[Delivered to Ochaco's door by the mail mice are a few things. There is a bag of homemade potpourri. There is also a little handmade Christmas Pixie. And lastly, there are some Christmas cookies (some are a little misshapen but it's clear they were made with care).
Attached is a card inside is delicate handwriting:]
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I made the cookies myself with some help! I made everything myself, actually. But, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Again, Merry Christmas!
[Alice gets a delivery herself a day or two later, a small wrapped box and an envelope with a grinning Ochaco face drawn on the envelope she she has an idea of who it's from.]
Alice-chan, you're so sweet! Thanks to you my room is feeling very homey and festive now, and the cookies were so delicious! You made them with a lot of care and it really showed. Thank you so much for such a thoughtful gift. <3
Here's a little something from me, that I made (with some help from a grumpy mutual friend of ours, ;P) and I hope you enjoy. They're called dango and I'd love to hear what you think of them! Come visit me soon so you can tell me all about it, Alice-chan.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too! I look forward to becoming better friends with you in the coming year. :D
[Despite the awkwardness of what happened at Vaeros' shitty party, even if it was just a chaste and very gentlemanly kiss to her hand and not anywhere else, Katsuki's not cowardly enough to avoid the brunette afterwards, especially not during the holidays. Christ is pretty basic for them all - it's not as special as New Years will be for them - but he still has a traditional Japanese dinner of fried chicken, various sides, and some Christmas cake for dessert. Of course he let Deku and Uraraka help where they could...while also making sure Todoroki didn't come near or touch anything. That bloodline is cursed on the male side...
Anyway, after all that, Uraraka will wake up on Christmas day to find a few gifts either wrapped up or in a decorative bag outside her room. First thing's first, she gets a cozy pink sweater dress with some fleece lined leggings in black, grey, and cream colors to keep warm, as well as some winter boots. He knows how shitty it is to come to this place and have little to no change of clothes, especially in fucking winter of all times, so...this should help a little bit.
Next up is, well...a friend she can cuddle with that doubles as a pillow, and an assortment of sweets for the girl who would raw dog a box of sugar cubes, probably. Don't lie, Pink Cheeks, he knows your sweet tooth knows no bounds. But yeah, there is undoubtedly a box of mochi for her, with red bean paste and strawberry on the inside, made to look like adorable little seals. There's also some bear shaped cookies and Katsuki even made some dango milk for her that's topped with fancy ribbons tied into perfect bows.
Last, but certainly not least, is a tea cup with a cherry blossom design and some loose leaf green tea with cherry blossoms. There's obviously no card, because they live together, but there is a gift tag with both their names on it and a little note that says:
This isn't everything.
- 💣
Because her birthday is on the 27th, and Katsuki isn't a jackass loser who combines Christmas and her birthday into one. That shit is lame.]
[Yeah, so...remember when he said there was still more to come in terms of gifts? Well, Katsuki wasn't kidding. He may have been a forgetful bastard who didn't care about the finer details of people at the start of the year, and he still doesn't know everything, but...it's hard to not pick up on birthdays here and there, sometimes. And with Uraraka's birthday being so close to the winter holidays and such, it's easy to remember.
Anyway, on the morning of her birthday, a polished, wooden box will be outside the pink cheeked hero's door, with a pink bow slapped on the top of it. It's not old, per se, but definitely has a rustic feel to it, and there's some weight to it, too. Opening up the clasps and lifting up the lid, she'll find, resting on a bed of velvet, a gorgeous spyglass telescope and an engraving of Uravity scorched into the wood on the inner lid.
Not only that, but she's got something sweet and tasty downstairs waiting for her to gobble up for breakfast, too.
For Ochako's birthday and Christmas, she will find a star projector wrapped horribly in his best effort for Christmas and birthday. Half of the present is in one theme, the other is in the other theme because he couldn't decide which one he should do over the other. There is a tag on it that says
Merry Christmas and Early Happy Birthday - Shoto Todoroki
For New Years there is a text on her device the next time she looks at their messages or messages in general.
Hello Uraraka.
Happy New Year and I hope the upcoming one will be good. I know we're far from home, but we have been on away missions before. There is a reason for everything and I believe that, strongly. In the new year, all four of us should do something fun together. I would like to take the time we have away from everything back home to know everyone even better. I hope you feel the same.
- Shoto
Yes he signed his own text. It's a letter after all.
[This year everyone else can have something for his birthday.]
Good morning, Uraraka.
Please be careful when you open your door and when you go down the hallway as well. Outside yours, Bakugo and Midoriya's door is a tray with a drink and something to eat on it. Take it with my thanks. Have a good day.
[Not long after making his delivery, Todoroki's Oracle buzzes.]
Todoroki-kun! That's very kind of you, but it's your birthday, you should be the one getting gifts from us, not the other way around! I'm going to have this delicious breakfast, get cleaned up, and then I'm gonna come find you to get that sorted out right away!
And while I'll say it in person too, happy birthday, Todoroki-kun!
I know. But since it is my birthday, I decided that I would do it this way instead. There are things worth more than physical items you've all given me.
If you enjoy, I could get up early with Bakugo and maybe make a habit of it once a week. I don't think he'll let me more than that.
I know what you mean. I feel the same way about all of you, you know? Having all of you in my life has made me a better person, and a better Hero.
Anyway, it's not much, I...haven't had time to do a lot since I got here, but I did get you something small for your birthday. I was going to give it to you after I got up, but you beat me to it!
No! No, thank you Todoroki-kun, that's not going to be necessary, but I appreciate the thought.
Anyway, I'm almost done eating. This is so good! See you in the living room in ten?
It's heartwarming to see what she's typing and it makes him wear a small smile. She might not see it, but it's there. It seems like she's going to meet him, and so he makes his text back specifically that.
Ten minutes won't be a problem, let me fold up my blanket and put away my pillow. I hadn't yet this morning. See you then.
