The biting cold soaking into his fingers.

The crunch of ice and snow beneath his boots.

The delighted shrieks of both his children echoing in the wintery air.

Hizashi couldn't stop himself from laughing as he worked to free himself of the snow pile he'd been shoved into by Hitoshi and Izuku. Both running over the snow with a glimmer to purple and green eyes as they rushed across the front year shrieking. Squealing with laughter as he stood on his feet with the clinging snow soaking into his ass. He turned with snow crunching beneath his boots as he rushed forward over the front year. Trying to keep himself from sinking into the snow any further than he was.

His sons ran faster with squeals to the fence that separated the front yard from the back. Running for it like he was a monster coming to get them. He couldn't stop himself from snickering when his left foot sank into the snow causing him to fly forward with a grunt into the snow. It scratched at his frigid face with the wind snaking up the back of his coat when he pushed himself up to find Hitoshi and Izuku slipping into the backyard. He pushed himself up on aching hands as the snow melted into his gloves.

Soaking them through which did little for his aching fingers but he rushed forward fast as he could. Snow crunching and giving under his weight as he ran for the open gate door. He bent down to scoop up a snowball into his hands when he rushed into the backyard only to stumble at the one-two hit to his chest. Snow falling down it when the boys squealed on top of their slide with red cheeked faces beaming at him. It had him grinning back at them before throwing his snowball.

Nailing Hitoshi in the stomach had the boy shrieking with laughter as Izuku held precariously onto the top of the side with his casted fingers covered with a glove. Anything to make this more bearable for the boy. And then he watched Hitoshi hand a snowball to Izuku who let go of his hold to take it then throw it quickly. It hit him in the stomach, just as it had with Hitoshi, when he surged forward across the backyard with the snow soaking into his pants. How long had they been out here?

He had not a clue but he was rushing forward with both boys shrieking with laughter before running on their structure. Rushing to get down when he slammed his wet gloved hands onto the slide in the attempt to be menacing which got both boys screaming. And before he knew it, they were flying down the small stairs and jumping into the snow. Running for the open gate to lead them back to the front walk way. He turned on his feet, damn near falling, as he chased after the boys quickly as he could.

Scooping up Hitoshi in his arms had the six-year-old screaming with delight with his breath pluming into the cold air. He squirmed in his arms with wet gloves touching his face before wriggling free with Hitoshi running after his brother. Both darting quickly to the back gate as he ran after them with a laugh bubbling out of him. When was the last time he played like this with his sons? When was the last time he felt such joy? Had such fun like this? He ran after the two of them as they squealed.

Their laughter echoing effortlessly in the cold air around them. There was a ripping wind that tugged at his hair. Nipping at his cheeks and nose; at his earlobes that had him reaching up to tug his hat lower. Running through the open gate after his sons, the snow crunched under his boots. He paused to grab a fistful of snow that he began patting and crushing into a snowball. He knew when he rounded the house corner they'd be pelting him with snow balls.

He had meant to make a snow fort like they did; it was rather impressive what two little boys could do. He ran forward into the backyard, he happily patted his snowball in hand when two more snowballs were thrown towards him. He dodged them effortlessly with a laugh when the boys giggled across the yard. He knelt down into the snow then to begin dragging snow near him. To build a wall to hide behind himself with his wet fingers patting the snow together the best he could to make a fort.

Hitoshi and Izuku peered over the edge of theirs with wide, curious eyes while he made his own wall that he could hide behind. It was small, he'd have to lay on his stomach, but it would hide him. Patting snow together, he tried to built it taller when a snowball hit him in the head. Bursting over his hat and trickling down his face, he glanced up to find Hitoshi ducking behind their wall. He threw his snowball which caught Izuku's shoulder causing the boy to squeal before ducking down.

The wind tugged at him in an icy burst as his wet hair swayed against his back. Fluttering into his face annoyingly when he brushed his hair back away from his face with his grin widening on his lips. Standing up, he abandoned his small wall to run forward with both boys jumping up again. And then they were running with squeals echoing effortlessly in the cold air as he ran forward. Snagging Izuku, he spun in a half circle that nearly knocked him over when he smashed the snowball he had in hand on the boys hat.

Rubbing it in while the six-year-old squirmed in his arms with a squeal before he bent down to scoop up more snow to rub into his hand. He giggled before releasing Izuku when he ran forward to grab at Hitoshi with a fistful of snow that he rubbed into his hat. A purple hat with cat ears that Hitoshi had begged him for a year ago. One that he was more than happy to buy for him while Izuku's had little bear ears on his. It was adorable! The indigo-haired child quickly squirmed away from him.

Causing him to fall to his knees once again into the snow when little hands were smashing snow onto his head. Rubbing it into his hat when he reached up to curl his arms around small bodies before throwing himself back. The snow giving way beneath him as he burst into laughter with his breath pluming from his lips as the boys laughed with him. Hands holding onto his coat fiercely with squealing laughter echoing with his. And then those little bodies were squirming away from him.

The boys jumping to their feet to run across the front yard. Looking back at him with sparkles to wide green and purple eyes. He sat up with his hands pushing off the ground. They'd be going in soon if the state of his aching fingers had anything to say about it but he found himself running after his sons with delight. Running after the squealing pair as snow clung to his pant legs. Clung to his hair causing it to sway wetly in the air. His cheeks wet from the snow that had tumbled onto them.

His glasses slipping down his nose. Running after the boys who pulled a U-turn on him, he found himself falling to his knees again. Cursing under his breath when the boys ran to the other side of the yard quickly. Little feet lifting high to make their way across the snow the best that they could in their snow suits. As much as a pain it was to run in the snow, he was making his sons happy. And that was all he'd ever wanted for his sons. All he wanted was for them to be happy.

For him to see that pink cheeked delight on their little faces as they laughed together. The joy that sparkled in wide eyes. All he'd ever wanted was for them to be this happy. Any father would want their children to be happy, now wouldn't they? Any good father. He shoved himself to his feet again with his chest warming as Hitoshi and Izuku ran around the corner of the house. Smiling to himself as he brushed off his soaked knees to begin making his way across the front yard.

When he had promised his sons that they would play in the snow he'd meant it. It had been a brutal but much needed awakening on the floor of his kitchen. When his sons had been doubtful. Pointing out in their childish way how he was busy all of the time lately. Doubtful of his promise. It had made his heart ache in ways he'd not experienced and he'd felt awful. Absolutely awful. He hadn't known how he slept the other night. How he slept through the aching in his chest but he'd eventually slept.

And this morning he'd woken to Hitoshi and Izuku both curled up in his bed with him. With Izuku's casted arm stretched over his chest and Hitoshi curled into his side holding onto his tank top. Both curled into him with a cuddle that had his heart melting. It'd been a while since he woke to the boys in his bed but that was simply due to him insisting on breaking the habit. They were still children and still needed comfort. They still wanted a cuddle from their father and he understood that perfectly.

He'd been nothing short of touched to wake up with both boys curled up to him like that. He'd gotten them up and ready for the bus when he'd promised them yet again that this afternoon was theirs. That they would have him all afternoon long once he got home from work. And when he left his car, he'd waited patiently for the boys to get off the bus. From there it was a matter of getting his papers put away and his laptop in placed safely in his room.

Snow suits, hats, gloves, and scarves grabbed before the two waddled outside only to look back to make sure he was following. He'd gotten them in the car where they then went to the store and, he hated to admit, but bought seven bags worth of Christmas decorations. Two for inside house and one for the Christmas tree he promised they'd get. The other four were for his store and outside of the house. He'd been more than happy to get started on it but it had been vetoed.

Given that Hitoshi and Izuku had been bundled up, he chose to let himself be dragged from the house to play with them in the snow. The first order of business being to make a snowman in the front yard that he absolutely adored. How long it had been since then he had not a damn clue but he was having the time of his life. His gloves may be soaked through and his face frigid but at least he was having fun. His sons had been so painfully hopeful today from the moment they woke that he couldn't break it.

