Enjoy the cute fluff!

The lobby of the hospital was busier than it had been lately, a fact that Kairi tried to shove aside. She had spent years avoiding the hospital as much as possible and this past year had found her in the hospital more times than previous years combined. Occupational hazard with attending a hero training school, she supposed. While her muscles remained locked, her previous visits to the hospital had made her a little more familiar with the surroundings. The clean smell was still a bit nauseating and the lights still ached her eyes. People were always going to be a struggle with her. But the association with healing and reunion over the last several months had allowed her to relax and find it not so scary. Kairi stood near the corner, clutching her package close to her chest. She adjusted her hold, careful to mind the small three daffodils she carried in a small vase. The doors near her inhaled as Shoto entered. Kairi's spirit warmed at his present and she allowed her smile to be his greeting.

"You're early," he said, hugging a couple of large boxes and balancing a vase filled with several soft pink carnations. Kairi leaned over and quickly took the flowers from him, lest he topple them over.

"I was a bit... nervous."

"You've met my mom before," he reminded.

"I did but it was... brief. And awhile ago." Her chest thundered. It had only been half the truth. Pressure seemed to build on the day, without any knowledge to her why. Something about it felt big and she had spent almost all day thinking of what to wear, how to make herself look good, and then going back and forth over if she wanted to cancel or not. Of course, she couldn't cancel. It was Shoto. She could never do that to him. But the excitable anxiety that built in her caused her to be restless. It was just a hospital visit and friends hanging out for the holidays. What could be so earth-shattering about such a thing? Yet, it meant to world to her. To impress him. To do everything right in front of him, for him. She had practically paced a hole through her bedroom at home that morning. Why was this such a big deal and why had she fretted over everything so much? Of course she liked him, and everything with was a much bigger deal, but why was this so different?

Shoto nodded to the nurse at the desk. He gave him a recognizing smile and turned back to his desk. They walked together towards the elevators. Kairi tapped her fingers on the glass of the vases, unable to fiddle like normal. "So... what is Christmas like in your house?"

"I sleep til eleven," she giggled, flushing red. He cocked a brow at her.

"Really? Even on Christmas you don't get up?"

"Even when I was a kid, I refused. Didn't matter how many gifts there were. I still slept late. After that I make breakfast. It used to be dad would make breakfast, but I've been making it the last three years. I have more patience with cooking than he does. He's okay with simple stuff, but he's generally always in a hurry."

"So what's on the menu tomorrow?"

"Omelets!" she grinned. "With sweet rice and mixed fruit. After breakfast, we would exchange gifts and then watch silly movies on TV. Then we would eat chocolate until we got sick. Sometimes we might play games together."

"That sounds really... nice," he said, a pleasant grin on his face. "My siblings and I sometimes give each other gifts and our housekeeper makes a nice breakfast. Aside from that, I guess we don't do that much. My father has always allowed me to not train on Christmas and that's been his gift."

"I guess that isn't that unusual," Kairi said sadly. "Christmas is only a big deal in my house because of my mother's Western influence. She insisted on going all out for it when I was a kid and now its just become a big tradition for us."

"He doesn't understand the 'big deal that kids these days' make about Christmas," he laughed.

"Yeah, I suppose it's a bigger holiday now than it was when he was a kid. I guess giving you the day off could be kinder than it originally seems."

"Yeah, in a way." The doors to elevator finally opened. Relieved, Kairi stepped out first and then allowed Shoto to go on ahead of her. He moved quickly, barely looking at the numbers on the door before stopping in front of one and knocking.

"Yes?" came a soft voice from beyond the door.

"It's Shoto," he greeted. He waited for the response and nodded his ask to Kairi. She pulled at the handle and the two of them entered the bright room.

"It's so nice to see you!" Rei Todoroki said warmly. Kairi gently dropped the items she was carrying onto a nearby table and remained beside the door, waiting for the appropriate time to address her. Shoto placed his boxes on the floor and greeted his mother with a tight hug as she kissed his forehead. "It isn't too cold outside?"

"It was a little chilly, but not too bad," he said. His mother lifted her silver grey eyes Kairi's direction, extending a hand.