Sure thing! See you in the living room, Birthday Boy. :D
[She says that, but does carefully wait until she hears Todoroki leave his room before gathering up her present. She leans out of the entryway of the living room.]
"Happy birthday, Todoroki-kun!" Stepping out, Ochaco's arms are tucked behind her back, clearly hiding something. "That breakfast you left me was so good! I hope my gift compares." Seriously, it was a wonderful surprise to wake up to but don't go making a habit of it! Ochaco doesn't need the special attention!
It's idle other things he's doing down that hall, he's living in said living-room for the time being. Once he's got his blanket and his pillow stashed kindly where it should be, he waits for Uraraka like he promised.
He hears her voice well before he feels her presence there and while that may not be the first indicator of rust he has to worry about, it's the farthest thing from his mind. Seeing her being very obvious of where she's hiding this present, and the cheery way her voice rings out the greeting and the celebratory refrain, Todoroki gives her a small smile. Standing as she approaches, "I'm certain it will." If not more. He is not an expert in the kitchen, so to speak, and so he's sure some of it is just kindness on his friend's part.
"I did. I was up early, so I started sleeping a little earlier. Everyone has been very respectful with the situation so I don't lose sleep often." He gestures for her to sit down, standing as he is. It's polite to stand when ladies are in the room until they sit down. ...So he's read.
"Well, we have experience living with each other in the dorms." Ochaco points out, though the house started out a bit more cramped, before Bakugou start with the additions. "This is pretty much the same thing, just a bit cozier."
She takes the seat when offered, turning a bit so Todoroki can't get a good look at what she's holding. "All right, that's enough smalltalk for now. You gonna join me and get your gift or what, Todoroki-kun?"
"We do." He agrees, sitting down next to his classmate. Even if the point is specific, Shoto takes it that way, too.
With a tilt of his head he waits to see what she's gotten him. "Yes." He has done just that of course before he says yes, but it would be impolite to leave her question hanging.
Once Todoroki joins her, Ochaco whips her hands out from behind her back. "Ta-daaaaa!" In her hands is a woolen scarf, folded neatly, in blue and white. "I saw this scarf, and the colours even match your Hero costume. I knew I had to get it for you!" And fortunately was within Ochaco's currently limited means to procure. "It's gotten really cold out, so I figured every little bit helps, right? Here, take it!"
She offers the scarf to him. "But you might wanna be careful when you unfold it!" She replies with a knowing look, implying the scarf might not be all there is to this gift.
Seeing the present in her hands, Shoto studies it for a moment before realizing that yes, it is indeed a scarf. And that yes. He is absolutely thrilled by it. Which translates to Shoto giving a small smile to her. Further that she went through the trouble to match it to his hero costume and it actually would look really good together. He might just have to 1+1 on that and see if he can integrate it for winter. Though, he's instantly worried that if he has to use fire--
He's in the middle of taking it and thinking of the best way to wear and preserve it when her prophecy is fulfilled. Mismatched eyes fall on the impromptu packaging and he unfolds it. He's sure that's the directive here only to see equally helpful gloves on the inside of it. Again his look shifts from the gloves to her and then back again. "Thank you, Uraraka." There's a small sound in his voice that belies the elation that normally he doesn't have in it. Even something like this is one of the most precious things he owns now. "I'll put them both to good use. These were very thoughtful of you."
[ Izuku has very very recently taken his healing power potion... and he's been testing it out on himself by making things for his friends, healing up his fingers whenever he pricks them with a sewing needle, oops... He can't really go out and buy things from their world here since they're not in their world anymore... but he wants to do what he can to help his friends feel a little more at home away from home...
He remembers the All Might charm he put in the Christmas exchange that Uraraka ended up getting... so he makes another charm, but this time it's of their homeroom teacher. It was a bit more easier than All Might... All he really had to do was get some yellow fabric to make most of it be the yellow cocoon of Aizawa's sleeping bag, sew some lines in to make it look more like a sleeping bag, add some fringe for black hair on top, and stitch in two little eyes and a nose peeking out over the edge.
He leaves it in front of her door with a note that wishes her a happy birthday and hopes she'll feel like there's another little piece of home here with her now! ]
[Yeah, he knows what fucking day it is...and while Katsuki would have loved to ignore the holiday in its entirety, he feels the itching at the back of his mind that he should still do something for his friends, especially since he's been missing them for so damn long, and now has a small handful to keep him sane in this godawful place.
So, on the day of, there are boxes of macarons left for each person in or near their rooms (or the couch because Kaminari still doesn't have a spare room...yet). The boys get some plain, everyday shit - chocolate, vanilla, and berry - but Uraraka's are a little more...catered. Also decorative. N-Not that it means anything!! He just expected her to like this cute shit! On the box, a note reads:]
Flavors are varied. Don't share with those other fucking vultures, they got their own.
For the second time, Ochaco finds a gift left outside of her room, a pleasant, unexpected surprise. Todoroki-kun again? Her eyes widen in surprise at the goodies left out for her as she glances towards the note. Where did Todoroki-kun find these—
Oh. These aren't from Todoroki, they're from...Bakugou-kun. She can tell even without a signature given the charismatic terseness and cursing. For a moment she leans against the doorframe of her room, wondering what could have prompted oh right it's the 14th isn't it.
Well, that's...well, he did say the boys all got stuff too right? So it's not like there's anything to read into about this (or at least there won't be until she sees the difference between their goody packages and hers, but that's a problem for later). Still, though...
...this is a really thoughtful gift. It's exactly the kind of thing she likes, right down to the cute little frosting. She should say thank you (even though he'll probably hate that).
The house is bigger now to accomodate all of them (well, most of them at least. Sorry, Kaminari-kun...) but it doesn't take long for her to find him. She knocks against the wall to get his attention. "Hey, Bakugou-kun? You got a second?"
Katsuki's actually cleaning up the kitchen when Uraraka finds him, washing and drying the utensils he used to make those goodies, and setting the ingredients back in their respective places. He looks up when she knocks on the wall, blinking slowly.
