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The summer sun beamed over UA Heights, and alone Izuku Midoriya sat in the Commons as he stared impassively at the calendar across the room. Strangely enough, he felt unmotivated. His mind was just an empty space as he stared up at the used clock, his brain eating away at the passing seconds.
Today’s July fifteenth. I'm already eighteen. Where is everyone? They're probably all just hanging out. I wonder what Ochako is up to. He then started thinking about his girlfriend. It had been three pleasant months since they properly spoke about each other’s feelings, and then they started dating the week afterward. They’ve been to movies together, hung out on playdates with Eri, had lunch together, even shown affection to each other through hugs, holding hands, even kissing a few times. It felt nice to have someone who you feel is special too, especially someone as special as Ochako.
Deku smiled to himself, reminiscing over shared moments with Ochako as he reached for the TV remote in front of him. Perhaps there was something about heroes that will keep him occupied. But he wouldn’t have the chance to figure that out as he jumped from the ringing thwack of a door. Said door being kicked open by none other than his childhood rival, Kacchan.
“Hey! Deku!!” Katsuki shouted as he trudged in with Camie right next to him. She was stylish as usual, wearing a black sundress and matching sunhat. Her boyfriend, on the other hand, wore a simple graphic t-shirt and baggy jeans. Typical of Kacchan.
“Oh, hey Kacchan, Camie. How was your date?” Izuku asked politely before leaping back as two large present boxes were slammed onto the ottoman in front of him.
“Kacchan! What are you-?!”
“Happy birthday, asshole.” Katsuki interrupted as he promptly pulled Izuku in for a reluctant hug. Izuku was confused, his only reasonable action to take was to hold his arms up in surrender, even though he was slightly tempted to hug his friend and rival back. Camie soon followed suit as the green-haired boy’s face was set snugly into her chest. Izuku could have sworn that Kacchan was staring daggers at him as he felt Camie lightly peck him on his puffy scalp. Izuku stared up at Camie’s chin as he tried doing his best to not glance at Kacchan’s sharp eyes or his girlfriend.
“Happy Birthday, Midoriya-san.” Camie giggled as she followed behind Katsuki who was snickering at how idiotic Izuku looked when he hugged him.
What just happened? Izuku sat there staring blankly, frozen like a deer in headlights.
“Hey, Izuku.” An aloof but friendly voice greeted Izuku from the doorway to the right.
Izuku spun around on his couch to find Shoto walking in with his usual aloof state, the bright-colored gift bag in his hand starkly contrasting his cold demeanor. His girlfriend, Momo walked beside him as she held his arm affectionately while keeping her ladylike stature.
“Hi, Izuku. I see you’ve been keeping yourself occupied.” Momo said as she set down her and Shoto’s gift bags next to the presents.
“Oh hey, guys. Have you seen-?” Izuku could not ask another word as Shoto cordially patted him on the head and pulled him in for a hug, patting him on the back a few times to show whatever additional affection he could muster out of his usual reserved mannerism.
“Umm, uhhh…” Izuku stammered as he hesitantly hugged Shoto back, exchanging a few back-pats of his own. As soon as his friend broke from the hug, Momo pulled Izuku in with a strength that surprised him greatly. But what worried him more was the sisterly kiss on his forehead. Was Shoto approving of this? What would Ochako think of this? Would she think I'm disloyal to her? That would be the last thing I’d want!
“Ahem. Uhhh. Thank you guys for all this. But can you explain to me what’s going-?” Izuku was again cut off as more pally voices caught his attention, allowing Shoto and Momo to sneak away.
“Yo! Deku!” Kyoka called out to Izuku, Denki and Koji accompanied her as they each carried presents of their own. Earlier before they left, Kyoka told Izuku that she, Ochako, and a few other friends were going to go on a shopping trip. He could understand Denki would stick with Kyoka, given they have a crush on each other. Koji is also a good friend of Kyoka, so he’d tag along with them as well. But where is Ochako? He needed answers.
“Guys? What is going on? Why is everyone-?” Izuku was again denied his ability to ask as Denki, Kyoka, and Koji pulled him in for a warm group hug. Izuku was still baffled by the friendly embrace, but as he grew more used to each display of affection his heart warmed a little more. But before he could thank all his friends for the gifts and hugs, Izuku suddenly found himself ambushed by a friend’s embrace.
“What is all this? Whoa!” Izuku exclaimed as he was suddenly ripped out of his couch, his arms and torso squeezed as he found himself at the mercy of his outgoing friend, Eijiro.
“Hahaha! Happy birthday, Izuku!” Eijiro congratulated boisterously as Izuku began kicking and struggling from Eijiro’s crushing clutches. Even without his Hardening quirk, Eijiro was strong enough to crush the ambitious young hero. But being the kind-hearted young man that he was, Eijiro immediately let go of Izuku.
