Chapter 23 - After Midnight

Saturday arrived all too quickly. You hadn't realized how nervous you were to show your look to people other than Mina and Toru. It had felt like a fun game of dress-up in her room, but now as you walked down the hallway to the stairs it felt much more real.

Your hair fell in easy curls down you back, a silver pin pulling some of the right-most twists from your face. Mina had done your makeup. A soft smoky eye was paired with a natural pink lip. She pinched your cheeks to enhance their rosy hue and painted your nails a vibrant crimson. Mina and Toru had decided that your only jewelry would be long silver earrings that ended with a single pearl. "You're the jewel after all!"

Yaoyorozu delivered sparkly peep toe pumps to Mina's room, a small sad frown on her face. She complimented your look but scurried from the room as soon as she could.

I wonder what that's about.

You took a deep breath before you took your first step down the stairs. You could see Todoroki's suit-clad back at the base. He turned when he heard you descend, his face brightening immediately. You let yourself smile back, relieved that he at least looked pleased.

You glanced down as you descended the stairs, holding the railing tightly, begging not to trip in the heels. You didn't realize until you were almost at the bottom that nearly the entire class was in the common room staring at you.

"[y/n] you look so beautiful!" Ochako chirped from one of the couches.

"Wow [y/n]! You're a total babe!" Kaminari added. He and Sero each held two thumbs up. That broke the tension, and you allowed yourself to lose your deer-in-the-headlights look and replace it was a smile.

"I know right?! Isn't she gorgeous!?" Mina elbowed the blond and black-haired boys to her either side.

Todoroki took your hand, leading you down the last step. There had been no need for Mina to pinch your cheeks. They were flushing on their own with every eye on you.

"Thanks," you whispered. The beep of a car horn sounded from outside.

"That's our ride. You ready?" You nodded and hummed your response.

"Have fun you two! Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" Mina called out, waving her hand like an embarrassing mother. You looked up to shoot her a dirty look, but your eyes caught on the boys sitting in front of her instead. Bakugou and Kirishima were staring at you with awestruck looks on their faces. You went redder still. Todoroki coughed as he opened the door for you. You broke eye contact and quickly turned to the door, scurrying onto the porch.

***

"A limo?" You staggered back when you saw the car.

"Huh. I guess that's what they sent," Todoroki responded like it was totally normal.

"For two people?"

"We're picking up my siblings too." You mouthed a small 'oh' as Todoroki opened this door as well. You lifted your skirt and slid into the back of the massive vehicle, placing your clutch on your lap. Todoroki slid in beside you after closing the door. The limo's engine began to hum.

With Todoroki in his grey suit and you in this amazing gown, alone in a limo, everything suddenly felt a bit more serious, but you refused to let that weight interfere with your fun night out.

"You look lovely by the way," he complimented as the car turned out of the campus.

"Oh. Thanks. You look nice too. Very handsome," you said giving him a warm smile.

After ten minutes of silence you pulled up to a traditional Japanese-styled house. The limo's horn beeped, and you could see two couples appear from the front door.

"Hey Shouto, skooch down, would you?" A boy with white hair a few years older than Todoroki pressed into the car followed by a girl with long purple tresses, who you assumed was his date.

Guest. I mean guest. It's not a date.

"Natsuo, did you remember your wallet?" An older girl, also with white hair but dotted with flecks of red, entered, followed by a man with dark brown hair sporting a festive bowtie.

"Yeah, I've got it. Just get in," the boy, Natsuo answered. "Hey Otouto, who's your friend? Wait! You're the girl from the Sports Festival, the one with the smoke! I'm Todoroki Natsuo, Shouto's older brother." Natsuo leaned over Todoroki's lap to grab your hand.

"[y/n]. Nice to meet you," you said, a little taken aback by your notoriety.

"And this here's my girlfriend, Yui." You nodded to the girl beside him. "And those two," he pointed, "are our older sister Fuyumi and her main squeeze Akio." Fuyumi smiled kindly.

"That's a lovely dress [y/n]-chan," Fuyumi added as the limo pulled away from the house.

"Thanks. I like yours too." You eyed Fuyumi's light pink A-line dress. It had a high neck and long sheer sleeves, making her look like an actual sakura blossom.

"Shouto didn't tell us he had a girlfriend," Natsuo chimed in putting his hand over Yui's.