"Mm? What do you want?" It's not said rudely, even if the phrasing is...not the best. That's just how he talks.
It is, and she takes no offense to it; it's just Bakugou being Bakugou. So is him washing the dishes, and with a grin, Uraraka enters the kitchen. "Well, to start you can move over. You wash, I'll dry." And you better believe she's not going to take no for an answer on this one, she's already grabbing a towel to wipe down the cutlery and dishes Bakugou hasn't dried off yet.
And she wants to say thank you for the thoughtful gift. This is part of how she'll say it. "That was really sweet of you, Bakugou-kun. It was nice to wake up to." She begins as she begins drying. "I completely spaced on what day it was today." Of course, being yanked from a different season when she arrived here hasn't helped. "How early were you up today?" He works hard, harder than most, and she's not about to see he neglects himself with these little gifts.
Uraraka really is gutsy, isn't she? Not many purposely invade his space with such reckless abandon, but she's been this way for as long as he can remember. There's a grunt and growl of "Oi!" before he relents and lets her do what she wants. Not like having a second pair of hands hinders anything...and he can finish faster and start on his training regime later.
He was hoping this would be a silent task, but of course it's not and of course she brings up the day and what he did. Scowling as he scrubs the bowl he's washing with a little more, erm...'passion' than before. She better not think he's giving her special treatment or anything... (spoilers, he might be, subconsciously). "Someone on the network reminded me, and I had shit in the pantry that was going to go bad if I didn't use it."
Not entirely a lie. Technically the eggs and milk did need to be used, and with it warming up, leaving sugar out is a bad idea - he doesn't want fucking bugs in his house, okay? It definitely isn't because he c-cares about his f-friends or anything!! Blinking, Katsuki turns his head to look at her curiously.
"Haah? I'm always up before you losers. It was about five, I think." Before dawn, but Katsuki actually does sleep in a little in the winter, just because it's still cold and he hates being out in the cold, especially before the sun starts to warm things up. "Why do you care?"
There's a customary complaint, but then he adjusts and lets Ochaco have her way. Which is to help him out after he did a nice thing for her, and of course she'd do the same for any of her friends. That's part of her motivation as a Hero, after all. But still...just according to keikaku.
"Oh yeah? I'll have to say thank you to them as well, then." She grins. Though her circle of friends does need expanding, she met a lot of cool people at the holiday party. "I guess a lot of different worlds must celebrate it, huh?" That's kind of cool to know. A lot of the worlds everyone here comes from seem really different, but then it comes around that there are still some recognizable similarities. Like Valentine's Day. It's comforting, in a way. Like they're all not so adrift here.
She stops for a moment to lean forward a bit and get a better look at his face, examining him closely for any tell-tale signs of exhaustion or lack of sleep. "Mmmm...yeah, okay." She decides, leaning back. He is an early riser, and it's not like baking is especially strenuous. "Just making sure you're not going at it too hard." Normally, he's pretty good about knowing his limits (at least when Deku-kun isn't involved, but even that's gotten better of late), but he's also pretty much made himself the mother hen of this little Hero House. It's important to make sure he doesn't overdo it.
"I think the sun's gonna be out for awhile today. You wanna hit up an empty castle and try that battle training we talked about?" The worst of the weather seems to be behind them now. "Maybe the others can join us too." She adds, a bit quickly after realizing she was suggesting it would just be the two of them. Which would be fine! She trusts Bakugou-kun to be a gentleman, especially after that mistletoe debacle, which they both had seemingly agreed to just forget about (though Ochaco would never admit to having a bit of difficulty there). Besides, it would be a good training exercise for all of them. No sense in passing that up, is there?
She's definitely up to something, scheming something, and Katsuki half wonders if she's trying to sniff out his preferences for White Day or something. Honestly...she should just come out and fucking say it. This backwards guessing game bullshit is so annoying, and if she must follow tradition, then just get him some spiced chocolate or some good coffee and be done with it. Katsuki doesn't need much, and he sure as hell doesn't need anything overly sweet - Ochako should know well that's never been his preference when it comes to flavor. That's all her.
"Mm...actually this one was looking for information about the holiday. Wasn't celebrated in their wor--oi, the fuck?!" URARAKA, WHY ARE YOU HOVERING SO CLOSE TO HIM?? J'EXCUSE??? Katsuki leans back and away from her, uncomfortable and weirdly warm, grimacing as he takes a step back. Personal space, girl, sweet mother of fuck.
And then she brings up that sparring match and all the discomfort is gone, his body springing up at attention and a wide grin splitting his face. Now that's more like it! That's the kind of thing Katsuki wants to hear!! It's no fun training and exercising on his own, and even with his quirk, going hard in hand-to-hand is always fun. He looks genuinely excited when he says--
Now listen, normally he wouldn't give a singular shit if there was a crowd or not, he'd fight anyone, any time, anywhere. But Uraraka is different - he wants to give the fucking idiots more credit now that they've matured and see how strong she really is on any given day, but she wasn't there after their first fight. She didn't hear the bullshit comments tossed around about her back then. Frail girl? Yeah, if you're blind, deaf, and stupid she might appear to be.
"No one needs to see me kick your ass a second time." Again, not...a total lie. But he is trying to save her from being judged, because between them, there's none of that. He knows she's strong, and respects it. It's why he doesn't hold back.
Oops, might have pushed it a bit too far herself there leaning in like that, Ochaco realizes as Bakugou leans back in response. But it was hard to get a good look at his face without leaning forward like that, standing side by side in front of the sink, so it was the only way to get a good look. To see if he was tired. Still, she belatedly realizes she...probably could have done that better? Weird. Better not examine that too closely.
Still, he seems pumped by the idea of going to train together and she breaks out in a grin of her own...that almost immediately turns to confusion when he suddenly shoots it down. Except then he makes that boast, and she's not going to take that lying down.