“You’re eighteen! You would be a legal adult in America! That is so manly, Izuku!” Eijiro praised as he repeatedly slapped Izuku’s back with skin-reddening smacks. Izuku was probably going to set up an appointment with Recovery Girl after this. Izuku gripped his knees and chest as he recovered his breath after some constricted wheezes, before looking up to find Eijiro was jogging towards the ottoman to add to the growing pile of birthday presents.
“Eijiro? When did you- Oof!” Izuku couldn’t utter any new words as he was immediately tackled, the air in his lungs getting knocked out of him as Mina and Toru tackle-hugged him like a wildcat. Izuku did his best to retain his balance as he looked down at the pink and invisible companions grinning up at him.
“Happy birthday!!!” They both squealed, Izuku did his best to thank them but could only groan under the stress of his ribs and spine popping in his torso. After the girls released him and gave him time to catch his breath, they immediately delivered their presents and went off to help the others prepare for the birthday party.
So that’s what they were doing after giving me presents, they’re setting up for my birthday party! I need to thank whoever came up with this. Izuku thought as he smiled and heaved at the birthday gifts piling up on the ottoman. Izuku also needed to speak with someone about where to move the presents afterward. His curiosity getting the better of him, Izuku began to inspect the gift boxes and packages. That was until he winced as he was hand-chopped on the head.
“Ow! What?” Izuku turned around while rubbing the cap of his head, his friend Tenya exhibiting his weird tic as he swung his arm up and down like a chef’s cleaver.
“Midoriya-kun! I must forbid you from inspecting any of your birthday presents till the present opening session of your birthday party!” Tenya insisted while swinging at the air with the likeness of a toy robot. Izuku rubbed his head as Tenya promptly set down a blue and green gift box and hugged Izuku.
“Happy birthday Izuku-kun. Thank you for being my friend, and for being so supportive of others. You are a great hero.” Tenya congratulated proudly before he held the green-haired young man at arm’s length and patted him on the shoulder.
“Thank you, Tenya-kun. By the way, who’s idea was this? The hugs and the presents?” Izuku asked as he glanced around the Commons, noticing the decorations being hung from the walls and windows.
“You will find out soon, Izuku.” Tenya smiled and turned around to help the other classmates and friends set up the Commons as Izuku sat down and watched the room slowly fill with green and white decor.
Many times Izuku chimed in, saying he’d like to help his classmates set up for the party, but they all insisted on him sitting down and relaxing while they prepare for the celebration. So Izuku did what they asked and waited for the decorations to finish. Luckily more help would arrive for the current decorators, those of which all greeted Izuku with a hug, peck on the face, and a present to add to the table. As soon as the pile of presents began overcrowding the small ottoman where Izuku once sat, he assisted in moving his birthday presents to the wider coffee table to use as a gift table.
Before the green-haired birthday boy knew it, the Commons had been jammed-packed with his schoolmates, friends, and family. Izuku was pushed away by the dazzling Yuga Aoyama, who wanted him to try on his present for him. His friends cheered as he walked back into the Commons wearing a navy suit with a dark green waistcoat, a white dress shirt, and a regimental stripe tie of the UA school colors. It was tailored and fit to perfection. Izuku beamed with each stride while feeling like a billion dollars.
“Deku-niichan!” Eri bubbled as she leaped up and hugged Izuku, landing a big kiss on his freckled cheek as she swung and kicked, hanging onto his neck for as long as her little arms could cling.
“Hi, Eri-chan. Thanks for coming to celebrate my birthday. You made it so special!” Izuku smiled as the little girl giggled as she let out the biggest smile her little face would allow. Izuku held UA’s baby sister close to make sure she didn’t kick the new suit that Yuga got for him. But the little girl couldn’t contain her excitement any longer.
“Deku-niichan, Deku-niichan! You look so cool!” Eri giggled happily as she went on telling him about her entire day and how she prepared to get a birthday for her big brother.
“Eri-chan. We can tell Deku-niichan more about our special field trip later, OK?” Mirio said as he put his arm around Izuku.
“Happy birthday, Izuku-kun!” Mirio whispered with a wink, shaking him around a bit to tease him.
“Thanks. Happy birthday to you too, Mirio-kun. Sorry I couldn’t make it to your party earlier.” Izuku smiled at his senior.
“It’s completely fine, Izuku-kun. Besides, I already got my presents! Tonight’s your night!” Mirio grinned flamboyantly as he pats Izuku on the chest.
