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There was plenty of things to deal with if you have the last name Todoroki. Hero funded riches, Family trauma, villain trauma and whatever the fuck is going on with Toya. For most of his life, Shoto didn't have to deal with normal family problems, the Todoroki's had their own twisted version.
But now at twenty-three, things were getting better. His dad was trying to repent, his mother was free from the hospital and moving on with her life, his sister got married, and his second oldest brother graduated college.
Even Toya has made progressions, being one of the first candidates for extensive healing program and villain rehabilitation, thus having longer visits and even home visits (with a patrol officer and hero on sight).
All of this good, slow progress meant that the family itself was moving forward, meaning the holidays were now spent with awkward attempts to feel normal. Fuyumi and their mother decided that three days of each December were to be spent at the new Todoroki residence to build that family connection that was barely there to begin with.
Shoto had no problem with this. In fact, he was glad to spend time with his mom and his siblings; to enjoy the fact he even had connections with them now other than subtle looks and nods.
No, his problem was the half reformed burnt chicken nugget and his flaming shit bag of a father.
"You know, little Shoto, mom is going to worry if you keep showing up all alone each year." Toya observed over the phone the second Shoto had picked up the incoming call from the prison. He doesn't fight the eye roll as he walks, patrolling the streets from villains like Toya himself.
"I knew I should have let the phone ring." Shoto deadpans back, reaching his hand up to adjust the ear piece on his red side. Toya's low gravelly laughs can be heard. He always loves to wind Shoto up, almost more than he loves to piss off Enji. "Besides, you come alone every year."
"Oh, Shoto, I'm never alone. The watch commander has the most annoying little pricks at my side day and night. It's fuckin annoying."
"Then you shouldn't have murdered people." Shoto sighs. "Is mom actually worried about this or is this just you being an ass because you're bored?"
"Bit of both." Toya admits. "The doc said I should spend more brotherly time talking with you since we are the most distant. So here I am, being a good little reformed villain and giving my baby brother some brotherly advice."
Shoto stops at the cross walk, scanning the crowd of people walking past, living their everyday lives. Not long ago, Toya was going by Dabi and trying to kill their dad and him. Shoto still isn't entirely sure if he was a target along side Enji or if he was a causality.
The crossing sign turns green. "So what if I come alone? It's just Christmas."
"To Fuyumi and mom it's much more than Christmas, you know that."
"Why would bringing a friend matter though?"
Toya sighs roughly on the end of the phone. "Do I have to spell it out for you, you little shit? Not a friend, a lover! Someone you fuck!"
Making it to the other side of the cross walk, Shoto tries to keep his normally calm expression despite the red tinting his ear and flushing to his face. Even after all this time of finally getting to know his eldest brother, Shoto still hadn't gotten used to how crass the man could be.
"I don't have a lover to bring."
"Really? What about that green haired twink-" Shoto's hand shoots to his ear piece, hanging up the call before he could really hear Toya's suggestion. His face burned hotter, all the way back to the Endeavor agency.
The doors opened and Shoto rushed in right to one of the elevators, almost forgetting to give one of the front desk a polite nod. They were used to Endeavor pretending they didn't exist, but Shoto was determined to make the staff think better of himself for the day he fully takes over the agency.
He storms all the way to his office, quickly scrambling inside and flopping down on his desk chair, hands pushing back his white and red hair. Why must he always bring up Midoriya? Every single time I get asked about such things, none of my family can keep his name from their lips! Shoto contemplates, as the big flaming shit bag himself comes in.
Okay, his dad comes in, carrying a couple of case files in his hands.
"Shoto, you did not report to tell me you've finished patrolling."
"You saw me come in."
"Yes, but there is still protocol." Enji, in all his burning glory is in front of Shoto's desk, his flames considerably lower on his hero suit than years before. The hero Endeavor has been getting up in age now, and despite the flood of new heroes climbing the charts, somehow he's still on the rankings even though he's not being active for years.
The only reason Enji is here is to fully train Shoto on being the agencies owner.
Just go home already, he thinks, watching Enji look around the office awkwardly like he hasn't stood in it everyday since Shoto graduated.