He couldn't help but get them out the door to rush for the front yard to begin their fun together. There was a singular snowman so far built in the front yard that was waiting for stick arms and a carrot nose. It was lumpy but he adored the snow man nonetheless. Making his way across the front yard, he swore in the whipping breeze he heard a pair of giggling boys nearby. He tensed instinctively as he trudged through the snow only to have Izuku and Hitoshi pop out with hands loaded with snowballs.

One in Izuku's and both in Hitoshi's hands. Three snowballs were thrown; one hitting his chest, his stomach, and his left knee. Bursting over him, he yelped at the sudden impacts before bending down to scoop snow in his gloved hands when the boys squealed before running off. Rushing over the snow when he scooped a handful up to begin patting into a snowball of his own. They'd never been happier. He swore he'd not seen his sons beam in such a way in so long.

Not even when he set up their playdates before winter hit. Speaking of, he had been more than happy to inform them that Katsuki, Denki and Shouto were both going to be coming over for a bit of a playdate. He'd sworn they never looked more delighted than they had then. He was making their damn day and he was more than happy to do so. They had begged for hot chocolate and to make cookies when they got in which he was more than happy to do with them. Today was all about showing his sons he loves them.

That he cares. That, yes, he may be busier lately than he liked to admit but he wanted to see them happy. He wants to make them happy like that. It was a parents duty to ensure that their child was happy, wasn't it? He wants nothing more than to give Hitoshi and Izuku memories of the winter time while he can. They were only two weeks into December but the snow would be coming until late February or early March. He had months ahead of him filled with playing in the snow with the boys.

He planned on making each time special. Fun. Making his way around the corner of the house, a snowball was pelted as his right knee with the an indigo-haired head poking around the corner of the fence with teeth chattering together. And he grinned then threw the snowball in his hands. It burst as it hit the fence with a thud but it had the two children on the other side squealing before the sound of snow crunching rang out. Running for the backyard again no doubt which had him rushing forward.

His booted feet sinking into the snow. His cheeks ached from the cold. Ached from his grinning but he could safely say that he was having as much fun as the boys were. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had this much fun. He'd been so swamped with work lately that he hadn't stopped to think of the last time he had fun. He couldn't remember the last time that he invited Oboro, Nemuri or Shouta over just to have fun with his friends. Or the last playdate he'd attended with Hitoshi and Izuku.

There was time, however, to change it all. That much he knew of. He happily rushed through the open gate into the back yard where he scanned it looking for his sons. The wind howled around his hearing aids causing a mild feedback that had him wincing at how sharp it was. A damn near ear-piercing whistle that had his hearing aids shrieking at him mildly through his hat. He raised his gloves up to touch his hat over his ears. Making sure they at least covered a decent bit.

Soon they'd be heading inside for hot chocolate and to make those cookies he'd bought the ingredients for. Did he invite Nemuri over? Oboro? Give them coffee and cooks as repayment for the meals they'd given him back during the summer months. If it wasn't for them he was sure he wouldn't have eaten nearly as much. He had to show his appreciation somehow and merely having them over for Christmas along with his family wasn't good enough. He wanted to do something more for them.

He hummed to himself as he then spotted little heads poking out from beneath the slide. Giggles carried in the wind that had him smirking at the boys hiding spot. It was painfully obvious but he happily stepped forward with a hum as he pretended to look for the boys who giggled. God, he missed playing with them. He missed moments like these that meant so much to him. That meant so much to his sons. He shuffled across the backyard with snow melting on his pants below the knee.

Clinging onto his boots. Crunching beneath them as he made his way forward; those giggles much louder now that he was nearing the play structure. And then he slammed his hands down on the slide causing both boys to scream with delight before rushing out from beneath it. Hitoshi ran forward and pounced at him knocking him back into the snow. It had him shouting in surprise at the sudden hit to his abdomen. Flying back into the snow that caught his feet and his weight worked against him.

He looked up at Hitoshi who was sitting on his stomach with sparkles of delight in those wide purple eyes. Evident in the beaming smile curled over his lip as hands smashed snowballs onto his chest when he sat up with a gasp when snow snuck beneath his scarf. And once he was up, snow was being crushed and rubbed into his hat by a giggling Izuku behind him. Hitoshi laughed as he sat in his lap when he carefully dragged Izuku forward to tuck into his lap as well.

He caught sniffles that had him blinking when Hitoshi rubbed his red, dripping nose with his glove. Their cheeks were a brilliant scarlet that glowed against their skin. Earmuffs protected their ears from too much of the biting cold but noses were running. Dripping over smiling lips quickly only to be rubbed away by gloved hands. He squeezed both boys to his chest where small hands held onto him with a few more sniffles. And then a shudder was racing over Izuku.

Hitoshi's teeth chattering briefly as he curled into his chest at a particularly hard breeze overtaking them. He sighed out with his breath pluming out of him in a cloud. He didn't want to send them in so early when it was clear the sun was still in the sky but it was getting darker. Fast. And they'd been out here for God knows how long. The last thing he wanted was for his boys to get sick. For them to be unhappy rather than beaming with delight like they had been this entire afternoon.

He wanted to touch their cheeks but his gloves were soaked leaving him reluctant to do so. The last thing he wanted was to make them colder. His fingers ached when he shifted as snow began to melt beneath him and soak into his ass. And then the shivering pair were launching themselves off of his lap to run clumsily over the snow with Izuku falling face first into it. Screaming at the cold touch as Hitoshi helped him up to which they ran in a waddle across the snow to get to the back fence gate again.

Running for the front yard. Pushing himself up, he rubbed at the melting snow on his ass that was biting into him. He was cold. But the last thing he wanted to do was ruin the fun they were having. However, the darkening atmosphere had him worried; there was playing in the afternoon and then there was playing in the snow at night. And given how soaked his gloves were? The fact his sons were sniffling and teeth were chattering? Well, that meant it was getting close to returning indoors.

He'd promised them that they would decorate anyhow and he didn't want them staying up past their bedtime. He also promised to play inside with them as well but how did he do that when he had to get dinner on the table? Could he extend their bedtime by a few hours? Instead of eight they could go to bed at ten? He had not a clue but they had quite a few hours before them. He had no clue what time it was but the darkening sky was coming on fast.

Winter nights were something that he had to admit came on in the blink of an eye. He could sneeze and it would be dark outside. It was a picky time but as he trudged through the snow the best that he could after his sons who were squealing once more. Laughing together as the snow crunched under his boots. Following after the sound, he made his way through the open gate door to shuffle out in the knee high snow after the sound of laughter.

He came around the corner of the house to find Izuku running snow into Hitoshi's hat with giggles of delight leaving the green-haired boy. A sparkle to those green eyes when Hitoshi scooped up a handful of snow that was then shoved into Izuku's grinning face causing him to fall backwards. Landing on his ass into the snow much like he had in the backyard. He made his way forward as Izuku blinked with snow clinging to his face only to melt quickly. Rapidly.

Dripping down scarlet cheeks when the green-haired boy then scooped up a fistful of snow and lunged. Shoving it into Hitoshi's face as he pounded with his casted arm held carefully in the movement. Avoiding any chance of his weight falling on it. Laughing together as he rubbed the dripping snow over Hitoshi's face when he found himself grinning. They were shaking like a pair of chihuahuas in the cold but he found it heartwarming. It warmed his chest in a way he hadn't expected.

It may be getting darker out but there was a delight in watching both boys rolling and shoving snow at one another. Izuku was mindful of his casted arm as he rubbed the snow into Hitoshi's face with said boy squealing. Snow dripping down scarlet cheeks as he made his way over to the pair rolling in the snow that clung to ends of hair. Causing them to soak through like his own hair. Grinning down at the rolling boys, he threw himself down once more into the snow beside them.

And it had Hitoshi scooping snow up then slamming it onto his chest to which he laughed. He'd long since taught the boys not to go for his face given his glasses and it was sweet nonetheless to have himself be included. Izuku crawled awkwardly over the snow with a huff then was rubbing snow into his soaked hat with a laugh. He reached up to tug the boy into his arms while being mindful of his arm. It had Izuku and Hitoshi laughing with such delight it warmed his heart.

