A/N: Welcome, all.

To the wonderful world of Frostbite.

Where you may never know what you're going to get, what's going to happen next, or really anything.

I hope you enjoy this chapter, and future chapters to come. There is going to be some MHA timeline divergence (the fact that the entirety of MHA happens within a year and these kids aren't visibly traumatized by it is beyond me so it's just an extended timeline especially for what I have planned), but most of the major events are going to stay the same.

Once again, I hope you read on and enjoy :)

.o0o.

Hiro looked at you, his eyes bright in the dim night. He wasn't frustrated, he wasn't mad, he wasn't even disappointed. You weren't sure what he was.

You rubbed your bare arms in the chilly evening, inhaling the crisp air you were placed in. it was refreshing in a way,

"Okay, let me get this straight," he said. "Your father. A Hubai man. A very-well, kind of-devout Hubai man. He marries you off, which is normal, but not to another fellow devout Hubai man. But to Todoroki Shoto!?"

"Yes?" You said in return. "I didn't make the decision."

"No, I know I…" he paused, taking a deep breath of the air outside, and you tried to calm yourself, tried not to look at the beautiful ring you were given. "It doesn't make sense. He wouldn't do something like that-ever."

"That's what I thought," you said. "I thought he was from a different temple, since we'd seen each other as children, but…apparently not." You turned and leaned on the balcony. "I didn't realize it until we had a discussion about it-"

"Were you chaperoned?"

"No."

If it were anyone else in your family that had asked that, you would have hesitated in answering, and even now you were unsure of how much he thought you upheld your own standards. "He walked me home, still does, when he can, and…we started talking. Before the Sports Festival."

"That too. Why would your father engage you with someone that he knows won't follow the Hubai customs of chaperoning, and the Week of Silence?"

"We're not getting married until next year; we'll still do the Week of Silence." you revealed. "He's still fifteen."

"He's what?"

"He turns sixteen in January."

"Yeah. And you turn sixteen in March."

"Hiro!" You scolded. "I turn seventeen in August."

"Fine," he conceded. "But we both know the truth."

"That is my Dead Day," you seethed. "Please respect it, if not for my image's sake. You never know who is listening."

He looked behind himself, and around, and down the balcony.

"There's no one," he said.

You let out a sigh of relief, but didn't say anything.

"So…" Hiro said next. "Why?"

"Money."

"That's it?"

"Does he need another reason?"

"Simple human decency?"

"I'd consider Father engaging me to Todoroki-Kun at all to be a show of simple human decency," you said, an unamused huff escaping you.

"Okay, fair enough. But Tsuki-San is a good man too."

"He'd just be getting rid of me. There's nothing in it for Father if I married Tsuki."

"This is why I left the damned Temple," he grumbled.

"Hiro, this is a good thing," You implored. "It was going to be Todoroki or Tadao, all things said and done."

"Yeah, that's what I was worried about."

A small smile curled your lips upward. "Did you hear that glass shatter when I picked him second to last?"

Hiro laughed. "Yeah, because I was the one that dropped it."

"That was you!?"

"Yeah! I thought for sure he was going to be the one-That was quite the play," he laughed.

"Were you the one who dropped the glass when he…" you trailed off, touching your cheek as a blush rose beneath your makeup.

"No, that was some old fart that probably couldn't make his wife wet."

"Hiro!"

"What!? It's true!"

"Mind your language," you chuckled, almost uncomfortably, almost because it was really funny.

"Fine, fine. But still, who knew that my sweet, people-pleaser cousin would end up being so popular with the men? And even still, so vindictive while she's at it?" he teased.

"Stop it," you laughed.

"I'm just kidding. I think it's good for you to have thicker skin."

You didn't know how to respond, so you didn't. You looked at the ring on your left hand, and shifted your hand, observing the light reflect off it.

"I think it's good," you said after several moments. "that Father married me to Todoroki, instead of…anyone else. Even Tsuki-San." You turned around and looked at your cousin. "I think I get a bigger perspective, and…Father's true colors and ambitions come through. I guarantee he'll get some kind of backlash from the more traditional Hubai men."

"Hmph. And what will that do to his career?"

"Nothing, and I like it that way. He keeps making money so the children don't have to be out on the streets begging for handouts."

He hummed.

You sighed. "I'm more worried about the feedback I'm going to get."

"Do you have your phone?"

"No, do you?"

"Unfortunately, no."

"No one should," you said. "That was part of the agreement."

"Ah. Makes sense. Your father thinks he can make certain events more important than they actually are."

