I only own this fan fiction. May contain Out of Character moments.

"And you've already notified Sir Nighteye about the transfer?" Fenghuang asked, her gentle voice coming through Minoru's phone.

"Izuku's working on that now as we speak. Nighteye will be expecting you to call first about the transfer. And knowing him, he'll have the paperwork ready by the time you do." The shorter boy answered. He was currently lying in his bed and discussing the possible transfer of internships between Nighteye's agency and the Heaven and Earth Temple. And so far? It was proceeding smoothly.

"Then it should all be formally resolved by the New Year. Is there anything else you want me to do?" Fenghuang said happily. Minoru shook his head, an ultimately pointless gesture since his master cannot see him… But if he knew his shifu, Fenghaung would be able to see it in her mind's eye.

"No Shifu and thank you. I'm really sorry for making you work on Christmas."

"It's fine; I always make time for my students and their questions. Now, go make merry with your friends and have a safe holiday." Fenghuang said, no doubt giving him that calming smile she always has.

"You too, Shifu. Happy Holidays."

And with that, the shorter boy hung up the phone and got up from bed with a smile. It's been a few days since Crimson revealed themselves to the public. Combined with growing tensions regarding the still hidden League of Villains, UA hero students, under the order of the Hero Commission, must take part in internships once the New Year begins.

There was one Hero Minoru had in mind. He hadn't been sure if his master could get all the paper work done, especially with it being the holidays... But the woman was incredibly familiar with the procedure as an offshoot to her dedication to her students' growth. 'Here isn't where your true potential will flourish, but somewhere in the world beyond' as she says sometimes.

All Minoru could hope for is that he and Izuku can find their true potential at the Heaven and Earth Temple.

A knock on the door, followed by Izuku's voice, knocked the shorter boy out of his ponderings.

"Minoru-kun! You finished!? We've got to help set up!"

"Let me get changed!" Minoru replied as he looked at the Santa costume that sat on his desk. It didn't take long for the shorter boy to change into the festive red clothes, something everyone in 1A will be wearing. Well… Maybe except for Bakugou since he's still a kill-joy no matter how great of a motivational speaker he's become recently.

Once everything was in order, Santa hat snuggly containing all of the hairballs on his head, Minoru opened the door to find Izuku dressed in his green Santa suit. At least half of the class was going to be green instead of red, to better fit the colors of the holiday. It was weird, but the shorter boy wasn't going to complain the semantics of it.

"Let's go spread some holiday cheer partner!"

"Right behind you, Minoru-kun!"

And as the two began making their way down to the common room, the question about their respective phone calls came up. But if the shorter boy was correct, Izuku shouldn't have had any problems with Nighteye. Still, it helps to be sure.

"Once Shifu has prepared everything, she'll make the call to Nighteye. I'm guessing it's pretty much the same with him?" Minoru asked as the two rode the elevator down.

"Sir Nighteye actually prepared the paper work the moment he returned from the hospital after the raid. He pretty much predicted we'd be going after Stain and Damocles sometime in the future, so he was ready to transfer us the moment we asked." Izuku answered with an awkward laugh.

"Man… Even when blind that guy has better foresight than most people…"

The elevator stopped on the first floor and the two rushed out to see their friends and classmates busily buzzing about. From putting up decorations, to finding the optimal spots to place their tables and couches, they were all doing something to prepare for their Christmas party. Sero stopped in front of the pair and handed Izuku the box of ornaments he was holding.

"We've got the tree up, so help Uraraka and Asui decorate. I've got to find more regular tape before Hagakure and Ashido start using my Quirk." He said quickly before running off. And, as if on cue, the two girls jogged by looking quite eager to steal some tape from their resident dispenser.

"He went that way." Izuku and Minoru said, pointing in the opposite direction of where Sero actually ran.

"Thanks guys! Let's get a whole bunch from him!" Mina said with a wink before she and Hagakure charged off. Izuku and Minoru hid their giggles and hurried off towards the bare pine tree that stood by one of their walls. Uraraka was floating around holding gold tinsel while Tsuyu was pulling the girl around and around the tree.