He tugged the boy to his chest with booted feet hitting off of his numb knees. Every part of him felt numb, wet, and cold. He could hardly feel his legs but he was having the time of his life playing with his sons in the snow. It was fun. It was a breather that he didn't know he needed. They were only two weeks shy into December and already the winter months held promise. Held the joy and delight of playing with his boys who were rubbing snow onto his coat and his hat.

His scarf was damn near soaked through from the snow sneaking beneath it but he didn't mind it one bit. He scooped a fistful of snow up to rub in Izuku's hair causing the boy to scream with joy as he wriggled in his arms before pushing away to which he happily grabbed at Hitoshi who fought him playfully. Wet gloves pressing to his face with a shriek with the boy flopping horizontally over his stomach. It didn't stop him from grabbing a fistful of snow that he then rubbed into Hitoshi's cat eared hat.

It had the six-year-old shrieking with delight as he rolled forward with his face planting into the snow. Squirming away with Izuku resting on his knees with puffs of silver leaving his lips as he panted lightly from the excursion no doubt. Hell, his own breaths were somewhat shaky from all the running and trudging through the snow. He couldn't imagine doing it in a snow suit like his sons did. They both rested on their knees with giggles leaving the three of them.

His own deeper than both the children as he sat up when his hat slipped off his head. He blinked when a sparkle formed in purple and green eyes. And then Hitoshi was scooping up snow with hands slamming down on top of his head. Rubbing the snow into his hair with a shriek that had him grabbing at the six-year-old and dragging him into his arms. Nuzzling at red cheeks before blowing a raspberry into it had Hitoshi squirming as hands tried desperately to rub the snow firmly into his hair.

Squealing as he held the child close which had Izuku surging to his feet. The green-haired six-year-old ran over to him with hands grabbing at snow that was then crushed atop his head. Rubbed into his hair to which he uncurled his left arm from around Hitoshi to curl around Izuku instead. Dragging him down to his chest where the boys squirmed as they tried to "fight" away when in reality he felt them cuddling closer. Hugging onto him. Clinging to him when another bursting breeze tugged over them.

It had him squeezing both boys to his chest when he kissed at scarlet cheeks that were freezing under his lips. Holding them close when he blinked at the sudden flutter past his gaze. Snowing? Or flurrying? Was it really doing it again? He heard they were getting an inch or two overnight but surely it couldn't be starting now, could it? Both six-year-olds looked up then with that look of wonder that tugged at his chest when he glanced up at the rumbling of an engine. Curious.

He glanced over when an all too familiar black car pulled in behind his own. Both boys glanced over as he held them tightly to his chest when the car cut off. And stepping out was none other than Shouta. Was it really that late in the afternoon? He'd invited Shouta over for dinner at five-thirty so did that mean it was that time already? He blinked when the black-haired man slammed the car door shut then tugged the backdoor open. Swinging a diaper bag over his shoulder then reaching back in.

No doubt unbuckle Eri. It took a moment but the small one year old was on his hip with the door shutting as he made his way around it. And dark eyes were landing on him with a look of surprise when both boys shuddered in his arms with small hands clinging to his coat. Snow melting in his hair. His cheeks no doubt as red as his sons as Shouta paused by the back of his car with a look of curiosity to him. Awe? Curiosity? It was hard to pin the look on the black-haired man's face at that moment.

He had not a clue but he cleared his throat before turning his attention to the boys who tugged their way out of his arms. Waddling over to Shouta quickly with snow crunching beneath their boots as he reached behind him for his hat. Even if he knew it was too late, he can at least throw all of this in the dryer when they got in. He'd have to make a mental note to remember to get started on drying their clothing tonight. If not tonight then tomorrow if he had too. But for now he was struggling to comprehend the time.

"Mi-Mister Aizawa! Do you wanna pl-play with us and Dad?" Izuku's voice carried effortlessly in the cold air as his teeth chattered with that stutter to his voice. Shaking in the cold as he pushed himself to his feet with his hands wiping at his soaked pants. Shouta glanced at the shaking boys then up to him when he began to make his way over with snow crunching beneath his boots when the green-haired boy turned to him curiously. "Da-Dad, can we play just a li-little more?"

Chattering teeth. Shaking bodies. The red flush to their cheeks spoke of the excursion of playing but also of that cold. His sons would need to soak in the bath, and he needed a damn hot shower to feel alive again. He had been playing with them for God knows how long but that didn't mean the fun had to stop. That they couldn't play inside. Once reaching the small group, he slid his hands over hats. "No, I think it's time we went in, yeah? You both need a hot bath to get warm again, don't you?"

"Nu-Nuh uh! We're f-fff-ffffine!" Hitoshi tried to protest with a pout on his lips when he sighed out as he slid his hands over their hats again before Izuku turned a pout onto him as well. Shouta merely raised black brows at him with a sparkle of entertainment to that dark gaze as small hands grabbed the hem of his soaked coat when Hitoshi looked up at him. "Ca-Can't we play just a li-little more, Dad? It's no-nnnot that cold! 'm no-not that cold!"

"We've been out here close to two hours, bud. I think it's time for some hot baths, don't you? Why don't you head to the house and get your boots, hat, gloves, scarves and suits off for me, yeah?" Those pouts intensified on lips as he then reached down to pinch gently at scarlet cheeks with his numb fingers. "Oh, come now! We still have to decorate the house! I promise we'll play outside like this again very soon! But for now, you need to warm up before you catch colds!"

There was a sparkle to Izuku's gaze, but the pouts remained when both boys turned to begin trudging over the yard to the front walkway that had been shoveled out earlier. Salt poured over it to melt the ice. It crunched under boots as the boys waddled up to the front doors when Eri whined. He turned his attention to the black-haired man and his daughter when Shouta chuckled softly. "I really don't know how you do it, Zashi. I'd be at my wits end with not one but two six-year-old boys."

"Eh, you live, and you learn! It helps that I've had one since he was two going on three! But they're really easy to deal with when you know what they want from you." He shifted slightly before turning towards the house with his arms moving to gesture to the front walkway. It had the black-haired man grinning at him wickedly with snow fluttering through the air as his hat dangled from his hand. "After you, sir! You're the one with a baby just standing in this freezing weather."

"Oh, why thank you for being such a gentleman!" Shouta had a catty, playful tone that had his numb lips quirking into a smirk as he began to walk towards the front walkway with ice crunching beneath black boots. Making his way out of the snow to join him, the black-haired man glanced over his shoulder at him as he followed after. The front door hanging open with soft golden light spilling over the snow. "You look positively frozen, Zashi. How about I make you something while you jump in the shower?"

"That would be absolutely lovely, you know that? I was gonna make the boys some hot chocolate so if you wanted too, you could just make as many mugs of it as you want, and the boys will enjoy it after their bath." It was quick work up the front walkway with Eri looking back at him with wide red eyes as she squirmed on her father's hip. He smiled as he fought the urge to reach out and touch that pink cheek of hers. "And you, lil bug, will have some vanilla milk that Uncle Zashi will whip up since your dad can't!"

"Just because I'm not good at it, doesn't mean that you demean me in front of my child, Zashi!" He then got a playful scowl thrown at him from over Shouta's shoulder when he snickered as they made their way over the threshold of the door to boots shoved under the heater, snow suits abandoned in the hallway, and hats, gloves along with scarves stuffed into the heater. The black-haired man then turned towards him. "If you get the bath going, I can keep tabs on the boys while you shower, if you want?"

Grabbing at his scarf to tug it from around his neck, he turned his attention to both boys waiting on the stairs for him. He shut the door behind them, cutting off the frigid breeze, as he slapped his hat onto the heater then tugged his gloves off. Stepping on the left heel of his boot, he tugged his foot free with a sigh as he then worked his right foot free before turning to Shouta. "That'd be amazing. You don't gotta stand in the doorway, just call up now and again to make sure they're alright but pop up if you feel the need, okay?"

"I think I can handle doing that much for you, Zashi." The black-haired man dropped his diaper bag in the living room doorway when he turned back to him with a soft, small smile on full lips when the black-haired man gestured with his head. "Go get their bath started and I'll take it from there for you, Zashi. The sooner you get them in the bath the sooner that you can go dethaw in the shower. I promise I won't let anything happen."