"Oh...we're not dating," you protested, biting your lower lip until you realized you'd probably just gotten lipstick all over your teeth. You turned away slightly to rub them clean, missing Todoroki's dejected expression. You turned back. "We're friends from class. Study buddies! Shouto-kun helps me with history." You smiled at the heterochromatic boy, hoping you hadn't missed any lipstick stains.

"Right," was all he answered in response. Natsuo gave a sideways glance to his sister and then changed the subject.

***

The gala ballroom was majestic. Round tables with pristine white tablecloths dotted the seating area. Splitting the tables was an open wooden dance floor with a stage set up to one side. Live music was playing. Only a pianist and violinist were on the stage when you entered, but there was a drum kit, several guitars, microphones and additional music stands already set up, promising more lively tunes later.

On the other side of the dance floor was a long row of tables pressed against the wall covered in crystal punch bowls, boards littered with cheeses and fresh fruits, plates full of canapes, a sushi station and even chocolate and fondue fountains. You could almost hear your stomach growl. Servers in starched white shirts walked the perimeter of the ballroom passing hors d'oeuvres – shrimp cocktail, rich smelling lamb on skewers, takoyaki balls, gyoza, and items that passed by too quickly. You made a personal promise to try them all.

Todoroki brushed your lower back as he guided you to your table situated close to the stage. He pulled out your chair and you sat down slowly.

Is this what being treated like a lady feels like? It's... different.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention." A tall man in a tuxedo stepped onto the stage. A sudden spotlight found its mark. "I'd like to welcome all of you to our annual Hero Association Gala Banquet. We are here tonight to recognize some of our country's greatest talent as well as raise money to continue efforts in keeping not only our country, but the world safe." A polite applause filled the space. You joined in. "There will be a raffle and auction after dinner. But for now, please welcome tonight's entertainment, the 'Crash Blossoms'."

The band began playing an upbeat song you recognized, obviously a cover, but something you'd heard at Blackstone. Your head bobbed to the music instinctively. You stood up and held out your hand forcefully.

"Dance with me." Todoroki looked at you with concern in his eyes. "C'mon. It'll be fun. Dance with me," you said a little less demanding this time. It took him a long moment, but he took your hand and you quickly dragged him onto the dance floor.

You bopped and swayed, feeling the fullness of the skirt swing around your ankles. It made you feel like a little kid and you laughed. Todoroki watched as you moved effortlessly to the beat. Your movements were smooth and unencumbered. You danced like no one was watching, but he was. Todoroki was pulled from his thoughts as you grabbed his hand once again, swinging it back and forth, trying to get him to move with the music. He shuffled lightly from foot to foot but couldn't force himself to let go.

The song ended too soon and you clapped, wanting more of the emphatic beat. The next song was milder. "Would you like a drink?" Todoroki asked.

"Sure. Punch would be great." You started to walk with him, but he stopped you, ensuring you he would be right back with the drinks. You smiled and turned back to the table. A large figure stood in your path.

"Miss [l/n]." Endeavor's broad form loomed over you.

"Endeavor sir," was all you could reply. You bowed slightly.

"I'm so glad you could come tonight, and with Shouto no less." You turned your head toward the punch station, the white-and-red-haired boy holding two fingers in the air toward a server. "He's made a smart choice in choosing you."

"Choosing me sir?"

"Shouto should be with someone as gifted as you. It'll make him stronger." Your brow creased.

"We're not..." A man in a navy suit tapped Endeavor on the shoulder requesting for him to meet with a donor.

"I hope I see more of you miss [l/n]." He clapped you on the shoulder before sweeping away into the crowd. You stared, brows furrowed, as he walked away.

"[y/n]?" You nearly jumped at hearing Todoroki's voice. You turned around to see the boy holding a glass of punch out to you. You took a big gulp, your throat suddenly dry. "Are you okay?"

"Your father came over to say hi." A serious look passed over Todoroki's usually calm features.

"What did he say?"

"Oh nothing. Just that it was nice to see me again. You know, after the Festival," you half-lied. Todoroki nodded, the tenseness in his shoulders ebbing slightly.

***

Dinner was delicious. A kaiseki seven course meal had been served – fermented mushrooms, sashimi, simmered vegetables with tofu, flame grilled salmon fillet with rice, chilled summer squash and mushrooms in a vinaigrette, a gorgeous marbled piece of wagyu beef, miso soup, and finally green tea mochi ice cream all prepared with a skill you'd never experienced. After all the appetizers you had snacked on it was a miracle you could even finish half of it.

