Chapter 32

"What do you think? It's closer to our agency and there's a soba place on the corner." Kaiya smiled, spreading her arms around the house the couple was viewing. Shoto looked pleased at the house and took joy in his girlfriend's excitement. The living room they were standing in was gorgeous with warm wood floors, a fireplace, and large windows that looked out into the forest surrounding the house.

"I'm glad you finally accepted the fact that we have money now and that we can afford a place like this." He smirked at Kaiya, knowing that their month-long argument about living way below their pay grade was not a good idea. With Shoto being the number three hero and Kaiya being the number four hero, they had a good amount of money coming in now. "No more dojo living, no more living out of a bag. This is your home." He whispered, pulling Kaiya into a warm embrace.

"I know...let me warm up to a nice house please." Kaiya smiled up at him. "Speaking of...there is a beautiful bracelet I saw at the store yesterday that I would love to get for your moms' birthday next week." Shoto's eyes shone as he knew Kaiya was asking permission before buying it.

"Our money Kaiya...you can spend it where you see fit." He reminded her. Kaiya's eyes met his eyes and he knew she was waiting for more than that. "It sounds great; you can buy it for her." He rolled his eyes at Kaiya as she squealed and kissed his cheek.

"So this place? You like it?" Kaiya asked Shoto, a hint of tease in her eyes.

"I do, I think it's homey enough for us and spacious too." Shoto said, taking in the modern decor and warm wooden floors. "I love the windows here."

"Good, because I already paid a down payment and signed the papers." Kaiya smiled behind her hands. Shoto lunged for the girl and pulled her into a twirl. Kaiya squealed as he wrapped her in a hug again, her legs around his waist.

"You ask permission to buy a bracelet, but not when it comes to buying a home?" He asked her, meeting Kaiya's teasing eyes.

"I see what I want and go for it; you taught me that." Kaiya whispered, claiming his lips, eliciting a moan from him.

"I've created a monster." He whispered into her kiss until she pulled away to look at him curiously.

"Wait, why did you mention space?" Kaiya asked him but his eyes wavered slightly.

"Well...when we try for a family. Won't we need space?" He asked Kaiya, his eyes meeting hers warmly.

"A family...Shoto Todoroki wants a family?" Kaiya asked him, tightening her legs around him. He nodded excitedly and she laughed at him. "I love you, dork."

"Someone has to." He smiled at her, placing her back to the floor. "Let's keep looking around." He grasped Kaiya's hand and they took their time walking around their new home.

It was a two story home with wood floors downstairs, with a spacious living room, marble kitchen, matching bathroom and a large study. The large windows brought natural light into the house, which Kaiya loved. Upstairs, there were four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a large loft. Shoto seemed very pleased with the house as Kaiya dragged him to the last room she kept as a surprise. "I know the one thing you requested was an in-home gym." Kaiya murmured as she pulled him downstairs through the kitchen.

"I know but it's okay; this place is great." He smiled, following Kaiya dutifully. "Where are we going?" He asks but Kaiya just winked in response. She showed him outside to see a medium size wooden building in the large yard.

"I requested they build this for us; and as us being top five heroes, they didn't argue." Kaiya smiled, opening the building to see the most state of the art workout equipment, treadmills, weight machines, dumbbells, ropes, training mats, bikes, and punching bags. "There's surround sound speakers wired in too." Kaiya told him as Shoto's face widened in happiness.

"It's perfect." He managed to whisper. He pulled her to him and kissed her forehead. "You're too good to me."

"Yeah I am; must be all that great sex that messes with my brain." She teases him, earning a laugh from him. "This is our home, can you believe we've made it ten years?" He asked her.

"I can actually. I think it's funny that everyone thought we'd get married straight out of UA." Kaiya laughed remembering all the girls bombarding her with questions about when Shoto would propose but she brushed them off knowing that he loved her with or without a ring. They were twenty six now, and she knew he was content with the way things were.

"It doesn't bother you? We've been together the longest and Midoriya and Ochako got married before us?" He asked Kaiya, his arms around her waist.

"I would like to get married one day of course, but I'm not going to push it; you know that. I love you no matter what." Kaiya smiled up at him, his eyes melting into hers. There was something there that Kaiya couldn't read but his smile distracted her. "Is this your backwards way of proposing?" She giggled, teasing him.

