A/N: Wow, hard to believe it's almost been a full year since I started this fic! And oddly enough, it's managed to outlast the fic it was inspired by...well, at least in terms of number of chapters. It's been a hell of a year, but we can always do better in 2023, right?

The cold night air had blanketed Musutafu, but Deku and Todoroki were nice and warm, for they were gathered at the former's apartment for the penultimate celebration of the year: New Year's Eve. Deku, Todoroki and Deku's mom Inko had cleaned the place thoroughly and prepared a pair of kadomatsu – that is, traditional Japanese decorations meant to welcome Toshigami, the New Year's god – which were placed in front of the apartment. They were also watching NHK's Kōhaku Uta Gassen TV special, where two teams of musicians – "red" and "white" – performed songs.

"So, this is it," said Deku. "Earlier this year, I never imagined I'd get into UA, never mind spending New Year's with the most beautiful girl I've ever had the fortune to me."

Todoroki giggled. "Deku!" She gently shoved him, too. "In all seriousness, I'm glad I get to spend New Year's with you! Mrs. Midoriya, thank you for letting me come over, too!"

"You're welcome, Todoroki! And please, call me Inko!"

"Will do."

"I have to be honest: when I saw that fight between you and my little Izuku at the Sports Festival on TV, I was biting my fingernails." Inko stroked her chin. "I'm still surprised to find out that you were actually a girl, too."

Todoroki got a more serious look on her face. "Yeah, I still have trouble comprehending the whole thing, too." Her smile returned. "On the other hand, I feel way more comfortable not only with myself, but also around other people, now that I don't have to pretend to be a boy anymore."

Inko smiled and put a hand on Todoroki's shoulder. "You should feel comfortable with who you are! Just because other people expect you to behave a certain way doesn't mean you can't be yourself!"

"Thank you, Inko! That means a lot to me!"

Todoroki gave Inko a big hug, which caused her to let out a surprised "oh!" Nevertheless, Inko returned the hug with a smile.

"Todoroki, you're such a sweetheart! I hope you and Izuku get married and have a family of your own!"

Todoroki frowned. "Inko, I'm glad you think so highly of me, but what is it with you and everyone else hoping that Deku and I get married?"

Inko chuckled. "What? Doesn't a mother have the right to be proud of her little boy and his girlfriend?"

Todoroki chuckled, too. "Fair enough. Honestly, I'm proud of you both, you for raising Deku to be the boy that he is and Deku for being so kind and caring to me."

Deku opened his arms wide. "Come here, Todoroki!"

Deku gave Todoroki a hug as well. Having a girlfriend like her was something, but snuggling with her and his mom in beautiful harmony really warmed his heart like nothing else. Even if it was still early for marriage, he couldn't imagine getting married to any other girl. Then, he heard a beeping coming from his phone.

"Hey, I think it's time for the countdown!"

Deku switched channels to one that was showing a New Year's Eve celebration at Zojoji Temple in Tokyo, where people were releasing balloons with New Year's wishes up into the sky. Both Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo Skytree were lit up, and there was also a countdown timer at Shibuya, similar to the one at Times Square.

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And just like that, a number displaying the new year on the Tokyo Skytree lit up, whereupon Deku, Todoroki and Inko cheered and gave each other hugs and kisses. Once this little jubilation was done with, Deku put on a New Year's song, more specifically the "New Year's Medley" by the Salsoul Orchestra, so all three of them got down to the groove. With one promising year done, a new year began with new possibilities.

Criticism is gold. Negativity and nitpicking are pyrite.