The city was draped in a blanket of snow, lights twinkling on every street corner as the festive season reached its peak. The Hero Public Safety Commission had organized a Christmas gathering for all the top pro heroes—a rare occasion where they could unwind, share a laugh, and, for once, leave their duties at the door. The event was being held in a large, elegantly decorated hall, complete with a towering Christmas tree in the center, ornaments reflecting the warm glow of the string lights that adorned every surface.
All Might, in his civilian form, stood near the entrance, greeting each hero as they arrived. His ever-present smile was even brighter than usual, the holiday spirit clearly infectious. To his right, Present Mic was already making the rounds, his booming voice carrying over the festive music as he cracked jokes and spread cheer. Midnight was not far behind, her sultry laugh blending with the lively chatter that filled the room. Fatgum, with his jolly demeanor, was already by the buffet table, exclaiming over the spread of food, while Mirko was challenging a group of younger heroes to a holiday-themed arm-wrestling competition.
It was shaping up to be a perfect evening—well, almost perfect. There was one notable absence that weighed on All Might’s mind. He glanced around the room, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd, but there was no sign of the number two hero.
Endeavor hadn’t shown up.
Hawks, who had been lounging near the drink station, noticed All Might’s searching gaze and sauntered over, a mischievous grin on his face. “Looking for someone, All Might? I bet I can guess who.”
All Might chuckled softly, but there was a hint of concern in his eyes. “It’s not a real party unless everyone’s here,” he said, his voice light but purposeful. “Even if one of us isn’t the ‘party type.’”
Hawks smirked, his feathers rustling as he leaned closer. “You think he’ll actually show? The guy’s practically allergic to fun.”
All Might’s smile widened. “We’ll see about that. I have a feeling he just needs a little nudge.”
A few minutes later, All Might slipped out of the hall, the cold winter air greeting him as he stepped outside. He had a hunch about where to find Endeavor, and it didn’t take long before he spotted a familiar figure standing alone on a nearby rooftop, the light from his flames casting a faint glow against the night sky.
“Endeavor!” All Might called out, his breath visible in the chilly air.
The number two hero turned, his expression as stern as ever, but there was a flicker of surprise in his eyes at the sight of All Might approaching.
“What are you doing up here?” All Might asked, coming to stand beside him. “The party’s inside. Everyone’s waiting.”
Endeavor’s gaze shifted back to the city below, his face as unreadable as ever. “I don’t have time for parties,” he said gruffly. “There’s work to be done.”
“All the more reason to take a break,” All Might countered, his tone light. “Even the strongest heroes need to recharge now and then. And besides, it’s Christmas. You deserve to enjoy it too.”
There was a long pause, the only sound the faint crackling of Endeavor’s flames and the distant hum of the city. All Might waited patiently, not pressing the matter further but letting his words sink in. Finally, Endeavor sighed, a barely perceptible exhale of resignation.
“All Might,” he began, his voice quieter than usual, “I’m not… good at these things. Socializing. It’s not my strength.”
All Might nodded, understanding in his eyes. “I know,” he said gently. “But it doesn’t have to be. We’re all here for each other, no judgment, no expectations. Just a chance to relax and be ourselves for a night.”