That struck a nerve. "So my Giving Away Ceremony isn't important? That he shouldn't have made a big deal about it-"

"Okay, I said it wrong," he said quickly. "I'm sorry."

That was all you needed. You deflated. "And besides, I know my father isn't exactly the best person or most perfect person in the world, but you don't have to insult him."

"Doesn't he deserve it?"

"Perhaps, but if you would do it on your own time, I would appreciate it."

He bowed his head and conceded. "Okay."

There was a heavy silence as you took a minute to breathe. The crickets of the spring night clicked and sighed in your ears as you realized…

"How is Shinoda?" you asked.

He looked up at you. "She's good," he said. "She, uh…she told me last night that she's gonna have a baby."

"Really?" you gasped happily. "My mom's pregnant again too!"

"Really!" He laughed. "Well, congrats, I think. When's she due?"

You counted on your fingers. "I think sometime this fall. She's just 12 weeks along."

"Oh, Shinoda just found out. She has an appointment on Sunday for the ultrasound."

"Oh, wow. I'm so happy for you!"

"Yeah," he laughed nervously. "It's strange, thinking that I'm gonna be a father. After…after all this time."

You could have sworn that he was going to start to cry-He was never overly sentimental, but things like this, involving family, always got to him.

"You're going to be an amazing father," you said gently. "Don't worry about that part."

"Okay," he said. "If I need help, can I call you?"

"Of course," you chuckled. "I doubt Todoroki would care who I talk to or don't."

"How do you know?"

"He's not very controlling," you said. "When I'm with him, I tend to keep to myself, but…he's told me that if I want to or need to venture out, I can."

"Unless he's lulling you into a false sense of security."

"I highly doubt that," you laughed.

"Just be careful, Hanae," he said.

You scoffed. "As if I'm able to. I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place," you said. "You see this ring?" You held your hand out to Hiro. "He got this for me because I liked it. He called me in the middle of filming my giveaway to ask me what ring I wanted. Who does that to lull someone into a false sense of security? He even didn't consult my father."

Hiro only looked at you. You let out another breath, ignoring your irritation. "He walks me home from U.A. every day. His house is closer to both the station and the bus stop, and he still makes sure I get home safely. He's aspiring to be a hero one day."

"Yeah, Endeavor's a hero, and happens to be his father."

There were few ways to continue this conversation, but you decided to get to the root of your message instead of arguing over it.

"Even so, what are you going to do?" you asked. "What can anyone do? I can argue all day, but what can anyone do? It's legal, the papers have been signed. The deal's settled."

"That doesn't make it right."

"I agree, but once again, what is there to do?"

"I don't know," Hiro finally said. "I don't….I'd kidnap you, but I doubt anyone would respond well to that."

"Especially me," you chuckled. After a brief moment of silence, you looked at your cousin. "You will like him," you implored. "Really. He…He really is very kind, and, and honest and gentle in nature. He may come off as cold, but…He's not."

"Or maybe he is and is try-"

"Hiro, I can't go through with this second guessing his actions, which I do enough already. I don't need you helping me."

"Alright, alright, you have me there," he said. "But I still don't trust him."

"You wouldn't trust yourself if you were getting married to me and weren't my cousin," you sassed.

"Yeah, you got that right too."

"Just talk to him," you said softly, but not weakly. "Hopefully, you'll see what I see."

"I hope so, for your sake," he said, standing and walking to you. "It sounds like you hit the jackpot, and that's damn near impossible for women. Men are trash."

"Well I think that Shinoda hit the jackpot with you."

"Pfffft!" he laughed. "As if."

You giggled and took his arm. "And now?"

"Now, we have a long night ahead of us," he sighed. "Influencers, musicians, celebrities, Heroes…"

"Oh, Gods," chuckled nervously. "I get to speak to Hawks now."

"Or try to." Hiro opened the door.

"Hey!"

.o0o.

Indeed, the night was long. Mingling was fine, relatively, and you felt more like yourself now than you had in a long, long time.

You found yourself really, truly, enjoying yourself as you spoke with various supporters, fellow influencers and celebrities, taking photos with these different people, by yourself as well as with Hiro and his wife-good Lord, she was still so gorgeous. You genuinely enjoyed the small talk with the different celebrities, and were able to make some potential allies and collaborations with different ones.

One of them was always sort of an icon of yours. He came all the way from California to be here tonight-on your father's invitation. You and he made plans to try and get in contact and do a collab together, when time and circumstance allowed it.

