I did not take a nap, much to Shouta's displeasure. However, he is not mad about it since he got to at least sit down on the bed to take some time to chill out. Sitting down still is a different story, but he doesn't seem to mind, especially when he is creating trouble for himself.

"Sir, cats are a venom to society. I don't know what world you grew up in, but the world I grew up in, cats are demons. They are trying to turn people into their slaves, and you're one of them!"

"You say that about every animal including humans. I do not see how that is a valid argument."

"Because all animals are shit! Simple as that, Shouta."

"Have you never petted a cat before?"

"My mom tried to, and the fucker bit me! I had to go get my rabies shot after that!"

"Why was your mom encourage you to pet street cats?"

"It wasn't! It was Bakugo's cat!" Shouta raises an eyebrow.

"Bakugo...had a cat?"

"Of course. He wanted a cat, so they got it for him. He was like...five or six at the time? Either way, he got the fucker. He ended up scaring it to the point of biting him whenever he was near it since he just kept trying to pet it when it didn't want to be petted, so Aunt Mitsuki had to give it a new home. She liked that cat too, for some reason."

"I don't know how to feel about that information."

"Blackmail."

"Since I am a teacher, I can't blackmail my students."

"Oh, oof. Sounds like a you problem."

"You shouldn't either because you are a TA."

"But I am also a student in class 1-A."

"Which you are barely in."

"You never specified the specifics, sir."

Shouta sighs, "Returning back to your cat issue, it's just your opinion. Doesn't mean you should ruin it for others."

"So I should let them get manipulated?"

"Yes."

"But I like you enough. I rather you not be manipulated."

"I appreciate the sentiment, but you're going to have to deal with this manipulation I am under."

"I'm switching besties."

"I'm still you're primary guardian."

"I'm switching guardians."

"Only happens in emergency cases when I am unable to make sound decisions for you if needed. Besides, would you rather have someone else?"

"Shut the fuck up. You give yourself way too much credit, Shouta."

"Considering you are still sitting here, I don't think so."

"Can you stop being logical, goddamn it?"

"No."

I hear someone knock at my dorm door. I guess social hour is over. To be honest, I enjoyed it. Not that I will ever tell Shouta that, but it's nice not having to talk about hero shit with him for once. Or my emotional problems.

I get up off the bed and go through my place until I get to my door.

When it open it, it reveals Hizashi with a box, "Hey, what's up?"

Hizashi offers me his usual big smile, "Hey, tiny listener! How are you feeling?"

"I'm better. I don't feel like deleting myself off of Facebook anymore, so that's good, I assume."

"Of course! Well, Ashido gave me this box and told me to tell you that if you don't come with Eri in the next half hour that she will expose you."

"What the fuck is she going to expose me with?"

"She probably found something, so I wouldn't put it past her. Oh, and she wants you to wear this!" I take the box from him.

"Yeah, I can do that. You might want to pick up your boyfriend before you go, though. He's quite comfy in my bed."

"Sure!" Without hesitation, Hizashi enters my dorm, goes to my room, and comes out with Shouta bridal style in his arms, "See you later, Izu!" He walks out with no issues.

I forget how strong that man is at times.

Welp, anyway, time to change!

Going back in my dorm, I go to my room to set the box down on the bed. After busting the box open, it reveals a red elf top and bottoms!

I knew Ashido was going to put us in these outfits. However, I didn't know that I was going to be wearing a skirt. I thought I was going to be wearing pants like everyone else.

Whatever, I can work with this.

I try it on, and I have no issues with the top.

The skirt is a different issue. This skirt is SHORT! Like, barely covers my ass short! If I bend over, anyone behind me will be flashed, and I don't like that. I don't mind booty shorts because they at least cover my ass when I bend over. I might as well wear nothing with this skirt.

So, I text the manufacturer of the skirt.

Izuku: Excuse me, but I must ask: why did I receive a skirt, and why is it tiny?

Momo: Ashido told me to make you a skirt because you wanted one, and that's she size she gave. Is that not what you wanted? Is it too small?

