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Chapter Text

December 1

In the bustling streets of Japan, public workers busy themselves decorating the street lamps with flashy, twinkling lights and bright, sparkling ribbons. Your favorite time of year also presents itself in the form of a large Christmas tree in the park you always pass before you reach the mall.

Frigid winds paint passerby's cheeks a festive red as you step inside the local Aeon with some pep in your step. Your ice quirk means the lower temperatures don’t bother you, and you’ve always loved Christmas. So while others walk inside rubbing their hands and grumbling wishes for January to arrive early, you usher a silent prayer that days full of cheer linger a little longer.

Today’s mission involves presents and decorations.

The decorations aren’t an issue. You grab some garland, extra lights, tinsel, and enough Christmas trinkets to earn the envy of old St. Nick himself. 

Presents are the hard part. But not just buying presents for anyone. No, no. Your kids? Easy. Your friends? Easy. Enji? 

Enji Todoroki is quite literally the most impossible man in the world to buy a present for.

Every time you ask him what sort of gift he’d appreciate, he shrugs and assures you he has everything he needs - he has the funds to purchase whatever he needs whenever he needs it, so why should he concern himself with one major holiday?

Well, this year, you’re determined to find the perfect gift. If you have to search through every goddamn outlet mall and store in Japan, you’re going to find the winning item that takes his breath away.

Thankfully, you don’t have to travel quite so far. Strolling through the last store in the mall with your aching feet, you could swear you hear angels singing in the atmosphere as Enji’s perfect present seems to glow on the shelf.

You don’t feel bad when you snatch up the last one.

. . . . .

“Is this really why you had Tokei watch the kids today?” Enji grumbles when he enters the house. “I didn’t think you’d ever get back.”

Originally, he was supposed to take the day off to spend it with you, but when the Hero Commission calls for an emergency from the No. 2 hero, what’s he gonna say? No? 

Endeavor would never.

“Well, I had to do something to pass the time. I didn’t think you’d be back this early after they’d called you in for an emergency.” You snort, handing him a heavier bag, but keeping the bag with his gift concealed. “Got presents while I was out. Give me a minute.”

You slither down the hallway into the bedroom. Enji isn’t likely to search for his present, and it’s small enough that you can conceal it on the floor under your nightstand. You toss a half finished blanket over the bottom shelf, and the box disappears from view. 

It’ll do until you can wrap it.

“Do you want to help me put up decorations?” You ask as you start sifting through your goodies. “Look. I even got your latest Endeavor ornament to go on the tree!” 

“You do that every year, my flame. One year we won’t have enough space on the tree to keep them all.”

“Ha! That’s quitter talk. I’ll just buy another tree and have one dedicated to you, specifically.” You lean up on your tiptoes and peck his lips, before offering him a Glaceon ornament.

“Ugh, your Pokémon obsession couldn’t skip this Christmas?” He taunts, pulling you closer by the hips and caressing your cheek.

“Listen, I know you don’t like the franchise, but Glaceon’s one of your favorites!”

“Is that so?”

“Of course. After all, they remind you of me.” You crinkle your nose and bury your face in his chest with a contented sigh.

“Hmm, perhaps.” He allows, before kissing your forehead

When both of you turn back to the mountain of decorations scattered around the house, you scavenge for the tree first. It takes little time between the two of you before the Christmas tree in all its glory towers above you. Immediately, your spirits rise and you giggle as you trot from box to box, looking for the lights.

“Okay, I’m going to stay on this side and start wrapping it around the tree, Enchan. You thread it through the tree on that side and then pass it around to me. It’s easier that way.” You instruct.

Within moments, lights join the tree in heralding Christmas’s arrival.

Of course, no tree is complete without a topper! You sift through several good choices: an angel, a traditional star, and even a wooden Santa all clamber to the top of the box in the hopes of being the shining symbol of hope for the season.

“Hmm, Enchan? One, two, or three?”

“Three.” 

“Santa Claus, you’re coming to the Todoroki household!” You decide, handing the wooden figure on a pedestal to Enji. “Can you put this on top? I’m too short.”

“Well, that’s not a problem.”

You blink and scream as the ground vanishes beneath your feet; Enji has hooked you around the waist and you’re elevated until your ponytail brushes the ceiling.

Enji’s deep laugh doesn’t go unnoticed.

“That high enough?” You hear him smile.

“Y-Yes.” You huff, depositing the wooden Santa at the top of the tree.

As soon as your feet reach solid ground again, you smack Enji’s arm before searching for ornaments. Red blossoms in your cheeks and snowflakes poof around your head.

“You could have warned me, ya know.”

“Certainly. But then I wouldn’t be able to see those delightfully rosy cheeks of yours, now would I?” He tilts your chin up with mischief sparkling in his eyes - the pristine blue could rival the lights on the tree.

“I guess not,” You relent, offering him a box of red orbs. “But I’m sure you’d have found another way to make me blush. You always do.”

“I have to make sure I can still turn your head, my flame.”

The generic ornaments make their way onto the tree without issue, but when you get to the special, heirloom ornaments, you squeal at the sight of a little snowball ornament made from contact paper. 

Inside, surrounded by paper bits of snow, is the child face of Enji.

“You were so CUUUUTE!” You hold it up to him. “How old were you in this? Why haven’t I seen this one before?!”

“Oh, please. Cute?” He grouses, but his lips betray the ghost of a smile. “I was five here. I actually think I’d just manifested my quirk a few months later. It made this ornament rather ironic.”

“It just means you and I were meant to be!” You do a little shimmy before finding it a home on the tree. “Would you like to see kid me? I know you see it every year, but–”

“I look forward to it every year.”

His words sink into your heart and heat you down to your toes. You scavenge the box until you find what you’re looking for. Only instead of a picture of you covered in paper snow, your child-like face is pasted in the frame of a foam Rudolph.

“Yes, this one. Your vibrant passion for life must have never changed.” He pulls you into his side as he nods at your wide smile in frame. “What had you so happy, hm?”

“I don’t actually remember. I’ve just always loved Christmas.”

“It suits you.”

On and on, you create a sanctum of Christmas spirit – you save the other half of decorating the tree for the kids after laying down the framework, you line the fence outside the house with garland, and the mantelpiece twinkles with tinsel.

As a final touch before Tokei returns with the kids, Enji finishes hanging mistletoe above the entryway into the house.

“Ooo, mistletoe? How about a kiss for your queen?” You giggle, stepping under the entrance and dragging your fingers up his chest. 

“Gladly.”

As flames of passion dance between your lips, a chorus of groaning children can be heard from outside. Pulling back with a laugh, you lay your head on Enji’s shoulder as five Todoroki children step through the threshold into a wintery wonderland.

Chapter Text

December 2

“Mom, the Christmas cards came in.” Toya grunts, tossing the package on the dining table. A moment later, you hear the fridge door open and he rummages through its contents.

“Thank you, Toya.” You focus on chopping vegetables and wait for the rice cooker to beep. “Do you know if your brothers are still with your father?”

“Yeah. I just came back from the park early because I didn’t feel like hanging around. My Christmas present for Dad was supposed to be in today, but your cards were the only thing in the mail.” He huffs. 

“Aww, I’m sorry, honey. What did you get him?”

“It’s the latest ultimate edition of Hero Hub . So we can study it together and work on some new moves!” Toya bounces on the soles of his feet as he munches on a spicy cucumber. “What did you get him?”

“Oh, you know, the typical workout gear, the new edition of his favorite book series, that sort of thing.” You throw the newly cooked rice into a wok with your veggies. “Especially the workout gear. He burnt through one of his last pairs the other week.”

“Hehe, he does that a lot, doesn’t he?” Toya’s array of red and white waves bristle as he moves closer to you. “Is that all you got ‘im?”

“No, Toya, but I want some of it to be a surprise for him.” 

“C’mooonnn, Mom…” He bats those pretty blue eyes at you - eyes he inherited from his father and naturally makes you sigh.

“No, Toya. I want everyone to be surprised by this. Well, Fuyumi and Natsuo might not be impressed, but I know you will. It’ll make your excitement all that much sweeter.”

“Is it a hero thing?!” 

“Yes, it’s a hero thing.”

“YES!” Toya whoops, pumping his fist in the air before you fill a large bowl with fried rice and vegetables. 

“You can make a plate if you’d like, Toya. I’m going to see if I can’t get started on making a list for Christmas cards.” You turn off the burner.

In the dining room, you sit on the cushion while fighting with the package to open. Eventually, you dig through the plastic and open the box inside, a smile lighting up on your face as the pristine image of your happy family twinkles back at you.

“What do you think?” You ask, turning to show Toya the picture.

It takes him a moment as he makes a bowl of rice, before he leans in and shrugs.

“I guess we look nice.” He grumbles.

“I’ll take that as a compliment from you.”

“Christmas cards have come in?” Enji’s visage alights in the door, before four sets of footsteps tear through the entryway and into the kitchen.

Looking up gives you the welcome sight of Enji in a rare moment of softness. Anger and annoyance don’t crease his skin. A smile even tickles the edges of his lips while he gazes upon you. 

“Want to see, Enchan? You look quite handsome, if I do say so myself.” 

He takes the glossy card from your hand. Does he also see the tell-tale smirk tattooed into Toya’s expression? Or maybe he recognizes the way Natsuo fails to hide his smile for the camera? There’s no doubting the hope glittering on Fuyumi and Shoto’s face as they both huddle around Tenko, who looks irritated by the attention.

And finally, there’s you and Enji. Joy dresses you up nicely at the idea of having your family altogether for a Christmas picture. But Enji? Enji stands tall and proud of his family, his home , his reason for living – despite the neutral expression veiling it.

“It’s lovely.” He gives you a kiss on the cheek as he hands it back.

“Christmas looks good on the Todorokis, doesn’t it?” You coo, fondling the scruff growing in on his chin.

“It does. I think this world could use more of this sort of cheer.”