You talked with Natsuo and Fuyumi who were also seated at your table. You learned Fuyumi was a teacher and Natsuo was studying health and welfare in college. Fuyumi had a warm, mothering-type personality, probably from having to care for her younger brothers, while Natsuo was fun and easygoing. He reminded you a bit of Kirishima.

After dinner Todoroki escorted you around the auction items. There were tickets to plays, pieces of art and jewelry, and even 'win-a-day-with-a-hero' pots. You scanned the bids for some of the activities and your heart nearly stopped. Some people were willing to pay a lot of money to hang out with a hero.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, there's ten more minutes to place your bids for the auction and raffle. We will be announcing the winners shortly."

***

You dropped your unlucky raffle ticket on the table. "Guess it's just not my day," you said as you tossed your hands up in the air in fake exasperation. The emcee walked off the stage as the band shuffled back on.

"Did you want to win something?" Todoroki seemed genuinely concerned.

"What? No. It's just fun to play the game, right?" He looked down a bit puzzled. The band hummed back to life, the lead singer holding an impressively long note.

You looked at Todoroki and raised your eyebrows hopefully. "Dance with me again? Please? This place is too stuffy to just sit and watch people I don't know talk to other people I don't know." You gave an endearing pout. Todoroki huffed but held his hand out anyway. "Yay!" you said grabbing it and dragging him back out onto the dance floor. Natsuo and Fuyumi walked out with their dates as well. Guests. Not dates... well they have dates. I'm a guest.

Todoroki entertained you for three more songs, finally loosening up enough to even twirl you around. He could be fun when he wanted to be. The tempo slowed. You started to head back to your seat, seeing all the couples pairing up but then felt a warm hand in yours. You looked up as Todoroki gently pulled you closer.

"You won't dance to rock, but you'll dance to this?" you breathed as Todoroki pressed his right hand against your waist, his other still holding your hand aloft. You instinctively placed your left on his shoulder.

"I don't know how to dance to that." You smiled up at him a bit shocked.

"But you know how to waltz Todoroki Shouto?"

"I know how to do lots of things." He spun you out of his arms only to pull you back a moment later, his hand resting back gently on your waist. You let slip a soft chuckle.

"I guess I just didn't expect this." You let yourself get pulled closer to his chest and rested your chin on his shoulder. The two of you swayed until the song ended.

***

You dropped Todoroki's siblings back off at their house an hour later. Fuyumi hugged her brother and Natsuo ruffled his hair before getting out of the limo. "I hope we see you again [y/n]-chan," Fuyumi called into the car before closing the door.

"Your brother and sister are nice," you said, filling the silence now that it was just the two of you in the limousine again.

"Yeah." He played with the hem of his jacket.

The limo pulled up to the dark outline of Heights Alliance ten minutes later. Todoroki helped you out of the car and led you to the porch.

"That was fun. Thank you for inviting me Shouto," you said sweetly. You stopped before you reached the steps to the wooden decking, holding the silver clutch in front of you.

"Thank you for coming with me. I'm glad you did." Todoroki took a step closer.

"Well, of course."

"And you really do look beautiful tonight." Another step.

"Thank you." You lowered your head, blushing slightly at the compliment. You looked up when you felt a hand on your waist. Todoroki was directly in front of you. His grey and cyan eyes met yours. He leaned closer, only a breath away from your lips.

Wait. What?

You pressed a hand to his chest, nudging him away just slightly. He stopped, then stepped back, his shoulders tense, his back straight. "Shouto...I..."

"Did I do something wrong?" His eyes were concerned, searching for answers.

"Wrong? No. I just... I don't..." You didn't know how you felt. You enjoyed studying with Todoroki and being on his team for trainings. He had helped calm you during the Festival and it was fun to pull him out of his comfort zone... but those were all in friendship. Right? "Sorry," was all that came out.

"You're always so kind and warm. You picked me for the Festival and when you agreed to come tonight, I thought..." Your heart sank.

"You're one of my best friends."

"Is there someone else?" He looked almost pained to say the words.

"Who would I even...?"

"Nevermind. You don't have to explain. Thank you for coming with me tonight," his tone was clipped and serious. He motioned to the door, and obediently you followed, entering the dark common room. "Goodnight [y/n]," he said as he jogged up the stairs leaving you on the landing.