Nodding at the black-haired man, he couldn't deny a spark of excitement at the thought of getting into the shower to warm up. Pinching the zipper of his coat, he worked it down then shrugged his shoulders to get it hung up despite the snow melted on it. Water dripping to the floor. Stuffing his boots under the heater, he then turned to the stairs where he forced his numb legs to work with him. Making his way up the stairs with Hitoshi and Izuku scrambling up it quickly. As if they were also excited.

He couldn't imagine how cold the boys were if his own body and face felt numb from the few hours they spent out there. He'd never understand how children could play in the snow for so long. How his sons had insisted on staying out there longer when they were so clearly shaking. When they'd been stuttering over their words with teeth chattering together fervently. Even if Shouta hadn't shown up when he did, he was more than sure he would have convinced the boys to get inside.

To get into the tub to warm them up regardless. After all, the last thing he needed was either of them catching a cold or a fever from the prolonged exposure to the elements. He didn't need to catch a sickness when he only had roughly three weeks left. Two and a half, if he was honest with himself, given how he had recently discovered that the school closed three days before the actual holiday. It was a nice realization when he'd gone into work that day and lamented about shopping for his sons.

He'd been assured that they were getting off earlier than expected. Something that he was more than happy to tell his boys when he got home. How happy they'd looked at the news. It was something he'd remember for years to come. Sighing out quietly to himself, he made his way up the stairs with vibrations running up his numb legs due to his heavy steps. God, he didn't understand how he had stayed outside as long as he had. How they managed to fight the biting cold so long.

That he'd managed to play with his sons for roughly two hours in the snow. He didn't understand how he did it. He was freezing. Absolutely halfway numbed, he swore, from the frigid cold of the snow that soaked into his gloves and hsi pants. His fingers were an angry, glowing red with delayed curls that had him hissing in as he clung to the railings on either side of him. Forcing his numb legs to lift up with his feet thudding on the stairs was a task. A damn work out if he was honest with himself.

It was worse than trudging and running through the snow after his boys. He made his way up to the small platform of the stairs with a huff. His legs tingling from the odd vibrations when he glanced over as the bathroom light was flicked on. Making his way down the hallway, he swung himself into the doorway of the bathroom to find both boys tugging at their sweaters. Shuffling into the room then between said boys, he turned the nozzle of the tub on with water bursting into the tub.

He then turned to help Izuku work his sweater up over his head due to his cast arm. Tugging the shirt up, he got it over the boys head then tossed it into the hamper. He then shuffled over to reach beneath the sink where he tugged out a plastic bag. Turning to Izuku who held his arm out, he slit the bag over his casted arm then tied it tightly at the end. Not enough to cut off his circulation but just enough that no water could dare to get in.

He then turned to Hitoshi who had his sweater up and over his head with it being dropped to the floor. His fingers were red and angry, just like his own frigid fingers. He stuck them under the heat only to hiss as he watched steam roll off of the water. Turning the cold side on, he bent over the tub to fuss with the temperature as he hummed quietly. Despite being frozen to the core, he'd truly had fun today and he hoped it was everything his boys had been looking forward to. What made them the happiest.

He ran his fingers under the water again; a temperature that was a rather hot warm as he'd describe it. There was more heat than cold, but he didn't think it'd be the end of the world if he got them in a warmer than normal bath to warm up. Reaching for the plug, he stuffed it into the drain as the water began to fill the tub and he turned to find Hitoshi throwing his shirt into the hamper. Both gathering near the tubs edge to watch it as it filled up when he reached beneath the sink.

Grabbing the fun smelling bath salts for his sons along with two towels. His sons knew when to get out, thank God, and he trusted them not to prune up. If anything, he'd give Shouta a time limit, but the boys always handled drying off and dressing on their own Izuku, of course, needed a bit of help due to his broken arm. He swirled his hand lazily through the water pouring into the tub with that light steam rolling off of it. Faint but he could just barely catch it. It'd be a warm bath that's for sure.

Letting the tub fill up halfway, he then turned the water off when he opened the bag of salt. They smelled sweet; like bubblegum. It was the boys favorite one to use and he happily threw a handful into the water then placed the bag down to swirl his hands through the water. His sleeves were drenched but it didn't matter; he'd be stripping himself downstairs to jump into the shower. And this felt nice. Once he could no longer feel the grains of salt, he nodded at his sons as he pulled his hands out.

The sweet smelling water effortlessly filled the bathroom when he shook his hands off. Rubbing his hands off on the towels he'd tugged out for the boys, he turned away to give them that sense of privacy as he listened to the sound of feet thudding over the floor. The quiet sound of rustling clothing followed by the slap of feet over the bathroom floor. And still, he kept his head angled away until he heard the light splash of someone climbing into the tub.

The rustle of the bag over Izuku's arm as he no doubt was helped into the tub. Turning his head once there was a second splash, he shuffled forward to scoop up pants, underwear and socks up into his hands. Tossing them into the hamper that he'd returned to the bathroom after finishing their load last night. He tossed the fresh clothing into the hamper when he took a breath through his nose. The salt smelled so incredibly sweet it had him half tempted to take a bath himself.

He made his way back to the tubs edge where he bent down to grab a sock he'd dropped along with the bag of bath salts. He pinched at the top to make sure it was zipped shut with light clicks. He then bent over to toss the bag back under the sink counter. Snapping the drawer shut then turning to toss the sock into the hamper. And he found two pairs of wide, excited eyes on him. Watching him as he cleaned up the bathroom of any and all clothing that had been disregarded on the floor.

He smiled at his sons as they sank into the water with sighs, leaving their noses as he fought the urge to shake his arms out. Refused to tug at his wet sleeves. Instead, he watched both boys sink into the water up to their shoulders with shudders raking over them. Cold from the weather outside. He felt a burst of guilt as he reached out to rustle wild indigo locks and green curls gently. He then turned to walk across the bathroom where he left the door wide open as he made his way back into the hallway with a sigh.

Finally.

He was more than ready for his shower as his wet hair swayed against his back. He made quick work down the hallway to the top of the stairs. Steeling himself against the sensation, he began making his way down the stairs. The vibrations of his steps felt on his numb legs was odd but he did his best to ignore it. To get down the stairs with his aching fingers clinging to the railings on either side of him. A precaution to keep him from falling down them somehow.

The thud of his impact as he jumped off the last step was loud when he peeked into the living room. Watching Shouta putting on Bluey for the baby swaying side to side in her pack and play as she babbled at her father. He nodded at the black-haired man who nodded back when he made his way down the hallway on damn socked feet as his numb legs began to prickle. To sting from the cold that had sunk into his bones that was being combatted with the heat of his house. The heat from the radiators.

It had him eager to get to his bedroom as his hands played with the ends of his soaked sleeves. With the hem of his sweater as his hair swung in wet clumps against his back as he walked forward. Trying to keep himself from running for God knows he'd never live down the embarrassment of running to the shower. It had him all too aware that he wasn't alone. That he'd be leaving his shower with Shouta here. His heart jumped in his chest at the thought when he put an unintentional skip to his step.

Had his stomach fluttering when he flew into the kitchen. He'd been planning a shower for tonight so what did it matter if he did it earlier? If he got himself freshened up due to Shouta being here? Making his way across the kitchen, he put a pep to his step across it to get down the small hallway of his to the double doors of his bedroom. Tugging them open, he stepped into his bedroom then shut the doors behind him. Reaching for the hem of his sweater, he tugged it up towards his head where he carefully got it up.

Mindful of his hearing aids and glasses that rested on his nose when he tugged his arm from the wet sleeves. Tossing it towards his hamper, he hesitated then curled his fingers into the waistband of his pants. A singular moment of hesitation before he shoved them down. They were soaked anyhow. He shoved them down his thighs to his knees. Letting them pool to his ankles, he bent down to work his socks off with his soaked pants and hummed at how damp his feet felt.

Were his boots not good enough anymore? He had not a clue but he was happy to free his feet that tingled from the warmth that was slowly beginning to finally soak into him from the heaters. Bunching up his pants, he made his way around his bed when he tossed his pants to his hamper. Getting them in, he sighed in relief before making his way around the corner of his bed with a low hum. It felt odd to shower with Shouta here but at least he didn't have to worry about the boys really being by themselves.

