getting shouto to relax through frivolous pursuits episode 99

[yaoyoroshka]

While they were in the agreement that they didn’t need an extravagant apartment for when they move in together, Momo at least made sure the one they’ll be getting at least had a tub in the bathroom.

The reason is part-indulgence, part-practicality. (Or so Momo likes to tell herself.) The inclusion of a bathtub meant a larger bathroom area which in turn also meant more expensive rent, so she did feel a bit guilty wanting one. But then again, taking a relaxing bath after a long, stressful day of fighting villains is quite the consolation that Momo can’t bring herself to do without. Besides! Shouto himself can use it. It’s pragmatic and definitely not just for personal satisfaction, see!

That being the case, Shouto himself didn’t seem too picky with the interior so long as it’s in a location close enough to their respective agencies and that there’s a tatami room. Quite reasonable demands, if Momo does say so herself.

And thus, a modest apartment by the outskirts of central Tokyo was secured and their cohabitation has begun.

A week passes. Momo makes two discoveries: one, Shouto doesn’t take showers longer than fifteen minutes; two, despite not challenging her about it, he actually felt no need to use their bathtub at all. Quite confused at the concept of her taking an hour or more just lounging in it, in fact.

Shocked and a bit saddened at the idea of someone not experiencing the sheer bliss and relaxation a good soaking in a bathtub can do, Momo takes the matter into her own hands. “Tomorrow night, we’ll take a bath together before bed! A real bath,” she huffs, her mind already going through a list of preparations to be done.

Which leads to the current situation.

The bathtub is large enough for one person to stretch out comfortably but it does feel a bit cramped if two people were to do so. For now, they stay at the opposite sides of the tub as Momo hugs her knees to her chest, eyes closed as she smiles to herself. The candle lights, the soothing smell of lavender, the soft music, the warmth of the water coupled with the tickling sensation of the bubbles against her skin... Momo can't help but let out a dreamy sigh.

“See, isn’t this better than just a shower?”

[ooc: The layout is probably something like this! The light is set into a warm tone, dimmed but still enough to see around. Small scented candles are scattered about, some on the ledge of the tub itself (be careful not to bump against them). An old radio plays a soft, if a bit muted, tune. The bath is already full of bubbles. There’s also one floating rubber duck... which probably clashes with the romantic mood she’s going for. It's cute though.]

Comments

[thermoregulate]

Rei Todoroki is very possibly the last person who would critique someone. Especially not when it comes to Momo (and aside from Shouto, himself, of course). He likely would enjoy preparing their meal alongside Momo, as he similarly is steadily improving and gaining more experience and knowledge when it it comes to cooking. It's a shared feeling of accomplishment.

"You can. I trust you." A reply almost too earnest, despite catching the playful tone of Momo's words.

However she also has a point.

The longest point of Shouto's hair falls just a bit above his shoulders. It's enough to tie back into a short, low ponytail.

". . . I don't think I'd need any real styling, though." Momo can keep her signature up-do for herself, clearly.

His hand moves again, this time to lightly run his fingers through his hair, while considering Momo's comments. "I suppose I'll see how it goes. If it gets too long and in the way, then I'll cut it."

An idly amused thought follows—

"Would you ever cut your hair? Did you keep it shorter at all when you were a kid?"

[yaoyoroshka]

A small huff.

"A ponytail isn't 'styling', it's just... a ponytail."

Such logical argument. (Nevermind the fact that it might as well be part of her hero "brand" now.)

She takes a pause when the conversation suddenly turns to her, though, lips pursing for a second as she gives it some thought. Perhaps she'll put off the first question for a bit as the second one prompts nostalgic memories.

"I've kept my hair long as far as I can remember." Yes, ponytail included, once it was long enough. "Mother had such long hair as well and as a child, it made sense for me then to want to imitate her. Plus she also said... it would look pretty..."

Somehow that latter part comes out in a mumble. It does feel a bit silly now, but one can hardly blame a child who craved for compliments as if they're sweets. Which leads her back to his first question, though it's to be met with a question as well.