Izuku: She lied to you on both fronts. I wanted pants, and the skirt barely covers my ass. If it makes you feel any better, the top fits perfectly!

Momo: Do you need me to make you pants?

Izuku: Nah. You need that energy for the dumbasses in the dorms. I'll come up with something, no worries!

Momo: Sorry again ):

Izuku: It's Ashido's fault, not yours. Chill or no tea for you.

Momo: I don't have that authority.

Izuku: Bet.

Seeing how I don't receive a response after that, I think it is safe to say that she believes me now.

Since I don't have Christmas pants, I just grab my black uniform pants to compensate. Honestly, you can make anything work with them. It's just a disappointment that I have to wear it for my Nezu cosplay.

Maybe one day I'll get a new uniform, but it's certainly not today! There's so much I have to do! I have to get Eri from Mom, take her to the dorms, help my classmates make their meals, and give them their gifts. That's just my classmates. I have to return to the teacher's afterwards for that feast, hope I don't kill Yagi or Snipe, give Mom her gift in private and chat with her a bit, and then the squad gift giving.

And whatever the fuck else comes up. I hope that is not a lot.

I come out to the cold world in my little Christmas outfit to find Eri and Mom already in the lounge waiting, and they have matching red and white dresses! It's so adorable!

If Mom doesn't adopt her, I'm dropping out of UA. No jokes. She's too attached already.

"You two look great!" I announce with a grin.

Eri immediately rushes to me, "Izuku! Trick or treat!" This time, I am prepared to catch her! I manage to lift her up with one arm and spin her around a little bit.

I don't know what's up with her and mixing Halloween and Christmas together, but I don't see it as a problem.

"Eri! Merry Christmas to you too! What have you been up to, sweetie?"

"Momma and I made sugar cookies!"

"Ooo! That sounds like great fun!"

"It was!" Eri leans in and whispers, "I saved a box for you."

"I love you." This is why Eri is my favorite person.

Eri giggles, "I love you too!" Aww! Someone pinch me please! I don't deserve this sweetheart in my arms!

"You're too cute. Now, are you ready to deal with my classmates?"

"Uh-huh!"

"Very good! You're going to keep the troublemakers out of the kitchen, right?" Eri gives me an affirmative nod, "Great! We are relying on you, Eri. We'll head there, but first..." I make my way over to Mom and give her a partial hug with my partial arm, "Merry Christmas, Mom."

Mom smiles as she brings me into a full hug with Eri between us, "Merry Christmas to you too, dear! Do you have everything together for the dinner?"

"We should. If not, I'll just go buy some off of Lunch Rush."

"Very good! Now, you two go on ahead! Shouta needed my help with something."

I raise my eyebrow, "With what?"

"It's a surprise!"

"That is sus."

"You'll see it! Go on before your classmates drag you there themselves!"

"Alright, but the surprise better not be anything bad!"

Before she gets a chance to respond, I head out to the student dorms. Unfortunately, it's cold AF. I'm glad I'm holding Eri because she is warm at least.

It doesn't take long for me to get there, and I set Eri down to get do her thing while the class awes. They haven't seen anything yet.

It allows me to slip into the kitchen where Sato and, surprisingly, Bakugo are cooking.

Bakugo instantly notices me, "WHAT THE HELL TOOK YOU SO DAMN LONG, DEKU?!"

I take my position at the counter and get to work on one of my meals, "Would you believe me if I told you that it was my trauma?"

"Of course your whacked up head acts up now," Bakugo huffs, but he doesn't say anything else outside of that. I take it as a win!

Overall, despite having Bakugo and I in the same room, we are quiet. We're too focused on not poisoning the food. We have a good 30 minutes of energy that doesn't involve killing one another.

Then, Momo pops in for a moment, "Aizawa-sensei wants everyone in the dorm room."

I have no idea what he is up to, but I decide that I need to be there anyway. Something is bound to fuck up. I feel it in my soul. I don't know what, but something is.