Chapter Text

December 3

The flames crackling in the fireplace feel like hot soup trickling through your veins after an evening playing with the kids in the snow. Anticipation of the joy on their faces whenever they open their presents on Christmas morning adds to the flavor like a hearty helping of vegetables in a beef broth.

“Mother, can’t I stay up with you and Father?” Fuyumi huffs from the kitchen as she finishes a glass of water. 

You chuckle as you stir a little cream into your mug of steaming tea. Enji’s, you leave plain except for a dash of steeping tea leaves. Both mugs are topped with a swirling plume of steam.

“Stay up? Fuyumi, it’s almost 10, you should be in bed. You have school tomorrow.” You tut, running your fingers through her hair and pulling the strands from under her night shirt.

“I know, but I can’t sleep. I had too much fun!” She laughs. “Like did you see how Toya body-slammed Shoto in the snow?! I was so worried he was hurt, but they were laughing! Boys are so infuriating and entertaining.”

“They are, aren’t they?” You lick your thumb and rub a stray smudge from her face; she giggles and ducks away.

“Mooomm!”

“Oh, fine.” You sigh, relenting. Taking the two warm mugs, you pad into the living room where Enji sits in the armchair in front of the fire. You set both beverages on the table beside it and then drape yourself across Enji’s lap. “You’ll get to hear both of us talking about how much we love each other.”

The moment you start making kissy faces at Enji, Fuyumi’s footsteps stop.

“Eww.” You turn just in time to see the way her face wrinkles with disgust as she turns away. “Nevermind. You can sit together. I’m tired.”

Enji shakes his head and rewards you with a full-on laugh when Fuyumi’s door closes down the hall.

“I’ll have to remember that trick.” His massive hand rests at your hip. “You’re so cold, my frosty queen.”

“Am I? I didn’t really notice.” You shrug, before curling up into his chest. “But I did notice you’re very warm, Fire Boy.” 

“Am I? I didn’t really notice.” He quips back. He leans in for a peck on the cheek. 

A playful battle ensues between you both; Enji vibrates with soft chuckles as you paw at his chest, sliding your fingers up his neck and into his hair. Kissing Enji tingles just underneath your skin like static electricity. Every touch thereafter ignites and explodes between your nerve endings, tying you both together.

He is your everything.

“Did you have fun with the kids?” You whisper after pulling back to recover from the way he makes your head spin.

“I always have fun with my family, you know that.”

“Yeah, but it’s nice to hear it out loud sometimes.” You admit, caressing the scruffy texture of his beard. “We’re your family. We love you and like to know the feeling’s mutual.”

 After a homey sip of tea, he rests his forehead against you.

“You are all the most important people in the world to me.” He vows, blue eyes searching yours. “If I lost any of you, I would lose a part of myself.”

“Hmm,” A soft snort escapes you as you grin. “That must mean for all of our strange mannerisms, they all give you life anytime you learn more about us and our silly habits.”

“Perhaps.” He tickles your sides. “Or perhaps I just love you all enough to tolerate those habits.”

“You know you love the chaos in this household!”

“I wouldn’t want to live without it.”

The fire crackles and pops its agreement, and Enji indulges in his own silly habit: peppering tender kisses all over your face.

Chapter Text

December 4

Cut, tape, fold. Cut, tape, fold. Flip, name tag, under the tree. The rhythmic pattern repeats every few minutes as you get Fuyumi’s gifts wrapped, then Enji’s, then Toya’s.

“Oh! Are you wrapping presents? I have some stuff for Natsuo I wanna wrap! Can I help you, Mom?” Tenko pants as he rushes in the entryway with a box full of LEGO dinosaurs.

“I’d be glad of the company. Come on. Take a seat with me.” You grin, patting the hardwood floor beside you. “I’m just finishing up the last of Toya’s.”

“Is that a new support item?!” Tenko gasps.

“Maybe. Shhh, it’s a surprise!” You wink. “Okay, let’s start with yours. Let’s measure out some paper.”
Tenko’s always enjoyed learning how to do things himself, so you let him take charge. He does good with measuring out the paper, and even folding the paper over the LEGO box and taping it down. But when it gets to the opposite sides and he tries to fold in the tops and bottoms to make a crisp design, he pauses.

“Mom, how do you always fold these ends so neatly?” He grumbles after a failed attempt.

“It takes a lot of practice. But here, let me show you a trick.” Scooting a little closer, you use expert hands to fold a little here, crisply flatten an edge there, and then pull the top piece down and the bottom piece up to meet it. “See? Think you can give it a try?”

As you and Tenko work on wrapping the present together, neither or you hear Enji coming in the door behind you. Thankfully, all of his presents already lay beautifully wrapped under the tree.

“Learning how to wrap?” Enji hums.

“Eh, sort of.” Tenko mutters, sighing whenever he tries another gift and rips some of the paper. “Sorry, Mom. I think I just suck at this.”

“I did when I first started. Don’t worry, there’s always more paper. And they’re going to be ripped into anyway, so they don’t have to be perfect.” You shrug, standing up and planting a kiss on Enji’s cheeks.

A thought occurs to you, coaxing a smirk out of you.

“Enchan, why don’t you help us wrap, too?”

“Yeah! Maybe you can help me, too.” Tenko agrees.

You know exactly why Enji looks at you with a grimace at Tenko’s enthusiasm. Every gift he’s ever given you always comes in a bag.

“I don’t wrap often. My gifts usually fit better in bags.” He hedges.

“Come on, Endeavor , I’m sure you’re a quick enough study to show your son how to wrap a present. Right? Good bonding time!” You snicker.

“Hmph. Fine.” 

Both you and Tenko seem minimized by the size of Enji’s broad stature as he sits between the two of you. But sure enough, Enji surprises you. It takes some time, but what he ends up with is a perfectly wrapped box and a bow to top it off.

“How did you wrap that so well?” You whine, half-impressed and half-annoyed.

Enji seems to be good at everything without even trying. How annoying!

This time, he’s the one smirking.

“Let’s just say that your present this year gave me the need to learn.” He kisses your cheek and scratches your back.

“You’re so annoying and good at everything.” You groan.

“Haha! That’s what Toya tells me sometimes!” Tenko giggles.

“We can’t help it, can we?” Enji wraps an arm around Tenko and ruffles his hair. “We’re too great for our own good.”

“Hehe, yeah.” Tenko beams, leaning into Enji’s hold. He giggles. “But Mom’s is better.”

Chapter Text

December 5

“Mom, do we have to get that tree?” Natsuo whined. “It’s too small. We need one that’s huge !”

“Natsuo,” You chuckled, ruffling his hair. “Why such a big tree? Don’t you want to be able to decorate it? If it’s too tall, you won’t be able to reach it and put on the ornaments.”

“No, but you and Dad can!” He said matter-of-factly. “The tree has to be big enough for everyone to enjoy.”

“Is that so?”

The two of you lap around the trees again, before Natsuo expressed with absolute certainty that none of the trees in the market would be feasible. With a shake of your head, you both walked out and towards another store, where the cycle continued.

“Natsuo, honey, at this rate we won’t have a tree.” You sigh, feeling anxious as it grew closer to dinner time. “Aside from height, what do you think the perfect tree needs to look like?”

Silence stretched between the two of you. A large white tree went unnoticed by the little 9-year-old. As did a sparkling blue tree with hundreds of twinkling lights built in. But at a collection of towering green trees, Natsuo finally stopped.

“It needs to look like that.” He whispered, ogling the simple white lights with all the innocent admiration of a child. “That’s our Christmas tree.”

Now that the Todoroki tree glistens like a shining symbol of hope in the middle of the living room, it’s time to choose one for a less fortunate family this Christmas. Once you and Enji round up all your little gremlins, you’re on your way back to the stores bustling with business.

At first, the tree shopping goes much like tree shopping with Natsuo had. Of course, this time you all start with picking out ornaments each of you enjoys. They can’t get a Christmas tree without ornaments. Then, there’s the lights - you throw in some tinsel for flavor. It’s always looked pretty on the tree to you.

“Enchan, do you think we should get them some general decorations, too? Just in case?” The question slips out when you see some lovely garland twinkling on display.

“Hmm, perhaps you’re right. From the information provided, it sounds like if they do have decorations, it’s sparse. Go ahead and put it in the cart if you see something you think they’ll enjoy.” Enji allows, before turning his head. “Toya,” He sighs. “Do not hang your brother upside down from the fake Santa.”

“I wasn’t!” Toya whips his hands back from Shoto’s pant legs, which leaves him dangling from a Santa mannequin. “He wanted to see what it was like to be a Christmas ornament. Who am I to dampen his creativity?”

“Put him back on the ground.”

“So annoying.” Toya rolls his eyes, picking Shoto back up and standing him back on his feet. When he passes Natsuo, they offer each other a slick fist bump.

“Careful, Toya,” You taunt, throwing in a golden, metal reindeer mantelpiece. “If you pick on your brother like that, Santa might come to your room and hang you from the tree in retribution.”

“Mom,” He groans. “I’m not dumb. I know that Santa’s not…” He catches sight of Natsuo’s eyes and clears his throat. “I know that Santa’s not gonna do that. He’s too jolly.” 

“I don’t know that I’d test that theory. It’s always the jolly ones that are scarier when distributing punishment.” Enji comments idly, throwing a smirk in your direction which you reciprocate with a laugh.

“Dad, what about these?” Fuyumi trots over with a box full of golden and purple ornaments of different size and design. Velvet, plastic, and sequined balls of color hide behind the protective plastic of the box.

“Oh, those look nice.” You agree, turning it this way and that to ensure all of them are accounted for. “Let’s look for some different colors and a few special ones, too.”

“The Urarakas have a child, so I’m sure they’ll enjoy a few Disney characters.”

“And you can’t go wrong with pro heroes.” You offer, sneaking another Endeavor ornament for yourself as you grab a box of various other heroes in a pack.

