Chapter Text
December 16
Though your ice quirk keeps you immune from the frigid temperatures associated with winter, that doesn’t always mean you’re impervious to its effects. Though you’ve spent most of the holiday season cheerfully encouraging your children to go play outside while the snow still sticks to the ground, you’ve pushed yourself a little too far.
Okay, fine, may you’ve pushed yourself way too far.
In your defense, you didn’t assume a few hours walking in the brisk temperatures to look at Christmas lights would be that bad; after all, with a walking space heater on your arm and a resistance to cold, it should have been impossible.
Yet, here you are.
“Enji, I’m not that sick.” You bemoan, nostrils fighting to suck in air past mucus-filled passageways. “I’m fine. No need to keep me bedridden.”
You’re grateful he calls you out on your bluff, because damn it feels good to be doted on. Especially when your head is pounding like hammers in Santa’s workshop.
“You need to rest. If you hadn’t insisted on letting Fuyumi use your coat, maybe I’d be able to let you get up.” He grouses, placing a warm palm on your forehead. “As it is, you’re burning up. And that’s supposed to be my specialty.”
“That’s nothing. I’ve just decided to go into the fire quirk business.” You taunt.
“Is that so?” He scoffs, but you catch the faint smile he tries to hide. “Best leave that to me, then, because your body certainly isn’t a fan.”
“It’s trying to ruin my dreams.”
A fever reducer and several blankets later has you in a pleasant, sleep-induced coma. Movies portray dreams around Christmas time as filled with sugar plums and candy canes, but the only thing you dream about is Enji’s face full of concern.
“Mommy?” Shoto’s voice pulls you out of unconsciousness. “I made you something to feel better.”
Once your eyes crack open, you see little Shoto’s hands holding out a steaming mug of tea. With ginger movements you take the mug and blow a little frost into the cup to cool it for a pleasant sip that wraps you up in reminders of the love your family showers upon you.
“Thank you, Shoto.” You set your mug on the bedside table and squeeze his hand. “That makes me feel much better.”
“I got something for you, too!” Tenko shouts down the hall, rushing in with an extra little pillow to set behind your neck. “And Fuyumi’s coming with something to help too.”
“It’s a few word puzzles for when you’re awake. That way you have something to do and don’t get tempted to get up and overexert yourself.” She explains, resting three small word books on the table beside your mug.
“And I figured you would want cuddles.” Natsuo offers, holding out his most cherished little panda stuffie. “Just make sure you take good care of General Bamboo.”
“Aww, my sweet babies.” Tears glitter in your eyes as you caress each of their faces in turn. “I’ll be sure to get better quickly just for you. Make sure you all take care of each other so you don’t get sick either.” You attempt to usher them out with a dismissive wave of your hand.
But it’s Enji who corrals them out of the room.
“I know you all love your mother very much, but you need to give her space to rest. I’m sure she appreciates everything you’ve done for her, as I do.” He pats each of them on the head as they leave.
When it’s just the two of you, he sits on the edge of the bed.
“I hate when you’re sick.” He murmurs.
“I know. I’m so useless when I’m down and out like this.” You agree.
“You’re not useless.” He hisses, glaring at your self-depreciation. “What I meant was…it’s not like you. Normally, you’re so lively and full of vigor. Seeing you sick and restless in bed makes me wish I were the one stuck there instead.”
“Ah, but if you were stuck,” A cough interrupts you, rattling your frame until you sip the tea Shoto made and settle back against the extra pillow from Tenko. “If you were stuck, I’d feel much the same way.”
“You mean you’d rather I be well enough so I could keep being grouchy and irritating?” He teases.
“You’re not irritating and grouchy.” You hum, a smile tickling your lips. “More like passionate and exhausted. It takes a lot to do what you do every day, Enchan.”
“Hey, you’re the one who’s sick in bed, and you’re trying to raise my spirits?” His fingers thread through your silky locks as he sighs. “Get some rest, okay? Take care of my reason for existence.” He winks.
“Take care of mine and we have a deal.”