Top pic credit: nanamii-me

Violet POV:

The sound of the Todoroki doorbell could be heard from down the block, ringing with a million memories and nostalgia all rolled into one.

That same, familiar tune-over the top and totally extra as usual. It's always been that way, that loud-definitely fitting for Endeavor's house. As a man who was obsessed with 'The Number One' everything for so many years, it's no surprise that even his doorbell is no different.

After having lived here for so many years, I stopped ringing it years ago. I have my own key after all.

But, as I said. The sound is nostalgic with the past. The good times. The bad times, but mostly the good times.

Heh. Touya hated the doorbell so much. The sound of his complaining could always be heard over the loud ring, with him saying something like 'ugh! Why does it have to ring for so damn long!!??' I can practically see him face palming and dramatically throwing his head back against the couch adorably, needing to let everyone know how annoyed he was.

Anyways....

I guess I was just missing those times a little extra today. So, I wanted to hear the sound. Heh, maybe that's weird. Butttt, I never said I was normal.

Loud laughter and voices could be heard muffled behind the closed door, making me a bit surprised at the atmosphere I'd be walking into.

Normally, family dinners around here appear to be no different than a funeral home...or prison, for that matter. No one ever smiles or laughs. Everyone always appears pissed off. That's a big part of the reason I never wanna attend.

But, it sounds like everyone's happy today? Huh.

A few moments later, I heard quick footsteps padding towards the door, before it swung open in my face, revealing the sight of a bright, excited Fuyumi.

Her grey eyes went even wider than I thought possible at the sight of me, before she frantically began waving her hands around and let out a yell of enthusiasm.

"Ahhh!!! Vi, you're here!!" She exclaimed, leaping forward and throwing her arms around me with too much force.

It's the force of love. Perfectly acceptable!

And, quite honestly, as much as I didn't want to come here today, I didn't realize how much I missed Fuyumi until this very moment, feeling a smile spread across my face for the first time in a minute.

I guess I had my Dabi goggles on for these last months. I almost forgot that I have other people in my life who make me smile, too. I feel bad about that.

I don't want to forget that again. Ever.

I'm not gonna think about Dabi today. I'm going to take a break from him and get back to my roots.

Besides, after the way he's been treating me lately, it seems best that I try to gain back some of my independence as soon as possible.

Letting the stitched man temporarily fade from my mind, I threw myself into the hug with Fuyumi-holding onto my plate of homemade cupcakes with one arm as I hugged her tightly with the other.

"Aw, I missed you!" I laughed warmly over her excited babbling. "Be careful though! I don't want to drop my cupcakes!"

Fuyumi instantly released me now, wiping a stray, happy tear from her eye as she took me in.

"Ahhh, please! I've had one of your homemade cupcakes before, Vi. They're hard as rocks. Could survive a nuclear war, no less, a little fall on the pavement!" She cackled, quickly taking the plate from my hands.

I grinned a little too proudly at her words, looking to my crusty beauties contently.

"Yeahhhh. Shouto likes them best that way. The secret is to add triple the amount of baking soda that the recipe calls for. Heh, chef's trick, you know." I smirked, holding up my finger with a 'hush' motion.

Fuyumi laughed and sniffled away her remaining tears, shaking her head happily as she assessed the rock cupcakes.

"And that's a trick you should really let go of." She slammed me warmly, quickly grabbing onto my wrist now. "What are you doing out here, ringing the doorbell, anyways?! I know you've been gone for years-"

"-just ten months! Not to mention, I've seen you guys a few times!-" I protested as she dragged me inside.

"Well, regardless," Fuyumi continued, kicking the door closed with her foot once I was inside. "Don't act like a stranger. We have too much history for that."

I nodded in understanding to her words, unable to respond as the unexpected sight inside the house shocked me.

Wow. Normally, the main room is completely deserted until dinner time. Everyone hides away in their own space, trying their best to avoid Endeavor for as long as humanly possible, until they're literally forced to interact with him.

However, today appeared to be an exception as I saw a rare smiling Shouto and Akio gathered in the corner-decorating the home's new Christmas tree.

Ah, that's right. The holidays are coming up soon. Almost forgot with everything that's been going on.

Both guys turned around at the sounds being made at the front door, with Shouto's eyes gleaming slightly as he caught sight of my entrance.

"Ahhh, yeah! Now the party's started!" Akio exclaimed, continuing to throw tinsel on the tree as Shouto came walking over. "Vi, I hope you got your holiday spirit on! The life of this party solely depends on it. No pressure though."

"Ohhh, you know me." I grinned, clearing my throat overdramatically as I continued. "In the words of Keisha, 'the party does not start until I walk inside the door!"'

Akio paused his rain of tinsel to look at me, letting his jaw drop with a slight deadpan before he shook his head.

"It's Kesha, and there are sooo many other things wrong with that sentence. Butttt, today, I'll let it slide." He said with mock seriousness, trying to conceal the smile creeping onto his face.

"Really?? Why??"

"Cause it's the holidays and I love you." Akio murmured teasingly, giving his brows a fake seductive wiggle before he resumed his tree decorating.

"Back at you." I chuckled, looking to Shouto as he reached us now. "And you-I haven't seen a smile that big from you in ages. What's got you so happy? It must be my-ta-daaaa! Special Crunch Cupcakes, right??"

Shouto's normally bored, half lidded eyes were nowhere to be seen as he looked to the charred cupcakes with nostalgia, quickly plucking one off the tray.

"Oh god, not the 'Special Crunch Cupcakes' again." Akio groaned as Fuyumi laughed. "You know, TMI, but those earned me a trip to the dentist and a journey on the toilet last year."

I let my jaw drop in fake offense for Akio's words, waving a nagging finger at him passionately.

"Hey, shut up, that was just a coincidence!" I reprimanded lightly, watching Shouto peeling the cupcake wrapper off quickly. "Besides, Shouto loves them like this, right?"

"She's right." Fuyumi chimed in, letting her grey eyes cloud over with welcome nostalgia warmly. "You always know it's the holidays around here when Vi whips out the Special Crunch Cupcakes."

Akio hummed in agreement for the words, giving his head a small shake of amusement as he began putting ornaments on the tree.

"The best part is when Dad's forced to pay for my chipped teeth at the dentist everytime I eat them." Shouto uttered with a warm smile. "He gets so mad-and, by the looks of it, I bet the bill will be extra expensive this time."

Fuyumi chuckled nervously at Shouto's words, watching him take a giant bite out of the cupcake with ease.

"Let'sss hope not."

