Mr. Fahrenheit

“It’s gonna be so fun!” Natsuo exclaimed loudly over the phone. “Loosen up, little brother!”

Shouto grimaced. “I don’t think ‘club life’ is for me.”

He could practically hear Natsuo’s eye roll. “Look. We are all adults. Fuyumi’s got two kids and even she is willing to come out for an hour or two tonight!”

“Only you would want to party with your older sister like this.”

“I’m on the phone too, you know.” Fuyumi chastised them both, though he could tell she was holding back a laugh. “And Natsuo’s right. You’re such an ornery old man sometimes. The world will be okay if you take a break.”

Will it though?  Shouto mused, nervously fidgeting. Twenty-one years old, and he was still being poked and prodded by his siblings to be ‘fun’. It was a testament to his love for Natsuo that he was even considering going out at all. He tried avoiding the phone calls for weeks after his older brother sent out the invite, but the moment Natsuo sent Fuyumi after him the chase was over.

“Look. It’s my bachelor party. I can’t not have my own baby brother there to celebrate with me, even if he is elderly.”

“Bachelor parties are supposed to be with your dude bros, not your real bros,” Shouto deadpanned.

“Not my real br- what type of sh- what would you even know about it?” Natsuo retorted while Fuyumi cackled.

“That was terrible, Shoucchan. Natsuo has invited his friends, but of course he wants his brother to be there. Why don’t you want to go?”

“Because I don’t know anyone. I’m not…social. I’ll just be standing there, awkward.” Shouto’s awkward standing was normal around his friends; they accommodated for him, and loved him regardless. Strangers? Strangers asked too many questions, wanted to prod and stare, and it made him uncomfortable.

“Well, why don’t you bring Midoriya with you? That way you’ll have a friend there.” Fuyumi slid in slyly. Shouto went silent, but Natsuo inhaled sharply in excitement.

“Yes! That would be awesome! Heroes at the party, other than you? I’ll be famous.”

“No, no! I’m not going to- “Shouto groaned. “Look. Stop it, both of you.”

“We’re already the children of a famous hero, Natsuo. Does this count?” Fuyumi mused.

“Fuck him. I want new fame from the awesome heroes that hang out with my kid brother.”

“Natsu-nii! Yumi-nee!”

“Maybe I can talk about how Midoriya used to come in for snacks! Oh, you and he were so adorable when-”

“Enough!” The phone call went silent, and then Shouto sighed. “I’ll stop in for a little bit.”

“Ha! Most excellent!” Natsuo exclaimed. “Don’t wear one of those dumpy sweaters you like; it’s a night club and it can get kind of nasty in more ways than one.” The tease lingered after the line clicked, leaving a smug Fuyumi and a distressed Shouto.

“I don’t exactly have ‘club clothes’ either, Fuyumi.”

“I’ve already got you, hun. I’m on my way now. I knew you’d say yes, so I bought you something I think you’d like.”

Shouto didn’t know whether to be offended or thankful. “How much do I owe you?”

“Nothing. Consider it a gift. I just know you are going to look amazing in it! I checked your clothes sizes last time I visited; you’ve got a great figure, Shouto,” she teased. “You should show it sometimes.”

Choking on his own spit, Shouto took a few moments to collect himself.

“What are you even talking about? You know what? No. I’m not going to even ask. I’ll see you later.”

Fuyumi grinned as she hung up, before searching through her contacts…

------

[Yumi T]

Hello- is this still Midoriya Izuku’s phone number?

[Midoriya]

Yes- this is Todoroki Fuyumi-san, right?

[Yumi T]

No need for the honorifics! I was wondering if you were busy tonight?

Natsuo is having his bachelor party tonight

And Shouto is very nervous to go by himself

I told him he ought to invite friends, but he is nervous about that too

[Midoriya]

…Do you think he’d want me there?