"Oh you think so? Maybe you're the one who's afraid of that!" She almost pokes him playfully in the shoulder but suddenly thinks better of it. "All right, fine. Just us then." Truthfully, though she'd given all the focus she could to their first fight, but it was impossible to not hear the crowd turn against Bakugou for "bullying" her. Even Deku-kun had been so quick to approach her beforehand, offering a strategy she could employ. And she's grateful for that, she is. She knows it was coming from a place of friendship, and because he knew full well what Bakugou was capable of.
...But the idea she might already have had a plan hadn't seemed to occur to him at the time. That she hadn't been watching Bakugou closely too since the start of the year. And that kind of hurt, though she'd never say that.
She wants to go again, not because she's keeping score or because she absolutely has to win, but because what no one seemed to realize until Mr. Aizawa pointed it out was that Bakugou was the only person taking her seriously. What they saw as bullying unbecoming of a Hero he recognized as Bakugou-kun having to bring his all against an opponent he knew he couldn't afford to mess around with. That's useful. She wants to be pushed to her limits. She wants not to be held back just because she's a girl or because she's "cute". She's a Hero, and she's going to get knocked around. She needs to know how to deal with that. How to overcome it. An And Bakugou can give her that, and she's immensely grateful for it. And...it would be fun to see him eat his words. Just a little.
"And I promise to be circumspect to the others about my victory." She nods confidently, putting aside another dry dish.
He's just one who enjoys his personal space, thank you. Unless Katsuki is the one instigating, he's not one to get up in someone's business, nor does he enjoy being touched a lot. Hell, he can probably count on one hand the people he tolerates doing it in succession, and that's just on a good day. The class do get a bit of a pass because he just has the best rapport with them now - they are his friends, and he can fully admit that he cares about them all - but Katsuki still just isn't...touchy feely like some others. But god does she even push that boundary and it's both exhilerating and positively infuriating at the same time. It's his turn to lean down, in her face, teeth bared like a wild animal.
"Hooh? You're awfully confident, Cheeks. You really think you can take me?" In a fight, right? Part of him wants to see more of that fire, that gutsy attitude of hers, because not many of the girls in class are like that. Not to the extent that uraraka is - she's got a side of her that's as wild as he is and it's awesome. He saw it once, that GLARE she gave him was like staring down a grizzly, and he'd love to wake that bear up again... But obviously there's the part of him that does want to grind her into powder under his boot - the competitive side that hates to lose, and hates to be belittled even more. It's an unfortunate tog of war in his head, that perfectionist side of him that can't process failure very well at all, but...he's getting better. Slowly but surely.
"That's a nice dream you're having, but it's time to wake up." He lightly bonks her on the head with a wet spoon he just washed, grinning. "The only winner is going to be me. Get your shit together and we'll go scout for a place. You got things you can work out in? That you don't mind getting beat up?"
Because they're uh...they're definitely going to get beat up. If one of them isn't coming out of this with a split lip or a bloody nose, then they weren't trying hard enough.
There was a time at the start of the year (which even without being dragged to Somnius still feels like a lifetime ago from where they are now) where Bakugou getting in her face like this would have scared the hell out of her. But now, the last thing she wants to is to back down from him. Her intensity is quieter, but no less present. "Thinking implies I might be wrong." She says, shoving her own face a bit closer. "And I know I'm not." She's almost a little surprised at how quickly this got intense—how quickly she got intense—but there's no going back now, and she's in it to win it.
She gets bopped on the head with a wet spoon, an oddly playful action coming from him, and smirks, putting her hands on her hips. "Funny guy, Bakugou-kun. Almost made me laugh there." But she nods. "I've got things I can wear." Training clothes had been one of the first things she'd gone looking for, something light and easy to move in, that she won't mind getting some blood on. Because...yeah. She knows they're probably both going to come back from this quite a sight. Turning suddenly on her heel, she marches to the door to go get ready, before shooting him a look over her shoulder.
"Hope you've picked up a few new tricks, because I sure have." She says with the confidence of someone who knows that's not a boast. "Be ready in five, Bakugou-kun. Hope you are too."
Oh? Katsuki can see the hot embers in her eyes starting to burn, and it excites him. She's among the few people who doesn't falter even when he's posturing - she knows he's strong, knows he's already overtaken her once, but she still doesn't even fucking blink and weathers the storm with the confidence and determination that comes with months of her own tireless training. This is why he wanted to fight Uraraka again - she gave him a hell of a fight back then, and she's going to give him a hell of a fight now, he'd bet money on it. He never thought she'd be the competitive type, but...all the better for him. Just means they'll both go harder, give it their all. Good.
"Oh, don't worry about me, Pink Cheeks, I learned plenty." He watches her go with a little hum, then goes to change himself - he packs his backpack with some towels (large and for his face, because they're going to need to wash up after), some bottles of water, a change of clothes, and...a first aid kit. Just in case. Look, even if this is just a quirkless sparring match, he knows that between himself and his friends...they tend to go a little fucking nuts. It's just how how they are, especially when facing down one another. Because they know the other can take it. It's a bit of a double-edged sword, but it's how they grow, by pushing their limits past breaking.
Plus Ultra.
Once he's ready, Katsuki waits for her literally at the door, toe tapping anxiously on the floor. He's in a good mood, ready and itching to find a place and start this. It's going to be difficult to curb the kneejerk desire to use his quirk, but Katsuki can hold back this time. Once she gets her own quirk back though...man. All bets are off.
Ochaco doesn't take long to get ready. Bakugou isn't waiting long before she joins him. She's found a set of clothes loose and easy enough to move in, not unlike the UA gym uniforms back home, including a light jacket to wear over her top. She approaches with a grin; it had surprised her getting ready how much she'd been looking forward to this.
"Oh good, you brought a first aid kit." That had occurred to her as something they might need, but of course Bakugou had already thought of it. "Good! Then we're all set. Let's get going, yeah?"
