| Step in Time | 172732014

Promises

Waves crashed against the shore while you moved your arms towards the water, following its ebb and flow, mimicking its motions while you pushed and pulled. You took a breath, evenly paced until you broke the water's surface tension, collecting a torrent and swaying your arms back and forth. With each move, you felt your body temperature drop slowly, still keeping your breath even.

With one deep exhale, you pushed your arms slowly before you, dropping your collected water back into the swelling waves.

You felt the shivers rub up your back, shaking your shoulders to rid yourself of the feeling between your shoulders. Rubbing your arms close to your body, you attempted to warm yourself, thankful for the wetsuit that you were wearing to keep any residual body heat in your inner core. Thanks to Idaten's most hardworking and influential mechanic, they suggested the material would work best in your field. Scuba divers are your friend, they commented upon discussing your needs.

RING

And luckily, it came with pockets.

"Hello?" you answered through your chattering teeth, reaching for your large jersey to slip on over the outfit.

"Love, did you overdo it again?" asked Todoroki over the line.

"Oh, no, just adjusting to the new outfit. It's an improvement. How was your morning?"

"Over and done with. I've managed to finalize everything. Natsuo says hi by the way."

"If he's still there, tell him I say hi too."

"Hm, see you back at the agency?"

You hopped on the spot, attempting to keep your body temperature normalized while you grabbed onto your bag, swinging over your shoulder in step. "Of course, heading there now. I hope you have a relaxing day today."

"Don't worry, I will. See you soon Love."

You skipped up the dunes towards the city road that edged along the coast of the beach, spotting the car left behind with its designated driver. You smiled at the man, nodding in acknowledgment while he opened the passenger door for you. With your phone still in hand, you searched your contacts, speed dialling a number you had been in contact with for quite some time now.

"Hello?"

"Hi Fuyumi," you chirped. "Did I catch you at a busy time?"

"I'm heading off to work. Is this about tonight?"

"Yeah, wondering how the homestead is looking?"

"I'll be sending the photos to you when I get myself sorted. All you have to do is keep him preoccupied."

"Aye aye ma'am."

After a quick farewell, you called another number, eyeing the buildings that sped past on your way to the agency.

"Heyo!"

"Hey Natsuo! How did your morning go?"

"Looks like Shouto doesn't have an inkling of what's going on. Plan is in motion."

"So I guess this morning was a success by the sounds of it."

"It's been a while the both of us had some brotherly time together. I'm surprised he agreed to an early gym session with me at work."

"Thanks for doing this though Natsuo."

"Hey, what's family for? Besides, Shouto deserves the world, and he's lucky to have you too."

"Stop it Natsuo."

"Nah, I mean it. He's over the moon."

Speaking with his siblings was a breath of fresh air after your personal training session this morning. For the past month, you had been speaking with them on the side to plan for a family birthday bash for Todoroki, and it was coming down to the wire. After all, if Todoroki asked for their advice on many things regarding your relationship, why not do the same for his birthday?