[Yumi T]

I think it would mean the world to him

Even if he won’t admit it

And I think you being there for him would help his anxiety

[Midoriya]

I’ll always be there for Shouto! Just let me know when and where

I’ll be glad to help!

[Yumi T]

Wonderful!

So, is there anyone else you think can make it tonight?

[Midoriya]

Um… I can ask, sure!

Some people will be on call but

I’m sure somebody must be available.

[Yumi T]

The more the merrier. I’m sure he’ll be really excited to see some friends!

Also, don’t tell him you’re coming. It’s a surprise.

[Midoriya]

Is Natsuo okay with us coming? If it’s his bachelor party and all…

[Yumi T]

Having famous heroes at his party?

He’ll have a ball. Don’t worry about it.

And you don’t have to stay all night.  

Forwarding the club address now; make sure to check the dress code.

I’ll have Shouto there, dressed and ready 😉

------

‘Dressed and ready’ managed to sound intimate when next to Shouto’s name, and it left Izuku a little too hot and bothered for his own comfort. Shaking it off, he texted his friends in a new group chat (separate from the one Shouto was in).

[SmallMight]

So, who’s trying to go to a bachelor party with Shouto and I tonight?

[RoundFace]

EXCUSE MOI? ‘SHOUTO AND I’???

[KeroKero]

Is there something you want to tell us, Midoriya?

[SmallMight]

-_- it’s his brother’s, and we were invited.

[IidaTenya]

While I do partake in a little alcohol, I am willing to be the designated driver tonight.

Your safety is of utmost importance as

[SmallMight]

Momo?

[IidaTenya]

….as noted heroes. *Sigh* I’ll drive.

[LackofCREATIvity]

I’m in! I heard about Natsuo’s wedding coming up too.

I can even get one of my dad’s limos, or maybe even a party bus- make it a real party!

Iida you don’t have to drive, dear. Hold on-

*MixtapeJill has been added to the chat*

[MixtapeJill]

Ahem

I have waited YEARS to see Shouto get lit.

I’ve got a few songs I’m trying to see if he sings.

I already know which one is the likely winner.   

[RoundFace]

Oh, this is going to be legendary. Tsu and I are in!

[KeroKero]

It’s going to be so nice to relax for once.

[SmallMight]

I’m about to send the address.

Wait- Mixtape Jill?

[MixtapeJill]

Yeah

Earphone Jack? Mixtape Jill?

[SmallMight]

…

Well why not Headphone Jill

[MixtapeJill]

It was a drunk joke from a drunk night, Midoriya

It was funny out loud

Mind your business

[LackofCREATIvity]

Anyway

Why don’t we meet at my place?

I want to take some pictures, and we can ride there together.

[IidaTenya]

How serendipitous that we are all available tonight!

I look forward to seeing you all!

[KeroKero]

Same!

Laughing at his friends, Izuku leaned back onto his bed buzzing with excitement. He’d be lying if he said it didn’t sound exciting to see everyone together again, even if he couldn’t dance to save his life. Jirou made the best mixtapes for nights out too, so it was sure to be awesome. Pocket vibrating, a notification for a new private DM pops up onto his phone screen.

[RoundFace]

Sooo…. Since Todoroki is gonna be there, you gonna show some skin

Toot the boot a little if you know what I’m saying, orrr?

[SmallMight]

Don’t do this. His sister invited us, and we are just friends.

[RoundFace]

Literally everyone knows you both want to be more than friends

It’s the perfect time

“Accidentally” bump into him while dancing in the dark

“Accidentally” hold his hand when you offer him a drink

Deku

Deku I see you leaving me on read

[SmallMight]

No thoughts

Head empty

It was a lie. Unwittingly, her suggestions had become fantasies that swirled in his head. The glow of club lights, a pulsing beat helping to cover his own heart palpitations. Not bad ideas.