“I saw that, my flame.” Enji snorts, holding your chin. “You literally just bought one for our tree.” 

“But I don’t have that one.” You pout.

“Yes, well this is for a family who doesn’t have any .”

You relent and put the Endeavor ornament back. You’re too busy pouting to notice that Enji takes it off the shelf and hides it among your other finds.

“Mom! Look at this!” Tenko gapes, holding out a collection of snow globe ornaments. “They light up, too!” He exclaims.

You click the button and the inside of the clear ball glows varying shades of red and green. You’re sure that since you feel the magic of the season just from watching, the Uraraka family will too.

“Good eye, Tenko. Come on, then.”

And so it goes until all that’s left is the tree. You keep eying Natsuo to see what he has to say about the trees you’ve both already seen before. But this time, it’s not Natsuo that picks out the tree.

It’s Shoto.

“Mommy, I think they need that tree.” He says softly, pointing with a tiny hand at a shimmering white tree with blue lights glistening between the branches. “It’s the most brightest tree.”

“It’s the brightest tree.” Enji corrects.

“It is.” You agree.

Indeed, this tree could light up the entire store. The twinkling blue screams at those that pass Christmas is here; I will light the way.  

“I think you’re right, Shoto.” You lift him into your arms to give him a better view. “This tree will do quite nicely.”

Chapter Text

December 6

Enji drives the family and their treasures over to the Uraraka house. Anticipation vibrates through your muscles; gift-giving has always been your favorite part of the season. Half the time you have to wait for Christmas shopping until the last minute because you’re too excited to tell Enji what you’ve bought him.

But growing up in less than stellar financial circumstances makes this trip all the more vital to you. Ghosts of Christmases past remind you of the joy dampened by the inability to afford decorations or other gifts like your friends had. Or even just affording basic necessities. So, seeing the Urarakas' faces heals an old, raw ache in your heart as Enji opens the door with the large tree box in his hands.

“Merry Christmas!” The Todoroki family rings out when Masaki Uraraka opens the door.

His eyes widen before breaking into a broad grin.

“Hikari! Ochaco! Come here, girls!” 

Some shuffling later and an older woman with brown hair is trailed by the mini-version of herself. Both pairs of eyes shimmer and sparkle at the sight of Enji unboxing their Christmas tree.

“Oh, this is…wow, this is wonderful! Too wonderful. You didn’t have to–”

“Please.” You glide across the room to Hikari, squeezing her hands as jubilation leaks into the atmosphere with your every breath. “This is the least we could do. We’ve got you a few decorations for the house, too. Everyone deserves a little good cheer during the holiday season.”

In a cacophony of Christmas chaos, everyone bands together to sift through different bags and boxes to help brighten the Urarakas’ house with sparkling lights and colorful ribbons. Eventually, a wreath hugs the door, three reindeer trot across the mantelpiece, and a few mischievous holiday gnomes hide behind thick volumes on a small bookshelf.

By the time Enji props up the tree, Shoto pads forward with one of the ornaments he picked out, holding it out to the family with wide, dazzling eyes. His smile stretches too big over his face.

“This is my favorite hero in the whole world. I wanted you to have him for your tree, so he can always protect you.” He offers up the small All Might figurine secured in its box.

“That’s very thoughtful of you; thank you.” Masaki grins. “What do you think, Ochaco?”

“It’s All Might.” The little girl gasps, her hand hovering over the box as if scared to break it. Her brown eyes turn up to you. “Does this really belong to us now?”

“It does.” You reassure her, bending at the knees to be less imposing. “Do you like it?”

“It’s the best Christmas tree ever!” She agrees, tackling you in a hug and nearly knocking you over – Enji’s leg presses against your back to keep you balanced. “But you have to decorate the tree with us! So it’ll be just as special as you.”

You blink. In the time it takes to inhale, you’re a little kid again. You’re being called down to the library to get fitted for new shoes, your heart leaping when the people tell you you get to keep them. Brand new and sparkling pink, you show off your new shoes to anyone who’ll listen. Then, you’re riding over to the school with your grandmother driving in the front, before she leads you back into that very same library where a huge bag of toys waits just for you!

You exhale and the memory fades with Ochaco’s smile.

She pulls you toward the tree as everyone grabs an ornament.

“Thank you so much!” She gives your leg another hug before handing you one of the pink sparkly orbs hanging on a cloth loop. “I like this one the most. We can both put it up together so we’ll always be friends.”

Once Ochaco helps you find the perfect spot, you lift her onto your shoulder and loop it over a limb. She makes her rounds through the entire family, hanging up one ornament with each family member until finally, it’s done.

You lean into Enji’s warmth, only amplified by the rosy feelings collecting in your lungs as you stand breathless in front of a sparkling tree. He kisses your cheek and presses his forehead against yours.

“This was a good idea.” He coos. “I’m glad you suggested it.”

“Without your hard work every day, it wouldn’t be possible. Thank you, Enji.”

Chapter Text

December 7

Enji never fails to sneak into the kitchen whenever you make spicy chicken and rice. So even though your pulse races as strong arms wrap around your waist, it’s expected when you add the sauce and the smell of spice wafts through the house.

“You spoil me.” He rumbles against your cheek. “What’s the occasion?”

“Oh, shush. You know I make this whenever I know you’re going to be home to enjoy it.” You swirl the spatula around the pan to coat the chicken. “Besides, Toya asked for it.”

“You mean you didn’t make it just because you know it’s my favorite?” Enji fake pouts, tickling your sides.

Thankfully, you’re only waiting for the rice cooker to finish up or he might have ended up with a sauce-covered spatula to the face. As you squirm and squeal at his antics, you consider grabbing it anyway.

“Oh, I know. I cooked it because our son wanted some instead, how evil of me.” You reach back to tickle his belly in retribution – his one and only ticklish spot.

“Gah! Don’t even think about it!”

Suddenly you’re chest to chest with him as he pins your arms behind your back. He wears a playful smile – that was a cheeky move - meets your mischievous smirk – but you know you love me.

“Father, does Christmastime upset you?” Shoto’s curious little voice echoes from the dining room. 

The two of you share a quick kiss before he releases you and turns to your youngest while you finish dinner.

“No, Shoto. Though it can be stressful in terms of crime, it does not upset me.” Enji answers. “Why?”

“Well, it’s just–”

“Fuyumi, that move was totally unfair! I had just finished my ice sculpture!” Natsuo comes in howling with laughter and trying to tousle his sister’s hair. 

Tenko and Toya follow behind, falling over each other with cackles at the shenanigans of the other two. Once their laughter dies down, Shoto clears his throat, getting everyone’s attention as you work on putting together seven plates of food.

“I thought Christmas might upset you because it’s the only time that Mother kisses someone else other than you.” 

The entire room falls silent. No more laughter, no more buzzing whispers between the other four Todoroki children. Even your light humming stops as you blink up at Shoto.

For obvious reasons, you’re confused, but you know when the room hikes up a few extra degrees that Enji’s confusion is evolving into anger. You bubble with pride when he pinches the bridge of his nose and takes a few deep breaths before jumping to conclusions. Not that you’d blame him if he did.

“Shoto, honey, what do you mean by that?” You ask, focusing on not burning yourself.

“Oh, um,” Shoto pauses, realizing his words hold great magnitude as all eyes zero in on him. “I just meant…last Christmas I saw her kissing Santa. But Father wasn’t around…I wasn’t sure if he was away because it upset him.” 

Toya snorts into his fist. Fuyumi hides her own laughter in a cough. Tenko and Natsuo both furrow their brows at each other when Enji barks out a laugh. And even you have to turn your face away with the excuse of getting out cups to hide the smile stretching across your lips.

“Shoto, I don’t know how to tell you this, bud.” Toya begins with a shit-eating grin. “But that wasn’t Santa.”

Shoto tilts his head. “But it was. He had the red coat and the beard and bag and everything.”

“No, it wasn’t. It was Dad. Sometimes people dress up as Santa Claus to gather information on what they want for Christmas, and then they tell Santa. That way Santa can focus on making the toys around Christmas time when all of the requests are coming in.” Fuyumi hops in with an explanation. “So when you saw Mother kissing ‘Santa’ it was really Dad.”

“Hmm.” Is all Shoto says. “Is that true, Father?”

“Of course.” Enji smirks whenever he pulls you in close by the waist. “I’d know if your mother was kissing another man. Now, it’s time to eat.”

 The rest of the evening passes uneventfully, though you’re amused further when Shoto walks down the hall after brushing his teeth to whisper to Toya, “I’m still not sure it was Father. It had to be Santa. He told Mother that she had been a good girl.”

You can no longer contain it. Enji face palms as your laughter shakes the whole house. When you’re finally done, you stand beneath the mistletoe and wrap your arms around Enji’s neck.

“Want a kiss, Santa Claus?”

Chapter Text

December 8

Under the illumination of the moon, the ground glows with snowflakes. Silence blankets the front yard and the only sound? The crunch of your footsteps toward the garden.

“It’s so quiet when it snows, I figured I might find you out here for an extended meditation.” You coo, caressing dark red locks of hair as you brush off a patch of snow on Enji’s bench beneath the Pagoda tree.

Eternity stretches before you the moment your head rests on his broad shoulder. Hugging his large bicep grants you visions of more nights like this as the world turns and your family ages. What will your children grow up to be? Will Enji love you as much when you start getting old and less energetic? 

You’re certain your heart will always race for Enji’s; in fact, your mind frequently plays funny reels of the two of you racing around in wheelchairs at a nursing home.

“What’s put that smile on your face, my flame?” Enji grins.

“Just thinking,” You hum, tracing soft patterns on the palm of his hands. “About when we get old and wrinkly…and I race you in my wheelchair around the nursing home.”

“Thinking that far ahead already? You need that much time to come up with a strategy to beat me in a wheelchair race?” Enji smatters your cheek with rough kisses, muffling his voice as you both laugh at each other.

A devilish idea roots in your brain before you answer him.