Everybody is in the living room including Shouta, and I can't tell what he is up to when he is revealing nothing in his face. This must be terrible! We're going to fucking die! I can at least normally tell what he is up to, but he is emotionally blocking me!

RUDE! RUDE RUDE RUDE!

Shouta quickly makes sure everyone is in the room before beginning his teacher speech, "Merry Christmas. I decided to give you your Christmas present early to allow everyone to get used to it. However, it's your job to take care of it."

What the fuckity do you mean get used to it?! AND TAKE CARE OF IT?!

Oh wait. It's probably just the pet fish. Recently, some of the members (specifically Ashido, Kirishima, Kaminari, Hagakure, and Ochaco) have been requesting a class pet for some reason. Somehow, they got Nemuri and Hizashi on their side, and those two plus Shouta and I talked (argued) for a while until we settled on getting them some fish for Christmas.

Of course, I prefer nothing because fish can be disgusting too, but at least they don't leave fur around the place.

Shouta leaves to go outside for a moment, presumably to grab the tank or whatever with them. Except that's not it.

Instead, when the door opens, Mom's fucking dog on a leash runs in and immediately runs to Eri, who is on the floor. Eri is happy as the students surround it and her. Choruses of thank yous fill the air from the students. Shouta and Mom come in soon after. Mom looks happy at the scene as she approaches to tell them about the dog. Meanwhile, Shouta watches me with something I can't tell.

But, quite frankly, I am a bit salty.

THIS AIN'T WHAT WE AGREED TO, SHOUTA! WHAT THE FUCK MADE YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND WITHOUT INFORMING ME?!

I slip away from them and go to Shouta's side and stand on his right side, ignoring his eyes following me. Once I am beside him, I wrap my left arm around his shoulders (which is difficult AF for how tall he is, but I manage), close enough to his neck to choke him if it becomes necessary.

"You know, that's not a fish," I start with. You know, maybe he is losing his sight. His quirk could make him blind overtime theoretically, so it's not off the table.

Shouta sighs, "I know." I was dumb for hoping that, but I was hoping for it because I rather not have a reason to snap his neck. Thankfully, the students and Mom are busy with the dog, so I can get away with it if needed.

"Then why do we have a dog? Mom's psycho dog nonetheless?"

"I decided it would be more beneficial than a fish since it would force the students to be more active. Also good for comfort unlike a fish."

"There's something else. Hizashi brought both of those points and you declined it."

That's when Shouta smirks, though he is not looking at me directly, "Then I realized that it could technically keep you and the other students out of some trouble."

"Uh, what the fuck does that mean?"

"You will be less likely to come to the dorm to cause havoc that encourages them to cause trouble. It also encourages you to get used to animals as you never know when you will have to deal with them on missions. Otherwise, you will not be able to hang out with your peers."

That brilliant bitchass prick. I swear Shouta is taking more pages from my book lately, and that is not comfy. I want the old Shouta back! Why must he rebel now?! AND I CAN'T EVEN BE THAT MAD AT IT BECAUSE THAT'S SMART!

I release Shouta, shoving him aside out of spite, "You're a beer without the alcohol."

"You're just mad that I'm right."

"Of course I am! You're evolving, and I don't like it!"

Shouta finally looks at me again, "I have to to keep up with you, problem child. I'm not letting my short-comings slow you down or allow you to fall back to that previous mindset." I don't know what it is, but that gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside. However, I can't help but feel guilty that he is having to do that because of me.

"Or cause trouble, I assume?"

"If I warrant it necessary."

I slowly nod, taking a moment to think of what to say before giving him a smile, "I don't think you have to worry about me getting ahead of you anytime soon. I may be a genius, but I'm also a mental mess. You're smart as hell and stable. I just need you there. That's all."

"You can't get rid of me even if you wanted to."

"I have too much trauma to do that anyway, sir. Anywhos, I have food to make sure that doesn't burn. If it ends up burning anyway, that's on you."