They're clearly both looking forward to this, and when Ochako finally meets up with him when she's ready, he pushes off the wall and instantly goes to head out the door, looking over his shoulder only when she speaks up.
"Yeah, and you're gonna fucking need it when I'm through with you."
He grins, all teeth, and strides out the door without another word and not stopping for her to catch up. Keep on your toes, Uraraka, he's not going to baby you because you're his friend. Even so, the walk isn't long at all - they're still in the residential area of Somnius proper, and finding an empty mansion is equally easy to do. Probably less than forty minutes have passed before he's pushing open a large, heavy oaken door to a castle's empty ballroom. Musty, but this'll work perfectly.
Ochaco manages to keep pace with Bakugou as he stalks through Somnius, though she does so at a light jog in order to match his stride. Good pre-fight workout, gets her limber. She doesn't mind.
She can't help but gawk at the sheer size of the mansion they find. Coming from Japan, space is at a premium and building up and narrow is often the only real choice, at least in the cities. Not everyone could live like Yaomomo and her family did...most people didn't have that kind of money. And Somnius just had places like this...lying around! Empty! It feels like another flex on Vaeros' part. Look at all that I have and choose to let fall abandoned. You cannot conceive the wealth I possess, that I can throw away so much without a care.
Guy must be a Villain. He's already monologuing at her in his head and she hasn't even met him yet.
Gah, gotta push that aside. The ballroom really will work wonders, and the wide open space means they don't even have to move much away to give them adequate room to spar. When they've done that, she unzips her jacket and tosses it aside; she's opted for a sleeveless plain tanktop-like garment. She could have left the jacket unzipped but on...but no, Bakugou knows that move. He won't fall for it again. Which is a shame because for something she cooked up on the fly she was really proud of it. He grabs her by the coat again, he'll know to do it in a way she can't slip out of, so don't give him the opportunity.
"Right, I think that should be enough. Wanna run through some quick stretches first?" She's feeling pretty limber, but still does a few quick arm stretches as she asks, since there's no point in wasting the chance. "Or should we just get down to business?"
She's already got That Look on her face as she asks, though. She's already slipped into Fight Mode.
The walk is a decent pre-work out and stretch, gets the blood pumping, and he doesn't lessen his pace for Uraraka to keep up, either. Sorry girl, but he's been riled up for this fight, and that means there's bound to be a little of that natural, Bakugou pettiness sliding through the cracks of his...betterish personality.
The manor-like castle is definitely very, very large - much larger than even Katsuki's stupidly large, Western-style home back in Musutafu. Though he doesn't flaunt it, his parents definitely make some good money being fashion designers and all, so the young blond has a relatively decent amount of wealth himself. Not to the levels of Todoroki and Yaoyorozu, but probably on par with someone like Iida, who also is one of the few so-called 'rich kids' in their class. Probably helps that his brother was a well known and well liked Pro Hero with his own agency...or used to be. Either way, the blond doesn't seem nearly as fussed about the swanky, but totally empty, place as Uraraka is. He's far more used to it, and has tossed the thought around above upgrading to one now that the cottage is accommodating more people.
Much like Uraraka, Katsuki's also got on a rather boring top when he takes off his outer layers - sort of like a tank top, the material a little tight over his broad chest and shoulders, the one scar on said shoulder just peeking out from the side of one of the straps. He's midway through taking a sip of water screwing the cap back onto his flask before nodding his head.
"Stretches first. I won't accept beating you again because you pulled a muscle or some other weak shit. Oh, and here." He tosses her a roll of bandages, then grabs a spare from his bag, starting to wrap his fists. This is quirkless, hand-to-hand stuff. He has to keep from even accidentally detonating his sweat, and her...well, this should cushion any punches she dishes out, so they're not cracking their knuckles on each others' jaws and noses.
[Girls must love pretty writing since most of them have it. They love love rainbows, right? She likes space, right? Well put that together and you're welcome.]
Katsuki! [Aurora is calling Katsuki, letting him know to get ready at the clinic for whatever Aurora may find. The princess is panting and rushing wind surrounds the sound of her voice. She's clearly on the move.] They found her! My animals have spotted Webby! I'm going after her! I'm going to bring her home!
I won't be able to respond in case she hears me coming. I will call you again when I have her. Can you be ready at the clinic in case she is badly injured?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Christmas Delivery
Attached is a card inside is delicate handwriting:]
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I made the cookies myself with some help!
I made everything myself, actually.
But, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
Again, Merry Christmas!
Sincerely,
Alice Liddell
no subject
Alice-chan, you're so sweet! Thanks to you my room is feeling very homey and festive now, and the cookies were so delicious! You made them with a lot of care and it really showed. Thank you so much for such a thoughtful gift. <3
Here's a little something from me, that I made (with some help from a grumpy mutual friend of ours, ;P) and I hope you enjoy. They're called dango and I'd love to hear what you think of them! Come visit me soon so you can tell me all about it, Alice-chan.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too! I look forward to becoming better friends with you in the coming year. :D
Christmas Gift Delivery!! | 12/25
Anyway, after all that, Uraraka will wake up on Christmas day to find a few gifts either wrapped up or in a decorative bag outside her room. First thing's first, she gets a cozy pink sweater dress with some fleece lined leggings in black, grey, and cream colors to keep warm, as well as some winter boots. He knows how shitty it is to come to this place and have little to no change of clothes, especially in fucking winter of all times, so...this should help a little bit.
Next up is, well...a friend she can cuddle with that doubles as a pillow, and an assortment of sweets for the girl who would raw dog a box of sugar cubes, probably. Don't lie, Pink Cheeks, he knows your sweet tooth knows no bounds. But yeah, there is undoubtedly a box of mochi for her, with red bean paste and strawberry on the inside, made to look like adorable little seals. There's also some bear shaped cookies and Katsuki even made some dango milk for her that's topped with fancy ribbons tied into perfect bows.
Last, but certainly not least, is a tea cup with a cherry blossom design and some loose leaf green tea with cherry blossoms. There's obviously no card, because they live together, but there is a gift tag with both their names on it and a little note that says:
This isn't everything.