My eyes lit up and my entire frame practically floated off the floor in excitement as I heard the big crunch from Shouto's bite, looking at him in dorky anticipation for a verdict.

"Well? Huh? Huhhhhh?" I asked eagerly, balling my fists into my chest as he chewed slowly.

Shouto looked to me with a mouthful of food, intending to speak before he grimaced in slight pain.

"Mmph." He muffled out with a groan, swallowing harshly and contently as he nodded. "Yeah. My tooth is definitely chipped."

My shoulders slumped to the floor as Fuyumi and Akio's cackles filled the air, yet Shouto didn't even blink an eye to the roast, shrugging as he took another bite.

"Shouto!!!" I pouted slightly, watching Fuyumi brush past us to set my cupcakes in the kitchen.

"Man, you know you've failed when Shouto roasts your cooking, Vi. Better stick to the hero career, instead of chef school. Or, fashion school for that matter." Akio said, gesturing to the remnants of flour and sugar that splotched my pants.

His reminder caused me to quickly look at my attire in distaste, remembering the events that led me to scurry out of the hotel room faster than humanly possible.

I made the cupcakes while Dabi was still sleeping this morning. I didn't feel like seeing him when he woke up-and the burnt smell of baked goods already had him mumbling complaints into consciousness. I didn't have time to change!

Probably wasn't the best idea to wear black clothes while baking though.

"Ohhh, enough of that." I said with a roll of my eyes, patting the remaining food off my clothes as I looked around the, slightly empty, room.

Fuyumi, Shouto, and Akio are here-and that's typical for these Todoroki dinners. But, I'm also very aware that a few people seem to be....not in attendance.

"Sooo," I followed up a few moments later, trying to keep my words as relaxed and not-awkward as possible. "where is....everyone else?"

The people I'm most nervous to see, honestly. I haven't seen Natsuo since I dumped him. Sure, we've spoken on the phone and sent a quick text messages, but that's definitely not the same as seeing your ex in person after a million months.

And, I haven't seen Endeavor since I kidnapped him, and then un-kidnapped him. You can see where my nerves come from today, right?

Shouto's eyes lit up once more at my question, seeming much happier than usual as he spoke.

"Dad couldn't make it. Got called into work at the last minute." He gleamed, taking another bite of his cupcake.

Ohhhhhh.

I looked to his good mood blankly for a moment before the realization hit me, causing a small raspberry of amusement to blow from my lips.

"Ahhh, so that's why you're smiling so big." I laughed warmly, shaking my head softly at his typical Shouto-ness.

Still though...I also found myself a little bit...uneasy with Endeavor's absence.

I kind of wanted to see him and just get a feel for how he sees me, now that he knows I'm working undercover for Midas. You could say we definitely left things on an awkward note during our last encounter.

"Duhhh." Akio chimed in, forcing me out of my thoughts as he took the reigns on the conversation. "Anytime there's happiness in this house, you can guarantee Bitch-Deavor ain't around."

I pressed my lips together with a silent nod, not wanting to admit my agreement out loud-especially when Fuyumi came back into the room!

"Akiooo, please." The white haired girl groaned in amusement, strolling out of the kitchen with a half-assed look of discipline on her face. "But, it's true that dad won't be here tonight. Since he couldn't make it, I figured we could just have a sibling-and best friends little party here. You and Akio were supposed to come, anyways. I didn't wanna cancel just cause dad couldn't show up. We haven't all gotten together like this in forever."

I smiled at her commitment, voting to internally thank my luck for tonight rather than voice my opinions out loud.

But, you know, Akio had a different approach.

"No worries there, 'Yumi." He mused contently, placing another ornament on the tree. "In fact, I was planning to cancel if Endeavor did show up, so lucky you. Already had an excuse in the book and everything."

"Same." Shouto followed up from next to me, causing me to place my hand over my mouth and hide my laughter.

"Agh! You're horrible!!" Fuyumi exclaimed to Akio, gesturing to Shouto now. "And, you're being a bad influence on him!"

Akio blew her off and shook his head, looking to Fuyumi with a lazy deadpan glare as he grabbed a little nutcracker from the decorations box.

"I beg to differ. Shouto's been old enough to glare at Bitch-deavor since he could walk. If anything, he's an influence on me, showing me exactly how that old bat should be treated." Akio smirked, giving his brows a slight wiggle as he turned around to find a place for the nutcracker.

But, Fuyumi never gave him the chance as she walked over to him briskly, picking up one of the couch pillows on her way.

"You think so?" She asked sarcastically, not giving Akio the chance to respond as she clopped him in the back of the head with the pillow.

Akio laughed at the unexpected attack and shielded his face as Fuyumi began lightly hitting him, turning around to chuck a handful of tinsel at her to halt the assault.

"Ah! Ah! Ah! Not the face! Anywhere but the face!!" He said through his laughs, slowly falling to the ground in fake defeat as Fuyumi overpowered him. "Please! I'm tired of coming in second place to Hawks for Sexiest Man Of The Year-and, I won't beat him if you break my nose!!"

I snorted in amusement to Akio's vain words, not even thinking about helping him as I looked around the room for the other missing person in question.

Ugh. If I don't find out where he is sooner or later, the dread is gonna eat away at me and ruin the whole night.

"And Natsuo?" I asked a bit loudly to ensure I was heard over the chaos. "Is....he coming tonight?"

Akio and Fuyumi ceased their attacks at my words, with Fuyumi blowing the messy hairs out of her face as she spoke.

"Oh, yeah, Natsu's already here!" She smiled excitedly, causing my heart to instantly jump with nerves. "He came straight from a sweaty soccer game though, so he went to the shower immediately when he arrived."

Ugh. Is it bad that a part of my stomach dropped at her words? I mean, it's not that I wish Natsuo wasn't here. It's his house after all...

It's just that...

...okay, actually, yeah. I wish Natsuo wasn't here.

Call me a bitch or whatever, I guess. It's just how I feel. It's the price I have to pay for dating a close family friend-having to see them at every family gathering.

I guess I'm also dreading Natsuo and I's reunion cause I know exactly how it's going to go. I know him, after all. I've known him for ten years.

He's always been a 'yes' man, you could say. He'll always agree with me on things, even if he doesn't actually agree. And, I don't just mean arguments. Even things as simple as interests. I found I never really got to know him, because whatever I said I liked, he would say he liked it, too-yet, never seemed to actually find it interesting.

We never really joked around, because he was always afraid to embarrass himself or offend me. It felt like we were constantly walking on eggshells with each other-don't even get me started on the sex...