As I am walking by the students, I notice Bakugo talking to Mom. He's distracted. The perfect chance!

I pull the Santa hat out of my pocket and shove it on Bakugo's head roughly before he has a chance to react. When he does react, I zoomy to the kitchen to avoid the bastard.

Mission success! Though, I'm now having to dodge him while cooking since he is acting like a damn horny chihuahua. Bakugo is probably mad that I added Velcro in the hat to make it much harder to get off, but we wouldn't have this issue if he would just wear the stupid thing in the first place.

Thankfully, Bakugo has to cook too, so he's kept busy for the most part.

- - -

After a couple more hours of work, we finally have class 1-A's dinner complete.

To be honest, not much happens here besides Ashido lecturing me half the time about not wearing my bottoms.

"I made them short for a reason!"

"I did not feel like flashing my classmates, thank you very much. I'll give them to you if that's your plan in life, however. I don't stop people from going after their dreams, even if it is to be a stripper!"

That gets her to shush, though Iida starts lecturing me. After announcing that I have blackmail on him from his brother, he shuts up as well.

Otherwise, it is a lovely time. Especially after I lock Bakugo outside for being a loud bitch. He's such a dumbass.

Sadly, he did not stay out there long since Shouta let him back in with a warning to leave me alone.

Eventually, the adults, Eri, and I have to go back to the teacher's dorms to that family dinner. Class 1-A still have more to the party such as the gifts opening, but I'm not worried about that. I left everyone's gifts under the tree the night before. They should be able to find them. Otherwise, they are dumbasses. I didn't invest much in their gifts. They're just simple things that I thought they needed or whatever.

Best way to go for me.

Before I leave, I am shocked when I get a couple of packages shoved in my arm by Ochaco (still difficult to look at), "Uh, I ain't the postal man?"

Ochaco smiles at me, "They're for you, goofy!"

"Oh! Man, you guys didn't have to do that! Thank you!"

"Send us a message when you open them to thank us!"

"I can do that. See you guys later!"

I wave to everyone, and my good mood is shattered when I step outside to see it snowing, "Ew." I am kind of sad that I am not carrying Eri now. Instead, she is holding hands with Mom and walking beside her.

Shouta rolls his eyes, "It's snow."

"And snow is cold, and cold is hell!"

"Want to walk next to me?" I feel like he is offering that as a joke and expects me not to take it. However, I have no time for jokes as I go right to his side. Shouta hides his shock relatively well since he isn't facing me. With a huff, he wraps an arm around my shoulder and brings me to his side, "Better?"

"Believe it or not, yes. You should become a heater."

"You're being dramatic."

"You don't understand my pain!"

He, logically, decides not to answer that.

We end up walking behind Mom and Eri, who are chattering away, and I can't help but smile at the scene. It's cute.

We arrive at the teacher's dorm, where dinner is already set up. They are just waiting for us. I rush to put the packages in my room before returning to snatch a seat next to Nemuri. Shouta, not trusting me, sits on my other side.

The dinner is amazing considering it was made by Lunch Rush. Once again, nothing much happens here besides conversation. Conversation that doesn't involve arguing this time thankfully.

After dinner, the squad, Mom, and Eri sit in the dorm living room to have Eri open her gifts along with Mom. The squad and I will be having our own little gift opening session. It's the squad's first Christmas, and we wanted it to be special.

Not that we have anything against Mom and Eri. They just aren't part of the squad.

They start opening gifts, and Mom decides to open mine first. I didn't do anything too big. I just got her a luxury basket with gift cards and passes to things like free spa trips and whatever. She's very happy with it, so I consider it a win!

Eri, meanwhile, decides to open my present last, probably assuming mine is the best. Considering Hizashi got her a fucking boom box, I think the fuck not, but I'll let her believe otherwise until she opens it.

For Eri, I actually made her a yoyo. A yoyo that can be used as a weapon! Not only can it be used for yoyoing, but she can blind people with its mirrors or trip/trap them with the string I created!