Making his way around the bed, he flew forward on his aching toes into the bathroom where he flicked the light on. Rushing past the sink with shivers making their way over him, he stuck his hand past the curtain. Turning the shower on. The water burst out of the shower head and drummed on the walls when he turned away with his hands reaching up for his glasses. Folding them neatly on the counter, he reached down to sink his fingers into the waistband of his boxers.

Pulling them away, he reached inside where the packer was pressed firmly to his skin. Tugging it out then placing it onto the counter, he then shoved his boxers down quickly from hsi hips then let them fall down his legs. Stepping out of them then flicking them into the bedroom with his left foot, he shut the bathroom door then locked it. Just incase the boys came running into his room after their baths and he was, for some reason, still in the shower.

The last thing he needs is Shouta to find out this way. To see his packer on the counter. He let out a sigh when he then reached up to his hearing aids. Turning them off then tugging them out of his ears, he placed them carefully on the counter then turned to the shower. Making his way over, the silence weighed heavily on his ears. It was odd. To go from a world of sound to one of nothing. He made his way over to the shower, shivering at the cool air against his frigid skin.

Sticking his hand past the curtain he felt the water drumming from the showerhead. Deeming it good enough, he tugged the curtain out of his way to lift his foot up over the rim of the tub wall. Stepping into his shower, he couldn't help a shudder with a sound escaping him. Oh, it felt so good. He tipped his face up with water running along his scalp as he tugged the curtain shut once more. It stung his frigid skin but oh, if it didn't feel so good.

If that warmth didn't sink down along his skin as he turned slowly for the water to hit his back. Tilting his head back with water running along his scalp, he sighed out as he lifted his hands up to comb through his wet hair. Shivering with that heat sinking into his skin, water sloshed over his feet as he curled his toes against the tub of the shower floor. Another sound left himself; a moan? A groan? He had not clue but it had him shuddering as he spun lazily under the water.

All with the attempt to warm all sides of himself the best he could before he found himself crossing his arms over his chest with his face tipped up to the hot water bursting out of his shower head. It felt good. Nice. He was melting under the hot water slowly but surely as his arms then dropped down allowing water to splatter over his feet. He slid his hands over his stomach and sides before sliding them up to his chest. Fingers drifting over his mastectomy scars gently before sliding his hands up.

Running them over his hair with water gushing down his back in response. He sighed as he swayed on his feet before turning to offer up his back to the hot water again. Lifting his arms up to hold his hands under the hot water as he curled them experimentally. He hummed to himself with the vibrations of his throat rattling his chest lightly. It was nice. God, this was so nice. He loves playing with Hitoshi and Izuku but it was damn cold outside.

The idea that he had to do this for an additional three months was horrifying but he knew they'd push through it. He knew he could handle this three months more. After all, his sons wanted his attention and his love. His time. And he was more than willing to give it to them when he had the free time to do so. To make the free time to do it like he had today. There was nothing he wanted than for his kids to feel loved. For Izuku to say he wants to stay with him when the caseworker spoke to him.

He knew that Izuku would say yes right now regardless but he wants it to be genuine. He wants Izuku to want to stay here with him. With his brother. It had only been a year but he couldn't imagine going back to being a father of one. Not when he'd spent a year meeting, learning, and loving this boy who had fit in perfectly with them. A year was more than enough time to love someone; especially when they'd be going on two years. He just has to hope the custody was switched over to him.

Last month when the caseworker looked into Izuku's broken arm she had also said the custody disputes would last from December to January depending on the speed. On when Izuku's birth parents signed the papers and sent them back. It could very well end sooner or go on depending on that. If they signed it over without a fight then Izuku would be his by late March once the adoption was cleared. It was exciting. And the idea of Izuku being his son? It was heartwarming.

He wanted to demand they sign papers now but he couldn't do that. He needed to be calm. Rational. Until then, he'd spend his time showing his sons all the love in the world. He was going to be a better father. Sliding his hands over his hair, water streaked down his hair as his skin began to tingle fiercely. Warming under the hot water when he reached for his body wash. He grabbed his loofah hanging on the wall and squeezed a glop onto the sponge.

Scrubbing it between his hands, he then began to scrub at his chest and neck. His shoulders and arms. Down over his stomach, hips, and waist the best he could as his skin stung from the hard scrubbing but he didn't mind it. Not one bit. He then bent over to scrub between his legs and his thighs carefully. Scrubbing his legs down to his tingling feet then straightening up to tug his hair over his shoulders. Targeting his lower back and shoulder blades the best he could. Dammit, he really needed to invest in a back scrubber.

He'd been meaning too but had never gotten around to it. Sighing out to himself, if he had to guess the breath that left him, he turned his back to the shower with the water running down it sending shivers through him. He was warming up but it left him feeling colder than he had been in the snow. Turning to the shower head, he began to wash off the loofah with suds running down his chest. His nipples perked up with a light tingle that had him squirming slightly. It felt wrong.

Even if he did nothing to stimulate them it felt strangely embarrassing. Standing here in his shower knowing he'd be walking out to Shouta? Even if the kids were here? It had his cheeks flushing when he hung his loofah up after shaking the water off of it. Forcing himself to focus instead in using the pump head of his shampoo to get the soap into his palm. And then he lifted hsi hands up to begin scrubbing the long locks the best he could; bunching them up in his hands.

Tugging his fingers through them as suds ran over his hands as he scrubbed at his hair then focused on his scalp. Scratching down deep sent shivers down his back as he scrubbed at his head with suds running over his lower back and ass. He then turned to the shower head with his head tilting back as far as he could get it. Letting water run over his scalp, his lashes fluttered on his cheeks as he ran his hands over his hair while bunching and scrunching the locks in his hair.

He swore he could feel the clock ticking against him as he worked to get the shampoo out of his hair. Doing so with what he guess to be a hum as he opened his eyes to glance at his hair products. A hair mask, hair oil, conditioner and then the leave in conditioner. They were all used routinely but there were some days where it was better to use the hair mask and call it a day. Compared to his hair care routine every other day, surely it wouldn't be the worst if he used his hair mask and conditioner then let that be it, right?

Pinching his lips together, he continued working on his hair to get the shampoo out of it. Once he was convinced he got it out, he began to squirt a palmful of conditioner into his hand. He went through soaps like no ones business due to how long his hair was but he had a good income to keep his hair supply covered. He then lifted his hand up to rub the conditioner over his scalp then the back of his hand. And he gathered his hair up to the top of his head where he began scrubbing.

Massaging at his scalp to make sure the locks were as evenly coated as they can be. His skin was warming; no longer pricking angrily at him but rather tingling pleasantly the longer he remained under the shower head. It felt nice. He can only imagine how Izuku and Hitoshi had to feel in their bath upstairs. Did they also feel like they were defrosting? He had to imagine they did. Children seemed to be able to handle even the harshest weather if they were having fun.

And God knows how much fun they were going to have when he deemed it time to hang up the decorations around the house. And then this weekend they'd be heading over to the shop to get it decorated as well. He had a busy week ahead of him. Letting out another breath, he scrubbed, rubbed, and bunched his hair into his hands before turning to face the water. Tilting his head back further the way he had with his shampoo, he began to work his hands through hsi hair.

Letting the water run along his scalp as his lashes fluttered wetly against his cheeks. It felt nice. He was coming alive; becoming human again with the heat soaking into his skin that felt like just too much. Almost hot enough to convince him to turn it down but he was almost done. He'd be out of the water for six minutes to let his hair mask work after all. He scrubbed at his hair gently with his fingers running through it to work the knots out carefully. His hair felt heavy.

Unbearably heavy with all the water in it to which he squeezed it out then began to rub his locks to get the conditioner out. Tingling from head to toe, the warmth of the water was more than good enough. Warming him to his core. He scrubbed at his hair as suds ran over his hands with water sloshing over his feet when he fidgeted. Working the conditioner out of his hair, he then straightened his head up to grab the container of his hair mask. Twisting the cap off, he dipped his fingers in for a decent bit.