- 💣
Because her birthday is on the 27th, and Katsuki isn't a jackass loser who combines Christmas and her birthday into one. That shit is lame.]
Birthday Delivery | 12/27
Anyway, on the morning of her birthday, a polished, wooden box will be outside the pink cheeked hero's door, with a pink bow slapped on the top of it. It's not old, per se, but definitely has a rustic feel to it, and there's some weight to it, too. Opening up the clasps and lifting up the lid, she'll find, resting on a bed of velvet, a gorgeous spyglass telescope and an engraving of Uravity scorched into the wood on the inner lid.
Not only that, but she's got something sweet and tasty downstairs waiting for her to gobble up for breakfast, too.
Happy birthday, Cheeks.]
Gift/Birthday + Newyear
For New Years there is a text on her device the next time she looks at their messages or messages in general.
Hello Uraraka.
Yes he signed his own text. It's a letter after all.
Present Delivery
Good morning, Uraraka.
Please be careful when you open your door and when you go down the hallway as well. Outside yours, Bakugo and Midoriya's door is a tray with a drink and something to eat on it. Take it with my thanks. Have a good day.
un; uravity (text)
Todoroki-kun! That's very kind of you, but it's your birthday, you should be the one getting gifts from us, not the other way around! I'm going to have this delicious breakfast, get cleaned up, and then I'm gonna come find you to get that sorted out right away!
And while I'll say it in person too, happy birthday, Todoroki-kun!
no subject
If you enjoy, I could get up early with Bakugo and maybe make a habit of it once a week. I don't think he'll let me more than that.
no subject
Anyway, it's not much, I...haven't had time to do a lot since I got here, but I did get you something small for your birthday. I was going to give it to you after I got up, but you beat me to it!
No! No, thank you Todoroki-kun, that's not going to be necessary, but I appreciate the thought.
Anyway, I'm almost done eating. This is so good! See you in the living room in ten?
no subject
Ten minutes won't be a problem, let me fold up my blanket and put away my pillow. I hadn't yet this morning. See you then.
no subject
[She says that, but does carefully wait until she hears Todoroki leave his room before gathering up her present. She leans out of the entryway of the living room.]
"Happy birthday, Todoroki-kun!" Stepping out, Ochaco's arms are tucked behind her back, clearly hiding something. "That breakfast you left me was so good! I hope my gift compares." Seriously, it was a wonderful surprise to wake up to but don't go making a habit of it! Ochaco doesn't need the special attention!
"Sleep okay?"
no subject
He hears her voice well before he feels her presence there and while that may not be the first indicator of rust he has to worry about, it's the farthest thing from his mind. Seeing her being very obvious of where she's hiding this present, and the cheery way her voice rings out the greeting and the celebratory refrain, Todoroki gives her a small smile. Standing as she approaches, "I'm certain it will." If not more. He is not an expert in the kitchen, so to speak, and so he's sure some of it is just kindness on his friend's part.
"I did. I was up early, so I started sleeping a little earlier. Everyone has been very respectful with the situation so I don't lose sleep often." He gestures for her to sit down, standing as he is. It's polite to stand when ladies are in the room until they sit down. ...So he's read.
no subject
She takes the seat when offered, turning a bit so Todoroki can't get a good look at what she's holding. "All right, that's enough smalltalk for now. You gonna join me and get your gift or what, Todoroki-kun?"
no subject
With a tilt of his head he waits to see what she's gotten him. "Yes." He has done just that of course before he says yes, but it would be impolite to leave her question hanging.
no subject
She offers the scarf to him. "But you might wanna be careful when you unfold it!" She replies with a knowing look, implying the scarf might not be all there is to this gift.
no subject
He's in the middle of taking it and thinking of the best way to wear and preserve it when her prophecy is fulfilled. Mismatched eyes fall on the impromptu packaging and he unfolds it. He's sure that's the directive here only to see equally helpful gloves on the inside of it. Again his look shifts from the gloves to her and then back again. "Thank you, Uraraka." There's a small sound in his voice that belies the elation that normally he doesn't have in it. Even something like this is one of the most precious things he owns now. "I'll put them both to good use. These were very thoughtful of you."
Very belatedly backdated to her birthday!
He remembers the All Might charm he put in the Christmas exchange that Uraraka ended up getting... so he makes another charm, but this time it's of their homeroom teacher. It was a bit more easier than All Might... All he really had to do was get some yellow fabric to make most of it be the yellow cocoon of Aizawa's sleeping bag, sew some lines in to make it look more like a sleeping bag, add some fringe for black hair on top, and stitch in two little eyes and a nose peeking out over the edge.
He leaves it in front of her door with a note that wishes her a happy birthday and hopes she'll feel like there's another little piece of home here with her now! ]
Backdated to 2/14
So, on the day of, there are boxes of macarons left for each person in or near their rooms (or the couch because Kaminari still doesn't have a spare room...yet). The boys get some plain, everyday shit - chocolate, vanilla, and berry - but Uraraka's are a little more...catered. Also decorative. N-Not that it means anything!! He just expected her to like this cute shit! On the box, a note reads:]
Flavors are varied. Don't share with those other fucking vultures, they got their own.
- 💣
no subject
Oh. These aren't from Todoroki, they're from...Bakugou-kun. She can tell even without a signature given the charismatic terseness and cursing. For a moment she leans against the doorframe of her room, wondering what could have prompted oh right it's the 14th isn't it.
Well, that's...well, he did say the boys all got stuff too right? So it's not like there's anything to read into about this (or at least there won't be until she sees the difference between their goody packages and hers, but that's a problem for later). Still, though...
...this is a really thoughtful gift. It's exactly the kind of thing she likes, right down to the cute little frosting. She should say thank you (even though he'll probably hate that).
