step forward, Keigo replied, “That’s.. really sweet of you. Not every hero manages to put others first outside of duty.. really puts them first..”

“I take my job seriously.” You returned. In your head, it sounded really snappy but you meant it more than anything. Catering to citizens for praise or attention was never your goal of becoming a hero. It was to ensure they were loved, protected and heard. Looking into Keigo’s eyes, that simple sentence was worth a billion words.

Keigo found himself speechless again. He nearly ached. He questioned why he hadn’t met you sooner within training. Keigo wondered if you two had met in the past but if he was too caught up in his own matters to pay attention. The lines between lovesick and lust were dangerous but having never felt anything like this before, risking it all was an understatement for him.

A wicked wind chill shook both of you up, making you clutch your arms tighter and Keigo pulling his wings in to steady himself.

“I-I don’t usually let in strangers.. let alone stalkers b-but..” You joked to clear the chilly air, sensing that no other distractions would be out in the night besides him. And if anything were to happen, two heroes could easily hold their own. “Would you care for some hot chocolate? I usually add a little extra.. to keep warm..”

Keigo grinned, knowing what you were hinting to. He didn’t stress too much about leaving his shift early, holding the same logic as you. Two heroes were better than one, even if some liquid spirits were involved. “I wouldn’t mind..” He replies softly, almost washed away from another swoosh in the air.

Keeping your eyes on him just a little too long, you eventually step to the side and creep your way back to the door. Opening it, the rush of heat flushes your face instantly, sucking you back into your home. As Keigo enters and closes the door, his wings rustle and he shivers. Although he wouldn’t admit it, the cold really did bother him but it was a risk he was willing to take to keep the job of his dreams.

Letting go of your toasty blanket, you drape it over the couch and head to the kitchen. You eyed Keigo as you picked up a glass from the drying rack, there was something innocent about him. The way he took off his jacket and shoes, scanning your home with a coy look, smiling ever so gently as he noted all the decorations. You wanted to question everything at this moment but alas, a simple bite of your lip as you scooped some hot chocolate from the pot was all you could manage to do.

“Do you like the holidays?” You asked, breaking the tension as you turned to the cabinet, fishing out your mint liquor.

“The holidays are just like any other time of the year to me..” His response was timid but it was out of honesty.

Turning back around, you hesitated taking the cap off of the bottle. Keigo was close to the tree, grazing his fingers among a sparkly ball ornament a young fan had made you in art class. Your breath hitched, taking in all the colors that flooded his shirt and skin. The multicolored lights danced along his white fitted shirt and made his arms and face bright with glee, yet somehow, his expression was flat.

Pouring some liquor in, you decided to be a little generous and added a few drops more. A man like him on a night like this probably needed anything just to escape for a little while. Finishing up his cup, you walked along beside him and held it out.

“Holidays aren’t for everyone..” You shrugged, deep down understanding what he meant, but decided your opinion on them wasn’t worth the light banter.

Facing you, he mustered up a genuine smile and retrieved the glass from your hand. “Holiday food and drink though, different story..” Keigo joked and hummed, taking a sip. The curve of his smile grew more, enjoying the minty flavor. So much so, it had left him a chocolate mustache. “Those are the good parts of the year..” He chuckled, licking his lips.

Blushing lightly, you agreed as you walked over to your couch. Slipping back into the blanket, you grabbed your own glass from earlier and sat gently on the cushions. You were happy, taking in the sights of your home but also afraid to admit the addition of a fond hero did look rather good.

Keigo took another curious look around your living room before meeting you on the couch. He became consumed on the plushness, almost sinking in and letting go a deep sigh of comfort. His smile was gone now, but that didn’t stray away from his relaxation. You thought to yourself what he had been through all night.

“Tell me about work..”

Keigo releases a snort as he turns his face. “You’re asking me about work? You are a hero, you know..”

“I may be a hero, but I’m not the number two. I’m curious about what goes on about being a bird in the city..” Hiding your sly smile, you take a cautious sip, letting the heated drink soothe you.

Yet another simple sentence makes Keigo swoon inside. It isn’t every day someone asks about his work and it isn’t every person who does his job but wants to know his perspective. Inside, he questions again why now was the time you two are able to be alone, but he doesn’t dwell on it much. He embraces the time and makes it his.