Maybe it's rude to say, but Natsuo is the perfect cookie cutter boyfriend. He's nice. He holds my hand and opens doors. He gives me his jacket when I'm cold.

But, there's no....excitement in being his girlfriend-whether it's in the bedroom, or out of it. Gah, I feel so horrible for thinking that. It's true though. Everything is just so....by the book. Scheduled.

And, it wasn't something I realized until I met Dabi. Since Natuso was my first boyfriend, I figured 'boring, cookie cutter' stuff was how all relationships were supposed to be.

I never realized they were supposed to be so....satisfying.

Now that I've had a taste of that, it's really hard for me to think how I used to with Natsuo.

Regardless....this is his house before it's mine. And the first meeting will be the most awkward.

Hopefully, our friendship can just go back to normal after that.

Though, I'd rather not go through all of this, covered in baked goods!

"Okay. Since he's not out here yet, I'm just gonna use the bathroom quickly." I said to the room, gesturing to my powered, floured hands. "We can get things started when I get back."

"Sure thing." Akio called out, looking to my dirtied state with a little too much warmth.

"Hall bathroom is open, so don't worry about that!" Fuyumi smiled as Shouto broke another tooth on my cupcakes. "Natsuo has his own shower."

Once again, my heart jumped at the unexpected memories she brought up, causing me to cough and chuckle nervously.

Ohhh. I'm aware he has his own shower. Ugh. Awkwarddd. But, that's one piece of information the room reallyyyyy doesn't need to know.

"C..Cool." I said weakly, quickly turning on my heel for the hallway. "Be back in a few."

****

I don't know what compelled me to practically speedwalk down the hallway. Maybe it was dreaded nerves for seeing Natsuo again. Maybe it was because the last thing I wanted was to run into him alone in this hallway.

Regardless though...I practically ran like the world's best track star-cursing the Todoroki house for being so damn big.

Come on. Come on. Just turn the corner, and you're there. You're there. You're thereeee.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding as I abruptly turned the corner of the hallway, knowing the door to the hall bathroom would be directly in front of me once I did so.

Perfect! Now I can hide from everyone like the introvert I am!-

Or, so I would have liked.

Upon turning the corner so quickly, my forehead immediately ran into something hard and wet-causing me to jump back in surprise and stumble on my feet.

I let out an uncomfortable peep as arms quickly came around my waist to steady me, causing me to look up at the culprit and feel nervous vomit coming up.

Oh, come on. Ohhhh, come on!!!

"Gahhhhh-Sorry." I started off, looking up at Natsuo with panicked eyes.

He was standing at the entrance to the bathroom door, shower steam wafting behind him and hair dripping with water. He was completely shirtless, having nothing but a towel hanging low on his hips.

And, it's almost funny. The difference in how I feel in this moment, compared to when I'm with Dabi.

I could always say it's cause I've already been with Natsuo enough times to become desensitized to his naked body. But, I know that if Dabi were to walk out of the bathroom right now, in this exact same state, I'd be a flustered mess-throwing myself at him pathetically, no doubt.

With Natuso though-even having my hands on his bare chest for balance, and feeling his strong arms gripping me tightly...I felt....nothing.

There weren't any butterflies. No spark, or flusteredness. My heart beat didn't pick up speed and my stomach didn't flip with the excitement of desire and want.

Nah. I didn't feel anything. Just....awkward.

"My bad." I repeated apologetically, quickly releasing Natsuo before taking long, respectful strides backwards.

I want to create as muchhhh distance as possible.

Six feet apart, you know!!

"Ah, no worries. I was the one who ran into you." He smiled, giving his wet hair a run through with his fingers before letting his hands fall to his sides.

He's not even attempting to cover up. It almost looks like he's trying to show off his body.

I kept my eyes to his face, chuckling nervously at the worst case scenario that just happened.

My whole goal was to avoid a one-on-one conversation with Natsuo. Now, I've unsuccessfully body slammed into his naked chest, and we are in the most isolated spot of the house. Nice!

"No, I think I was the one who ran into you." I blabbered unnecessarily, causing Natsuo to laugh as he leaned against the open doorway.

Aghhh. Great. Knowing him, he's probably gonna give me the same response and we'll be here all night. Here comes the battle of the people pleasers-

"Starting it right where we left off, huh?" He mused smugly, taking his lip between his teeth as he 'accidentally' let his eyes fall to my frame for a bit. "I see you haven't changed a bit."

....huh??

His response caught me off guard slightly, as it's not something he normally would say.

In typical Natsuo fashion, he'd respond with something overly reassuring and nice. He'd keep his words polite, wanting to make sure he wasn't saying the wrong thing. It would feel pretty impersonal. Pretty plain.

He's not normally witty. Let alone, super confident like that.

It threw me through a loop a bit, making my-already rehearsed response, fizzle away as I was forced to think of something else.

"Um, I guess not." I said slowly, instantly becoming a little nervous now as I looked away from his eyes.

Uhhhh, what do I say now??

I waited a minute for Natsuo to do his usual thing of filling the awkward silence immediately. It's always been something he's scared of. He never lets me talk much honestly, cause he's too busy talking himself.

But, to my surprise once more, he didn't say anything, looking at me with a bold, knowing smile as I fought for words.

So, I said the first thing that came to my mind-panicking like a fool and making a total ass of myself.

"You're..uhhh...that's.....towel. You're-you took a shower, huh? Good stuff." I said with an awkward click of my tongue, shooting him some finger guns for good measure.

Yeah. That was hard to watch, huh? Imagine how painful it was to say.

Natsuo shrugged his shoulders softly at my words, as he kept his confident gaze on me.

"I diddd." He mused, slowly pulling himself off the doorway as he came a bit closer.

Uh-oh. Noooo. Now, he's five feet apart. Four. Three. Two-

Oh, crap. I hope he doesn't think I'm hitting on him. I'm really not.

Immediately, I chuckled nervously and backed away once more, holding my hands up in cringy defense to keep him at bay.

Natsuo smirked slightly and stopped walking, holding his hands up in playful surrender to my games. Except, they really weren't games.

"Sorry. That was probably rude." I said of my defensive hands, trying to loosen up a bit and chat casually. "I just....wasn't expecting to see you on this side of the house. You have a shower in your room."

He nodded in agreement to my words, opting to lean back against the doorway once more as he spoke.

"The hot water isn't working over there for some reason, so I came here. Sorry if I startled you."

"It's alright." I said, practically cringing at the awkward silence that consumed us once more.

Now, I'm the one grasping for small talk.