"Need some help over there?" Minoru asked.

"Sure do! We've got to get this tree all dolled up and sparkly for the big event!" Uraraka replied.

"Do you two need a ladder?" Tsuyu asked still pulling Uraraka around the tree. Izuku shook his head and took a knee, allowing Minoru to stand on his partner's shoulders. Then the green haired boy stood, Minoru staying perfectly balanced against the movement of his partner.

"Oh right, you guys could do that. So, how'd your phone calls go? Will Nighteye allow the transfer?" Uraraka asked as she took the ornaments Tsuyu handed her.

"He practically had it all sorted out by the time I called. And Minoru-kun has gotten Miss Fenghuang to call Sir Nighteye, so the transfer is practically guaranteed." Izuku replied, handing Minoru some ornaments and the two joined in decorating the tree.

"Well, we'll find out after New Years if everything is as smooth as they say it is. How about you two? Going back to Ryukyu's with Nejire-senpai?" The shorter boy asked.

"She did make a full recovery a while back, and I don't see any reason why we should change agencies at this point. Ryukyu's still one of the top 10 Heroes, so we'll be very busy being under her wing." Tsuyu answered.

"Speaking of learning under the top 10… Tokoyami-kun, how is working under Hawks?" Izuku asked, turning his head slightly towards their bird headed classmate as he passed by. He was putting up the Christmas wreaths that were hanging off Dark Shadow's arms. But Tokoyami stopped for a moment as he recollected on his experiences with the Number Two Hero.

"It's enlightening, if a little annoying given Hawks's playful nature. It's about 50:50 whether he gives you great advice or cracks an unfunny joke."

"Are all heroes in the Top 10 weirdoes!? I swear, I'll never recover from that denim dickhead's comb-over Hell!" Bakugou shouted, moving furniture around while fending off Kaminari and Kirishima's attempts at getting a Santa coat and his personalized hat onto him.

"That's right… Kacchan, what are you going to be doing about your internship? Best Jeanist is still missing." Izuku said, turning to his old friend and forcing Minoru to face him too. The shorter boy frowned at the mention of the denim wearing hero. Since Kamino, Best Jeanist had been too injured to return to the field anytime soon. But at some point after the Japanese Hero Billboard Chart, the Fiber Hero has straight up gone missing and the investigations into his disappearance haven't gone anywhere.

"I'll just pick the next best option. I was scouted by a bunch of them in the Sports Festival. One those fucks should be worth my time." Bakugou replied, casting off the hat Kaminari managed to throw onto him.

"In that case, why not come with me and work with the current number one?" Todoroki asked as he placed down a table with Ojiro. The explosive blonde stopped fighting with Kirishima and Kaminari and just stared at the dual colored boy. Todoroki simply stared back, unsure if he should repeat himself.

"... You better not be fucking with me, because I'll never, ever forgive you Half-and-Half." Bakugou said, narrowing his glare at Todoroki.

"No, I'm being serious. Do you want to work under Endeavor with me? I doubt the old man would say no if I bring someone of your caliber along."

"As much as I hate nepotism… I can't look a gift horse in its mouth. Alright you son of a bitch, count me in." Bakugou replied with a determined grin and nod.

"Cool. Just don't refer to me by that again, I don't like the implications." Todoroki replied, brows furrowed as he walked off.

"Tell you what… If your shitty dad gets me on board, you'll have the honor of me actually using your name." Bakugou said, following him as he was no doubt finished with the conversation.

"What an honor."

"Well, looks like Bakugou-kun and Todoroki-kun are running full tilt towards their goals. We'd better work hard too; otherwise we'll all fall behind." Uraraka said, looking down at Izuku, Minoru, and Tsuyu.

"Like how we're falling behind on the decorating?" Minoru asked with a snicker, causing the pair to turn back to the still half bare tree.

"You know what I mean!"