[RoundFace]

So, if Todoroki, say, starts grinding on a table to the song ‘Pony’, you aren’t going to-

Izuku chucked the phone across the room, his skin heating up probably to match said hero’s. His flush only became worse when he noticed that something twitched at the thought, and it wasn’t his eyelids. Deciding then and there that Ochaco was simply being a menace, he leapt off the bed and his closet, trying to find something appropriate to wear.

T-shirts, sweats, shorts, workout tights.

Why can’t I be stylish?

Scrambling for his phone, he quickly removed Ochaco’s DM and called Momo. She was into fashion, surely, she could help him find something cute!  

Not that he needed to be cute, or anything. It was only for the dress code!

-------

Shouto glanced in the mirror, looked down, and grimaced. A soft-washed, navy blue cold shoulder shirt hung loosely on his frame, leaving his entire collarbone exposed while gripping at his biceps. It matched perfectly with the matte navy combat boots. But the fake leather leggings? His circulation was sure to cut off at some point!

“Fuyumi,” he whined childishly, causing her to roll her eyes. They were in Shouto’s room, party music playing softly in the background.

“Shouto, you look like a total babe.”

“It’s…a little tight, don’t you think?” He tugged at the fabric, distraught when it hardly pinched.

“You wear spandex as a hero all the time.”

Shouto had no response, grumbling instead. It wasn’t like he liked the spandex. But compression shorts and shirts were necessary underneath!

“And besides, the leggings only seem tight because you aren’t used to them. They’ll get comfortable soon. Trust me. You look fine. If they really hurt, we’ll try something else, okay?”

Shouto moved away from the mirror and groaned. “I’m going to trust you because you are my beloved sister.”

Fuyumi nodded in assent. “Now what to do with your hair?”

Shouto reached up for it. He hadn’t thought about it. “Maybe I’ll just leave it.”

“Maybe I’ll just leave it,” Fuyumi mimicked, laughing when Shouto threw a pillow at her. “I think I want to do something different. Something to showcase those beautiful eyes of yours.” She turned him back to the mirror, moving his hair out of his eyes.

“It’s down to the middle of your back now, meaning we can do a little something with it.” She began murmuring to herself as she pulled his hair this way and that, planning. Once she accidentally pulled his hair too hard from his scar, and he flinched at his reflection.

Fuyumi, observant as ever, gently turned his face toward hers.

“What have I been saying ever since you were little?”

“I… I am handsome.”

“And?”

“There’s n-nothing wrong with me.”

Fuyumi knew that deep down, under the ice-cold defensiveness, lay a child that was still self-conscious about his scar. He very rarely moved his hair out of his face, at least the red side. What started as something purposeful to protect himself as a child became reflexive even until now. 

“There’s nothing wrong with you. Your scar? Roguish and charming. You have a face to die for- multi-colored eyes, strong cheekbones, and a strong jawline. Quite the hunk.”

Shouto blushed, licking his lips as a bashful smile slips through. “Don’t say ‘roguish’ or ‘hunk’ ever again.”

“A knave, then.”

“’Knave’? What is this, you still read shoujos at your age?”

Fuyumi nods, nonplussed. “And my husband is quite supportive of it, too.”

Shouto tsks before turning away. “Let me find that kind of love one day,” he murmurs. Fuyumi grimaces.

“What’s really going on, Shouto, hm? Why does this make you so nervous?” Fuyumi’s tone brooks no argument, gentle but firm. Still, he knows that if he’s not truly ready to speak, she won’t force him. She’s always been patient like this, and he’s grateful for it. Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Shouto messes with his fingers until he finally sighs.

“It’s just… well, I feel exposed,” he whispered, allowing Fuyumi to sit him down in the chair she found. “I’ve never tried something like this, to be ‘pretty’, even though everyone else keeps saying that I am. It’s hard to believe it. It’s hard to believe it when every day you look in the mirror, you see…”

Shouto’s eyes became distant as he tried to squeeze the memory of his mother’s words away.