Shoto takes a slow blink at his father assessing the well groomed appearance and the more chipper grin he tries to hide. "I take it you talked to my mother about Christmas."
Enji nods, setting the files on the desk. "Yes, I have confirmed that I am invited again this year."
Shoto clicks his tongue at the news, but his expression remains blank and unbothered. His mom had done a lot of work to be comfortable enough to spend even an hour with the man, that's the only reason he doesn't complain about Enji's presence during the three long December days of celebrating. Still doesn't mean he isn't annoyed.
"I was even given a task this time." Enji says proudly. "How many plates should your sister set out this year?"
"The same as every year."
Enji furrows his brows, taking in the slouched, stressed form of his son. Clearly, this could be a good father son moment, but Shoto can feel the impending doom of dealing with that version of Enji right now, so he shoots his father a look of warning. Enji clears his throat. "You're not bringing anyone? Not even All Might's brat?"
"His name is Midoriya, you know that." Shoto frowns, sitting up in his chair to pout at his father. No, he's not proud of it but he really could care less when it comes to what Enji thinks. "Did you talk to Toya? He said some crap about mom being worried I come to Christmas alone."
Enji blinks, clearly realizing he's been caught in the crossfire between the two brothers. "No, your mother and I were speaking about it when we were talking about dinners. She briefly mentioned that she was wondering if you were going to bring someone home."
"I didn't know that seemed to be a requirement for Christmas dinner."
"Shoto." Enji sighs.
Shoto rolls his eyes, snatching the files from their resting place on the desk. He flips one open, pointedly ignoring his father looming over his desk. He doesn't give into his presence or that look on his face.
Enji gets the hint five minutes in and leaves, most likely going to call Fuyumi to inform her about the number of guests arriving for the holiday.
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"Bakugou, do you normally bring home women when you go to your family for Christmas?" Shoto asks during brunch with a couple of other heroes from their graduating class. The former class 1-a tries their hardest to all hang out whenever possible, even if that meant just few groups at a time.
They are coworkers now as well, so it's an advantage to remain on good terms with other agencies. Well, that's how Shoto thought about it anyways. He wasn't dense enough to know these aren't also some of his closest friends, yes, Bakugou included.
Maybe that's why he felt the urge to seek advice from the blonde that choked on his noodles at he processed the question. Kirishima is beside him, handing Bakugou some water while Bakugou coughs and glares at Shoto.
Shoto remains still, un-phased at the scene waiting for his answer.
"What brought that on?" Kirishima asks with a confused smile as he tries to keep Bakugou from dying (again) or killing Shoto. Shoto hums, lifting his own noodles up to his mouth.
"You can't just go askin' shit like that!" Bakugou finally barks, slamming his glass of water down on the table. "Oi, shitty hair asked you a question, what the fuck brought that on?"
"I've been told my mother is worried about me coming to Christmas without a guest." Shoto answers after swallowing, setting his chopsticks down with a gentle thud before lacing his fingers together in front of his body. "I was unaware this was a requirement with aging."
Finishing his tale of woes, Shoto takes a moment to inspect the two friends in front of him. They were close, much like him and Midoriya are, but there was more to it than he could understand. Bakugou seems utterly out of this conversation the second he realized what it was about. Kirishima however was wearing a more thoughtful expression.
How these two ever got along enough to be this close, Shoto will never understand.
Kirishima goes to speak, but Bakugou cuts him off with a wave of his hand. "Just take fuckin Deku if you're so worried about it. No one would question it with the way you're always up each others asses."
"Katsuki!" Kirishima exclaims, before shaking his head, giving up on making Bakugou control his mouth in public. The redhead turns back to Shoto, giving him an sheepish sharp tooth grin. "He's…kinda of right though, Todoroki. You and Midoriya are super close, maybe like…me and Katsuki close."
Bakugo snorts, shaking his head as he crosses his arms with a grin coming to his lips. "You have to spell it out for him, Ei. This dumb ass is dense as rocks."