"Been...hitting the gym more, I see?" I followed up with a rub of my neck, internally groaning at the question. "Cool stuff..."

Not a lie, I guess. Natuso was always muscular, but he looks even more cut since the last time I saw him.

Technically, he's probably considered a lot more appealing to most eyes, than someone like Dabi is. But, I don't think so.

Dabi's body is incredibly attractive to me. More attractive than Natsuo's. He still has muscles, how can he not as one of the most deadly villains in the world? But, his muscles are leaner.

...his back muscles are especially my favorite. It feels so good, digging my fingers into them when he's on top of me. Or feeling them strain when he's besides himself in pleasure.

And, his warmth is better. God, whenever I hold his frame in my arms...it makes me throw my head back in pleasure just from how hot he always feels.

Natsuo's arms felt defined around me, sure. But, when Dabi's arms are around me, I can't even think straight. All I can think about is his touch, wishing he would hold me tighter, even if he already holds me so tight.

His neck. My mouth has memorized that part of him particularly well. Whether my teeth are sunk into it, or my tongue is lathering over his pulse point, god I've memorized it. The feeling and the salty, sweaty taste of it as well.

The best is when he throws his head back, allowing my mouth to trail up his jawline. I can feel his mouth drop open, hearing him huffing heavily in pleasure.

And, then, when neither of us can take it anymore...it's the glorious feeling of grabbing him by the chin and turning his face towards mine, planting my lips to his with a greed that matches his own.

My stomach flips everytime we kiss. My addiction always growing as I immediately crave more.

Whether he wants to admit it or not, he always lets out a very quiet moan whenever our lips finally touch, as if it's something he's been waiting ages for, every single time. It feels good wanting him. But, it feels even better knowing he wants me, too.

I can practically feel his fingers snake to the back of my neck, keeping me impossibly close as his hot tongue grazes my lips for entrance.

His hands feel especially good on me then. His thick hair tangled between my fingers keeping him anchored to me.

Fuck. I'm starting to feel hot just thinking about it...

I miss him. God, I miss him. I miss him giving me affections.

And, apparently, my internal thoughts about Dabi had begun to unintentionally translate on the outside as I felt my face going hot and my breath heavy, causing me to snap back to reality and see Natsuo was still here.

His eyes were going half lidded slightly as he looked to my face, causing me to cringe as he probably mistook the reason for my flusteredness.

"I wasn't thinking about that." I blurted out slightly panicked, trying to be as honest as possible so he didn't get the wrong idea.

Not like I can actually tell him what I was thinking about though.

"Right." Natsuo said a bit breathily, wetting his lips with his tongue for a moment.

He returned to a soft smile a few moments later and spoke, only making me more embarrassed as it seemed he didn't believe me. "Well, anyways, I'll get out of your way here."

More suave than I thought possible for a guy like him, he smoothly slid himself off the doorway, shooting me an attractive, toothy grin as he did so.

What's with all the confidence? I mean, don't get me wrong, good for him. He's just different from that boring guy I dated months ago.

"Thanks." I smiled weakly, feeling him brush his shoulder against my own as I walked to the bathroom door. "See you...on the outside, I guess-hah-with clothes on, I hope."

Kill me. What kind of response was that? Don't answer that.

"Definitely." He grinned, about to leave before he said more. "Oh. I'm glad you showed up, by the way. I miss seeing your face around here."

Maybe he's just being nice. I really hope it only sounded flirty in my head. Besides, Natsuo's never been able to flirt, so I'm sure it was.

"Yeah. I miss everyone, too." I said politely, resting my hands on the doorway. "It will be nice for all of us to catch up."

Natsuo's eyes lingered to my own for a few moments, causing me to immediately drop the gaze so the seconds didn't drag on longer.

He didn't seem to get the hint though as he hummed contently, slowly walking backwards towards his room now as he spoke with warmth.

"Yeah. I'm looking forward to it."

*****

"Oh, she's back." Akio said when I returned to the main room, smirking teasingly as he spoke loud. "Quick! Everyone stop talking about her!"

I rolled my eyes lightly at his antics, trying to ignore Natuso's eyes on me from the corner.

"Ha, haaaaa. Very funny, you jerk." I said, flipping my hair off my shoulder with mocking confidence as I approached the group. "Besides, if you were talking about me, I'm sure it's nothing but good things."

"You got that right." Akio grinned, barely shooting me a cheeky glance before continuing to pour a creamy drink into some tall glasses. "So, Vi. Want me to nog ya?"

I pressed my lips together at his ask, deciding to have a little fun as I sauntered his way with a pep to my step.

"I'm afraid to ask what you mean by that."

Akio let out a snort as he topped off another glance, clicking his tongue with mock discipline.

"Eggnog, of course! Get your mind out of the gutter-After all, what else do you swallow that's this thick and creamy." He winked, causing me to snicker with him before another voice cracked the joke.

"I don't know. What?" Shouto asked genuinely, causing Akio's eyes to go wide in remembrance for the young blood in the room.

My best friend immediately looked to me for a save, yet I simply coughed and trailed away from him slightly, so he could handle it on his own.

Sorry, not sorry! I got enough problems.

"Huh? Oh-" Akio babbled when he found himself left alone, barely grimacing as Fuyumi thumped him in the back of the head. "Just....-oh, come on. Can't I just tell him? It's time to stop babying the kid. He's going out and putting away villains, but still doesn't know about what happens when a guy and a girl-"

"Akio." Fuyumi interrupted sternly, causing my best friend to slump his shoulders with an immediate excuse.

"Milkshakes!" He exclaimed with a cheer, definitely having some underlying sarcasm laced in his voice. "Milkshakes are creamy, right?"

Shouto looked at Akio boredly, giving his eyes a few tired blinks as the joke went straight over his head once again.

"Not really. Unless you drink them straight away." He shrugged, reaching for one of the eggnog glasses now.

"Ha. Exactly. Yeah." Akio muttered weakly, giving Shouto a deflated thumbs up. "D..Drink them straight away. Uh-huh!"

Shouto barely had time to reach for one of the glasses, before Fuyumi gently batted his hand away, already having a filled cup ready for him in her hands.

"Oh-uh-Not those ones, Shouto. They have rum inside." She explained, placing the mocktail in his hands quickly. "Take this one. No alcohol. Tastes better that way, anyways."

I smiled in amusement to Fuyumi's overprotectiveness, feeling my heart hurt a bit as I knew exactly where it came from.

It wasn't until a year or two ago that Shouto was finally able to interact with his siblings. Fuyumi-and Natsuo, for that matter, are still very obviously trying to form their own bond with him.

