Keeping You (Todoroki x Reader)

'...and then I pulled off a big blast that I call Plus Ultra Nova, and it incinerated the ice into tiny sparkling particles that floated down like snow, and everyone looked amazed. Even Bakugou!'

My mother laughed, a joyous sound I hadn't realised I'd missed so much until now. 'Sounds amazing, darling. I can't wait to see it for real when you're a Pro someday.'

'But don't forget you're still a kid,' my dad butted in. No doubt I was on speaker on their end as they cooked their own dinner. 'Enjoy your time not doing taxes and grocery shopping by yourself while you can.'

Mum's follow up scold made me laugh, but it also made me keenly aware of a yearning gap in heart.

'Don't worry, Dad,' I said. 'I've still got two and a half years left. Not going anywhere any time soon.'

'Speaking of which,' Dad continued, 'it's a shame the school couldn't let you guys join us, if only for one night. I mean, it's Christmas, after all.'

Silence fell over me as I stared out my bedroom window. Snow gracefully fell at a steady pace, swishing this way and that in the gentle breeze like ballerinas. A few landed on my window, each individual design being more beautiful than the last. They always seemed more beautiful on Christmas.

A sad smile drew upon my lips as I continued to stare out into the darkness that laid beyond the curtain of falling snow. 'Yeah, I guess they just want to be one-hundred-percent sure we're safe considering the recent attacks on the streets. They probably think that UA High is the safest place in the city, right now.'

The sigh my mother exhaled made me flinch with guilt. 'We know, darling, but it's still frustrating. I mean, you are our child. We looked after you for most of your life already. What's one more night?'

I wasn't sure if she was asking an actual question or not. If she was, I didn't have an answer. I also didn't understand why we couldn't go see family. Why we were restricted to phone calls and face times. The last time I physically saw them was from after we got back from Nabu Island and Shoto asked permission from them to date me.

As much as it was an embarrassing moment at the time, I look back on that day fondly. As I do with every encounter I have with my parents now that I can't see them as much. Some of my classmates may find that weird because of what they did, but I forgave them for that. They did it out of love, and that is something I will always be grateful for.

Gosh, I missed them so much.

Swallowing my frustrated tears before they could fall, I said, 'I know, Mum. I know.'

My clock beside my bed chimed 6pm. I let out a sad sigh. Time seriously didn't like me today. 'I'm sorry, guys, but I've got to go now. My friends and I organised a party and it's-'

'It's okay, darling,' Mum interrupted, her gentle voice contrasting her previous exasperation. 'Go and have some fun. It is Christmas, after all. We'll just hold onto your present until the next time we see you then.'

'I will, too, then. I love you guys.'

'We love you, too, sweetie,' Dad said, and I could see the smile on his face in his warm voice alone. 'Have a merry Christmas.'

'You too. Bye.'

I clicked the end call button and I was suddenly engulfed by silence. With the steady falling snow outside, I felt like I was in my very own snow globe world. That it was just me, in this moment, eternally plagued by conflicting emotions.

I shook my head. No, I will not feel sorry for myself tonight. Not when my friends are waiting for me. My eyes landed on the green outfit lined with white fur and matching hat sitting upon my desk. Momo had made us all specially designed Christmas outfits for tonight, to make us feel more connected as we celebrated together.