The house is bigger now to accomodate all of them (well, most of them at least. Sorry, Kaminari-kun...) but it doesn't take long for her to find him. She knocks against the wall to get his attention. "Hey, Bakugou-kun? You got a second?"
no subject
"Mm? What do you want?" It's not said rudely, even if the phrasing is...not the best. That's just how he talks.
no subject
And she wants to say thank you for the thoughtful gift. This is part of how she'll say it. "That was really sweet of you, Bakugou-kun. It was nice to wake up to." She begins as she begins drying. "I completely spaced on what day it was today." Of course, being yanked from a different season when she arrived here hasn't helped. "How early were you up today?" He works hard, harder than most, and she's not about to see he neglects himself with these little gifts.
no subject
He was hoping this would be a silent task, but of course it's not and of course she brings up the day and what he did. Scowling as he scrubs the bowl he's washing with a little more, erm...'passion' than before. She better not think he's giving her special treatment or anything... (spoilers, he might be, subconsciously). "Someone on the network reminded me, and I had shit in the pantry that was going to go bad if I didn't use it."
Not entirely a lie. Technically the eggs and milk did need to be used, and with it warming up, leaving sugar out is a bad idea - he doesn't want fucking bugs in his house, okay? It definitely isn't because he c-cares about his f-friends or anything!! Blinking, Katsuki turns his head to look at her curiously.
"Haah? I'm always up before you losers. It was about five, I think." Before dawn, but Katsuki actually does sleep in a little in the winter, just because it's still cold and he hates being out in the cold, especially before the sun starts to warm things up. "Why do you care?"
no subject
"Oh yeah? I'll have to say thank you to them as well, then." She grins. Though her circle of friends does need expanding, she met a lot of cool people at the holiday party. "I guess a lot of different worlds must celebrate it, huh?" That's kind of cool to know. A lot of the worlds everyone here comes from seem really different, but then it comes around that there are still some recognizable similarities. Like Valentine's Day. It's comforting, in a way. Like they're all not so adrift here.
She stops for a moment to lean forward a bit and get a better look at his face, examining him closely for any tell-tale signs of exhaustion or lack of sleep. "Mmmm...yeah, okay." She decides, leaning back. He is an early riser, and it's not like baking is especially strenuous. "Just making sure you're not going at it too hard." Normally, he's pretty good about knowing his limits (at least when Deku-kun isn't involved, but even that's gotten better of late), but he's also pretty much made himself the mother hen of this little Hero House. It's important to make sure he doesn't overdo it.
"I think the sun's gonna be out for awhile today. You wanna hit up an empty castle and try that battle training we talked about?" The worst of the weather seems to be behind them now. "Maybe the others can join us too." She adds, a bit quickly after realizing she was suggesting it would just be the two of them. Which would be fine! She trusts Bakugou-kun to be a gentleman, especially after that mistletoe debacle, which they both had seemingly agreed to just forget about (though Ochaco would never admit to having a bit of difficulty there). Besides, it would be a good training exercise for all of them. No sense in passing that up, is there?
1/2
"Mm...actually this one was looking for information about the holiday. Wasn't celebrated in their wor--oi, the fuck?!" URARAKA, WHY ARE YOU HOVERING SO CLOSE TO HIM?? J'EXCUSE??? Katsuki leans back and away from her, uncomfortable and weirdly warm, grimacing as he takes a step back. Personal space, girl, sweet mother of fuck.
And then she brings up that sparring match and all the discomfort is gone, his body springing up at attention and a wide grin splitting his face. Now that's more like it! That's the kind of thing Katsuki wants to hear!! It's no fun training and exercising on his own, and even with his quirk, going hard in hand-to-hand is always fun. He looks genuinely excited when he says--
"Hell--"
2/2
Now listen, normally he wouldn't give a singular shit if there was a crowd or not, he'd fight anyone, any time, anywhere. But Uraraka is different - he wants to give the fucking idiots more credit now that they've matured and see how strong she really is on any given day, but she wasn't there after their first fight. She didn't hear the bullshit comments tossed around about her back then. Frail girl? Yeah, if you're blind, deaf, and stupid she might appear to be.
"No one needs to see me kick your ass a second time." Again, not...a total lie. But he is trying to save her from being judged, because between them, there's none of that. He knows she's strong, and respects it. It's why he doesn't hold back.
no subject
Still, he seems pumped by the idea of going to train together and she breaks out in a grin of her own...that almost immediately turns to confusion when he suddenly shoots it down. Except then he makes that boast, and she's not going to take that lying down.
"Oh you think so? Maybe you're the one who's afraid of that!" She almost pokes him playfully in the shoulder but suddenly thinks better of it. "All right, fine. Just us then." Truthfully, though she'd given all the focus she could to their first fight, but it was impossible to not hear the crowd turn against Bakugou for "bullying" her. Even Deku-kun had been so quick to approach her beforehand, offering a strategy she could employ. And she's grateful for that, she is. She knows it was coming from a place of friendship, and because he knew full well what Bakugou was capable of.
...But the idea she might already have had a plan hadn't seemed to occur to him at the time. That she hadn't been watching Bakugou closely too since the start of the year. And that kind of hurt, though she'd never say that.
She wants to go again, not because she's keeping score or because she absolutely has to win, but because what no one seemed to realize until Mr. Aizawa pointed it out was that Bakugou was the only person taking her seriously. What they saw as bullying unbecoming of a Hero he recognized as Bakugou-kun having to bring his all against an opponent he knew he couldn't afford to mess around with. That's useful. She wants to be pushed to her limits. She wants not to be held back just because she's a girl or because she's "cute". She's a Hero, and she's going to get knocked around. She needs to know how to deal with that. How to overcome it.
An
And Bakugou can give her that, and she's immensely grateful for it. And...it would be fun to see him eat his words. Just a little.
"And I promise to be circumspect to the others about my victory." She nods confidently, putting aside another dry dish.
no subject
"Hooh? You're awfully confident, Cheeks. You really think you can take me?"