You found yourself…Having fun.

You explained everything to Yao-Momo and Lola, and tried to catch a glimpse of Todoroki, but he was always occupied. Yao-Momo claimed she suspected your relationship when you were sitting together nearly each day for lunch, and then when you announced your Giving Away Gala, she supposed he was wrong. Then, when she saw Todoroki here tonight, she knew for sure. She chose not to say anything in case she was indeed inaccurate.

But really, you didn't know what you expected from someone like her. An actual genius observing your interactions, aware of your religion and customs. Of course she was going to figure it out.

Lola said you owed her…Owed her what, you weren't sure. Neither was she. She said that she would text you on Photogram if she ever figured it out.

You went and started to talk with the giveaway winners when they weren't in conversations of their own with either the suitors, the press, or other giveaway winners. You got a member of the press to take pictures of you with them all individually, then a group photo was soon in session.

Miya and her mother called it quits fairly early on, which you totally understood (and ached to do), as did Daniel and Keiri, although not as early as the other two. You noticed Mirio and Nejire throughout the majority of the night.

Your feet were in pain, but not enough to say anything. It was mostly stiffness in your legs and arches, nothing that needed immediate medical attention (bandaids and whatnot).

You were approached by a few heroes, only saying congratulations, which you were sure truly weren't genuine since you were so young, and they went on to compliment your look. You knew the world didn't like or didn't understand the customs, but you appreciated that they took it at face value and didn't criticize or make a rude claim concerning the morality of your religion.

Even some of the suitors and their families offered their congrats, even though they were not The Chosen themselves.

It was appreciated, and you found yourself grateful to them nonetheless.

None of the Heroes from your school arrived-Except for one, and that was Midnight-but she seemed caught up in a conversation with a few of the businessmen that your father also invited. You figured that you would leave her be. She knew about the engagement beforehand anyway.

Todoroki was also caught up in the moment, apparently. When you could, you nodded to him in passing, and was able to sneak a little, "I'll call you later," as you walked by. You both were fairly occupied with whatever conversations you were having with the guests.

It was almost midnight when Hiro and you made the choice to find a bench to take a rest. He stood up to get some cider for the both of you as you rested your feet. You tried to stretch them without causing a cramp or reaching down uncouthly and taking off your shoes entirely.

You were looking over at the Number Three Hero, and admiring his outfit for tonight. He wore a suit, and he wore a white tie earlier, but seemed to have taken it off since now his shirt was unbuttoned at the top. He accessorized with a gold chain around his neck. You caught a glimpse of another chain around his wrist. His hair looked really quite nice how it was brushed and slicked back with a swift swipe of gel.

You caught Hawks' gaze, oh, my god, you caught Hawks' gaze-

He's walking over to you-!

You straightened your posture and hoped you didn't look like a total sniveling fangirl when he walked over, or that you were obsessed with him and watching him the whole way.

You looked away, and stood up, your shoes back on your feet just as he made his way over.

"Hello, Miss," he said. "How are you this pleasant evening?"

Oh, please don't ask methatI'mprettysureimightpassout-

"I am well," you said with a smile, "Thank you."

"That's wonderful to hear. Would you like to take a seat with me?" he asked as he sat on the same bench, his wings shifting out of the way to allow you space.

You noticed there was enough space between you to be modest and comfortable, not too close to be invasive, and not too far to be rude.

You took the seat, and looked at him, back straight. You definitely wanted to leave a good impression on him, as this was your first time meeting the man in person.

"So," he started, "You remember the project you made with Mr…Eto, if I'm not mistaken?"

You nodded. "Yes, I just completed it this past week," you said. How did he know about it?

"Perfect. Well, I'm not supposed to be telling you this, because you're supposed to find out on Monday from your teacher, but I have you here now, and I figured I'd prepare you. Miss Midnight submitted these into a competition for the HN, did you know that?"

"Yes, I was aware," you did know, but you didn't think much of it. You did your best with Eto, and you let whatever happened happened. Still, you had no idea what that had to do with anything. Your heart was pounding.

"Okay, great. Well, it's not that you won the competition, but your design," he looked at you intently, "was absolutely incredible. And I've chosen your design, and your team-you and Eto-to work with my support item team, and come up with something for me and future sidekicks of mine."

You were shocked. Your mouth fell open, and you quickly covered it with a hand.

He smiled at you. "So? What do you say?"

You couldn't say anything. You were-you were shocked! Speechless.

"Are you serious?" you said.