But, having missed out on sixteen years worth of bonds, it will take time for this sibling trio to find their groove with each other. They've been doing well with it so far though, trying to undo all of Eneavor's mistakes for the past...eternity.

I came out of my thoughts as Akio handed me a glass full of nog, earning a 'thank you' from me as I took a big gulp.

"Mmm." I hummed in delight, already taking another big swig of the drink. "Wow. That's amazing."

"Right?" Akio smiled, already downing half his glass in one take. "'It tastes better without alcohol,' my ass."

"I heard that!" Fuyumi scolded Akio, causing my best friend and I to giggle over the rim of our drinks as we finished them quickly.

I've found myself drinking more lately. A lot more. I went from drinking half a glass of wine per week, to drinking multiple times a week. Sometimes in consecutive days as well.

I could say Dabi's been introducing me to a lot of alcohol lately. But, perhaps, it's just the stress of everything happening that makes me drink more. The mission. Midas. The hero commission. My relationships.

Regardless, I'm not worried. I've never had an addictive personality when it comes to things I enjoy.

At least, I don't...think.

How would you know that when you've played your entirely life so safe? Take Dabi, for example. You became addicted to him quite easily.

You don't really know yourself well enough to know...anything.

Oh, shut up, brain.

I groaned softly at my own thoughts, about to pour myself a second glass of eggnog, before Akio read my mind.

Within a moment, he'd plucked my empty glass out of my hands-filling it, and his own, with a lot of rum and a little bit of eggnog to top it off.

Balance! We've never heard of it!

"Thanks." I murmured tiredly as he handed me my glass, causing him to hum in acknowledgment as we both tipped back our glasses without hesitation.

"Woah." Fuyumi chuckled, causing me to quickly bring my glass back down and see the room had been watching the both of us in surprise. "Slow down, you two. It's not a race."

I smiled sheepishly as I quickly set my glass back down on the coffee table, becoming uncomfortable with the concerned stares of Natsuo and Fuyumi. "Right. Sorry."

The last thing I want, is for them to know I've changed. Because, then it will lead to more questions that could lead to Dabi.

"Maybe it's not a race to you." Akio followed up, placing a hand on his hip with pride. "But, I'm on a mission to break my previous Todoroki Record for most nog drunken."

Natsuo let out a small snort of amusement to Akio's words, brushing against my shoulder as he went to find a seat in the room.

"Let's not forget how you drank so much of it last year, you puked all over the front lawn. Didn't we decide then that the record was void, because it came out of you?" He chuckled, plopping down on the couch next to Shouto.

Fuyumi laughed in remembrance to last year's holiday gathering, scrunching up her nose in disgust. "Dad was so mad that night, cause the grass had just been cut, too."

Akio lips morphed into a frown at the memory, not giving a damn about Endeavor's lawn as he tried to defend his title.

"Hey, hey, hey. Hold on. We only agreed the vomit thing would go into effect this year. Therefore, yes. I am still the Nog Champion. End of discussion." He smirked with finality, taking a seat in one of the big chairs now.

Seeing Akio take a seat only reminded me at that moment I should also probably find a place to sit.

Yet, it seems my internal distractions had gone on for too long as all the seats had been filled up by everyone else-leaving me to stand in the room awkwardly as I looked around in confusion.

...whoops-

"Oh. Got room for one more over here." Natsuo said casually, causing me to turn around and see him scooting over on the couch.

Even so, with Shouto already on the couch, Natsuo was barely able to scoot half an inch-meaning I'd practically be in his lap if I sat there.

No, thanks! We already did that trope with Dabi!

"Ahhh...generous...you generous guy...." I chuckled weakly, not moving from my spot as I fought with an excuse. "uhhh-but, that space wasn't open before though. I don't want you to be uncomfortable. A guy with your...errrh...beefy physique should have at least five feet of space-"

Why did I say beefy?? Ugh!!

"I won't be uncomfortable." Natsuo mused, resting his big arms across both sides of the couch with a wink. "Don't mind being squished by you."

Was that a flirt? That sounded like a flirt. Since when could he flirt?-and what is that 'fuckboy' position he's sitting in, showing off his muscles like he's a five star meal??? He's always been three stars at best!

I'm confused!

And, my confusion with this reformed Natsuo caused my usual responses to stumble as I tried to think of new ones, feeling none come to my mushy brain. "Well, I...it's just...."

"It's just that she's already agreed to sit next to me." Akio chimed in, immediately coming to my aid as he patted the nonexistent space in his small chair.

I felt my shoulders slump in relief to the quick save, shooting Natsuo an insincere smile of apology as I quickly made my way to Akio.

My best friend smiled lightly as I came his way, trying and failing to scoot over in his small space.

His chair has even less room than Natsuo's. I will pretty much be sitting on his lap.

I don't mind though. It's just Akio. The guy's seen me in my doughnut underwear! I've sat on his lap plenty of times.

'Thank you,' I mouthed to him as I approached his spot, causing Akio to subtly nod his head as he opened his arms with welcome.

I quickly plopped down in his lap-a little too hard as a small breath forcefully pushed from his lungs at my sudden weight.

"Oop. Sorry. I totally just crushed you." I whispered completely unabashed, adjusting myself atop Akio with ease.

He hummed away my apology immediately, resting his chin on my shoulder before inhaling with pure content.

"Don't be. It's always been my dream to be crushed by you." He murmured with tease, causing me to roll my eyes as I relaxed my back against his chest.

Natsuo eyed the two of us with attempted disinterest, watching as each of Akio's hands slowly settled to the arms of his chair.

Sensing the awkward tension, I felt Akio's chest vibrate as he cleared his throat, deciding to speak and make things worse. "Sorry, Natsuo. Best friend privileges overpower awkward ex privileges. It's in the rule book."

Natsuo widened eyes mirrored my own at Akio's daring words, both of our cheeks going red with slight embarrassment.

"Akio." Natsuo and I groaned simultaneously, causing my best friend to feign innocence.

"What?-Oh, come on. Look, I'm doing you both a favor by bringing it up right away. You really wanna go through an entire night of fun with this big ass elephant in the room? I sure don't. Let's just rip the bandaid off now so we can all move on." My best friend said, subtly shooting his glowy eyed gaze to Natsuo. "All of us."

I pressed my lips together at Akio's implication, half consumed with irritation for having brought it up.

But, only half irritation, because man...Akio catches on quick. He noticed within seconds of Natsuo and I's reunion that I wasn't into it. He supported us so much when we were dating cause he thought I was happy.

