| Step in Time | 172732014

Winter Wonderland ft. Ochako Uraraka

The clatter of pots and pans filled your ears while you ensured everything was running smoothly and on time, watching the oven and the stove top and breathing in all the rich smells that filled the kitchen. After moving in and living for a few months with Shouto Todoroki, he decided to invite friends over for Christmas, somewhat returning the favour Midoriya had last year despite it primarily being a celebration for his proposal to his now fiance. Unfortunately, not everyone was able to make it, having learnt that they made plans of their own. This did not deter you though while you prepped the large dinner for tonight, while also calling in a friend early for an extra hand.

"Thank you for coming, Uraraka," you sighed with relief once you cooled a few dishes from the stove. "I wouldn't know what to do with the time I have."

"What are friends for? Besides with what happened lately between everybody, it's good to see you're okay," chirped Uraraka while she began to migrate dishes from one counter or another, keeping them as warm as possible before the advent of guests were to arrive at the doorstep.

"Same."

You watched the stove top slowly cook away but your thoughts flew elsewhere. A lot had transpired over the course of this manic mayhem in Musatafu. Despite the heat of the kitchen, you still felt that chill in your bones and seizing your lungs, if only for a fair few minutes while staring up at the sky in Todoroki's arms. You saw him glow alight. His flames licked against your skin but did not harm you, recalling the flicker of heat that only scorched past the chill. There was another, but you succumbed to the cold before grabbing a good hard look. It was only after that you felt the warmth return, slowly like a smouldering fire attempting to reignite.

The capture was successful, but at what cost, you thought, while you played around with the ring that was still bound on your finger, twirling it in anxiousness.

"Say, did you get a chance to check out the store I suggested?" Chirped Uraraka while she brought you back from your thoughts. You gasped a little, drawing concern to her eyes before you masked it with a slight nervous chuckle.

"Oh, yeah, Shouto and I got a quick glance some time ago," you quickly piped while you continued to stir a few dishes on the stove. "We have ideas in mind, but it's a shame we didn't bump into Midoriya there. Shouto was hoping to ask him a few things."

"I heard he already had a look himself with his fiance. Bad timing I guess?"

The company while preparing for the Christmas celebrations was a reprieve, smiling at an old friend before the dishes were ready to be stored to cool and prepare again. A sense of normalcy was a reward. After what had happened in capturing Seek, the Endeavour Agency allowed you time to recuperate from the severity of your condition. Though you were back on your feet after a day or two, it was still suggested for you to stay until the new year transpired. Part of you wondered how much of this was Todoroki's doing in encouraging the decision to keep you at home, but you also saw the exhaustion in his eyes, now tracking the Front's position thanks to his eldest brother, truthful or not.

"How is the agency?" Slowly asked Uraraka, catching you off guard once again. You began to wonder if she was reading your mind before you caught her curious gaze.

"They're doing their best. Not surprising given the Charity Ball," you commented while you wiped the little sweat from your brow and unclothing your apron. "At least from what I heard, the agency is set to push forward with further investigations and be able to send out more Sidekicks into the field. And I want to be there."

Uraraka turned her gaze onto you, watching that determined look in your eye. Despite all that you had been put through, you had grown from the experience, and had pushed your limits, surprising not only yourself but Todoroki as well. At the very least, you hoped he was able to complete one request of yours before the sound of the door caught your ear. Uraraka and yourself turned to find a very exhausted Todoroki entering his home with the slight chill from the snow-covered paths catching him from behind. His hair draped his shoulders before they slid across the jacket he began to slip off upon stepping foot inside. His tired eyes glanced towards the both of you, finding a smiling Uraraka who waved happily while you gazed upon his form, concerned.