TW: arguing and fighting
As the crisp autumn air blanketed Musutafu, Y/N felt a mix of excitement and trepidation bubbling in her stomach. Thanksgiving was just around the corner, and this was the first time she would spend the holiday with her boyfriend, Denki Kaminari. It was a significant step in their third year at U.A. High, and she was eager to meet his family.
Denki had been buzzing with enthusiasm all week, but there was an undercurrent of worry that he couldn't quite shake off. He'd been seeing the strain on his parents lately. Their arguments had escalated every weekend whenever Denki returned home from school. He was determined to make this holiday special and hoped that, for at least one day, they could set aside their differences.
The morning of Thanksgiving arrived, and Y/N dressed carefully, wanting to make a good impression. Denki picked her up, his eyes bright with excitement, but as they approached his family home, she could see his fingers twitching nervously.
"Hey," she said softly, noticing his tense demeanor. "You okay?"
Denki forced a smile, though it didn't quite meet his bright eyes. "Yeah, of course! It's going to be great. Just… you know, I want everything to go well."
Once inside the Kaminari family household, the aroma of roasted turkey and freshly baked pies wafted through the air, instantly enveloping them in the warmth of the holiday spirit. Denki led Y/N into the living room, where his parents were setting the table, their voices full of tension.
"Hey! We're here!" Denki announced, his cheerful tone attempting to mask his nerves.
His mother turned, her expression flickering from annoyance to a warm smile upon seeing Denki and Y/N. "Honey! You made it! And you brought your friend!" she said, rushing over to give Denki a hug before turning her attention to Y/N. "You must be Y/N! I've heard so much about you!"
"Hi, Mrs. Kaminari! It's great to finally meet you!" Y/N replied, feeling slightly more at ease.
Denki's father stepped in next, offering a firm handshake, a slight frown on his face. "Glad you're here, Y/N. Hope you're ready for a feast!"
As they settled into the dining room, the tension was palpable. Denki fidgeted in his seat, shooting furtive glances at his parents, who were trying to maintain a façade of normalcy. Y/N placed a gentle hand on his thigh, giving him a reassuring squeeze. He looked at her, grateful for her calming presence.
They started with small talk, discussing school and minor updates, but the strained atmosphere loomed like a thick cloud overhead. Dinner began, and once they started serving the food, Y/N thought she sensed a shift—perhaps a brief moment of levity.
But it didn't last. As soon as his mother made a joke about Denki's recent quirk mishap, his father interjected sharply, causing a brief spat about responsibilities and expectations. Denki's heart sank as he tried to foster a more relaxed environment.
"Come on, Dad! It's Thanksgiving! Can we not do this?" he said, frustration creeping into his voice.
Y/N felt the tension escalate and decided it was time for her to intervene. "Can I share something?" She spoke softly but confidently. "Thanksgiving is about being together and appreciating what we have, right? I think we should focus on the positives—like how delicious this meal is. Mrs. Kaminari, you've done an amazing job cooking!"
His mother's eyes softened, her usual sharpness blunted by Y/N's kindness. "Thank you, dear. It's a family tradition to cook a big meal. I just—" Her words faltered as she glanced at her husband, who was silently brooding.
"Let's play a game after dinner!" Y/N suggested brightly, trying to steer the mood. "We could play charades or something fun. It would be nice to relax and enjoy each other's company!"
Denki looked at her, admiration shining in his eyes as he nodded. "Yeah! That sounds awesome!"
Somehow, Y/N's enthusiasm spilled over, breaking through the tension. His parents exchanged glances, and slowly, the corners of their mouths twitched upward.
Dinner wound down, and after some awkward silences, charades started with a few chuckles and friendly banter. As his parents played along, Y/N couldn't help but notice how they seemed lighter, laughter weaving its way through the pent-up awkwardness of the earlier argument.
Denki beamed at Y/N, grateful for her influence. The more they played, the more relaxed they all became. His father even told a funny childhood story about Denki, and his mother joined in with teasing comments that left everyone in stitches.
By the end of the night, the mood was remarkably different. They were all gathered in the living room, comfortably sprawled out and sharing bits of personal trivia, laughter echoing through the house.
As the night drew to a close, Denki pulled Y/N aside, a soft smile making his features glow. "Thank you for that. I don't know what I would've done without you."
Y/N grinned up at him, the nerves from earlier completely erased. "I'm just glad it worked out. It was nice to see your family laugh together."
Denki nodded, pulling her into a warm hug. "I think we should make this a tradition. You with me at every Thanksgiving!"
"Deal," she replied, smiling against his shoulder.
For the first time in ages, Denki felt hopeful. Maybe, just maybe, together they could mend what felt broken. As they stepped outside, the stars twinkled brightly above them, a fitting reflection of the warmth and joy that filled his heart.