“I never thought I’d ever want to show off my face, I guess. Get dressed up because I wanted to or go out like this. I’m kind of… scared.” He whispers the last sentence, almost humiliated for being nervous over something so silly.  

“Shouto, you’ve made so much progress- you know that?”

Confused, he turned to look up at her. She smiled back, proud.

“You just expressed your feelings to me, unprompted. For a long time, that is not something you were willing to do. That takes strength, and growth.” Pausing to look at his hair, now in a high bun, she walked to search in her bag.

“You never thought you would have friends either, but you came home one day and had so many people willing to support and care for you.” Frowning at her ineffective search, she dumped the bag out onto his bed. “You never thought that you could truly heal in the way that you have, and yet look at you now- powerful, kind, and empathetic. A true hero. You are in control of your own destiny.”

Finding the pin that she was looking for, she returns to fluffing his hair.

The mirror in front of him blurs, tears flowing down Shouto’s face as he stares at himself and his sister in rapture. Fuyumi places the small silver pin into the bun, the red and blue gemstones dangling from the end.

“I suppose that’s a bit deep for simply going to a party, but still. You have managed so much more than you have ever thought you were capable of, Shoucchan, and you can do anything. Be proud of yourself. Be confident in who you are. Let yourself be confident in who you are.”

A poignant pause sinks in as she spritzes his hair with some fruity smelling spray and stands back content with her work.

“My niece and nephew have the best mom ever,” Shouto whimpers, lip quivering as he tries not to let the tears of gratitude fall.

“They damn sure do. Now wipe those tears, I’ve got eyeliner and highlighter to put on you!”

------

“Well?”

Izuku faced Momo and Jirou, who gasped in excitement.

“Midoriya- yes. Just…yes. That is you.” Momo gestures wildly, smiling. Jirou nodded in assent.

“Somebody’s been hitting the gym, and it shows. Look at those shoulders!”

Izuku smiled, fidgeting with the hem of the shirt. He’d come over for a makeover, and after a few outfits, he was glad they settled on something that worked with his style and comfort. The Henley top was black, with giving his torso a flattering cut. It was a V-neck, buttonless so that it showed the top and middle of his chest muscles. The jeans he wore were dark green, hanging at his hip and artfully torn. The look was tied together with black oxford boat shoes. 

“All right, Midoriya!” Momo called, clapping like a fashion photographer. “Give us that All Might, Plus Ultra, megawatt smile! That completes the look!” Izuku beamed, laughing as he strikes a few poses.  Momo was right- the entire ensemble accented his bright smile, tan skin, freckles, and all.

“Ooh, wait!” Momo reached up to her shoulder, pulling out a silver watch. “Put this on!”

When he did, Jirou nodded and gave him a thumbs up. “All done. Everyone will swoon over you tonight. Unless of course, you only want the eyes of one person.”

Izuku looked away while she waggled her eyebrows. “Jirou!”

She waved him off. “Begone! You can wait in the foyer for everyone else to show up. Make sure to put on my playlist, too. We’re going to get dressed now.”

“Yeah, right. ‘Dressed’. Just remember we have somewhere to be, you two.” He teased. Momo blushed, but Jirou laughed, languidly pulling her fingers across Momo’s collar.

“You’ll have her when I’m ready,” she wickedly teases. “Goodbye, Midoriya.”

Sitting in the opulent front room of Momo’s mansion was always daunting, considering it could literally consume Midoriya’s apartment. Luckily, it has a stocked bar, so he was able to grab himself a cider and sit. Swaying to the music playing in the background, he patiently waited for his other friends to arrive.

Iida was the first to arrive, punctual as always.

“Midoriya! Good to see you!” he shouts, moving to wrap him in a bear hug.

“Good to see you too, Iida. You look great!”

Iida had opted for dark wash jeans, but the look was clean with red suspenders, red bowtie, black leather shoes and a light blue button up that fit his chest nicely. He’d even slicked his hair back, even though he still had on the nerdy glasses.

“You as well! Though I see I may be overdressed.”