“Come on Eri-chan! Let's put the presents over there!” Mirio pointed as he lifted the two boxes while the little girl skipped ahead of him. Aizawa-sensei then followed suit after he pat Izuku’s shoulder with an approving smile.
She is so happy now. It’s as if that scared, little girl isn’t even there anymore. Izuku blinked out of his eyes. He had spent his whole life wanting to not only save people with a smile but also save their hearts and give them strength and life. But for people to celebrate another year of his growth? The young man did his best to fight back the tears.
“Izuku-shonen.” A gentle, father-like voice called out to Izuku. He turned and saw his father, mentor, and hero: All Might.
“All Might! You came!” Izuku ran up and hugged him.
“Well, I had some time to spare from all the academic work. Besides, I wouldn’t miss this party for the world.” Toshinori chuckled proudly as he petted Izuku’s head.
“Happy birthday, son. I am so, so proud of you. You have grown up into a fine, young man." Toshinori beamed, his blue eyes looked down with a kind gaze.
“Thank you, All Might.” He smiled as they both began grunting and sniffling to hide their tears.
“Deku!” Mei called out, her mischievous grin startled Izuku as he slowly began backing away from the glowing, yellow goggles.
“Aaahhh! You already hugged and kissed me!” Izuku sputtered as he held his hands up defensively, preparing himself for whatever oddity or “baby” Mei had prepared for him.
“I know that, lab rat. Now put this on.” Mei commented assertively while placing a shiny, green party hat on his head.
“Enjoy your birthday and my present. You and Ochako will love this baby!” Mei chortled as she pointed her thumb back at the gift table with a suspicious silver barrel that everyone put yellow tape around, just in case.
“Speak of the devil! You guys know what to do!” Mei’s phone chimed as she called Eijiro, Rikido, Mirio, and Mashirao. Each of them got the same chime and moved to the next part of the party.
“What? Whoa!” Izuku yelped while looking around frantically as his four classmates hoisted him up and carried him through the Commons. Izuku's flustered state grew as onlookers and friends took pictures of him being carried across the Commons. His destination being the green bar stool with a sign that said Place birthday boy here.
“Hahahaha! What's the next surprise, guys?” Izuku grinned, his excitement building up as he wondered what his next gift would be. While Izuku sat there anticipating where the next surprise would come from. When the crowd in front of him parted, Izuku gawked at his girlfriend. There in front of him stood Ochako wearing a green sundress with a matching ribbon in her hair. Izuku almost couldn’t believe his eyes. It was as if he was staring at an angel.
“Hey, Deku-kun.” Ochako blushed while she held a single All Might themed box.
“Woooow. You are so beautiful.” Izuku's face brightened, his cheeks almost glowing red with excitement.
“Thanks, Deku.” Ochako blushed, her flustered grin blossoming into a bright smile.
“Soooo... Do you have a present for me?” Izuku teased, gripping his chair like an eager child. Everyone around either laughed or shook their head at the joke, Izuku noticing as Toshinori facepalmed to cover his laugh, even Ochako giggled at the joke.
“Yes, I do. Two actually. I have this one,” Ochako gestured to the red, blue, and yellow gift box before she let it float in the air. Draping her arm around Izuku’s neck while she held his cheek with a pinky up to prevent herself from making him float away. She rested her forehead against his, her face so close that she could nuzzle his nose.
“And this one.” She kissed with a whisper, her lips and breath tasting of mint and strawberries. Izuku’s body almost went limp from the pure bliss, losing grip of his chair to hold Ochako by her waist and pull her in close. The world went blank. And all that Izuku could think of is this one moment; not the smiles and cheering of the people around him, or the lights and colors of the room. He held her close, her lips softer than satin, clinging to the hope of holding her forever.
“This has to be my best birthday ever.” Izuku smiled contently, his girlfriend’s kind gaze still gracing him with a cheerful grin.
“Thank you. All of you. For being my friends and making me so, so happy. Thank you so much.” Izuku blinked out a few tears, Ochako’s smile softened as she wiped his tears away with her thumb. Some tears were shed, although Katsuki grunted and cleared his throat before receiving a nod from Izuku.
“Come on! Let's get with the fucking party!!!” Katsuki resounded excitedly, firing off small firecrackers from his palms as he led the partygoers to the buffet table. Everyone cheered as Izuku hopped off his chair to watch them move on the food and games, his hand holding Ochako’s.
“Shall we, sweetheart?” Izuku looked at Ochako, her face illuminated by her smile.
“Let's go, Izuku.” She giggled as Izuku swept her off her feet to carry her in a bridal carry.
“Yes ma'am.” Izuku winked, jogging to the partygoers, Ochako's arms holding his shoulders as they both made their way to the joyful night ahead.