Now, he supports me not getting back together with Natsuo, cause it's obvious I don't want to go down that route again. He really does support me through everything. I'm grateful to have a friend like that.

"Wait." Shouto said after a few moments of silence, sipping his drink obliviously as he asked. "Natsuo and Violet broke up? When?"

Oof.

The room went silent once more, and this time the tension felt painful as everyone looked to the floor for an answer.

Fuyumi chuckled nervously at the quiet, taking a heavy sip of her eggnog now.

Hah. Who's drinking too fast now, Ms. Goody-Two-Shoes...

"Well, technically," Natsuo followed up smoothly, shooting his grey eyes to Shouto with warmth. "It wasn't a breakup. It was just a break."

Ohhhh, hell-

"What's the difference?" Shouto asked boredly, reaching for one of the holiday cookies on the coffee table.

I saw Natsuo's mouth open to speak, before I found myself blurting out a weak answer first. "Technically...are they reallyyy that different?"

Natsuo's eyes slid to me now, brows furrowing slightly as he readjusted himself on the couch.

"Well-Technically, yes." He said plainly, before Akio jumped in for support.

"Technically, I'm really not sure, dude." He alluded gently, smiling to Natsuo sympathetically to try and give him the hint.

"And-technically..." I continued, trailing off with nerves as the whole room looked to me now off.

Whoops. Stage fright.

"Let's....move on!" I chickened out, quickly lifting my rum glass from the table for another sip.

"Woooo..." Akio followed me half heartedly, taking another small swig of his nog.

"Good idea!" Fuyumi said emphatically, placing down her mug on the table as she changed the subject. "I think the best way to do that is by starting this little catch-up with a catch-up! Violet, Akio-you two have been away the longest, so kick it off. How have the last few months been treating you guys?"

The room looked to Akio and I now, causing the both of us to adjust more comfortably in the chair. My best friend gently patted my hip for me to take the floor....but, to be honest, all that comes to mind is a Dabi brain rot. I can't quite remember anything else at the moment.

So I froze.

Noticing the awkward silence creeping back, Akio quickly cleared his throat and spoke to give me time, unintentionally keeping his hand on my hip as he was distracted with talking.

"Uh-Well, for one, I've been having a blast on this mission, the last ten months." He chuckled a bit forced, absentmindedly moving his thumb back and forth along the curve of my hip. "I've learned a lot, made a friend in the league's portal guy, Kurogiri, and have even worked on some assignments with Vi. Sure, her partner's shitty, but he's also homeless and psychotic so I try to be as nice as I can."

I felt my lips curling into a smile at Akio's little inside joke-rather, inside roast to Dabi, lightly hitting his knee with amusement.

"Akio." I murmured with light warning, feeling the corners of my lips tugging into a smile at the memories.

Some of my most fun times during this mission are when Dabi, Akio, and I have all hung out together.

"Yeah, I remember hearing a little about Violet's partner." Natuso chimed in with casual interest, relaxing back against the couch with ease. "Tell us more about him. What's he like?-which member of the league is he, anyways?

I felt my stomach stirring with unease at the question, immediately trying to go around any questions involving Dabi. "....it's classified."

Natsuo's brows furrowed slightly, leaning forward in his seat now as he spoke.

"But, Akio just told us his partner's name."

Oh, crap. He's right. I should really pay more attention...

"Andddd, I shouldn't have done that." Akio chuckled with a save. "Whoops. Just broke protocol. Don't tell anyone please-Violet's right though. We aren't really supposed to talk about the mission. Confidentiality stuff, you know."

Natsuo relaxed once more at Akio's excuse, nodding his head in understanding as he fiddled with his untouched eggnog mug.

"I get that." He said, slowly lifting his eyes to find mine once more. "Regardless, I hope he stopped driving you so crazy, Vi. Last time we were together, you said he was the worst. Can't imagine ten months of working with that lunatic."

I laughed nervously, adjusting distractedly in Akio's lap before his other hand slid off the couch to rest on my waist.

"Ohhh, he definitely still drives me crazy." I agreed humorously, feeling my cheeks go hot at the memories of just how Dabi drives me crazy now.

One could say...he definitely drives me over the edge. Ha, get it? It's a supposed to be a sex joke, involving orgasms! I make sex jokes now!

But, my heart slowly dropped at the reality of the situation, my smile falling with it as I admitted the truth the last few days have held. "But....he'll be gone soon. So....it won't be an issue much longer."

Akio slowly turned his head towards mine upon hearing my sad tone of voice, getting the sense that Dabi and I may have had a falling out since our night at the bar.

"Good." Natsuo said completely oblivious to my sadness, deciding to finally take a sip of his drink and enjoy the night.

"Yep." I said, only letting awkward silence linger for a second before deciding to become a little more talkative. "And, h..how about you? How have things been these last months with school...and life?"

"They've been really great." Natsuo smiled warmly, taking his lip between his teeth. "Been more focused on college and working out more. Hanging with friends. Helping Fuyumi around the house-"

"Anddd, he's also gone on quite a few dates." Fuyumi interrupted excitedly, giving me a look of healthy reassurance.

I found myself surprised at her words. Especially since Natsuo said he would wait for me, all those months ago. Not that I wanted him to. I'm glad I was wrong!

"Really? That's amazing, Natsuo. Good for you." I smiled genuinely, before he shrugged his shoulders in stubborn distaste.

"Eh. It's not like that. Things have been pretty casual." He quickly brushed off, letting his eyes glide to the ceiling in remembrance. "Though, I gotta say...it was weird being with other people after you. You've....well, you know...you've always been the first and only person..."

I pressed my lips together awkwardly and nodded in agreement, knowing that wasn't something I could deny.

Despite the train wreck of Natsuo and I's relationships, we did take each other's virginity. First kiss. First...everything. I guess we'll always have a slight-minuscule bond because of that. But, truly, not much.

Bonds fade over time if you don't nurture them. Even the strongest ones.

"Sure, but I think having you date other people is great." I immediately reassured, feeling Akio rest his chin on my shoulder. "I'm sure it was weird the first time. But, experiencing other people isn't bad at all during a breakup. It's good! It let's you realize what you like, and what you don't like-"

"Well, I definitely realized what I like." Natsuo interrupted with slight hint, looking to me with too much warmth.

I smiled weakly to his words, feeling my muscles tense a bit as I tried to come up with something to say.

I was grateful when Akio spoke first, only now realizing his skin was starting to glow softly as I looked down to his hands on my hips.

He only does that when he's excited. I don't know what he has to be excited about right now.