"I just want to make sure you're happy." He said, running his fingers through her hair.

"I am very happy. Look at what we've accomplished together. I am lucky to have you at my side, in battle, and in life." Shoto kissed Kaiya gently and pulled her out of the gym. "Dinner tonight right?" Kaiya asks him, remembering they had made plans for her birthday.

"Yes, we need to leave by five thirty." He tells her, always the punctual one.

A few hours later, Kaiya was putting the finishing touches on her outfit as Shoto waited in the living room in the apartment they were moving out of soon. Shoto was nervous, his palms were sweating and felt as if his tie was too tight. This night was important and he knew what Kaiya's reaction would be; so why was he so damn nervous? His mind wandered to the years leading up to this night and his smile broke through.

Kaiya's comfort for him when his father nearly died fighting the League of Villains. Graduating UA together, joining the Endeavor Agency together and bringing a positive spin to the name Todoroki. Her tears when Shoto asked her to move in with him so she'd finally have a home. The many Christmases and birthdays spent together in their apartment. The late night movie marathons and waking up on their couch in the middle of the night and end up making love together. Her warm smile every morning in their bed or when he had a rough day when he comes home. She was always there, warm and sweet; his girl.

Shoto's thoughts froze as the sound of Kaiya's heels clicked down the hallway. He looked up and all matters of nerves disappeared at the sight of his girl. She stood in a thigh length lavender, strapless dress with white heels and a white bomber jacket wrapped around her shoulders. Her neck was done with the simple, teardrop necklace Shoto gave her for her birthday last year and the matching earrings. Kaiya was beautiful and her hair was styled just the way he loved it; down and cascading over her shoulders.

"How do I look?" She asks Shoto and his words fail. Her giggle aimed at the dumbfounded man brought him back to life as her kiss on his lips woke him. Grabbing her purse and walking to the door, she shot a wink over her shoulder. "You don't look so bad yourself." Shoto shook his head to clear the fuzziness and walked out with her.

Once the couple had arrived at the restaurant and were seated in their private room, the nerves reappeared in Shoto. "I know the strong and silent thing is your trademark; but you're extra quiet tonight, are you okay?" Kaiya asks him, looking over the menu.

"Yeah I'm okay, sorry." He tells her, picking up his own menu, his eyes dancing around the dining room. "There aren't many people here tonight. I'm still glad I got the room though." He tries to distract her.

"Yeah, that's strange seeing as it's Saturday night. Oh well. More privacy for us." She smiled. The couple were basically celebrities now being that Shoto was the number three hero and she was the fourth; so privacy was rare these days. Everyone recognized them wherever they went; but this particular restaurant was privy to celebrities alike so they made sure that dinners were private. Shoto kept dodging Kaiya eyes until she put her menu down and arched her eyebrow at her boyfriend. "Speak now, Shoto." He debated on brushing off her concern, but he knew that Kaiya would see right through him; she always did.

"Truthfully?" He asked her, his eyes peeking under his hair.

"No, I'd love it if you'd lie. Yes Shoto, the truth please." Kaiya rolled her eyes. He sighed heavily and reached for her hand across the table. His palm was warmer than usual and Kaiya knew he was nervous about something.

"I love you so much Kaiya. At UA, I hated most things; would barely smile, look at anyone, work with anyone, but you opened me up. You showed me that the world is bright and good, even when the dark is overbearing. You challenged me in every way I didn't even know was possible. I have a relationship with my parents because of you and for that I will always be indebted to you." His voice was soft but powerful as his eyes burned into Kaiya's.

"What is going on Shoto? Are you dying? Am I?" She asked, clear worry now making an appearance on her features.

"No, we are fine, baby. You have done so much for me with the house and I just wanted to show you how much I appreciate you." Kaiya's eyes narrowed before she felt a lingering presence behind her. A group of their closest friends stood with large smiles on their faces.

"Happy birthday!" They all cheered, raising their glasses to toast. Kaiya's heart thumped in her chest as realization hit her.

"My god you were either proposing or dying and both scared me." Kaiya breathed, swatting Todoroki on his chest playfully.

"Sorry my love, I can't ever keep secrets from you easily. This was tough. This is to celebrate the house as well." He smiled, kissing her hand gently.