"I'm well aware you two sleep together." Shoto deadpans as he resumes his mission to finish his lunch. Both men's face goes bright red, but Shoto couldn't care less, not when Midoriya rushes over to their table in his work suit, brief case in hand that's likely filled with progress reports on his students.
For how amazing of a hero Midoriya is, he is also one hell of a teacher. A teacher everyone knows those students are lucky to have.
"Sorry I'm late! The kids had so many questions today about how to improve their quirk training and endurance- oh, why are you two so red?" Midoriya rambles, as he takes a seat right next to Shoto. Their legs brush, and he feels his left side warm despite not activating his quirk.
"None of your business nerd." Bakugou huffs, drinking more water to hide the look on his face. "We were just talking about Christmas plans."
Bakugou pauses for a moment, letting his red eyes go from Shoto to Midoriya. The suddenly he's got a twinkle in his eye that makes Shoto's stomach twist. He leans forward, looking down at them as if they were just turned into his play things.
"Your mom is going on a trip with my old hag this year, right?" He asks Midoriya but keeping his eyes right on Shoto's mismatched ones. Don't fuck this up, he mouths.
Midoriya nods, looking over the menu and missing the exchange completely. "Yeah. I think I'm just going to do the usual rounds of visiting Eri and Koda, before visiting All Might and heading home."
"You're gonna go home alone?" Kirishima asks with a frown, putting the icing on the cake, makes Bakugou look more smug as the conversation continues. Shoto feels something is his chest tighten at the thought of Midoriya being alone on Christmas. It wasn't right, he decided, instantly having the feeling he must, no he needs to fix this problem.
"Come with me to my family's three day festivities" Shoto practically demands, making Midoriya blink in surprise before giving him that warm smile that always makes him look like he's shining. "We can go visit Eri, Koda, and All Might on Christmas Day, if you wish."
"Really Shoto? Your family won't mind if I join you?" Midoriya asks, his ears dusting pink as he takes in the stern, sure look on Shoto's face. Shoto shakes his head, turning his body fully to Midoriya, nearly forgetting Kirishima and Bakugou were witnessing it all.
"No, they'll be glad to see you. Please come. I don't want you to be alone on such a day."
"I'll come then."
"Perfect, I'll tell my sister to set you a place."
Bakugou and Kirishima share a look with each other, as Midoriya grins to himself about his new Christmas plans. They seem to share the same thought, they're both so obvious.
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December twenty-third is the day most of the Todoroki's of the world gather under Rei's roof to celebrate with the family for three days to make up for all the lost and terrible times. The first couple of years were rough.
The tension and weight of the past fell hard on everyone's shoulders. Enji only came for one day, but his time has now been permitted to the full three days. Some years Shoto's siblings don't want him there at all. Sometimes they are fine with just one or two.
If it wasn't for his mothers kindness, all of the Todoroki siblings would have tossed the man to the curb. But if there mother could try to heal, then so could they.
Well, that's how Fuyumi explained it to all of her brothers, and her husband each year.
Shoto frankly couldn't care less if Enji was around or not. He had to see him every day for work anyways as he prepared to take over the agency. The only two with the major problems were Toya and Natsuo who found his presence appalling and annoying.
"I'm sure they will be perfectly fine this time." Shoto tells Midoriya as they ride the train to the Todoroki household. "They are tame for our mother."
Midoriya nods, giving Shoto that unsure look as he adjusts his large scarf around his neck further. Winter has been in full swing, freezing anyone who dares walk outside or travel. "It's fine, I know it's all very complicated. I'm just excited to eat your sisters cooking again!"
Shoto nods. "She will be very pleased to feed you again."
Midoriya smiles at the trains pull to a stop and the doors sliding open to a rush of on boarders. The two quickly try to ease their way through without losing each other, but Midoriya makes it to the platform without Shoto.
"Shoto? Oh, Shoto!" Midoriya half panics, half laughs at seeing the hero trapped between two big burly salary men, almost out the doors. Shoto's expression is blank as he watches his friend scramble around before making it to the situation.
"Excuse me! Can you let my friend through?" Midoriya calls out politely, but only one of them men look over. He's on the phone, clearly still working on his way home.