You stared down at your hands frowning for a long moment before lifting your skirt and moving up to your room.

From the darkness of the common room, Bakugou smiled.

***

Somehow you were hungry again. Maybe you just needed something to do after your exceptionally awkward almost kiss with Todoroki, because you certainly couldn't sleep. You hung up the gorgeous gown, amazed you hadn't dropped food on it at some point during the night and changed into your normal attire of shorts and a t-shirt, not bothering to brush out your hair or take off the make-up. You could deal with those after a snack. You made your way downstairs and headed to the kitchen.

"Looks like you turn back into a pumpkin at midnight, huh Cinder?" You almost jumped out of your skin as you heard the voice come from the dark.

Bakugou scanned over your still elegantly styled hair and alluring makeup and tried to hide his desire to brush the loose curls from your face again. He certainly hadn't forgotten about the night of the Sports Festival either.

But he was glad you'd changed out of the dress. Just seeing you walk down the stairs had made his heart do back-flips. He wasn't sure he would have been able to form a full sentence or keep his hands to himself with you looking like that.

"Bakugou, why are you sitting alone in the dark like a fucking creep? You nearly gave me a heart attack you asshole." You clutched your chest, feeling your heart pound. He laughed.

"I came for a snack too. Couldn't sleep." He held out a bag of spicy Karo Mucho chips. "Want some?" You grabbed a glass, filled it with water and then came to sit next to the ash blond. He was taking up too much space, so you draped your legs over his, your back resting against the arm of the couch. You saw him stiffen just slightly, but he didn't push you off. You shoved your hand into the bag, hearing the crinkle ricochet in the quiet room.

"How was your date?" Bakugou's put as much disdain and sarcasm into the word as he possibly could.

"It wasn't a..." Bakugou's eyebrows raised. "The event was fine. We ate and danced." You obviously left out the part about the almost kiss. Instead, you shoved the whole handful of chips into your mouth.

"Wow, what a fucking lady you are. You know with all the hairspray I almost forgot how much of a beast you can be." You swallowed, scowled and then punched him in the arm. He didn't even budge, just laughed at your feeble aggression.

"Rude," you scolded. "It takes a lot of work to put that whole look together. I'd like to see you try to walk in heels."

"Like it's hard?" He rested his hands behind his head, leaning his weight back casually. "I bet I could run laps in them."

"You do not want to make a bet with odds like that Bakugou Katsuki," you joked.

"Oh yeah? What's the bet? And what do I get when I win?" You were thoughtful for a moment, his use of 'when' not going unnoticed. He leaned forward, draping his hands on your knees. The easy contact was rare from him but not unpleasant. An instant of his fingertips brushing your bare back flashed in your mind. You shook off the memory.

"Go a whole 24 hours without cursing, starting tomorrow at 8 a.m."

"That's fucking it?" You raised an eyebrow to prove your point. He huffed. "What's the point?"

"Maybe it'll teach you to acknowledge how crude you are all the time. And if you lose you have to run around the dorm three times wearing three-, no four-inch heels, in daylight, in front of people," you emphasized the last two points.

"You still didn't say what I get when I win." Bakugou leaned closer, teasing.

"Other than the satisfaction of knowing you're not a complete Neanderthal? What do you want?" Bakugou started to open his mouth. "And don't say another favor. I'm still dreading when you're going to pull that one out." The boy smirked at the memory.

He tapped his index finger to his lips, pondering. "After summer break, when we get to choose partners, I get you again."

You nearly spat out your gulp of water but composed yourself and swallowed, then took another handful of Kara Mucho. "That's what you want? Why?"

"Because you don't suck." You cocked an eyebrow at the subtle compliment before snapping a chip between your teeth. The thought of spending another month working so closely with Bakugou brought an unexpected warmth to your chest. "And if the Sports Festival is any indication, we're number 1 and 2 right now. I like being on top."

"I bet you do you kinky bastard," your tone teasing. You swung your legs round and stood from the couch, still clutching the bag of chips in your hand and started to saunter to the stairs.

"Fuck you Ashtray. Give me my snack back!"

"You're lucky we're not starting our bet until the morning. And no, I think I'm going to keep this." You held up the bag. "Besides, it's late. You can't feed Gremlins after midnight." A pillow flew past your head. You laughed up the stairs.