"Thank you, let's go see our friends." She smiled, running over to hug everyone. Misa and Shinso stood hand in hand waiting for their hugs while Todoroki greeted Midoriya and Ochako who were hanging out with Jirou and Kaminari.

"Were you surprised?" Misa asked as Kaiya squeezed her tightly.

"My heart stopped. I really thought he was proposing." She whispered, seeing Misa wince. "But it's okay! I'm happy this is what he was keeping from me. It's so good to see you both!" She smiled, hugging Shinso.

"It's been so hard to keep this a secret! Every day we worked out, I wanted to tell you! I couldn't tell Mina because she would blab." Misa laughed at her roommate while Kaiya hugged her and Kirishima.

"Thank you all for coming!" Kaiya smiled until she noticed the familiar spiky-haired blonde hanging out near Midoriya. "Excuse me for a moment." She wandered over to the man softly when his eyes met hers.

"Hi, Bakugou, nice to see you; it's been awhile." She smiled. His eyes were warm to her smile while he sucked his teeth.

"Can't be a top hero without sacrificing your social life." He scoffed, being swatted by Camie. "Congrats to you and Icy Hot by the way; I hear you've got the house. Maybe a ring next?"

"You know Shoto. Has to think everything over. But thank you; and thanks for coming. I'm glad you did. You too, Camie." Kaiya smiled at the blonde woman who blushed at her in return.

"Wouldn't miss it, Green Eyes." Bakugou smirked. "Hey Icy Hot, come over here." Shoto did as he was asked and wrapped his arm around Kaiya's waist.

"Hey Bakugou, Camie, thanks for coming." He nodded at the couple.

"Yeah, you take care of her okay? My threat still stands." Bakugou reminded Shoto, reaching his hand out for a shake. Shoto took the outstretched palm skeptically.

"Of course Bakugou, how could I forget." He murmured, the two men sharing a knowing look and dropped their hands. Kaiya and Camie shared a confused look between themselves but chose not to ask. "Please, join us for dinner and drinks." Shoto invited. "I do need to talk to you about something work-related when you have a minute." Bakugou cocked his head to the side and broke away from Camie to talk to Shoto.

"I think he is asking Bakugou to join the Endeavor Agency." Kaiya whispered to Camie to clear the concern. The blonde nodded her head slowly but shrugged her shoulders.

"He works a lot. Never really has time for things like this." Camie snipped, chugging back her champagne. "Works, workouts out, hangs with Kirishima at Misa's place and that's about it."

"Maybe the work life balance will be better with Shoto?" Kaiya tries, but Camie shakes her head. "Is everything okay with you two?" Before she could respond, Misa called for her to join them in some drinks. "Excuse me really quickly. She joined her best friend but kept an eye on a bored looking Camie behind her, curious as to if Bakugou was happy. Her eyes darted between Misa and Shinso as well; curious to see a sense of boredom on his face too. What was going on with her closest friends?

Seeing everyone talking with each other again, some had not been around one another for months or even a year or so, warmed Kaiya's heart. "It's like high school all over again." She whispered warmly. Todoroki leaned over and kissed her forehead. "What was that threat Bakugou was talking about earlier?"

"When we first started dating, he threatened to explode me if I hurt you." Todoroki explained. Kaiya looked over at the smiling Bakugou, his arm around Camie who laughed with him. "He liked you back then; he told me so." Kaiya whipped her head around to Shoto in surprise.

"You're kidding." Todoroki shook his head with a smile. "That explosion boy...liked me? That is crazy. Why did you not ever tell me?" Kaiya asked, seeing the internal debate in Todoroki 's eyes. "Shoto?"

"He told me he didn't want to confuse you, and that he didn't think he deserved you." He told her, rubbing his thumb against her thigh. "And maybe part of me didn't want to tell you because I was scared that you'd choose him over me." He mumbled, scratching his chin nervously.

Kaiya rolled her eyes kindly and kissed Todoroki 's lips softly. "You are ridiculous. Clearly...I've chosen you." She whispered. "He's a good friend of mine and you've kept this from me for ten years?"

"I'm sorry. Are you mad?" He asked quietly. Kaiya shook her head and leaned her head down onto his shoulder.

"No, I can see why you wouldn't tell me. Both of you are ridiculous by the way. He's with Camie now anyway." She nodded, seeing Bakugou and Camie talking near the bar. Camie still looked bored and Bakugou didn't look pleased with her. "I guess they're happy?" She mumbled, her eyes darting to Shinso and Misa. He was playing on his phone while Misa talked to Mina excitedly.