Eri looks at me confused as she pulls it out, "What is this?"

I get up to go beside her and take it from her, "It's a yoyo! You can do cool tricks with it! Watch," I do the walking dog or whatever the fuck you call that trick, and he eyes sparkle, "You'll have to do research on what you can do with it since I haven't yoyoed in forever, but I think that's a fun little project for you."

Eri tackles me into a hug, "Thank you!"

"No problem! Oh, and there's a couple other tricks you can do with it that you can't with a normal yoyo. I'll teach them you later, alright?"

"Okay!"

When I return to Shouta's side on the couch, he sighs, "It's a weapon, isn't it?"

"Shhhhh."

He facepalms.

Sadly, after the gift unwrapping, we have to bid our goodbyes to Mom and Eri. Eri doesn't seem too torn up about it, though. Seeing that it is dark outside, it's probably her bedtime. After a quick hug to the girls, they head out into the disgusting snow to head back to the cabin.

Well, Eri seems excited about the snow so I guess I can't complain about it that much if it is making her happy but still.

"It is finally time for the squad party!" Hizashi announces as he bounces off the couch, "My dorm, let's go, let's go, let's go!" The man runs to his dorm like it's going to disappear at any moment.

Not that it will, but he really does help give it that vibe.

Anywhos, we agreed to have the gift opening in Hizashi's room since it's the only room that is decorated with a tree. And homey, to be honest. My living room is a work office, Shouta's is lucky to have a couch, and Nemuri's is dedicated with furniture that helps with sex.

Before you ask about that last one, yes. There is furniture specifically made for sex. Yes, people buy this furniture and use it, though Nemuri doesn't use it for that. She got all the furniture as a joke, and then decided to keep it because it's not like the furniture is in the shape of penises or whatever. It looks pretty normal as long as you ignore the tags. I can vouch that it is pretty good quality as well because they are nice to lay on. I can't vouch for sex quality, however.

Not that I want too anyway, but I digress.

Who knew I was going to talk about sex furniture today?

"I have to go grab my presents real quick!" Nemuri says as she runs off to her dorm.

I huff, "You were supposed to bring them this morning!"

"I didn't get them until this afternoon!"

"Slacker!"

"Shut up!"

I roll my eyes as I go to Hizashi's dorm. Of course, Shouta went ahead without me, and I can confirm that since he and his boyfriend are already hogging the couch cuddling.

Good thing I didn't want the couch.

"Izu, you can go ahead and pass the presents around!" Hizashi instructs me. Considering I have nothing else to do, I decide to do it. I plop my ass in front of the tree and throw a package right at his face, "Hey, no throwing! There could be something fragile in them!"

"Should have put fragile on the outside of it then," I tell him. Despite that, I decide to just slide them to everyone's place with Shouta and Hizashi on the couch, Nemuri to the chair, and me on the floor. There isn't too many presents, actually. We agreed that each of us will give the others one present each. Nothing more than that. They didn't put a price limit, though, so I can say that three out of the four of us really pushed that.

"Where's Nemuri? She isn't ditching, is she?!"

"She didn't bring her presents this morning, so she's having to fetch them now."

"We did tell her to, right?"

"Yeah. She just got them last minute. Literally."

Hizashi sighs, "You'd think my bestie know better."

"Nah."

"Even you managed to get presents on time!"

"Now that's insulting! Just because I am the youngest doesn't mean that I slack!"

"I would have taken it as an excuse if I was your age, not even going to lie."

Shouta interrupts us, "No need to put your issues on Izuku."

"HEY! SHO, THAT'S SO MEAN!"

Shouta puts a hand over Hizashi's mouth, "I can hear you fine. You don't need to scream in my ears," He removes his hand, "Our main concern with Izuku is whether his gifts are legal or not."

I glare at Shouta for that, but he doesn't get the full effect since Nemuri bursts through the door, "Sorry, but I had to get them wrapped and shit!"

Well, considering they are covered in trashbags and ducktape, I can tell.