And so, the decorating continued as many different topics of conversations were had. By the time the sun went down, everything was in place and all there was left was helping Satou finish cooking and setting up the Christmas feast. Everyone contributed to the process, some more than others due to differing levels of cooking skill, and it turned out quite well.

"A cheese and cracker platter for mes amis." Aoyama said, setting down a large plate on the table.

"And we got all your favorite fried foods too! Please don't neglect your greens either" Iida said, his voice slightly muffled by his fake beard, as he, Tokoyami, and Dark Shadow placed down plates stacked with corn dogs, karaage, shrimp tempura, and fried chicken thighs. Their class president had also placed down a plate full of assorted greens, though Minoru suspected that will be the eaten the least tonight.

"And we've got dessert ready over here! Satou-kun went all out!" Kouda said. He and Shouji then placed down a table with cake and a chocolate fountain with a variety of fruits and sweets around it. Satou came in moments later with a beautifully roasted turkey and set it down on the table.

"Hey! It's Christmas, so we've got to splurge a little!" He said with a cheer.

"Quit trying to put this shit on me! I'm not wearing it!" Bakugou shouted, now fending off Mina and Sero in addition to Kaminari and Kirishima. He was THIS close to blowing a fuse and ruining everything.

"Come on man! Tis' the season!" Mina said with a grin, holding Bakugou's Santa coat.

"And ass-kicking will be year round if you don't give it up!"

"We're the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future! If you don't change your ways, you'll die a lonely death where everyone hates you and all your stuff will be taken!" Kaminari said in a spooky tone. Not that it sounded at all scary, mostly since the electric blonde was stumbling over his words due to laughter.

"First of all, there are 4 of you! Second, I don't hear any damn chains rattling!" Bakugou shouted, hands crackling. It immediately stopped when the 5 of them heard a chain rattle; startling Mina, Sero, Kirishima, and Kaminari as Bakugou reflexively turn to the sound ready to fight.

Only to see a smiling Yaoyorozu, her sleeve rolled up slightly, and a short length of chain in her hands.

"Out of everyone in this class… I did not expect this from you Ponytail." Bakugou commented, still stunned that it was their class vice president who pulled that prank.

"It's all in good fun Bakugou-san. Today is the day to make merry after all, and we'd appreciate it if you joined the festivities too." She said with a giggle before preparing tea.

"Ugghh! Fine! I can't win with you assholes! Give me that!" Bakugou shouted, frustration rumbling in his words as he took the Santa coat and hat from Mina and Kirishima. With a cheer of victory, the 4 of them dragged Bakugou over and sat him down on one of the ottomans. With all the preparation completed, 1A seated, and drinks in hand… Iida rose up and cleared his throat.

"When I first walked through the gates of UA back in spring, I never knew how my student career here would turn out. We were faced with many dangerous situations, some intended by our teachers... Others forced onto us by the League of Villains… USJ… The Forest Lodge… They tested us, our skills, and our resolve during these key moments of our young lives… But each time, we all came out stronger Heroes and kinder people. Even with the grave news of Crimson, Stain's new violent vigilante group, shaking us to our core… We did not give in to our fears and rose above it, determined to become strong enough to defeat them in battle one day. And truthfully, that's what we've been doing for the entire year. We pushed our limits and went beyond! So, to my dear friends and fellow Heroes, this all I have to say… Plus Ultra! And Merry Christmas!"

"Plus Ultra!" Half of them shouted, raising their glasses.

"Merry Christmas!" Shouted the other, raising their glasses.

"It sounds like we're just in time for the party." A familiar tired voice was then heard as the front door opened. And taking the time to look, 1A found their scraggly homeroom teacher, still dressed as he usually is, and little Eri, who wore her own Santa themed dress. She was already lethally adorable. But now the horned girl had reached cuteness levels thought impossible.

"Trick… Or treat?" She said with a hint of uncertainty.