"Come, Kairi. Let me see you." Moving slow, Kairi stepped forward. She lifted her timid eyes and froze with shock as Mrs. Todoroki touched her shoulder. "You look good. I'm so sorry about all the press you've been receiving lately."

"Er... thanks."

"But Shoto says you are the primary reason such a potentially dangerous organization was brought down. You should feel proud of that!"

"I don't know, mostly I just feel like I screwed up." Rei smiled sympathetically, and nodded.

"He mentioned you feeling that way. But I never got any indication that you should be villainized for any of it. People make mistakes, remember that. Even heroes. Your acts that day helped protect a lot of people."

"I guess," she sighed, growing small in her compliments.

"How is your father doing? Shoto said he was in a wheelchair?"

"Uh, yes. Recovery is slow but it sounds as if he will be okay. He's more cranky than anything." Mrs. Todoroki's chuckle was a light musical tone.

"I imagine he would be." Shoto slipped from them, first stopping to pick up the two vases of floors, then retrieving a large box and a smaller box from his pile. He discreetly passed the daffodils to Kairi. He held out the boxes to his mother. "Oh? I get gifts?"

"Of course," he chuckled. He held the carnations towards her, and she took them proudly.

"They're lovely! What a nice shade of pink!" she sang. Rei Todoroki took the vase and set them near the window before she began to pull at the paper on the boxes. The small box was a small container of assorted chocolates, differing shades of brown. While she smiled, the second box seemed to elicit pure joy from her. She opened it, finding a thick and wide blanket. The pattern was small birds and leaves against a vibrant blue background. The fabric was unbelievable soft, as if it had been crafted with the wool of the softest baby sheep.

"I know hospital blankets aren't the most comfortable thing," he said. "I thought you might appreciate this."

"I like it, Sho!" Moisture clung to her eyelashes just as she pulled him in for a tight hug. "It feels so nice, it'll be much better than sleeping with the sheets of sandpaper they give me!" Proudly, Shoto glowed.

She was enthralled with the daffodils Kairi gave her and was equally as excited to give them both gifts. Shock held Kairi when she was presented with a small gift, not expecting anything. They opened them together and while she couldn't stop her heart exploding over the adorable expression of the stuffed dragon in her package, the real treat was the way Shoto's expression lit up. It wasn't the gift itself – they had been a nice and fairly expensive new pair of shoes. It was the attention she had given to him; to laboring over and choosing a gift specifically for him. For noticing his shoes had become worn and he was in desperate need of them. He immediately slipped them on and reached to hug his mother again. Emotion threatened to spill over on his face; light beaming brighter than possibly even the lights above their heads.

Kairi turned and clutched her chest, dampening the frantic flutters that surely were echoing loudly in the room. They visited for nearly an hour. Shoto talked freely with her and Rei would stop now and then to ask Kairi about her own life. The real gift, however, was seeing their interaction. The room filled with a brightness in smiles and joy; the air lifted with bounce. It was similar to the way things felt in her own house when it was just her and her father enjoying each other's company. Yet, it wasn't quite the same. The happiness that exchanged between them was free floating, relieved, and carefree. It was unlike one she had known. The love between them was intense, running wild now that any barriers that may have been between them in the past had finally dropped. With no reservations and any pain between them forgiven, their care for each other was obvious and without shame. Her heart ached. It was unfair to be jealous of him. He had his own issues with his own father. She had a great relationship with her own father. They were the same in having one parent who was terrible, and one who was fantastic. Seeing Shoto warm and energetic from her presence lifted her and stirred up joy. Yet it also brought jealousy. Fearful of upsetting the dynamic in the room, Kairi kept quiet to herself and forced her to think of others. Even so, it was hard to keep a hold of the sourness she felt, when Rei was sweet enough to try and divert the conversation for Kairi could join in.

The hour finished and Rei gave both of them hugs goodbye. Leaving the hospital with a warmer feeling than when she left, Kairi carried her items beside Shoto as they made their way down the bustling and well lit street.

"It's strange," she said, watching her breath billow in the cold. Her eyes followed the weaving strands of twinkling, as the wound between the trees and buildings along the sidewalks before them. "As much as crowds bother them and I hate having to constantly dive out of the way of people who don't seem to notice you're there, I enjoy being around people in public at this time. The lights and decorations and I guess spirit of everything lifts people spirits and puts them in a better mood. Like they're happier and I guess it's nice to see that. It's...a refreshing time."