"Don't start playing matchmaker sweetheart. Let them find themselves." Shoto laughed, seeing Kaiya's mind whirl. "Bakugou is joining the agency by the way."

"Oh good! It would be nice to work with him again." Kaiya smiled, her eyes dancing around the room. Meanwhile, Todoroki's mind ran with their ideas of the future and his heart rate increased again but calmed himself down when Kaiya ran her hand up his chest. "Thank you for all this."

The night ventured on into the wee hours of the night; no one wanted it to end. Kaiya was mingling with Kirishima when a familiar figure came up behind her. "Green Eyes, can I speak with you?" Bakugou offered his arm to her as they walked further from the group into an empty booth.

"What's up Bakugou?" Kaiya asked, getting comfortable in her seat, waiting for Bakugou to speak. His red eyes danced over her as he found the words.

"I'm sure Icy Hot told you I had a thing for you in high school." He stated simply, seeing Kaiya nod. "I'm not surprised he told you, but more surprised it took this long."

"Yeah, quite a secret to bear." Kaiya shrugged her shoulders.

"I am happy to see you two still together. You were always special to me, even if I had a horrible way of showing it."

"We were kids. You've changed." Kaiya told him. "But I know you had a soft spot for me." She winked, causing Bakugou to blush.

"I think I loved you back then, and I'm not saying this to upset you or confuse you because I know you love Half 'n Half over there." He assured her when Kaiya's eyes widened. "But I wanted you to know that you are special and he is very lucky to have you. I still care for you, but I love Camie." He smiled, his eyes finding the tall blonde by the bar who was giggling with Ochako, finally looking like she was enjoying herself.

"Can I be honest with you?" She asked, reaching for Bakugou's hand on the table. His eyes burned into hers as they sat in silence.

"I'm happy for you, and I care about you too. But I don't think Camie is good for you." She said quietly. With her words, Bakugou's eyes lost a little of their fire as she continued. "You deserve someone with the same fire you do." She said, breaking their eye contact to look at Misa talking to Todoroki. Bakugou grunted at the idea and shook his head.

"Very funny. She's with Shinso." He said, noticing a bored Shinso on a phone call. He narrowed his eyes at the sight but chose to say nothing.

"I think I remember a little Seven Minutes In Heaven game during our third year that changed your attitude a little bit when it came to Misa." Kaiya smirked, seeing a rush of red float to Bakugou's cheeks. "I'm just saying something to think about. Don't let another year go by without seeing me. I regard you as my closest friend, you know." Kaiya told him. "Even Shoto has said that he misses sparring with you." Bakugou sucked his teeth but allowed a small smile to form.

"Yeah, that guy did know how to take me down back in the day." He murmured. "Shit I just realized you are the only two that have beaten me." Kaiya laughed at his realization and squeezed his hand. "Are we good?" He asks between Kaiya's amusement.

"Better than good. Thank you for being honest with me."

"Of course. Hey...Kaiya?" Bakugou said, her name tasting foreign on his lips. Kaiya's face shot up in surprise as his red eyes turned teasing. "You're one of my best friends too. See you Monday." Kaiya's face melted to pure happiness and they hugged in the booth for a few moments.

"Took ten years for that admittance. But so worth it." Kaiya whispered, pulling away from the explosion hero. "Come on, time to call it a night." The pair walked back to the party to see a very drunk Kaminari and Jirou dancing together and a sleeping Midoriya in a booth. "Think it's time to call it." Kaiya laughed, trying to find Shoto.

"He's over there." Bakugou told her, pointing at Shoto by the window. Kaiya walked over to her boyfriend and looped her arm through his, gaining his attention.

"You okay love?" Kaiya asked him, seeing how the moonlight illuminated his face softly.

"I am so happy." He whispered, his eyes shining with unshed tears. He turned and cupped Kaiya's face with his hand gently. "You...our friends...our life. Is more than I ever thought I deserved." Kaiya blinked away tears that threatened herself, kissing Shoto's hand. "You did this to me, for me...I would give you the world and it still wouldn't be enough to repay you."

"I don't need or want repayment. I just want you." Kaiya whispered, seeing a tear escape Shoto's eye. "Just you. It's always been you."