"100% serious. Ask Midnight," he pointed to her. "It's technically an internship, too, with my business team and the Commission, so you will get a paycheck for your hours."

"Oh, my gosh," you gasped, letting out a breathless laugh. "I…I don't know what to say…Thank you!"

"Yeah," he huffed with a smile, "I was gonna say, 'you could say, "thank you…?"'" he shrugged playfully and you laughed.

"Wel-I-I just…I…wow. I-Thank you!" you hated that your brain short circuited. "This is…This is such an honor!"

"You're quite welcome ma'am," he said with a teasing tone. "It's the least I can do after all the free advertising you've done for me," he said.

"Oh, bold of you to assume I don't make money off my work," you said smoothly, still trying to calm yourself. You were shaking so much!

"I know you get money, but in comparison, I get most of the reward at the end of the day," he leaned against the bench. "Of course," he bowed his head nonchalantly as he continued, "You'll be allowed to film, if you want, as it'll probably get out that I've hired you and whatnot, and hey! mOre free advertising!" He said, crossing his legs.

You laughed. It was true. "And push comes to shove, I could come up with some designs for some formal attire that could fit better with your quirk," you said. "You can't be very comfortable in that suit."

Indeed, the back of his suit looked like it was rubbing on his wings-although you didn't know if his quirk was just feathers, and the wings could disappear, or if he had some kind of skeletal structure, even if it was just a little bit.

Oh God, you said the wrong thing why did you even go there what does it matter if he's comfortable or not you look like you do nothing but watch him like a psychopath-

"I never even thought about that," he said. "You're right though." He looked at you and you smiled, trying not to look too uncomfortable or nervous. "I'll get you to do something about that sooner or later."

You chuckled. "I….Thank you, again, and again. I can't say it enough. I'm just….It's such an honor."

He smiled again, looking very tired all of a sudden, but he didn't yawn. "Don't even think about it. Midnight will fill you in on Monday, with the hours and stuff. You'll mostly be observing, but as the internship goes on you'll be doing more and more. You have a bright future." He said contemplatively. "I won't let it be wasted."

And you just made it that much brighter, you thought, but would never say in a million years to him. You just smiled. "Thank you again. It…This opportunity… truly means the world to me."

He waved it off, standing from the bench. You stood with him. "Eh, all in a day's work. Oh, and–" He turned to you, holding a gloved finger up to you– "for now, before the media finds out, try to keep it quiet. When they find out, don't stress it, but the longer they don't know, the better. You know how it is."

"Oh, of course," you said. "Once again, thank you. I…Thank you."

He smiled. "You're welcome."

You sensed Hiro from the side, holding two ciders-one for you and the other for him, you assumed.

"Pro Hero Hawks!" He said, charmed and confident as always. "It's an honor to meet you."

You held your drink as Hiro bowed to him respectfully.

Hawks chuckled. "An honor to meet the escort of this lovely lady," he said.

"That is very kind," Hiro smiled widely. "Please, would you like to sit?" he said.

"Nah," he said. "I believe I should be going-it's getting late, and I have a full day ahead of me tomorrow."

"Then we wish you well on your way home," Hiro said. You were glad that he was confident enough to carry a conversation with someone as prestigious as him.

"Thank you, you both as well." The Hero looked at you. "I'll see you soon, then?"

"Indeed," you said. "Thank you again."

He was about to turn and leave, when another voice interrupted.

"Excuse me?" A photographer spoke, causing the three of them to turn to face three different people holding cameras, and one of them had a camera as…part of his hand and fingers.

"Before you go, would you mind if we got some pictures of the two of you-or, three-but specifically Hanazmae and Hawks?"

"But of course!" Hawks charmed, holding his arm out to you.

You hesitated before going and standing next to him, visibly shifting your bare shoulders to relax as you stood next to him.

His hand rested on your bare shoulder and you carefully schooled your features to simply smile for the cameras, and pray that your heart wasn't pounding so loud that the hero next to you could hear it. You rested your hand on his mid back, careful not to look too awkward or accidentally touch his wings.

Things went well as the cameras flashed and snapped in your guys' direction, and Hiro ended up being in some of the photos as well, which you thoroughly enjoyed.

Hawks finally had to bid you all goodbye and headed out of the hotel's ballroom.

"See?" you turned to Hiro. "I was able to talk to Hawks."

He laughed, and as you looked back at Todoroki, then Hiro, and even your father, you couldn't help but think that he was right.

Yes. After everything that happened tonight, that happened yesterday–

Yeah. You did have a bright future ahead of you.