“Maybe I do.” You shrug, laying back on the bench as he hovers over you. Your arm hangs limply over the ground.

When he leans down to kiss your neck, you fist a ball of snow and then smack it into the side of his head, wriggling out of his hold and darting across the lawn.

“But I don’t need to strategize for a snowball fight!” You cackle, throwing yourself to the ground behind the trunk of the Pagoda tree for cover.

Enji’s snowball just grazes your ear. 

“Oh, you don’t think so, huh?”

You scream when his voice is right next to you, throwing up a wall of ice between you. Three more steps and cold, wet snow slams into your face. Though resistant to cold, the ice stings on your cheek. 

“Hey!” You lob another one that plops right into his hair.

Enji chucks you over his shoulder and spins around, your pure white hair blending in with the frosted ground beneath you.

“Aha! I’ve vanquished you in a matter of minutes! You truly think you could take on Endeavor?” He taunts, patting your bottom a few times before righting you. “Guess it makes sense you need time to plot out how to win our wheelchair race, hm?”

“Does it?” Your voice dips as you bat your eyes. Tender fingertips graze his cheek as you lean in for a sweet kiss; the heat of his lips ignites the frigid air around you.

With a swirl of your ice quirk, you slap another snowball on top of his head victoriously. “I might have more of a chance than you think.”

Though his features twist into a grimace, they rearrange into a smile full of mirth before he sets you down.

“You are a worthy opponent, my flame.” He assures, pressing his forehead to yours and setting you down. “Shall we build a snowman while we’re at it?”

“Oh, please! It’s been so long since we’ve made a snowman.”

As the moonlight wanes and the motion lights on the house accept the task of illuminating the garden, Enji and you destroy the smooth surface of snow in favor of your own personal Frosty the Snowman.

“What should we name him?” You tap your finger to your lip. 

“Name him? He’ll be gone by next week.”

“And he’ll have a family until then, so he needs a name!”

Enji rolls his eyes at you, but indulges you.

“What was the song? Frosty? Just name him that.” 

“No, he needs his own unique name! What about Jack?”

“Like Jack Frost?”

“Yes.” 

“You just said it needed to be unique.”

“I’m just throwing around ideas. What about Manuel?”

“Doesn’t seem to fit him, but Shimo might.”

“Shimo? Does it mean anything?” You ask.

“It’s a name that means something similar to frost, but more so the delicate touch of snow on the ground.” Enji plants a beanie on top of the snowman’s head.

“Aw, that’s beautiful! It’s perfect!”

By now, Shimo is fitted with your jacket, some twig arms, and a blue beanie. Working together, a prominent face of rocks with a rose for a nose joins the mixture for facial features.

As a finishing touch, you zip the jacket and lean into Enji’s side. Though you won’t enjoy this slow march in time infinitely, you soak up every minute in his warm embrace to admire your work.

“I think you’re right. The name Shimo suits him.” Enji breaks the silence.

“And I think you’re right,” You begin, whipping one final snowball at Enji’s back, before freezing his feet to the ground. “It does take me a while to strategize, but it’s worth it!”

In the winter breeze, his raging laughter hunts you down as you bolt back into the house.

Chapter Text

December 9

“Absolutely not.” 

“Come on, Enji, just this once?”

“No.”

“Do it for a little Christmas cheer! Who knows, it might be ugly but I’m sure you’ll find a way to make it look smoking hot!”

“My flame, I said no.”

Enji may be stubborn, but he’s always had one weakness: kitten eyes. All you have to do is flutter your lashes to stir up moisture and create a glassy appearance over your eyes, tilt your head so that he gets a full view of your pleading face, and pooch out your lower lip to amp up the hurt in your expression.

“You won’t even do it for me?”

The sweater stretches taut across Enji’s chest with a cat wearing a Santa hat on the front sporting the phrase Meowy Catmas . You’d purposefully coordinated the colors of the sweater with his hair so he wouldn’t be too unfashionable. You knew it’d be a trial convincing him to wear an ugly Christmas sweater in the first place, might as well make sure it was ugly with style for a better chance.

“I don’t see the point in this.” Enji pulls at the sleeves and looks down at the design. “You and your ridiculous puns. I look like a fool.”

“The point is we’re taking the kids to the tree lighting and the theme is ugly Christmas sweaters. Everyone will be wearing them, so you don’t have to worry about anyone staring at you. I’ve got mine on, too.” You chuckle, curling your arms around his neck to bring him closer to you. “And you don’t look like a fool. You look like a succulent dessert that I’ll have later.”

 His brows shoot up and then flatten back out as his hands pull your hips forward. Cold depths of blue seal a promise with their hungry gaze.

“Mm, how fitting that the only reason I agreed to wear this is because it means you’ll be taking it off later.” He rumbles, kissing beneath your ear.

“Mom, when are we going? I hate this thing.” Toya grumbles, tugging at the collar of his sweater and scratching. “Ick. You two are being gross–did you get Dad in a sweater too?!” 

“Dad’s in an ugly Christmas sweater?” Fuyumi squawks down the hall, the drumming beat of her feet tearing down the hall until she stops. “Oh. My. Gosh.”

“That’s enough.” Enji grits his teeth. “I’m doing this for your mother. It makes her happy and we’re all going to wear them for the duration of the tree lighting.”

Shoto and Tenko giggle and rough house down the hallway next, seeming unbothered by the sweaters. Natsuo is the last to arrive, thoroughly unimpressed with a grimace that rivals Enji’s.

“This sucks.” Natsuo blurts.

You chuckle and shake your head as you pull away from Enji and double check to make sure everyone has everything they need.

“I know that not everyone enjoys the sweaters. That’s fine. We’ll just stay for the lighting and then come back so you can take them off afterwards.” 

The walk to the park is short and full of playful banter between the siblings while you and Enji swing your linked hands back and forth. Shoto asks to be carried about halfway through the walk, and Enji lifts him in his massive biceps. Enji, Natsuo, and Toya all seem to soften when the rest of the city arrives in their own ugly sweaters.

And when the lights flicker and dance between the limbs on the park’s massive Christmas tree? All the world stills to a quiet hum in appreciation; the city shares their awe for one heartbeat of a moment. In a single, collective breath, every heart around the tree is full of anticipation for the coming holiday.

Fingertips touch yours, pulling your attention from the tree as you expect to look down at one of your kids – one of them probably has to use the bathroom by now – but the fingers touching yours stretch up and attach to Enji.

You tilt your head at him, raising your eyebrows. He leans over to your ear.

“Thank you for convincing me. It was worth it.”

Chapter Text

December 10

With about a week and half left of school, you make the executive decision to help your kids tackle the last leg of the school semester by surprising them with sweet treats for the coming week ahead.

After all, you were a kid once. The smell of peppermint and gingerbread from a small classroom would fill your nostrils with Christmas cheer; your mouth would water in anticipation for candy canes and cupcakes and cookies signaling the impending end of the semester. 

So here you are, mixing together a homemade dough and cutting it in half. One side gets a helping of red food dye while the other remains untouched. Some careful planning and you’ve rolled both doughs together into a candy cane pinwheel. On another baking sheet, you throw in some gingerbread cookies. 

After several moments, Enji’s drawn into the kitchen from the office by the smell of Christmas.

“Gingerbread and…” He sniffs the air once more before carding his fingers through your hair. “Peppermint?”

“Yep! I’m making peppermint pinwheels.”

“Mmm, the kids will enjoy that.” His hands rest on your waist while his head rests on your shoulder. “You’re such a good mother.” He kisses your neck before whispering. “You make me want to put another baby inside you.”

“Enji Todoroki!” You squeal, smacking his arm and going red in the face. Then it hits you: the kids aren’t due home for another hour. So you lean up to whisper back, “Do it, coward.”

Challenge dances in his eyes before the oven beeps and you smirk. 

“Later.” He promises, reluctantly releasing you from his grip to let you take the cookies out of the oven.

“Well, since we’re talking about putting buns in the oven, why don’t you help me make some regular chocolate chip cookies to add to this mix of deliciousness? I had more time than I thought.” You suggest as you set the pans on top of the stove.

“I’ve never made cookies before.” Enji says.

“Well, there’s no better time to learn!” You encourage, before setting out a handful of ingredients after digging out your cookie recipe from the recipe box. While Enji washes his hands, you do the honors of measuring out the ingredients for him. “Add these sugars and the melted butter into this and mix it, hot stuff.”

“Oh? Giving me the grunt work, yeah?” 

“I’ve been mixing ingredients all afternoon. I think I’ve earned a little break.” You crinkle your nose at him. “Now, mix in the eggs and vanilla when you’re done. The worst is yet to come.”

“That’s encouraging.” He huffs, following your instruction.

You scavenge for the cookie cutters while he mixes. Whenever he’s done, you point to the flour. “Five cups of flour and two teaspoons of baking soda. Have fun.”

Enji rolls his eyes. He makes a living lifting and moving things much more difficult that a mixing spoon through thick dough. He makes it look easy. Throw in some chocolate chips and they’re ready to be spooned onto a baking sheet.

“I don’t think I’ve ever made cookies so quickly!” You hug his arm as you pull out the shaped metal. “Now we have to roll out the dough on the sheet for some fun shapes.”

“Shapes? Why not just regular cookie shapes?” 

“Because it’s Christmas time! When else am I going to use my Santa and reindeer cookie cutters?” You snort, reaching up to boop his nose.

“Alright, alright.” Between the two of you, shaping the cookies with the cutters doesn’t take much time. “How long do we put them in for?” 

“About twelve to fifteen minutes. Just long enough to taste one of the gingerbread and peppermint cookies!” You giggle. “Which would you like to try first?”

“The gingerbread, I’d like to end on a mintier flavor.” Enji holds his hand out for the little gingerbread man you offer him without the need to wait for it to cool like you do. “Mmm, Wife, you are an excellent cook.” He kisses the side of your lips just to leave a crummy little mark on the corner of your mouth. He hands you his half of gingerbread while you offer the other half of your peppermint cookie. 