Shouta cuddles closer to Hizashi, and Hizashi...the man doesn't know what to say.

"Nem...why?"

"I was limited in resources, alright?!" Nem passes out her gifts before sitting in her chair.

I add, "Presentation: 0/10. Timeliness: 0/10. Nemuri: I still have to give her a 10/10 since she is squad member."

"Izuku, shush."

"No. You brought this upon yourself, and now you must pay," I say with an innocent smile at the end.

"Can we start opening presents before I knock this child out please?"

"Ma'am, why are you attacking my age? Wait, why is everybody attacking my age. I have done nothing wrong!"

Nemuri starts to respond, but Hizashi cuts her off, "Sure! Whose presents should we open first?"

"Question: Who thinks they have good presents?"

Nemuri raises an eyebrow at me, "Define good."

"Okay, so not you. I also consider myself out too, so I think Nemuri should open hers second and mine third to look slightly better."

"Hey!"

"Nemuri, I don't have much confidence in my gifts, if it makes you feel any better."

"Why are you attacking everyone today? Are you okay?"

"LOL, no. Remember what happened this morning?"

"Oh...I understand now. Continue!"

"Thank you! Now, Hizashi, I say we open yours first."

Hizashi sits up, ignoring Shouta's annoyed groans, "Okay! Go ahead then! I'll explain it after everyone has opened theirs."

I do not hesitate to rip mine apart like a feral animal to find a pure white box. I open it to find an interesting metal bracelet with three colored parts: yellow, black, and blue. It's a weird fashion trend, but the man wears leather jackets and pants, so I guess that is to be expected. Still, it's weird. Despite that, I still put it on, ignoring the cold metal feel.

Looking up, I find that Shouta and Nemuri have the same thing, but they have a slight variation. All of ours have yellow. However, theirs have green, Shouta and I have blue, and Nemuri and I have black.

Hizashi grins, clearly excited to explain it to us, "Okay okay okay, I know these look weird but trust me. They're amazing," He rolls up his sleeve to reveal the same band missing yellow, "There's a little switch on the side of it somewhere. Switch it on."

I do as asked, being the first to find it.

After a minute of switch finding, Hizashi continues, "Now, these aren't normal bracelets. I saw this idea online, but it only comes for couples, so I had these specialty made for us! Everyone's is one, right?" We all nod, "Good! Now watch this!"

Hizashi wraps his other hand around the bracelet, making sure to touch all the colors.

Then, I feel my bracelet warm up. More specifically, the yellow piece warms up. Oh! Oh, that's cool!

But why?

"You guys feel that?" We all nod, and Hizashi lets go. It cools off as he explains, "Anytime you are touching the color corresponding to someone, it warms up your color on that person's bracelet. For example, if I touch Izuku's," He touches the green, and my yellow warms up again, "He should feel yellow on his warm up."

Shouta and Nemuri look at me, and I nod with confirmation.

Nemuri grins, "Okay, that's awesome!"

Hizashi smiles, "Whenever you are thinking of something, you can just touch it and let them know. With everything going on, I started looking at these things because I thought it could help us, especially Izuku. It could be a good comfort item or be used to get help."

I look down at the bracelet. Man, Hizashi is amazing. It sounds stupid on paper, but in reality?

I might end up using this thing a lot. A lot more than I expect. Being able to communicate just by touching it? Sure, it's nothing amazing, but that's what makes it special: I don't have to spill out my guts. I just have to touch it, and it's enough to get some sort of message across.

I don't get a chance to stop myself as I touch each of the colors for a moment, not seeing how they are looking at me. I don't even realize that I am smiling until I stop.

Then I realize something important.

"How are you going to explain this to Tensei since his color is not on here?" I ask Hizashi out of curiosity because I want to see how the man attempts to get himself out this one.

Hizashi sputters for a moment before answering, "It's not my fault he is an inactive member!"

"And you're going to say that to him?"

"Uh, yes?"

"Let me know when you do that so I can record his reaction."

