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Izuku Midoriya was a charming person. He wasn't very charismatic by any means, and he was rather plain looking. But his pure-hearted determination and unwavering trust made it hard not to like him.
Or just maybe even love him.
Pino let out a coo, something near a wistful sigh as she watched the Japanese hero-in-training animatedly ramble about heroes. She could tell that Rody was hardly listening, and based on the swelling feeling in her own chest, he was more interested in the energy the green-haired boy displayed.
Midoriya said something and then laughed, and the sound made Pino's feathers tingle; a shiver going through her and no doubt her soulmate. Pino loved it, loved the sound of his laugh and the way it made her feel. It sounded as refreshing as a warm spring breeze, sweet like the scent of fresh bloomed flowers.
Pree, peep peep.
"Pino? Is something wrong?" Midoriya turned a concerned gaze to her, and Rody eyed her suspiciously. She continued to peep at him, and he hesitantly reached out a hand, as if he'd hurt or startle her by doing so.
The pink bird bobbed her head excitedly, hopping onto the gentle hand, cooing happily as she playfully pecked at the calloused fingertips.
"Aww, were you just lonely?" Midoriya cooed back at her, gently rubbing a finger on her head and eliciting pleased chirps from her.
"Pino loves attention," Rody commented. "My brother and sister are always pampering her whenever they can," Rody raised an eyebrow at Pino, who in turn gave him a smug look.
"Right, you mentioned them earlier!" Midoriya turned his head back to him, still holding Pino gently. "I wanna hear more about them."
***
Pino poked her head up from where she was sitting by Rody, peeking over to Midoriya. The green-haired boy was fast asleep, curled up cutely and drooling slightly. She hopped over to him, nuzzling his freckled cheek and plopping herself down.
Midoriya hummed in his sleep, a hand unconsciously reaching up to pat the bird before gently cupping her in a sort of cuddle.
"I know what you're doing," a groggy voice muttered. Pino shifted next to Midoriya to look at Rody, who was peering at her from over his shoulder. Pino cooed defiantly, continuing to snuggle with Midoriya.
Rody shook his head, turning around again. Pino felt sad, but she didn't understand it. There was definitely a want for Midoriya, so why was Rody sad about the boy? Why didn't he want to say anything?
Pino cooed sadly, hopping from her spot in Midoriya's pseudo-cuddle to nest in his hair, the soft green hue of it inviting her to sleep.
Rody shifted onto his back, looking to Midoriya's sleeping face. He looked so peaceful, so innocent. It was hard to believe he was branded as a mass murderer. Rody admired his simple beauty, tracing his freckles with his eyes. He pretended not to notice his gaze lingering on his lips. And if anyone asked, he was thinking, wow, this guy's a dork at the sight of him drooling.
Rody sighed, looking up and seeing Pino staring at him from the mass of green hair. He could see his own wishful longing reflected in her eyes, mixed with her own sort of confusion.
"Forget about it," Rody huffed quietly, rolling back over.
Midoriya continued to sleep peacefully.
***
Pino tutted about the dashboard while Rody and Midoriya were immersed in figuring out where they were on the map and where to go. They were almost to Klayd, Pino thinks. She doesn't know what'll happen when they get there, and she's worried about Midoriya having to leave when they do.
Pino stopped moving, standing and staring at Midoriya, whose attention was firmly on Rody and his words. She looked at his freckled face, looking so soft and round and betraying the bulk of defined muscles formed just below on the rest of his body.
She started chirping again. She knew Rody was going to give her the look he did, but she also knew that Midoriya would turn to her as well, reaching out a hand more confidently than days prior.
Pino happily accepted Midoriya's hand, nuzzling it and nipping gently. If Rody wasn't going to make moves, Pino would have to take things into her own.. talons? Wings? She's not sure which, but she doesn't need to be sure about that when she can be sure about the way Midoriya positively melted at the little birdie kisses she gave him.
"You're so cute, Pino!" Midoriya cried, bringing his hand up so he could nuzzle her gently in response. Pino felt a sense of jealousy rise in her, and she peeked over towards Rody, who was watching the whole time, and gave him a look that screamed you know that I'll just do what you don't do with an almost smug attitude.
"Anyway, Deku, I think it's better to go this way if we're here," Rody pointed to the spots on the map, pointedly ignoring the bird playing out his affections.
Pino danced in Midoriya's palm, a muddied mix of emotions filling her with confusion and annoyance- not at Midoriya, mind you, he was as wonderful as ever- but at her soulmate for not being able to pick one emotion to feel about the boy.
***
Pino doesn't remember much other than pain. She vaguely remembers hearing Midoriya's delightful laugh, but everything else was a blur of pain, blood and desperation.
Now, Pino was perched on Rody's shoulder as they made their way through the airport slowly. Finally, they found Midoriya as he was preparing to return to Japan.
Rody and Midoriya were chatting a bit, but Pino was focusing on the overwhelming sadness and hint of regret plaguing her. She glanced at Rody, who kept a straight face despite it, and started crying.
Midoriya looked at her as she looked back at him, seeing the tears welling up and the tiny, sad chirps. He reached out to her for the last time, and they did the same song and dance they'd performed the last few days.
Now's your chance, Pino peeped as she turned to Rody. But her soulmate was glued to the spot he stood, unable to move and just barely holding himself together.
And then the moment passed, and the flame hero called for Midoriya to join them. And Pino cried as Rody took her back, cradling her gently in a futile comfort attempt.
They watched as Midoriya retreated up the escalator as quickly as he could without bothering his injuries, and then he turned around, smiling in that bright way that could melt the winter to spring.
"Rody! I hope to meet you again some day," he called out. "And when we do meet, I want to see you flying!"
Pino chirped happily, a cheer of a promise. And she could tell Rody felt the same. This wasn't a goodbye, simply a promise to meet again.