In a fight, right?Part of him wants to see more of that fire, that gutsy attitude of hers, because not many of the girls in class are like that. Not to the extent that uraraka is - she's got a side of her that's as wild as he is and it's awesome. He saw it once, that GLARE she gave him was like staring down a grizzly, and he'd love to wake that bear up again... But obviously there's the part of him that does want to grind her into powder under his boot - the competitive side that hates to lose, and hates to be belittled even more. It's an unfortunate tog of war in his head, that perfectionist side of him that can't process failure very well at all, but...he's getting better. Slowly but surely."That's a nice dream you're having, but it's time to wake up." He lightly bonks her on the head with a wet spoon he just washed, grinning. "The only winner is going to be me. Get your shit together and we'll go scout for a place. You got things you can work out in? That you don't mind getting beat up?"
Because they're uh...they're definitely going to get beat up. If one of them isn't coming out of this with a split lip or a bloody nose, then they weren't trying hard enough.
no subject
She gets bopped on the head with a wet spoon, an oddly playful action coming from him, and smirks, putting her hands on her hips. "Funny guy, Bakugou-kun. Almost made me laugh there." But she nods. "I've got things I can wear." Training clothes had been one of the first things she'd gone looking for, something light and easy to move in, that she won't mind getting some blood on. Because...yeah. She knows they're probably both going to come back from this quite a sight. Turning suddenly on her heel, she marches to the door to go get ready, before shooting him a look over her shoulder.
"Hope you've picked up a few new tricks, because I sure have." She says with the confidence of someone who knows that's not a boast. "Be ready in five, Bakugou-kun. Hope you are too."
no subject
"Oh, don't worry about me, Pink Cheeks, I learned plenty." He watches her go with a little hum, then goes to change himself - he packs his backpack with some towels (large and for his face, because they're going to need to wash up after), some bottles of water, a change of clothes, and...a first aid kit. Just in case. Look, even if this is just a quirkless sparring match, he knows that between himself and his friends...they tend to go a little fucking nuts. It's just how how they are, especially when facing down one another. Because they know the other can take it. It's a bit of a double-edged sword, but it's how they grow, by pushing their limits past breaking.
Plus Ultra.
Once he's ready, Katsuki waits for her literally at the door, toe tapping anxiously on the floor. He's in a good mood, ready and itching to find a place and start this. It's going to be difficult to curb the kneejerk desire to use his quirk, but Katsuki can hold back this time. Once she gets her own quirk back though...man. All bets are off.
no subject
"Oh good, you brought a first aid kit." That had occurred to her as something they might need, but of course Bakugou had already thought of it. "Good! Then we're all set. Let's get going, yeah?"
no subject
"Yeah, and you're gonna fucking need it when I'm through with you."
He grins, all teeth, and strides out the door without another word and not stopping for her to catch up. Keep on your toes, Uraraka, he's not going to baby you because you're his friend. Even so, the walk isn't long at all - they're still in the residential area of Somnius proper, and finding an empty mansion is equally easy to do. Probably less than forty minutes have passed before he's pushing open a large, heavy oaken door to a castle's empty ballroom. Musty, but this'll work perfectly.
no subject
She can't help but gawk at the sheer size of the mansion they find. Coming from Japan, space is at a premium and building up and narrow is often the only real choice, at least in the cities. Not everyone could live like Yaomomo and her family did...most people didn't have that kind of money. And Somnius just had places like this...lying around! Empty! It feels like another flex on Vaeros' part. Look at all that I have and choose to let fall abandoned. You cannot conceive the wealth I possess, that I can throw away so much without a care.
Guy must be a Villain. He's already monologuing at her in his head and she hasn't even met him yet.
Gah, gotta push that aside. The ballroom really will work wonders, and the wide open space means they don't even have to move much away to give them adequate room to spar. When they've done that, she unzips her jacket and tosses it aside; she's opted for a sleeveless plain tanktop-like garment. She could have left the jacket unzipped but on...but no, Bakugou knows that move. He won't fall for it again. Which is a shame because for something she cooked up on the fly she was really proud of it. He grabs her by the coat again, he'll know to do it in a way she can't slip out of, so don't give him the opportunity.
"Right, I think that should be enough. Wanna run through some quick stretches first?" She's feeling pretty limber, but still does a few quick arm stretches as she asks, since there's no point in wasting the chance. "Or should we just get down to business?"
She's already got That Look on her face as she asks, though. She's already slipped into Fight Mode.
no subject
The manor-like castle is definitely very, very large - much larger than even Katsuki's stupidly large, Western-style home back in Musutafu. Though he doesn't flaunt it, his parents definitely make some good money being fashion designers and all, so the young blond has a relatively decent amount of wealth himself. Not to the levels of Todoroki and Yaoyorozu, but probably on par with someone like Iida, who also is one of the few so-called 'rich kids' in their class. Probably helps that his brother was a well known and well liked Pro Hero with his own agency...or used to be. Either way, the blond doesn't seem nearly as fussed about the swanky, but totally empty, place as Uraraka is. He's far more used to it, and has tossed the thought around above upgrading to one now that the cottage is accommodating more people.
Much like Uraraka, Katsuki's also got on a rather boring top when he takes off his outer layers - sort of like a tank top, the material a little tight over his broad chest and shoulders, the one scar on said shoulder just peeking out from the side of one of the straps. He's midway through taking a sip of water screwing the cap back onto his flask before nodding his head.
"Stretches first. I won't accept beating you again because you pulled a muscle or some other weak shit. Oh, and here." He tosses her a roll of bandages, then grabs a spare from his bag, starting to wrap his fists. This is quirkless, hand-to-hand stuff. He has to keep from even accidentally detonating his sweat, and her...well, this should cushion any punches she dishes out, so they're not cracking their knuckles on each others' jaws and noses.
Text;
no subject
Audio; UN: RoseofDawn
I won't be able to respond in case she hears me coming. I will call you again when I have her. Can you be ready at the clinic in case she is badly injured?