He then smoothed over the top of his head, using another glob on the hair clinging to his back. he capped the container then lifted his hands up to smoothed the mask over his hair. Making sure he got every damned strand covered when he took a breath through his nose while he rubbed the mask into his hair. The citrus scent of his soaps lingered in the foggy air around him as he rubbed at his hair to make sure that it was all coated evenly with the mask.

Then he swirled his hair then pressed it to his head in a faux bun. It allowed him to tip his head back with his hair out of the water while the rest of him remained in it. So warm. So, so warm. He was melting now that he no longer felt half frozen. He wanted to spin but he had to keep his hair out of the water for six minutes. He turned on his feet however with the water hitting his back when he stepped out of it all together. Shuddering at the chill attacking his wet skin when he exhaled sharply.

Reaching up the timer on his wall, he squinted before leaning in towards the small device with its tinier screen. Setting it for six minutes then watched the digital numbers beginning to count down his six minutes. He then pressed his back to the chilled wall and slid down to the floor of the shower. The water pelting his legs felt nice. Unbelievably nice. The citrus hanging in the air had him inhaling again and again to drag it down into his lungs. Letting his eyes flutter shut, the silence on his ears felt natural.

Comforting. Like he was in his own little bubble. Wrapped up in a citrus scented universe of his own with the world being kept outside of his doors. A little area for just him and it felt nice. It felt natural. Like he was allowing himself to be on his own for the first time today. As if the only thing that existed was himself in this shower where the hot water pelted and drummed over his legs. Like he was allowing himself to dissociate ever so slightly as he kept his back pressed to the wall.

His hair squishing against his head slightly when he slid his hands over his chest with fingers sliding down to his mastectomy scars. Tracing them gently, his eyes opened as he looked down at himself. He had to tell him. He had to tell Shouta sooner rather than later. He wanted to be as transparent as he can be with his friends; he'd already talked to the group chat of his friends that he'd made through the mom group. He'd mailed the pamphlets to them after telling them he had something to say.

After asking for addresses. It had cost a pretty penny buying stamps and sending them off but they'd all received them due to the extra cost of priority mail. But once they'd gotten them? He swore he'd never had such an outpouring of support than he did from the women who were gushing. Fussing over him. Asking about his triggers, hsi limits, and his preferences. It was so amazingly heart touching that he wasn't ashamed to say that he had a good cry over it.

In fact, he'd called Nemuri in tears as he gushed about the responses he'd gotten from his pamphlets. It had her congratulating him on coming out to new people like this. It was unbelievably nice. But the only one who was left in the dark now was Shouta. And if things were going to go the way he hoped, dreamed, and fantasized about then he needed to tell him. He needs to make an informed decision. It would be wrong of him not to say anything to Shouta. To keep him in the dark about this.

After all, how would Shouta react if, God forbid, they got sexual and instead of a dick he was face to face with a packer? Face to face with a vagina? It was wrong. It was unbelievably wrong to deceive this man into thinkin that he too was a cisgender man like him. He just needed to find the right way to tell Shouta. He was going to do it soon, he swore he would, but he just needed to find his right timing. Needed to do this right. Sighing out, his legs gently wiggled back and forth under the water as the heat soaked into him.

And knowing he'd be climbing into a sweater? Comfy sweatpants and socks? It had him sighing out. He needed to figure out how to tell Shouta what was going on with him. A way to tell him he was transgender. If not today then he needed to do it soon. There was nothing he could do but figure it out and then come out to Shouta. See where things took them then. It had him biting at his lip as he squirmed with water sloshing under his ass. Beneath his legs.

He slid his hands from his chest where his fingers pressed idly to his mastectomy scars. He'd spent so many years being proud of who he was.

And he was still proud. But why did it feel so scary coming out to Shouta? Why did it feel like he was gambling? It was a scary sensation. A terrifying idea that he could lose a friend. The wall rumbled beneath his back then with a blink he looked up then scrambled to his feet. Six minutes already? He turned the timer off then stepped under the water. Rewetting his skin as he began to rub and scrub his hair. Making quick work to get the mask out of it as he tried to turn his mind off. Today was about hanging out.

Spending time together. And he wasn't going to overcomplicate this situation with Shouta. He refuses too. Not when his sons were looking forward to today. He wouldn't overcomplicate a day of fun like this. Scrubbing at his hair with his fingers running through silky locks, he squeezed and rubbed them. Working the mask out of his hair as he made sure that his hair was perfectly clear. That his hair was clean. Once he was sure of that he lifted his head upwards with a slow spin under the water.

Gathering that warmth once more when a shiver ran down his back at the thought of getting out. He didn't want to do his lotioning today, so he'd skip it. So long as he put his packer into his boxers then he'd be fine. He could wear anything. Spinning under the hot water once more with water sloshing over his feet he took a breath then turned the water off. Shuddering violently at the loss of warmth, he tugged the curtain open with his hands sliding over his hair.

Trying his best to wring the water out of it fiercely before stepping over the wall of the tub to the bath mat. Shuffling over to the sink, he reached beneath it to grab a towel that he quickly used on his hair. Gently squeezing the water out of it the best he could with light rubs before standing up right with his wet hair slapping his back. He wrapped the towel around his waist then grabbed his glasses that slipped on his nose. Fogged up, he rushed for the door to flip the lock then he tugged open to step out into the bedroom.

It was chilly but the fog was dissipating from his glasses when he ran across the room on his toes quickly to his dresser. Tugging his left top drawer open, he grabbed a deep maroon sweater then tugged the bottom drawer open for a deep red pair of sweatpants that matched it closely enough. Grabbing a pair of packer boxers. He shuddered with his hands fumbling when he shut the drawers with thuds. He threw his clothing on the bed when he tugged his towel from around his waist.

Beginning to focus on rubbing his skin dry quickly as he could. Rubbing it over his legs and arms, his chest and back, his thighs and between his legs. Over his sides and waist then his ass and the backs of his thighs. Drying himself off the best he could, then he lifted his towel up to dry his ears quickly. He made sure to be thorough as possible when he turned on his feet to rush back for the bathroom with steam pluming out weakly. Was his shower hotter than he initially thought?

Possibly. But according to his clock he'd been in there for a little while. Not long but he was never aware of time when he was in the shower. It was as short as fifteen minutes under that shower head but that was an eternity. He rushed forward back into the bathroom to grab his hearing aids and packer then rushed back to his bedroom. Normally, he would abstain from wearing his packer at home but today it was necessary. He was the same size he'd chosen as a teenager but had upgraded the look a few times.

A few wild choices with giggle worthy colors before settling onto this one. His favorite. It was a delicate pink but with peach undertones. It looked more natural than the bright purple packer Nemuri had bought him for his twenty-fourth birthday. That one stayed in the back of his top drawer but it was definitely giggle worthy. He had worn it for a while until he found his main one. Making his way to the bedroom once more, he took a breath then laid his hearing aids and packer on the bed.

He then grabbed his sweater and tugged it over his head with a shudder as he shoved his arms into the sleeves. Struggling to get it down over his damp skin only to get the hem down and it fluttered against his waist. His boxers were specially made; he had six pairs to go with his regular boxers but these ones? They had a special pocket to hold his packer in. To make it look natural. He grabbed his boxers to slip them up to his hips with a hop.

Wiggling his hips impatiently when they rolled and bunched before smoothing out once he got them up. He slid his packet into its pocket before turning to grab his sweatpants. Shoving his legs in, he grunted and growled as he struggled to get them upwards. Squirming his hips and thighs quickly to get them up faster as they clung to his damp legs. Once he had the waistband securely at his hips, he rushed over to the full length mirror of his quickly.

Reaching down, he spun from side to side to glance at the subtle, faint shape of the bulge. He reached down into his pants to adjust his packer slightly with his teeth worrying over his lip until he got it just right. From there, he fussed with his sweat pants before turning to his drawer for a pair of unicorn themed socks. Another gift from Nemuri. He sat on the edge of the bed to tug them onto his cold feet then stood up once more. Alright, alright! Shower done! Now he just needed to brush his hair!