“No shame in looking nice. In fact, this outfit almost looks like the time when we went to Kam-”

Iida nodded sharply, flushing. “Enough! It was not purposeful!”

Biting his lip to stop from laughing, Izuku led him to the fully stocked bar to make him a drink. Within the hour and two drinks between them, the ladies finally arrive, and they are all stunning. Ochaco and Tsuyu are wearing matching sleeveless pink and green velvet party dresses that fall to midthigh, with flower crowns to complete the simple, fae look. Momo opted for an elegant red full-length bodysuit with black roses down the open torso, letting her long hair loose. Jirou stuck to her classic punk rock look, with electric purple leggings and a black crop top.

“Your outfits are flawless, ladies!” Iida complimented, flushed from the rum and coke in his hand. “The lipsticks all manage to match the colors chosen- very well coordinated!”

“You’re so sweet!” Ochaco crowed, smiling with pleasure. “Don’t you two look ravishing, tonight?”

Iida bowed, accepting the praise with high honors. Izuku just flushed, running his hands through his hair. Ochaco slyly sidled up next to him.

“I see we went all out for Todoroki, hm? Even a watch? How charming.”

Before Izuku could retort, or even breathe, Momo was clapping her hands to gather everyone’s attention.

“All right! So tonight, I was able to get us that party bus! It should hold about fifty people. I texted Fuyumi-san about it, and she said that she’s currently corralling Natsuo-san and his friends for the surprise. Remember- it’s his bachelor party, so make sure to tell him congratulations!”

“Yes Madame Vice-President, we hear you loud and clear,” Ochaco teased, nudging Momo as she walked outside.

“Momo is our host! We must be respectful!” Iida directed, waving his hands.

“Yeah whatever, Prez.” Jirou retorted, crossing her hands behind her head as she sauntered outside.

“Let’s go, Iida,” Izuku laughed, pulling a squawking Iida along.

------

“Shoucchan, are you okay?” Fuyumi gently probed. “Your cheeks are already red. How much have you had to drink?”

Upon entrance to the pulsating club, Natsuo caught Shouto and plied him with a large cup of strawberry champagne. He’d needed about two more cups of it once Natsuo’s friends surrounded him, asking lots of questions, and wanting lots of (refused) pictures. Nerves melting away, he gently swayed to the thundering bass of the pop music in a corner of the club for about an hour.

“Enough,” he teased before returning to his swaying. Fondly shaking her head, Fuyumi sat down in one of the nearby booths.

“Aw sis, let him have fun!” Natsuo slurred, slipping a hard cider bottle into Shouto’s hands. “He’s only young once!”

“Natsuo, it’s your bachelor party- aren’t you supposed to be the one getting drunk?”

“Trust me sister, I am!” Natsuo grinned widely as he tossed a drunken arm around his equally tall brother. “And I’m making sure my tall-ass baby brother is having fun too!”

Fuyumi chuckled, before spotting the front door and smirking. “Trust, if Shouto isn’t having fun now, he will be.” Pointing toward the door, Natsuo and Shouto turned, and Shouto’s jaw dropped.

As if entering a movie scene, his friends all strut in fashionably late and the entire party erupts once they see that not just one, but an entire group of top heroes were in their midst.

But Shouto’s eyes were drawn to the middle, where a green-haired man stood dressed to kill.

Were those Oxfords? The well-fitting jeans? A watch? Was that Izuku?

It should be illegal to wear a shirt that shows off biceps like that. It should be illegal to have biceps like that.

Flushing furiously, Shouto quickly shook off Natsuo’s arm and hustled to Fuyumi, hopping from side to side.  

“Fuyumi…Yumi-nee, my dearest sister…. why did you do this to me?”

“Because I know you’ll have more fun that way.” Fuyumi handed him a Jameson and ginger, winking. “Some liquid courage. You can have a sip, though you may want to slow down tonight. Besides, it’s okay, you look- Shouto!”