"Get lost." He huffs. Midoriya doesn't lose his polite smile. Even as he marches to the men, moving one out of the way with just the back of one of his arms. The men gawk at him as he slides an arm around Shoto's waist, pulling him from the crowd.
Shoto feels his quirk activate. No, wait, maybe his face is just burning red from the way Midoriya is holding him.
His arm stays around Shoto until they left the station, stepping out into the snowy sidewalks. Shoto feels warm despite the cold, despite his own quirk that regulates his body temperature on it's own. He knows what this is, the feeling of fluttering in his stomach, the quick beating of his heart.
Every stereotype, Shoto thinks as they walk side by side, hands brushing every so often, you make me feel every single one.
"Thank you for your assistance, Midoriya." He clears his throat, trying to remain his usual self despite the things happening to his body and mind.
Midoriya waves his hand to brush off his actions. "It was no trouble. They should have been watching where they were going in the first place. I mean, I know everyone is rushing due to the holidays but it doesn't excuse being a jerk."
"Still, you didn't even hesitate."
"I didn't want to lose you." Midoriya says softly before his eyes widen and he stops in his tracks. "In the crowd! I didn't want to lose you in the crowd. Not that you're not capable of going home on your own or anything…..wait why are you laughing at me?"
Shoto turns his head away from a now pouting Midoriya. He didn't mean to laugh at him, really, but seeing Midoriya ramble just like he did when they were teenagers brings him almost too much joy. It reminded him of the many reason why he stuck so close to the man, even after high school.
Izuku Midoriya is unbelievably kind, the kindest person Shoto has ever met.
"I am not laughing, I'm just…happy you're here with me today."
"I'm happy to be here."
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The first day came and went. It was easy bringing Midoriya home, easier than anything he's ever done with his family. Midoriya meshed well, he got along great with Shoto's mother, sister and brother. Even Enji had nothing bad to say about the man.
It seemed to be a well known fact, Todoroki's loved Midoriya.
Well most of them anyways.
On Christmas eve, after Shoto joined Midoriya on his gift runs to their friends, they came back to the Todoroki residence to find a large police van sitting out front, along with two government officials speaking with Enji.
Between them, Toya Todoroki stood there chained from his ankles to his wrist, looking bored out of his mind, that is until he spots just who is walking up with his baby brother.
"No fucking way." He grins, moving to step forward but the chains on his leg stop him. "You brought the green haired twink." Toya states loudly to everyone present, making them glance over to Shoto and Izuku who froze at the announcement.
Shoto instantly moves to step in front of Midoriya, shooting a viscous glare at his eldest brother. The two brothers lock eyes both refusing to give up. Toya holds his grin, loving the fact he can so easily rile up Shoto.
But of course, the fun ends for him when the doors open and their mother steps out with a stern look on her face.
"Toya please." Rei speaks softly, "Do not harass our guests."
"Right, right." Toya grumbles just as the two officials hand him off to the two heroes who will be watching over him for his two day visit. Rei puts her hand on his arm, guiding her eldest baby into the house.
"Come on, we have a tree to decorate and some food to prepare."
Shoto's shoulders stay stiff as he watches Toya get ushered away, until Midoriya's hand comes to his back almost manually smoothing them down for him. "It's okay Shoto, I know how he is."
"Still, he shouldn't be using you to pick a fight with me." Shoto mumble's before reaching behind him to take Midoriya's hand. "If he bothers you at all, just one word from you and we will go somewhere else."
"Okay." Midoriya sighs as Shoto takes his hand, dragging him past Enji right into the house.
Midoriya doesn't say a word about Toya the entire night despite the former villains snide comments meant to rile Shoto up. Shoto makes sure to stand close and shoot daggers at him any time Toya even glances at Midoriya, let alone open his mouth.
Putting up the tree? Shoto blocks Toya's view of Midoriya, practically attached to the mans side. Helping set the table? Shoto will do it all, dragging Midoriya with him. His only save and grace is his mother and sister who take most of Midoriya's attention.
Enji himself wasn't free from the pointed looks and frosty glares.