"So, that means you've been hooking up with people, too, right?" My best friend inquired, snaking both arms around my stomach now to hold me tighter against him. "Anyone good? Spill the deets-mostly on the asses. I'm an ass guy, you know."

Akio smirked smugly as Fuyumi glared at him, reaching over to cup her hands over an oblivious Shouto's ears.

"Huh? Well, yeah, I've been hooking up with people. Kind of a lot, actually." Natsuo admitted with a bit of cocky humor. "But, there wasn't anyone as good as V-"

"I've been hooking up with other people, too." I quickly blurted out, causing Akio and Natsuo's eyes to widen in surprise for my outburst.

Word vomit. Gotta love that stuff.

Silence consumed the space once more as everyone tried to process 'Sweet, Innocent Violet's,' words-before Fuyumi was the one to speak first this time.

"Wait what?!" She gasped, accidentally releasing Shouto's ears to slap a hand over her mouth. "Really???-Wow. Way to go, Vi. I didn't think you had it in you-eh-you're being safe, right?"

"Safe? Is Violet not safe on the mission?" Shouto asked with seriousness. "Someone should tell Endeavor she's not being safe."

I closed my eyes with patience to his naive words, rubbing my temples with a groan. "Shouto, please do not tell him that."

"Eh, I walked in on her a few times. She could be safer-" Akio teased, causing me to turn around in his arms and shove him in the shoulder.

"A few times?-" Natsuo followed up cooly, brows raising slightly in surprise. "so-you've hooked up with someone more than once."

Slowly getting busted!

"Well..." I prepared to backtrack, deciding it was futile as I threw it back at him. "It sounds like you have, too!"

"Well, yeah." He scoffed, looking to the ceiling with feigned disinterest. "Only cause you wanted a break. Did you want a break to hookup with people? With someone?"

Yes!

"No!!" I immediately denied. "I just wanted a break cause I was busy. I told you that."

He chuckled slightly at that, tilting his head at me with tease now. "Eh, you've been real busy, I see."

"Natsuo!" I reprimanded with a panic, hearing Akio chuckle like a jackass from behind me.

"Hey, hey, hey. Relax." Natsuo lightened up as things got heated, gently waving his arms off with dismissal for the sensitive subject. "It's alright. Look, you don't owe me any explanations or apologies."

...the old Natsuo would sure beg to differ.

"Oh." I said as I felt myself calming down slightly, peering back at him in surprise. "I don't?"

His soft eyes found my own, mouth releasing a small, breathy laugh as he sensed my legitimate stress about this.

"Of course not, Violet. You're your own person. I'm sorry if I ever made you feel lesser than that." He reassured genuinely, seeming to be at peace with the antics that have taken place during our breakup. "Plus, I have been hooking up with other people, too, so you're not alone there. It's all good."

"Right..."

"Let's just...put the past in the past."

I nodded silently to his words, saying nothing for the sake of dropping the conversation.

But, if putting this 'in the past' means forgetting everything that's happened with Dabi and I, then I'd have to disagree with him there. I don't want to put that in the past.

Akio shuffled a bit behind me, his warm breath tickling my ear as he whispered into it.

"Did he get post-nut clarity, or something? Why is he so calm?" He asked, causing me to roll my eyes as I gently nudged him in the stomach to shut up.

"Shhhh."

The room went quiet, with nothing but the sound of Christmas music playing lightly on the television. Fuyumi coughed a few moments later, letting a awkward smile grace her lips as she tried to get things back to normal.

I feel bad for her. 'Getting things back to normal' seems like it's become her main job in life.

"Well, I'm definitely game for letting go of the past." She chimed in with pep, raising her half full eggnog glass before changing the subject. "Besides, with what's coming this weekend, all I can do right now is look forward to the future."

I pursed my lips in confusion to her point, holding in a small laugh as Akio intentionally squeezed my side with a tickle.

"Stop." I snickered to him softly, turning back to Fuyumi with question. "What do you mean this weekend?"

"You mean, you didn't hear?" Natsuo asked in surprise, eyes lighting up with excitement for his next words. "Apparently, some famous entrepreneur guy is having a party this weekend at his mansion. Endeavor said we're all invited and required to go, by order of the hero commission, I guess."

Ohhh, fuck. That.

Well, Midas works fast, doesn't he?

"Ahhh. Right. No, I did hear about that..." I murmured in stress, ignoring the slight nausea that began to rise in my stomach.

Akio cleared his throat uncomfortably from behind me, probably already having heard the news from the hero commission as well.

He's probably just as uncomfortable as I am. He's the only ones besides Dabi and I who have actually stepped foot in Midas' mansion.

"Must be pretty rich if he's forcing Endeavor to go, he didn't seem very happy we had to attend. So, I think the guy seems cool already." Shouto shrugged, causing Fuyumi to roll her eyes in amusement as she refilled his glass with eggnog.

"Just drink your nog." She reprimanded humorously, leaning back in her seat tiredly. "I don't totally blame dad for not wanting to go. I had a parent-teacher meeting that night, and was forced to cancel it for the event. I don't see what's so special about Mr. Eternal, anyways."

Huh?

"Mr. Who?" I asked in pure surprise, blinking my eyes blankly at the words.

Fuyumi furrowed her brows in confusion for my cluelessness, taking another small sip of her drink as she spoke.

"You know. Mr. Eternal. That's the name of the guy who donated all that money to the commission. Sure, I doubt it's his real name. But, you know those entrepreneurs, these days. They usually all have stage names like that." She said dismissively, not seeming worried about the upcoming party in the slightest.

And, why would she be? She has no idea she's about to walk into the house of the most dangerous man in the world right now.

"Hah. Right..." I said a little breathlessly, feeling my knee starting to bounce up and down with anxiety.

The last thing I want is for my closest friends to be in danger with Midas' plans. And, they seem to be pretty good targets right now, considering Endeavor's kidnapping was a fail. It's only natural to go after the next best thing, concerning him, right?

My mouth began to feel dry and my palms began to sweat as nerves slowly consumed me. Yet, I was quick to come out of my thoughts as I felt Akio's hand quickly rest on my bouncing thigh, squeezing his hand around it firmly in a silent bid to 'relax.'

And, he's right. I need to pull myself together. The last thing I want is for the Todorokis to sense something is wrong and find out the truth about....'Mr. Eternal.' Doing that would surely backfire and put them in more danger-not to mention, worry them quite a bit.

I cleared my throat softly to rid the last of my nerves, feeling Akio continuing to weigh my leg down with his grip as I spoke kindly.