"If I had short hair, you won't think I'll look weird? Some guys have preferences for those sort of things, don't they?"

Though worded as if in general sense, clearly his preferences are the only ones being taken into account here.

[thermoregulate]

To someone like Shouto, who for all of his life hasn't done much to his hair apart from the basics of hygiene and combing, a ponytail is absolutely a style. Effortless as it may be.

He sits in silence while Momo continues. It's a known fact that he likes to hear about her family and childhood. Growing up isn't without its challenges, such as when factoring in relationships and environment, and while the Todoroki's never struggled in the financial sense, not much else can be said. He's sure it was different for any of their former classmates and fellow colleagues. Thankfully Shouto isn't and never has been the envious sort.

"She's right about that." Her mother's opinions. The slight dip in Momo's tone makes him smile (so cute). "You look very pretty."

The question feels a little odd, in a way. ". . . I dunno. Maybe?" There are some things that he still is borderline oblivious to. Case in point: varying preferences and the finer details that come along with them. Possibly since he's been with Momo for longer than any of their friends have dated for. Such things as hairstyle or length, or fashion sense, really isn't something Shouto has paid much attention to.

However, he's plenty biased all the same.

"Mm. I think you'd look very cute. Not weird." And he would enjoy running his fingers through it all the same.

"Actually. . ." He lightly hums and tips his head again. "Maybe I'll grow mine out a bit. Having you wash it like this is really nice. I feel spoiled."

That (very likely) is also an effect of Momo convincing him into taking a bath together.

[yaoyoroshka]

There's something endearing at the way the question on preferences confuse him. Momo's always thought that things like that just come naturally for guys—she's friends with Kaminari who's very vocal about that, after all. Despite the question not really being answered, though, she won't push it anymore. Besides, she got called pretty and cute. She's not really going to have room for doubt where his affections lie with how fondly he speaks of her.

"Growing your hair out to be spoiled, huh. Very sneaky." She gently flicks off the excess suds she's accumulated on his head. "And, to be fair, very effective. I really would like it if we can do this more..."

Though that was supposed to be just be a passing thought, saying it out loud does make her reflect on how far they've come. As individuals and with their relationship.

From behind him, Momo circles her arms around his torso so as to pull herself to him closer. She then rests her chin on his left shoulder, basking in the warmth of him for a few seconds before she continues.

"Taking baths together. Getting groceries. Having meals together. Sharing the same bed. Watching movies, even though I probably pick the most boring ones whenever it's my turn."

A small laugh at the last part, before she closes her eyes, snuggling comfortably by the crook of his neck.

"Thank you, for sharing all those things with me." She tilts her head just a bit to plant a kiss on his cheek. "Now before I get embarrassed with all that I just said, may I ask your help in washing my hair, too?"

[thermoregulate]

"I think I really would as well." Even if it takes actually making plans to take a bath together. They're so frequently busy with their respective agencies, jobs and other tasks that to a degree, they need to put the time aside. Keeping a schedule, so to speak. Although that can make it all sound so clinical and businesslike. There's something to be said about how enjoyable spontaneity can be.

He further settles back against Momo, head resting towards hers as he covers one of the arms she has around him.

"Why are you embarrassed?"

Her reasoning is more or less already known to him, but there's something that's equal parts earnest and curious, and a lilt to his tone that he's harmlessly teasing. And yet:

"All of those make me happy and thankful as well." His eyes slip shut, and while light, the smile that colors his expression is warm. "Would you still feel embarrassed if I spoke of such things, and how I feel? Or of the ways I love you, and how much I've learned from you."

There's far too much which could be said. So many emotions and parts of his heart that, for years before, Shouto only knew the words for or the vague concept of.

". . . But you still can ask, yes." He mirrors the kiss back upon her with a continued smile. "I'd be more than happy to." Too bad it will require shifting from their present, very comfortable position.