"You're focusing on the wrong parts, Izuku!"

"I was just curious! Before we get too far off track, Nemuri, your turn!"

Nemuri facepalms, "How am I supposed to beat that?!"

"Simple: You can't."

Opening Nemuri's gifts...well, they are something. I can't even mention Shouta's and Hizashi's, but I can tell you that they are blushing from the sight of it. Meanwhile, I got a whip. While I can use her whips in battle, I rather not. They're weird and give off the wrong message for me.

Either way, I am going to say that she tried and move on.

"My turn! Get to opening!"

I struggled to come up with shit for them. Therefore, my gifts for them are relatively simple.

For Shouta, I got him a gift card to a cat cafe in town along with a note that pretty much allow shim to shut down the shop for his private use three times. I had to pull a couple of favors for that one, but I can tell Shouta is happy with it.

Hizashi was actually the easiest to get a gift for. I got a bunch of the original musical CDs that released a while ago and put them together into one gift. I had been collecting them for a while, but I don't use them. He should. There was also nothing in the rules about grouping items in a present. To say Hizashi is ecstatic is an understatement of the year.

Nemuri was the hardest. I can't go to a sex store or anything like that, so I just got her this big old bath kit with everything one can imagine. It was expensive, but the look on her face makes it worth it.

Overall, I did a good job! Not as amazing as I wanted it, but it works!

Finally, it is Shouta's turn. We don't really ask for his permission as we just go into his gifts.

Hizashi receives a gold chain, which works well with his outfit so he can wear it without looking too weird. Shouta gets a kiss for that.

Nemuri gets a gift card to a beauty store. That's it. It's not even that much, but pop off, I guess. Nemuri ain't complaining, though.

Inside mine, I see what seems to be a smaller and shorter version of Shouta's scarf.

Shouta doesn't hesitate to explain it to me, "I had it specialty made to be used one-handed. You can wrap it around your neck, but they recommend you wrap it around your arm instead for more control."

I stand up and bring it over to him, "Help me?"

Shouta huffs in amusement, but he gently wraps the thing around my arm. Then, I decide to test it right there. Seeing the empty cup on Hizashi's coffee table, I do Shouta's usual grab trick to try and get it.

It works!

It feels better using it this way. Before, using Shouta's scarf with one arm feels like you are holding a child with one arm. It's uncomfortable, but it works. This feels so much more secured.

With that, the gift busting is done, and I jump to my feet, "Welp, with that out of the way, there's one more thing that we have to do!"

"Huh?" Hizashi and Nemuri question at the same time. Shouta raises an eyebrow at me.

"Don't give me that! It's important. I promise. Come on, I'll meet you guys at the front gate."

"Wait, we're leaving campus?" Hizashi asks as he gets up to get his jacket.

"Yeah."

"Are you sure this can't wait until tomorrow? It's cold outside."

"Tonight is better though!" I leave Hizashi's dorm to go to mine. I ignore the office portion and head straight to the kitchen and open the fridge. Instead, the only thing in there is a bouquet of white flowers. I don't know what kind of flowers or what their meanings are or anything like that. However, I need flowers, and these will have to work.

I snatch them up and head out the dorm and to the front gate. I'm already hating this idea for how cold and now windy and snowy it is, but this is still important.

Though, I might get in trouble for this. Trust me, I asked a couple of people a dozen of times to make sure this is an okay idea, and they said it is. That it might hurt them a little bit, but it will have good consequences too.

As soon as I am at their side, Shouta pulls me to his side and throws an arm around my shoulders, "Where are we going?" He throws a questioning glance at the flowers.

"You'll see."

And there is no response outside of that. We just head out of the gates of UA and walk. Nemuri flanks my other side, and Hizashi and Shouta are holding hands on the opposite side. It's quiet, almost peaceful if you ignore the pain of the cold.

We walk for a couple of blocks until we arrive at a graveyard. The gate, thankfully, is open and we walk through.

"Izuku, honey, this is not funny," Nemuri points out with confusion.