"Yeah, right. Mr...Eternal. Gotta love that guy..." I uttered hesitantly, forcing a smile onto my face as I continued. "It sucks you had to cancel plans for the party, but I think it'll be fun. I..heard..the guy's mansion is insanely gorgeous. Can't be all bad, right?"

Akio's death grip loosened slowly at my appropriate response, giving my leg a softer, more reassuring squeeze now for keeping everyone off our trail.

Fuyumi nodded in contentment, letting a small smile of excitement grace her lips now. "You're right about that. If there's one thing I'm excited for, it's dressing up-and...maybe even asking that new teacher from the school to be my date."

I let out a small 'oooo' of scandal as her cheeks went red hot at the thoughts, causing me to lean forward in Akio's hold with eagerness now.

"I did see the invite allows a plus one. I'm sure Mr. Sexy Muscles Teacher Guy-"

"That's not even a clever name, Vi!" Fuyumi interrupted with a giggle, slapping her hands over her reddening cheeks.

"-would loveee to be your date. Heck, I know I would!" I hyped, letting a flirtatious whistle sounds from my lips to make her more embarrassed.

"Shit, I know I would love that, too." Akio whispered cheekily into my ear, causing me to shake my head in amusement and elbow him in the stomach.

Fuyumi giggled flusteredly as Natsuo laughed-and, of course, Shouto didn't get any of it, or didn't care...snapping the head off another snowman cookie with his teeth.

However, Akio seemed to be a little more playful tonight as he hummed teasingly from behind me, before he pressed his fingers into my sides for another tickle.

It's nothing new though. Akio's always been a handsy person with me, and I've always been comfortable with it. He's never the type to take it too far.

The rum was working a little in my system now as I let out a giggle for Akio's tickles, causing him to laugh and pull me back into his chest warmly.

"Stopppp. I have asthma, you jerk. I'm gonna wheeze!!" I cackled as he poked his fingers into my sides and stomach, causing me to do a weird shimmy dance on his lap.

"So, you're saying I take your breath away?" He asked smugly, releasing me from his tickle prison a few seconds later before wrapping his arms around me tightly.

"Not even a good joke." I laughed stubbornly, feeling the room starting to slowly do the liquor spins as I leaned my head on his shoulder now.

Getting buzzed here is the last thing I should be doing. What's wrong with me? Ugh.

Luckily, Akio was completely sober and seemed ready to take care of me, giving me a small shush to keep it together. He was generous enough to allow my head the courtesy to continue resting on his shoulder, even going so far as to adjust my head more comfortable atop him.

"What about you, dude?" Akio asked Natsuo happily, placing his hand on the small of my back now. "Got a special someone you're taking to the ball this weekend?"

Natsuo pursed his lips in thought, giving my frame a fleeting glance for no more than a second before sipping from his cup.

"Eh. I've got a few people in mind. But, none of them interest me too much." He dismissed, hesitating on his next words before curiosity got the better of him. "What...about you, Vi? Going with anyone?"

I slowly pulled my head from the crook of Akio's neck, reflecting on Natsuo's words a little deflatedly.

Of course, I'd love to go with someone. A certain special someone.

But, his last words to me yesterday rang clearly in my ears now, with the look of hate in his eyes that matched it...

"In case it wasn't fucking obvious-go with someone else."

Except, I don't wanna go with anyone else.

"Uh. No..." I said a little more sober, unable to hide my depression at the simple word. "I'm...I'm not going with anyone. I'll be alone."

It wasn't until after the words came from my mouth that I realized their tone, hoping no one misunderstood the meaning behind them.

I'm not necessarily sad about going without a date. I'm just sad I'm not going with Dabi. It's not like I'd want just any date.

But, before I could correct my words, an unexpected member from the group spoke, placing his half eaten holiday cookie on the tray as he did so.

"I can take you." Shouto said adorably, shrugging his shoulders casually with the ask.

I smiled softly, already feeling myself cheer up from the adorable gesture. One I know he's not used to. He didn't say it in a romantic way, obviously. He only asked me cause he actually realized I was upset about going alone.

"That's really sweet, Shouto. I would love that." I grinned, causing the half-and-half boy to flash a soft, rare genuine smile for my content.

Fuyumi touched her heart at the adorable gesture, pressing her lips together in apology with a reminder.

"That was very nice, Shouto." She encouraged. "But, didn't you already agree to let the green haired boy from your class come as a guest? Technically, that already counts as a plus one. It would be rude to retract the offer."

"I don't think it's rude." Shouto said casually, taking another sip of his eggnog. "I'll just tell Midoriya he can't come anymore."

Akio and I laughed quietly at Shouto's oblivious roast, causing me to step in for damage control before he could make things worse.

"That's alright, Shouto. You don't need to do that." I reassured warmly. "The gesture was kind enough. You should stick with your friend, Midoriya."

Shouto nodded boredly to my point, not seeming affected as he decided to take my advice.

"If you're sure."

"Definitely."

The room went quiet with silent content for a moment, before Natsuo spoke now...his voice hesitant and a little nervous as he said....

"Well, I can take you, if you want."

Oh boy...

I felt my shoulders slump at his words, looking to him with dread as a small sigh fell from my mouth.

"Natsuo..." I uttered, not even trying to hide my dissatisfaction. "I really don't-"

"It wouldn't be as a couple." He clarified casually. "Just as friends."

I looked at him with disbelief, not seeming completely sold on his intentions just yet. "Mmm, I don't know. Maybe it's too soon. After all, I think it's pretty obvious things are still...awkward between us."

Natsuo hummed in agreement, setting his mug down on the coffee table now.

"That's exactly why I think we should do it. To get rid of the weird tension happening between us." He reasoned, not seeming overly eager like he normally would be. "You don't have to, of course. It's just that, we used to be really good friends before we dated, Violet. I don't want to lose that with you over some weird awkwardness."

I mean, he's not wrong. If there's anything I realized tonight, it's that this weirdness between Natsuo and I is definitely affecting my dynamic with The Todorokis. I don't love that.

Not to mention, having him as my 'date' would allow me to keep proper tabs on him with this whole Midas thing.

My words fell silent as I became a little more open to the idea, pursing my lips with some hesitance as I confirmed he fully understood. "And it would just be as friends? Nothing more?"

Natsuo smiled a little brighter at my small convince, nodding clearly to my question as he gave me his word.

"Just friends. Nothing more. I swear."

**********

A/N: WELL, WELL, WELL WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE? 👁

Five chaps ahead on Patreon if you wanna see what happens next. Thank you for reading! Please don't forget to vote cause I haven't forgot about ya ❤️