“As a certified on looker of the people..” He teased, keeping along with your persistent view of him. “I think people are interesting when you look long enough. The tiny mannerisms, seeing the gears turn in their head when they’re problem solving, the almost aloof way they decide to pay with a bunch of change for a coffee..” Keigo giggled to himself. “That’s just the good stuff. Seeing someone’s mood change or their stance when faced with another person..”

“It must be overwhelming. Analyzing all of that before swooping in, you know..” You engage.

“Yeah, it.. really is..” Keigo took a hearty sip before making eye contact with you once more. “But I’d imagine your quirk must be difficult as well, if not more. All those subtle changes. How do you distinguish between a flower pot accidently dropping and someone getting thrown up against a wall?”

“Honestly? Context clues and.. gut feeling..” Saying those words to the number two hero was nothing short of embarrassing. Gut feeling? Context clues? What’s next? Just having a functional brain? But it was really the truth. “You remember that event right? The first night we met?”

Keigo nodded, afraid to answer knowing that night all too well. “The Hero Gala..” His voice low with stone eyes. In his mind, the Hero Gala wasn’t something he wanted to attend. Sure, it was to honor all the heroes and those who have fallen. To give the heroes their accomplishments a spotlight and official recognition but to Keigo, it was another place to accept compliments he didn’t want to hear. But at the end of the day, he was grateful to have met you.

Looking down at your glass, your thumb swirled the top of the rim. “I could hear and feel so many things. The traffic, the other convention in the building next door, hell even the elevators hum all throughout the building..” Admitting that your day always consists of overstimulation was not something you expected to do today, especially to one of your idols, but it was the truth. Your quirk has saved many lives, yet at the cost of your mental battery.

“So, you essentially have all these wavelengths of noise constantly around and whichever one is off or suddenly becomes apparent, that’s when you know it’s something bad?” Keigo asked in a genuine matter, his head slightly cocked to the side. It was honestly refreshing. Most of the time when you explain to people your quirk, they more or less ask if you ever become crazy due to all the noise.

“Yeah.. exactly that..” You reply softly, your eyes locking onto his. Your heart fluttered, to have someone understand it instantly. For someone to get you.

“I can’t imagine having to deal with that all the time..” Keigo replies. He’s sincere about your struggles. There’s a moment of pause between you both, almost as if the both of you want to say more than you should. Instead, Keigo turns his head back to your very decorated tree. “But I can imagine what it’s like to have many fans who truly appreciate your work. The work you manage to do.. it really deserves more than being number four..”

Turning your head to your tree as well, your eyes begin to shimmer with the tiniest hint of tears. It took you a long time to be comfortable with your quirk, to embrace it and become what you always wanted. On top of that, to have your idol acknowledge it. This moment was indeed the best present you could get this holiday season.

“Oh, well would you look at that..” Keigo breaks from looking at the tree.

Following his voice, you glance over at him. “What?”

His eyes are down at his watch. Keigo sets down his empty glass and presses a button on his watch. “I am officially off of my shift. And it is also officially.. Christmas..” He looks up and smiles.

Returning the smile, you raise your glass. “Merry Christmas..”

Keigo looks around your apartment again. His eyes bounce from the tree, to your balcony door and over to the kitchen.

Raising an eyebrow, you question him. “What are you doing?”

“You don’t have a mistletoe..”

Eyes wide, you shake your head. “Why have a mistletoe? I live alone..”

Keigo grins and stands up. He stretches out his wings for a moment, summoning three feathers in the air before letting his wings down again. The three feathers twirl in the air before coming together to resemble a mistletoe. It hovers above and slightly in from of Keigo’s head. “Well, you may live alone but you have someone to enjoy this silent night with..”

His hand stretches out in your direction, asking you to stand up. Face heated, chuckles come from you. This must have been a silly dream. Someone lonely holiday dream you were experiencing. Surely after you decorated your tree, you were fast asleep on the couch and this was a serious case of lucid dreaming. Yet, the moment you grabbed Keigo’s hand and felt his inviting warmth of sweetness and intention, it was a more than clear, this was reality.

His hands slid down to your waist as he pulled you closer to him, both of your chests touching. Your eyes flickered up, the feather mistletoe he created still swirling in the air, almost in a teasing matter. Your smile continue on as your eyes fell back onto his. From the lights of your tree, you were both decorated in multicolor lights. Skin changing from red, to a soft yellow, all the way to an inviting purple.

“Well, number two. Kiss me..” You spoke softly.

“Of course, number one..”