Grabbing his brush from the dresser he lifted it up to run it through his hair. It really was silky as he ran the brush through it again and again until it laid straight down his back when he turned back to the bed for his hearing aids. Turning them on one at a time, he slid them into his ears one a time. Careful. Mindful. He made sure they were resting properly with his glasses adjusted twice, before they went in. Taking a breath to soothe the flutter to his stomach, he turned on his feet to walk towards his bedroom door.

He was warm. Flushed. And as he made his way across, he caught the quiet laughter through the walls of Hitoshi and Izuku. Unlocking his doors, he tugged them open with a grind before stepping out into the hallway as Reese ran into the room with Twix hot behind her. Walking down the hallway, his boys were sitting on the counters curiously with eyes on Shouta who was stirring a pot of- Soup? Was that soup? Why was Shouta cooking for him? It was a sweet gesture but one that confused him.

He had not a clue, but he blinked at the black-haired man who looked over at him with a mild look of surprise. Eri sat in the middle of the kitchen with toys when she glanced over and squealed. A proper scream that echoed in the kitchen when she then pushed herself onto her feet and toddled over to him. Arms raised up with pink palms flashing at him as she reached up for him desperately. Running like he was her father that had been gone for years only to return home.

He smiled as he bent down to scoop the baby up into his arms where she nuzzled her face into his throat. He stepped into the kitchen properly with the baby curled in his arms. Tugging on his hair with a coo no doubt at their feel when Shouta grinned at him. A sparkle to those dark eyes when the pot was covered with the steam puffing outwards. He had not a clue Shouta would make dinner for them, but his boys were sipping mugs of steaming liquid. Hot chocolate?

He had not a clue but he had to admit he was appreciative of Shouta who let his grin widen at him mischievously. Hugging Eri to his chest like a small talisman against the butterflies fluttering in his stomach. He hadn't admitted to his crush yet but it was painfully obvious to him. They hadn't exchanged a word and his body was panicking. Screaming. His brain trying to make him blush with those desires threatening to bubble up. He didn't want to think of that. Not now. But that grin had his stomach fluttering.

"Well, you certainly look warmer now." He blinked at the black-haired man when he then turned to help ease Hitoshi and Izuku down. Pink cheeked. Warm. His sons looked refreshed from their bath, and he couldn't help but feel the same when Shouta slid his hands over the wild damp locks with green and purple eyes looking up at him curiously. "Why don't the two of you finish your hot chocolate in the living room? I'll call for you if I need your help with dinner, yeah?"

Both boys were like bobbleheads; nodding eagerly before rushing forward with their cups carefully as he stared with awe at how effortlessly Shouta got the two of them to leave the room. It was surprising, nonetheless. And then the black-haired man turned to him with Eri cooing into his throat when he found himself grinning. "So, the man who says he doesn't know how he'd handle two six-year-olds certainly is handling them quite well! Even I can't get them to leave like that without a thousand questions!"

"Eh, they like me. I'm still new to them." Shouta shrugged his shoulders then with that sparkle to his gaze when he adjusted his hold on Eri slightly with the girl patting his cheek gently with her small pink hand. It was sweet. Comforting. Her fingers then tugged at his hair as they slid over a lock. He tightened his arms around the baby when Shouta smiled. "But you do look much better, you know. You looked half frozen when I pulled up that I could hardly believe you were moving."

"Oh, well thank you so much for that!" He used his foot to poke at his shin which merely had the black-haired man's smile widening into that familiar smirk when he tried to keep himself from pouting. "You know, you can stand to play in the snow with your daughter, can't you? We'll have to set up a playdate where you get to play not only with a one-going-on two-year-old but two soon to be seven year olds next year! See how you fair in the snow for two hours in it!"

"I don't think I'd fare any better than you, Zashi." There was a warmth to the way Shouta spoke his name; like it was an affectionate nickname. Like it was something special. Something he likes to say. It had his stomach fluttering as Eri babbled into his throat. Spitting out a few words like 'fork' and 'Dada', but he hardly paid it mind when he felt heat gathering in the back of his neck when Shouta hummed. "By the way, I decided to make some vegetable soup with the very limited vegetables you have in there."

"Thanks. Honestly, I was a little concerned with how I'd make dinner when I was so cold, you know? But I guess that just means I gotta go shopping again." Shifting Eri in his arms, the baby hummed at him happily with fingers stroking a lock of hair. As if he were some kind of silky haired cat and it was quite adorable as she continued humming a little song of hers. "I really do appreciate you for making dinner for us. It's honestly one less thing I have to worry about. You're a godsend, Shouta Aizawa."

"Well, thank you." That smirk softened into a crooked smile that had his heart jumping in his chest as he squeezed Eri to it. It was that same smile from their afternoon in the park back in late September to early October. It had his stomach fluttering wildly when the black-haired man hummed as Eri continued to hum her sweet little song. It was so cute! He slid his hand along her back when Shouta cleared his throat. "I hope this isn't too much to ask but what, um, are you doing for Christmas?"

"Christmas? Well, my mothers are coming over for it along with my two younger sisters, my younger brother, and their kids along with their partners. Nem and Oboro are coming over too! So, it's going to be a bit of a full house on Christmas." Tilting his head at the black-haired man, he noticed spots of pink blooming over his cheeks as his shoulders scrunched up slightly when he smiled at him. "Did you want to come over for Christmas too, Sho? If you want too, I'd love to spend Christmas with you and Eri too."

"I don't want to intrude. My sister usually comes over but she's going to visit our mother and her husband this year. Obligated it is but she's the only one going back. My mother would rather not see me darkening her doorway." Then the black-haired man fidgeted with that pink blush blooming over his cheeks. A stray lock from his ponytail brushed it to which he reached upwards instinctively. Grabbing the lock, he tucked it behind his ear with his fingers drifting over the shell of his ear lightly.

He blinked at his lingering fingers before pulling his hand away to rest on Eri's back as he swayed in time with her humming. His gaze falling to the soup boiling softly as heat rushed up to his cheeks with his lips pinching together tightly. His heart jumping in his chest with his fingertips itching to touch his jaw. To feel the scratch of that stubble beneath his fingers once again but he merely tightened his arms around Eri. "I- Sorry 'bout that. Habit. But, um, I'd really like it if you came over for Christmas."

The black-haired man peeked at him almost shyly with black lashes fluttering in a blink before he looked down. Lifting the top of the bubbling soup, Shouta took the moment to stir the soup first while he continued to sway with Eri's cheerful humming in his throat with that little hand continuing to stroke the thick lock of hair it held. And then Shouta peeked at him again with full lips parting. "Are you sure? Really sure about that? If you're going to have a full house then I really don't want to intrude on you, Zashi."

"I insist. I'll be miffed if I don't see you darkening my doorway on Christmas anyhow! I'll hunt you down for sport and drag you and this baby back here for Christmas if you don't come over voluntarily! If anything, you can mix Eri's presents with Hitoshi's, Izuku's, Hana's eldest, the twins, and Haru's! It'll be like a whole blended family deal! So, you better okay, mister?" He tried for a playful tone but as the cover was placed on the pot, he liked to say he saw it coming. That he saw it beforehand so he could prepare himself.

That there had been something in the way shoulders moved or how Shouta looked at him. That he saw it building as he spoke in that playful tone to the black-haired man or that he knew it was coming simply because of the vibe given off together. That there were signs of it but there weren't. One second Shouta was facing the stove and the next he was heaved up into his arms. Wrapped tightly around his waist with him squeezed to Shouta's chest and he- "Thank you. Really, you're too kind for your own good, you know that?"

That deep voice was so close to his ear as arms squeezed around his waist tightly with shivers racing down his back. Eri grunted quietly between them, but he couldn't think to say a damn thing. His words were clogged in his throat as his face pressed into the crook of Shouta's neck and shoulder where his cologne invaded his senses. Vanilla. Musky. It had his heart thudding sickening against his chest at the warmth radiating off of Shouta when he found his mouth opening. "Yo-You smell good."