I huff, "Shush, I know what I am doing."

I came here earlier today, so I know where to go thankfully.

We navigate through the graveyard, and it feels even more peaceful here. More quiet. Despite probably having ghosts here, but we ignore that part.

Then, we arrive at our destination: a gravestone. The gravestone of their long lost friend.

Shirakumo Oboro.

I don't look at their reactions. For all I know, they are pissed, and I rather not see that.

Instead, I softly explain, "I thought you guys would want to see each other for Christmas," With no response, I hesitantly step forward and place the flowers in front of his gravestone, "Sorry, I gave them no prewarning," I tell Shirakumo.

Shivering (or shaking because I am nervous from the lack of reactions, but I have no clue), I clean up his grave stone. I am a horrible human being in a lot of ways, but respecting death is something that I got early on. How to take care of them and such.

It's bound to happen when quirkless are likely to die before adulthood. You just understand when statistics and society push you in that direction.

Someone drops beside me, and I nearly jump until I realize that it's Hizashi.

He gives me an apologetic smile and gently bumps his shoulder into mine, "Sorry. I...we didn't expect this. It's odd coming from you, but it's nice to see him again." Tears roll down his cheeks, yet he still has that smile.

I reach through my jacket and press the yellow button on the bracelet. I've only had it on for an hour and it's already coming into use.

Hizashi huffs out of laugh, "Thanks, Izu." I simply nod.

We finish cleaning up the grave and stand, Hizashi having a grip on my shoulder to make sure I don't fall, "He should be happy with a clean little home now. He probably loves the new decoration too."

"I just hope he has no idea what the flowers mean because I don't. They just look pretty me," I tell him.

Hizashi laughs, much more genuine this time, "Don't worry, he doesn't! He'll still love them though!"

"Yeah," Shouta roughly says. I look up to find him in silent tears just like Hizashi. I decide to step back to give them a moment. Hizashi nods to me before focusing on Shouta and pulling him into a hug. I don't hear what is being said, but I don't need to.

I go back to Nemuri's side to see her smiling, but it's not her usual smile.

"I wasn't as close to him, " Nemuri starts to make sure she has my attention, and I hum to let her know to continue, "But I did care for him. He was like a little brother, just like the rest of you. He was great. Still is. I really should visit him more often. Thanks for bringing us here. Even if he is not here with us, it's nice to think that he is still here in spirit. You're a good kid, Izu."

I watch the couple in front of us, "I just thought that I would like to have my friends to come visit my grave on Christmas too. Maybe a couple shots around it." And that's true, as sad as that is.

Nemuri chuckles, "Yeah. Though, I think Shirakumo would be too innocent to drink."

"Sucks to be him then."

"Izuku, you can't say that about a dead person!"

"But it's facts!"

Nemuri sighs, but I can tell that she is amused, "He's probably entertained. You two would have gotten along great."

"I would like to think so."

The conversation tippers out to silence as we watch the couple. I have no clue if I did the right thing or not. Should I have done this or just let it go?

Fuck, they don't even know how I learned his name! Sure, they can probably guess that it was from Nezu, but still!

I don't know how long we stand there, but it's enough time for me to consider stealing the casket and putting it in a warmer place, realize that it is illegal, and then attempt to come up with a new plan to warm up.

Eventually, Shouta and Hizashi separate, and I stiffen up.

Shouta notices, coming forward and pulling me into a hug, "Thanks, kid. Sorry for freaking you out there." I don't respond, just leaning into him with a sigh of relief because thank fuck he is not mad at me, "You're okay, Izuku. You're not in trouble. I appreciate it." I nod to let him know that I hear him. Shouta withdraws, sticking close to my side, "Let's go home."

We bid our goodbyes to Shirakumo and return to the dorms, calmer and closer than before.

For the rest of the night, we just chill out at Hizashi's apartment. No video games or arguing or anything like that. Just four dumbasses on a couch, cuddling and having normal conversation for once in our short lives.