You feed each other and harmonize hums of satisfaction.

Later, when the kids rush in from school and the buzzer goes off for the chocolate chip cookies, Enji sneaks one off the baking sheet so he can be the first one to taste them.

Chapter Text

December 11

After tucking the younger kids in bed and ushering the older ones to their rooms for the evening, you opt to snuggle into your personal heater on the couch. Enji’s more interested in reading the thick volume in his hands, but the way his fingers dance across your back draws a soft hum from deep in your chest.

“Did you and Tenko get some shopping done today?” You ask him.

“He finally found a gift for Fuyumi and Shoto. I found another few gifts for you.” Enji responds, turning the page and pausing to massage your scalp. “What about you? Did you take some time to relax today?”

“A little bit, I guess. It’s easy to get distracted, though.” You sigh, before scooting up to hold his face in your hands. “What were the presents you got me?”

“Because I’m just going to tell you.” He chuckles.

“Won’t you?” You pout, leaning your cheek on his chest.

“On Christmas, you’ll see. Only fourteen days left, my flame. You wait and be a good girl, can’t you?”

“If you keep talking like that I can.” You purr.

You’re not sure if you lean forward or if Enji cranes his neck, but in a shared breath his lips melt into yours. He devours your mouth, biting at your lips and holding your squirming hips. Probing hands fondle your soft curves and paint a loving message into your skin. Give me every precious and imperfect part of you. I want it all. Good, bad, embarrassing. Give me every last morsel.

So, you do. 

In front of the roaring fireplace, both of you drown in an ocean of need. Even though your bodies lay pressed against the other, you can’t get close enough. Your legs lock around his waist  and your fingers trek up through his valley of chest hairs under his shirt.

Enji Todoroki is the love of your life and you make sure he knows it with every breath, with every touch, with every whimpered plea. In the midst of a season fragrant with the aroma of gingerbread and pine, Enji absolves it all with his essence alone, the overpowering scent of campfires and security blanketing you with a warmth that sinks into your bones.

“Mommy?” Shoto’s voice calls from the hallway.

Immediately, you resurface for air with pink cheeks, sitting up and clearing your throat as you walk over to him. Though you try to sound normal, your voice shakes. “What do you need, Shoto?” 

“Can I have a glass of water?”

“Sure, honey.” You get him set up, nerves buzzing with residual dopamine from your impromptu make-out session with your husband. “Here. Sleep well, lovebug.” 

“Good night, Mommy.”

Once he disappears back into his room, Enji spins you around to crash his lips into yours. His spell on you surrounds you again, almost as if it never stops. Only, it does for a moment when he pulls back to press his forehead to yours.

“My flame, let’s remedy this in the bedroom.”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

Chapter Text

December 12

Natsuo’s soft, fluffy hair rests against your chest as the family settles in for Christmas movies. The weekend is prime time for movie magic, and since it’s the holiday season everyone is ecstatic to find their favorite classic to add to the queue. 

Fuyumi’s favorite currently glows on the television screen.

“Then he had an idea. An awful idea. The Grinch got a wonderful, awful idea!” The Grinch’s lips curl up into a signature, devilish grin.

“Mommy, why does the Grinch want to steal Christmas?” Shoto asks from the floor. 

“Because he’s sad, and he thinks if he can make everyone else sad, it’ll make him feel better.” You respond, running your fingers through Natsuo’s hair. A soft snore rattles in his chest and makes you realize he’s fallen asleep.

“Why does he think that?”

“Because he’s a villain.” Enji says.

“Because some people grow up and bad things happen to them, so they only know how to treat people the same way they were treated.” You tack on, offering a different perspective. “Keep watching the movie. See what the Grinch learns at the end.”

For the next few minutes, you listen to Toya and Tenko griping to each other under their breath about how lame the cartoon version is compared to the humor of the live action. Fuyumi keeps hissing at them to shut up.

“ You’re a mean one…Mr. Grinch. ” You whisper-sing to Enji when the song sings through the speakers. “ You really are a heel!”

“Are you insinuating that I’m a Grinch? After funding your Christmas decoration fever?” Enji chuckles, leaning over to rub a large hand over little Natsuo’s back. “Why don’t you go put him to bed?”

“I’ll wait a little bit. I’m enjoying the cuddles.” You admit, kissing the top of your little boy’s forehead. “It won’t be long before he’s as old as Tenko and doesn’t want snuggles with Mama anymore.”

“It’s hard to believe he’ll be ten in a few months.” Enji sighs.

“I’ll be fifteen in a month!” Toya offers with a grin.

“Don’t remind me.” Enji bemoans. “How did they grow up so fast?”

“I told you not to blink.” You snort a laugh. “If you do it again, they’ll all be getting married.”

“Ew! No way.” Tenko crinkles his nose. “Girls are gross.”

“You’re just saying that because you still think cooties are real.” Toya sneers, sticking his tongue out at his brother. “How do you think Mom and Dad had us? They had to be married first or we wouldn’t be here.”

“Guuuyysss!” Fuyumi whines.

You purposefully rewind the movie back a few minutes.

“Mom!” The older boys whine.

“Don’t you Mom me. If you’re going to interrupt your sister’s movie you either let me rewind so she can hear it, or I’ll pick a random place in the movies you want to watch and skip five minutes of it.” You warn.

“...fine.” They both grumble.

By the time the Grinch is over, Shoto has relocated to rest against your legs and breathes deeply as he’s the next to succumb to sleep. While Enji readies Toya’s favorite movie next, you rearrange the two younger boys until they’re each situated on a shoulder so you can put them in bed.

“How did you and Mommy have us, Dad?” Tenko asks.

And that’s your cue to leave.

Chapter Text

December 13

Enji Todoroki is not a singer, but that doesn’t mean he can’t sing.

It's just that getting him to sing is like pulling teeth. You lead him to the theoretical dentist’s chair, promise him that once the oral surgeon gives him the medicine he won’t feel a thing, and then proceed to deal with a long-lasting tantrum that ultimately ends in what you want but not without a few emotional bruises in the process.

At this point, you’ve just stopped hoping to hear that smooth baritone unless he’s singing the kids to sleep. 

So whenever the kids join in a chorus at the piano with one of their favorite Christmas carols - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - you’re pleasantly surprised to hear Enji’s deep tones humming underneath the amalgamation of sweet timbres.

When you blend your voice into the mix, Enji stops. At first, your shoulders sag, but when he pauses the children from moving on to the song, it’s clear he’s stopped because he’s got another plan in mind.

“Let’s let your mother sing the next one alone.” Enji offers.

“As if you haven’t heard me sing before.” You snort, wrinkling your nose at him. You stretch out your fingers as you search for another carol in your scorebook.

“I have but…I don’t know. I never get tired of hearing your voice; sometimes I think about letting you go record an album just so I can hear you always.” He admits, eying the teenagers around the piano lest they start fawning and gagging over his outward affectionate behavior towards you. “It acts as a balm after a long day.”

“It’s true, Mommy. Your voice feels like sunshine in the snow.” Shoto places a tiny hand over yours.

So, you take a cleansing breath and steady your fingers over the ivory keys. A tender tune escapes the piano in a haunting melody before you sing. Lilting notes trickle past your lips and into the surrounding atmosphere for your family.

“ Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright. Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant, so tender and mild. ” You begin.

You nearly falter when Enji’s deep bass joins you.

“ Sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace. ”

“Wow, Mommy, you got Daddy to sing!” Natsuo ogles.

“I sing for your mother quite often, Natsuo.” Enji defends.

“Only because I force it out of you!” You laugh, helping Shoto with his papers lined with lyrics so he can be included. “And normally you’re haughty and upset with me afterwards.”

“She has a point.” Toya quips.

“No, I–” But he stops, pursing his lips together. With a sigh, he nods. “No, you’re right. And I’m sorry, my flame.” He squeezes your shoulder. “I will be better.”

Warmth washes over your heart, flooding every cell with adoration for the man across from you. A light smile tilts up into your cheeks as you pat his hand.

“One might say you’ll endeavor to be better, hm?” You giggle.

“Mom, that one was bad .” Fuyumi cackles.

“But you’re laughing, so was it really that bad?” You tickle her side.

“I think you and Dad should sing another duet next.” Tenko says, red eyes aglow with delight. “Pretty please?”

With a smirk you turn to Enji with a raised eyebrow. Well?

He grumbles to himself, but a soft grin graces his features and he nods. You let him pick the song and by the end of it, the entire Todoroki family sings in one accord for the next hour. 

When the kids unite to coax out an encore, Enji takes up the mantle and sings one last carol, his eyes never leaving yours.

Chapter Text

December 14

“You know this will never work.” Enji grumbles, his feet unsure.

“You can’t possibly know that!” You laugh, sliding with ease across the ice in an elegant twirl. “Just glide and pivot, big boy.”

“Easy for you to say. You don’t exude heat the way I do.” 

“Hm, that sounds like an excuse, Enchan.” You taunt, squealing when he pulls you in by the waist and sends you both sprawling across the ice.

He hovers above you, cold air steaming from the heat of your breaths before he leans down to seal your mouths together in a kiss. A moment passes before your tongue swipes at his lip and then he’s wrestling the strong muscle with his own for dominance.

“Why are you guys so gross?” Tenko grouses as he closes the back door and snow crunches beneath his feet. “I thought Mom was teaching you how to ice skate?”

“Tenko,” Enji huffs as he pulls back. “Your mother is teaching me how to ice skate. But we fell.”

“We’re gross because we’re in love with each other.” You fake swoon, throwing your arm across your forehead and using the other arm to wrap around Enji’s neck.

“I think it’s romantic.” Fuyumi sighs; she’s next to exit the back door. “They still love each other even after having us!”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Natsuo furrows his little brows in confusion when he files out behind her.

