December 24

"Mommy, Santa's coming!" Little Shoto bounces around with more energy than Toya during the yearly UA Sports Festival. "Can I put out the milk? And I want to make sure the reindeer have food, please."

"My, someone's eager!" You chuckle with good humor, pulling out the milk and a clean, tall glass while Shoto grabs a bag of reindeer food from the counter to go sprinkle in the front yard. "Hang on, Shoto, you need to wait for me."

He bounces on the soles of his feet as he stands there, eyes glowing with eagerness. He's always struggled to show emotion, so the sight of those twinkling eyes hurries you to the door so you can both indulge in the magic.

After scattering handfuls of deer feed and chopped greens on the lawn, you usher him back in to set out cookies and milk. Shoto rearranges the plate and the glass of milk at least three times before he's satisfied.

"Okay, Shoto, I think it's time for bed." You ruffle his hair. "Santa won't come if you're not sound asleep in your bed, you know."

"But what about you and Daddy? Are you going to bed, too? And then Toya! He always stays up extra late. Can you make sure he goes to bed?" Shoto hops onto his soft mattress and pulls the covers up under his chin.

"Yes, sweetheart, we'll make sure everyone's asleep." You promise, planting a kiss on his forehead and combing his hair with your fingers. "Don't worry your sleepy little head about it. Tomorrow will be Christmas and it'll be full of magic and wonder."

"Yeah! I'm so excited!" His heterochromic eyes glisten in the lamplight. "Will you still sing me my lullaby?"

"Of course, dear one."

. . . . .

A Shoto fair with red and white hair -

your fire and ice will mingle so nice.

But that's not all you are;

see, you're my shining star!

Remember who you are.

With Shoto sound asleep, you start making your rounds with the other children, tapping on their doors and peeking in. Tenko is already fast asleep, blue hair askew on as he snores lightly from the day's excitement. Fuyumi might be thirteen, but she also asks you to remind Toya to go to sleep early so Santa won't pass over the Todoroki house.

"Ugh, why do I have to go to bed for something stupid like Santa?" Toya whines when you peek in. "They'd never know one way or the other."

"Maybe not. But your little siblings look up to you, Toya, and you need some good rest. Can't you sleep early one night out of the year to give them some peace of mind?" You reason.

Though he's quiet for a few moments, Toya ultimately groans and turns off his light before turning over in bed. "Oh, alright. Good night, Mom."

"Good night, my love." You go to leave but pause in the doorway. With a little smile, you turn to Toya's bed. "Do you want me to sing your lullaby?"

"Mooooom! I'm not five anymore." Toya gripes.

"Okay, okay. I sang for the others, so I just wanted to offer."

When you hear the door click, you let out a heavy sigh and find Enji reading in his lounge chair. Crawling up into his lap and squirming under the thick tome to lay on his chest, your expectant gaze matches his amused one.

"Can I help you?" He smirks.

"The kids are in bed and it's Christmas Eve. We should head to bed before Santa arrives." You wink.

His book closes with a thunk before he sets it aside and stands by lifting you in his arms. Blue irises capture you in their wicked gleam.

"You don't suppose we have a little time before Santa arrives to open a few late night presents, do you?" He whispers in your ear.

"Hmm, maybe one gift before bed."

. . . . .

The amount of effort it takes to keep your eyes open after post-orgasmic bliss while being huddled up to a living furnace should earn you an award. And that's not including the way in which you finesse yourself from his grip as he snores softly against your neck.

Once freed, you fumble around for the two crocheted Pokémon hidden underneath a blanket beneath your bedside table. You glide out of the bedroom after throwing on a robe and head down the hall to the plate of cookie crumbs and empty milk glass, before setting down Glaceon and Camerupt at Enji's usual seat.

After a quick once over to make sure everything is in place and listening by Toya's door to double check that he's actually still asleep, you head back to bed with Enji.

You sigh and snuggle up to your favorite space heater.

"Was wondering where you went…" His arms pull you closer. "Gets lonely without you here."

"I was gone for like ten seconds." You hiss, heart skyrocketing at the prospect of him spoiling his surprise gifts. "I had to pee."
"Hmph. Give me a little credit and lie better. We've been married for 15 years; you were hiding presents." He chuckles.

You pout into the darkness.

"...well, did you see them?"

"No. Again, we've been married for 15 years. You like to make it a surprise, and I'm tired."
With a huff of a laugh and a boop to his nose, you tuck your head under his chin and smile.

"Thanks, Enji."