"Yeah, it does seem like Christmas has that effect. I think Mom was even a little happier this time."

"She really loves you," Kairi said with fondness.

"She does. She seems like she enjoys you too."

"I can't believe she got me something. And something I like too."

"I talk about you a lot." More thundering her chest. Her cheeks flared red.

"Oh. That's nice, I guess."

"Don't act so surprised. You're my best friend, you're a big part of my life."

"Sorry, I..."

"I know, you're new to this friend thing. It's okay, Riri," he chuckled. People walked around them in groups of two, huddled close to one another. Kairi's eyes fell to their clutched hands. Some of them held onto each other casually, still others were a little more insistent on remaining close. Enviously, she bounced her gaze between them. Many were young. Their age, or perhaps several years older. Still, there was the fair share of much older couples mingled between them. Some of them perhaps weren't attached to each other, but spoke with one another as if they were a couple. Even among the crowds, there seemed to be the odd group of friends who were just out having a good time. Panic flipping her stomach, it occurred to her there didn't seem to be a single group of two people who appeared to be just friends.

"Are you all right?" he asked, startling her to face him again.

"Oh it's simply... the crowds," she lied simply. "I might get more joy out of seeing people here but that doesn't mean I'm not... still a bit."

"Let me know if it gets to be too much for you," he reminded, stopping before a busy restaurant front. He laid his hand on the golden handle, staring at it with deep thought. "We can cancel dinner, if you like."

"No!" The pressure of the possibility of disappointing him surged angrily. "No, I couldn't do that! I agreed to this and it's been forever since we've been able to just hang out as just us, I guess. After everything that's happened over the past month, we deserve some time together and just time to relax."

"I was just thinking there's... a lot of couples in this restaurant," he said. Anxiety hung onto his voice. She followed his eyes, seeing that almost every table in the place was seated for two. Dim lighting draped across the ceiling. Many talked happily, it didn't sound to be too obnoxious. Gentle music played in between the spirited conversations. It didn't look too upscale, but the ambiance was a little more than the family sit down restaurant. Affordable fine dining at its best.

"Is this... where we're eating?" Kairi's question squeaked as she tried to push it past her nerves.

"Yeah. While it's busy tonight, it has a reputation for being a quiet restaurant and having a soothing atmosphere. Good food as well, of course. I thought if I was going to drag you out on one of the busiest nights to be out for dinner, I should at least be considerate to you about it."

"Yeah, but... are we going to even be able to find a spot? It looks crazy..." The dark wood paneling and the soft lights on the green and gold décor did have a soothing touch to it. While bold, the aesthetic was also soft. The intention was likely for it to feel more intimate, but it doubled as a gentle backdrop and a less overwhelming experience.

"I have a reservation." She twiddled her fingers together vigorously.

"Uh... reservation?"

"Yeah, I... confess I did it before you even agreed." He touched his neck, a touch of pink rising to his face. "I was... really hoping you would say yes." It was becoming harder to not feel there was something a little more than just him not wanting to be alone with his mother today. Yes, they were friends hanging out but was this normal? For a friend to really go through all this trouble, taking in her considerations and how she might feel, all to plan one night out? When they could have enjoyed dinner at home and just shared gifts? This wasn't something friends did as far as she knew. At least, none of her other friends did and to her knowledge, no friends on TV had. Unless it was an issue of her mother's influence showing her a lot of western television so she was left without Japanese social conventions. Maybe he was just as socially inept as her.

Shivers ran down her arms as she challenging the potential that there was something beyond just friends hanging out. But that was impossible. Unless he truly knew her feelings and was just trying to be nice. If he was simply trying to be nice because that was the kind of guy he was, then she was about to feel disheartened and grossed out by pity being taking on her. As the baffling bonanza of emotions balled up in her, she floated through the door and kept her head down while Shoto spoke with the host. They were lead through the row of tables, being placed in a back corner. Kairi took in the surroundings, suspicion rising in her again as she factored in their proximity to everyone else.

"Did you request a table in the back?" she hissed accusingly. He shrugged with a not so innocent smirk, holding the menu before him.