"Didn't know you were glued to his fuckin hip." Toya drawls out in boredom as he takes a bite of cake, he defiantly wasn't supposed to have yet considering they haven't even started to eat dinner. Shoto doesn't look at the man, or the two heroes who have to stand on either side of the sofa to watch him lounge.
He feels bad for them, they're here watching this bastard instead of being home with their own families.
His fingers tighten around the beer bottle in his hand, something Natsuo shoved his way the third time he stopped by the kitchen to make sure Midoriya was okay. Running a hand through his half red half white hair, he sighs.
"I'm just trying to make sure you don't ruin his time here."
Toya doesn't shoot a remark back, just stretching his chained legs out and glancing up at the two heroes behind him. They give him a nod back, making him let out his own tired sigh. "Alright kid, I'll lay off you and the green haired brat."
"What?" Shoto frowns, brows furrowing as he looks over to Toya now.
"This is important to you right? I'll lay off, play nice or whatever."
"What's with the sudden change of heart about Midoriya?" Shoto asks, leaning forward. The two brothers hold eye contact again, another standoff.
"I don't really care about him, but you do right? I like to rile you and that bastard up, it's fun for me. Entertainment." Toya explains before clearing his throat and looking away from Shoto. "But it's uh…Christmas, you know?"
Shoto takes a moment to really look at Toya, at how far he's come from everything that happened in the past. For the first time in his life, he's feeling true sibling Solidarity with Toya, and it feels like a gift all in itself.
A gift only Toya can give.
Letting out a puff of air, close to a laugh, Shoto smiles at his brother, standing up from the seat across from him, walking over. "I'm going to check on everyone in the kitchen." He says, setting the unopened beer bottle close enough for Toya to grab. "Merry Christmas Toya."
"Yeah, whatever lover boy."
Shoto leaves the living room headed right for the kitchen just as Enji comes in with a beer of his own. He watches Shoto strut past, then flicks his gaze over to his eldest son who is now trying not to smile at the bottle in front of him.
"You two seem to be getting along." Enji says, instantly making the expression fall from Toya's face to pure annoyance.
"Piss off old man." Toya grumbles, snatching the beer before the two heroes can stop him from chugging it. Enji doesn't blink, just coming closer to be next to his son. After letting out a pleased hum, he glances to Enji with a small grin. "Actually, I've got a favor to ask you."
"A favor?"
"Where's moms left over mistletoe?"
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It doesn't take long for Shoto to track down Midoriya given the fact he's been with Rei and Fuyumi helping with all the food for most of the day. He leans on the side of the door entrance, watching all three of them work around each other.
Midoriya tries to keep up with them, giving nervous grins as he follows orders to the best of his ability. It doesn't help that Midoriya is no longer a small teen boy. He's a built grown man now, towering over both Shoto's sister and mother, dancing around them to not take too much space.
"I truly was so happy to hear you were coming over this year, dear." Rei says as she hands off another steaming pot of food to Midoriya. Midoriya takes it with a smile, despite the fact he's also busy chopping things for Fuyumi. Switching between both tasks, he takes it all in stride.
Midoriya nods, going back to chopping. "I was surprised with Todoroki- er, Shoto asked me. I guess he really didn't want me to be alone so long on the holiday."
"Our boy is sweet like that." Rei smiles, patting Midoriya's arm. "He's very happy you're here too. Usually he's all tucked in a corner bickering with Toya. This year he's been a part of everything. You do bring out the best in him."
"Oh…Really?" Midoriya looks down to his knife work instead of looking at Rei. Shoto feels his left side ignite again, watching the scene with a fast-beating heart.
Could every home visit feel like this? Shoto lets his mind wonder, staring endlessly at the sight of his mother and sister having fun with Midoriya. No, everyday with Izuku feels like this, Shoto decides.
"So, I have to know, how long have you two been together?" Fuyumi asks. Shoto feels a splash of cold water on his warm toasty mood, eyes widening. Midoriya isn't any better, the knife in his hand coming down to nick the side of his finger.
"Together? Shoto and me…together…?" He mumbles, face entirely red.
