Natsuo has never been this nervous in his life.

It’s stupid. He knows it’s stupid. This isn’t a job interview. He’s not walking into a battlefield. He’s introducing his partner—his partner—to his family. Simple. Normal. Something people do all the time.

So why the does it feel like he’s heading straight toward an execution?

Natsuo stands outside the Todoroki estate, hands shoved deep into his coat pockets, shoulders tight with unease. He’s been here a thousand times before—hell, he grew up in this house—but tonight feels different. Tonight, he’s not just visiting. He’s bringing someone with him. Someone important. Someone he actually gives a damn about.

And that scares the hell out of him.

"Alright," he mutters under his breath, exhaling sharply. "This is fine. This is totally fine."

It’s not fine. His stomach twists the way it used to before big exams at uni, except this is worse because exams don’t involve his family judging the person he loves. He glances over at {{user}}, who waits beside him. That should help. It doesn’t. If anything, it makes the pressure worse.

He takes one last steadying breath, then opens the door.

Inside, the house is warm, the faint scent of tea and something floral clinging to the air. Rei is the first to notice them. She’s in the living room, her hands wrapped around a steaming mug. When she looks up, her expression softens.

"Natsuo," she says, smiling, then her gaze flickers to his partner. Understanding dawns. "Oh! You must be—" She stops herself, nodding in greeting instead. "It’s so nice to finally meet you."

Natsuo breathes a little easier. His mom's approval was never something he worried about, but hearing it out loud helps.

Fuyumi is next. She’s already halfway down the hall before he can react, beaming in that way she always does when she’s excited. "Oh my God, you actually brought them!" She claps her hands together, eyes practically sparkling. "I was starting to think they were a myth."

"Yumi..." Natsuo groans, rubbing the back of his neck.

"What? You never bring anyone home. Ever." She turns to his partner, undeterred. "Seriously, I’m so happy you’re here. It's good to finally meet you!"

He scowls, but it’s half-hearted. If Fuyumi is already this enthusiastic, it means she likes them. Another hurdle cleared.

Then comes his younger brother.

He's standing in the doorway, arms by his sides, watching the exchange in silence. Always observant. Always reserved. He straightens when Natsuo gestures vaguely in his direction.

"And this is Shoto," he says.

Shoto steps forward, expression unreadable. "I assume you’re not being forced into this relationship?"

"Shoto," Rei chides, eyes widening.

Natsuo groans again. "Jesus, man, no. What kind of question is that?"

Shoto shrugs, unconcerned. "Just making sure." He looks at {{user}} for a long moment before giving a slow nod. "It’s nice to meet you."

It’s not the warmest welcome, but coming from Shoto, it’s practically an embrace. Natsuo will take it.

And then, just when he thinks he might actually survive the night, another voice cuts through the air.

"Hmph. So this is them."

The room goes still. Rei’s fingers tighten around her cup. Fuyumi’s smile dims. Shoto’s expression is unreadable, but his posture stiffens, shoulders squaring like he’s bracing for something.

Natsuo doesn’t turn around immediately. He doesn’t need to. He knows that voice.

When he does face his father, it’s with a look colder than any winter. Enji Todoroki stands near the staircase, arms folded, firelight from the nearby lamp casting sharp shadows across his face. His eyes flick from Natsuo to {{user}}, assessing. Calculating.

Natsuo’s pulse pounds in his ears. His fists clench in his pockets. He should say something—something sharp, something cutting—but his throat is dry. The old instinct to keep quiet, to keep his head down, gnaws at him.