“I dunno. It’s something my math teacher said. Apparently the romance dies with every child born.” Fuyumi shrugs.

“That’s a bunch of crap.” Toya carries Shoto out with him and then sets him on the snow-covered ground. “Having a bunch of kids means there’s still plenty of romance!” He smirks.

“How do you know?” Shoto asks.

“Because they’re having a bunch of kids.” Toya snickers.

You roll your eyes at the antics of your children before Enji helps you up. Both of his large hands swallow yours in their heat, but you guide him again in a dance across the ice. 

“Just take it slow. You don’t have to be an expert by the end of the night.” You remind him.

“”I at least want to be proficient.” He grunts, nearly slipping again.

“Baby steps, Enchan. Think of skating like your flames. Move as an extension of the ice and go with its flow.” You demonstrate with poise that could rival professional figure skaters.

Your children watch with increasing interest as you teach the hulking behemoth of a man how to make a smooth journey around the thick ice covering your backyard pond. When you tell him to take a break, he insists you keep going. Telling him he doesn’t have to be perfect results in him trying even harder to float over the frigid frost as easily as you do.

Until finally, he does.

The two of you race across the ice until you’re pleasantly surprised when he scoops you up into his arms and holds you against his chest while his skates glide across the ground. He kisses your forehead while he spins the two of you in a slow and steady cyclone.

“I may not be as graceful as you, but I’m definitely as fast now.”

“But not as fast as me!” Toya whoops, suddenly tearing across the ice in circles around Enji. “Try and catch me if you can, Dad!”

Enji smirks and then sets you down on the ice as he takes up the challenge.

Everyone laughs when Toya ends up the winner after Enji slips and crashes into a snowdrift. You snort and head over to sit by him in the snow, swiping the leftover frozen flakes from his fiery red hair.

“Well, you were right about one thing.” You rub a thumb over his cheek and giggle. “You’re definitely not as graceful as me.”

Chapter Text

December 15

Ever since you moved to Japan to marry Enji, you’ve been pleasantly content with the cold snowy winters. Although it isn’t always guaranteed, living in a more tropical climate throughout the duration of your childhood makes every sprinkle of snow that much sweeter now.

“Mom, watch this.” Natsuo whispers, creeping behind a large barrier of snow as he scoops up a snowball. He lobs it across the yard at another, similar barrier as he yanks you to a crouch beside him.

“Hey!” Toya’s voice echoes across the lawn. “Natsuo, I know that was you!”

A few seconds later, your hair explodes with cold, wet flakes that melt in your hair and pull a shriek from your lips. Though you know Toya meant to hit his brother, your playful nature demands retribution.

So when Natsuo giggles at you and then you stand to see Toya’s wide eyes, you don’t hesitate to lob a snowball right back at him.

“No fair, you’ve got Mom on your side!” Toya laughs, when Tenko suddenly pops up beside him with a devilish grin. “But I’ve got Tenko! This is war!”

For the next fifteen minutes the four of you launch a full-scale attack against each other. Despite being the eldest, Toya ends up getting hit with the most ammunition. He’s a good sport about it, laughing and shaking his wet hair with every impact. 

Tenko and Natsuo are the ones really holding out to see who buckles beneath the pressure first. Neither of them have hit each other. Each of them hold the same air of determination as their father, eyes glimmering with fierce resolution as they analyze the others’ tactics – both have strategies that change with every throw.

And then Enji steps outside.

“Put some of your quirk into it, Natsuo.” He whispers after watching a few rounds.

Both of you ogle as your nine-year-old son sends a heap of icy snow straight into Tenko’s shoulder with his jaw agape. 

“I did it!” He whoops, before getting side-swiped by Tenko’s retaliating blow.

“Never assume victory until you’ve confirmed your adversary is restrained or incapacitated.” Enji chuckles.

You snicker at the boys’ antics while fluttering over to Enji for a hug around the waist. He can make even the coldest winter as warm and cozy as springtime sunshine and summer campfires. 

“You haven’t learned your lesson, either, my flame.”

Your eyes snap open just as he body slams you into the barrier that had been protecting you and Natsuo. A flurry of powder erupts around the two of you, and you snatch Enji’s shirt sleeve before he can escape. You can’t help the laughter bubbling out of your chest, though.

“Enji Todoroki, I love you so much.”

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.”

Chapter Text

December 17

“I took the liberty of calling Tokei to watch the kids this evening so you and I can catch a break.” Enji tells you over a cup of tea. “I figure you need it especially after being sick.”

“That’s very sweet of you, Enchan. What are we going to do? I take it you’ve made plans?” You poke out your tongue as you mark the stitch in your current crochet project.

“Well, we do have the Christmas party tonight with Toshinori and Sayuri, remember?”

“Oh, shoot. Is that tonight? I forgot all about it! I’ll go out and get some gifts.”

His hand palms your shoulder to pause you before you can even sit up. 

“Relax, my flame, I’ve got it all taken care of. You were sick and I didn’t expect you to remember.”

His thoughtfulness drains the tension from your muscles as you smile and lean against his side. The couch sinks with the added weight of your worry before you turn to rest your head on Enji’s comfy thigh. 

“What did you get them, then?”

“It’ll just be Toshinori, Sayuri, Hana, and Shinya. I got a present for everyone. You know how much Toshinori likes America – I got him a package of American postcards with a barbecue sauce sampler.” He pauses. “You’re from America. Why is that a thing?”

“Barbecue samplers? Oh, sweetheart, that’s an easy go-to for gift giving! There’s always a barbecue going on in the United States.” You chuckle, pulling his massive hand into yours to idly trace pictures into his skin.

“Hm, well, I guess it’s good that I got him something traditional. He’ll like that.” Enji decides, before continuing on his rundown. “I got Sayuri an embroidery kit. Hasn’t she mentioned needing more patterns?”

“Oh, yes! She’ll love that. I’m a little jealous; you might win over her heart and I’ll have to beat her off of you for that.” You tease.

“As if the embroidery kit would be able to pry her from Toshinori in the first place.” Enji snorts. “Hana was the easiest. I just bought her a small collection of books from her wishlist.”

“Define small .” 

“Oh, hush. It’s not a lot. I didn’t want anyone to think we were favoring them, so it’s just five or so.” He ruffles your hair.

You swipe at his hand playfully when he purposefully flips half of your wavy locks over your eyes. He flicks your forehead on principle with a laugh.

“Last is Shinya. What about him?”

“I got him a sushi making kit. He enjoys cooking and was just talking about making an attempt at putting together his own Edgeshot sushi roll.” Enji shrugs. “Like I said, I have the presents handled.”

“Color me impressed.” You giggle.

“You say that as if I would have planned to go without any.”

“I never doubted you; only worried that you might have forgotten.”

. . . . .

When you step up to the threshold of Toshinori’s house and get ushered in, you chuckle with Sayuri about how well the boys get along. Toshinori claps Enji on the back and by the time they reach the living area, they’re already smiling and exchanging pleasantries. Every day you wait with buzzing anticipation for Enji to learn that his best friend is none other than All Might himself. Not because it’ll piss him off, oh no, but the look on Enji’s face is one you don’t want to miss.

Maybe you’ll frame the picture of his expression when it finally happens.

As Shinya and Hana join the crowd a few minutes later, Sayuri seems to read your thoughtful expression.

“I still say he’s just gonna haul back and punch him on principle.” She snickers.

“I mean, it’s Enji’s own fault. How many other men does he know that are blonde-haired, blue-eyed, and seven feet tall?” You whisper back.

“Who are we talking about?” Hana suddenly squirms her way between the two of you with a smirk that’s up to no good. 

“We’re talking about how loud Toshi is in bed and if Enji can top it.” Sayuri winks. “Or should I say, our dearest ice queen can top him .”

“All I’m saying is Shinya’s a ninja in the streets and a monster in the sheets.” Hana wiggles her eyebrows, before sneaking back towards the kitchen as we drop our jaws.

Of course, you both trail after her, doubled over in mirth.

“Have you finished Christmas shopping, Hana-chan?” You ask when you’re composed. “We’ve only got eight more days.”  

“I really should have it done, but you know I always end up finishing shopping last minute.” She sighs. “Shinya can be so hard to buy for, sometimes.”

“Tell me about it.” You groan. “I’m just lucky inspiration struck me at the mall for Enji.” 

“You didn’t tell me you bought Enji’s big gift already! Now I feel bad that I haven’t gotten Toshi’s!” Sayuri whines, flopping her head on your shoulder.

“I know, I know, I’m sorry. I can go help you find something if you’d like.”

“You don’t have to feel obligated, but I’ll never turn down time with my bestie!” She laughs. “Besides, you have to tell us! What did you get him?”

“Yes, tell us what you got him.” Enji’s deep timbre rumbles from behind, making you jolt and smack his arm. “What? I want to know.”

“And you will…on Christmas!” 

“I think she means it.” Toshinori pops in behind him, earning a smack from Sayuri. “What? You ladies always sneak in on our conversations. Why can’t we be one of the girls for the night?” 

“Because you’re just doing it because you want to know your presents!” We all cry in unison.

You hear Shinya’s sigh before he materializes out of thin air in the middle of the group.

“Guilty as charged.”

Enji smirks at you, blue eyes burning with loving adoration that forces a smile on your rosy cheeks – you can’t help but kiss him. The other two couples in the room have the same idea. 

“Well, if we can’t know what our actual Christmas presents are…might as well start this party with the presents we got for each other this evening.” Toshinori decides.

Despite the dopamine rush of receiving some new headphones, the real magic forms after the gift exchange. In the middle of a pile of presents and soft decorative lights hanging from the banisters, the warm glow permeating your heart has nothing to do with presents and everything to do with the people surrounding you.

With a smile, you lean on Enji’s shoulder while Toshinori heralds a funny story about his awkward first kiss with Sayuri. Hana follows up with her own embarrassing tale of the time she nearly sprained her ankle on her first date with Shinya. You conclude with an egregious anecdote about the time Enji left you sitting at a hero gala alone because he’d been needed at the last minute for an emergency villain attack.