"Midoriya! Are you okay?" Rei rushes over along with Fuyumi. Midoriya waves them off, putting his finger to his face to see the damage, trying to ignore the burning of his cheeks. Shoto oddly finds himself enjoying the sight of his family fuss over him.
Of his red cheeks, the mumbling of his own name on Midoriya's lips. The man isn't even phased by the nick, still stuck muttering Shoto this, me that. Together. God, how Shoto suddenly loves that word.
Oh.
This is what everyone had been talking about, he thinks, moving to leave the kitchen. Friends don't feel like this, not even best friends. This is why people bring their "friends" to family events, to holidays.
Everyone he loves and cares for is in one house, and he loves it.
Shoto finds himself sitting outside on the front porch of the house, staring up at the falling snow and the faint fog of his breath. Both sides of him run hot still at the revelation. The cold wind feels good though, giving him a moment to slow his racing heart and quiet the pounding thoughts in his head.
Has he always loved Midoriya? What should he do next? How does one confess to a friend of many years?
Does he even need to say a thing about it considering it seems like everyone knew before he did?
The thoughts die when the door slides open and Midoriya steps out with a curious look and a bandaged finger. "I was looking for you." He says, coming to sit right next to Shoto. Shoto can't help but scoot closer, making his fire side activate just a bit to keep them both warm.
Midoriya shivers, scooting closer as well, making their legs and arms bump. "I saw you run off from kitchen. Where you really going to let me bleed out like that?" He teases.
Shoto snaps his head to Midoriya's face, wearing an expression of horror. "I would never let you bleed out, Izuku." He states firmly, seriously enough that it makes Midoriya toss his head back and laugh. The gesture nearly makes Shoto combust.
"I know you wouldn't." He promises, leaning back to lean on his hands. "You always take care of me, Shoto."
Both men watch the snow silently fall, just listening to things going on inside the house and their own breathing. Shoto closes his eyes for a moment before turning to look at Midoriya. "I always will."
"Hm?"
"I will always try to take care of you, though I think you end up taking better care of me instead."
Midoriya looks down at his lap, a blush spreading across his cheeks again. This time Shoto is sure it's not just from the cold. "I was uh….kicked from the kitchen." He murmurs, making Shoto nod.
Shoto reaches out to grab the injured hand, glancing at the work of Natsuo's bandaging. Midoriya watches Shoto inspect it, leaning a bit closer to get a good look as well. When the warmth of their breath hits each other, both of their eyes widen, but no one pulls away.
Shoto licks his lips, suddenly unable to think of anything at all. Still, he forces himself to speak. "Are you having a good Christmas?" He whispers.
Midoriya nods, his eyes going from the ground back to Shoto's face. "Its a good Christmas." He whispers back with a small smile. Shoto nods back, offering a small quirk of his lips.
The two of them stay like that, until a scraping sound catches their attention. Looking above them, Shoto blinks at the sight mistletoe suddenly being above them, pushed out by a long stick. Following the stick, he finds the origins all the way to the window. He frowns at the sight of Toya and Natsuo holding it out, Enji watching from behind them with a satisfied look on his face.
"Forgive them they are-"
Shoto doesn't get a chance to apologize for his meddlesome family, because Midoriya leans forward to press a soft kiss to his lips. Pulling away, Midoriya bites his lip, looking shyer than Shoto's ever seen before.
"Was…that okay?"
Reaching out his right hand, Shoto makes a large ice glacier in front of the window, blocking his families view before using both hands to grab Midoriya's face to pull him in for a kiss with a hunger he didn't even know he had.
Their lips lock, teeth scraping slightly before they find the right rhythm. The two stay like that for a moment, exchanging a flurry of kisses in the snow before they pull away for air.
Panting, Shoto leans his forehead on Midoriya's. "More than okay." He mumbles, moving to kiss at the side of Midoriya's face. Midoriya's hands are in Shoto's hair, as he laughs at the sudden attack of affection he's receiving from Shoto.
"Merry Christmas Shoto." Midoriya grins, taking another kiss from the half and half man.
"Merry Christmas, Izuku." Shoto murmurs back, going for more.
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