"I think I just got instant diabetes from that… Remember me partner…" Minoru commented as he jokingly clutched his chest. Izuku simply held up his wobbly friend by placing his leg at his back, simply chuckling at the shorter boy's theatrics.

"I've also brought these eggs. They're painted all pretty." Eri said, pulling out some colorful eggs from her dress's pocket.

"Those are for Easter silly. But we're happy that you brought them!" Uraraka said, accepting the eggs from the girl.

"Who's been teaching her the holidays?" Izuku asked, smiling as Eri then began throwing scattering beans around.

"Michio. She's still a little confused about them, but Eri's got spirit." Aizawa replied.

"Speaking of our blonde buddy… Where is he? He's usually hanging around little Eri." Minoru asked, finally ending the dramatic play.

"He's with Hado and Amajiki. The two of them chose not to be with their class and are having a private party with him instead."

"With friends like these, am I right?" Minoru asked with a smile. Aizawa seemed to have cracked a very small smile, no doubt the phrase evoking some happier memories from his distant past. He then used his capture scarf and proceeded to wrap Minoru in it. The shorter boy simply allowed it without complaint, since he could tell the act wasn't done out of malice. Probably…

"Alright, that's enough out of me. Go enjoy yourselves before I turn you into a present." Aizawa said, untangling his student from his capture scarf. With a comical salute, Minoru grabbed Izuku's and Eri's hands and led them back to the feast 1A had prepared. And with one more toast, this time in the Eri's and Aizawa's honor, the feasting began. And as always, the food was great and the company was even better.

They ate, talked, sang songs, and exchanged gifts. That last one was done at random by putting everyone's presents in a pile and everyone took a random string tied to one. And once it was pulled, many of them got some great gifts. The others got things that were of niche interest…

Bakugou got one of Iida's glasses.

Iida got bars of gold.

Minoru got a framed picture of Aoyama.

Kaminari somehow ended up with his own gift, a baskeball.

Izuku and Uraraka ended up with each other's, an All Might keychain and a bag of sliced mochi.

And Eri got the massive sword that Tokoyami brought. It was quite the ridiculous sight, a small child hefting a weapon larger than she was onto her shoulders. But it was par for the course of this Christmas, one that Minoru won't be forgetting any time soon.

…

…

…

But alas, the good times must come to an end.

With every morsel just about finished, the plates were being gathered to be washed. The decorations that everyone worked hard to put up were being taken down. Uraraka and Minoru managed to convince everyone to at least keep the tree up for the night, since it was still Christmas after all. But everything else from their winter festivities must go back into storage and be reserved to memory. Aizawa took Eri back to the teacher's dorm, with her being unable to stay awake any longer.

The image of her snuggling into the scraggly hero will make for a fun sketch once Minoru finds the time.

That's when the shorter boy noticed his partner covertly pulling Uraraka aside and out of sight of everyone else. This immediately perked him up at the possibility that Izuku was using this time to make a move. If only Mina hadn't played her hand early with the mistletoes and got them confiscated by Iida and Yaoyorozu! Then they would've had a Christmas they'll DEFINETELY won't forget.

"No, no… That's forcing them too fast… Let's just see what they're up to…" Minoru said as he crept after the pair. The two of them proceeded to duck into the stairway, the one location that is far from everyone but close enough to quickly respond in case someone calls for them.

Recalling every bit of advice from Master Eclipse on sneaking... Minoru slowed his breathing, carefully moved his limbs as to not let his clothes brush up against itself, and walked in a way his shoes wouldn't make any noise. Finally, the shorter boy allowed all of his intentions to fade from his body. Eclipse always said stealth begins with your own perception of things. You first must become familiar with your surroundings, the people in it, and how you could interact with both. Once you understand those 3 things…

You become one with the space.

"Thank you, Uraraka-san. I don't know when I'll get the courage or the time to do this again, so it might as well be now while our spirits are still high." Izuku said nervously as Minoru slipped into both their blind spots. Unless they turned directly to face him, the shorter boy was completely out of their peripheral vision. And with all the presence of a potted fern, they won't feel him there either.