His face ripped with heat at those three words when he was pulling back from the hug. Arms wrapped around his waist as his face burned fiercely. Dark eyes widening at him slightly with a blink or two, but he was buzzing. Thrumming. It was hard to breathe normally when those arms were still around his waist. He was so close to Shouta with one hand freeing itself to press to his chest when a red blush smothered over Shouta's cheeks. "You do to. You smell really nice."

"Ye-Yeah?" He wheezed out with Shouta nodding almost shyly at him when his cheeks throbbed lightly from the force of that blush there when Eri wiggled in his arms. A single reminder they weren't alone. There was still a baby, a child, in the room with them as his face burned fiercely. He wanted to duck his head down to hide his red face that he just knew he was blotchy. Shouta's face was a rather deep red that had to match his own with arms squeezing gently around his waist to hold him close.

"Yeah. You- I like this. I like, um, hugging you." His heart felt ready to thud out of his chest with those hard beats against his chest that had him feeling sick. His face was burning hotly at the admission from Shouta who squeezed him close again and he found himself leaning in with an arm uncurling from around Eri. Sliding his arm around Shouta, he hugged the black-haired man back. Caught a hitching breath against his ear when he was squeezed. "Thank you for being my friend, Zashi. For being so kind."

"Of course! You're my-my best friend, Sho! I'd do anything to help you or include you!" He mumbled back breathlessly with his face buried into his shoulder where he dragged that vanilla scent down into his lungs. Musky. Biting. Just sweet enough to keep that bite from being overwhelming and he adores it. Hugging him tighter with Eri wiggling in between them when he buried his face into his shoulder then turned his head slightly. "I like hugging you too. We should do this more often!"

"Mmmm." A low hum so close to his ear had his body reacting oddly. So many different reactions that screamed for him to bury his face into his throat. To slid his hand down and tug at his ass to hold him tighter. To push him up against the counter and kiss his throat. To kiss his red cheek until he was smiling. To wrap his arms around his shoulders to tug his hair down and twist his fingers into his curls. To hold him tightly against him. "I appreciate you more than you know, Zashi. Seriously."

"The same can be said for you too, Sho!" He hated it but arms were lessening their tight squeeze around him. Pulling away. He wanted to howl for a second longer, but he pulled back when Eri whined between them, and he realized Shouta hard arched up against him. There was hardly a height difference; he was possibly one inch taller than the man, but it was cute. Sweet. Pulling away, he ducked his head away when a small hand touched his hot cheek prompting him to look down.

Eri was staring at her father than at him with wide red eyes. Her pink lips parting ever so slightly when she stroked his cheek wordlessly then reached out for Shouta who leaned in to give her his face. Letting her ting hand pet at that stubble covered cheek had his hands twitching to do the same as he curled his arms securely around her again. Then she touched his cheek once more with those wide eyes of hers when she squirmed. "Dada wed! All wed!"

He blinked at Shouta who blinked at his daughter before he turned away with a laugh. A snorting, snickering laugh that was followed by another. And another. And he couldn't stop himself from giggling with Shouta when Eri patted his jaw before grabbing a fistful of his hair when the black-haired man snorted with a hand covering his eyes fiercely before peeking at him. He then watched Shouta reach out to touch Eri's pink cheek when she looked at him with awe. "Yes, Papa is all red. But it's fine, sweetheart."

"Dada wed too!" She chirruped again with her tiny hand patting his cheek with those eyes looking up to him. And it seemed to click then for the both of them when Shouta blinked. She was calling him Dada. It had him blinking with his arms tightening around the baby in his arms. It felt like the first time Hitoshi had called him Dada; the boy had been about two going on three within the first year of his fostering. It had him blinking before bouncing the baby in his arms gently.

"No, no, you call me Uncle! That's Dada!" He pointed to Shouta who raised his brows when the baby in his arms then pouted at him. Her cheeks puffing out slightly with red eyes narrowing up at him when she then crossed her little arms rather than hold onto his hair. It was as if he had somehow slighted her when he turned his attention to Shouta with his arms bouncing the baby slightly. "Shouta, tell her that you're Dada! Or else she'll continue to call me that too!"

"No, you Dada!" She shouted with her arms uncrossing with her hands slapping at his cheeks when he looked to Shouta who began to grin at him before shrugging. As if it was out of his hands. It had him tightening his arms around the baby in his arms when she met his gaze. Red eyes blazing into his with all the intensity that a one-year-old could hold when she slid her little hands over his cheeks before drumming her little fingers on his cheeks. "Dada is pwetty!"

At this, his face burned with a fresh wave of heat when he glanced away from the baby in his arms only to glance at Shouta. The black-haired man ducked his head away with his shoulders shaking silently when he found himself being emboldened. He was flustered from their hug. Embarrassed. He was on a rush that he was riding until the end when he then reached a hand out to push at that shaking shoulder firmly. "Oh, shut up! You don't think I'm pwetty, Shouta?"

A laugh burst out of Shouta then when he noted that deepening blush on Shouta's cheek when a hand reached up to grab his hand before he could pull it away properly. He was tugged close to the black-haired man with an arm curling around his waist once again. His hand flew to his shoulder when he stumbled over his feet. He was held close again with the black-haired man smiling at him crookedly. There was a warmth to that dark gaze that had him melting. "I think you're very pretty, Zashi."

He swore his face couldn't burn any hotter. It wasn't possible. And yet his cheeks were throbbing from the force of his blush when he met that dark gaze as the black-haired man's arm tightened around his waist. The hand holding his wrist squeezed gently. He couldn't find his words. Shouta was acting differently, and it had his face hotter than anything as he arched slightly with his feet thudding over the floor when he shifted his weight. "Yo-You know I don't like it when you joke with me like that, Sho!"

"Who said it was a joke?" He let out a choked sound when the black-haired man squeezed him gently with his hand being lowered with that thumb sliding along his wrist. What did he say? What did he do? He was screaming for his body to move. To put space but the arm around his waist felt so fucking good after imaging for months what a hug from this man would feel like and he was overwhelmed when Shouta ducked his head down. "I think you're very pretty, Hizashi. I mean that. There's nothing wrong in that, is there?"

He was breathless. He didn't know what to say. How to react. He didn't know what to say to the black-haired man who was holding him with-with tenderness? Holding him so carefully as if he were ready for him to tell him not to touch him. As if he were preparing to be burned somehow. And his face was a damn hot mess as the tips of his ears stung with the heat of his blush much like Shouta's. The tips of the man's ears were red. "I-I don't think there's anything wrong in that."

"Then you're okay with being pretty? Most men I know hate being referred to as beautiful, pretty, or anything of the sort." Shouta's arm tightened around his waist with Eri whining between them once more. It was so hard to remember her that he feared he'd drop her. He tightened his arm around the baby before tugging his wrist from Shouta's hold to curl around Eri when Shouta looked down at the baby in his arms then up to him. "Do you think it's okay that I find you pretty, Zashi?"

Did he think it was okay? It had him wanting to scream. Wanting to shriek yes, yes, yes! Yes, it was okay! And yet his throat felt tight when he ducked his head down to break off eye contact with his heart thudding so hard it was a wonder, he didn't hear the quiet throbs in his ruined ears. It had him squirming when the arm around him slacked when he then licked at his lips before peeking at the black-haired man when he took a breath. "I-I think that's more than okay because I- Shouta! Soup!"

The black-haired man jumped when he turned to the stove where soup was bubbling past the lid to which he cursed. The arm around him slid away with Shouta pulling the pot off the heat then ripping the top off. It smelled fine when he heard the pattering of feet rushing down the hallway towards them. He glanced over to find Hitoshi and Izuku pausing in the doorway to look in on the scene curiously. "Dad? Is the soup okay? Are you and Mister Aizawa okay?"

"We're fine, Izu! Perfectly fine! How about you both go finish watching TV, yeah?" Both boys traded a concerned look before nodding as they turned hesitantly to walk down the hallway with Eri stroking a lock of his hair. He felt flustered. Embarrassed. He didn't know what to do with himself. He didn't know what to do other than to look away. To process what had just been said. Leaning against the counter his brain repeated those four words over and over again like a strobe light. Repeated like a chant he couldn't rid himself of.

Shouta thinks he's pretty.