At the end of it all? The six of you raise a glass to true friends and true loves.

You meet Enji’s gaze as the bubbly champagne touches your lips, thanking God for blessing you with a man who’s both, and friends who won’t let you forget it.

Chapter Text

December 18

“You are bound and determined to get sick again, aren’t you?” Enji chuckles when you step outside with him under the Pagoda tree in nothing but a long-sleeve shirt and leggings.

“I’m really not; I just wanted to keep you company for a little bit. It’s not so bad.” You insist. “Besides, that just means you’ll need to snuggle in closer in order to keep me warm.”

“As if that’s a problem.”

It’s not. In fact, Enji takes off his own coat and pulls it around your shoulders, taking the time to button it up even though it’s clear the fabric swallows you whole in its massive size – so much so that it drags along the ground. Enji doesn’t seem to mind, taking extra time to roll up the sleeves until your hands are free to roam. 

Only then does he scoop you up and cradle you against his chest. Every sunbeam that’s ever touched the ground would never be enough to match the light radiating in your heart for Enji Todoroki; it only takes one look up at him to confirm this as he sits down with you on the bench.

“You complete me.” You close your eyes. “Never forget that.”

“I’m not sure you’d let me.” Enji’s fingers rub soft assurances against your covered arms. “Every breath you take in my presence is a gift I don’t deserve.”

“Waxing poetic today, aren’t we?” You giggle, opening your eyes again to stare into the deep blue sea of his eyes. “I didn’t take you for a poet, Enchan.”

“I’m not.” He grunts, looking away with the softest blush painting his cheeks. “At least, not for anyone else.” 

“That’s enough for me.”

Chapter Text

December 19

Pro hero Christmas parties make you a lot more nervous than parties with your friends who just happen to be pro heroes. The biggest difference? The media is a beast . Even just pulling up in the car with Enji you both find yourselves boxed in a metal car with camera flashes twinkling like stars outside the dark tinted windows.

“Ignore them.” Enji reminds me with a kiss to my temple. “It’s just me and you, remember?”

When the two of you step out, he’s no longer your Enji. He is Endeavor.

Flames mask his face as his features cement into rigid lines across his face. His exterior transforms to gruff and grouchy in moments with his careful hand at the small of your back contradicting the icy glare he throws towards everyone else.

It draws a chuckle from your chest as you both make it past the press and into the main hall, where a magnificent tree stretches to the ceiling and declares a season of joy and generosity to the massive crowd of heroes.

“Just me and you and a bunch of strangers.” You snort.

“It won’t be so bad.” Enji consoles. 

“Strangers? Why, Mrs. Todoroki, I’m hurt!” All Might’s laughter echoes behind you, accented by the shuttering of camera lenses. “Surely you and Endeavor have seen me enough times to consider me an acquaintance, at least!”

You chuckle at his comment, not even a little surprised when your husband grits his teeth.

“Hardly. You’re more like an irritation. Arguably worse than a stranger.” Enji growls, his fingers gripping your hip tighter. “Come, my flame, let’s go.”

As he steers you away and off to the side for refreshments, you squeeze his forearm.

“I know he’s your rival, but what’s so bad about him otherwise, Enchan?” You press, a smirk developing around your cheeks. “He’s only ever treated you with respect and honor.”

“My flame,” Enji pinches the bridge of his nose, sucking in a thin breath of air. When he opens his eyes, his hand lays on his napkin. “I’ve explained this before.”

“And you promised me you were working on it.” You urge, resting a hand on top of his. “We agreed. You can train Shoto to strive for the number one spot if he wants since he’s insistent on being a hero like All Might, too. But trying to make him shoulder your dreams is not fair to either of you. The first step to breaking free of those corrosive thoughts is more interaction with your rival. He is human, just like you.” 

“Sometimes I wonder.” Enji mutters, glancing at the blonde who’s still surrounded by fans and reporters alike. “Why else would all my work go to waste?”

“Don’t you think he feels the same way?”

Confusion swirls in the skies of his eyes as he looks at you.

“Impossible. His goal is achieved.”

“His goal may not be the same as yours, Enchan.”

You’ve spent time with All Might both as the Symbol of Peace and as Toshinori. But one thing remains common between the two of them: it’s lonely at the top of the hero rankings.

“I fail to see your point. Enlighten me.” Enji loads a fork with turkey as he eats and listens to you.

“Have you ever seen All Might’s family, Enchan?” 

“No, but I imagine he has good reason for keeping them hidden with his status being what it is.” 

“That’s not what I meant.” You chuckle. “I mean, have you ever seen anything about All Might having a family? There’s no mention of a wife, children, even immediate family like a mother or father. You, of all people, should know that the higher up in the rankings the more impossible it is to hide your loved ones from view. If he had a family, we’d know by now.”

Enji opens his mouth to speak, before understanding sparkles in a sea of blue.

“You’re saying that what he really desires is a family, but no matter how hard he works he cannot attain it…”

“Yes.” You nod. “While you consider him your rival because you want to compete for the number one spot, I wonder if he considers you the same because he wants what you have…a loving family to share that success with.”

Both of you eat in silence for a time; while it’s frustrating not knowing what’s going through Enji’s head, you’re just glad he marinates on this subject. When it was first evident Shoto had the desired quirk Enji had hoped for, he’d been much less receptive to any advice regarding All Might.

Trapping Enji in a thick icy prison that took twenty minutes to melt had finally reminded him that you wouldn’t be pushed around, especially concerning the safety and emotional care of your children.

Now? Here you are. He’s much more receptive to your thoughts regarding his ambitious obsession with beating the No. 1 hero and Symbol of Peace.

“I don’t suppose I’d considered that.” Enji finally answers. “You are right, of course. Even now, he still stands over there unable to move because of the crowd.”

“Why don’t we go help him escape for a bit of reprieve? In light of the Christmas spirit, if nothing else?”

And though you can tell the idea genuinely pains him, he stands with a heavy sigh.

“Fine.”

Chapter Text

December 20

Enji insists you visit the doctor when your sinus infection returns for another round of congestion and bed rest. Only this time it brings with it nausea and a tension headache.

“If you haven’t been to the doctor by the time I finish patrol this afternoon, I’m throwing you over my shoulder to take you myself.” Enji warns, holding you by the cheeks. “I need you to take care of yourself for me, okay?”

“I know.” You whine. “I’ll go.”

After arriving and learning you need to set up a check-up anyway, you offer to wait around for an hour until your regular doctor has an opening. Upon being called to the back, you’re treated to a basic check-up and a few tests to see if you have the flu or COVID.

Dr. Sin has your diagnosis in a matter of minutes: a sinus infection and a stomach bug.

. . . . .

When Enji returns from patrol, he finds you in an instant.

“Did you call Dr. Sin?”

“Yes, Enchan.” You laugh. “It’s just a sinus infection; they gave me some antibiotics.”

“Another sinus infection?” Enji frowns.

“Check the papers if you don’t believe me!” You snort. “I can’t help it that my sinuses are just silly little guys.”

“No, but you can take better care of the love of my life.” The whiskers of his beard tickle your neck as he kisses your shoulder. “Let me see the papers.”

You hand over the documents and lean into his side.

His breath catches as you tilt your head up to smile at him. He brings his arms around your waist and presses his forehead to yours with wide, pleading eyes.

“Is it true? We’re expecting another baby, too?” He rubs your cheek with his thumb. “Why didn’t you lead with that?!”

“Well, I’d thought about telling you I had a stomach bug, but I figured it’d be easier to treat it as a surprise early Christmas present and make you see it yourself.” 

His lips crash against yours as he spins you around. When he sets you down, his calloused palms caress your stomach.

“Are you excited to have another little one in your arms?” You coo.

“I can’t wait. I really can’t wait.” He whispers in a broken cry. “I’m so happy! Shoto will have a little sibling and it’s been so long since we’ve tried for another girl. Maybe Fuyumi will finally get a little sister.” He rambles and then peppers kisses all over your face again.

You giggle and tangle your fingers in his spiky red hair.

“Merry Christmas, Enji.”

Chapter Text

December 21

The news about another little Todoroki being on the way shakes the household! Toya and Fuyumi voice their shock with great fanfare, honest about their doubt about Enji wanting more kids since he’s already got Shoto, the perfect balance between hot and cold.

Tenko and Natsuo are not surprised, especially not with all the public displays of affection between their parents.

“I’m surprised Mom hasn’t had another baby before now.” Tenko scoffs, a smile on his face that he tries to hide by turning back to his computer.

Shoto is the most surprised of every kid in the house.

“Mommy, you’re having another baby?” He gasps. “But why?”

“What do you mean, why?” You laugh, setting up your nativity set on the mantle now that you’ve finally found it. “I’ve always wanted a big family.”

“But doesn’t Father only want kids to make a suitable hero to beat All Might?” 

“That is one reason he’s tried having kids, but your father still loves all of his children, regardless of whether or not they’ll be heroes to surpass All Might.” You explain. “He also likes having a big family just like me.”

“Oh.” Shoto pauses. “Will it be a boy or a girl?”

“We’re not sure yet. The doctors won’t be able to tell for a few more weeks, Shoto.” You explain, rubbing your belly with a tender, buzzing heart despite the fact that you’re not even showing yet. “What are you hoping for? Do you want a little brother or a little sister?”

“I have enough brothers. I think we need another girl.” Shoto smiles.

“Ew, no way! Girls are icky and gross!” Natsuo pipes up from the hallway.

“Who said girls were icky and gross?!” Sayuri’s voice echoes through the entryway as she and Toshinori step inside.

“Aunt Sayuri!” Toya shrieks, tearing through the house to give her a hug – she’s the only one deemed lucky enough to still receive physical affection from the moody teen. “Did you and Uncle Toshi bring me something cool?”