It was honestly something Uraraka and Izuku should learn to improve on. If Minoru had been a Villain, he would be stealing so much information from them right now. But that was ultimately besides the point.

"I was honestly surprised that you wanted to talk to me privately… But I guess I've been meaning to have this talk with you too…" Uraraka replied, bashfully rubbing her arm.

"Y-You did?"

"Yeah… But I've been trying to bury the reason lately, since I don't want it getting in the way of my studies and Hero work." Uraraka replied with a nod.

"I'm guessing it's not going so well? Since you were willing to come along with me?" Izuku asked, shifting his stance and began fidgeting with his fingers.

"… Yeah. Because every time you did something cool and unexpected, or ended up getting hurt… I end up wondering if there was something more I could've done. Like the aftermath of the Hassaikai raid, when you and Mineta-kun were still hurting after my little motivational speech. It made me feel weak that I can't help my friend can't smile honestly again…" Uraraka answered. But before Izuku could respond, she raised her hand and signaled to him that she wasn't done yet.

"When I was little, I decided I wanted to become a Hero to help people smile and live happily. And while earning money for my mom and dad became a part of that as I got older… I never forgot that feeling when I saw people smile and cheer whenever a hero was around to save the day. It makes me want to reach out to whoever wasn't smiling or cheering and tell them it's okay."

"But when I couldn't help you or Mineta-kun through your despair, I felt like a failure. I felt like I failed myself and my ideals… It made me wonder, 'who protects the Heroes when they need protecting?' and how do I become that person?" Uraraka continued, her eyes falling to the ground. Izuku stayed silent, averting his eyes as well, as he pondered those questions. Minoru did the same, not expecting that this was where the conversation was going.

"But… When you and Mineta-kun came back for our performance and shined brighter than ever, I got a glimpse of my path. Perhaps I already knew what the answer was… I was just too afraid to acknowledge it since it meant coming clean with my feelings… But if it helps put smiles on people's faces, helps them live their lives… Then I'll gladly wear my heart on my sleeves." Uraraka said as she looked back up at Izuku. His green eyes widened in surprise as Uraraka took his right hand, gently brushing the scars with her finger pads, and gave a smile as radiant as her blush.

"I like you Deku-kun. I like you a lot. Will you go out with me?"

Minoru had to suppress the utter excitement he felt over this news as to not reveal his position. He also swore he heard some soft squeals of delight from further up the stairway. That was probably Mina or Hagakure… But whatever, this was the REAL GOOD shit right here. Now all Minoru had to wait for was Izuku's response. After that heartfelt speech, how will the green haired boy reciprocate?

"Uraraka-san… After Minoru-kun, you were the next person who changed my world most. You took a name I associated with weakness and shame, and had turned it into strength and pride. You stuck by me despite not being the most interesting of friends… Doubly so when you consider I took plenty of losses during several of UA's activities. You didn't care if I wasn't cool, or strong, or popular… You saw me for who I was and believed in the Hero I could be. And other than Minoru-kun, I've never really had anyone who showed that kind of faith before."

Izuku then used his left hand and placed it over Uraraka's, which still held his scarred right. And while this caused the gravity defying girl to light up even more, as red as the Santa hat she still wore, she didn't back off.

"Don't say you're a failure or you gave up on your ideals… You helped me all this time, haven't you? Since the day of the Entrance Exam… Whether it was the wounds on my body, or the wounds of my heart… When Minoru-kun wasn't around to watch my back… You protected me however you could, even in my darkest hour after the forest lodge. You're like All Might in a way; bringing light wherever you walked and making people feel okay." Izuku replied with a small smile.

Minoru was shocked that his partner could make such a comparison so easily. What was in tonight's feast that is giving his partner such confidence?

"You're a true Hero, Uraraka-san, one who brings hope for a better tomorrow… That's why I like you too."