"I might have," he said. Her chest flew into her throat. Then her eyes dropped to him. He wasn't dressed nearly as fancy as most of the people in the restaurant. But his black jacket was dressier than almost anything she had ever seen him wear, even if it did cover a white t-shirt. And his slacks appeared freshly pressed. She squinted, noticing how nicely his hair laid on his head. It was never unkempt or messy – but it appeared as if he had put extra care in it today. It wasn't like she was underdressed either. In fact, between the two of them, she had put a little more care in her appearance; she wore a green holiday dress, made of velvet with tee sleeves and a cowl neck. The gold belt pulled it all together while the skirt flowed beautifully, stopping just below the knees. Her gold flats were simple, and she had tied her hair back. Her makeup took much longer than usual that morning as she tried different things. It wasn't as if it should have surprised her that he was dressed the way he was, especially when she had spent more time. The issue was, while she would spend a little more time choosing outfits just to go out for coffee with Momo, he wore much of the same thing. She hadn't even known any of these clothes existed for him, or that he knew how to do more to his hair than brush it. Not that she cared but it was... strange.

Under the table, her fingers were practically scratching against each other. Dazed, her head felt light. She floated blissfully. At the same time, her stomach and heart duel for who could be the most erratic. "Are you all right?"

"Yes! Yes, I'm fine. It's not uncommon for me to have weird feelings around this time, is all..."

"Okay..." he said doubtfully.

"Thank you for joining us this evening," greeted a princely looking waiter. "Would you be interested in hearing some of the specials for tonight? Or would you like a few minutes to decide on what you would like to order?" Kairi breathed, glad for the interruption. Glowing brightly, she turned to him.

"We would like a few minutes," she asked.

"I shall return in a few moments then, but please... take your time." With another nod, he left the table in their awkwardness.

"Uh, how about we, erm... exchange gifts before we order!" She swallowed, trying to ignore the restlessness inside her.

"Oh sure." He placed a large box and a smaller box on the table. Kairi handed over a square thin package and a small one. Together, they tore at the paper, revealing very different items. First, Kairi held out a light blue sweater – patterned to reflect a panda. Ears on the hood included.

"I told you you didn't have to replace it!" she hissed.

"Well, I did," he chuckled. "I couldn't get the exact one. Sorry it's blue."

"Oh, it's okay, I just care about the ears. The best part!" Under the mess of paper she had just torn, a small hinged box lay in wait. What did you do? Her eyes said. Trembling fingers lifted the lid to find a pair of shimmering earring studs in the shape of irises.

"I thought they looked nice. And you hold that iris I gave you this summer in such a high place of honor in your dorm."

"It... reminds me of when we... first really became... friends." Her voice slipped away, taken by her embarrassment. He smirked, nodding.

"That was also part of my thought. I know you don't wear earrings that often but I thought they would look nice on you." If her heart pumped any harder, it would surely burst out of her chest. As confusion fell into her again, a hand flew to her face. Her gaze would drop from Shoto to the earrings, and then back up again. The metal was so clean and shimmery. There was no way they were inexpensive. Her gut twisted as she contemplated the price. He frowned, obviously concerned. A couple nearby turned their conversation to financial worries. Another table some distance from them began to argue about their kids. Her insecurities were manifesting in others. Removing her focus from the inappropriately priced gifts and to the rest of the patrons, anxiety pushed her to move along.

"Uh, my gifts!" she urged, pushed the exposed items back against his hands. He smiled and touched the top of a book. It had a hard and brightly colored covered, but the art was soft and gentle.

"'You Matter to Me,'" he read.

"I know it's not the greatest gift in the world," she sighed. Sorrowful defeat made its home in her. "But I know that home can be... difficult sometimes. You're also really hard to buy for but ignore that." He chuckled. "This was a book my dad purchased for me when my quirk manifested and things started to get dicey. It's a children's book so it will only take you like two minutes to read but it meant a lot to me when I was a kid. So I wanted to pass something along. It's not the same version, of course. The one I had didn't have as good of art but the story is the same. It's adapted from a mother's letter to her child, but it's vague enough that it could work for anyone. Friends too." His face as bright as beacon, he passed through each page. His smile grew wider with each look til he could no longer contain himself at the end. He placed the book on the table and looked straight at her. His gaze beheld her so deeply, the edges of reality disappeared around them. Kairi dropped into her seat, growing warm and loose from the intensity of his eyes. The walls of her throat scratched when she struggled to swallow. Her palms moistened the front of her lap when she twisted her hands together. The heat around them caused her to perspire, embarrassingly so.