Horrified, there was nothing she could do as Shouto chugged down the entire drink.

“I’m now worried that I can’t leave you to make your own choices, after all.” Frowning, she took the glass back. “Wipe your face off, and here- drink some water.”

Gulping down the glass of water, Shouto went to wipe his lips with his hand when he felt a tug at his waist. Fingers still on his lip, he almost twists directly into Izuku’s arms.

“Shouto?”

------

Are those leather? Why are they so tight? Why are his thighs so strong?

His heart pounded in his chest as Izuku took in Shouto’s form from across the room. His eyes had immediately fallen onto the dignified posture, the sculpted shoulder blades, the incredibly fit thighs and calves…

Gathering his courage, he walks over to him, tugging on his shirt. Shouto turns, fingers on his lips, and immediately Izuku wants to kiss them out of the way.  

“Shouto?”

“Izuku. Uh, hey.” Shouto replies, bracing himself on the table. Behind him, Fuyumi snorts.

“You look really nice. Is that highlighter?” He’d have to be blind not to notice the subtle, perfectly placed silver highlighter on Shouto’s cheekbones, leaving him glowing.

“Yeah. Fuyumi, she, uh, thought it was cute. You look cute too! I mean-”

Izuku’s eyebrows rose as Shouto’s cheeks grew red.

“He’s a bit drunk, if you haven’t noticed.” Worry seeps into Fuyumi’s tone as she stands up. “I’m a little nervous to leave him here on his own, but I planned on going back home after this and I don’t want to end his night so quickly.”

“I’ll take care of him!” Izuku immediately offers. “I won’t get drunk or anything, I promise!”

“Hm.” Fuyumi’s secret smile makes Izuku wonder if he’s passed some sort of test. “All right. Only because I trust you. Take care of my brother; he’d better not get into any trouble. And you, Shouto!” Grabbing Shouto’s chin, she pulls him to eye level. “Have fun. Relax. Drink water. I’m leaving you in Midoriya’s care, okay?”

Shouto gives her a dopey nod.

“Hey sis, check this out!” Natsuo shouts from across the room. “A party bus! Gifted from top heroes! Isn’t it fantastic?”

Trusting Shouto’s fate, she strides confidently to Natsuo. “Yes, little brother, it’s fantastic. I’m about to head out, now. I’ll text Sakura that you’re coming home sloshed.”

“Oh, sis. She already knows. It’s why the wedding is next week instead of tomorrow. She’s so wonderful too, I love her so much, let me tell you about when-” 

Giggling, Izuku turns back to Shouto, who is now crouching in the abandoned booth.

“Sorry. I didn’t think words would- would be so hard.” He mutters, causing Izuku to chuckle.

“No, it’s okay. I’ve never seen you so....” he struggles for the words. “Party-ready, before.”

Shouto nods, pouting. “I didn’t want to be here, to be honest. I didn’t think I could do the whole-” he gestures at his face “-party thing. But Fuyumi talked me into it. She said I’d overcome so much, and that this was just the next thing that I was strong enough to do. So, I did it.”

Expression soft, Izuku sat directly next to Shouto and placed a hand on his shoulder.  

“She’s absolutely right! I’m proud of you too, Shouto! And- and I’m so happy you’re here!” Deciding to shoot his shot, Izuku puts on his most confident face. “I would love to spend this night by your side, if you’ll have me.”

Maybe it wasn’t fair of him to take advantage of Shouto’s tipsiness by being so audacious, but watching color deliciously flood his face was worth it. Especially when Shouto cuddles his face into Izuku’s shoulder and gives him the warmest smile he’s ever seen.

“I would love nothing more.”

Their faces are slowly moving towards each other, when-

“Hey, you two!” They turn to see Ochaco staring, smirk on her face. “Stop flirting and come on! Natsuo-san’s got his party on the bus, and we’re waiting for you both!”