Minoru pretty much clenched his teeth and stopped all breathing to prevent ANY noise from leaving his person. He also had to lock up every last muscle in his body to stop even a single twitch of his body. Anything less and he'll just jump up and scream 'this is the best Christmas ever!' to the whole world. So there he was, waiting for what would happen next between this newly formed couple.

And waited…

And waited…

And waited…

And as Minoru waited with bated breath, both Uraraka and Izuku's blush died down and it got replaced with beads of sweat and an awkward look on their faces. If the shorter boy knew his partner, this is where he realizes that he has no idea what to do now.

"S-So… What now?" Izuku asked, hands getting equally as sweaty as his face.

"I don't know… I didn't think I'd get this far…" Uraraka replied, nervously diverting gaze towards something else.

"Me neither…"

More incredibly awkward silence was heard between the two. Neither of them moved either, making Minoru wondered if they passed out standing from the sheer embarrassment they were no doubt feeling. But in the next moment, Izuku began laughing and so did Uraraka. Their faces, so full of uncertainty before, were replaced with pure joy and amusement.

"I'm sure we'll figure this out together. It can't be that hard, can it?" Uraraka asked, wiping the tears pooling in the corner of his eyes.

"If all else fails… I'll just look up some tips online." Izuku said, taking a moment to regain his breath.

"Oh no, don't do that. Tooru-chan said Ojiro-kun followed them and they ended up on the worst dates of their lives."

"Those two are dating!?" Izuku asked, eyes popping out. While Minoru knew the pair had something going on between them, given all the interactions they had… But dating? This was news to him despite the general grasp the shorter boy had on his friend's personal lives.

"Shhh! Tooru-chan wants to keep it quiet to see how many people would figure it out, which isn't many even though they're pretty obvious about it. We think Bakugou-kun knows… But he barely counts as he doesn't care about this sort of thing." Uraraka said, putting a finger over her lips.

"I don't think they should be making a game out of their relationship… But then again, what do I know about relationships? We've only been together for a few minutes and Hagakure-san and Ojiro-kun's been together for... Months I presume?" Izuku said, to which Uraraka just nodded.

"I guess if I need tips, I'll go see Ojiro-kun then. Speaking of… We should probably get going, before the others get suspicious of us."

"Yeah… I can only imagine the kind of thoughts running through Mina-chan's head right now… Talk to you later?" Uraraka replied, groaning at the headache that was 1A's love obsessed alien queen, before flashing one more smile at Izuku.

"Talk to you later." He answered, returning that same warm smile. And the two left, Izuku first then Uraraka. Minoru finally got up from his position and took several deep breaths to feed his oxygen deprived lungs. But the moment his breathing became stable and his limbs stopped aching from how still they were… Minoru quietly walked up the steps and ran into the rest of the girls of 1A hiding just past the midway landing.

"Mineta." Jirou greeted casually. The rest of the girls stopped their hush conversation and faced the shorter boy.

"So I guess you heard all that? The heart-to-heart between Uraraka and Izuku?"

"Naturally. No one can escape the love expert." Mina replied with a grin, pointing both thumbs at herself.

"You've never been a single date before Mina-chan, so that'd make you a novice. That title should go to Tooru-chan." Tsuyu said bluntly, gesturing to the invisible girl next to her.

"Don't tell Ochako-chan we were listening. She'd float herself into the sun if she found out." Hagakure said, clasping her gloved hands together in prayer.

"I won't say anything if you won't."

"That's a very reasonable offer Mineta-san. Though I do have to wonder… How is it that you were able to hide out in the open, right next to them, and not get caught? That degree of stealth should only be possible with an invisibility Quirk." Yaoyorozu asked, tapping the side of her cheek in thought.

Keeping a mental note to himself to thank Master Eclipse later for the advice, Minoru simply shrugged with a mischievous smirk on his lips.

"Trade secret."

And that has been Chapter 129!

Just something fun before we move onto the next story beat. Did you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it?

But I don't really have anything else to say this update. So...

Until Next Time. T1.