"Erm, so, you... like it?" she squeaked.

"This is one of the best gifts I have received, Riri. I'll have to find the perfect spot for it in my dorm. Thank you." Gentle and soothing, he spoke. Kairi shivered. Whatever was going on, this simple friend outing if that's what it was... it was dangerous. Never had she thought the atmosphere of Christmas could be so damaging but it was clearly doing something. It was exciting, suspicious, and exhilarating. But it was so scary and horrifying and forbidden against all of her own beliefs. Surely this couldn't go on.

"There's those gloves too!" she pointed quickly to the other gift. "I felt silly just buying that and I remember you saying your gloves don't really do much against the cold." He picked up the pair of finely crafted leather gloves beside them.

"Yes, they're very nice. I'll wear them when I go home tonight." Once again her savior, their waiter returned and they could distract themselves for just a moment. Waiting for their fifteen gave Kairi almost twenty minutes of agony as she tried to figure out what to do with herself; trying to stick to the old topics she and Shoto would often discuss at school or when they hung out with each other in their dorms. Once their food was received, she relaxed. Any moments of sudden embarrassment or the insistence in her thundering heart was silenced by pushing food into her mouth.

Dinner was enjoyable, however it was also possibly the strangest experience she had endured. He knew a lot of details of her life most people didn't just by virtue of being her friend. It wasn't uncommon for the odd personal question to come out between them. But there was a lot of conversation about what she hoped to be, what she wanted to study, if she had thought about where to go when they graduated UA. So many questions about the future, many of which she had no answers to. She said as much, but could not stop doing flips over wondering why. Why this sudden barrage of questions, why this interest in knowing everything she had planned for in the near future. Then there were those looks, the ones that seemed as if he held her right in his eyes. As if nothing else held his interest in the room and he only cared about her. Her pulsed heated apprehensively and there was no stopping the constant red that flared her face. She was mortified and anxious, her heart was erratic and overjoyed. Everything about the situation was overwhelming and she couldn't decide if she was more traumatized or if it was the greatest night of her life.

She froze when he offered to drop her coat around her shoulders just before they left. But fear of how it would look to him and everyone else made her allow him to do so. He slowed his pace to match hers as they gave their thanks and walked out, pausing just outside the door.

"Let me get a rideshare to take you home," he offered.

"No!" she protested quickly. Then she stiffened. "No, it's all right. I can take the bus."

"It's going to take you so much longer plus-"

"I got here by myself. Plus I am doing better on the bus. It's not as scary as it used to me." He nodded.

"That's true but-"

"Please, Shoto. You have already given me an... eventful night. I would feel horrible if I made you stay out later. Let me have this."

"This isn't an argument I am going to win." She giggled.

"No, it won't." He sighed, rubbing his newly gloved hands together and clutching the book to his chest.

"Text me when you get home?"

"Don't I always?" She leaned forward, taking care to give him the lightest of hugs. Touching him any longer after tonight would be brutally abusive to her heart. She closed her eyes at the faintest whiff of his cologne. It seemed a bit heavier tonight.

"You..." he whispered. "You really did look... do look lovely. I mean, you always do but..."

"I get it, dork," she laughed, tapping his shoulder. Passing by him, she threw her hand his direction, waving goodbye. "Bus should be here before too long."

"All right, then..." he said, taking two steps in front of him. His mind clicked with a burst of thought. Shoto spun quickly, watching her disappear between the thinning crowds making their way home. His chest shot out currents that quickened his pulse, energized by his thought. "Kairi! I'm going to pick you up before the New Year's Festival!"

"I thought we were all going to meet there!"

"I changed my mind! Let me have this..."

"Fine!" She shouted out across the crowd. "I'll see you at ten o'clock!"

Shoto smiled, his steps inspired by his newfound excitement. Springing in his steps, he ran to meet his ride.

Next chapter: Confession time! :D 3