“Well, let us get in the house first, young Toya!” Toshinori chuckles, ducking to walk in the house with a large bag thrown over his shoulder.

“Thank you so much for watching them, Sacchan.” You squeeze your bestie tight as a gaggle of Todoroki children flock to their favorite aunt and uncle. “We won’t be long.”

“Nonsense, take as long as you need!” She waves you off.

. . . . .

“I can’t believe we’re having another baby.” Enji utters for the fiftieth time as you both find a seat in the coffee shop. “Todoroki number six…I’m so happy. Are you hoping for a boy or a girl, my flame?”

“It would be nice to have another girl to give Fuyumi company.” You giggle, stretching your hand across the table to squeeze his hands. “But I won’t mind if it’s a boy, either.”

More fantasies float through your mind, fantasies of a little girl hopping through puddles on a rainy day with Fuyumi. Or maybe a little boy trying to climb the Pagoda tree with Shoto and Natsuo. Perhaps – dare you think it? – you might even have multiples! You’ve always wanted twins.

None of these hopes never leave your lips, because the moment you open your mouth to voice them you realize Enji’s eyes have turned dark and brooding. 

He hasn’t touched his coffee.

“Enchan? Is something wrong?” You blow on your hot chocolate and take a sip to give him time to think.

“What if I screw it up?” He whispers.

You blink a few times, swallowing your beverage and ignoring its burn on the way down. 

“What do you mean, Enji?”

“What if I screw up this kid like I almost did to Shoto?” He starts, brows furrowing as guilt paints his expression and worry haloes him in the dim light of the cafe. “What if I end up getting obsessive again? Even now I still fall into controlling habits when training Shoto or trying to maintain his diet. What if I end up ruining him and this next child, too? What if I end up ruining all of them?”

His concern touches your heart and prompts you to move over onto the booth where he sits to hug his arm and lean on his shoulder. With a heavy sigh, you hold onto the optimism that’s plagued you since you were born.

“Enji, you won’t ruin them, and do you know how I know?”

“Hm?”

“Because I’m right here beside you to make sure you don’t. And I know you’re here to help me with the same. It’s a partnership and a mutual love, we’ll work through this together. You’ve been making good progress with Shoto and the others; Toya’s been the happiest I’ve seen him now that he trains with the new support gear.” You pause for a moment to let this sink in before smirking. “You want to know another reason I know you won’t screw it up?”

“How else?”

“Because if you get crazy obsessive like you used to with Shoto, I’ll beat your ass.”

Chapter Text

December 22

“Mother, what’s a s’more?” Shoto asks you.

“It’s a marshmallow sandwiched between a bit of chocolate and two graham crackers after you roast it on a fire.” You explain, helping Tenko as he pulls his marshmallow out of the campfire.

“It’s also way too much sugar with little nutritional value, Shoto. You don’t need any.” Enji grunts, folding his arms across his chest as he looks at the rest of his family enjoying the sugary treat.

You turn your head to him with a dramatic raise of your eyebrows. Though Enji’s obsession with overtaking All Might was scary a few months ago, your feral nature had no problem knocking him down a few pegs for the sake of the kids.

Man might literally be flames, but you’re quick to show him your ice is no less dangerous. Just ask Robert Frost.

“Enji Todoroki,” You warn him, looking around at your other kids, who are merrily munching on multiple s’mores at a time without issue. “You mind running that by me again?”

Your hulking husband slumps his shoulders with a sigh as his glare meets yours and melts into a little amused smirk.

“Oh, alright. Have some if you want some, Shoto. Maybe I’ll indulge, too.” Enji allows, grabbing two sticks and placing a marshmallow on each; he hands one to Shoto and keeps one for himself. “Sorry, my flame, old habits die hard.”

“I’m glad and proud that you’re willing to try and break them for our sake.” You purr, leaning up on your tiptoes to kiss his cheek before pelting him with a marshmallow. “But how dare you try and deprive a child of the chocolatey delight of a s’more!”

Chapter Text

December 23

When you shrug into the house with grocery bags hanging off your arms, Enji is not impressed. Rather, he would be impressed, except he’s always more protective of you the first couple weeks every time you’ve told him you’re expecting. Now, it’s no different.

“You could have texted me or honked the horn and I’d have helped you unpack the car.” He grumbles, looping his arms through half the bags on your arms and hoisting them away from you and towards the kitchen. He pauses when he notices some bottles clinking around. “You know with the new baby–”

“I can’t have any alcohol, Enchan, I know. I’ve gone through this particular rodeo several times by now.” You laugh, shaking your head with amusement. “It’s sparkling cider to celebrate the upcoming holiday, my love. Don’t get fussy.”

“I don’t get fussy, I get concerned.” Enji denies. His fingers pinch your cheeks as he pecks your lips. “Forgive me if I want a happy, healthy baby in my arms later.”

“And I don’t ?” You quirk a brow as your lips tilt into a smile.

“Oh, I’m sure you do, my flame. But I wouldn’t put it past you to take a sip of wine and forget you can’t have it.” He taunts, scooping you up in his arms to pepper your face with kisses and make you giggle.

He sets you down and you get right to work, opening one of the bottles and filling two champagne flutes with sparkling cider. You offer him the flute and then hoist yourself onto the counter.

You hold out your flute to him and he taps the edge of his glass to yours.

“To a merry Christmas and a little Todoroki who’s sure to be as fiery as you are.” You toast.

“And who’s sure to be as strong as you, my flame.”

Chapter Text

December 24

“Mommy, Santa’s coming!” Little Shoto bounces around with more energy than Toya during the yearly UA Sports Festival. “Can I put out the milk? And I want to make sure the reindeer have food, please.”

“My, someone’s eager!” You chuckle with good humor, pulling out the milk and a clean, tall glass while Shoto grabs a bag of reindeer food from the counter to go sprinkle in the front yard. “Hang on, Shoto, you need to wait for me.”

He bounces on the soles of his feet as he stands there, eyes glowing with eagerness. He’s always struggled to show emotion, so the sight of those twinkling eyes hurries you to the door so you can both indulge in the magic.

After scattering handfuls of deer feed and chopped greens on the lawn, you usher him back in to set out cookies and milk. Shoto rearranges the plate and the glass of milk at least three times before he’s satisfied.

“Okay, Shoto, I think it’s time for bed.” You ruffle his hair. “Santa won’t come if you’re not sound asleep in your bed, you know.”

“But what about you and Daddy? Are you going to bed, too? And then Toya! He always stays up extra late. Can you make sure he goes to bed?” Shoto hops onto his soft mattress and pulls the covers up under his chin.

“Yes, sweetheart, we’ll make sure everyone’s asleep.” You promise, planting a kiss on his forehead and combing his hair with your fingers. “Don't worry your sleepy little head about it. Tomorrow will be Christmas and it’ll be full of magic and wonder.”

“Yeah! I’m so excited!” His heterochromic eyes glisten in the lamplight. “Will you still sing me my lullaby?”

“Of course, dear one.”

. . . . .

A Shoto fair with red and white hair - 

your fire and ice will mingle so nice.

But that’s not all you are;

see, you’re my shining star!

Remember who you are.

With Shoto sound asleep, you start making your rounds with the other children, tapping on their doors and peeking in. Tenko is already fast asleep, blue hair askew on as he snores lightly from the day’s excitement. Fuyumi might be thirteen, but she also asks you to remind Toya to go to sleep early so Santa won’t pass over the Todoroki house.

“Ugh, why do I have to go to bed for something stupid like Santa?” Toya whines when you peek in. “They’d never know one way or the other.”

“Maybe not. But your little siblings look up to you, Toya, and you need some good rest. Can’t you sleep early one night out of the year to give them some peace of mind?” You reason.

Though he’s quiet for a few moments, Toya ultimately groans and turns off his light before turning over in bed. “Oh, alright. Good night, Mom.”

“Good night, my love.” You go to leave but pause in the doorway. With a little smile, you turn to Toya’s bed. “Do you want me to sing your lullaby?”

“Mooooom! I’m not five anymore.” Toya gripes.

“Okay, okay. I sang for the others, so I just wanted to offer.”

When you hear the door click, you let out a heavy sigh and find Enji reading in his lounge chair. Crawling up into his lap and squirming under the thick tome to lay on his chest, your expectant gaze matches his amused one.

“Can I help you?” He smirks. 

“The kids are in bed and it’s Christmas Eve. We should head to bed before Santa arrives.” You wink.

His book closes with a thunk before he sets it aside and stands by lifting you in his arms. Blue irises capture you in their wicked gleam. 

“You don’t suppose we have a little time before Santa arrives to open a few late night presents, do you?” He whispers in your ear.

“Hmm, maybe one gift before bed.” 

. . . . .

The amount of effort it takes to keep your eyes open after post-orgasmic bliss while being huddled up to a living furnace should earn you an award. And that’s not including the way in which you finesse yourself from his grip as he snores softly against your neck.

Once freed, you fumble around for the two crocheted Pokémon hidden underneath a blanket beneath your bedside table. You glide out of the bedroom after throwing on a robe and head down the hall to the plate of cookie crumbs and empty milk glass, before setting down Glaceon and Camerupt at Enji’s usual seat.

After a quick once over to make sure everything is in place and listening by Toya’s door to double check that he’s actually still asleep, you head back to bed with Enji.

You sigh and snuggle up to your favorite space heater.

“Was wondering where you went…” His arms pull you closer. “Gets lonely without you here.”

“I was gone for like ten seconds.” You hiss, heart skyrocketing at the prospect of him spoiling his surprise gifts. “I had to pee.”
“Hmph. Give me a little credit and lie better. We’ve been married for 15 years; you were hiding presents.” He chuckles.

You pout into the darkness.

“...well, did you see them?”

“No. Again, we’ve been married for 15 years. You like to make it a surprise, and I’m tired.”
With a huff of a laugh and a boop to his nose, you tuck your head under his chin and smile.

“Thanks, Enji.”