Izuku stands and gallantly holds a hand out to Shouto. “Well, our chariot awaits!”

“You mean my drunken brother’s liquor bus awaits.”

“Let him have fun during his bachelor party!” Izuku teases.

“I might do things a little differently, for mine.” Shouto murmurs, slipping his hand into Izuku’s. Izuku’s heart jumps in his chest.

------

Colorful visions blur past Shouto’s eyes, but he can’t seem to catch any of it.

Those are- people? He doesn’t know them. There’s loud singing? What are they singing? And why is he jumping with them? He doesn’t know, but he loves the beat! The music is amazing! He’s singing along too!

Oh no- he feels a little woozy, he’s falling forward- but someone just caught him.

Strong arms. A pretty silver watch is on it.

“Shouto?” the voice calls, concerned. But Shouto isn’t concerned. He lifts the wrist with the pretty watch and kisses the inside lustfully.

“So pretty,” he coos.

“No, Shou, please. We already did this earlier, you’re most definitely out of it now.”

The arm drags him to the side, placing something wet to his lips.

Water! It’s so good.

“Please drink this. We both need to calm down.”

“Mm, it’s warm. I’ll cool it off.”

He freezes the water and the glass completely solid. Pouting, Shouto blithely drops the glass, which incidentally doesn’t crack as it’s caught.

“Izuku, you’re so handsome. Come here.”

Shouto takes a step toward the handsome man, and collapses.

------

An obnoxious squawking noise wakes Shouto, but his vision is blurry when he opens his eyes. Trying to find it, his stomach twists on itself and he falls back into the bed, clutching his mouth.

“Shouto? Are you okay? You need some water? The trash can is right next to you.”

Heart seizing, he quickly rolls onto his side to see Izuku gazing sleepily at him. His head spins due to more than just the hangover when the implications begin to hang heavy, and he scrambles to remember what happened the night before.

“We- we didn’t-” he chokes, pointing between the two of them. Izuku immediately focuses, frowning.

“No! No of course not, you were drunk, I would never take advantage of you like that!”

Sighing in relief, the dizziness forces Shouto to fall back onto the bed. He realizes that he’s clean and wearing a borrowed t-shirt and shorts. The entire space is warm, comforting and smells like Izuku, so they must be at his apartment.

“What happened, last night?” he asks, squeezing his eyes shut as he regains his equilibrium. The deep breaths he’s taking help, though part of it is so he can revel in the smell. Giggling, Izuku moves face to face with him.

“What do you remember?”

Flashes of the lights in the club, Izuku’s outfit, too many drinks, the large crowd singing obnoxiously on the bus, Izuku’s lips on his neck and shoulders-

Subconsciously, he reaches for his collar, and Izuku blushes.

“Not much,” Shouto deflects. “You tell me.” Sighing in relief, Izuku bites his lip to stop from smiling.

“You got drunk. Drunk enough to join in karaoke on the bus and drunk enough to leave the world with these gems.”

Unlocking his phone and turning on Instagram, he holds the screen out in front of Shouto. Shouto watches in horror as he clicks Jirou’s story. There are multiple videos. The first is of Ochaco holding Shouto bent deeply into a slight headlock as she dances with him. Their height difference is so stunning that when Shouto leans up, laughing boisterously, Ochaco simply floats up with him. The next video is Iida and Izuku engaged in an arm-wrestling battle, with all the civilians cheering them on. Their classmates simply roll their eyes; it’s a given who is going to win this fight. Still, when Izuku wins, Shouto and Ochaco wrap their arms around him with a cheer. The other images are of assorted groups of people, Momo, even one video of Natsuo as “the wedding boy” hugging Shouto. But the final video is what almost kills him.

The entire bus is singing the chorus to ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen, though the video focuses on a very flushed, smiling Shouto singing the lyrics.

“I’m burnin’ through the sky, yeah,

Two hundred degrees, that’s why they call me Mister Fahrenheit!

I’m traveling at the speed of light,

I wanna make a

supersonic man out of you!”

The caption “Somebody better pick up that phone, bc I fucking called it” is labeled in bold underneath. Hundreds of thousands of people have seen it.

Izuku cackles as Shouto twists away in mortification, flames beginning to lick at his cheeks.

“If it makes you feel any better, you have a lovely singing voice- I wasn’t as drunk as you, trust me. You hit some of those notes, and the bus did too! I’ll be shocked if ‘#IdolShouto’ isn’t trending on Twitter already. It was a really awesome time.”

“Did anything good happen?” Wailing muffled by the mattress, Shouto tries his best to sink into non-existence. 

“You had a great time. We um… we did make out for a little bit, after you pushed me into the bathroom when you said you were feeling sick. But I promise you that’s all that happened!”

The flashes of the night are enough to make both flush. Shouto now remembers pulling Izuku into the bathroom with him, pushing him onto the toilet, planting himself firmly on his lap and lasciviously stroking his chest and arms. Izuku remembers succumbing to the siren call that was Shouto’s exposed neck and shoulders, prompted more by Shouto’s hands tangling in his hair.

“But it was enough for me to realize that you needed to go home. We both definitely needed to get out of there. When I tried to call an Uber to take you home, you did get sick on the side of the road, so I brought you here instead. I stood outside the door while you showered and got into some pajamas and used the bathroom. After I took a shower and came to check on you in bed with some water, you absolutely refused to let go of me. So now we’re here.”

“…So no, nothing good happened, okay.”

Rolling his eyes, Izuku pushes Shouto’s shoulder enough so that they can stare into each other’s eyes.

“Everything good happened. Like I said, you had a good time. You had a ball, according to your singing.” Izuku teases, grinning. “You relaxed. It was nice to see you let loose, to enjoy yourself. I like-” he pauses, taking a deep breath. “I like seeing you happy. And you were very happy. Let yourself be happy, Shou. You deserve it.”

Both Izuku and his sister’s words are loud in his ears, overwhelming Shouto with this sudden desire to let go.

Let yourself be confident in who you are.

Let yourself be happy. 

You deserve it.

Trusting in this newfound wave of confidence, Shouto throws himself into Izuku and squeezes him tight.

“Thank you so much, Izuku,” he whispers, smiling softly. “Thank you so much for taking care of me, for being there for me.”

“No problem! Um, thanks for being vulnerable with me. And, um-” At the strange pause, Shouto looks up to a blushing Izuku and cocks his head in question. “You were just rubbing your face on my chest. In an…interesting spot. Sorry.”

“Oh.”

Mischief narrowing his eyes, Shouto grins and moves his lips back down to Izuku’s chest and blows some cool air. Yelping, Izuku jumps out of the bed.

“So! Um, I’m sure that we’re both hungry- pizzas always good after a night of drinking! You don’t seem too overly hungover, so I’m going to go handle that! Or, order something? Yeah!”

“I remember that I asked you to be mine.”

Izuku pauses in his panic, jaw slamming shut as he locks eyes with Shouto. The latest memory stands out clearly now, cemented forever due to the overwhelming desire of the moment. Izuku was leaving kisses up his neck, and Shouto had let the secret desire slip in a sigh. He’d planned on just pretending it never happened, but now-

“Did you accept my offer?” Slowly moving off the bed, he saunters closer until he wraps his arms lazily around Izuku’s shoulders.

“I told you I’d wait until you were sober and if you remembered what you said,” Izuku heart is pounding, self-control wavering as Shouto’s lips begin pressing against his jaw.

“And?”

Izuku’s shoulders go slack, and he wraps Shouto into an intense kiss, heat spreading between them when Shouto presses their bodies together. They only pull away when the need to breathe becomes unbearable, and they’re gasping and giggling when Izuku replies:

“Forever. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.” 

Smiling ear to ear, Shouto swoons into his arms as their lips reach each other again.